Illustrating the Relevance of Old Testament Narrative through the Expository Preaching of Esther at Hope Fellowship Church, Port Lavaca, Texas

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.