For Such a Time as This: Courage, Community, and Action

This community is called to be a living, breathing expression of God’s love and justice in the world, not just in word but in action. Over the past weekend, we witnessed what it means to be the church: preparing meals for the hungry, partnering with local organizations, opening our doors to hundreds of children and families, and planning for future outreach like the coat drive and community breakfast. These acts are not just events—they are the heartbeat of who we are, a people who refuse to be passive, who see needs and respond with generosity and hospitality.

The story of Esther reminds us that courage often grows in unexpected places and that God’s presence is sometimes most evident not in grand pronouncements, but in quiet, faithful action. Esther’s name is never accompanied by a mention of God or prayer in her story, yet her courage and willingness to risk her own safety for the sake of her people is a profound testimony to God’s work in and through ordinary people. Like Esther, we may feel small, unqualified, or afraid, but courage is something that can be cultivated over time, especially when we recognize the needs around us and choose to act rather than complain or wait for someone else.

We are challenged to use whatever position or privilege we have—not for our own comfort, but for the good of all, especially the oppressed and marginalized. Justice, freedom, and liberation do not simply happen; they require intentional, sometimes costly action. The call of Christ is to bring good news to every person, to break down barriers, and to prioritize the needs of others above our own. In a world that feels increasingly divided and uncertain, we are called to be the church for such a time as this, to plow the roads for the future, and to trust that every act of kindness, every moment of courage, and every decision to do what is right brings the kingdom of God a little closer.

No act is too small. Whether you are a queen or an usher, a volunteer or a leader, your willingness to step up and serve is essential. We may never know the full impact of our actions, but together, as we continue to risk, serve, and love, we are changing the world—one act at a time.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True community engagement is the lifeblood of the church. When we step outside our walls to meet real needs—feeding the hungry, clothing the cold, welcoming the stranger—we embody the love of Christ in tangible ways. The church that refuses to engage its community will wither, but the church that serves will thrive and become a beacon of hope. [08:12]
• 2. Courage is not the absence of fear or uncertainty, but the willingness to act faithfully in the face of them. Esther’s story shows that even when God’s name is not spoken, God’s presence is revealed through acts of integrity and bravery. Our courage, especially when it costs us something, is often the clearest evidence of God at work in our lives. [47:37]
• 3. Justice and liberation are not accidental; they require deliberate, sometimes sacrificial action. Hope alone is not a strategy—freedom and justice demand that we use our voices, our resources, and our positions for the good of all, not just ourselves. Esther’s willingness to risk her own safety for her people challenges us to ask: are we using our privilege to elevate the oppressed? [54:55]
• 4. Every act of hospitality and kindness, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect far beyond what we can see. The story of the usher who made room for a young Billy Graham reminds us that unsung acts of welcome and service can change countless lives. We may never know the full impact of our actions, but God uses each one to build the kingdom. [46:13]
• 5. We are called to be the church for such a time as this, in a world that is rapidly changing and often divided. Our faithfulness today—our willingness to risk, to serve, to love—will shape the future of the church and the world. Each of us is essential to this movement; there are no small jobs in God’s work of redemption and renewal. [59:30]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:52] - Celebrating Community Outreach
• [09:02] - Upcoming Service Opportunities
• [10:46] - Gratitude and Announcements
• [14:48] - Call to Worship & Opening Hymn
• [19:17] - Opening Prayer: Trusting God in Unfamiliar Places
• [25:42] - Psalm 65: God’s Deliverance and Provision
• [28:01] - Apostles’ Creed and Community Prayer
• [29:27] - Responding to Food Insecurity
• [34:07] - Children’s Lesson: Seeing and Meeting Needs
• [41:32] - Gospel Reading: Humility and Justification
• [43:11] - The Power of Hospitality: The Billy Graham Story
• [47:37] - Esther: Courage Without Mentioning God
• [54:55] - Justice, Action, and the Cost of Freedom
• [59:30] - Called for Such a Time as This
• [63:04] - Every Act Matters: Changing the World Together
• [69:37] - Offering and Closing Blessing
• [74:17] - “Here I Am, Lord” and Final Encouragement

Bible Reading

Esther 4:13-16 (ESV) — > Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Luke 18:9-14 (ESV) — > He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Observation Questions

1. In the story of Esther, what specific risks did Esther face when she chose to act on behalf of her people? (Esther 4:13-16)
2. According to the sermon, what are some recent ways our church has served the community? [08:12]
3. In the parable Jesus tells in Luke 18:9-14, what is the main difference between the Pharisee’s and the tax collector’s prayers?
4. What does the pastor say about the importance of action versus just talking about faith? [29:27]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the book of Esther never mentions God or prayer, and what does this say about how God works through ordinary people? [47:37]
2. The pastor said, “Courage is not the absence of fear or uncertainty, but the willingness to act faithfully in the face of them.” How does this definition of courage challenge the way we usually think about bravery? [47:37]
3. How does the story of the usher and Billy Graham illustrate the impact of small acts of hospitality and service? [46:13]
4. The sermon asks, “Are we using our privilege to elevate the oppressed?” What are some ways people might use their position or resources for the good of others? [54:55]

Application Questions

1. The pastor shared that it’s easy to complain about needs or problems instead of stepping up to help. Can you think of a recent situation where you noticed a need but hesitated to act? What held you back, and what could you do differently next time? [36:32]
2. Esther risked her own safety for the sake of her people. Is there a situation in your life right now where you feel called to take a risk for someone else’s good? What would it look like to step out in faith? [49:44]
3. The church is planning outreach events like the coat drive and community breakfast. What is one practical way you could get involved in serving the community this month? [09:02]
4. The story of the usher who made room for Billy Graham shows that even small acts can have a big impact. Who is someone in your life you could show hospitality or kindness to this week? What might that look like? [46:13]
5. The sermon said, “We are called to be the church for such a time as this.” What do you think it means for you personally to be part of the church in this season? [59:30]
6. The pastor challenged us to use our voices and resources for justice and liberation. Is there a cause or issue you feel passionate about? How could you take one step toward making a difference? [54:55]
7. The sermon reminded us that “there are no small jobs in God’s work.” Is there a way you can encourage or thank someone in the church who serves in a behind-the-scenes role? [01:00:58]