The Story of Esther + FREE Bible Study

The Story of Esther + FREE Bible Study

The book of Esther is found in the Old Testament and tells the story of a Jewish woman, Hadassah (also known as Esther), who married the King of Persia. The King’s advisor, Haman, hated the Jews and convinced the King to order their extermination. Esther’s cousin Mordecai convinced her to go to the King and plead for her people. She risks her life by going before the king and he spares the Jews. Haman was then hanged on the gallows that he had built for Mordecai.

The story of Esther teaches us about courage and faith. We can all learn from her example, and be encouraged by her story.

Characteristics of Esther in the Bible

There are many characteristics of Esther that can be found in the Bible. Perhaps one of the most striking characteristics is her beauty. The Bible describes her as “lovely in form, and features” (Esther 2:7). This physical beauty was likely a major factor in why she was chosen to be queen.

Another significant characteristic of Esther is her courage. This is most clearly seen when she risks her life to save her people, the Jews, from being exterminated by the king’s decree. She does not hesitate to go before the king even though she knows it could cost her life.

What we can learn from Esther’s story

The book of Esther is a story that teaches many lessons. One of the most important lessons is that God is always in control. no matter what we face in life, God is always there for us. He has a plan for our lives and will use everything to work out His plan, even if we don’t understand it at the time.

Another lesson we can learn from Esther’s story is the importance of being obedient. Esther was obedient to her uncle Mordecai when he asked her to go before the king and plead for her people, even though it put her own life at risk. Because she was obedient, God used her to save the lives of her people.

picture of soap bible study page with chapter one at top

FREE Printable bible Study on Esther

The life of Esther is a great story of a woman who was saved by God to be used for His purposes. Check out the Bible Study below to learn more about Esther and grow in your faith.

This study is a free printable, so you can use it anytime, anywhere.

Whats Included?

  • Cover Page
  • SOAP Bible Study pages for each chapter
  • Coloring page

coloring page floral frame with words inside from esther 4:!4

 

DOWNLOAD SOAP Bible Study on Esther

The Provider: How Jehovah Jireh meets our needs

The Provider: How Jehovah Jireh meets our needs

Jehovah Jireh is our provider. He is always there for us, ready to help us in our time of need. We can trust Him to provide for us, and we can be assured that His provision is always good and perfect. Jehovah Jireh meets both our physical and spiritual needs. He is a loving God who always has our best interests at heart. We can rely on Him to provide for us—no matter how big or small the need.

What does Jehovah Jireh mean?

The name Jehovah Jireh comes from the Hebrew words “Jehovah” (YHWH, meaning “The Lord”) and “Jireh” (from ra’ah, meaning “to see” or “to provide”). Together, the name means “The Lord will provide.”

It is a beautiful name that reminds us God sees our needs and provides for them at the right time, in the right way.

Where is Jehovah Jireh is mentioned in the Bible?

The name Jehovah Jireh, meaning “The Lord Will Provide,” is found in Genesis 22:14. This is where Abraham names the place where God provided a ram in place of Isaac: “And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.”

While the specific name Jehovah Jireh is not used elsewhere in Scripture, the theme of God’s provision is seen throughout the Bible. For example, Isaiah 41:10 powerfully reassures us of God’s sustaining presence: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Though this verse does not use the name Jehovah Jireh, it beautifully reflects God’s heart as our faithful Provider and Helper.

Examples of Jehovah Jireh’s provision

Jehovah Jireh has always been there for us, providing for our needs in times of need. He has provided food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, shelter for the homeless, and comfort for the grieving. He is a faithful God who always keeps His promises. We can trust Him to provide for us, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.

Below are some examples of God’s provision in the Bible:

God provided a lamb for Abraham

In Genesis 22 Abraham was told to sacrifice his son Isaac, he didn’t know how he would be able to go through with it. But God provided a way out, sending a lamb to be sacrificed in Isaac’s place. This was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make for us on the cross. Just as God provided a lamb for Abraham, He also provided His own Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

God provided manna for the Israelites

In Exodus 16 the Israelites were hungry and desperate wandering the desert. But God provided for them in their time of need, giving them manna to eat. This miraculous food sustained them in the wilderness and was a sign of God’s provision for His people.

God provided a way out of slavery for the Israelites

Exodus 12 tells the story of how when the Israelites were in slavery in Egypt, they cried out to God for help. He heard their cries and provided a way out, leading them through the desert to freedom. This was just one of the many ways that Jehovah Jireh has provided for His people.

