Nechako Christian Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Nechako Christian Fellowship
After Jesus healed the man born blind, a discussion ensues between him and his family, and the Pharisees. This discussion gets heated and reveals to us the heart of man. - Pastor Kevin
We begin chapter 9 of John in this sermon. AND we begin our look at the sixth of the seven signs in John's Gospel. In this sermon, we (very briefly) look at the existence and role of pain and suffering in the world, and the Christian's response. - Pastor Kevin
John 8 concludes with one of the most remarkable statements in the history of mankind, uttered of course by Jesus Christ. Let's consider it together. - Pastor Kevin
We're taking a break from John 8 for a week or so. God pressed on me to bring this message this week instead. Let me know your thoughts. - Pastor Kevin
Jesus continues to ratchet up the pressure on His enemies as He reveals to them who they really are... and the truth stands in opposition to the lie of their real father, the devil. - Pastor Kevin
I must apologize for the periodic loss of control of my emotions. We had a family tragedy this week, and I'm doing my best. Jesus is the Truth, and He has offered to make us free if we will abide in Him. Let's consider in some depth what this all means. - Pastor Kevin
Jesus once again is facing His most recalcitrant critics. But, although He is speaking to them, He is doing it for our sake, that we might know Him better. - Pastor Kevin
Jesus is the Light of the world, not just the light of my own little heart. What are the repercussions of this immense truth? - Pastor Kevin
The story of the woman caught in adultery, and brought before Jesus by the religious leaders is certainly one of the most powerful and moving stories of all time. I think it's because it is such a relatable foreshadowing of the story of Calvary. Let me explain why... - Pastor Kevin
It's Resurrection Sunday, and Jesus gives us a resurrection invitation in today's text. Let's take some time to consider it. - Pastor Kevin
There is a lot of confusion surrounding Jesus in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles described in John 7. How is Jesus going to deal with the confusion amongst the many groups there? That's what we'll discuss today. - Pastor Kevin
Right up front, I must apologize for the audio quality; halfway through the sermon, the computer froze, so there is a 2 minute section that I had to re-record in order to produce the entire sermon.
This week's sermon presents the start of Jesus' time in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus teaches the people, but at the same time, calls out the Jewish elites for their hypocrisy. This further escalates the tension between Jesus and the religious elites as the text moves toward Passion week. - Pastor Kevin
Jesus time had not yet arrived. He was perfectly committed to the will of the Father and so the timing of God's plan mattered as much as the events of God's plan. What can Christians glean from these few short verses? - Pastor Kevin
We have come to the end of John 6. It is not only a long chapter, but it is also complex and controversial. But here, at its conclusion, we are challenged once again to decide what to do with Jesus of Nazareth. Consider well... - Pastor Kevin
Jesus never backed down from controversy, and He never backed down from telling the truth. Today's text is a difficult text, and it has caused controversy for nearly 2 millennia now. Let's consider it with the goal of application to our lives in 2024. - Pastor Kevin
Those who have believed in Jesus should be absolutely secure in knowing that they are His. There is nothing that can snatch us out of His hand. - Pastor Kevin
When we listen to (or read) the words of Jesus in the Gospels, we must be very, VERY careful to take His teachings in context. A failure to do this can lead to all sorts of misunderstandings of Christian doctrine and our responsibility as Christians to be obedient to our Lord. Hopefully, this message encourages us to this end. - Pastor Kevin
The people see Jesus as the Prophet; they aspire to make Him king; but they fail to consider His priestly work, enabling Him to be the One who comes to us in the storms of life. Let's not make the same mistake. - Pastor Kevin
The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all 4 Gospels. Let's consider it for a time to try and find out why. - Pastor Kevin
Today's text brings us to the end of the 'Divinity Sermon', one of the most powerful self-revelations of Jesus Christ concerning His equality with the Father. We are in a courtroom, with Jesus as the accused, and it doesn't go well for His accusers. In the words of a famous defendant, "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!" - Pastor Kevin
Things may seem dark right now, but according to the promise of Christ, they will not remain dark. He has a great work for His people and obedience to His command will transform the world. - Pastor Kevin
There are several important places mentioned in the Old Testament connected to the coming Messiah. Let's look at 3 of them and their significance. - Pastor Kevin
This sermon in John 5 is one of the clearest presentations that Christ ever gave of His own Deity. Then, He teaches what that means for you and me and our relationship with Him. - Pastor Kevin
Jesus heals a lame man on the Sabbath, intentionally provoking a confrontation with the religious/political elites in Judea. This week's text gives us some deep insight into the nature of man and his relationship with power. - Pastor Kevin
Think very carefully before you answer this question. Jesus asked it to a lame man beside the Pool of Bethesda, and it seems like the answer should be painfully obvious. But, maybe there's more to it than we imagine. - Pastor Kevin
Let's consider together this second of Jesus' miracles in the Gospel of John, and what it teaches us about God and about ourselves. I must apologize for the audio quality... I'm not sure what went wrong. - Pastor Kevin
God's Spirit prompted me to return to a couple of ideas in the text from last week, so let's do that together. The entire sermon is centered around this phrase: "The woman left her waterpot." - Pastor Kevin
Our God is the God of the impossible. In this text, we explore 4 ways that God accomplishes the impossible in the lives of those who encounter Jesus. - Pastor Kevin
This is such a beautiful story. And I think Christians over the millennia have loved it because they see themselves in it, even if it's not a particularly flattering image. Here's the key: Jesus keeps His divine appointments and reveals Himself to sinners... like me. - Pastor Kevin
Jesus continues His ministry by moving out of Jerusalem into the Judean countryside where He engages in a ministry of baptism. Nearby, John the Baptist's disciples are troubled by this, and they bring their concerns to John. John's response is one for the ages. Let's consider it. - Pastor Kevin
Today completes the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus... one of the most revealing conversations in the history of mankind. These few words of Jesus are so saturated with truth that we cannot possibly touch on everything, but we'll look at a few highlights. - Pastor Kevin
Only the Apostle John records the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus, and we are so thankful that he did! The depth of truth that Jesus commits to Nicodemus is astounding and has brought light to the world since the moment it occurred. We are blessed this morning to consider some of these words. - Pastor Kevin
Just prior to the Jewish Passover, Jesus enters the Temple complex, makes a whip of cords, and drives out all the animals and moneychangers. Why? That's what we hope to examine in this message. - Pastor Kevin
The rich young ruler in today's text knows he is missing something in his life; he knows, even in his religiosity, that eternal life is still not his. But, when he asks Jesus what is missing, the answer he receives is precisely the answer he does not want to hear... and he chooses his 'stuff' over eternal life. - Pastor Kevin
AT some point, the 'natural' wine will fail in every person's life. This may seem like a great loss to us, but to God, it is an opportunity to provide the 'supernatural' wine, the best wine. And there are other layers to this great story of Jesus' first sign. - Pastor Kevin
At the end of chapter 1, Jesus is selecting those who will be His disciples. Each one of them is unique and teaches us that Jesus extends His grace in all sorts of ways to all sorts of people. There is no one outside of the reach of Christ and our job is to tell other to, "Come and see!" - Pastor Kevin
Everything John the Baptist said and did pointed people to the Messiah; that was the work God had given him. When Jesus came along, John's primary mission was complete. He would decrease, but Christ would increase. The 2 things John said about Jesus that are most striking are these: 1) Jesus is the Lamb of God; and 2) Jesus is the Son of God. What can that teach us today? - Pastor Kevin
John the Baptist is a key figure at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Let's take a look at the testimony of John, always keeping in mind that the focus is always Jesus and His work of redemption. - Pastor Kevin
To conclude his prologue, the Apostle John, using words that brook no argument, tells us that Jesus Christ is the eternal Logos, God the Son, eternal and omnipotent. The 2 words John uses repeatedly to describe this One are grace and truth, and Jesus is the fullness of both. A remarkable Scripture; a remarkable revelation of God. - Pastor Kevin
