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To say that God is sovereign is to acknowledge that His control is ultimate, His grace is sufficient, and His justice is perfect. The post The Church in Acts, Part 10: God’s Sovereign Rule appeared first on Reston Bible Church.
PM Worship Service, 12 January 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA
PM Worship Service, 12 January 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA
Rev. Brent Russett looks at Psalm 98, a psalm that proclaim God's sovereign rule.
Text: Ecclesiastes 3 God's Rule Over Time is Eternally Comprehensive (3:1-8) The statements in these verses give the full range of the human experience after the Fall in Genesis 3. From birth to death and everything in between, there are no gaps in God's sovereignty and His plan of redemption. God's Rule Over Time is Eternally Providential (3:9-15) God has created everything for His glorious purpose; therefore, He will make all things beautiful according to His time. God has put eternity in our finite hearts; therefore, our toil only makes sense and brings joy when it is God-centered. God's Rule Over Time is Eternally Just (3:16-22) God stands as the eternal Judge over all; therefore, He will execute justice according to His will. In the end, death comes to us all; instead of living in denial, we must be prepared for it.
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Because God is sovereign over all things, I must follow and trust Him completely in order to live a meaningful life with my limited number of days.
Because God is sovereign over all things, I must follow and trust Him completely in order to live a meaningful life with my limited number of days.
Because God is sovereign over all things, I must follow and trust Him completely in order to live a meaningful life with my limited number of days.
Luke Chapter 2-1-7
Luke Chapter 2-1-7
A new MP3 sermon from First Baptist Church of Independence, KY is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: God's Sovereign Rule And The Birth Of Jesus Christ Subtitle: The Gospel Of Luke Speaker: Timothy Charles Scott Broadcaster: First Baptist Church of Independence, KY Event: Sunday - AM Date: 7/16/2023 Bible: Luke 2:1-7 Length: 33 min.
Luke Chapter 2:1-7
Manuel Pereira; Or, The Sovereign Rule of South Carolina
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://jnmanokaran.wordpress.com/2022/12/18/gods-sovereign-rule-in-history-19-december-2022/
This week on World Ocean Radio we're offering two extremely important ocean examples where the opposition of sovereignty and commonality collide. This first is the UN Treaty for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the second is a treaty for the management of the high seas and seabed--the vast areas that make up the boundaries beyond national jurisdiction. About World Ocean Radio5-minute weekly insights dive into ocean science, advocacy and education hosted by Peter Neill, lifelong ocean advocate and maritime expert. Episodes offer perspectives on global ocean issues and viable solutions, and celebrate exemplary projects. Available for syndicated use at no cost by college and community radio stations worldwide.
Speaker: Bryan Scott Sermon Series: Overcomers Scripture: Revelation 6:1-17 To see more about this sermon, go to tcbc.cc/sermons TCBC is a non-denominational church in Urbana, IL. Visit us at tcbc.cc, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @mytcbc. Contact us at office@tcbc.cc or call (217) 344-0641
As we look at Paul's charged interactions with diverse people in Jerusalem recorded in Acts 21:26-36, we see God's sovereignty at work to do His will by means of any and every circumstance.Support the show (https://faithlife.com/cornerstone-community-tenino/give)
Daniel: God's Sovereign Rule over Human History — Dan 10:5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: Dan 10:6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. Dan 10:7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Dan 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Dan 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
Daniel: God's Sovereign Rule over Human History — Daniel's Terrifying Vision of a Man Dan 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. Dan 10:2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. Dan 10:3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Dan 10:4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Dan 10:5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: Dan 10:6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. Dan 10:7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Dan 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Dan 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. Dan 10:10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. Dan 10:11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Dan 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Dan 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Dan 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
Daniel: God's Sovereign Rule over Human History — The Seventy Weeks Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Daniel: God's Sovereign Rule over Human History — Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Daniel: God's Sovereign Rule over Human History — Dan 9:5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Dan 9:6 Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. Dan 9:7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. Dan 9:8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. Dan 9:9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; Dan 9:10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Dan 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. Dan 9:12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. Dan 9:13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Dan 9:14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. Dan 9:15 And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Antiochus, the Antichrist & Jesus Christ, Part 22 Subtitle: God's Sovereign Rule Speaker: Matt Recker Broadcaster: Heritage Baptist Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 1/17/2021 Bible: Daniel 8:15-27 Length: 49 min.
