How do you preach a series of messages on a book of the Bible that never mentions God? That is the challenge before us as we approach the Book of Esther. As we study this little book tucked away in the middle of the Old Testament, we find that while God is not mentioned, He is there. And He is working out his plan to accomplish his purposes. In this series of four messages (entitled God’s Agents in Place) we learn valuable lessons about God’s providence in our lives and in the world. Sermon transcripts, audio files and discussion questions can be accessed by clicking the appropriate icons. Sermon information will be posted by the end of the weekend it is delivered on assuming there are no technical difficulties. Scripture references can be read by clicking on the reference. Date Preached by Description Read Listen Discuss Sept. 17, 2010 Pastor Cam When life feels out of control, three questions bombard us: Where is God? What on earth is he doing? Why am I here? The opening pages of the book of Esther (Esther 1 and 2) describe a marital dispute that became an international incident, and an empire-wide beauty pageant to choose a new queen. In the message, entitled WHERE IS GOD?, we find that God is present in the most unlikely places even when we can’t see him, and that he is at work in the details of history and our lives.   Sept. 24, 2010 Pastor Cam Why are you here? We raised this question in the previous message. In this message (from Esther 3 and 4) we find the answer in Esther 4:14. “WHO KNOWS?” Does that answer satisfy you? How did Mordecai and Esther (God’s agents in place in the ancient capital of Persia) respond to their critical moment? What lessons can we learn from them and how do they apply to our situations in Abu Dhabi?   Oct. 1, 2010 Pastor Cam In Esther 5-7, the story reaches a number of dramatic climaxes, as Esther presents her appeal to the king and the wicked Haman meets his final end. Enjoy the “poetic justice” of the story as the providence of God works behind the scenes to accomplish his will, bring salvation to his people and bring justice on the wicked. We also explore the parallel principles in the Book of Proverbs and Psalm 37 as we explore strategies for SURVIVING HAMAN.   Oct. 8, 2010 Pastor Cam In this message entitled GOD HAS A PLAN from Esther 8-10, we wrap up the story of Esther and Mordecai. We watch as God uses his agents in place to deliver his people and accomplish his purpose. What do we learn, and how do we apply this to our lives as we continue to find answers to the question: Why am I here?   Oct. 15, 2010 Pastor Cam In this final message entitled LIVING PURPOSEFULLY, wrapping up the Book of Esther we come back to the question: What on earth is God doing? From the story of Esther we explore three purposes of God in the world and discuss how they relate to us as God’s agents in place.