Esther: The Queen of the Castle – Deric Bartlett
This week, Pastor Deric delivers a special message in honour of Mother's Day titled "Esther: The Queen of the Castle". The reading is form Esther 2:5-18.
1. The Plot
2. The Queen of the Castle
3. The Bigger Picture
2. The Queen of the Castle
3. The Bigger Picture
ICEBREAKER: What food is underrated or underappreciated?
1. The third chapter of Esther provides the background to what occurs in chapter four. What do you notice about the dangers of the human ego in Esther 3 [cf. Proverbs 16:18; Romans 12:3; and Romans 12:16]?
2. After hearing of Haman’s genocidal plot, Mordecai and the rest of the Jews tore their robes and put on sackcloth and ashes [Esther 4:1-3]. What did these actions signify, and why was this an appropriate response [cf. 2 Samuel 1:11-12; Daniel 9:3-5; and Jonah 3:6-9]?
3. Notice Esther’s emotional response to Mordecai’s dishevelled condition in Esther 4:4. What does this say about her character and her relationship with Mordecai [cf. Esther 2:5-7, 10-11; Mark 6:34; and Luke 10:33]?
4. Mordecai had a plan [Esther 4:6-8]. But obstacles stood in the way that only Esther knew of [Esther 4:11]. What were the obstacles? Why does the Lord allow us to face unexpected challenges in life [cf. Acts 20:18-21; James 1:2-4; and 1 Peter 1:6-7]?
5. God is never mentioned directly in the book of Esther. Yet, His providence is seen throughout, and especially in Esther 4:13-14. How does this encourage you to trust the Lord in your current challenging circumstances [cf. Genesis 45:7; Isaiah 10:20; and Joel 2:12-14]?
6. Courage flows out of character. How do Esther’s words in Esther 4:15-16, and her actions in Esther 5-7, demonstrate her noble, courageous character [cf. Mark 15:43-46; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; and Philippians 1:20]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me.”(Philip Yancey)
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- May 14, 2023Esther: The Queen of the Castle – Deric BartlettEsther: The Queen of the Castle – Deric BartlettThis week, Pastor Deric delivers a special message in honour of Mother's Day titled "Esther: The Queen of the Castle". The reading is form Esther 2:5-18.1. The Plot
2. The Queen of the Castle
3. The Bigger PictureICEBREAKER: What food is underrated or underappreciated?
1. The third chapter of Esther provides the background to what occurs in chapter four. What do you notice about the dangers of the human ego in Esther 3 [cf. Proverbs 16:18; Romans 12:3; and Romans 12:16]?
2. After hearing of Haman’s genocidal plot, Mordecai and the rest of the Jews tore their robes and put on sackcloth and ashes [Esther 4:1-3]. What did these actions signify, and why was this an appropriate response [cf. 2 Samuel 1:11-12; Daniel 9:3-5; and Jonah 3:6-9]?
3. Notice Esther’s emotional response to Mordecai’s dishevelled condition in Esther 4:4. What does this say about her character and her relationship with Mordecai [cf. Esther 2:5-7, 10-11; Mark 6:34; and Luke 10:33]?
4. Mordecai had a plan [Esther 4:6-8]. But obstacles stood in the way that only Esther knew of [Esther 4:11]. What were the obstacles? Why does the Lord allow us to face unexpected challenges in life [cf. Acts 20:18-21; James 1:2-4; and 1 Peter 1:6-7]?
5. God is never mentioned directly in the book of Esther. Yet, His providence is seen throughout, and especially in Esther 4:13-14. How does this encourage you to trust the Lord in your current challenging circumstances [cf. Genesis 45:7; Isaiah 10:20; and Joel 2:12-14]?
6. Courage flows out of character. How do Esther’s words in Esther 4:15-16, and her actions in Esther 5-7, demonstrate her noble, courageous character [cf. Mark 15:43-46; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; and Philippians 1:20]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me.”(Philip Yancey) - Apr 30, 2023The Cost of Following Christ – Bryan LeeThe Cost of Following Christ – Bryan LeeThis week, Pastor Bryan shares a special message titled 'The Cost of Following Christ' from Luke 9:18-24.Follow Christ. It costs everything, but it is worth so much more.1. The ______ to Follow (V18-22)
2. The ______ to Follow (V23)
3. The ______ to Follow (V24)
ICEBREAKER: What was your least liked toy as a child?1. Why would Jesus pray [Luke 9:18]? What does this indicate about the nature and purpose of prayer [cf. Luke 6:12-16; Luke 11:1-13; and Luke 22:39-46]?2. The disciples repeated several rumours circulated among the crowds as to Jesus’ identity in Luke 9:18-19. What did the crowds get right? Where did they fall short [cf. John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:15-20; and Hebrews 1:1-4]?
