June 2025 | Core Church LA

Two Kinds of Beauty

Two Kinds of Beauty: What Really Made Esther Shine?

In the book of Esther, we meet a young woman who was beautiful on the outside—but that’s not what made her truly stand out. Esther teaches us about two kinds of beauty, and how what really counts is the one that comes from inside.

Yes, Esther was stunning. That’s why she was even considered for the king’s beauty contest. But the Bible makes it clear: God used more than her face to fulfill His purpose. It was her heart, her obedience, her courage—that’s what turned a simple girl into a queen who saved a nation.

The Outside and the Inside

Let’s be honest—our world focuses a lot on outward beauty. That was true in Esther’s day too. In Esther 2:7, it says she had “a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at.” That’s the kind of beauty that got her noticed by the palace.

But then there’s the second kind of beauty. The kind that doesn’t fade. Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” That’s the kind of beauty Esther had deep down.

The king saw it. The people felt it. But most of all, God saw it. Her humble spirit and her willingness to do what was right was what God used to bless a whole nation.

A Teachable Heart

The Bible tells us that Esther listened to the man who raised her—her cousin Mordecai. She obeyed his voice, even when it was scary. In Esther 2:20, it says she still followed his guidance even after becoming queen. That shows us something huge:

Esther’s heart was teachable.

She didn’t let her new position make her proud. She didn’t think she was too good to take advice. That kind of heart shines brighter than any crown or gown.

When the time came for her to step up and risk her life, she didn’t run. She said in Esther 4:16, “If I perish, I perish.” That’s courage. That’s faith. And that’s the kind of beauty that saves lives.

Beauty That Lasts a Lifetime

So here’s the truth: Looks will fade. The world’s idea of beauty changes every year. But God’s idea of it never changes. It’s not about the clothes you wear or the way you style your hair. It’s about the fear of the Lord, the humility to obey, and the strength to do what’s right.

Esther had two kinds of beauty, but it was the beauty of her heart that made her queen. That’s the beauty we all should ask God for.

You Can Have It Too

God used Esther because she was willing to be used. He opened doors with her outer appearance, but He fulfilled His purpose through her inner character. And guess what? He can do the same with you.

When you honor God, listen to wise voices, and walk in courage, you carry the kind of beauty that never fades. And just like Esther, you can change the world—one bold step at a time.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

When God Calls You

When God Calls You to Something Greater

Before any battle. Before any dream. Before you chase victory—God must first call you. That’s where it all begins. In 2 Timothy 1:9, the Apostle Paul says, “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling—not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.”

That word “called” comes from the Greek word kaleo. It means to be invited or to be appointed. That means you didn’t just stumble into your faith. God personally called you. He picked you. He invited you into something sacred—His plan.

Let that sink in. The God who made the stars has called you by name. Not because you earned it. Not because you’re perfect. But because He has a purpose for your life.

When God Calls You, He Equips You

Sometimes God calls us to things that seem way too big. Maybe you feel like Timothy did—young, unsure, maybe a little nervous. That’s why Paul reminded him in 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

Fear doesn’t come from God. When God calls you, He gives you everything you need to walk it out. He gives you power to face hard things. He gives you love to serve others. He gives you a sound mind to think clearly when the pressure hits.

God won’t leave you alone in your calling. He walks with you every step of the way.

When God Calls You, Hold On to Truth

Paul also told Timothy to guard the truth that had been given to him. In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul says, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words… by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”

When God calls you, the enemy will try to shake you. He’ll try to make you question what you know is true. That’s why you need to cling to God’s Word. Hold tight to sound teaching. Surround yourself with people who know the truth and live it.

The Holy Spirit will help you stand strong when everything else tries to pull you down.

You Have a Role to Play in God’s Plan

2 Timothy isn’t just about Timothy. It’s about you. It’s about every believer who has ever wondered if their life matters to God.

Here’s the answer: Yes, it does.

God didn’t just save you to sit. He saved you for service. Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3 to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Soldiers don’t stand still. They move when their commander calls. And God is calling you now.

Step Boldly When God Calls You

So what do you do when God calls you? You answer. You trust Him. You walk forward, even if you feel scared. Because it’s not about how ready you feel—it’s about how faithful God is.

He called you with a holy calling. He gave you His power. He planted truth in your heart. And now, He invites you to walk in it.

