In the middle of a great famine, Jacob's sons go to Egypt where they encounter their younger brother Joseph who is second in authority over all of Egypt. Not recognizing him and still assuming he is dead, they find themselves in quiet a scenario. As they are overcome with fear and guilt, Joseph sees their pain and remembers back to a difficult past.
The story of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt reveal the sorrow that guilt can cause, even in the life of a believer. In this sermon, Jeff reminds us that not all guilt is bad and some guilt leads to repentance. But "be cautious," for even though guilt can motivate, it will not sustain us to live for the Lord.
Guilt Awakened
Genesis 42
August 4, 2019 • Jeff Noble
Forgiveness is Final
September 15, 2019 • Jeff Noble
Joseph becomes overwhelmed with sadness following the realization that his brothers have not been enjoying their relationship with him due to the fact that they did not truly believe they were forgiven. He then reassures them that despite the circumstances he faced in regards to his brothers, God transformed it for his good. He later passes away and asks his brothers to take his bones to the promised land. Joseph's weeping mirrors the time when Jesus wept. We are reminded in Genesis 50 that Jesus died on the cross once to wipe away our sins forever. We are reminded of how much of a blessing God's commitment to forget is.
Future Grace
September 8, 2019 • Jeff Noble
Jacob addresses his sons in birth order and blesses them appropriately. When he gets to Joseph, he bestows a blessing that would continue onward to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob also acknowledges Joseph's unwavering allegiance to the Lord. In the midst of this, Jacob pauses to recognize his own need for God and declares an announcement of faith saying, "God I wait for your salvation."