We continue our look into the prologue of John's Gospel, where we are introduced to John the Baptist, the immediate forerunner of Jesus the Messiah. - Pastor Kevin
Before John gives us an account of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, he makes it clear who it is that he is writing about. Jesus is the logos of eternity, the eternal, only-begotten Son of the true and living God. Every word in these first 5 verses is placed with care and precision so that we do not misunderstand who Jesus is. Let's consider this passage together... -Pastor Kevin
We are beginning our journey through the Gospel of John. We will start with some important background. - Pastor Kevin
We have finished Exodus. Let's allow Christ to remind us why we are meeting together. - Pastor Kevin
We have come to the end of the great book of Exodus. More than any other work of literature in history, it has been a beacon and inspiration of hope for millions and millions of people around the world. Why not Canadians, too, I might ask? Exodus has been called, "The Gospel According to Moses," and every page points us to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let's conclude this book with the same message of hope so many have received from God's words recorded here. - Pastor Kevin
God renews His covenant with Israel. In the process, Moses' face shines with the light of His glory having been with Him on the top of Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights. Thankfully, the Apostle Paul gives the inspired teaching regarding this passage, and we look to his letter to the Corinthians for insight. - Pastor Kevin
The original tablets containing the 10 Commandment written by the finger of God have been smashed by Moses when he saw the people committing idolatry. But, after Moses has interceded for the people, and God agrees to restore the covenant, the first thing God asks of Moses is to make new tablets. These 9 verses are rich. We learn that the words of God are eternal and authoritative; we learn that God is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, abounding in goodness and truth, and perfectly just; we learn that there is no sin that Christ is unable or unwilling to forgive. And, we learn that all this should drive us to our knees in worship. - Pastor Kevin
God always keeps His promises. He will bring Israel into the Promised Land. But Moses, having experienced the presence of the Lord, was not satisfied unless the Lord would go with them. So, he goes outside the camp to meet with the Lord and there, experiences the Lord in all His goodness, the Rock of Ages. - Pastore Kevin
A difficult message to preach, but one that needs preaching because it is the teaching of the Word of God. May God raise up those to whom He has created sacred hearts to work also with their hands as unto Him. - Pastor Kevin
God draws a sharp divide between that which He has set aside as holy, and that which is common to all. How does He do this? What does it mean for the Christian? - Pastor Kevin
We lost the first part of this sermon, which contained the reading of Exodus 30:1-10, so take the time to read that passage before you listen. This is a sermon on prayer. Prayer is most holy to God; prayer is the flight of the lonely soul to the only God. Let's learn what prayer is and what gives prayer its power at the throne of grace. - Pastor Kevin
The ultimate consecration, or preparation for the work of service, is the presence of God. This is what the cross is about; restoring the relationship between God and man that we might communion and have fellowship with our Creator and with one another. We are a kingdom of priests, but Jesus Christ is the High Priest, enduring forever as the eternal, living sacrifice at the throne and altar of God. - Pastor Kevin
This is our service for Resurrection Sunday, 2023. The cross of Christ, and the empty tomb that followed at Jesus' Resurrection is the centerpiece of all human history, and it ought to give each one of us immeasurable hope. - Pastor Kevin
Today's passage is a detailed exposition of what God did for humanity at the cross of Jesus Christ. The moment we trusted Christ, God utterly transforms us into a vessel to be used for His glory. This passage gives us glimpses into what it is that God has all done for us and on our behalf. - Pastor Kevin
God gave Moses detailed instructions on who would perform the priestly duties and what they must wear while doing them. Aaron would have several items exclusive to him as high priest, but his sons would also wear proper garb to perform their duties. God tells us that the garments are given for glory and for beauty, and the priests are to be anointed, consecrated, and sanctified. But what does this all mean to you and I today? - Pastor Kevin
We now move outside the Tabernacle 'proper', into the court of the Tabernacle where we will find the Altar of Sacrifice. This is where we will spend most of our time. But we will also look at the oil for the lampstand mentioned in the final 2 verses of the chapter. - Pastor Kevin
Early in this sermon, I show at the front of the church 2 short videos that I found on YouTube. They are made by 'Bible Scenes' and they have to do with the framing of the Tabernacle and the Tabernacle coverings. You can watch them if you like; I found them quite helpful.
In today's message, we learn of the actual lifting up of the Tabernacle and the 4 coverings that were used on it. From the outside, the Tabernacle wasn't all that much to look at. But, for those who would enter, it would be beautiful beyond description. If the Tabernacle is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, what does this teach us? - Pastor Kevin
Today, we are discussing the next 2 items of furniture in the Tabernacle, the Table of Showbread and the Golden Lampstand. The Tabernacle and everything in it points us to the person and work of Christ, but these 2 items don't leave the Christian without responsibility before the throne of God. - Pastor Kevin
The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most iconic and memorable images in all the Old Testament. It makes appearances again in the book of Hebrews and finally in the book of Revelation as a powerful representation of salvation which is found in Jesus Christ alone. On top of the Ark was placed the 'mercy-seat', where the presence of God would dwell, between the cherubim, and this makes for a narrative of cosmic significance, pointing us to how God was revealing the Gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. The instrument of death has become the Tree of Life. - Pastor Kevin
While Moses is in God's presence at the top of Mount Sinai, God tells Moses to ask for a free-will offering from the people that a Sanctuary might be built for God's presence to dwell in the midst of His people. The list of items God asks for begins to describe for us the kind of Messiah that God would send one day to redeem His people from sin. - Pastor Kevin
Exodus 24 is a rich, rich passage. In it, we see the initiation of the Old Covenant, under Moses and sealed by the blood of animals. It is a beautiful parallel to the initiation of the New Covenant, under Christ and sealed by His blood. We'll explore some of these wonderful parallels in today's message. - Pastor Kevin
This message covers the conclusion of the 'Book of the Covenant' God gave to ancient Israel. It is divided into 3 main parts: 1) The Angel; 2) The Way; and 3) The Destination. What does God's victory look like? What can be expected? What is our duty? And what does God promise for those who are obedient to Him? - Pastor Kevin
This passage of Scripture, sometimes called "The Book of the Covenant," gives insight into the type of society established by ancient Israel. But, more importantly, it gives glimpses of the wisdom of God in dealing with His people. Although these rules and judgments don't apply to us directly today, we can still glean principles here that can help us to live justly. And, again, it all points toward the Lord Jesus Christ. - Pastor Kevin
The first part of Exodus 21 is a very controversial passage because it deals with the topic of slavery. We want to be open and honest with the text, and in doing so, hopefully we can put our discomfort with the topic of slavery in the Bible to rest as we look at these verses. Finally, let's find the Lord Jesus Christ in verses 5 and 6, because He is there, teaching us. - Pastor Kevin
My 3 kids and I open this message with an ancient Christmas carol played on strings. Then we look at the conception and birth of the Lord Jesus Christ through the eyes of His earthly father, Joseph. - Pastor Kevin
The final few verses of Exodus 20 can be easily skimmed over as just a little additional information on top of the 10 Commandments given at the beginning of the chapter. But, ALL Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. What is He teaching us about Christ in these verses? - Pastor Kevin
Exodus 20 contains the 10 Commandments (verses 1-17) as well as 2 other parts. Those 2 parts recount: 1) the response of the people of Israel to hearing the Law, and 2) the Law concerning the construction of an altar. We will look at just the first of these today, examining Israel's response to hearing the 10 Commandments. As we should well know by now, the book of Exodus is saturated in stories that point us to Jesus Christ, and this passage is no different. Together, let's find Christ in today's Scripture. - Pastor Kevin
