"Finally, I could see ahead the habitation of cruelty; its steep walls of layered bricks seemed to be like a stone mountain that cast a dark shadow of death onto the street below." Esther was now at the place and time when she would ultimately understand what God had been preparing her for. Her journey begins when she is twelve and with her younger brother, Jacob, set out to find their missing father. When the desperate search leads the frightened children to the cross of Jesus, they are horrified to witness the death of their father, as the thief next to Him. Now homeless orphans, Mary Magdalene adopts them and becomes instrumental in Esther's developing faith during the dynamic events of the early Church, allowing us to witness the birth of Christianity through the eyes of this child. Even though she hears powerful lessons of God's truth taught by Andrew and other disciples, her faith struggles to grow hindered by adolescent rebellion that fantasizes about a life of luxury contrary to the one she imagines God has planned for her. Tempted by a gorgeous red silk fabric to follow her heart's desires, she is separated from Mary's protection and sin places her at the mercy of a dangerous ugly world. Her poor decisions cause her to make many mistakes, but as she overcomes each, she learns what God expects from her and finds His strength to prevail over any adversity even those inside her. Bending her will to His, she becomes fit for His service, giving her the spiritual fortitude to face persecutions, and the agonizing martyrdom of those close to her. The hand of God can be seen in each inspirational moment, as miraculous interventions unfold, eventually bringing her to a place and life she could never have imagined.

"Finally, I could see ahead the habitation of cruelty; its steep walls of layered bricks seemed to be like a stone mountain that cast a dark shadow of death onto the street below." Esther was now at the place and time when she would ultimately understand what God had been preparing her for. Her journey begins when she is twelve and with her younger brother, Jacob, set out to find their missing father. When the desperate search leads the frightened children to the cross of Jesus, they are horrified to witness the death of their father, as the thief next to Him. Now homeless orphans, Mary Magdalene adopts them and becomes instrumental in Esther's developing faith during the dynamic events of the early Church, allowing us to witness the birth of Christianity through the eyes of this child. Even though she hears powerful lessons of God's truth taught by Andrew and other disciples, her faith struggles to grow hindered by adolescent rebellion that fantasizes about a life of luxury contrary to the one she imagines God has planned for her. Tempted by a gorgeous red silk fabric to follow her heart's desires, she is separated from Mary's protection and sin places her at the mercy of a dangerous ugly world. Her poor decisions cause her to make many mistakes, but as she overcomes each, she learns what God expects from her and finds His strength to prevail over any adversity even those inside her. Bending her will to His, she becomes fit for His service, giving her the spiritual fortitude to face persecutions, and the agonizing martyrdom of those close to her. The hand of God can be seen in each inspirational moment, as miraculous interventions unfold, eventually bringing her to a place and life she could never have imagined.

Within the Bible, the book of Esther is interesting for many reasons. Perhaps at the top of the list is the fact that it never mentions God. His name is not brought up throughout the entirety of the book, and yet you still know God is there, working His plan through Esther. See how Esther's story can be a parallel to Christ's story, and how through her story you can see God working in your life today. This eight-lesson Bible study will give readers clear direction on how Christ has chosen and equipped them for God's beautiful plan.

"In a counterfactual world resembling the 1930s, the state of Khazaria, an isolated nation of warriors Jews, is under attack by the Germanii. Esther, the precocious daughter of Khazaria's chief policy advisor, sets out on a quest to ensure the survival of her homeland"--

The twentieth century should be remembered in missions as the time when women got lost. Over that time, the voices of women missionaries, leaders, and facilitators of new Christian movements were all too often excluded from missiological discourse and strategic mission discussion. It is hoped that this book signals a revival in the contribution of women to mission in a way that values what they have to offer.

The books of Ruth and Esther recount two of the most memorable stories in all of Scripture: Ruth, a displaced widow in search of a new home and loving husband, and Esther, a courageous queen intent on saving her people from imminent destruction. Plumbing the theological depths, this guide explains the biblical text with clarity and passion—leading us on a journey to discover the God who hears the cries of his people and remains faithful to his promises. Over the course of 12 weeks, each study in this series explores a book of the Bible and: Asks thoughtful questions to spur discussion Shows how each passage unveils the gospel Ties the text in with the whole story of Scripture Illuminates the doctrines taught in each passage Invites you to discover practical implications Helps you better understand and apply God's Word