July 27, 2013 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "The Gutsy Heroine Saved the Day" by Genevieve Koh Isidro

Pastoral Welcome: Roy Ice

Baptism: Suha Kilani Lebada, Lena Lebada - Doug Mace

Child Dedication: Dariya Sokolova - Shawna Campbell 

Baptism: Daniel Sokolov - Jason Calvert

Children’s Feature: Timothy Hanna

Scripture Reading: Esther 4:12–17, TNIV - Allyson Ault, Norman Ault

Note: Baptisms and child dedications are in the extras section of the DVD

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMON

The book of Esther is intriguing with drama-filled, soap-opera like events that leave the bible student excited to see the finale of how the story will end.  The book includes eunuchs and servants who are disloyal or are working for the enemy, and strategists who mastermind moves like those of a chess game, for the lives of the Jewish people - whether it be to save them or to kill them.

When Esther enters the story, it seems at first that her role, after 12 months of beauty treatments, is no more than to be the ultimate prize for an extremely popular beauty contest for the King of Persia.  But Esther’s willingness to fast, to pray and to be open to how God will use her in this new role, brings the lives of the Jewish people to safety.

We will explore who this heroine is, what she did that saved her Jewish nation and why this particular story in the old testament matters to us in the 21st century.  Join me as we study the book of Esther today.

Genevieve Koh Isidro

Associate Pastor

Junior High Ministry