Today, Sunday October 18 - Psalm 77:1-3 "I cried out to God with my voice-- To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah" They tell us that there are over 650 prayers listed in the Bible and over 450 specific answers to prayer. Our God is a God Who delights to answer our pleads for help! As we are studying the lesson on prayer and the pattern for prayer that the Lord gave His disciples in Luke 11, hopefully, we are learning to pray in a more effective way! Today, we are talking about praying for God's Kingdom to rule in the hearts of men and nations. The Sovereign Rule of God is always obvious in heaven, but not so here on earth. So the Lord encourages for us to pray for His will to done in our lives and the lives of others. Please take time to pray for this today! God bless!!!!!
A new MP3 sermon from Christ Covenant Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Peace, Thankfulness and Christ's Sovereign Rule Subtitle: Colossians Speaker: Garry Mayes Broadcaster: Christ Covenant Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 9/20/2020 Bible: Colossians 3:12-17 Length: 46 min.
Welcome to the Ancient Tree of Life Spiritual Show. My Irish Celtic Dream: Episode 3 Hi! My name is Ray Eason (or Ra Ea to some of you). Today I'll be sharing with you a very clear dream I had on February 8 2019. At that time, I had been working with some Celtic Energies and was discussing with a young friend about Queen Elizabeth Tudor, daughter of King Henry VIII (Tudor), and Ann Boelyn. We must all begin somewhere. Everyone's path is different. But we all start at the beginning. A couple of years ago, I had an urge to get a DNA test. I was always told that my grandmother was part African American and Part Mexican and was shocked when my DNA test returned nothing of Mexican origin. However, I did learn that I had a large portion of Morrocan in me, along with 2% - 4% British & Irish ancestry. My friends all joked and laughed saying, "Well that makes sense!". You'll understand this more as we get to know one another.
Welcome to the Ancient Tree of Life Spiritual Show. My Irish Celtic Dream: Episode 3 Hi! My name is Ray Eason (or Ra Ea to some of you). Today I'll be sharing with you a very clear dream I had on February 8 2019. At that time, I had been working with some Celtic Energies and was discussing with a young friend about Queen Elizabeth Tudor, daughter of King Henry VIII (Tudor), and Ann Boelyn. We must all begin somewhere. Everyone's path is different. But we all start at the beginning. A couple of years ago, I had an urge to get a DNA test. I was always told that my grandmother was part African American and Part Mexican and was shocked when my DNA test returned nothing of Mexican origin. However, I did learn that I had a large portion of Morrocan in me, along with 2% - 4% British & Irish ancestry. My friends all joked and laughed saying, "Well that makes sense!". You'll understand this more as we get to know one another.
Welcome to the Ancient Tree of Life Spiritual Show. My Irish Celtic Dream: Episode 2 Hi! My name is Ray Eason (or Ra Ea to some of you). Today I'll be sharing with you a very clear dream I had on February 8 2019. At that time, I had been working with some Celtic Energies and was discussing with a young friend about Queen Elizabeth Tudor, daughter of King Henry VIII (Tudor), and Ann Boelyn. We must all begin somewhere. Everyone's path is different. But we all start at the beginning. A couple of years ago, I had an urge to get a DNA test. I was always told that my grandmother was part African American and Part Mexican and was shocked when my DNA test returned nothing of Mexican origin. However, I did learn that I had a large portion of Morrocan in me, along with 2% - 4% British & Irish ancestry. My friends all joked and laughed saying, "Well that makes sense!". You'll understand this more as we get to know one another.
This episode launches us into our brand new series on the book of Ruth! We will be diving deep into the background and culture of what was happening during the time of Ruth - which was the time of the Judges. We will process her life and story, we will put into context how it points us all towards Jesus, the Redeemer who was promised and who was coming!⠀
A great theme of Psalm 47 is praise to God as the great King of all the earth.
