Created and Called
The Big Story
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."
New Clothes, New Home, Same Future
August 25, 2019 • Jeff Noble
After Joseph's brothers are forgiven, they return home to their father Jacob. Surprised and in disbelief that Joseph still lives, Jacob travels back to Egypt with his family in Pharaoh's wagons where he is reunited with his son. In this sermon, we are reminded that God's promises do not change. Even though our circumstances change and our outlook may be dismal, God remains steadfast.
Grace Melts Guilt
August 18, 2019 • Jeff Noble
As Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers in Egypt, we are reminded of the power of forgiveness. In this sermon, Jeff Noble highlights the similarities between the forgiveness Joseph displayed towards his brothers and the forgiveness that God freely gives through Christ.
Bookends of Mercy
August 11, 2019 • Jeff Noble
As our story from Genesis 42 continues, Joseph's brothers are once again faced with a great challenge. On orders from Joseph, they must return to Egypt with their youngest brother, but fearing that he will lose yet another son, their father Jacob objects. In this sermon, Jeff Noble focuses on the crippling attributes of fear clearly revealed in the life of Jacob and his sons. But as he reminds listeners, moving forward in godly faith always limits the hold of fear and guilt over our lives.
Guilt Awakened
August 4, 2019 • Jeff Noble
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.
The Sins of Judah and His Sons
July 14, 2019 • Matt Kesler
Matt Kesler shares the story of Judah and his repeated sin and disobedience. In Genesis 38, Judah is quick to point his finger at Tamar, while not focusing on his own sin. Often times we treat sin the same way in our own lives. Judah's integrity is lacking, but he has a change of heart and eventually, the Messiah is born in his lineage. Matt reminds listeners that just like Judah, we can have a real change of heart and face our own fears, struggles, sins and challenges.
Joseph's Dream
June 30, 2019 • Darrell Cook
Joseph is Jacob's favored son, but this doesn't sit well with Joseph's brothers. In this sermon, we examine the early life of Joseph to see how his story goes from big promises, to betrayal and isolation by and from his own family. Darrell Cook encourages listeners to trust the Lord's plan, even when it seems all wrong in the moment.
Jacob's Family Troubles
June 23, 2019 • Jeff Noble
As the story of his life nears its end in Genesis, Jacob's family challenges seem to multiply. In Genesis 35, Jacob is betrayed by his eldest son, Reuben, and he experiences the death of three people very close to him; his father and beloved wife, Rachel. These difficult stories in Jacob's life are a reminder of our need to continually trust the Lord in every circumstance of life - even when our emotions tell us otherwise.
Jacob, The Passive Father
June 16, 2019 • Jeff Noble
The story of Jacob's daughter, Dinah in Genesis 34 is a story about a sensitive and yet very important issue that affects our world today: sexual assault. On Father's Day Sunday, Jeff discusses the response of Jacob to his daughter's abuse and he offers practical and spiritual advice for those affected. Jeff reminds the church that the greatest place of healing for our lives, for any injustice we face, is at the cross of Christ.
Our Vulnerability and God's Sovereignty
June 9, 2019 • Matt Simpson
We regularly attempt to hide our weaknesses from God, but as Matt Simpson points out, God's sovereignty is often best revealed to us when we are most fragile. Jacob is fearful and wounded as he encounters his brother Esau, but he knows his ability to save himself is nothing compared to God's purpose and plan. The story of vulnerable Jacob facing his brother Esau challenges us in our own lives: What does it take for us to approach God with open and honest vulnerability today?
Jacob's Waiting
May 19, 2019 • Jeff Noble
In Genesis 28 and 29 Jacob finds himself on the run and alone after deceiving his father and stealing his brother's birthright. In this sermon, Jeff looks at how Jacob learned to surrender to God and how we can likewise find joy in surrendering and waiting on God in our own lives.
Doubly Duped
May 12, 2019 • Jeff Noble
This sermon examines Jacob and Esau, and the ways that Jacob deceived his father to take Esau's blessing. In Jacob's "performance act" and through Esau's desperation we see that God uses both for redemption, and that we can look to Jesus to be free from performing.
Dig Another Well
May 5, 2019 • Jeff Noble
This sermon looks at Isaac and the ways that God blessed him in a famine because of God's character in keeping his covenant with Abraham. From Isaac we see that we must not lose heart in a famine, because even Jesus himself endured hardship, but God's provision is unfailing.