{"id":531,"date":"2022-11-15T21:13:11","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T21:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?post_type=portfolio&#038;p=531"},"modified":"2022-12-22T20:48:52","modified_gmt":"2022-12-22T20:48:52","slug":"esther-2","status":"publish","type":"portfolio","link":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=esther-2","title":{"rendered":"Esther"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-99ikz-07edefd2ae7144ff9494127352cfd6f3\">\n.avia-section.av-99ikz-07edefd2ae7144ff9494127352cfd6f3{\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Biblestudy65-1500x430.png);\nbackground-position:0% 0%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-99ikz-07edefd2ae7144ff9494127352cfd6f3 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'  data-section-bg-repeat='no-repeat' data-av_minimum_height_pc='25'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><main  role=\"main\" itemprop=\"mainContentOfPage\"  class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-531'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\nfont-size:5vw;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:5vw;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7 .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-laipobgc-bc89103e39bbdf93707a812be45c7ce7 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote elegant-quote elegant-centered  avia-builder-el-1  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  av-inherit-size'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><span class=\"heading-wrap\">Esther<\/span><\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/main><!-- close content main element --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-531'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div class='flex_column av-eqn17-d5266a37e7634092e7921e6c316b0e8e av_one_half  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div '     ><div  class='togglecontainer av-laiq4we7-c2965fbaa7a4b22546cb9da2a265e508  avia-builder-el-3  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-laiq4uoq-c9d80733e5568c5085a2e361b7697f7c'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-1' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-1'>Introduction Part One<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-1' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>I begin a study of the Book of Esther this week. I will need to lay some groundwork by way of introduction before we get into the text.<\/p>\n<p>I want to mention first of all the \u2018<em>Key Characters<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 There are five major characters in this book.\u00a0 The number \u2018<em>5<\/em>\u2019 is always connected with the subject of grace.\u00a0 This is a book that is totally, from beginning to end, a thesis on the subject of \u2018<em>Sovereign Grace\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 It is a grace ruled, run, and controlled by God alone.\u00a0 The five characters are King Ahasuerus (1:1), Queen Vashti (1:11), Mordecai (2:5), Esther (2:7), and Haman (3:1).<\/p>\n<p>I would also mention a \u2018<em>Key Cause\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 This is the only book in the Bible where God is never mentioned in any form.\u00a0 He is never referred to by a personal pronoun.\u00a0 Though He is never mentioned in this book He is the unseen cause in this book.\u00a0 Let me remind you of a preacher friend on an Atlanta Highway when CB radios were used.\u00a0 When he got on the Interstate, said on his CB, <em>\u2018Breaker, breaker, anyone seen Smokey the Bear (Highway Patrol) on I-85 Northbound\u2019<\/em>?\u00a0 He said a voice came back and said, \u2018<em>Just because you can\u2019t see me doesn\u2019t mean I a not here<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 Let me remind our hearts that just because God is never mentioned it doesn\u2019t mean He is not the center of this book in all His glory and majesty.\u00a0 It is true in our own lives.\u00a0 He is doing more we can\u2019t see than what we can see.<\/p>\n<p>Let me first mention also a \u2018Key Center\u2019. When I speak of the center of this book I means the theme. I believe the theme of this book is \u2018Providence\u2019. I define providence as the unseen hand of God in the glove of my history telling His story. When I preach this sermon I illustrate this point by placing my hand into a black glove. The glove of our life is useless without His hand in our life guiding each step of the way. I like the breakdown of the word \u2018history\u2019. It is made up of two words, \u2018His\u2019 and \u2018Story\u2019. He places His hand in the glove of our life not to tell our history but His story.<\/p>\n<p>By way of a center I mention that this is an \u2018allegorical story\u2019. An allegory is where the author takes different characters to represent a truth by way of symbolism. It is through these symbols that the author will often teach great principles of truth. The allegorical thought is seen in such great works as \u2018Pilgrim\u2019s Progress\u2019. This was a make believe story but let me remind you that Esther is not a make believe story but a true story in which God has arranged each character to teach a great truth about His providence.<\/p>\n<p>I will take up the thought today and maybe for several studies of \u2018Providence\u2019. This is our theme. Let us begin to look at \u2018The Beauty Of Providence\u2019. Too many see providence as an enemy but it is a friend with great beauty for the child of God.<\/p>\n<p>I turn our thoughts first of all to \u2018The Illumination Of Providence\u2019. We will never under stand the depths of providence unless our Lord gives us eyes to see and ears to hear. Let us look at Psalm 103, verses 19 and 22. We find there this thought, \u2018He is the determiner of all things\u2019. In verse 19 we are told \u2018from His throne in Heaven He ruleth over all\u201d. In verse 22 we are told \u2018He has dominion in all places\u2019. The words \u2018ruleth\u2019 and \u2018dominion\u2019 are very similar in meaning. The words mean to ordain or determine. It is the law by which God makes all events to fulfill His set ordained plan. There are no accidents only appointments. God permits nothing. He ordains all things. There is no perfect will versus permissive will. He has no plan B only plan A. Paul said \u2018For it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure\u2019. He said \u2018He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.