So look up. Step out. And say yes—when God calls you.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Look Back and Level Up

Sometimes, the best way to move forward is by first taking a look back. That’s exactly what’s happening in Joshua 1:1-9. Moses, the great leader of Israel, had just passed away. Now it was Joshua’s turn. A brand new chapter was starting. But before he could step into it, he needed to remember what God had already done.

God told Joshua, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise…” (v. 2). In other words, “It’s your time now. But don’t forget where you’ve come from.”

When we look back and level up, we gain strength for the road ahead. We remember God’s past faithfulness so we can face today’s battles with courage.

Look Back and Level Up with Purpose

Joshua had been Moses’ assistant. He had seen firsthand how God split the Red Sea. He had watched God rain down manna from heaven. And he had heard the law given at Mount Sinai. God had shown up over and over again. And now, Joshua stood on the edge of the Promised Land, and the Lord was calling him to lead the people forward.

But the task wasn’t small. It was huge. That’s why God reminded Joshua of His purpose and promise. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you…” (v. 3). God had already planned the path—Joshua just needed to walk it out.

We need to do the same. When fear, doubt, or pressure hits, look back and level up. Remember how God helped you before. Stay focused on your purpose. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now.

God Gives Strength When We Look Back and Level Up

Three times in this passage, God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” (v. 6, 7, 9). That wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a command. And it wasn’t just for Joshua. It’s for you too.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward even when fear shows up. And God gave Joshua the key: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night…” (v. 8). In other words, stay in God’s Word. Let it guide every step. Let it feed your strength.

When we stay close to Scripture, we grow strong on the inside. We gain wisdom. We start making decisions that honor God. And we level up to the next part of our calling.

Keep Moving Forward with Confidence

Joshua wasn’t just stepping into new land—he was stepping into a new season. A harder season. A higher level. And so are you.

The journey ahead won’t always be easy. But God’s Word makes one thing clear in verse 9: “Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

So take time today. Look back and level up. See how far God has brought you. Check your direction. Remember your purpose. And then get up and move forward in faith, knowing that the same God who led you before will keep leading you still.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Seeds of the Church

Every apple has a few seeds. You can count them pretty easily. But no one can count how many apples those seeds will produce over time. That’s how it is with the seeds of the church. You might only see what’s right in front of you. But God sees generations down the road. He sees the legacy.

This is what Paul was teaching young Timothy in 1 Timothy 4—that his life, teaching, and faith were not just for the people around him, but for those who would come after.

Don’t Underestimate the Seeds of the Church

Paul starts in 1 Timothy 4:1 by warning about the future. He says some people will walk away from the faith. They’ll listen to lies and follow wrong paths. That’s a hard truth. But Paul didn’t stop there. He said to train yourself for godliness (verse 7), and to stay focused on what really matters—preaching the truth and living it out every day.

Timothy was young. Some might’ve thought he didn’t have much to offer. But Paul told him not to let anyone look down on him because of his age. Instead, he said to be an example—in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.

This is where the seeds of the church take root. When believers live out their faith, others take notice. You may not preach from a pulpit, but your life preaches every day. And those small actions? They grow into something big.

Every Believer Can Plant Seeds

Paul reminded Timothy in verse 14 not to neglect the gift God gave him. God gives each of us spiritual gifts to build up the church. Whether you’re a teacher, a greeter, a musician, a helper, or a prayer warrior, your gift matters. But it only works if you use it.

Timothy’s job was to teach and preach. But he couldn’t just do it once and quit. Paul told him to be diligent, to keep growing, and to keep giving it his all. When you stay faithful to what God gave you, others will grow too. That’s how the church gets stronger—one seed at a time.

Think about this: someone planted a seed of faith in you. Maybe it was a parent, a pastor, or a friend. And now you get to plant seeds in others. You don’t always see the fruit right away. But just like an apple seed grows into a tree over time, your faith can grow in someone else and bear fruit for years—even long after you’re gone.

Your Legacy Starts Now

You don’t have to be famous to make a difference. You don’t need a big stage or a big following. All you need is a heart willing to obey God and help others grow in Him. That’s how Paul poured into Timothy. And that’s how Timothy poured into others. And now that faith has come all the way down to you and me.

The seeds of the church are still being planted today. So plant them well. Water them with prayer. Shine God’s love on them daily. Because only God knows how many lives will grow from one seed of faith.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Unsung Heroes of the Church

Every church has them—people who don’t stand on stage or hold a microphone, but without them, the church wouldn’t last a week. They are the unsung heroes of the church. Men and women who clean, cook, greet, teach kids, organize, pray, fix things, serve food, and serve people. They don’t do it for praise. They do it for Jesus.

