An Unchanging Promise (WS)
September 19, 2021 • Dave Williams • Exodus 1:1—2:22, Genesis 50:26, Romans 7:24
Most of us have heard the stories of Exodus at some point. Moses, the plagues, parting of the Red Sea--all familiar images, but do we know how they fit into the over-arching story of God's redeeming work? 🧐 In Moses we see a man chosen by God to lead His people from slavery into a promised land, yet as inspiring as the story is, it points to an even greater story--the story of Jesus rescuing us from spiritual bondage and leading us into abundant life in Him.
What Faith Produces (HP)
August 8, 2021 • Kyle Wetzler • James 3:13–18, James 1:5–6, Psalm 111:10, 1 Corinthians 1:26–31, Genesis 3:6
Wisdom comes from God. Our lives, when lived according to His wisdom reflects His character. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of a life lived in full submission to God’s will, displaying heavenly wisdom. A mind fully submitted to God will always seek the true good of others, while a heart ruled by the self seeks the good of self, leading to disorder. If everyone seeks good according to what they themselves determine is good, our ideals inevitably conflict and we clash with one another, either literally or figuratively. James says you have a choice. Are you following wisdom from above? Or are you following that which has come from below—that anti-wisdom—earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, causing strife and conflict. Make your choice. Are you following God’s wisdom, or are you following earthly wisdom?
Source of Life: Reconciliation (BG)
June 13, 2021 • Jon Siebert • Genesis 45—46
After weeks of seemingly continuous heartbreak and let downs, we see a happy resolution to the story of Joseph and his family. Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, is reunited with his father, and provides a safe place for the people of God setting them up to flourish. The story of Joseph's life provides us a beautiful picture of the Gospel. Joseph moves from abandonment in a pit, a time of servitude, and false imprisonment, to a place of power and respect, now used to protect and sustain his family. Joseph moved from death and despair to life, from destitution to a life of fortune and plenty. Not only does he experience this himself, but he also shares the abundance with others. Although God's ways can be difficult to understand at times, He uses the everyday events of our lives to accomplish His will, reconciling people to Himself, and others to one another. By now, we can see in full what Joseph meant when he said: "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Gen. 50:20)
Tempted: Potiphar's Wife (BG)
May 16, 2021 • Jon Siebert • Genesis 39
Have you ever found yourself in a position where you are doing the right thing and still wind up in trouble? Do you ever feel like you can't catch a break? Where do you turn, or where do you go? Is there a right way? Learning from someone else’s experience can be a great gift! This sermon we’ll process together navigating false accusations and the consequences found within Joseph’s example in Genesis 39.
Tempted: Potiphar's Wife (WS)
May 16, 2021 • Dave Williams • Genesis 39
Perhaps you have seen the coffee cup slogan, “Lord, lead me not into temptation…I can get there all by myself!” We all wrestle with temptation. Jesus himself was tempted in every way. Temptation is really an impulse to fulfill a legitimate, natural desire or need in a way that is unhealthy, excessive, or clearly outside the boundaries that God has established for our benefit and protection. Tune in as we look at three specific temptations Joseph faced in Genesis 39 📖 --ones we all wrestle with at different times in our lives. Discover with us how what we believe to be true in that moment determines our ability to stand firm.
Rejected & Sold: Dream Given & Dream Rejected (BG)
May 9, 2021 • Jon Siebert • Genesis 37
Being a “good person” who “does all the right things” doesn’t guarantee a life of success or ease. Joseph’s life teaches us that even a life lived in obedience to God can be full of inequities, unfairness, and tragedy. But his life also teaches us that we have a great God who works amidst the rich compost of human life to accomplish His will. Join us Sunday as we take a closer look at how God used the tragedy and hardship of Joseph’s life for good.
God's Providence & Promises (BG)
May 2, 2021 • Jon Siebert • Genesis 50:18–20
Why do bad things happen? Is there really a purpose for our pain? How can God be good when there is so much evil in the world? If you have ever asked a question like this, you’ll want to join us for the next seven weeks while we take an in-depth look at the sovereignty of God as we explore how He takes what was meant for evil and uses it for good.