What does affliction have to do with gratitude? In a year like 2020, it would be easy to lose sight of the things that we have to be grateful for. But what if affliction is supposed to make us MORE grateful, and not LESS? Let's think about that today as we consider 2 Corinthians 4.

Restore Church Sermons

Gratitude and Affliction

Thanksgiving takes on a whole different meaning during a year like 2020. We'll consider what it is that stands in the way of us giving thanks, and how it is that we can truly be grateful.

Gratitude and Grace

God's word helps us see God's purposes in the events of our lives. In the book of Esther, we are given a glimpse into the purpose of the exile, and how God's people learn to live in reliance on Him. The story also points us towards another reality: that although human leaders will always be temporary, King Jesus reigns forever.

The Purpose of the Exile

How does the exile serve the world–especially when they have a position of influence? Esther chapter 8 provides a template for how the exile can best serve the world once they recognize that the story is going to end in their favor.

Influence

Would you rather pursue honor for yourself, or shame? A dichotomy is presented in the book of Esther between two characters; one who pursues honor for himself, and one who pursues humility and even shame. In the end, their roles are reversed, reminding us of the role reversal of the Gospel itself: Jesus humbled himself, and was honored by God.

Role Reversal

How does an exile impact change? The story of Esther teaches us that the exile has more power than they realize, since their confidence is not in their position but in their full dependency on God.

Subversive

What is our purpose? Most of us have wrestled with that question. In Esther 4, Esther goes through a process of discovery to figure out what it is that God is calling her to. We can learn some things from her story to help us uncover our "for such a time as this" moments.

For Such a Time as This

In this sermon we consider the question, "where do our allegiances lie?" Esther 2 forces us to consider our how corporate identity has an impact on how we experience and engage with the world around us. Do we engage based on a secondary identity? Or do we engage with the world based on our primary identity in Jesus Christ?

Where do our allegiances lie?

The book of Esther begins by presenting us with a picture of what life was like under Persian King, Xerxes. He is proud, self-indulgent, and in the midst of throwing a wild party for himself and then for the capital city when the Queen, Vashti, disobeys his command. It is a tale of two cities; on the one hand, a city filled with wealth and celebration. On the other hand, a city ruled by the worst types of people. Join us as we consider why this would force Esther to consider which Kingdom she belonged to before we are ever introduced to her in the text.

Which Kingdom Do You Belong To?

Join us for worship at 9:30! "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world." Do you ever hear this statement of Jesus and wonder what he was talking about? How can the believer live confidently in a world filled with trouble, and what does it really mean that Jesus has overcome? Lord's Day 19 of the Heidelberg Catechism points us to Jesus position of authority and ultimate return and judgment for assurance that not only has Jesus overcome the world, but that the believer can live according to his game plan to live as overcomers even now.

Ancient Answers - Lord's Day Nineteen

Join us for worship at 9:30! Have you ever thought about the ascension of Jesus? The Apostles Creed says that Jesus "ascended into heaven", and we'll consider why that simple phrase might be far more important than we ever imagined.

Ancient Answers - Lord's Day Eighteen

Lord's Day 17 points us towards the resurrection and asks us to take a step of faith. The step of faith it requires, however, is not whether or not the resurrection happened–it's about whether or not we believe the benefits that it has for us. Namely, that the resurrection finally allows for us to be unencumbered so that we can fully engage in life.

Ancient Answers - Lord's Day Seventeen

The impact of sin is separation–separation from one another, and separation from God–ultimately experienced in the separation of soul from body in death. During his life and death, Jesus experiences this separation on our behalf so that we never have to worry about being separated from God again.

Ancient Answers - Lord's Day Sixteen

What does it mean to suffer? For Jesus, and for us. Join us as we consider how God's wrath and his love come together finally at the cross.

Ancient Answers - Lord's Day Fifteen

We celebrate the birth of Jesus so often that we end up missing the greatest miracle in Scripture–that the Son of God took on flesh in the person of Jesus. So what do we believe about this birth? Does it really matter that Mary was a virgin? Only if Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit can we trust that, unlike us, he is truly sinless–and only if he is sinless can he mediate on our behalf and change our condition of sin.

Ancient Answers - Lord's Day Fourteen

Sermons from Restore Church in North Haledon, NJ. Restore Church is an evangelical church located in North Haledon, NJ that began in January of 2012. We seek to love Jesus more by learning about Him, responding to Him, loving one another, and serving the community around us. Restore is a member church with the Acts 29 Network.

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Restore Church Sermons

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