E-pistle for December 8, 2008
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E-pistle
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Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation December 8, 2008
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For Such a Time as This
(Esther 4:1-17)
Dr. Curt, Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Mordecai, hearing of Haman's plot to kill the Jews, tore his clothes, put on
sackcloth and ashes, and fasted with weeping and wailing . . . as did the Jews
in all the provinces, vv. 1-3.
2. Esther sent a servant to find out what was troubling Mordecai, vv. 4-6.
3. The servant, Hathach, took a copy of Haman's decree from Mordecai to Esther,
and requested that she approach the king to plead for the Jews lives; Esther
reminded Mordecai that coming into the king's presence without being summoned
could mean execution, vv. 7-12.
4. Mordecai encouraged Esther: "Who knows whether you have come to the
kingdom for such a time as this?" and Esther agreed to do it (after observing
a 3-day fast) . . . "and if I perish, I perish," vv. 13-17.
II. Meditation: on the actions taken by Esther
1. She expressed compassion for her cousin and guardian, Mordecai, and tried to
help him in his time of distress, v. 4.
2. She conferred with Mordecai about the dangerous situation, and obediently followed
his wise counsel, vv. 11-13.
3. She accepted her call of destiny . . . that God have placed her in the unique position
as queen of Persia so that through her the Lord could save His people, v. 14.
4. With courage that comes only through prayer and fasting, she agreed to lay her life
on the line for the sake of God's people, whose only chance for deliverance was
her intervention for them, v. 16.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications of these actions
1. Persons whom God can use are compassionate and sensitive to the needs of
hurting people.
2. Persons whom God can use are humble and teachable, giving heed to wise
counsel from godly associates.
3. Person whom God can use have a unique sense of calling . . . a vision of destiny . . .
an understanding of God's purpose for their lives.
4. Persons whom God can use spend time regularly in fasting and prayer to receive
the divine spiritual strength and courage needed to accomplish the Father's will.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Cultivate a compassionate, loving heart toward hurting people.
2. Always remain humble and teachable as I seek God's will.
3. Clearly perceive that God has a vision of destiny for my life.
4. Fast and pray for spiritual strength and courage.
Why Celebrate Christmas in the Winter?
(Galatians 4:1-31)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Paul reminded believers that they once were slaves to sin, vv. 1-3.
2. Paul interpreted Christ's birth "in the fullness of time," vv. 4-7.
3. Paul expressed his fears that the church might back-slide, vv. 8-20.
4. Paul taught about God's two covenants: one giving birth to bondage
and one giving birth to freedom, vv. 21-31.
II. Observations: on the "fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11-12
1. To everything there is a season, according to God's plan, Ecclesiastes 3:1.
2. There is a time for every purpose of God under heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 12.
3. God has made everything beautiful in its time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.
4. God has put "eternity" in human hearts, Ecclesiastes 3:11.
III. Meditation: on why Paul wrote "to come before winter," II Timothy 4:21
1. Winter is the darkest time of the year, he needed Timothy's radiance
2. Winter is the deadest time of the year, he needed Timothy's vitality.
3. Winter is the coldest time of the year, he needed Timothy's warmth.
4. Winter is the latest time of the year, he needed Timothy's optimism.
IV. Revelation: on the meaning of Christ's birth as seen in these Scriptures
1. The birth of Christ brought great light into the world at its darkest season,
John 1:9; Matthew 4:16; Isaiah 60:1-3.
2. The birth of Christ brought the possibility of eternal life to those who, in spite
of the deadness of their souls, believe in Him and receive Him through faith,
John 1:14; 3:16.
3. The birth of Christ brought warmth (and healing) to persons whose hearts are
cold toward spiritual things, Malachi 4:2.
4. The birth of Christ marked the end of the old era and the beginning of a new
Covenant . . . a new start, II Corinthians 5:17.
V. Applications: as a Christian, I need to understand that . . .
1. No matter how dark my circumstances, the light of Christ comes to illuminate
my pathway.
2. No matter how dead my dreams and aspirations, Christ comes to bring a glorious
resurrection of hope for the future.
3. No matter how cold my heart or how frigid my compassion, Christ (Sun of
Righteousness) comes to warm my soul and ignite my spirit with inspiration,
joy, comfort, and encouragement.
4. No matter how badly I may have messed up the preceding year, Christ comes to
give me a fresh new start . . . "Old things have passed away . . . all things
have become new," II Corinthians 5:17.
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Now When The Fullness of Time Had Come
(Galatians 4:4-7)
Now when the fullness of time had come,
A Son, God's only begotten,
Was sent to earth, of a woman born,
But men through the years have forgotten.
REGRAIN
Love, love is the Father's gift,
To save us all from our sin and strife,
Love, love is the Father's gift,
A child born to give to us God's life.
He came to earth to redeem mankind
The Law brings us condemnation;
Adopted into His family,
Praise God for His grace and salvation.
As sons and daughters behold the gift,
The Father's Spirit is giving;
Into our hearts, crying out to God,
His joy makes our life worth the living.
Through Christ no longer we live as slaves,
His richest blessings now please us;
We're heirs of God, for He sets us free,
All glory and honor to Jesus.
Come, let us worship the newborn King,
Who came to earth as a stranger,
We bow before Him this Christmas Day,
He's Almighty God in a Manger.
(Tune: Greensleeves)
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