Genesis

From the series: In the Beginning

A healthy life depends on a close and trusting relationship with God. We see how Joseph depended on God and trusted in God’s plan and purpose for him though it wasn’t always clear. Joseph did not lose faith in adversity, but rather looked to serve the Lord through the adversity. God was faithful, and we see this displayed in the life of Joseph. Though the actions of individuals in Joseph’s life (e.g. his brothers, Potiphar’s wife) were meant to harm Joseph, God used these events to bless not only Joseph, but nations. Genesis 50:20 (ESV) “As for you, 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.”

From the series: In the Beginning

The family is the first institution created by God. He calls us to guide and raise our families to honor Him. In Genesis 49, we come to the end of Jacob's life as he is surrounded by his family, and he gives blessings to each of his 12 sons who become the 12 tribes of Israel.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Today we are examining why God first gave the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel and the meaning they still hold for us today.

From the series: In the Beginning

Today, we explore Genesis 48, focusing on the lessons from Jacob’s life. Jacob’s journey illustrates how blessings come from God’s grace, not our efforts.

From the series: In the Beginning

When we face difficulties in life, how do we respond? Jesus calls us to be servant leaders, recognizing that all we have in life are blessings from God, and we should use them to bless others around us. We should put the needs of others ahead of our own. In Genesis 27, we see Joseph using his position of leadership to bless and provide not only for his family, but also for the entire nation of Egypt.

From the series: In the Beginning

During different seasons of life, we encounter all kinds of circumstances, both positive and negative, but through all of them God is in control. In Genesis 46, we see Jacob and his family moving to Egypt. There they reunited with Joseph, and we see the fulfillment of God's promises to Jacob.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 45, we finally see Joseph reveal himself to his brothers. Instead of using his position and power to exact revenge on them, he instead forgives them and recognizes how God placed him in this position in order to preserve their lives.

From the series: In the Beginning

What happens to our faith when we face adversity? When life is going our way, it’s easy to say we’re putting our hope and faith in God. In Genesis 44, we see Joseph’s brothers facing great adversity that shows the change in their character since they sold Joseph into slavery two decades before.

From the series: In the Beginning

How do we respond when presented with the truths of God? During different seasons of life our response can take different forms and change over time. This is what we see in the heart of Jacob as he responds to the news from his sons regarding Simeon and Benjamin.

From the series: In the Beginning

There are circumstances in life that cause pain; times when relationships are damaged and forgiveness needs to take place. Joseph and his brothers, after 20 years apart, experience this reconciliation in Genesis 42.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 41, Pharaoh has a series of dreams that disturb him. His cupbearer remembers how God used Joseph to interpret his dreams when he was in prison. God gives Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and, as a result, Pharaoh places Joseph in charge of the entire land of Egypt to prepare for the upcoming years of plenty and years of famine.

From the series: In the Beginning

When things aren't going well for us, where does our focus go? Do we turn inward and wallow in self pity, or do we turn to the Lord and trust that regardless of our circumstance, we can still be used of the Lord. In Genesis 40, we see that even though Joseph was thrown in prison, he uses the situation to find ways to serve others and honor God.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 39, we see Joseph at a pivotal moment in his life. He's been brought to Egypt, and God has blessed him with a place of honor and responsibility in Potiphar's house. In this, he faces a number of choices that reflect where his priorities are. Will he give in to the temptations placed before him, or will he honor God with his life?

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 38, we find the story of Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar. In the messy circumstances, we see what happens when someone is taken advantage of for selfish purposes. Yet in spite of the mess, God is always sovereign and works all things together for His good and gives us hope.

From the series: In the Beginning

Joseph was treated as his father’s favorite, which caused a lot of turmoil in his relationship with his brothers; to the point they beat him, stripped him of his coat of many colors, and sold him into slavery. In Genesis 37, there are many lessons for parents of things to avoid in how we raise our children.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 35, we see Jacob entering the land of Bethel and the change happening in his heart and hearts of his family. In spite of all the circumstances, trials, and heartache of life, God is always faithful and desires a relationship with us.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 34, we encounter the disturbing story of the assault of one of the daughters of Jacob. She was treated as an object for a man's own pleasure, instead of as a person created in God’s image with intrinsic worth and value.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 33, Jacob finally meets his brother, Esau, after the turmoil of their prior relationship and many years apart. We also see how God has started to change and transform Jacob's heart in how he treats his family and those around him.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 32 Jacob hits rock bottom. His brother is pursuing him with 400 men, and Jacob is fearing for his life. Then he encounters God in the middle of the night and wrestles with Him, and Jacob’s heart is changed.

From the series: In the Beginning

When envy and jealousy start to take root, all kinds of trouble will follow. We see this in Genesis 31 through the turmoil that happens in the lives of Lavon, Jacob, and their families.