Video
Sermon Audio
mp3 link: 20200830_AVBC_Esther_Celebrate.mp3
Notes
(printable version: 10-Celebration-Esther-9-10.pdf )
Sermon in a Sentence: God ______________ when His children live life with a _________ – like Purim attitude!
The Feast of Purim is an annual Jewish holiday held on the 14th and 15th of Adar (March/April) to celebrate and commemorate the miraculous victory of the Jews over their enemies who sought to fulfill Haman’s evil holocaust plan.
…annual Jewish holiday…
…held on the 14th and 15th of Adar…
…to celebrate and commemorate the miraculous victory of the Jews over their enemies
Q: How can we demonstrate a party-like Purim attitude today?
1. We demonstrate a party-like Purim attitude when we enthusiastically _________ God’s ____________.
–FEASTING has to do with recharging your _____________
–REJOICING has to do with recharging your _____________
- Invite 4-5 people from church over for a distance dessert potluck in back yard/garage/park
- Plan a surprise “We Appreciate _______” party complete with fun food and gifts and games
- Organize a “Friends Are Friends Forever” coffee time with some people haven’t seen long time…reminisce about the crazy times you enjoyed together
- Bring a big plate of homemade baking to work & share them with everyone in the office…boss too
2. We demonstrate a party-like Purim attitude when we generously ____________ God’s blessings. (Matt. 6:1-4)
- Drop off a bunch of groceries to a single parent
- Pick up some flowers and deliver them to a shut-in.
- Give generously to a humanitarian need (ie. Lebanon)
3. We demonstrate a party-like Purim attitude when we ________________ upon God’s sovereign care.
- Review this past year. Write out the highs, the lows as well as the grace of God along the way.
- Reflect upon your spiritual journey since trusting Jesus. List significant turning points, then share your story with someone who is just beginning their walk with Jesus.
- Find a quiet place, cast your cares upon the Lord and let Him love you.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…BUT GOD demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6,8)
Digging Deeper
(For use in personal/family devotions or with your care group)
Q1: Can you think of one or more memorable parties in your life? If so, describe.
Q2: What do you think are the key components to a great party?
Q3: What are some practical/ fun things you can do to enjoy God’s good gifts?
Q4: Study Nehemiah 8:5-12. What does this passage teach you about a God-honouring celebration?
Q5: Have you ever been a recipient of an unexpected and generous gift? If so, describe the kinds of feelings you experienced.
Q6: On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is resting and reflecting in your life? What would it take to move it closer to a 10?
Q7: Read and reflect upon Proverbs 11:25 and Proverbs 22:9. What is the Lord saying to you from these verses?
Q8: What will you do to enjoy God’s good gifts…or generously share God’s blessings…or quietly reflect on God’s sovereign care? Be as specific as possible.