« All Events

Event Series: Women’s Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study

September 15 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm PDT

The Hidden King

Finding God’s Providence in the Book of Esther

Esther has all the ingredients of a great story: an extravagant king, a beautiful young queen, political intrigue, a wicked villain, an audacious act of courage, and a series of remarkable reversals. It is one of the Bible’s most familiar and compelling narratives.

But it also has a striking omission: God is never mentioned. So where is he?

This fall, we’ll spend six sessions studying Esther and looking for the providence of the God who is hidden but never absent.

Along the way, we’ll continue building our skills as students of Scripture. Through guided homework, discussion, and teaching, we’ll practice observing the details of biblical narrative, interpreting them within their historical and literary context, and considering how Esther fits within the Bible’s larger story of redemption. How does a book that never mentions God reveal his character and faithfulness? What does Esther teach us about living as God’s people in a world where his presence and purposes are not always obvious? And how does this story ultimately point beyond itself to Christ and the greater deliverance he brings?

Whether you’ve participated in one of our previous studies or you’re brand new to studying the Bible, you’re invited to jump in. If you’ve studied with us before, the basic rhythm will feel familiar; if you’re new, we’ll give you everything you need to get started.

We’ll meet every other week* for six sessions:

Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30pm (+ Zoom option)
September 15, 29; October 13, 27; November 17; December 1

Wednesdays, 9:30–11:30am

September 16, 30; October 14, 28; November 18; December 2

*Note the dates: Due to the women’s retreat (November 6–8) and to avoid Thanksgiving week, we’ll have a 3-week gap between our last meeting in October and our November meeting.

Register

Addressing some questions:

Do I need to have participated in a previous study?

Not at all! Each of our studies is designed so that new participants can jump right in. We’ll introduce the study tools we’re using and practice them together. If you participated in From Shadow to Substance or Worthy of the Gospel, you’ll recognize the basic format and have an opportunity to keep building on skills you’ve already practiced.

What if I can’t come every week?

That’s okay! We’d still love for you to participate as much as you are able. Because we meet every other week and will work our way through Esther together, you’ll get the most out of the study if you’re able to attend consistently, but don’t let a known conflict keep you from signing up.

How much homework will there be?

Don’t let the word “homework” deter you! The assignments are designed to help you spend time in the text for yourself before we meet. You can engage at a basic level or go deeper depending on your capacity. Even if you don’t complete everything, come anyway—you’ll still benefit from the teaching and discussion.

What will the class be like?

When we gather, we’ll combine small-group discussion, teaching, application, and prayer as we work through the story together. Our goal isn’t simply to learn more about Esther, but to become more confident readers of Scripture—learning to observe carefully, interpret faithfully, see Christ within the unfolding story of redemption, and respond to God’s Word in faith.

Here is a general weekly flow:

Homework (Pre-Work): Observation, Interpretation, Application

Weekly Meeting

    • 15 min | Fellowship and Connection
    • 30 min | Discussion Groups: Observation and Interpretation
    • 30 min | Teaching: Observation, Interpretation, and Application
    • 30–45 min | Discussion Groups: Interpretation and Application; Prayer

Details

Venue