The 10 Commandments, generally, can be divided into 2 main categories: the 'vertical' commandments, and the 'horizontal' commandments. The 'vertical' commandments have to do with man's relationship to God (worship); the 'horizontal' commandments have to do with man's relationship to his fellow man (service). The first 4 commandments are vertical; the final 6 are horizontal. Today, we will look at the first 4 commandments. - Pastor Kevin
The 10 Commandments have been a pillar of truth for 3,500 years now. So what is the Christian's relationship to the Law of God seeing as how the cross changed everything and is history's great divider? It's a complex answer, but worth consideration. - Pastor Kevin
God's majestic presence descends upon Mount Sinai in an awesome display of power so that the people might fear Him and not sin. But nothing like this had happened before or has happened since. What can we learn from this unique event? - Pastor Kevin
This is the first sermon of the second half of the book of Exodus. Exodus can be divided into 2 large halves: 1) Pre-Sinai; and 2) At Sinai. This passage gives a description very much like a marriage proposal; God is inviting Israel to enter a covenant relationship with Him, and Israel accepts. This message deals with some grand themes like law and grace, the Old and New covenants, and the Christians' position as a royal priesthood and a holy nation before God. - Pastor Kevin
We take a break from the book of Exodus for a special communion message on this Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Our topic is the blood atonement of Jesus Christ. - Pastor Kevin
After the Lord leads Moses and the children of Israel near Mount Sinai, Jethro hears of their return and comes out to see Moses again after a long absence. After the joyful reunion, which included Moses' wife and 2 sons, Jethro sees that Moses is wearing himself thin by judging the people of Israel from sunup to sundown. Jethro offers Moses some advice, which is gladly received, at which point Jethro heads back home. Compared to the previous stories in Exodus, this one seems somewhat pedantic; but there are lessons here as well. Let's consider a few of them... - Pastor Kevin
A group of people called the Amalekites attack the children of Israel at a place called Rephidim. It is one of the most iconic and practical stories in all the Old Testament. It is so densely packed with truth that there's no way we can touch on everything. But let's hit a few high points... - Pastor Kevin
"That Rock was Christ." These words from Paul in First Corinthians are the focal point of our message from Exodus today. Christ as the Rock, from Whom flows living water - the Holy Spirit of Truth - is a theme from the beginning to the end of the Bible and is more than worth the little bit of time we will spend considering this beautiful story. - Pastor Kevin
The Lord has promised to provide bread from heaven, but He has given the people strict instruction on its gathering and preservation, especially around the seventh day, the Sabbath. Since this is Scripture's first mention of a Sabbath rest, we'll use the bulk of our time to compare the Sabbath (Saturday) and its observance, with the Lord's Day (Sunday) and its observance. But, we'll try to do it all with our eyes on Christ as the Lord of the Sabbath. - Pastor Kevin
Let's explore the topic of baptism today. Three of our young people will be baptized later this day, so it would be good to think about this topic again. - Pastor Kevin
There are a few audio issues at the very beginning of the message, but it resolves quite early. Anyway... God has promised to provide meat and bread to the children of Israel and He is faithful. The first question we try to answer is, "Why quail?" The second is, "How does the manna point to Christ?" There is so much more to be said, but hopefully this message gets you digging into your own Bible for gems from the LORD. - Pastor Kevin
The children of Israel continue their desert wanderings leaving the comfort of Elim and heading to the destination of Mount Sinai. But they run out of food. They begin once again to complain against Moses and Aaron, but God graciously hears their complaints and promises to provide meat and bread from heaven. - Pastor Kevin
From the shore of the Red Sea, God through Moses leads the people into the wilderness of Shur and to a place called 'Marah' because the waters there are bitter. In this amazing passage (only 6 verses long) we can learn a tremendous amount about the cross of Christ and the message of the Gospel. And the passage concludes at Elim, where the people are blessed with water and shade for a time as they prepare to continue forward. - Pastor Kevin
After their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, the children of Israel sing a song of praise to the LORD, taught to them my Moses as an eternal reminder of who God is, and what He has done and will continue to do for His people. This song is so powerful, that it is sung in Heaven along with the Song of the Lamb, extolling God for His deliverance from every enemy. - Pastor Kevin
God leads His people across the Red Sea in divine power. But He also uses the Red Sea to destroy His people's enemies for good. When we consider the message of the Gospel in light of this inspired text, we can be encouraged that God will have victory in our lives as well. In fact, He accomplished that victory already at the cross; our only reasonable service, then, is to live in His victory. - Pastor Kevin
God is a rearguard to the children of Israel and opens a path through the Red Sea ahead of them. This is probably the most well-known story in all the world, and I believe God made it that way so that we would never forget or think carelessly of what Christ did at the cross for you and me. Jesus opened a way through the 'Red Sea' of His blood that we might be delivered through His death into His salvation. - Pastor Kevin
God leads the children of Israel to a place of certain death. With the army of Pharaoh behind, and the Red Sea ahead, Israel cries out in fear to the Lord, but then also begins to complain loudly about their dire circumstances. Moses comforts them with words like, "Stand still," and "Hold your peace," and "See the salvation of your God." The lessons for the Christian in this passage are boundless in their scope and boundless in their power. As we consider them, let's also consider the cross of Christ. - Pastor Kevin
God led Israel out of Egypt by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. But it was not the way they would have chosen and not the way they would have expected. God had a higher purpose in leading them, and that purpose was to know Him, to learn to trust Him, so that when they faced the battles to come, they could do so knowing that the Lord God was fighting with them and for them. - Pastor Kevin
Remembrance is a theme that runs throughout chapter 13 of Exodus. What are we to take away from God's command to wear these events and rituals on our foreheads and on our arms? I believe it is pointing to a profound truth, a balance for the Christian between the life of the mind and the life of Christian service. Let's not fall into the trap that pagan religions have thrust upon our societies of being 'mindless followers'; rather, let us fill our minds and time with Gospel Truth and Christian service. - Pastor Kevin
To complete chapter 12 of Exodus we consider the amazing grace of God in giving opportunity to all that wanted to join themselves to God's people in this radical text. And it all points to Christ, and His unmatched work on the cross, and to whom the Law pointed an eternal finger for those seeking the righteousness of God and eternal life. - Pastor Kevin
The instructions have been given. The people have been warned. Now, God comes down to Egypt in judgment, with the death of every firstborn in the land that is not protected by the blood of the lamb. - Pastor Kevin
The description of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread is a powerful picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is worth spending some time considering some of these details again, I think. - Pastor Kevin
For the first time, Pharaoh learns what the final cost will be for his pride and rebellion: death, specifically, the death of his firstborn and the firstborn of all the Egyptians and their livestock. There are so many lessons in these texts leading up to and including the Passover Scriptures that we can barely begin to dig into it all. But we will touch on a few highlights. - Pastor Kevin
This is the final plague before the death of the firstborn and the institution of the Passover. The darkness with which God judges Egypt is a picture of their condition spiritually, as Pharaoh has refused to obey God. Much can be said of darkness and light; we'll mention a few. - Pastor Kevin
Pharaoh still will not bend. So God promises to send a plague of locusts unlike anything Egypt has ever seen. This drives Pharaoh to try and compromise with the Lord, and send the adult men to hold a feast to the Lord. Moses says no; they will take everyone and everything out of Egypt when they go. From Moses' answer we learn a principle about true worship: true worship involves all that we are and have, being brought into submission to the will of the Lord in humble adoration. - Pastor Kevin
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is THE hope for mankind. It is the guarantee, to those that have believed on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we have eternal life and will be raised with a body like His.
What is the 'hymn' Jesus and His disciples sang after the Passover meal, before they went to the Mount of Olives, where our Lord was betrayed? We are taking our primary reading from Matthew 26, but we will also read Psalms 116, 117, and 118.
