‘Hidden Grace’ was the evocative title for this year’s Derby Bible Week, which took place from 15–18 April. Jonty Rhodes (Christ Church Central, Leeds) was the speaker and his focus was the Book of Esther.
Famously, the Book of Esther contains no direct reference to God! God’s grace is perhaps ‘hidden’, but Jonty showed us the over-arching reach of God’s sovereignty that transcends the story, and the practical outworking of His providence in every twist and turn.
Jonty’s ability to take us through the narrative and into the court of King Ahasuerus, to meet Esther, Mordecai, and the sinister Haman, was wonderfully engaging. What was even more captivating was the spiritual application, as we saw the images and pictures of the saving work of Christ emerging from the story. There was much to challenge the unbeliever and a wealth of spiritual food for the Christian.
A new feature this year was a dedicated morning of prayer involving ten evangelical churches from across the city and neighbouring towns of Duffield and Ashbourne. The opportunity to share together in this way fostered further a growing sense of gospel unity rooted in Bible truth.
More than 250 attended each evening (plus around 100 watching the live stream). The singing was inspirational and the fellowship profitable. A good number, led by Castlefields Church, gathered in the shopping centre on the Saturday at the end of the week to sing the praises of the God of Esther to the crowds of shoppers going by. A truly memorable week!
Recordings of the messages are available on the Derby Bible Week YouTube channel.