\u2019 We will find in the book of Esther that He is the determiner of all things both in her life as well as in our own.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-laiq8ylx-d9a97a605ee2b4739b643d70c1d2fb31'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-2' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-2'>Introduction Part Two<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-2' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>We continue this week of our study of the Book of Esther.\u00a0 Last week we found this is the only book in the Bible where God is never mentioned in any shape or form. Though He is never mentioned He is the center of this Book.<\/p>\n<p>The theme of this Book we found is \u2018<em>Providence<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 I defined providence as \u2018<em>the unseen hand of God in the glove of my history telling His Story<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 We plan to study \u2018<em>providence<\/em>\u2019 for some time before we enter the actual study of Esther.\u00a0 We began last week looking at the \u2018<em>Beauty Of Providence<\/em>\u2019 as the means of defining this great truth.\u00a0 In our study of \u2018<em>The Illumination Of Providence<\/em>\u2019 we found that \u2018<em>He is the determiner of all things<\/em>\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>I now want to bring to our attention that \u2018<em>He Is The Driver In All Things<\/em>\u2019. I recently saw a powerful bumper sticker that read, \u2018<em>If God is your co-pilot, stop and change drivers\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 In a study of Psalm 135:5-10 we find in verse 5 the Psalmist tells us that \u2018<em>The Lord is great<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 The word \u2018<em>great<\/em>\u2019 has the meaning of the only true God, the most high, and the God of all gods.\u00a0 In verse 6 we find He does whatever He pleases in heaven, earth, seas, and all deep places.\u00a0 In verse 7 we see all the elements of nature are under His command.\u00a0 In verses 8-10 He brought great catastrophe and destroyed mighty nations. The Bible says in I Samuel 2:3b, 6,7, \u201c\u2026<em>for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by Him actions are weighed. The Lord killeth and maketh alive: He bringeth down to the grave and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low and lifteth up.\u00a0 He raiseth the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD\u2019S and He hath set the world upon them<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 This is certainly adequate proof that \u2018<em>He is the driver of all things<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 If you need further proof read Psalm 75:6-7 and Proverbs 21:1.\u00a0 We can rest in the competence of our God.\u00a0 He is a tried and tested driver at the wheel of my life.<\/p>\n<p>We also find by way of illumination that \u2018<em>He Is The Director Of All Things<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 The Bible says in Daniel 4:35, \u201c<em>And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing<\/em>\u201d <em>and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou<\/em>?\u201d\u00a0 I received my Bible training in a college that is well known for it\u2019s major Shakespeare productions.\u00a0 I have been to Broadway productions as well. I have never been as captivated with the play as much as those who change the scenery.\u00a0 They are dressed in black and carry small penlights.\u00a0 You just catch a glimpse of them every now and then.\u00a0 Let us not be consumed with the changes in our life but with the director who changes all.\u00a0 We catch a glimpse of Him often although it may only be the hinder parts as He goes by.\u00a0 O to see Him in part is often enough to get us through our day.\u00a0 Lord, open our eyes to see your hand in the glove of our history directing all to the glory of telling your story.<\/p>\n<p>We find in our study of the Beauty of Providence a subject I call \u2018<em>The Ignorance Of Providence\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 I am amazed at what the devil is said by some to be in charge of. In I Kings 22:20-23 I find our God is in charge of \u2018<em>deception<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 He put a lying spirit in the heart of Ahab so he would go into battle and meet his end.\u00a0 In II Thessalonians 2:7-11 we find our God is in charge of \u2018<em>delusion<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 He tells us that in the last days He will send a strong delusion that they may believe a lie and be damned with them that believe not.\u00a0 He is truly not a God to be ignored or treated in a foolish manner.<\/p>\n<p>I close our study of the Beauty of Providence with the \u2018<em>Illustration Of Providence\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 <em>Providence is the means of somes down sitting<\/em>.\u00a0 He led Ahab into battle through deception that he might be killed by an arrow shot at a venture.\u00a0 Caesar Augustus got the idea to tax the people to better his army.\u00a0 Little did he know it would bring Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem to give birth to the King of Kings.\u00a0 He put it in Pilate\u2019s heart to crucify Him and God used His death to save a people for all eternity.\u00a0 <em>Providence is the means of somes uprising<\/em>.\u00a0 His brothers sold Joseph into slavery.\u00a0 He later said that they meant it for evil but God meant it for good.