Omnipotent” derives from the Latin omnis meaning “all” and potens or “powerful.” It is not a word used in the Bible, but “almighty” appears in virtually every book of the Old Testament, often dozens of times. We have an omnipotent God. He has the ability and power to do anything (omni=all; potent=powerful). This power is exercised effortlessly. God must have ALL POWER to reign all creation, the universe, in heaven and on earth for all time, and reign ALL sovereignly. This is what new content me – having ALL POWER and Sovereign Rule.Yes, God possesses which no creature can see me, and transcending, uncompromised him the ball, unlimited mighty power, so potent that is absolute. For God is If an Self Exists, Therefore He Must Be ALL-POWERFUL as well.Just to Psalm 62:11 says:One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, (Psalms 62:11)further nature itself declares and gives evidence of the Eternal Power of the Godhead:For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse altogether without any defense or justification], Ps. 19: 1-4, Romans 1:20 Since God is Infinite, Whatever He Does and Has Is UNLIMITED. Therefore God has Unlimited Power, He Is OMNIPOTENT. He is our self sufficient cradle, the source of ALL the power there is. Therefore Omnipotence is an attribute of God who scratch that Who can do what ever He pleases.Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You–”Jeremiah 32:17 “Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You– To Do for you.God is ALMIGHTY, He commands ALL-POWER in the universe, he can do anything is easily as anything else. All his acts are done without effort. He spends no energy that must be replenished. He is self-sufficient which makes it unnecessary for him to look outside of himself for renewal of strength. All power required to do all things that he wills to do lives undiminished in all its fullness in his own infinite being.Nothing is too hard or impossible or too wondrous for HIM.A good name that evokes God's omnipotence is the Hebrew Name for God, El Shaddai. The name means God most powerful or God Almighty. “self-sufficient” or “almighty.” God's power is unlimited.3841 pantokrátōr (from 3956 /pás, "all" and 2902 /kratéō, "prevail") – properly, almighty; unrestricted power exercising absolute dominion.El Shaddai can be literally translated "God of the mountains,” "God, the Mountain One." Similar to “God the Rock” in Deuteronomy 32:4 which says:He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.InTHE third month after the Israelites left the land of Egypt, the same day, they came into the Wilderness of Sinai. When they had departed from Rephidim and had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, they encamped there before the mountain. And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him out of the mountain, Say this to the house of Jacob and tell the Israelites:”Exodus 19:1-3 Like the mountains God is seen as strong and unchanging Rock. El Shadday reveals God not only as the one who creates and maintains the universe but who initiates and maintains a covenant with his people. Shaddai occurs in a 48 times as the name of God, thirty-one times in the book of Job and seventeen times in the rest of the Bible. In the New Testament, the Greek term Pantokrator is often translated as “Almighty.”
Downtown Church Of Christ Audio Sermon
The Command to Rejoice; The Reasons to Rejoice: God's Attributes, God's Creative Ability, God's Sovereign Rule, His Salvation; Our Response.
The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good purposes. b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. c. God moves sovereignly to keep his covenant promises. d. God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. e. God works when his people pray. Esther 9:1-3 v. 1. The enemies hoped to gain mastery over the Jews, the reverse occurred. v. 2. The fear of them fell on all peoples This was the Lord fighting for his people. The phrase is used for Jacob as he traveled from Shechem to Bethel. Israel as they entered the Promised Land, as Rahab told the spies that the fear of Israel paralyzed the nations in Canaan that gave Israel the victory. The fear of God is shrinking in our culture – a lack of respect for God. In many places there is little respect for Christian faith, values or even Christians. But we are not called to always be the most influential voice in our culture. What God is doing in the culture at large is beyond our control. In a culture that is increasingly hostile to God I. We are to trust God and faithfully carry on his mission (Mt 5:14-16) We are called to be salt and light in a decaying and dark society. Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. II. We recognize our enemies are spiritual (Eph 6:12) We tend to think of our enemies as an unfair boss, or an ex-husband or -wife. Or as people who have a different view of the world than we do. The Scriptures are clear: people are not the enemy. Ephesians 6:12 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Our enemy: “rulers, authorities, powers over this present darkness” “spiritual forces of evil” How do we view people who are hostile to Christian faith and hostile to God? They are not the enemy. They are blinded by the enemy. 2 Corinthians 4:4 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. In a culture that is increasingly hostile to God I. We are to trust God and faithfully carry on his mission (Mt 5:14-16) II. We recognize our enemies are spiritual (Eph 6:12) III. We do not fight with the weapons of the world (2 Cor 10:3-5) 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. Summary People attacked the Jews, they defended themselves, but took no plunder. The Lord fought on behalf of the Jews, he put fear in the hearts of their enemies. They were victorious against a wicked, murderous enemy. This was how the Feast of Purim began. It is celebrated by feasting and giving gifts of food, especially to the poor. When you trust God and shine his light, there will be some who escape the darkness by the Lord’s goodness shining in you.