What are some indicators of false (or deceptive) repentance? What are some indicators of genuine repentance? I think we can learn a few things to keep our eyes and ears open to from today's Scripture. - Pastor Kevin
The seventh plague receives more verses of description than any of the others. It seems to strike terror into Pharaoh's heart to see what the Lord can do in the heavens and He brings hail, fire, and lightning upon Egypt. Any man or beast caught out in this storm perishes, along with the first part of Egypt's crops and the trees of the field. But what's the lesson for us today? - Pastor Kevin
We are halfway through the plagues of the Exodus. God continues to increase the intensity of the plagues as He reveals Himself to Israel, the Egyptians, and even the hard-hearted Pharaoh. Every plague is unique and gives us unique principles and further revelation about the Person and works of Jehovah, God of Israel. - Pastor Kevin
It's time for the next set of 3 plagues. Pharaoh continues to harden his heart and the price for that is going to continue to increase. In today's message, we learn some of the wiles of the Devil through Pharaoh's actions. But, more importantly, we learn the power of God. Our God is not a God of compromise or partial victory. When He delivers, it is complete deliverance... deliverance from death to life. - Pastor Kevin
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this important message. What is the connection between holiness and worship? Can we describe it? What makes Christian worship unique? Just a few questions we explore in this communion message. - Pastor Kevin
Pharaoh gets no warning before the arrival of this, the third plague. He has broken his vow to let the people go, and he will be punished for his rebellion. The water has been struck; now the land would be struck. Moreover, Pharaoh's magicians are unable to duplicate this plague. This week principle: only the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the message of the cross, brings life. Any other message of salvation is a counterfeit. - Pastor Kevin
God is finished yet. He is systematically showing His almighty power to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. This week, the LORD, Jehovah, shows his power over the creatures of nature and the 'frog-god' of Egypt, Heqet, that the Egyptians (and Israelites) might know that there is no God but the LORD. - Pastor Kevin
In this message, God begins His judgment upon Egypt by bringing the first 'plague' against them, turning the Nile to blood. In one stroke, God shows His power over the god of the Nile, the forces of nature, and the livelihood of all Egypt. But Pharaoh still will not budge. - Pastor Kevin
Moses and Aaron present themselves before Pharaoh again. This time, they bring the witness of a miracle. When Aaron casts his rod on the floor, it becomes a serpent. But, Pharaoh's magicians copy the miracle with one important exception: Aaron's rod swallows all the other rods. Pharaoh still won't listen (just like God had warned ahead of time) but things are about to get very... exciting... in Egypt. - Pastor Kevin
After Pharaoh reject God's message, God simply asks Moses for obedience and faithfulness in presenting the same message to Pharaoh again. Humanly speaking, it seems hopeless; but with God's power and the power of His words, God's plan moves ahead. Moses can't see it yet, but God is working and will continue to work until His plan of redemption is perfectly carried out, just as He had planned from the very beginning. God is good! - Pastor Kevin
God commands Moses to take His message of redemption to Pharaoh once again. But, Moses is somewhat disheartened by the rejection of the Israelites and falls back on old excuses before the Lord. That doesn't change the message; that doesn't change the necessity of obedience. Things are about to get interesting in Egypt... - Pastor Kevin
In today's passage there are many things to consider. I hope the listener thinks on the 7 promises made by God in verses 6 through 8 and the power of discouragement that can overwhelm the heart when hope is abandoned in verse 9. - Pastor Kevin
Pharaoh, the archetype of evil and tyranny, doubles down his oppression on the Hebrew slaves, dividing them against one another and against Moses and Aaron. But God isn't finished yet; in fact, He's just beginning His redemption. - Pastor Kevin
God has now made His demand before Pharaoh to let His people go. In a perfect world, Pharaoh would let the people go and we would all live happily ever after. But, we don't live in a perfect world. Things actually go from bad to worse for the Hebrews who receive punishment and impossible oppression. Thankfully, for you and I, we can read this passage and see how the enemy of our souls works in this world and how he uses fallen human nature to increase suffering in this world and the world to come. This may be the end of this message, but it's not the end of the story! - Pastor Kevin
There is a lot to digest in these verses. Difficult concepts such as the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, the Lord promising to kill Pharaoh's son, and the strange 'circumcision' story involving Zipporah. But the biblical principles abound as well and it is these we seek from the simplest possible consideration of this historical text. - Pastor Kevin
We pick up today in the middle of the conversation between Moses and God at the burning bush. Moses has run out of excuses and finally asks God to send anyone but him to go and deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. God is having none of it, though; He promises to give Moses a companion (his older brother, Aaron) and instructs him to take up his stick and go. No more prevaricating! Thank you, Hadassah Thiessen (age 12) for playing the piano for us this morning! - Pastor Kevin
God gives Moses 3 miraculous signs to display to the Hebrews and to Pharaoh and his court, to show them that God has sent Moses to them to set the Israelites free. But Moses still has some doubts. He doesn't believe he has the speaking ability that will be needed to address the people and tries to use his 'slow tongue' as an excuse for God to consider someone else. God is having none of it, though. - Pastor Kevin
A rich passage in which God reveals His eternal name to Moses, and gives Moses glimpses of how Israel will be redeemed out of Egypt. - Pastor Kevin
After 40 years of chasing sheep, Moses' heart was sufficiently humbled that God could use him. God speaks to Moses through a burning bush in Horeb (Sinai) and commissions him as a prophet to His people. This short passage is loaded with truth that impacts our hearts even today. - Pastor Kevin
After about a 40 gap between verses 10 and 11, we encounter Moses in the prime of his life. He has been thoroughly trained to lead in the Egyptian palace, and he believes it is his time to bring the Hebrews' slavery to an end. But Moses' timing was not God's timing and Moses' strength was not God's strength, and everything seemingly crumbles in Moses' life. Entirely defeated, Moses ends up in Midian where he believes he will live out his days, but God is using this time as another training period for His servant. How can this 3,500 year-old story possibly relate to us today? That's what we're going to discuss. - Pastor Kevin
This is such a memorable story. What are some principles we can see in the text to help us today? - Pastor Kevin
Conflicts almost always begin small and can quickly explode into something unmanageable. Today's Scripture gives us a couple of seeds that can be planted due to our sinful human nature. But 2 heroes show us the proper response, Shiphrah and Puah. And their response to conflict? Fear God. - Pastor Kevin
Today we begin our new series in the second book of Moses. This book contains some of the most memorable and powerful stories in all the Bible and each of them has something to say to us even 3500 years after they were penned by Moses. - Pastor Kevin
This is the conclusion to last week's message, which I cut short for the sake of time. Prior to this message we had a Sunday School breakfast, a baby dedication, and a brief report on all the missionaries our little church supports, so that is the reason for the brevity. Lord willing, we will begin our new series next week. - Pastor Kevin
Jesus Christ brings order out of chaos, beauty out of ugliness, paradise out of a jungle. And He'll do it in your home, your workplace, your culture, and your heart. - Pastor Kevin
After this morning's sermon, our congregation is heading down to the river to have a baptism ceremony. I thought it would be a good Sunday to consider baptism again. - Pastor Kevin
James closes his epistle, and we close our study, with just a little glimpse at the heart of God in reconciling men unto Himself. And God has condescended to use His people as His instruments in bringing about this reconcilitation. - Pastor Kevin
As we draw near to the close of this great epistle, James reminds us not only of the necessity of prayer in the life of a believer, but the power of prayer for the believer who lives consistently with the righteousness imputed to him or her by God through Christ. A Christian that doesn't pray is like a body that doesn't breathe. - Pastor Kevin
The Lord of Hosts is at the very doors, ready to bring justice and blessing. So, as His people, let us live in patient endurance, always telling the truth as we rely on His power to help us. - Pastor Kevin
James, in his condemnation of rich oppressors, uses the title "Lord of Sabaoth" to describe the God of justice that stands in the gap between His people and His enemies. We learn from these few verses that we must use our money wisely, to the glory of God, and rest in the security He gives to the believer in Christ, no matter what may come. - Pastor Kevin
God is in control. Failure to recognize this in the life of a believer, and live it out in our everyday plans and conduct, is arrogance. We are setting ourselves up for disappointment and failure if we depend on our own wisdom to aim our lives. Then, beyond that, when we know to do good, but fail to act, it is sin. These are called sin of omission and they can be every bit as destructive as overt acts of evil. - Pastor Kevin
In this series, we've talked about counterfeit faith and counterfeit wisdom. Today, we'll talk a little bit about counterfeit judgment. - Pastor Kevin
Once again, James pulls no punches in today's passage of Scripture. Christians are called to remain faithful and true to the God that has delivered them. And God's grace is central, given to those that submit themselves and humble themselves. We are then empowered to resist the devil and walk moment by moment in the grace of Christ. - Pastor Kevin
True wisdom from God can be recognized by its beautiful outworking in the lives of believers. But there is a counterfeit from the enemy of our souls that James makes us aware of and encourages us to guard against. - Pastor Kevin
Under the authority of Jesus Christ, the tongue can be a powerful tool for good. Under own our strength, the tongue can be a powerful tool for destruction. We must get our tongues under the control of the Holy Spirit. - Pastor Kevin
Faith, works, and justification. This week, we tackle one of the most controversial passages in all the New Testament. But James words are so powerful, we would be negligent if we didn't take time to seriously consider them. - Pastor Kevin
The Christian faith is a living, active faith. If our knowledge of God is limited to our head, and doesn't revive our heart and hands, it is not a faith based on the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. - Pastor Kevin
James gives us the genealogy of sin and death in a simple and powerful passage. But he also gives us glimpses of the glory of God, His goodness, and His constancy. - Pastor Kevin
Some of the audio in the early part of this sermon has been skipped, during the reading of James 1. Always working on new stuff. Anyway, today's sermon contrasts the lowly and the poor in the eyes of the Lord. And each of us has an appointment with God that we will not miss, regardless of our financial state. Store up treasure in Heaven! - Pastor Kevin
James instructs us in these few short verses to pray for God's wisdom and to do so in confident faith. How do we get this wrong, and how do we get this right? - Pastor Kevin
This is first in our series of messages in the letter of James to the Jewish Christians dispersed throughout the world (and to us!). After giving a brief introduction to the book, the author, and the recipients, we look at the intimate relationship between trials, faith, and enduring patience. - Pastor Kevin
The conclusion happened to fall on Easter Sunday, so we just went with it! He is risen! - Pastor Kevin
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah continues to call out God's people for their disobedience and does everything in his power to set them on the right path. And thus ends the book, in a tone of resignation. But this is not the end of God's story... - Pastor Kevin
In a kind of continuation of last week's message around the topic of purity, we continue in the text today in a discussion focussed around Eliashib, the priest, and Tobiah the Ammonite, and their relationship. But, look out! Nehemiah is coming back to check up on you to see how things are going; he's not the kind of guy you want to cross! - Pastor Kevin
After hearing the word of the Lord, the Jewish people obey the call for purity given to them by Moses. They respond in immediate obedience in separating themselves from the Ammonites and the Moabites as the Lord had commanded them through Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. And we as Christians in the 21st century have much to learn from these few powerful verses as well. - Pastor Kevin
We're running out of chapters for this series! In chapter 12, we once again encounter long lists of names, but that's not all. We also can share with the Jews of Nehemiah's day a wonderful day of worship and thanksgiving and praise to the God that delivers us. Hop in your time machine and join us! - Pastor Kevin
As we draw toward the end of the book of Nehemiah, we once again draw New Testament principles from this wonderful Old Testament text. Please remember to pray for Pastor James Coates and his wife, and his children. - Pastor Kevin
Nehemiah's wall is complete. The people have celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. And they want to renew their commitment to the Lord God in a written covenant admitting to their failures and promising to do better. It is sealed by Nehemiah, the priests, the Levites, and the civic leaders in a public assembly representing all the Jews of the region of Judea.