\u00a0 Ruth the Moabitess returned with her mother-in-law from Moab and neither of them had anything.\u00a0 Ruth one day happed on the field of Boaz and found grace in his eyes.\u00a0 This favor placed her in the line of Christ.\u00a0 Do you struggle or cooperate with the Providence of God?\u00a0 I truly thank Him for putting His unseen hand in the glove of my history to tell His Story.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-laiqfv2b-8e26715337797e1d17a13aa4615d9cf3'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-3' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-3'>Esther 1-2<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-3' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>We turn out attention again this week to the Book of Esther.\u00a0 This is the only book in the Bible where God\u2019s name is never mentioned.\u00a0 We found in our previous study that this is an allegorical story.\u00a0 It is a story in which each character is a symbol or type of a greater thought and they are used to tell a story that teaches truth.\u00a0 The four characters introduced thus far are King Ahasuerus, (a picture of the god of this world), Queen Vashti, (our old nature), Esther, (picture of the new nature), and Mordecai (a picture of faith).<\/p>\n<p>In our last study we looked at \u2018<em>The Beauty Of Providence\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 We came to the conclusion through this study of this definition of providence which is \u2018<em>It is the unseen hand of God reaching into the glove of my history to tell \u2018His Story\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>I want to look this week at \u2018<em>The Battle Of Providence\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 If there were any sub themes to this book they would be \u2018<em>good versus evil<\/em>\u2019, <em>\u2018flesh versus spirit\u2019<\/em>, or the \u2018<em>old nature versus the new nature<\/em>\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>This is an inward battle and not an outward battle.\u00a0 It is not a battle of doing but done.\u00a0 In fighting this battle you must find out where you are. Ron Dunn, the great evangelist of yesterday, went to a dinner at the Dallas, Texas Coliseum.\u00a0 He and his wife walked the circle for a while until his wife commented that they had been there before. He noticed a \u2018<em>Directory<\/em>\u2019 with a big red circle that said, \u2018<em>You Are Here<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 He came to this conclusion that you cannot get to where you need to be until you find our where you are.\u00a0 He came to the conclusion that those who claim to be saved are not as far along as they think they are.<\/p>\n<p>I begin this week in Chapter 1 and look at the thought of \u2018<em>A Fleshly Queen And Ungodly King\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 Vashti mentioned in verse 12 is a picture of the \u2018<em>old nature<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 We are born with but one nature.\u00a0 It is stubborn and will not choose God.\u00a0 The natural man receiveth not the things of God.\u00a0 Vashti, the fleshly old nature, and King Ahasuerus are wonderful illustrations of what we were like before God found us.<\/p>\n<p>In verses 3 and 4 we find \u2018<em>Pride Of The Flesh<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 In verse 4 we are told the King threw a party that lasted 180 days and 7 extra days to boot.\u00a0 There were three reasons why this celebration was given and all of them smell of pride.\u00a0 One of the reasons was to \u2018<em>shew his riches<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 The little phrase means to unveil what has been accumulated by ones self.\u00a0 The second reason was to \u2018<em>shew his glorious kingdom<\/em>\u2019 which means to let others see ones assent and sitting procedure upon his throne.\u00a0 The third was \u2018<em>the honour of his excellent majesty\u2019<\/em>. This phrase has the idea of boasting in one\u2019s mighty acts and deeds.\u00a0 Pride is seeing ones self as somebody when we are nothing.\u00a0 Pride always goes before a fall.\u00a0 I wonder if there is an overwhelming sense in the Church that we are not as far along the humility road as we think we are.\u00a0 If you think you are a humble person there is a good chance you are not.<\/p>\n<p>In verse 5-8 of Chapter 1 we find \u2018<em>The Pleasure Of The Flesh<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 During this 187 days of partying the Queen Vashti was called to dance before the King.\u00a0 I feel like she was to dance naked and with nothing but her crown on.\u00a0 She refuses to come.\u00a0 Flesh doesn\u2019t want to be exposed though God says in Hebrews that we are all naked and open before God.<\/p>\n<p>In Chapter 1 and verse 15 we find \u2018<em>The Perception Of The Flesh<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 They attempt to bring Vashti, the old nature, under control of the law.\u00a0 Paul said that when the law enters the transgressions abound.\u00a0 Flesh will not control flesh.\u00a0 You can educate it, moralize it, and bring it under the law, but it is still just flesh.\u00a0 There must be a new queen, a new nature to sit upon the throne of our hearts if we are to conquer in this battle.\u00a0 May our cry be to the God of Providence to reach His unseen hand into our life and place His divine nature on the throne of our hearts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lbbchaqk-13ae9c3d6c9d09f5bc1fd34122a79e9d'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-4' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-4'>Esther 2-3:5<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-4' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Let us search around again in the gold mine of the Book of Esther.\u00a0 It is an allegorical story with the theme of Providence.\u00a0 An allegorical story is when the author gives symbols to each character in order to teach great truth.\u00a0 The word \u2018<em>providence<\/em>\u2019 means the unseen hand of God in the glove of my history telling His story.