The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good purposes. b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. c. God moves sovereignly to keep his covenant promises. d. God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. e. God works when his people pray. Esther 8:1-2 Jesus binds the strong man (Satan) & plunders his house (Mk 3:27). Does that mean that Christians always get rich in this life? No, Christians may be wealthy, but this points to a future glory – Christians will share in the inheritance with Christ 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Rom 8:16-17) Esther 8:3-6 - She is not satisfied with wealth. She does not just sit back in her newly-found comfort. She cannot be comforted by wealth – she weeps and pleads with the king. “How can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people?” (v. 6) She cannot be silent in the face of this edict of death that Haman wrote. We should be thankful for God’s blessing but cannot be satisfied by our comfort. We should have a conviction against the wrongs around us. Abused children, single mothers raising their children, the utter disregard for the unborn, the powerful devouring the weak. Our love for God compels us to be like him: a father to the fatherless, a defender of weak, seeking justice and goodness If we are truly going to follow Christ, we will spend time helping others? We will give money to ease suffering. We will bow before God to plead for salvation for the lost to. Look at the influence of one woman and one man have on an entire nation. Esther 8:7-14 Problem: the Jews could kill the family of their attackers? A response to Haman’s edict, perhaps a deterrent against attack – they didn’t. Haman wrote an edict of death. Mordecai wrote an edict of life. Esther 8:15-17 – When the righteous rule, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Prov 29:2) 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? (Matthew 5:13a) The righteous influence of God’s people Do not be pacified by comfort – one way to lose saltiness Fan the flame of conviction for what is right Sacrifice time, money, and emotion to do good Intercede in prayer for others Father’s Day: Esther 2:7 – One of God’s calling on men is to take on responsibility – especially for providing for and raising children. Mordecai’s younger cousin was orphaned, so he saw the need and raised her. Mordecai was “bringing up” Esther, for she had neither father nor mother. Hebrew word: aman’ – means to support, sustain, to be faithful. Support – providing for needs – financially AND time Sustain – being a source of strength – being there in struggles Faithful – being a person your family can depend on Men, one of God’s primary calling for us is to be a strong support of our families. We are called to be a source of faithful providence and guidance. The word aman’ can also mean “to believe in” Men, our words to our children have incredible power to build up or tear down. Be careful how you speak to your children. Use your words to build confidence in your children. Supporting, sustaining, faithful, and believing.
Downtown Church Of Christ Audio Sermon
The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good purposes. b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. c. God moves sovereignly to keep his covenant promises. d. God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. Esther 7:1-6 V. 1. Haman was depressed; a feast with the king & queen would feed his pride. The king at this point does not know of Esther’s Jewish heritage. V. 3. The king is shocked to hear his own queen ask for her own life. Not just her own life, Esther intercedes for the lives of all the Jewish people. The king must have expected Esther to ask for material things, but Esther asks for something far more precious, far more than what a king’s riches could afford. We live in a world that tries to place human value on only sexuality or what political party you support or how much money you have in the bank or whether you’re born or unborn or old or young. Our faith is one that speaks of the value and sacredness of human life itself. We believe that all people, young and old, rich and poor, male and female, strong and weak, people who agree with us and people who would oppose us – all of them, everyone was made in the image of God. Every human life in every stage is precious. Esther prays, for life: “let my life be granted for my wish, and my people for my request.” We must pray for life and salvation. We must intercede against wickedness that would destroy life. We must give our money, our time, our prayers that lives might be saved, suffering relieved, and souls saved from the destruction of sin. Intercession for Life and Salvation Pray for the perishing As Elijah for the widow’s son (1 Ki 17) Pray for the righteous among the wicked As Abraham for Sodom (Gen 18) Pray for your children and grandchildren As Job for his children (Job 1:5) Pray for your friends As Job for his friends (Job 42:8) Pray for those guilty of sin As Jesus for those who crucified him (Lk 23:34) Vv. 5-6. Who? A foe, enemy, This wicked Haman. Minces no words: this was evil. Esther 7:7-10 V 7. Irony: Haman was angry that Mordecai would not bow before him. Now Haman bowed begging before Esther. Vv. 9-10. Irony: Mordecai was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Haman sowed pride, arrogance, death, conspiracy. He reaped self-destruction. Sowing and Reaping. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Haman had been warned by his friends and his wife, “you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” The Lord is good to give warnings of his coming judgment. 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. The Lord is not wishing that any should perish, but all to repent. The wicked, the proud, those who refuse to put their faith in Christ will perish. God calls his people to intercede for the perishing.
