Introducing Esther (Part 1 of 2)

Aug 12, 2025

Explore the thrilling journey of Esther, a Jewish girl who rises to become queen of Persia amid political intrigue. Discover themes of courage and transformation as her story unfolds, revealing connections to the broader biblical narrative. Delve into the significance of discernment in scripture and the larger themes of salvation that tie individual faith to the collective experience of believers. The podcast uncovers God's overarching plan of redemption while integrating historical context and the continual struggle against evil.

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ANECDOTE

Rediscovering 'Once Upon A Time'

Alistair Begg recalls the delight of reading 'once upon a time' stories again as a grandparent.
He uses that memory to introduce Esther's narrative and its unfolding drama.

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ADVICE

Seek Objective Biblical Meaning

Do seek the objective meaning of Scripture rather than projecting your personal view onto the text.
Avoid treating Bible study like a playground where meanings are freely invented.

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INSIGHT

History Moves Toward Christ

Alistair Begg highlights Ephesians to show history moves toward Christ as God's goal.
He frames the Bible's events as parts of a single plan to unite all things in Jesus.

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The Story of Esther: Courage and Context

02:42 • 5min

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Discerning Meaning in the Living Word

07:59 • 2min

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Divine Narrative Unveiled: Esther and Redemption

10:21 • 13min

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Understanding Salvation in the Bigger Biblical Context

23:04 • 2min

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Matthew 14

St. Matthew

Matthew 14 recounts key events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It begins with Herod's execution of John the Baptist, highlighting the political tensions and moral conflicts of the time. Jesus then feeds a multitude of five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, demonstrating His miraculous power and compassion. Later, Jesus walks on water during a storm, an event that tests the faith of His disciples. Peter attempts to walk on water as well but begins to sink when he loses faith, prompting Jesus to save him. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing the sick in Gennesaret, further establishing His divine authority and healing ministry.

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Gospel of Mark

H.A Guy

The Gospel of Mark is the earliest of the four Gospels and provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Jesus' role as both the powerful Messiah and the vulnerable suffering servant. The narrative highlights key themes such as the Kingdom of God, the messianic secret, and Jesus' mission to suffer and die for the redemption of others. The Gospel is set against the backdrop of Jewish apocalyptic expectations and the socio-political landscape of 1st-century Judea, serving as a theological treatise and a pastoral response to a community in crisis.

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Ephesians

Canon Martin Kitchen

This book approaches the Epistle to the Ephesians in a unique manner, deviating from the traditional verse-by-verse analysis. It acknowledges the debt of biblical studies to historical method while offering a fresh and comprehensive examination of the text. The study provides a radical and insightful look at the Epistle, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in New Testament studies.

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Nehemiah

Gene A. Getz

The Book of Nehemiah continues the story of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah's leadership and determination in the face of opposition highlight the importance of perseverance and faith. The book emphasizes the significance of community and the restoration of God's people. Nehemiah's commitment to justice and his efforts to protect the vulnerable demonstrate the importance of social responsibility. The book's narrative provides a powerful example of faith, leadership, and the restoration of a community.

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Leviticus

Noth, Martin

Leviticus details the laws and regulations given to the Israelites through Moses, focusing on ritual purity, sacrifices, and priestly duties. It outlines the procedures for various offerings and the consequences of violating God's commands. The book emphasizes the importance of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane. Leviticus provides insights into the Israelite religious system and its significance in their relationship with God. The book's laws and regulations offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel.

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Daniel

My French Cuisine

Daniel Boulud

This cookbook offers a personal perspective on French cuisine, with over 75 signature recipes from Restaurant Daniel and additional home recipes. It includes essays on essential subjects like bread and cheese, along with photographs capturing Boulud’s culinary artistry.

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Romans 1

The First Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans

The Apostle Paul

Romans 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, written by Paul the Apostle. It introduces the core messages of Christianity, including the Gospel, faith, righteousness, and God's wrath against sin. Paul emphasizes the power of the Gospel for salvation and the revelation of God's righteousness through faith.

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Esther

Henry Adams

Written by Henry Adams in 1884, 'Esther' is a novel that delves into the complexities of a modern, rationalist woman's response to romantic and religious pressures. The story follows Esther Dudley, a sophisticated and free-thinking woman, as she navigates her feelings for Reverend Stephen Hazard, a charismatic and high-minded preacher. The novel is set against a backdrop of debates about religion, science, art, and poetry, and it reflects Adams' exploration of the 'woman question' of his time. Esther's character is partly based on Adams' wife, Clover, and the novel touches on themes of bereavement, intellectual curiosity, and the struggle for independence in a society dominated by traditional values.

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Genesis

Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit

Craig Mundie

Eric Schmidt

Henry A. Kissinger

In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence. AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution. The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.

The book of Esther is about a Jewish girl who became the queen of Persia—a thrilling tale of political intrigue and deliverance. But what does it have to do with God or with us? Hear the answer in an Encore 2025 message on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg.

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• Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message.
• This program is part of the series‘Encore 2025’
• Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount.
•Make a deep exploration of the person and work of Jesus the topic of your next individual or group study. Download Name Above All Names by Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson as an ebook for free August 1-31, 2025. Comes with a chapter-by-chapter study guide. Request yours at truthforlife.org/name.

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This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today’s program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

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