From the Old Testament to the New, God highlights how much these faithful people matter.

The Wisdom of Jethro and the Strength of the Servants

In Exodus 18:14–22, Moses tried to do it all. Every person came to him for help, for judgment, for answers. But it was too much. His father-in-law Jethro stepped in and said, “Moses, this isn’t good. You will wear yourself out. Choose men who fear God, men of truth, who hate dishonest gain. Let them help you.”

That was the beginning of ministry delegation. Jethro didn’t say to pick popular men. He said to choose men of character. These men were faithful, honest, and humble. They feared God and wanted His will, not their own. They were unsung heroes of the church in the making.

The Early Church Knew It Too

Fast forward to Acts 6:2–4, and we see a similar problem. The early church was exploding in growth. People were getting saved daily. But the practical needs started piling up. Widows needed food. Tables needed serving. The apostles couldn’t do everything and still teach the Word and pray.

So they told the church to choose seven men—men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and full of wisdom. These weren’t leftovers. These were Spirit-filled men. God used them to handle the needs of the people so that the pastors could focus on preaching.

From Exodus to Acts, God raised up faithful men to support His work. These men were not seeking glory. They were seeking to glorify God.

Today’s Unsung Heroes Wear Many Hats

If you walk through any church today, you’ll see it’s not just the pastors or teachers who make things happen. It’s the volunteers, the greeters, the child care workers, the kitchen team, the tech crew, the prayer warriors. And yes—it’s often the women who are leading the way in faithful service.

In a lunch honoring our church servants, we looked around and saw it: three-fourths of them were women. Praise God for every man who serves. We need more. But we must also give thanks for the women who show up, serve hard, and never ask for applause.

They are the heartbeat of the church. They are the unsung heroes of the church.

Every Role Matters in God’s Plan

God’s design is clear. He raises pastors, elders, and teachers to lead. But He also raises men and women to do everything else that needs doing—and there’s a lot. These roles may look simple. They may go unnoticed. But God sees every act of service, and He honors it.

Don’t ever think your role is small. If you’re doing it for Jesus, it’s huge. Be faithful where God has placed you. You just might be one of the unsung heroes of the church.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

From High Schooler to Pastor

God loves to take ordinary people and do extraordinary things through them. The story of going from high schooler to pastor shows how God can transform a life when someone is willing to follow Him.

This Bible study is built on two powerful passages: 1 Timothy 3, which gives the character traits of a pastor, and Mark 1:17, where Jesus calls His first disciples with just a few words: “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

The Call of Jesus is Always Personal

In Mark 1:17, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow Him. He didn’t ask them to fill out a form or go to Bible school first. He simply said, “Follow Me.” That’s exactly what He does today. He calls regular people, often in simple moments, and says, “Come with Me. I will change you.”

That’s what happened to one young man. He was just a high school student sitting in church when God touched his heart. He stood up, walked to the front, and gave his life to Christ. That moment changed everything.

The path from high schooler to pastor started with just one step of obedience.

God Looks for Open Vessels

That young man didn’t just stop at salvation. He got involved in the high school ministry. He showed up, listened, served, and started going on missions. SWAT trips—short for Students With A Testimony—took him all over the world. On those trips, he led others to Jesus.

God often chooses people who are open. That’s what Paul meant in 1 Timothy 3. The chapter lays out the qualities of someone who desires to be a pastor. He must be above reproach, faithful, humble, wise, gentle, and grounded in God’s Word. These are not things you get from a classroom—they grow in your life as you walk with Jesus daily.

From high schooler to pastor, the shaping happens in the small, faithful steps.

Mentorship Makes a Big Difference

That young man didn’t grow alone. Someone poured into him. He had a spiritual mentor who prayed with him, taught him, and took him under his wing. At the time, no one knew that young man would marry the mentor’s daughter and become family. But God knew.

That young man became a pastor at Harvest. Later, he and his wife moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where he planted a church called Jesus City Church just two blocks from Martin Luther King Jr.’s church on Dexter Avenue. From a storefront, they’ve reached so many people with the gospel.

God Still Calls and Equips

If God could take a young man from a church seat and send him into full-time ministry, He can do it again and again. Maybe He’s calling you. Or maybe you’re the one called to pour into someone else.

The journey from high schooler to pastor is never about ability—it’s about availability. Say yes to Jesus and see where He leads.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.