So, what's a covenant? How did they operate in the ancient near east? What can they teach us today? We'll try to flesh that out a little bit. - Pastor Kevin
Nehemiah 9 is made up mostly of a prayer of blessing from the Jews to God. We'll pick up some principles for Christian living from this beautiful prayer which summarizes God's work from Creation to the Babylonian captivity. - Pastor Kevin
We can experience the joy of the Lord, even through pain. For the Christian, it is hope that transforms our pain into 'sweet pain'. There are many statements in Scripture that promise great joy and laughter to those that mourn; this is one. - Pastor Kevin
How important is the Bible to you? Don't give me the Sunday School answer and tell me it's the most important thing in your life unless it's actually true. In today's message, we are encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation of God's Word to carry us forward into the times ahead. - Pastor Kevin
We have reached the end of the third major section of the pair of books, Ezra-Nehemiah. All we have left is chapters 8-13 to conclude. I try in this sermon to ask and answer the question, "Why are Ezra and Nehemiah in my Bible?" - Pastor Kevin
They're at it again! Tobiah, Sanballat, and now Shemaiah band together with all their power and influence against God's man, Nehemiah. But fear and deception are no match for courage and truth. - Pastor Kevin
The enemies of God's people are intensifying their attacks against Jerusalem. Nehemiah is now facing slander, deception, and threats, all veiled beneath a thin veneer of friendship. But Nehemiah, because he is entirely committed to the God of Israel and the truth is more than a match for the enemy. Central to this message is the Christian's response to fear and how we develop courage. - Pastor Kevin
Nehemiah was an archetypal leader; his leadership could not be surpassed. He demonstrates this through his deep care for God's people and this care manifests itself at every opportunity. And through his obedience, he points us toward the leader of the Church, Jesus Christ. - Pastor Kevin.
The Jews in Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah have just had a great moral victory over the outside enemies. But one enemy is inside the walls and that enemy is greed. Where the enemies without failed to divide the people and stop the work, the enemy within did exactly that. Let's learn again how Nehemiah proceeds as he deals with this problem. - Pastor Kevin
This message gets a little bit political, but I hope you stick it through to the end because the goal is the trumpet call that believers are eagerly awaiting. - Pastor Kevin
Nehemiah and the Jews are halfway finished the wall. This gets the attention of their enemies again, though, and they must find a way through prayer and watchfulness to complete what they have begun. In light of God's word, what can we do about Satan's attacks on the people of God today? We are being shut down, separated, and even vilified by the enemy around us. But that is no reason to quit. We will remove the rubbish and press on by God's renewing Spirit and strength. - Pastor Kevin
This message was delivered on the heels of learning that our government will be enforcing another lockdown due to the COVID-19 narrative. I was discouraged when I preached. But I pray that the light of God's life and truth would shine on every heart that hears it, regardless of the weakness of the messenger.--Pastor Kevin
This is perhaps an unusual chapter to base a message on, but it is God's word; there must be some truth we can glean from it, right? - Pastor Kevin
We can discuss, argue, prevaricate, and dither. We can plan, imagine, and even pray. But until Christians get off their butts and actually act in obedience, nothing is going to get done. The enemy will continue to win and never has to rise up to oppose the work of God. God's word tells us that this is the case. But does it offer a solution, as well? I think so, and I also think that we can learn what the solution is through Nehemiah. --Pastor Kevin
We have met Nehemiah, the man. But how does he live? What sorts of things does he do? What can we learn about prayer, faith, and wisdom from these 8 short verses?--Pastor Kevin
Chapter 1 of the book of Nehemiah gives us some unique insight into Nehemiah the person which I would like to explore. But, furthermore, it gives us insight into ourselves as well as direction for our lives. I hope you enjoy the 'duck call' cell phone ringing at an amazingly inappropriate time! I left it in the podcast to put a smile on your face.--Pastor Kevin
I must apologize for the poor audio quality. Someday, we will get all of this nonsense figured out. Perhaps if I wasn't such a technological Neanderthal! Anyway, in this message, we summarize the second major part of Ezra/Nehemiah to see what we can learn from a broad view of these Scriptures.--Pastor Kevin
The Jews are faced with a hard decision that will have ripples that flow out for thousands of years. What can we learn from it today?--Pastor Kevin
The God of Israel is a God of Mercy. We see it in Ezra's prayer, but most of all, we see it in the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.--Pastor Kevin
Due to illness, I called on Pastor Steve on very short notice to cover for me. As usual, he did a great job!--Pastor Kevin
Ezra joy is turned to ashes when he arrives in Jerusalem and learns that the people have been unfaithful to the God of Israel. What can we learn from the prayer he offers to God?--Pastor Kevin
Ezra summarized (very briefly) his trip to Jerusalem in the beginning of chapter 7. Now, he fills in the details and it is from these details that we will draw some principles as we live in today's unusual culture.--Pastor Kevin
In chapter 7 of the book of Ezra, we meet the book's namesake, the scribe, Ezra, for the first time. He is given a commission by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, to go to Jerusalem and establish God's law amongst the Jews living in Judea. Is there anything we, as Christians, can take away from this text? I dearly hope so! -- Pastor Kevin
Time to take a step back and see what God is trying to communicate to us through this incredible pair of books, Ezra-Nehemiah. --Pastor Kevin
Thus concludes the first part of the dual book, Ezra-Nehemiah. It never ceases to amaze me how this ancient book applies to our lives even today, 2,600 years after it was written. Pastor Kevin
What can we possibly learn (that is applicable today) from a 2,500-year-old letter written by a Persian Governor to the Persian King regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem? Let's find out.--Pastor Kevin
We have just learned in Ezra 4 that God's people always face opposition when they begin the Lord's work. But God does not leave us to our own strength to continue.--Pastor Kevin
What makes one lie more dangerous than another? God tells us in today's passage.--Pastor Kevin
The enemy of our souls is trying to stop the good work of God in our lives. What kind of tactics might he try? Ezra 4 gives us forewarning and indicates that we need to have our eyes wide open to his schemes.--Pastor Kevin
What can a person dig out of a 70 verse chapter that is basically a list of names and numbers? Let's find out!--Pastor Kevin
Our second message in the book of Ezra/Nehemiah. Can we draw any parallels between Cyrus' decree to set the Babylonian captives free, and Jesus' decree to set sinners free? I think so.--Pastor Kevin
This week in Old Testament History 101...