<\/p>\n<p>In our last lesson we found Haman sent out a decree to kill all the Jews.\u00a0 We have been studying \u2018<em>The Beseeching Of Providence\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 When providence puts our backs against the wall we must cry to the King for help.<\/p>\n<p>We found in our study that Haman is a type of the law of sin and the spirit of temptation.\u00a0 Haman is \u2018<em>The Warden Of Our Fires<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 This week we want to continue looking at the \u2018<em>Beseeching Of Providence<\/em>\u2019 by looking at \u2018<em>The Works Of His Faith<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 Mordecai is a picture of \u2018<em>Faith<\/em>\u2019 in this book.\u00a0 There are several stages of faith: no faith, little faith, and great faith.\u00a0 In chapter 2 and verse 19 we find \u2018<em>The Position Of Faith<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 In a time when their backs were against the wall, \u201c\u2026<em>Mordecai sat in the king\u2019s gate<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 The word \u2018<em>sat<\/em>\u2019 means to be settled, to remain fixed and dwelling in a quiet place.\u00a0 Faith doesn\u2019t pace but waits patiently for the providence of God to work.\u00a0 Peter said, \u2018<em>Who are kept by the power of God through faith<\/em>.\u2019\u00a0 James said \u2018<em>Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>In this story we are also confronted with \u2018<em>The Practice Of Faith<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 In chapter 4, verse 1-3 we find faith \u2018<em>will make you do things that are strange<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 When Mordecai perceived what had been done he began to fast, weep, and wait with sackcloth and ashes.\u00a0 When our backs are against the wall and we seek the King, by faith we will perceive all.\u00a0 Faiths practice will cause us to \u2018<em>go beyond our ability of sense<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 Esther says in verses 8-11 that if she goes into the presence of the King without an invitation she will die.\u00a0 She is at this time living between little or no faith, the place where most of us live.\u00a0 In 4:12-14 faith does its work by speaking to her that if she does not go in then providence will raise up another.\u00a0 Faith said, \u201c\u2026<em>who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this<\/em>?\u201d\u00a0 Faith gives us ability beyond our human imagination.<\/p>\n<p>Faith will cause us <em>to mortify self<\/em>.\u00a0 In 4:16 she sends word that she was going in, \u201c\u2026<em>and if I perish, I perish<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 Faith won\u2019t let you count your life dear unto yourself.<\/p>\n<p>In chapter 5 we find \u2018<em>The Prompting Of Faith<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 In 5:1-2a she draws nigh to the King and lays hold to the scepter.\u00a0 She is in royal apparel.\u00a0 She doesn\u2019t come in her stead but in the righteous apparel given to her by the King.<\/p>\n<p>In 5:3 we find \u2018<em>The Possession Of Faith\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 The King tells her he will give her up to half of his kingdom.\u00a0 The allegory breaks down here.\u00a0 Our King makes us joint heirs.\u00a0 We don\u2019t get half of the kingdom but we will get it all.\u00a0 \u2018<em>My faith has found a resting place not in device or creed. I trust the everlasting one. His wounds for me shall plead<\/em>.\u2019\u00a0 How much faith is needed to approach Him?\u00a0 In Luke 7 we find a Gentile centurion gets the request answered to heal his servant.\u00a0 Jesus said the centurion had \u2018<em>great faith<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 In this same chapter we find an old preacher in prison by the name of John the Baptist with \u2018<em>wavering faith<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 We find also a widow of Nain has her son raised from the dead and she has \u2018<em>no faith<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 The stages of faith matter not but it all depends upon the unseen hand of God\u2019s providence working in our life to tell His story.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-laiqj08d-21443c74b4e1ed0915a14db56662c7aa'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-5' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-5'>Esther 3-5<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-5' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Let us return again to our study of Esther. Our theme is that of \u2018Providence\u2019. We have defined providence as \u2018The unseen hand of God in the glove of my history telling His Story\u2019. This is an allegorical story, which is when the author takes various characters and causes them to symbolize different things and teach principles of truth through their lives.<\/p>\n<p>Through the working of God\u2019s providence we will be brought into situations that leave us weak, hopeless, helpless, and our backs against the wall. We have nowhere else to go but to cry out to the hand of providence to work in our history. Esther (a picture of our new nature) and Mordecai (picture of faith) find their backs against the wall in this text.<\/p>\n<p>I draw our attention this week to \u2018The Beseeching Unto Providence\u2019. I use the word \u2018beseeching\u2019 for it means to cry out and plead before another.