An intriguing story. Of all the events included in the Bible, the story of Esther has close to the greatest appeal of them all. Beauty, competition, intrigue, jealousy and a simple young woman’s conviction: those are the elements. What kind of a party was King Ahasuerus planning? Was there a reason given for this extravagant … Continue reading –>
In Esther 3:1-5, the plot of the story starts to unfold. Mordecai, a Jew—following the commandment against idolatry—refused to bow down to Haman, a mere man. Furious, Haman sought a way to avenge himself for what he took as a slight. Mordecai, by his actions, in a way was witnessing among these pagans about the … Continue reading –>
Read Esther 2:10, Esther 2:20. What situations might arise where nationality or religious affiliation should be hidden, at least for a time? Read John 4:1-26, the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Why did Jesus tell her so openly that He was the Messiah, when among His own people He was not … Continue reading –>
Read Esther 1:2-20. What is happening here? What things about this story are hard to understand from our perspective today? (As you read, remember that a lot of details are not presented.) The week long banquet that King Ahasuerus gave for his nobles and officials seems extravagant, even for someone at the pinnacle of political … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Esther 1-10; 1 Cor. 9:19-23; John 4:1-26; Acts 17:26; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 1:18-20. Memory Text: For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come … Continue reading –>
I tried to imagine the setting of our topic for this week on Exiles as Missionaries. I tried to picture Daniel, his three companies and many others being forcibly rounded up to be taken from their homeland as captives. The homes they lived in, the streets they played on, the schools they learned in, the … Continue reading –>
Bangladesh ~ By Doneshor Tripura Doneshor was glad to be home, watching his father’s water buffalo. He had been away at school and had just completed his high school graduation exams. The day grew hotter, and Doneshor decided to go for a swim in the nearby river while the buffalo grazed nearby. He waded into … Continue reading –>
Multitudes will be called to a wider ministry. The whole world is opening to the gospel. . . . From every quarter of this world of ours comes the cry of sin-stricken hearts for a knowledge of the God of love. . . . It rests with us who have received the knowledge, with our … Continue reading –>
Have you ever been talking to a friend at school, work or play, and been asked a Bible question, but did not have the Bible answer at your fingertips? Well now you can have a prepared Bible study at your fingertips, or at least as close as your cell phone or tablet. Now anyone can … Continue reading –>
Daniel was an Israelite in involuntary banishment from Israel, as were Joseph and Moses in Egypt, Nehemiah in Babylon, and Esther in Persia. Their lives reveal that it is possible to live faithfully to God in spiritually and culturally unsupportive environments. With God’s direction it was even possible to attain prominent administrative positions in these … Continue reading –>
[Lesson plan for July 25—31, 2015] Key Thought : We have a mission to engage creatively with society and to demonstrate the power of faith within our culture. 1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 1:8-13. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What … Continue reading –>
Daniel was not merely an interpreter of other men’s dreams, significant as that was in this context. In Daniel 7-12, he had his own visions, which revealed the future of great world superpowers. Daniel’s visions especially emphasized that, despite earthly rulers and their plans and machinations, God retains final control of nations. In the end, … Continue reading –>
