Scripture Central

When someone leaves the Church, especially when many leave, people wonder, “What do they know that I don’t?” 

A better question to ask is “What do I know that they don’t?” 

Some claim Church culture is driving people away, that members feel unseen, disconnected, empty, unheard, unnourished, and unfulfilled by their involvement, and the solution they say is a transformation to a more open, inclusive, transparent, loving, and tolerant culture wherein more people can comfortably gather.

The ultimate question is not: “Do I fit in, feel loved, accepted, and comfortable?” The ultimate question is: “Is the Church true?”

None of this is to say we should stand idly by as people walk out the door with broken and lonely hearts thinking, “there is no place for me here.” But belief trumps doubt.  

If you view the church from the institutional perspective, then the arguments for leaving make sense. If you view it from the kingdom of God perspective, they fall apart.  

From the institutional point of view, reason would suggest leaving or stepping back if, as an institution, it does not meet your criteria, your expectations, and your judgment of what the Church should be. 

But if you see the Church as the kingdom of God on earth with sole authority to administer the ordinances of salvation to God’s children on both sides of the veil, endow them with power to engage in His work and thereby bring them back to Him, then you will stay come what may.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist.

Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course.

Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Lynne's Handouts: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/esther-1?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9

The book of Esther is one of the most inspiring stories of courage, faith, and divine providence in the Old Testament. In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems & Heroines, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the remarkable life of Esther, a young Jewish woman who rose from obscurity to become queen of the Persian Empire. Set within a culture where women were often treated as political possessions and valued primarily for their beauty, Esther's story reveals extraordinary strength, wisdom, and conviction. Lynne examines how Esther refused to let her identity be defined as merely a trophy wife and instead embraced her divine calling to protect her people. This episode also explores the difficult realities faced by women in the ancient Persian court, including the expectations placed upon queens and concubines, and contrasts Esther's faithful courage with the actions of Queen Vashti. Together, their stories shed light on the limited agency women often possessed while highlighting the remarkable ways faithful women exercised influence despite those constraints. A central focus of the discussion is Esther's invitation for the Jewish people to fast with her for three days before she risked her life by approaching the king uninvited. Lynne explains the spiritual significance of this collective fast and how Esther's unwavering faith in God gave her the courage to declare, "If I perish, I perish." Her willingness to sacrifice everything for her covenant people stands as one of scripture's greatest examples of faith, leadership, and trusting in God's unseen hand. Join Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson as she uncovers the historical background, cultural context, and powerful gospel lessons found in the book of Esther, revealing why this courageous queen continues to inspire believers to stand for truth, defend God's people, and exercise faith in moments when the future seems uncertain.

Enduring to the end is about getting to the end.  It is about finishing.  

It is not gritting your teeth, gutting it out, biting the bullet, looking forward to a brighter, happier day, and it’s not just not smoking until you die.  It is to do whatever is necessary to receive and follow the Holy Ghost, building up the kingdom of God as an active, contributing member of the Church of Jesus Christ beginning in your home, making a difference and never, ever, ever quit.  

Enduring to the end is to stay the course and finish.  It is dogged faithfulness.  

Yesterday’s accomplishments, good deeds and triumphs should be remembered and cherished, but they are in the past.  Yesterday’s mistakes should be remembered long enough to not repeat them, but they are in the past.  Some people mistakenly live there, in the past either reliving, rethinking mistakes or coasting on past successes or labors.  

What you did in the past, good or bad is not nearly as important as what you do today.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist.

Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course.

Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.