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Strong Women Strong World
Esther | Part 4
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 20, 2025

The book of Esther is one of the most creatively written books in the entire Bible. In fact, you’ll be amazed by it. The lead character is female and she’s a true hero. Not only does she help to avert a planned holocaust for the Jewish people, this story becomes the basis of the annual Feast of Purim which celebrates God’s protection of His people. You’ll also see amazing parallels between Esther’s story and Jesus’ story. Don't miss this next installment in our series, Strong Women, Strong World!

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Discussion Questions

1. Though Esther lived in a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were far greater than those of women), she was able to rise to a position of influence and use that influence to save the nation. What was true about Esther’s day was also the prevailing culture throughout most of the history during which the Bible was written. What other stories of women in Scripture are you aware of who rose to prominence and leadership in spite of the culture of the day? Discuss the ways in which they were used by God. How do their stories inspire you? How are you or the women you know impacted by stories like these?

2. Take some time in your group to discuss the following quote, “In the moral conflict now raging around us, whoever is on God’s side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win” (A.W. Tozer).

3. God gave Esther a mentor in her uncle Mordecai. How important have mentors been in your own life and development? Have you ever had one? If so, in what arena of life? What was their impact on you? How has that person helped to shape the person you have become?

4. The Bible makes a distinction between time (chronos – which is clocks, days and calendars) and time (kairos – a pregnant moment in time, a pivotal moment in history). Esther’s story is a reminder that we are where we are and who we are for a reason. And sometimes, everything seems to align to create an opportunity to exercise our gifting, utilize our influence and invest our talent – a Kairos moment. In reflecting on Esther’s Kairos moment, are you aware of other Kairos moments in Scripture, in world history or US history, or in your own personal life? If so, describe what happened and why you think it was a Kairos moment.

5. The book of Esther is written in a very creative style. Pastor Keith talked about this very Jewish way of writing which is most commonly known as chiastic writing. As a group or individual, download both the simplified and detailed chiastic structure of Esther from the online message notes. Notice how each and every negative and dark outcome in the first half of the book is then corrected by a positive and hopeful outcome in the latter portion of the book? What did you learn about this style of writing? Why did Jewish writers use it? How does it help to clarify and amplify the message of Esther?

6. As Pastor Keith wrapped up the message, he focused on some of the parallels between Esther’s story and Jesus’s story. Can you name the parallels he mentioned and why? Are you aware of any other ways that Esther’s story is similar to Jesus’ story? If so, what are they?

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Strong Women Strong World
Ruth | Part 3
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 13, 2025

She’s an immigrant, a part of a hated and maligned group of people, a widow woman with virtually no rights yet she changed the course of human history. She became a model of God’s love and through her lineage, Christ was born. Her name is Ruth. Don’t miss her inspiring story this Sunday.

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Discussion Questions

1. In the first part of the message, Pastor Keith described the revolution of rising expectations that basically says we can endure all sorts of problems and adversity, but the injection of hope followed by another setback becomes practically unbearable. We see this played out in the story of Naomi and the journey to Moab to end their constant struggle for food. But once they arrived, the bad news began to pile up. Have you or someone you know ever gone through the revolution of rising expectations? What effect did it have on you or those you know? What was the eventual outcome of the situation? How well did you deal with it?

2. The story of Ruth is one where the main characters don’t see the hand of God in their circumstances like we do as readers. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? In retrospect, can you see where and how God was at work even when you didn’t sense it? Without being trite, how might you encourage someone going through difficulty who is struggling with finding God in their circumstances?

3. This story contains the stories of three widows who all make different choices.
• Orpah - returns to the FAMILIAR
• Naomi - gets STUCK in her sorrow
• Ruth - determined to go on with LIFE
Have you ever made any of those choices? And if so, why, where and when was that? Where did that choice lead you?

4. Hesed love is grace in action. It’s the way God loves us. And it’s the way Ruth loved her mother-in-law Naomi. Hesed goes beyond feelings or sentiments. We recognize it in how it behaves. Why was what Ruth chose to do an act of Hesed love? Has God ever put you in a situation where you choose Hesed over self-preservation or self-priority? What motivated you to make that choice? What difference, if any, did it make?

5. How is Ruth’s character a type of Christ? What does it say that God would choose to include this story about an ordinary family choosing to do the right thing during a time when self-interest reigned supreme? During the time of the judges, there are two women who rise unrivaled to the top – Deborah and Ruth. What message does it send that God would make these two women the supreme highlight during a time of incredible darkness and infidelity to God’s covenant?

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Strong Women Strong World
Deborah | Part 2
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 06, 2025

In spite of the fact that the Bible was written during a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were foremost and the rights of women practically non-existent) we still find many examples of strong women. Women who are not passive, demure and timid but active, bold and assertive. Deborah's story stands in bold opposition to those who say women can’t lead. Because not only does Deborah lead in the civic and spiritual realm, her leadership is unrivaled by any of the other male leaders of her day.

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Discussion Questions

1. Pastor Keith, in his introduction, talked about the cycle of judgment in the book of Judges and how with each repetition, things got worse producing a downward spiral in the nation. He explained how sin is repetitious, monotonous and destructive. But the second defining characteristic of sin is, if left unaddressed, it will always escalate. How and where have you seen the truth of this played out? How is addiction an example of this principle? What is necessary to break free of this destructive cycle?

2. Do you know someone that you consider to be a “great leader” (preferably someone you know personally)? What makes him or her excellent?

3. What things can we learn about leadership and the way God operates based on his choosing of Deborah and her unique gifts and roles in the life of Israel? Why do you think Scripture intentionally parallels the song of Moses alongside the song of Deborah? Do you think the high role of Deborah in Judges should play a part in determining what roles women can and should play in the Church today? Why or why not?

4. Just like in this story, sometimes it seems that the deck is stacked against us and the enemy has all the advantages. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But God has a plan. The question is, are we willing to do it His way? Or are we too busy making caveats, exceptions and putting conditions on our obedience? Have you ever been asked by God to do something, that at the time, didn’t make sense but in the end, it was the best choice? If you’re up against something particularly challenging right now, what in this story speaks to you about what you could or should be doing right now?

5. As Virginia Ely said your life represents a fresh thought of God and He has put you where you are to make a difference. What dream has He placed in your heart? What longings have you had that never seem to go away? You do realize, don’t you, that if God wills something to happen, it will happen. You will never ultimately fail in following God.