<\/p>\n<p>In chapter 3 and verse 1 we are introduced to the fifth character in our book. He is a man by the name of Haman. In the allegorical story he will represent a picture of the law of sin and spirit of temptation. Let us look first in our study of beseeching at \u2018The Warden Of Our Fires\u2019. That which places our backs against the wall is when we are placed in the refiner\u2019s fire by sin and temptation. In 3:1 we find \u2018Haman\u2019s Testimony\u2019. The root of his name means to disturb, destroy, breakdown, consume, agitate, trouble, and vex. Oh, is that not an adequate description of sin and temptation\u2019s work? In verse 1 we are told that he was \u2018promoted\u2019. The word means to be enlarged through boast and pride. We find he was \u2018advanced\u2019. This means to lift up or make lofty. He set his seat above so he could look down. My friend, is not this a clear display of where sin and temptation desires to take us? Let us cry to the unseen hand of providence, \u2018Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil\u2019. Lord, I am no match for the \u2018Warden Of My Fires\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>In 3:2 we find \u2018<em>Haman\u2019s Temptation\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 The verse tells us that all bowed, paid respect and worshipped him.\u00a0 My, how the majority will bow to the law of sin and spirit of temptation.\u00a0 The verse also said \u201c\u2026<em>Mordecai bowed not<\/em>,\u201d Faith would not bow.\u00a0 How is it that faith would not vow to sin and temptation?\u00a0 In Ephesians, chapter 6, in the truths of taking up the armor of God we find a great promise.\u00a0 In verse 16 we are told the words, \u201c<em>Above all<\/em>\u2026\u201d This tells us this is the most important part of the armor. \u201c<em>Above all take the shield of faith\u201d.<\/em>\u00a0 The shield of faith would be the Word of God.\u00a0 You must be extremely familiar and knowledgeable with the working of this shield.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 We are told that through this shield \u2018<em>we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 No temptation or sin can enter when the shield of faith is taken up in defense.\u00a0 No wonder Mordecai, the picture of faith, bowed not.<\/p>\n<p>I notice in 3:6\u00a0 \u2018<em>Haman\u2019s Thing\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 He thought \u2018<em>scorn<\/em>\u2019 against Mordecai.\u00a0 The phrase means to accuse, disdain, despise, or to think a vile person.\u00a0 The accuser of the brethren attacks our faith.\u00a0 In verse 8 he accuses them according to their law.\u00a0 Haman said, they are playing by another rulebook.\u00a0 The people of God are always confusing others with the facts of the Bible.<\/p>\n<p>In verse 6 we find \u2018<em>Haman\u2019s Target\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 He aimed at Mordecai alone.\u00a0 The law of sin and spirit of temptation will always aim at our faith alone.\u00a0 It desires us to be AWOL in our belief and trust in God.\u00a0 Jesus told Peter that Satan wanted to sift him.\u00a0 Jesus said, \u2018<em>I have prayed for you that your faith fail not\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>In 3:15 the decree went out for Mordecai and all God\u2019s people to be destroyed.\u00a0 The city was \u2018<em>perplexed<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 The means to bind and entangle.\u00a0 Let us rest assured we will not be perplexed when evil rules.\u00a0 Faith will lead us to believe that our God will overrule.<\/p>\n<div class=\"itp-social-buttons-box\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lbbckag5-08a9cc0263ef9c7082eacfc5f98eb484'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-6' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-6'>Esther 3:13; 5:3-5<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-6' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Let us return again this week to our study of this great allegorical story of Esther.\u00a0 I remind you that the theme of this book is \u2018<em>Providence<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 It is the unseen hand of God in the glove of my history telling His story.\u00a0 Remember an allegorical story is when the author takes various characters to symbolize a particular subject and teach truths through their lives.\u00a0 In our last study Haman (law of sin and spirit of temptation) sent out a decree that all the Jews were to be killed. (3:13) Esther (picture of new nature of the redeemed soul) under Mordecai\u2019s (picture of faith) direction asks the King for help.\u00a0 The King told her that he would answer her request up to half of the kingdom.\u00a0 The allegorical story breaks down here for our Lord promises His adopted joint-heir children, the entire kingdom and not half.<\/p>\n<p>Let us begin today to look at \u2018<em>The Banquet Of Providence<\/em>\u2019. (5:4-6) It is at this banquet that Esther will be given the strength to be more than a conqueror.\u00a0 In Matthew\u2019s gospel we are told the only way you can take a strong man\u2019s house is that you must enter the house and bind the strong man.\u00a0 How can God\u2019s people keep from being bound by a stronger than them?<\/p>\n<p>I notice at this Banquet it would first involve being \u2018<em>Possessed By A Person\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 In 5:6 this invitation by Esther to the King and Haman is to the \u2018<em>banquet of wine\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 The phrase means banquet house of joy, cheer, fullness, and a state of being unaffected by present circumstances.\u00a0 In the Song of Solomon (2:4) she says that he placed her under His banner or flag, the place a King would place his conquered spoils.\u00a0 She said his banner over me was love.\u00a0 At the banquet, Solomon and her drank apple flagons that were nothing more than apple juice.\u00a0 She says in verse 5 that she \u2018<em>is sick of love\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 The word \u2018<em>sick<\/em>\u2019 is giddy, lightheaded, or drunk.\u00a0 The person of the King has possessed her and she is drunk on his love. If we are to be conquered we too must be intoxicated on the love of our Savior.\u00a0 Have we the testimony of a time when we have been so over whelmed by the love of Christ that we were possessed with His person?<\/p>\n<p>We find at this banquet there is \u2018<em>The Petition Of A Promise\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 In Chapter 5, verses 7-8, Esther is given the assurance of the promise of which she now lays holds to.