Even in our own lives, we can see how God has provided for us in times of need.

Bible verses on Jehovah Jireh

There are many Bible verses about Jehovah Jireh that talk about His role as our Provider. Here are a few of them:

“I will praise Jehovah, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7)

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6)

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9)

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills-from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

“that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:19)

“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20)

Why we can trust Jehovah Jireh to provide for us

We can trust Jehovah Jireh to provide for us because He is a loving God who always has our best interests at heart. He is faithful and reliable, and He never fails to keep His promises. We can rely on Him to meet all of our needs, both big and small.

God is our Provider, and we can trust Him to meet all of our needs. He has always been faithful to His people, and He never fails to keep His promises. We can rely on Him to provide for us in times of need, no matter what situation we find ourselves in. Thank you for reading this post about Jehovah Jireh, the Provider. I hope it has been a blessing to you!

 


 

Printable SOAP Bible Study on Identity in Christ

Printable SOAP Bible Study on Identity in Christ

What is your identity in Christ? Why is it important to know it? And how do you find it? Let’s explore some important biblical concepts and find out what your identity in Christ is. Jesus was born as a human, but he became God in order to save us from our sins. He suffered, died, and rose again for us, and now we are the children of God. Through Him, we have eternal life, and we are worthy of living as He did.

What is your identity in christ?

As Christians, we are told that our identity in Christ comes from God. This truth is higher than the world’s, and it provides a strong foundation. The following are five empowering truths about our identity in Christ. Let’s examine each of them one by one. They will help us identify areas of our lives where we are not living in our identity. How do you know if you’re living in your identity?

As Christians, our calling is to glorify God and to become like Christ. Therefore, defining our identity as a Christian begins with finding our identity in Christ. We must choose to believe that we are who we are in Christ, and then act accordingly. To help us identify our identity in Christ, here’s a printable that you can use as a reminder:

Our identity in Christ is based on God’s Word. In Galatians 2:20, we learn that when Jesus enters our hearts, we are given new life and that our whole world is centered on Christ. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become empowered to live a life of royal authority and purpose. We can do this by rejecting worldly behavior and relying on what Christ says about us.

Why do you need to know your identity in christ?

Knowing your identity in Christ requires a commitment to repentance. When you know your identity in Christ, you agree with God and begin to reflect His character and will. Accepting this will lead to spiritual growth, and will allow you to make the right decisions for your life. Knowing who you are in Christ is a critical foundation for living a fruitful Christian life. You must learn to live as if you are in Christ.

Your identity in Christ is not hidden from others. It is protected by Him, so you must choose to believe it. Your identity is reflected in the words of the Bible, and believing that God has spoken about you in His word is a necessary step toward living a fruitful life. To find your identity in Christ, start by reading the Bible every day and saying what you hear. Practice this every day, and use the printable to remind yourself that you are who God made you to be.

Knowing your identity in Christ is important because knowing it will guide your thinking and actions. As a son of God, you are entitled to greater freedom and privilege than a slave. This truth can help you deal with the pressures of the world. The world is broken because of sin, and you can face unspeakable injustices and temptations. It can be difficult to stay strong and confident in your identity in Christ, but the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to overcome these obstacles.

How to find your identity in christ

What does it mean to find your identity in Christ? To find your identity in Christ means to believe that you belong to Christ, not to the world around you. Your identity in Christ does not have to be a mystery, because Jesus tells you that it is written in His word. You can find your identity in Christ if you know who He is and what He has done for you. Moreover, your identity in Christ is protected.

The Bible teaches that when Jesus enters your heart, you become a new person. When you live for Christ, you become a new creation, where your identity is permanent. It cannot be revoked, changed, or abandoned. You have become part of the family of God. And because you are God’s child, you can enjoy His love and forgiveness. Once you have accepted Christ as your savior, you will reject every worldly behavior and begin walking in royal authority and purpose. Once you are walking in Christ, you will want to embrace His words and trust in His promises.

You must recognize that your identity in Christ is rooted in Christ, and that you must live for Him. Once you have come to know Christ, your identity will be secure in him, and you will be able to express God’s love to others. The more you live for Him, the more you will desire to spread the gospel and serve Him. Once you know who you are in Christ, you will be free to share your faith and celebrate being God’s child.

Below is a FREE bible study to help you explore your identity in Christ and most importantly see what the Bible has to say about it. I hope you enjoy going through this study. I also have printable identity in christ bookmarks, coloring pages and wall art you can download too.