3. On what basis did Peter and the other disciples conclude that Jesus was “the Christ of God” [Luke 9:20]? Also consult Mark 1:21-27; Mark 4:35-41; and John 6:66-69.
4. Jesus clearly forewarned His followers that suffering for Him precedes victory with Him [Luke 9:21-22]. Why is this an important lesson to comprehend [cf. Luke 24:25-27; Philippians 2:5-11; and Hebrews 12:1-3]?
5. What does it look like to deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow Jesus [Luke 9:23]? Also consider Romans 12:9-21; Ephesians 5:1-20; and 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10.
6. Jesus’ pronouncement in Luke 9:24 seems counter-intuitive. How do Jesus’ words, recorded in the previous context [cf. Luke 9:21-23], help explain the sense of what He was challenging His followers to do [cf. Matthew 10:34-39; John 12:23-26; and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“To deny oneself is to be aware only of Christ and no more of self, to see only him who goes before and no more the road which is too hard for us. Once more, all that self-denial can say is: ‘He leads the way, keep close to him.’”Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Apr 9, 2023Hope in the Resurrection – Deric BartlettHope in the Resurrection – Deric BartlettPastor Deric shares a special message for Easter Sunday titled 'Hope in the Resurrection' based on Luke 24:13-35.
Lost Hope & Found Hope
ICEBREAKER: What do you usually do on your commute to work?1. Luke 24:13-16 sets up this post-resurrection encounter between these disciples and Jesus. The terms used indicate they were debating the recent events surrounding Jesus. In context, what do you think they were debating [cf. Mark 9:9-10; John 2:18-22; and John 16:16-18]?2. Luke records that the 2 disciples had “sadness written across their faces” in Luke 24:17. What does this reveal about their perception of Jesus and their current state of mind [cf. Nehemiah 2:1-2; Proverbs 15:13; and Proverbs 17:22]?3. According to Cleopas’ own statement in Luke 24:18-21, who was Jesus to him? Was he accurate? Why or why not [cf. Luke 7:16; John 6:14; and Acts 2:22-23]?4. What did Cleopas mean when he stated, “we had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel” in Luke 24:21? What was he missing [cf. Isaiah 41:14; Luke 1:68-75; and Luke 2:38]?5. Why did the 2 disciples not believe in Jesus’ resurrection after hearing the testimony of the women and the others who rushed to the tomb [Luke 24:21-24]? Why was there so much confusion [cf. Matthew 28:17; Mark 8:31-33; and John 20:24-25]?6. What Old Testament passages do you think Jesus used to show the 2 disciples “that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory” [Luke 24:25-27]? Also consult Genesis 3:15; Psalm 22:1-31; and Isaiah 52:13-53:12.7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?“The resurrection was indeed a miraculous display of God’s power, but we should not see it as a suspension of the natural order of the world. Rather it was the beginning of the restoration of the natural order of the world, the world as God intended it to be…The resurrection means not merely that Christians have hope for the future but that they have hope that comes from the future. The Bible’s startling message is that when Jesus rose, he brought the future kingdom of God into the present.” Timothy Keller - Apr 2, 2023Behold Your King – Deric BartlettBehold Your King – Deric BartlettThis week, Pastor Deric shares a special message for Palm Sunday, 'Behold Your King' based on Matthew 2:1-11.1. He is ______ (v. 1-2)
2. He is ______ (v. 3)
3. He is ______ and ______ (v.4-9)
4. He is ______ (v.10-11)ICEBREAKER: What was your best vacation?
1. Jesus’ actions and words in Matthew 21:1-3 are presented in this story as deliberate and decisive. What does this indicate about His mission [cf. Luke 22:22; Acts 2:22-23; and Acts 4:28]?
2. Matthew 21:5 quotes Zechariah 9:9. In that Old Testament context, the LORD pronounced judgment on the surrounding nations. What does Zechariah 9:9 reveal about Jesus at His triumphant entry? What does it predict about the future [cf. Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 9:7, and Jeremiah 23:5-6]?