We are starting our trek through the book(s) of Ezra/Nehemiah with an introduction so some key characters: Ezra, Cyrus, and Jeremiah.--Pastor Kevin
What kind of people ought Christians to be? Paul tells us in this passage that we are to be motivated by love and characterized by thankfulness. But he also tells us what kind of people Christians can not be. Sexual sin and impropriety must be forsaken, along with corrupt and sinful speech. A tall order, but the consequences bear out our choice.--Pastor Kevin
This story in the Gospel of John answers this question uniquely and powerfully like no other. -- Pastor Kevin
A message that is somewhat out of character for me rhetorically and emotionally. I pray that that the truth of God's Word can still be gleaned from these words.--Pastor Kevin
We are warned by the Holy Spirit through Paul that we are to beware, lest we be cheated. This is just a glimpse of what we are to have our eyes open for. -- Pastor Kevin
Is there a greater book that Job during a time of trouble? I don't know of one.--Pastor Kevin
It took me a while to come up with a sermon title, but I finally managed. A Resurrection sermon for Easter, by Pastor Kevin.
As a youngster, I remember asking this question. Today, I try to answer it to the best of my ability.--Pastor Kevin
Here's an outline to help you follow my thinking in this message! - Pastor Kevin
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-4)
I. The ________________ of the Resurrection
A. ______ Testament Prophecies
-
Psalm 16:8-11
-
Jonah 1:17 (Matthew 12:38-40)
-
Isaiah 53:8-11
B. ____________ Own Prophecies
-
Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34; 14:28
-
John 2:19
II. The __________ of the Resurrection
A. Believers already have sufficient ______________ to believe in the Resurrection of Jesus.
B. But, we can not only KNOW, but also ________ that the Resurrection of Jesus took place in history!
III. The ______________ of the Resurrection
A. He was raised for our __________________________.
B. He was raised to declare His __________.
C. The Resurrection of Jesus assures us of our ________________________.
IV. The __________ of the Resurrection
A. The same power that raised Jesus will __________ us.
B. The same power that raised Jesus will ______________ us toward clean living.
Some thoughts on the wonderful and powerful doctrine that every human person is created in the image of God, and what it means for us.
Well, this is it! The final message in our series in this most beautiful of letters. I hope you found it edifying. My prayer is that each listener would be drawn closer to Jesus Christ through reflecting on the book of Hebrews with us. Thank you for listening! - Pastor Kevin
The 35th message in our series. Looks like we'll be done before Spring hits here. By Pastor Kevin.
First sermon in chapter 13 of Hebrews. Lots of practical advice in this chapter! The church's audio system failed again, so this is a message preached in my office.
Upon listening to this message, I realized I only read up to verse 24. But the message does include the remaining verses of chapter 12, up to verse 29. A sterner message than I am used to bringing. Let me know what you think. - Pastor Kevin
The 32nd installment in our series in Hebrews by Pastor Kevin. This came after a week in which we experienced -45 degrees Celsius, so there are a few coughs!
We're getting there! Just a few more messages to go to finish Hebrews. And then what?
Our 31st message in this series by Pastor Kevin
Welcome to 2020! We continue our series in Hebrews beginning with chapter 12. The 30th message in the series by Pastor Kevin.
We take just these few moments to reflect on Daniel's beautiful prayer in Daniel chapter 9.
Daniel's hope was reignited through reading the prophet, Jeremiah; our hope can be reignited by reading what God has in store for you and me.
The enemy of our souls uses the same methods today as he did in Daniel's day to destroy God's people and their faith and influence.
A brief look on how the world values that which God does not, and does not value that which God does.
A set of messages from 2017 when I was still building houses for a living and pastoring a church in my 'spare time'. The sound quality is rough, but I have received requests from our congregates to post this series if and when it was possible. So, here goes...
The 4th and final message from the 11th chapter of Hebrews. We will continue our series in the new year, 2020. You can email Pastor Kevin at schuberts7th@gmail.com
The 28th in our series in Hebrews; the 3rd in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter. By Pastor Kevin.
Continuing our series, we look at the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph; by Pastor Kevin.
Well, this is it! We made it! This is the final installment of our look into Joseph's life and the events surrounding it. My prayer is that God will use these messages to drive people into His word, compel people to ask, seek, and knock after the love of Christ, and grow in knowledge and understanding of the truth. God bless you all!
Here's our outline:
I. Joseph’s Story Closes
A. After Jacob dies, Joseph _____________ his brothers.
-
Joseph’s brothers think they might finally get what they __________ (50:15).
-
Seeing Joseph’s grief, they fall before him in complete ______________ (50:18).
B. The eternal _________ of redemption pours from Joseph’s heart (50:19-21).
-
Joseph did not have the ________ of Romans 8:28, but he had the _________ of it.
-
How sad that many of us who have the ________ do not have the _________.
II. Joseph as a Type of Christ in Genesis
A. Chapter 37
-
Joseph was opposed to and exposed evil (37:2).
-
Joseph was hated for his words (37:8; John 7:7; 3:32)
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Joseph was promised a glorious future (37:7-12;
Heb. 12:2).
- Joseph foretold of his future reign (37:7-12;
Matt. 26:64).
- Joseph was envied by his brothers (37:11;
Matt. 27:17-18).
- Joseph was sent by his father to his brothers (37:13;
John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40; 12:48-50; 17:21).
- Joseph seeks out his brothers (37:14-17;
Luke 19:10).
- Joseph seeks the welfare of his brothers (37:14;
John 3:17).
-
Joseph was conspired against (37:18; Matt. 12:14).
-
Joseph was cast into a pit (37:24; Matt. 27:59-60).
-
Joseph was taken out of the pit alive (37:28).
-
Joseph is sold for the price of a slave (37:38;
Matt. 26:15).
- Joseph’s blood sprinkled coat is presented to his father (37:31; Leviticus 16:8-10)
B. Chapter 39
-
Joseph becomes a servant (39:1; Phil. 2:6-7).
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Joseph was falsely accused (39:16-18;
Matt. 16:59-60).
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Joseph was cast into prison, though he was innocent (39:20; John 19:4-6).
-
Joseph suffered at the hands of the Gentiles.
C. Chapter 40
- Joseph was imprisoned with 2 others (40:16-19; Luke 23:43).
D. Chapter 41
-
Joseph was put in prison, but God would not allow him to remain there because God’s purpose for Joseph was not yet fulfilled (Acts 2:24).
-
Joseph warned of a coming danger (41:33-36).
-
Joseph is exalted, and set over all Egypt (41:39-40;
1 Pet. 3:22; Phil. 2:5-11).
-
Joseph received from Pharaoh a new name (41:45; Philippians 2:9, 10; Matt. 1:21; Acts 5:31).
-
Joseph alone is now seen as dispersing bread to a perishing world (41:55; Acts 4:12; Matt. 17:5).
-
Joseph became a Saviour to all peoples (41:54-57;
John 3:16; Rev. 5:9).
- Joseph has unlimited resources to meet the need of all the people (41:49; Eph. 1:7; 2:7; 2:4; 1 Pet. 1:3; Eph. 3:8; Col. 2:9; Rom. 10:12).
E. Chapter 42
-
Joseph was unknown and unrecognized by his brethren (42:6-8; John 1:10-11).
-
Joseph made provision for his brethren while they were in a strange land (42:25; Eph. 1:7; 2:7; 2:4; 1 Pet. 1:3; Eph. 3:8; Col. 2:9; Rom. 10:12).
The 2nd to last sermon on the life of Joseph, by Pastor Kevin. schuberts7th@gmail.com
Here's our outline:
Death: The Final Enemy
I. What is Death?
A. We often think of death as a ____________ end.
B. This is not _______________ view of death.
-
Twice in our text, death is described as being ____________ to one’s people (vv.29, 33).