Download SOAP Bible Study on Identity in Christ

FREE Printable SOAP Bible Study on Hope

FREE Printable SOAP Bible Study on Hope

This printable bible study is a way to study the bible and learn more about God.

It has different Bible verses on hope for you to study each day.

If you would like to learn more about how to do a soap bible study take a look at Study Your Bible with the SOAP Bible Study Method

For more resources to use in conjunction with this study you can check out scripture cards on hope, coloring pages on hope and wall art on hope.

 

Download your FREE Printable SOAP Bible Study on Hope

 

9 Genres in the Bible {and Why They Matter}

9 Genres in the Bible {and Why They Matter}

The Bible is a collection of books which are integral to the Christian faith.

It comprises of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.

It was written by over 40 authors over a period of thousands of years.

Despite the time span and the number of authors, the books of the Bible are completely compatible with each other.

Let’s take a look at the 9 Genres in the Bible and Why they Matter to you today.

Law

The books of the Law are:

  • Genesis
  • Exodus
  • Leviticus
  • Numbers
  • Deuteronomy

The first 5 books of the Bible are the books of the Law, also known as the Torah or the Pentateuch.

They were written by Moses, except for the last portion of Deuteronomy which tells of Moses death, between 1450BC to 1410BC.

They tell of the beginnings of life, the world and human history, of sin and separation from God, and God’s plan for redemption.

They are called the books of the Law because they record the Laws and instructions that God gave to Moses.

Knowing and understanding our beginnings, God as our creator, our separation from God through sin, and God’s plan of redemption from the beginning of time give us a foundation for our faith and helps to shape our worldview.

History

The books of History are:

  • Joshua
  • Judges
  • Ruth
  • 1 & 2 Samuel
  • 1 & 2 Kings
  • 1 & 2 Chronicles
  • Ezra
  • Nehemiah
  • Esther
  • Acts (NT)

The History section of the Bible (Old Testament) is made of up 12 books from Joshua to Esther and cover a period of 800 to 1000 years and I’ve included the book of Acts from the New Testament.

They span the history of Israel from their entry into the Promised Land, the reign of the Judges, and then of the Kings, Israel’s division into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, the Northern Kingdom’s fall to Syria, the Southern Kingdoms exile into Babylon, and their return to Jerusalem.

And then in Acts it gives us a record of the birth and history of the early church.

We can learn many lessons from the defeats and victories of God’s people through the books of History.

We see God’s never-ending love for His people, despite their turning away from Him time and time again, He promises that He is their God and He will not forsake them.

It is comforting to know that God has a plan for us and His desire for us is to bless us, regardless of how many times we fail and fall short, God is always there, to comfort us, to deliver us, to bless us.

Poetry

The books of Poetry are:

  • Psalms
  • Song of Solomon
  • Lamentations

The 3 Poetry books are made up of the Song books, Psalms, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations.

These books are prayers and songs which were sung to God.

They talk about the experiences of God’s people, not from a factual viewpoint, but from a heart point of view.

These books help us to understand and connect with God’s people and His Word, we can relate to their experiences, their emotions, and their hunger for God.

Many of the Psalms can be use as prayers of worship in our own quiet times with God.

Wisdom

The books of Wisdom are:

  • Job
  • Proverbs
  • Ecclesiastes

The 3 Wisdom books are Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes.

They talk about the world, what it should be, and what it is.

They offer God’s perspective and practical wisdom to everyday living.

Wisdom is to be desired. Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

The book of James encourages us to ask God for His wisdom. Why not make it your prayer.

Major Prophets

The books of Major Prophets are:

  • Isaiah
  • Jeremiah
  • Lamentations
  • Ezekiel
  • Daniel

These 5 Major Prophets of the Old Testament record the history of the Israelites. They are not Major Prophets because they are more important than the Minor Prophets but simply because the books are longer and reflect a lengthier insight into the history at the time.

The role of Prophets was not just to foretell the future, but they were to be the spokesperson for God, declaring His truth and His will to His people.

They spoke God’s Words, giving warnings and calling for repentance, and proclaiming words of encouragement to God’s people.

These books foretell God’s plan for our salvation, they speak of the Messiah and the events that lead to His birth, and His death.

Minor Prophets

The books of Minor Prophets are:

  • Hosea
  • Joel
  • Amos
  • Obadiah
  • Jonah
  • Micah
  • Nahum
  • Habakkuk
  • Zephania
  • Haggai
  • Zechariah
  • Malachi

These 12 Minor Prophets are no less important than the Major Prophets, they are simply called Minor Prophets because of the length of the books.