\u00a0 In Chapter 7:4 the promise is laid hold of.\u00a0 Remember, a promise given is of no value until you lay hold and make it your own.\u00a0 In 7:7 we are reminded that once the promise is laid hold of the adversary will try to talk you out of the promise.\u00a0 I can see the unseen hand moving in to seal the deal.\u00a0 What is it that was arranged in the past that made this promise sure in the present?\u00a0 What happens to make it possible for Esther to point her finger at Haman and say he is the man?<\/p>\n<p>In our story we are confronted with \u2018<em>The Bindings Past\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 God has worked much through providence to bring this about in time.\u00a0 In 2:5 we find Mordecai is the great grandson of Kish.\u00a0 In 3:1 we find Haman is an Amalekite.\u00a0 What is the connection?\u00a0 Years before, Saul, the son of Kish, was to destroy the Amalekites.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t and it cost him dearly.\u00a0\u00a0 Years later God crosses His \u2018<strong>t\u2019s<\/strong>\u2019 and dots His \u2018<strong>i\u2019s<\/strong>\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>I see also in our text \u2018<em>The Binding Of Providence<\/em>\u2019.\u00a0 In 5:9-11 the King cannot sleep and asks for the scribes to read the history book to put him to sleep.\u00a0 He finds that Mordecai has never been honored for spoiling a plot against his life.\u00a0 The King then asks if anyone is in the outer court that could honor Mordecai.\u00a0 The scribe says Haman is in the court.\u00a0 He has come to seek permission to hang Mordecai. The King asks Haman what should be done to honor one of his subjects. Haman, thinking it was he, said to place him on your horse, robe him, crown him, and parade him through the street.\u00a0 The King thinks this an excellent idea and says to do this for Mordecai.\u00a0 This day of Haman\u2019s humiliation was the same day of Esther\u2019s banquet.\u00a0 Haman was that day hung on his own gallows.\u00a0 Satan will be thrown in his own Hell.\u00a0 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God\u2019s elect?\u00a0 Nothing can separate us from Him for we are more than conquerors through Christ that loved us and gave His life for us.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lbbcmvnb-b0b6476784ae1be13a5513f69c30d882'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-7' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-7'>Esther 8-10<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-7' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Toggle Content goes here<\/p>\n<p>Let us begin to wind up our study of the book of Esther. We have studied it with the theme of \u2018Providence\u2019 in mind. We defined this word as the hand of God in the glove of my history while telling His story.<\/p>\n<p>Our text is in verses 1 and 2 of Chapter 8, which says, \u201cOn that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews\u2019 enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.\u201d It is here that I see \u2018The Blessings From Providence\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>I am afraid that we often see providence as our enemy. I wonder sometimes if we wouldn\u2019t rather be left to luck and chance? My, it sure is a blessing to know we are in the hand of God\u2019s providence who works all things according to the good pleasure of His own will. He has no \u2018Plan B\u2019, no \u2018permissive will\u2019, just \u2018Plan A\u2019 and the perfect will of God.<\/p>\n<p>May we begin by looking at \u2018The Position From This Blessing\u2019. I am reminded that Paul tells us in Ephesians that we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. Then he mentioned 18 times the phrase \u2018in Christ\u2019 is used. Paul said we have been chosen, made acceptable, redeemed, given an inheritance, forgiven, sealed, quickened, and made to sit in heavenly places in Him. That, my friend, is a position of great blessing. In Esther, Chapter 8, and verses 1-2a we find \u2018The Ring Of This Position\u2019. The ring of power is taken off the dead body of Haman (a picture of the law of sin and spirit of temptation) and is placed on the hand of Mordecai (a picture of faith). Sin and temptation have been rendered powerless over the child of God. How can it be? Faith has the ring on. In verse 2b I find \u2018The Reigning Of This Position\u2019. Mordecai now reigns over the house of Haman. John said, \u2018For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, even our faith\u2019. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. In 8:1 Esther told what Mordecai \u2018was to her\u2019. She is sharing her faith with the king. When faith is ringed and reigning you will tell it wherever you go.<\/p>\n<p>In Chapters 8, verses 3, 10 and 11, we are told of \u2018The Pressures In The Blessing\u2019. Although providence has made us more than conquerors we must realize how this battle is to be fought. In 8:3 we are confronted with \u2018A Lesser Law\u2019. Esther asks the king to sit aside the law to destroy all the Jews that Haman had enacted. The king said whenever he made a law it could not be revoked. Paul said the law of sin is constantly working against him to bring him into captivity. In fact that law of sin was so strong Paul cried, \u2018O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death\u2019. In 8:10-11 and 9:2-4 we find \u2018A Higher Law\u2019. Although the king could not do away with the lesser law he could enact a higher law. There is a law of gravity that says whatever goes up must come down. This law has kept many folks from any thought of flying. If you go over to the airport you will find they have discovered a higher law called the law of Aerodynamics, which causes a plane to defy gravity and fly. Although the law of sin will continue to try and bring us down it is but a lesser law. Faith has laid hold to a higher law. When that law is reckoned upon we walk in constant victory. Paul said, \u2018For the law of the Sprit of Christ hath made me free from the law of sin and death.