The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good purposes. b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. c. God moves sovereignly to keep his covenant promises. d. God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. Esther 6:10-11 – Humble Mordecai is Exalted A humble person • Is not blinded by pride o He was not so self-absorbed to know what was happening • Seeks the good of others o He warned the king of the plot, thwarted the plot against the Jews • Does not demand recognition, not him/herself o He never asked to be honored by the king • Seeks help from God o He and Esther fasted for 3 days to humbly seek God’s help • Is exalted in time by God o He is honored by the king and will be promoted (Ch 8) Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Esther 6:12-13 – Proud Haman is humbled A proud person • Takes the credit for his blessings (5:11) o He boasted of his riches, sons, and promotions • Believes he is entitled to honor (6:6) o He believed he was worthy to be honored • Demands recognition (6:8) o His ideas for reward were all self-recognition • Is humbled by God (6:12) o He went home mourning • Is destroyed by his own pride (6:13) o His own wife saw that he would fall The Upside-Down Kingdom of God The greatest among you shall be your servant. (Mt 23:11) The Beatitudes (Mt 5:4-6) The mourners are comforted The meek receive inheritance The hungry for righteousness are satisfied The Grace of Gospel (Lk 4:18-19) Good news to the poor Liberty to the captives Recovery of sight to the blind Liberty to the oppressed The Lord's favor 1 Peter 5:5-6 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Major Themes in Esther: I. Idolatry Leads to Destruction: a. It is short-lived and unsatisfying. b. Its inability to satisfy drives him into a rage. c. It will end in his destruction. II. The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good Purposes b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. i. The king chooses Esther (2:17) ii. Mordecai overhears a plot (2:21-23) iii. Esther won the favor of the king (5:2) iv. Haman walks in as the king ponders (6:4) v. The king rewards Mordecai (6:10) vi. Haman’s begging is seen as assault (7:8) vii. Mordecai is exalted (8:2) Esther 6:1-13 – The Sleepless King and the Providence of God Coincidence or divine sovereignty? It just so happens that Mordecai overheard a plot against the king. It just so happened that the king could not sleep the night before Haman asks to execute Mordecai. The scribe just happened to read the chronicles of Mordecai’s heroic act. Haman happened to come in as the king pondered how to reward Mordecai These are not coincidences; but the sovereign hand of God protecting his people. We comprehend him not, Yet earth and heaven tell, God sits as sovereign on the throne, And ruleth all things well. – Paul Gerhardt God is quietly overruling all pagan attempts to destroy his people. In the face of this wicked desire to annihilate the Jews, God is committed by covenant to accomplish his plan of worldwide redemption and new creation. God will not allow his people to be destroyed. He will keep his covenant promises. Through these people God will provide the Savior of the world. Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law. God is faithful to keep his covenant promises. He acts with sovereign power to thwart wicked plans to kill his people. He acts with sovereign power to save his people – even in a pagan nation. He acts with sovereign power to provide the Savior of the world. The Good & Sovereign Rule of God Even when we do not see him, God works for the good of his people. God overrules wicked plans to deliver his people. God rules sovereignly to keep his covenant promises to provide the Savior of the world. In the New Testament, Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Mt 6:10 Your kingdom come, establish your loving rule over all the earth. your will be done, Do your good and perfect will on earth as it is in heaven. just as the angels do your will in heaven, perfectly accomplish your will on earth. What are we doing that is NOT God’s will? • Living separate, selfish lives What would we be doing if we were doing God’s will? • Doing good, being loving, being selfless, sharing the gospel, caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
Major Themes in Esther: I. Idolatry Leads to Destruction: a. It is short-lived and unsatisfying. b. Its inability to satisfy drives him into a rage. c. It will end in his destruction. II. The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good Purposes b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. i. The king chooses Esther (2:17) ii. Mordecai overhears a plot (2:21-23) iii. Esther won the favor of the king (5:2) iv. Haman walks in as the king ponders (6:4) v. The king rewards Mordecai (6:10) vi. Haman’s begging is seen as assault (7:8) vii. Mordecai is exalted (8:2) Esther 6:1-13 – The Sleepless King and the Providence of God Coincidence or divine sovereignty? It just so happens that Mordecai overheard a plot against the king. It just so happened that the king could not sleep the night before Haman asks to execute Mordecai. The scribe just happened to read the chronicles of Mordecai’s heroic act. Haman happened to come in as the king pondered how to reward Mordecai These are not coincidences; but the sovereign hand of God protecting his people. We comprehend him not, Yet earth and heaven tell, God sits as sovereign on the throne, And ruleth all things well. – Paul Gerhardt God is quietly overruling all pagan attempts to destroy his people. In the face of this wicked desire to annihilate the Jews, God is committed by covenant to accomplish his plan of worldwide redemption and new creation. God will not allow his people to be destroyed. He will keep his covenant promises. Through these people God will provide the Savior of the world. Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law. God is faithful to keep his covenant promises. He acts with sovereign power to thwart wicked plans to kill his people. He acts with sovereign power to save his people – even in a pagan nation. He acts with sovereign power to provide the Savior of the world. The Good & Sovereign Rule of God Even when we do not see him, God works for the good of his people. God overrules wicked plans to deliver his people. God rules sovereignly to keep his covenant promises to provide the Savior of the world. In the New Testament, Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Mt 6:10 Your kingdom come, establish your loving rule over all the earth. your will be done, Do your good and perfect will on earth as it is in heaven. just as the angels do your will in heaven, perfectly accomplish your will on earth. What are we doing that is NOT God’s will? • Living separate, selfish lives What would we be doing if we were doing God’s will? • Doing good, being loving, being selfless, sharing the gospel, caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
God is SOVEREIGN in the affairs of men. He is the Creator Of heaven and earth, Who is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega - the MOST HIGH GOD! God's sovereignty is the attributes by which He Rules His Entire Creation. God is and must be all-knowing, all-powerful, and absolutely free. If there was any knowledge unknown to God, his rule breakdown at that point. But God is ALL KNOWING AND HAS ALL KNOWLEDGE AT ALL TIMES. God is ALL POWERFUL, AT ALL TIMES! HE is not limited in any way forever and ever. Hence, God is SOVEREIGN. GOD IS ABSOLUTELY FREE and able with no hindrances, to do as He Pleases Always, Everywhere, Forever. He Possesses All Universal Authority, Unlimited Power in ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES. BESIDES HIM there is no other God. He Is the Lord God Almighty. He Is Higher Than Highest High, Infinitely and Transcending Higher. He is Mightier Than All other Power and Strength – He Is the Infinite Transcending Almighty God. Because God is Sovereign, ALL-POWERFUL, ALL-KNOWING, you know that God will fulfill every promise made to you through His Word. God moves with Infinite Wisdom and Perfect Persuasion of Action, Giving Mercy for Your Failures and His Well-Timed Help, Coming Just When You Need it. The book of Daniel was written to teach the Sovereign Rule of God over all nations on earth. Listen to King Nebuchadnezzar,At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding and the right use of my mind returned to me; and I blessed the Most High God and I praised and honored and glorified Him Who lives forever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion; and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.(Daniel 4:34)And all the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing. God does according to His will as he pleases with the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?'” (Daniel 4:35)King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations. Daniel 4:1-3 This is the decision decreed by the Heavenly watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and He Gives it to whomever He chooses, And sets over it the lowest of men. Daniel 4:17 This is what the dream means, Daniel answered: Your Majesty, this what the Most High has declared will happen to my lord the king. You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. Daniel 4:24-25 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.'”Daniel 4:32 And [Nebuchadnezzar] was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever He will. (Daniel 5:21) In each of the above passages the name "Most High" or "Most High God" is used. It is the Hebrew name El Elyon, and means "the possessor of heaven and earth" (Genesis 14:22). El Elyon - meaning “Highest” or “Exalted One,” emphasizes that God is the highest in every realm of life. In the New Testament, Jesus is known as the Son of the Most High while the Holy Spirit is the power of the Most High. All who belong to Christ are revealed as sons and daughters of the Most High by imitating the Father in heaven. When you praise the Most High, you are worshiping the One whose power, mercy, and sovereignty cannot be matched.The Holy Spirit guided the writers of Scripture to state emphatically that "the earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1; see also 1 Corinthians 10:26, 28). The universe is God's by creative right. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. He is upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power.(Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 1:3). And In Him we also were made God's heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His Own will,(Ephesians 1:11).
Imagine that you were given the opportunity to sit miles above the earth and observe the world from God’s perspective. You see all the wars, all the poverty, all the substance abuse, all of the injustice, you can see it all. Then suppose you were given 1 Million Dollars with which to combat the world’s problems. The only catch is, you can only invest in one endeavor, one issue, one problem… what would you attack? What issue would you attempt to resolve? I spent the better part of last week in the country of Guatemala with leaders from Compassion International. There is something about being in a 3rd world country that magnifies the issues at hand. Little boys loosing their hair because of malnutrition. Little girls walking on dangerous streets without shoes or proper clothing. 