-
These “people” are those that have already __________ away.
-
Biblically, consciousness continues after the ________ dies.
C. Death is _____________.
-
In Genesis 2:15-17, Scripture mentions death for the ________ time.
-
In Genesis 3:6-7, we see the death of ________ and _______.
-
Sin separated them from ________ and open communion with God.
II. Death as Separation Taught in the New Testament
A. Believers have passed from death to ________ (I John 3:14).
B. Believers can walk in ___________ of life (Romans 6:4).
C. Believers are dead to sin and alive to _______ (Romans 6:11, 8:10).
D. Believers were dead in sin and have been made alive in __________ (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5; Colossians 2:13-14).
E. The Gospel is preached to the ________ that they might be made alive
(I Peter 4:6).
F. The body apart from the __________ is dead (James 2:26).
-
_________ is going to be gathered to his people (vv. 29,33).
-
_________ is going to be buried (v. 29).
III. Death Will Not Reign Forever
A. The universal experience of _______ is death (Romans 5:12).
B. God, in His infinite grace, has offered ________ to all men.
-
Romans 5:17-21
-
Romans 6:5
-
Romans 6:23
C. This life ______________ men.
-
Romans 8:6
-
Revelation 2:11
-
Revelation 20:6
D. What is this “__________ death”?
-
Jude 12
-
Revelation 21:8
-
Revelation 20:14-15
E. Victory in _________!
-
I Corinthians 15:54-58
-
I Corinthians 15:26
-
Revelation 21:4
The 19th in our Sunday morning series on the life of Joseph by Pastor Kevin. Here's our outline:
The Blessings of Israel
I. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi
A. Reuben would not excel because he is ___________.
-
The ______ was sexual immorality; the root was instability.
-
The tribe of _________ never produced a prophet, judge, or king.
B. Simeon and Levi would be scattered due to their uninhibited __________ natures.
-
Simeon became the least numerous ________.
-
He _________ his inheritance within Judah.
-
_______, of course, was given no land inheritance.
-
As the ___________ line, Levi was distributed throughout Israelite cities.
II. Judah
A. Much good is ______________ of Judah.
-
He would be ___________ among his brothers.
-
He would be a mighty ___________ force.
-
He would have _______ lands and abundance.
B. The greatest prophecy is in verse 10.
- The sceptre would not depart from Judah until “Shiloh come.”
a. Judah would be the _________ line of Israel.
b. That kingly line would end with the coming of Shiloh.
- What is this “_________”?
a. Shiloh was where ________ commanded the Israelites to set up God’s Tabernacle in the Promised Land.
b. The Old Testament Shiloh gives us a glimpse of the __________.
c. Shiloh has come!
III. Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin
A. Zebulun drew its lot next to the Mediterranean ______.
B. Issachar drew its lot in good farmland.
C. Dan produced Samson, and introduced ______ worship to the nation.
D. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the fall and _______ of Gad.
E. Asher was very rich and had an abundance of _______ that it traded to other tribes.
F. Naphtali was where ________ spent much of His time teaching (Matthew 4:12-17).
G. Joseph’s beautiful blessing talks of him conquering hardship.
H. I believe this prophecy refers to _______, the King of Israel.
The 18th in our series on the life of Joseph. Almost done! (By Pastor Kevin) schuberts7th@gmail.com
Here's our outline:
An Oath and a Blessing
I. Jacob Demands an Oath from _________
A. Jacob does not want to be buried in ________.
-
His ________ was tied to the land of promise.
-
________ longed to lie with his fathers in death.
B. _________ swears that he will do as Jacob asks.
II. Jacob __________ Joseph’s Sons
A. Jacob _________ Manasseh and Ephraim as his own.
-
Jacob remembers his _________ of the ladder between Heaven and Earth. (John 1:51)
-
God has adopted us into His _________.
a. We have received the _________ of adoption. (Romans 8:14-15)
b. The consummation of adoption is the redemption of our _________.
(Romans 8:22-23)
c. Adoption transforms us from bondservants to _______. (Galatians 4:1-7)
d. Adoption is a work of _______.
(Ephesians 1:3-6)
B. Note Jacob’s _____________ to his grandsons. (48:12)
C. Jacob __________ Ephraim with a greater blessing.
-
He could relate to the __________ son.
-
When it came to His Great-Plan-For-The-Ages, ________ ________ did not matter to God.
-
God fulfilled His Promise of a Saviour through the ___________ of His servants.
Here's the outline for the 17th message in our Joseph series:
What Has Christ Asked of You?
I. Your ________ (Genesis 47:13-15)
A. It’s not about how much you _______.
1. How much have you _______? (Mark 12:41-44)
2. How ____________ did you give? (II Corinthians 9:7)
B. You can be assured, those that gave to _________ to receive food gave eagerly!
II. Your _____________ (Genesis 47:16-17)
A. Each of us has been blessed with a ______. (Matthew 20:1-8)
B. Do your job _______.
1. Not only when someone is ___________. (Ephesians 6:5-8)
2. Put _________ into it. (Colossians 3:22-25)
III. Your _______ (Genesis 47:18-19)
A. We give our self to Jesus by ____________ Him. (Luke 18:18-23)
B. Here is _______ for you. Sow it in the land.
Romans 6:19-23
John 17:17
Hebrews 10:14
I Thessalonians 4:3
Here's the 16th installment of the life of Joseph series by Pastor Kevin. I was really 'off' on this Sunday. I must have been tired or something. I truncated every silence of 1.5 seconds or more to 0.75 seconds and it cut nearly 6 minutes off the message! Embarrassing! You can email me at schuberts7th@gmail.com. Here's our outline:
Genesis 46
I. Jacob’s Family Heads to Egypt.
A. God speaks to Jacob on the way to ________. (Genesis 46:1-4)
- Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to ____________.
a. Both __________ and ________ lived for a time at Beersheba.
b. Israel’s grandfather Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba many years before and had called on the name of the _______ there.
c. Isaac received a special promise from God and built an ________ for sacrifice there, calling on the name of the Lord.
-
God spoke to Israel in the visions of the ________.
-
Do not _______ to go down to Egypt.
-
God told Jacob He would make of him a great _________ there.
-
God will also _________ bring Israel out again.
-
And _________ will put his hand on your eyes.
B. Listing of Jacob’s family who came with him to Egypt. (Genesis 46:5-27)
-
Jacob brought ______ his descendants with him to Egypt.
-
Take note of the sons of ________.
II. The Family Settles in the Land of Goshen
A. There is an ____________ meeting between Joseph and his father. (Genesis 46:28-30)
-
Then he sent ________ before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way.
-
Jacob is completely ____________.
B. Joseph tells his family of the plan to ask for the area of _________. (Genesis 46:31-34)
The is the 15th message on the life of Joseph, by Pastor Kevin. (schuberts7th@gmail.com)
Here's the outline we used:
Genesis 45
I. “Please Come Near to Me!” (v.1-20)
A. Reconciliation is celebrated, and it is ___________.
-
The ____________ are sent out.
-
But they can hear the tremendous ____________.
B. The brothers feel ___________ to embrace Joseph.
-
But Joseph draws them _______ to himself.
-
God has put your evil deeds in the past, and even used them for _______.
C. But the _________ is not over.
-
Not everything is yet made __________ for you.
-
There are tough times still ahead, but come ________ with me.
-
As a result of all my suffering, I have been made a ________ in Egypt.
-
We must dwell here for a time, and I will __________ for you my best.
D. The more the brothers understood, the closer the _____________ with Joseph. (v. 14-15)
II. Provisions for The Journey (v. 21-28)
A. Each were given new ___________ for the journey.
-
Not all were given the exact _______ thing.
-
Benjamin received much _______ than the others.
a. Five changes of clothes and 10 times the price of redemption!
b. What are we willing to receive?
B. Joseph instructs his brothers not to be ___________.
C. Joseph is ________! It is enough!
The 14th in our Joseph series, by Pastor Kevin (schuberts7th@gmail.com)
Here's our outline:
Genesis 43:16-44:34
I. Fear and Confusion in the Sons of Jacob
A. They are taken to Joseph’s house for a ________.
-
They are _____________ that they are being ambushed.