\u2019 We cannot know the law of Christ over the law of sin without being in the hand of God\u2019s providence while He is telling His story through my history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-lbbcrp4r-b0db25160956c83f3ce45739bba712ae'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p data-fake-id='#toggle-id-8' class='toggler   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-8'>Esther 9:17-19<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-8' class='toggle_wrap  '  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color '  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Let us conclude our study this week in the great book of Esther. Our theme has been that of Providence. We have defined providence as the hand of God in the glove of my history telling His story. We wrote last time on \u2018The Blessing Of Providence\u2019. I often see providence as my enemy and not my friend. Providence will ultimately produce blessing for the child of God.<\/p>\n<p>In Chapter 9, verses 17-19 we find \u2018The Praise Of Our Blessing\u2019. Praise is to be a great part of our worship. Our Lord told the woman at the well to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Worship is when I bow in my spirit to the truth that He has revealed to my heart. In verses 18-19 I see Mordecai and Esther when they \u2018Bow To The Truth Of Providence\u2019. What is to be gained by bowing to providence? I see them \u2018resting\u2019. This word means to let life flow and don\u2019t try to direct it. It has the idea of quiet comfort when all around your soul is giving way. There was also \u2018gladness\u2019 which is happiness not based on ones happenings. In verse 19 there was \u2018fasting\u2019 which is the banquet at the house of wine. This banquet speaks of death to self and conquered by Him. This praise also involved \u2018sharing\u2019. True praise will always affect the giving. There will be great freedom with the purse when true worship and praise is offered.<\/p>\n<p>I notice in Chapter 9 and verse 26 they \u2018Bow To The Truth Of Purim\u2019. The word \u2018Purim\u2019 means ones lot in life. The Bible tells us in Proverbs that every man\u2019s lot in life was cast before time began. You may have disgust for your lot in life but let me remind us that this disgust is an attack on the ordained will of God. Horatio Spafford after losing his daughters to death at sea penned these words above their watery grave. \u201cWhen peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well with my soul.\u201d There is no greater blessing of praise in prayers then when we bow to whatever my lot in life is with a soul that is well before Him.<\/p>\n<p>In this book as we examine the life of Mordecai, a picture of faith, we find \u2018Faith\u2019s Progression\u2019. In verse 2:12 we see faith pacing at the gate. In 5:13-14 faith could see the gallows while not pacing but is now sitting at the gate. In 10:3 we find faith reigning as second in command over the kingdom. That, my friend, is progression. I see also in our text \u2018Faith\u2019s Pinnacle\u2019. In 2:12 there is weak faith, in 5:14 we see little faith, and in 10:3 we find the highest or great faith.<\/p>\n<p>I wonder who wrote this book, Esther, Mordecai, or do you think the unseen hand of God is reaching into history and telling His story?<\/p>\n<p>When I think of the unseen hand of God my heart is drawn to the song that says,<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There is an unseen hand to me,<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">That leads through ways I cannot see.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While going through this world of woe,<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This hand still leads me as I go.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This hand has led through shadows drear<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And while it leads I have no fear.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I know t\u2019will lead me to that home<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Where sin nor sorrow ere can come.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I long to see my Savior\u2019s face<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And sing the story saved by grace.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And there upon that golden strand<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\u2019ll praise Him for His guiding hand.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\u2019m trusting to the unseen hand,<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">That guides me through this weary land.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And some sweet day I\u2019ll reach that strand<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still guided by the unseen hand.<\/p>\n<p>Lord, thank you for this great picture of the purpose, plan, and providential work of your mighty hand. Amen!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class='flex_column av-9gb6j-5938a2da228eeca16d2d10cc43bafe20 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_masonry_entries  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div '     ><div id='av-masonry-1' class='av-masonry av-lbbd6l4t-3a5318eed72b5379ae440456ef7feed7 noHover av-fixed-size av-1px-gap av-hover-overlay-active av-masonry-animation-active av-masonry-col-2 av-caption-always av-caption-style-overlay av-masonry-entries '><div class=\"av-masonry-container isotope av-js-disabled\"><div class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item av-masonry-item-no-image all_sort bible-studies_sort '><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=musings-from-the-motel\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-4999' data-av-masonry-item='4999' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-4999 portfolio type-portfolio status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry portfolio_entries-bible-studies all_sort