12 year old recruited as gang members. How do you fix that? Is the solution political? Is there an economic solution? Perhaps education would help? While all of those things can certainly be improved upon. To me the answer was crystal clear - the common denominator between hundreds of boys and girls living in poverty in Guatemala and around the worlds - was simply the absence of fathers. STAT: One study by the California Department of Education (Not a conservative institution) showed that 98% of behaviorally challenged students were emotionally damaged young boys whose one common characteristic was the absence of a father. Simultaneously, they discovered that when fathers were actively involved in the life of child the kids were 46% less likely to use drugs 27% less likely to use alcohol and 52% less likely to skip school. STAT: Of the 27 Deadliest school shootings (all perpetrators were male) in American History 26 of the shooters had one thing in common - no Father in their life. ILLUSTRATION: His his book, “Faith of the Fatherless” The Psychology of Atheism, psychologist Paul Vitz demonstrates how the major proponents of modern atheism were from homes where the father was either absent or abusive. He looks at 19 case studies including Voltaire, Thomas Hobbes, and David Hume, Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell, Jean-Paul Sartre, Joseph Stalin, and Sigmund Freud himself. In each case, the “defective father” hypothesis holds. STAT: Simultaneously - Studies show that if a child is the first in a family to get saved there is a 3.5% chance that everyone else in the family will get saved. If it is the mother, there is a 17% chance that everyone else will get saved.If it is the father, there is a 93% chance that everyone else will get saved. Tony Evans was right - As goes the man, so goes the family As goes the family, so goes the church As goes the church, so goes the community As goes the community, so goes the nation So if you want to change the nation, change the community If you want to change the community, change the church If you want to change the church, change the family If you want to change the family, change the man CONTEXT: So it shouldn’t surprise us that right in the middle of the Bible we find the book of Proverbs, which has as it’s primary goal to turn BOYS into MEN OF WISDOM. It also shouldn’t surprise us that according to Steve Farrar - the number one battle strategy of Satan is to: Neutralize the Man. Man was created and placed in the Garden with 3 basic purposes. In Genesis 1:26–31 Man was created as a Reflector, a Leader, and a Cultivator. Man was a Reflector Genesis 1:26 (ESV) 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. ILLUSTRATION: Man bears the image of God as a mirror bears the image of man. It takes all that it is given and re-presents what it receives. Mankind was the one species in all creation capable of accomplishing that. 2. Man was to be a Leader Man was given dominion over all of the created order. He was commanded to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. Man was designed to reign under God for the good of his fellow man and the glory of his Lord. 3. Man was a Cultivator Genesis 2:15 (ESV) 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. There was an innate desire within a man to take something and improve upon it. A man gets a car, he upgrades the radio. He gets a laptop, he makes it faster He gets a house, he goes to Lowe’s and paints stuff builds stuff. But then God said something for the first time - IT IS NOT GOOD. It is not good for man to be alone. JOKE: A Deacon tole me that at that point, God brought man a chimpanzee, a gorilla, a orangoutang - but Adam said, “God that isn’t exactly what I had in mind - I wanted someone who can rub my back, cook gourmet food, always look beautiful and attractive in my presence… God said, “Adam that will cost you and arm and a leg…” To which Adam replied, “what can I get for a rib?”. Woman was taken from the man and brought to the man to compliment him. She wasn’t a replica with different plumbing - she was different. As a matter of fact the Bible says God MADE the man, but it says He FASHIONED the woman. He fashioned her and brought her to the man. Together God said they were VERY GOOD. But man sinned. Incidentally - have you ever noticed, who God came looking for after the fall? Who fell first? Eve! But listen to Gen. 3:9 Genesis 3:9 (ESV) 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” Now that Adam had believed the word of Satan over the word of God…he was fallen, broken. Now he no longer was a great REFLECTION of God’s glory. His sin nature made man like a broken mirror and no longer can you get a clear picture of who God is, what he is like by looking at a man, the image is marred. No longer was man the proper LEADER, operating under the Lordship of Christ, but now he was a free agent, doing things his way, perverting Justice, not protecting, not serving. No longer was CULTIVATION a joy, now weeds would come up and make Man’s work difficult. SOLOMON IN PROVERBS - seeks to help us get back to God’s original design for masculinity: SO THE MAN OF WISDOM - 1. Receives and Reflects Like the moon you have no light of your own, but as you stand before the sun, you shine with it’s glory. If you want to be a man of wisdom - seek the Lord, learn from him, spend time with him. You see that CONTRAST drawn throughout proverbs. Proverbs 10:8 (ESV) 8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. ILLUSTRATION: Like a good steak - allow your heart to marinate in His word. Let HIS essence infuse your essence. Sit under HIS Word in HIS presence - until people cant be around you without sensing something of Him. Proverbs 9:9 (ESV) 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. There are some men who come to this church week after week and it make ZERO difference. They aren’t growing, changing, learning… there are others who are significantly different today than they were 9 months ago. Here’s the deal - it has nothing to do with the sermon - it’s the person. Jesus was not called an image bearer Colossians 1:15 (ESV) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Jesus always sought to reflect the image of God. He said: At the age of 12, “I must be about my Father’s business” As an adult - I don’t speak of my own initiative but what the Father gives me I speak. He prayed, “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done” He prayed, “I don’t want to drink the cup of suffering, but not my will, your will be done... I will receive your command.” Jesus could say - you see me, you see the Father. MEN - Are we able to point to you and tell our sons and say, “God is sort of like... that guy”. Receives