City on a Hill Geelong

Our hearts seek satisfaction in many idols like money, sex, power and entertainment. But we are made to be fully satisfied in Jesus. Do you desire God above all else?

There are many Gods, religions and understanding of the “divine” in our age. God wants us to know and worship him above all other Gods. Will we devote our hearts to him?

Which way is the “right way” to live? Where do we find true morality in a modern age? God has a vision for life and the way it should be lived, through Jesus.

A sermon in the Stand Alone Sermons series.

Jesus moved the stone. He didn’t need to, as John tells us he could just show up in places with his resurrected body (John 20:19), but he did. He did this to show how comprehensively he has beaten death, but more than that, to ensure that even the doubtful would know that he is alive. There was an empty tomb left in the garden as a testimony to God’s offer to the world to believe in him.

Jesus’ side was pierced to prove that Jesus truly was dead, but also, John tells us, in fulfilment of prophecy, that ‘not one of his bones will be broken’ and ‘they will look on him whom they have pierced.’ This detail is provided to us so that we may believe. The spear highlights to us the sharpness of the suffering and the significance of Jesus’ death. It was painful, but it was planned.

Queen Esther and Mordecai’s courage and faithfulness to stand up for their people - the Jews - will be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. Hope will always arise.

King Xerxes responds to Queen Esther’s plea for mercy, issuing a new decree to allow the Jews to defend themselves. The tables turn and the Jews stand in victory against their enemies with a joyous celebration and feast.

Queen Esther reveals Haman’s evil intention to the king. The king is furious and orders Haman's execution on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Will Esther's courage and strategic revelation shift the fate of the Jews?

Queen Esther plans her strategic plea to save the Jews. King Xerxes learns of Mordecai’s foiling of the plot to kill the king and orders him to be honoured, sparking Haman’s jealousy as he is instructed to parade Mordecai through the streets.

Mordecai learns about Haman's decree to destroy the Jews. Distraught, he urges Queen Esther to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. Will Esther risk her life and find the courage to approach the king?

Haman, an influential official, gains the king's favour and devises a plan to annihilate the Jews. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman, leading to his vengeful plot and a decree to destroy the Jewish people. Who will stand up in the face of opposition?