bible-studies_sort  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"musiingsfromthemotel73\"   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/musiingsfromthemotel73.png);\"  title=\"musiingsfromthemotel73\"  ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >Musings from the Motel Blog<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=pauls-much-mores\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-574' data-av-masonry-item='574' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-574 portfolio type-portfolio status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry portfolio_entries-bible-studies all_sort bible-studies_sort  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Biblestudy65\"   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Biblestudy65-705x352.png);\"  title=\"Biblestudy65\"  ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >Paul&#8217;s Much Mores<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=esther\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-545' data-av-masonry-item='545' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-545 portfolio type-portfolio status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry portfolio_entries-bible-studies all_sort bible-studies_sort  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Biblestudy65\"   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Biblestudy65-705x352.png);\"  title=\"Biblestudy65\"  ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >Big God Theology<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=esther-2\"  id='av-masonry-1-item-531' data-av-masonry-item='531' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-531 portfolio type-portfolio status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry portfolio_entries-bible-studies all_sort bible-studies_sort  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Biblestudy65\"   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Biblestudy65-705x352.png);\"  title=\"Biblestudy65\"  ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >Esther<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div id='av-masonry-2' class='av-masonry av-lbzk2np6-6d15e2212179cb53b631343f94b97de6 noHover av-fixed-size av-1px-gap av-hover-overlay-active av-masonry-animation-active av-masonry-col-3 av-caption-always av-caption-style-overlay av-masonry-entries '><div class=\"av-masonry-container isotope av-js-disabled\"><div class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item av-masonry-item-no-image all_sort main-menu_sort '><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=sermons\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-413' data-av-masonry-item='413' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-413 portfolio type-portfolio status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry portfolio_entries-main-menu all_sort main-menu_sort  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Brother Tom Preaching\"   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/gilliampreaching.png);\"  title=\"Brother Tom Preaching\"  ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >Sermon Series<\/h3><div class='av-masonry-entry-content entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" >Listen<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=bible-studies\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-476' data-av-masonry-item='476' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-476 portfolio type-portfolio status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry portfolio_entries-main-menu all_sort main-menu_sort  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Bible Studies\"   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/biblestudy40-705x352.png);\"  title=\"Bible Studies\"  ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >Bible Studies<\/h3><div class='av-masonry-entry-content entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" >Read<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/?portfolio=bible-truth-podcast\"  id='av-masonry-2-item-581' data-av-masonry-item='581' class='av-masonry-entry isotope-item post-581 portfolio type-portfolio status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry portfolio_entries-main-menu all_sort main-menu_sort  av-masonry-item-with-image' title=\"Bible Truth Broadcast\"   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='av-inner-masonry-sizer'><\/div><figure class='av-inner-masonry main_color'><div class=\"av-masonry-outerimage-container\"><div class='av-masonry-image-container' style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/iStock-864508076-705x395.jpg);\"  title=\"Bible Truth Broadcast\"  ><\/div><\/div><figcaption class='av-inner-masonry-content site-background'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos'><div class='av-inner-masonry-content-pos-content'><div class='avia-arrow'><\/div><h3 class='av-masonry-entry-title entry-title '  itemprop=\"headline\" >Bible Truth Broadcast<\/h3><div class='av-masonry-entry-content entry-content'  itemprop=\"text\" >Watch<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><!--end av-masonry entry--><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":515,"template":"","tags":[],"portfolio_entries":[10],"class_list":["post-531","portfolio","type-portfolio","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","portfolio_entries-bible-studies"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/portfolio\/531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/portfolio"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/portfolio"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/portfolio\/531\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":810,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/portfolio\/531\/revisions\/810"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=531"},{"taxonomy":"portfolio_entries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tomgilliam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fportfolio_entries&post=531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}