Understanding Our Bibles

Pastor Randy Bergquist is the pastor of Emmanuel OPC in Kent, WA.

Effectual Calling, Pt 1 (WCF 10.1-2)

Effectual calling is that work of God where he undoes the reality of total depravity, effectively enabling and causing us to embrace Jesus Christ for our salvation.

Guest Teacher Marc Renkema

Pastor Marc Renkema is the pastor of Trinity OPC in Bothell, WA.

Free Will, Pt 2 (WCF 9)

Man has a free will, but it is a freedom that is constrained both by nature and by sin.

Free Will, Pt 1 (WCF 9)

Man has a free will, but it is a freedom that is constrained both by nature and by sin.

1 Samuel 1-7 (Overview)

Pastor Matthew Barker is the Associate Pastor at Emmanuel OPC in Kent, WA.

The Last Battle (Esther 9-10)

Esther 9-10 pictures the end of history in which the great battle (Armageddon) is fought, victory won and celebrated with the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Haman's House is Plundered (Esther 8)

Esther 8 gives us a picture of the millennial kingdom in which the nations come to God as the enemy’s house is plundered.

The Fall of Haman (Esther 5:9-14; 6:12-7:10)

Through death and resurrection, Haman the enemy is undone and conquered and suffers a cursed fate.

Darkness Gives Way to Light (Esther 5:1-8; 6:1-13)

Out of the darkness and despair of chapter four, Esther is exalted on the third day in newness of life.

The Intermediary (Esther 4)

Esther accepts the role of intermediary between God’s people and destruction, even though it will most certainly cost her life.

Haman's Plan (Esther 3)

Esther is shown to be the story of a battle between two peoples – two kingdoms – the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent – it is a story that is as old as creation.

Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2)

God sovereignly orchestrates history to care for and protect his in ways that we cannot see, some times, until years later. 

Setting the Stage (Esther 1)

Chapter one sets the masterfully sets the stage for the story of Esther to unfold by providing the context for the message of perceived versus actual power. 

Introduction to the Book of Esther (Esther 1:1-3; 2:5-6; 3:1; 4:14; 9:23-32)

Esther is the story of God’s protection of his people from the brink of imminent destruction through the invisible, almost imperceptible, hand of providence. 

The Intercessory Work of Christ (WCF 8.4)

Part of the priestly work of Christ is his continual intercession on our behalf, wherein he advocates for those whom he has purchased on the cross.

The Return of Christ (WCF 8.4)

Christ will return, bodily, at the end of the ages as to judge the living and the dead and bring his people into their heavenly inheritance.

The Ascension and Session of Christ (WCF 8.4)

The ascension and session of Christ testify that Christ, as our Redeemer, has bodily ascended to heaven with all kingly authority and prepares our home for us.

The Resurrection of Christ, Pt. 2 (WCF 8.4)

The resurrection is the proof of the success of Christ, as our redeemer, and the guarantee of the Christian’s blessed reward.

The Application of the Atonement (WCF 8..6)

Even those that lived before the incarnation of Jesus Christ were no less saved by his redeeming work and took hold of that through faith.