3. All four Gospels record that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a lowly beast of burden [Matthew 21:2-6]. What does this show about Jesus’ character and approach to fulfilling His life’s purpose [cf. Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 11:28-30; and Matthew 12:15-21]?
4. The exclamation, “Hosanna!” means, “O Lord, save!”, and was found in the quotation from Psalm 118:25-26. How would a first-century A.D. Jew have understood the phrase, “Hosanna to the Son of David” [cf. Psalm 132:11; Mark 12:35-37; and John 7:40-43]?
5. Psalm 118 was the final song sung during the Passover meal [Matthew 21:9; cf. Matthew 26:30]. How does this psalm relate to what Jesus was about to do [cf. Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; and 1 Peter 2:4-8]?
6. The city of Jerusalem was in an uproar over Jesus’ entry and people wanted to know Who He was [Matthew 21:10-11]. What seems odd about the answer, and what does it say about Jesus’ identity [cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Luke 24:19; and John
1:45-49]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“He [Jesus] has a right to interrupt your life. He is Lord. When you accepted Him as Lord, you gave Him the right to help Himself to your life anytime He wants.”Henry Blackaby - Mar 19, 2023The Immagrated Gospel of Jesus Christ – Bechara KarakfiThe Immagrated Gospel of Jesus Christ – Bechara KarakfiThis week, our guest is Bechara Karkafi (FEB Church Planting Ambassador to New Canadian Communities). He shares "The Immagrated Gospel of Jesus Christ" from John 3:16-18.ICEBREAKER: Are you a cat or dog person or neither? Why?
1. According to John 3:16, what was God’s motivation to offer the world eternal life [cf. 1 John 4:9-11; 1 John 4:19; and Ephesians 2:4-5]? How does His approach influence your witness to the world?
2. Why did God choose to love the world that was in rebellion against Him [John 3:16]? Also, consult Romans 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:15; and 1 Peter 3:18.
3. What does it mean that Jesus is God’s “only” Son in John 3:16? What difference does it make [cf. Genesis 22:12; John 1:14; and John 3:18]?
4. What is the only prerequisite for a person to receive eternal life according to John 3:16 [cf. John 5:24; Romans 10:9-10; and Ephesians 2:8-9]?
5. Why does the world need to be saved [John 3:17]? What evidence do you observe that demonstrates the world cannot save itself [cf. Luke 19:10; Ephesians 2:1-3; and Ephesians 4:17-19]?
6. What is the frightening future prospect of all those who do not believe in God’s only Son [John 3:18]? Also, consider John 3:36; 2 Peter 3:7; and Jude 1:14-15.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“The purpose of the Bible is simply to proclaim God’s plan to save His children. It asserts that man is lost and needs to be saved. And it communicates the message that Jesus is the God in the flesh sent to save His children.”Max Lucado - Feb 26, 2023Revive Us Again and Again – Deric BartlettRevive Us Again and Again – Deric BartlettThis week, Pastor Deric shares a special message titled "Revive Us Again and Again" based on Psalm 119:33-40.1. He _______ you the truth (v. 33 – 34)
2. He _______ you in obedience (v. 35)
3. He _______ your heart (v. 36 – 37)
4. He _______ your beliefs (v. 38 – 39)
1. How do you know that the teaching being requested in Psalm 119:33 is more than just “head knowledge”? What should be the goal of all Bible study [cf. Psalm 119:9-11; Proverbs 6:23; and 2 Timothy 3:16-17]?
2. Why is whole-hearted obedience to the Word of God highly prized [Psalm 119:34]? Also, consult Deuteronomy 6:5-6; Joshua 22:5; and Proverbs 3:5-6.
3. Why does traveling along the path of God’s commandments bring delight [Psalm 119:35]? What happens when people wander away from God’s Word [cf. 2 Chronicles 15:1-7; Amos 8:11-12; and Matthew 7:24-27]?
4. According to Psalm 119:36-37, what should a believer turn towards? At the same time, what should he/she turn away from? Why [cf. 1 Samuel 8:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; and 2 Timothy 4:3-5]?
5. How does God’s Word help you recover from the reproachful insults of others [Psalm 119:39]? Also, consider 1 Samuel 17:26; 1 Samuel 25:39; and Isaiah 51:7-8.
