Moving into our new facility is a unique chance to relaunch. This sermon begins a season of pre-launch preparation for us. By looking at the first generation of the church, we’re affirming that the path to our future runs through this ancient past. In this episode, the mission of the church is set before us in a way that both challenges and empowers us to embrace the opportunity ahead.
At a pivotal point in his journey, Jesus tells a tale about investments, a returning king, and his subjects–but it’s really about our journey. This story shows us the secret to a life of true joy, fulfillment, and worth.
The final feast of Esther is a culmination of the entire story: a two-day festival devoted to the sheer joy of divine deliverance. We learn a deep truth here—that celebrations are just different on the other side of salvation.
How do we deal with the things in life that shake us to the core? How do discover who we really are so we live lives of lasting purpose? These are just a few of the large questions addressed in this extraordinary segment in the fascinating story of Esther.
In these final words of the New Testament’s first book we find the reaction was mixed when the disciples saw Jesus. Some doubted. Others worshiped him. Instead of scolding the skeptical, Jesus instead cast his vision for the future–a vision that’s not only comprehensive but captivating.
Jesus’ ministry was bookended by important forty day periods of time. While he was alone in the wilderness during his first forty days, his final forty days was spent with others. What did he do during those fascinating forty days between his resurrection from the dead and ascension to heaven? What does it mean for us today?
