Buffalo City Church

Caleb Drahosh \\ Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a traditional greeting and expresses gratitude for the church. Paul – who was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter – had never visited the church in Colossae, but he wanted to send encouragement to them after receiving a report from Epaphras about potentially problematic teaching that threatened the church. The gratitude Paul communicates is grounded in the God-given faith and love of the Colossians.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Once Haman is exposed and executed, the king gives Mordecai his signet ring and tells him to write a new edict in the king's name. The Jews are allowed to defend themselves against the original edict established by Haman. In this way, the Jews were saved from their enemies. The new edict did not revoke the first, but established conditions that made it possible for God's people to be preserved and to flourish.

John Baumgartner \\ Evil is at work in the world. Haman is growing more and more in favor with the king, and he has plans to kill Mordecai in a most public and painful way. But God is at work for good, turning all the evil devices of Haman into deliverance for His people. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Haman’s pride comes before his destruction. In humility, Mordecai trusts the Lord to make everything right.

Caleb Drahosh \\ After Esther is named queen, a plot against the king is made known to her by Mordecai. She informs the king and the plot is foiled. Later, King Ahasuerus promotes Haman the Agagite. Mordecai does not pay homage to Haman. Haman seeks to destroy Mordecai – and all the Jews – by taking the matter to the king who grants Haman the authority to do so. The threat is dire, but God has already worked deliverance.

John Baumgartner \\ Prayer is calling upon God for all He has commanded us to ask Him for, humbly acknowledging our deep need of His grace, resting upon the sure promises He has made that are “Yes and Amen” to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us how to ask for everything we need both in body and soul.

Caleb Drahosh \\\ As Jesus' public teaching ministry comes to an end and He has a seat in the temple. He observes people bringing in their offerings. Rich people put in large amounts, but an impoverished widow drops a very small amount. Jesus remarks that her gift is extraordinary because it's all she has. Giving is done before the face of God and is reflective of what we believe about Him. How will tomorrow's needs be provided for? Even small gifts can reflect extraordinary trust.

Caleb Drahosh \\ When the Pharisees, Herodians, and the Sadducees approach Jesus, they do so out of antagonism. Jesus keeps turning the tables on them, showing that He's the One who is over them. Jesus doesn't go into His final days with His back up against the wall; He goes to the cross in full control, completely unrivaled. But now a scribe comes questioning Jesus. Unlike the others, the scribe is happy for an answer. He is close to the kingdom because He believes Jesus' answer. But will this belief be validated by submission to Jesus?

Caleb Drahosh \\ Christmas Eve Sermon 2025