6. How are the precepts of the Word of God reviving you and giving you life [Psalm 119:40]? Also, examine Psalm 80:17-19; Psalm 85:4-7; and Psalm 143:11.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“Revival is the visitation of God which brings to life Christians who have been sleeping and restores a deep sense of God's near presence and holiness. Thence springs a vivid sense of sin and a profound exercise of heart in repentance, praise, and love, with an evangelistic outflow.”(J.I. Packer) - Jan 29, 2023Do Not Be Afraid, I Am With You – Bryan LeeDo Not Be Afraid, I Am With You – Bryan LeeThis week, Pastor Bryan brings us a special message titled 'Do Not Fear, I Am With You' based on Isaiah 41:5-10.
When you are afraid, know that you belong to God, and he is with you
1. You don't belong to the world
2. You belong to God
ICEBREAKER: What do you fear?
1. In Isaiah 41:1, the LORD summoned the Gentile nations to court to give an account to Him. What does this indicate about God’s relationship to those who do not trust Him [cf. Psalm 47:1-9; Isaiah 34:1-3; and Daniel 4:34-35]?
2. What does it say about the LORD when He can use a pagan Gentile king – in this case, King Cyrus of Persia [Isaiah 41:2-3] – to accomplish His purposes [cf. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4; and Isaiah 44:28-45:6]?
3. What unique attributes does the LORD ascribe to Himself in Isaiah 41:4? What difference do these make [Isaiah 44:6; Revelation 1:8; and Revelation 22:13]?
4. Rather than trusting in the LORD, what did the unbelieving nations surrounding God’s people turn to [Isaiah 41:5-7]? Why was this foolish and vain [cf. Exodus 20:3-6; Isaiah 40:18-20; and Isaiah 44:9-20]?
5. Who are named in Isaiah 41:8-9? Why would remembering the patriarchs of the nation be of encouragement for God’s people during challenging times [cf. Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:15-18; and Genesis 28:10-17]?
6. According to Isaiah 41:10-13, what is the basis for God’s people to take courage and not be afraid? How does this help you during life’s difficulties [cf. Joshua 1:9; Psalm 118:5-14; and Romans 8:31-39]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer - His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.”
John Newton - Jan 1, 2023Renewed Day by Day – Bryan LeeRenewed Day by Day – Bryan LeeOn this Vision Sunday, Pastor Bryan sets the tone for the new year with a messaged titled 'Renewed Day by Day' based on 2 Cor. 4:16-17.
Main Point:Don’t be discouraged, God is renewing you today for a glorious tomorrow
1. You are ________ renewed today
Though our outer body and world decays, God is working in us powerfully now. He isn’t done with us.
2. You will be ________ renewed tomorrow
There is a purpose behind our suffering as it prepares us for the final day of glory when we and the world will be renewed completely.ICEBREAKER: What are some New Year’s resolutions you have not kept in the past that you may revive this year?
1. What was the Apostle Paul’s response to the hardships of Christian ministry [2 Corinthians 4:1-2]? How does his reaction inspire you to courageously face our current culture’s opposition to the gospel [cf. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Galatians 6:9-10; and Ephesians 3:13]?2. What is one major reason unbelievers find the gospel unbelievable [2 Corinthians 4:3-4]? What hope is there for anyone to be saved [cf. Matthew 13:18-23; Acts 26:15-18; and 2 Corinthians 4:5-6]?
3. What mindset best suits a Christian servant for effective ministry according to 2 Corinthians 4:7? Also consult 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9; and 2 Timothy 2:20-21 for more insights.
4. Was Paul’s experience described in 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 to be expected, or was it unusual? According to his own words, how was he able to endure [cf. John 15:18-25; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; and 2 Timothy 3:10-13]?
5. How did Paul’s faith help him cope with the challenges he faced in his Christian walk and ministry [2 Corinthians 4:13-15]? Also consider Psalm 116:10; Philippians 1:19-26; and 2 Timothy 1:12 for fresh encouragement.
6. Despite the reality of your physical body “wasting away”, how are you planning to renew your “inner self” in the coming new year [2 Corinthians 4:16-18]? Also examine Isaiah 40:28-31; Romans 12:1-2; and Ephesians 3:14-19 for helpful ideas.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“It is good to renew ourselves, from time to time, by closely examining the state of our souls, as if we had never done it before; for nothing tends more to the full assurance of faith, than to keep ourselves by this means in humility, and the exercise of all good works.”
John Wesley - Dec 27, 2015The Story Behind the Story
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- Jun 14, 2015Caleb the Courageous!
- May 17, 2015The Hope of Healing
- May 10, 2015A Lifetime of Influence
- Apr 3, 2015From Now On