and Reflects… 2. Submits and Leads Notice how submission always precedes progress and authority… Proverbs 3:5–10 (ESV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and (THEN and ONLY THEN) he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (THEN and ONLY THEN) 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then (THEN and ONLY THEN) your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. A wise man understands how authority works. You see the world’s view of authority is very different from scriptures view. Scripture portrays the man who has the most authority as the one who is MOST under God’s Authority. (REPEAT) The biblical definition of a man is a male who is operating under the authority of God. A male who is NOT operating under God’s authority has not yet graduated to manhood. Tony Evans said, “A man’s self definition is intricately tied to his spiritual subordination”. Matthew 8:5–10 (ESV) tells the story of Jesus coming to Capernaum… 5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. This is one of only two times Jesus said someone has great faith - this guy who understood authority. The Christian Man is supposed to be a King operating under the Sovereign Rule of Christ. Those under his authority are supposed rest in peace and security. But when a man rejects his office, and God’s wisdom... he abuses his strength, rule and authority. ILLUSTRATION: God’s Authority is like an Umbrella - it doesn’t stop the rain from falling but it can protect you from getting wet. Adam as the King of Eden should have ruled over the serpent, drove him out of paradise, but rather he cooperates with evil. And when God came around rather than taken his punishment like a man, he tried to direct God’s anger at the woman. ILLUSTRATION: When my son was born I gave him a pocket watch and knife and I had engraved on that watch, “Pro. 31:4” IT IS NOT FOR KINGS OH LEMUEL. Why? Because that is saying that a King who is under the authority of God understands that there are some things that all the other boys can do… but it’s not for him. All the other men may cheat on their wives - but that’s not for you. All the other men may be lazy and coast at work - but that’s not for you. All the other men may neglect their children - but that’s not for you. You are under the authority of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Your expressed authority will be in direct proportion to your experienced authority. Receives and Reflects…Submits and leads… 3. Grows and Cultivates When a man walks with God he God CULTIVATES HIM and HE cultivates the world around him. As a result he has the marvelous ability to improve practically every aspect of his life. Proverbs 28:20 (ESV) 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. Notice how as this man is faithful to the Lord, the Lord sees to it, that he abounds with blessings! Look at Proverbs 31. We are accustomed to the Proverbs 31 woman, but notice her husband… Proverbs 31:10 (ESV) 10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. This man highly values and prizes his wife. How do you think that effects her? Ladies do you think it would make a difference in your life if you lived with a man who consistently treats you as more valuable than any treasure in his life? Proverbs 31:11 (ESV) 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. This man creates an environment of trust and respect and as a result his wife reaches her full potential. As a result he and his family benefits. Proverbs 31:28–29 (ESV) 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Notice that this man encourages his wife, he builds her up, his children follow his lead. LISTEN: The Godly man improves things, he adds value, he makes them better. Can I ask you an honest question... how have you improved the things you have served in? ILLUSTRATION: I had a guy at my last church griping and complaining about his wife. How sorry she was, how ineffective she was… I said how long have you been married to her? He said 15 years… I said, well if she had deproved that much… you must be one sorry leader. LISTEN: Here is how it works - Exodus 34:23–24 (ESV) 23 Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. 24 For I will cast out nations before you and enlarge your borders; no one shall covet your land, when you go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in the year. You get under Him and He takes care of the rest… If you come under my authority - I’ll fight your battles. Proverbs 10:9 (ESV) 9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Do you see that? You focus on following the Lord, and God will focus on making your way secure. Jesus Christ is the ultimate Man. Maximum manhood. The perfect Model. The complete Hero. REFLECTOR - You see me you see the Father KING - All authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me. He has a name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father. CULTIVATOR - Follow me, and I will MAKE YOU fishers of men…
The Sovereign Rule Of God Over The Nations Isaiah 13-14 Pastor Frans Alberts
Downtown Church Of Christ Audio Sermon
Understanding the State of Emergency or State of Lawlessness under the Sovereign Rule of Rodrigo Duterte. The extra judicial form of implementing anti-illegal drugs campaign by the President claimed 2,500 lives of suspected drug users and more or less 6,000 incarcerated. These number of destroyed bodies come from the majority of the poor population in […]
God is involved in all the events of our lives nothing either large or small does not have His guiding hand ruling over all things for His glory and our long-term good. And yet we act freely as free moral agents.This Is Our God: Dr. Neufeld explores the attributes of God – what we need to know about His nature and character – and includes a full discussion of the doctrine of the Trinity.
I. God's Judgment is Denied. II. God's Judgment is Deserved. III. God's Judgment is Decisive.
I. vv4-27, The Ambassador of God's Truth. II. vv28-33 The Sovereignty of God's Rule. III. vv34-37, The Conversion of God's Enemy.