Like the Major prophets their job was to be God’s spokesperson to His people.

They follow the same pattern as the Major Prophets of warning of pending judgement because of sin, an explanation of the sin, a description about the judgement to come, a call to repentance, and a promise of blessing and deliverance.

We can be encouraged by God’s forgiveness and promised blessing, no matter how we may have grieved Him, if we come to Him in repentance.

Gospels

The books of the Gospels are:

  • Matthew
  • Mark
  • Luke
  • John

The Gospel are possible the most well known of the Bible genres.

The word Gospel means Good News and tells of the good news of Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation for all who believe.

Each of the books tells of the birth, life, ministry, miracles, teaching, and death of Jesus, each highlighting the stories from the perspective of, and in the style of, the writer.

The Gospels reveal to us the fulfilment of the prophecies about Jesus.

They show us God’s plan for our salvation and how we can come into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus.

Epistles

The books of the Epistles are:

  • Romans
  • 1 & 2 Corinthians
  • Galatians
  • Ephesians
  • Philippians
  • Colossians
  • 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  • 1 & 2 Timothy
  • Titus
  • Philemon
  • Hebrews
  • James
  • 1 & 2 Peter
  • 1, 2 & 3 John
  • Jude

There are 21 Epistles in the Bible.

An Epistle is a letter or a message which is of an instructive nature, like that of a mentor or teacher to a student.

They were written by apostles to give instruction and teaching in the Christian faith.

The main authors were Peter, John, James and Jude.

Some are written to specific churches and some to the wider church, but regardless of who they were written to, they are relevant and applicable to us today.

End Times Prophecy

The book of the End Times Prophecy is:

  • Revelation

The book of Revelation was written around 95AD by the apostle John whilst he was in exile on the Island of Patmos.

It is the last book of the New Testament, and indeed the last book of the Bible.

It is prophetic in nature telling of the future of the world and predicting the end times.

It is the only book that promises a blessing to anyone who reads it.

There are many interpretations of Revelation but regardless of what view point you take the end is always the same, good triumphs over evil!

We often think of judgement when we think of Revelation, but rather than judgement, for those of us who are in Christ, it is a book of hope and victory.

God reigns supreme and we will be with Him.

 

Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

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FREE Printable Bible Genres Chart

Overview of the Book of Philippians {Plus FREE Printable Chart}

Overview of the Book of Philippians {Plus FREE Printable Chart}

Philippians is the 11th book of the New Testament, the 50th book in the whole Bible and was written by Paul.

Philippians is a letter to a church in Philippi that was on the verge of discord and heresy.

The aim of this letter is to promote unity through faith and love, despite their different backgrounds.

Who wrote the book of Philippians?

The first verse of Philippians states clearly that Paul is the author of the book, and like the book of Colossians he names Timothy in the opening verse, indicating that Timothy played some part in the writing of the book. It is unsure whether Timothy co-wrote the book with Paul or acted as a scribe for Paul.

The apostle Paul spent time in Philippi during his second missionary journey and visited again on his third missionary journey bringing the message of the Gospel and salvation to many.

When was the book of Philippians written?

Of the four prison epistles it is believed that Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians toward the end of his first imprisonment, around 61-62AD.

The other three prison epistles, Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon were written before Philippians and were delivered by Tychicus and Onesimus, whereas the letter to the Philippians was delivered by Epaphroditus.

What is the book of Philippians about?

Often Paul wrote to believers in response to a crisis or challenge they were facing, but this is not the case with Philippians.

The time that Paul spent with the church at Philippi and the joy and love he feels for them is evident in this letter. Paul opens his letter in verses 3 – 6 with these words:

“I thank my God whenever I remember you, always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

The letter was written in response to a gift that Epaphroditus had brought to Paul in prison from the  church in Philippi.

Paul wrote to thank them for their gift and to encourage them to grow in their faith.

Despite difficulties Jesus’ love, goodness and grace can be a source of joy and peace.

Philippians Video Overview

The Bible Project has many videos unpacking different books of the bible. This one on Philippians is a great overview to help you understand the book better.

 

Bible Study on the book of Philippians

The SOAP Bible Study Method is a great way to unpack the book of Philippians more. The study below uses this method to take you through passages of scripture. 

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Overview of the Book of Philippians

FREE Printable Overview of Philippians Chart