Illustrating the Relevance of Old Testament Narrative through the Expository Preaching of Esther at Hope Fellowship Church, Port Lavaca, Texas
Subject
Bible. EstherExpository preaching
Bible. Old Testament--Theology
Small groups--Religious aspects--Christianity
Abstract
This project was designed to create increased appreciation in the congregation's understanding of how and why Old Testament narrative is important and relevant for their spiritual lives. Chapter 1 outlines the ministry context at Hope Fellowship Church, the project's purpose and the project's goals. Chapter 2 examines the biblical and theological rationale that Old Testament narrative is important for Christians. Chapter 3 examines the homiletical concerns associated with Esther and Christological approaches for preaching the narrative. Chapter 4 is a review of the implementation of the project's three inter-related components: a ten week expository preaching series through the book of Esther; sermon based small groups, known as Berean Heart Groups; and four weeks of Sunday school classes. Chapter 5 is an analysis of the surveys taken by the congregants of Hope Fellowship before and after the project and demonstrates that the church indeed benefited from this project.