1. Exile & Return The Story of Esther

2. The Return from Exile Jeremiah 29:10-14: This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

3. The Return from Exile 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 – Persians conquer Babylonians (538BC), King Cyrus issues decree – Jews allowed to return. (Ezra 2:5-7) Characters of this time: Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 – Persians conquer Babylonians (538BC), King Cyrus issues decree – Jews allowed to return. (Ezra 2:5-7) Characters of this time: Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

4. The Story of Esther Background Esther 2:4-11, 16-18 (p.384) – Xerxes, Esther, Mordecai Esther 3:1-13 – Haman’s hate Esther 4:10-5:8 – Esther’s decision Esther 7; 9:1-4 – Plot foiled and Purim celebrated Background Esther 2:4-11, 16-18 (p.384) – Xerxes, Esther, Mordecai Esther 3:1-13 – Haman’s hate Esther 4:10-5:8 – Esther’s decision Esther 7; 9:1-4 – Plot foiled and Purim celebrated

5. This is Your Time 4:14 – perhaps you were made for such a time as this God works in mighty ways when His people are willing to boldly step out and follow Him. “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” - William Carey What about YOU? What is the biggest, riskiest thing you could do for God? 4:14 – perhaps you were made for such a time as this God works in mighty ways when His people are willing to boldly step out and follow Him. “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” - William Carey What about YOU? What is the biggest, riskiest thing you could do for God?