-
In fear, they try to explain their ____________ to the steward.
-
Their _______ is increased when the steward explains that he received their money.
B. They bow before Joseph a _________ time.
-
Joseph asks about their _________.
-
Joseph blesses ___________.
-
Joseph seats the brothers _____ ________ around the table.
II. The Final Test is Prepared
A. At morning light, the men are sent _______.
-
But their ________ are not empty.
-
By Joseph’s command they contain _______ and their ________.
-
Benjamin’s sack also contains Joseph’s _________ chalice.
B. Joseph sends his steward to confront the men with the ________ of his cup.
-
Sure of their ____________, the men sentence themselves harshly.
-
The steward declares that only the one with the cup shall be _________.
-
___________ is found with the cup.
III. The Sons of Jacob Face the Ruler of Egypt Once Again
A. And ________ steps forward to stand in the gap… Remember Judah?
B. “_________,” he says. “_________!”
The 13th message in our Sunday morning series on the life of Joseph, by Pastor Kevin.
The outline is below:
Genesis 42:27-29; 35-38; Genesis 43:1-14
I. Bothered by Conscience
A. Our conscience always looks _________ the material.
-
If guilt were purely material, they would be happy about having their ________ back.
-
“What is this that God has done to us?” (Genesis 42:28)
-
Their consciences only bothered them when they got _________.
B. There is no time limit on ________.
-
It had been _____ years since the brothers betrayed Joseph.
-
God has a solution, but that solution is not _______.
II. Bothered by Conscience and Famine
A. Jacob is told that the brothers cannot return to Egypt without ___________.
-
________ is beginning to guess what happened to Joseph. (Genesis 42:36)
-
Guilt and bitterness are beginning to tear Jacob’s family apart.
B. Reuben comes up with a _______ suggestion to deal with their guilt and hunger.
-
“You can kill my two sons if I don’t bring ___________ back to you.” (Genesis 42:37)
-
If things go poorly, Jacob would _______ Joseph, and Simeon, and Reuben, and 2 grandsons, and everybody else! Daft!
-
__________ Reuben offers will appease his conscience and relieve his hunger.
-
Jacob’s answer: “My son will ______ go down with you.”
C. But the _________ continues to press on them. (Genesis 43:1-2)
III. A Light Begins to Shine
A. Then ________ says, …remember Judah? Genesis 37:26-27)
B. Judah says, “Send the boy with me. You can hold me personally accountable. If I don’t bring him back, I will be guilty __________.” And God begins to move. Judah takes a big step towards _____________.
C. Look at what Jacob says: Genesis 43:11.
-
Typical Jacob. Remember how he dealt with Laban? And Esau?
-
Jacob attempts, even now, to ______ favour from him who has everything.
D. God’s ___________? Hebrews 9:13-14
The 12th message in our series on the life of Joseph. The audio quality is terrible; we were figuring our our sound system again. Thank you for your patience! Email me at schuberts7th@gmail.com
Below is our outline:
Genesis 42: A Time of Trial Begins
I. Joseph Prepares the Test
A. He has risen to one of the highest positions of ________ ever held by a believer.
B. With this power, he comes face to face with his brothers, who ______ before him (v. 6 and 8).
-
They ___________ him.
-
They _______ him.
-
They caused _____ years of solitude, slavery, and false accusations.
C. He holds the power of _______ and ________ in his hands.
-
He accuses them of being ________ (v. 8).
-
Is _________ being petty and spiteful?
a. He first throws them all in _________ (v. 17).
b. Three days later, he reduces their sentence and sends all but _________ home with food and money (v. 19).
II. What Does it Mean to Forgive
A. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the _________.
-
Repentance and ____________ of sins are a result of the death and Resurrection of Christ. (Luke 24:46-48)
-
Peter _________ this command of Christ. (Acts 2:38)
-
_______ taught forgiveness as well. (Ephesians 1:7)
B. But there seems to be ____ distinct aspects to forgiveness.
- The ________ life of the victim.
a. We can forgive without being ________. (Mark 11:25)
b. My heart goes out to Julie Nicholson.
- The relationship between the _________ and the offender.
a. To say, “____ __________ ______,” to an offender is a very different matter.
b. At this level of forgiveness, _____________ is necessary in order to restore a broken relationship.
c. To attempt to ____________ a relationship without repentance is to say, “It doesn’t matter.”
d. God will never say, “It doesn’t matter,” to an _________ person.
The eleventh in our Joseph series by Pastor Kevin.
Here's the outline:
Genesis 41:46-57
Joseph, a Type of Christ
I. The Riches of Christ
A. God’s supply is _______________. (Genesis 41:49)
-
Joseph, an __________ man, provided __________ blessings to the world, without which they would perish.
-
Christ, the ___________ Man, provides ___________ blessings to the world, without which we shall perish.
B. Ephesians 1:3
-
Our blessings are not ___________.
-
Our blessings are ____________.
II. The Grace of Christ
A. Joseph had ____ sons before the famine struck. (Genesis 41:50)
-
Manasseh – ____________
-
Ephraim – ___________
B. Philippians 3:13-14
-
“Forgetting” is the Greek word “epilanthanomai”. It means ______________ striving to put out of mind.
-
“Goal” is the Greek word “skopos”. We get the English word “________” from it.
C. By the way, where are we to be ___________? (Genesis 41:52)
III. The Uniqueness of Christ
A. Food was only found when they heeded the word of Pharaoh and went to _________.
-
To those that came, Joseph _______ food. No analogy is perfect, but…
-
Isaiah 55
-
Acts 4:12
B. Finally, the famine was _____________. (Genesis 41:57)
-
The problem is the same everywhere: ______.
-
The solution is the same everywhere: _____________. (Genesis 41:56)
This is the 10th message in our series on the life of Joseph, by Pastor Kevin. Comments? Email me at schuberts7th@gmail.com
Here's the outline:
Genesis 41:17-45
I. God Prepares and Uses His People in The World
A. We forget the blessings when times get tough.
-
“…all the plenty will be ____________ in the land of Egypt;” (Genesis 41:30)
-
“So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the _________ following…” (Genesis 41:31)
-
In times of __________, let us remember the manifold blessings of God, for Christ has provided.
a. Psalm 42:5-6
b. Psalm 77:7-11
c. Psalm 143
B. There is a world of difference between ___________ and giving up.
-
“…the dream was repeated to Pharaoh ________ because the thing is established by God…” (Genesis 41:32)
-
Who else had a ________ repeated to him?
-
___________ when God called you.
C. As opportunity arises, speak the truth in ________.
-
In verse 33, _________ does something that was not done: he offered counsel to Pharaoh without being asked.
-
John 1:14
-
John 1:17
Sorry once again for the poor audio quality. I've ordered a new microphone so hopefully when that arrives it helps.
Below is the outline for this message:
Genesis 40 and 41:1-16
I. Life Isn’t Fair; Deal With It
A. Joseph chose good over _______.
-
He _______ from even the appearance of evil. (Genesis 39:12)
-
His reward was a __________.
B. The only way we can make sense of evil in this world is if it was ______ on that cross.
-
God didn’t remain distant from human ____________.
-
He __________ in it. (Philippians 2:8)
C. After all Joseph has been through, he took the time to notice the suffering of _________.
-
He sees that the butler and baker are _____________.
-
He _______ them what the cause of their distress is.
-
They tell him that they each had a ________ that they didn’t understand.
II. Joseph Gave Hope and Truth to Those Who Shared His Dungeon
A. _________ gave hope and truth to those who shared His agony.
-
To the one, _______ and restoration.
-
To the other, only ________ and corruption. (Luke 23:39-43)
B. Joseph makes a _________ request to the butler.
-
Remember me when you are ___________.
-
With a glimmer of _______, he returns to his cell and waits… a day… a week… a month… a year. Nothing.
-
And still, Joseph endures the __________ of God for 2 full years.
III. Pharaoh Has a Dream
A. Have you ever asked yourself what would have happened if the butler had remembered Joseph _________ Pharaoh had his dreams?
B. But now the butler does remember, and at the age of 30, _________ stands before the most powerful man on earth. (Genesis 41:15)
C. With the whole weight of human history resting on his shoulders, Joseph answers Pharaoh, “I am not able to. ______…”
-
And the rejected ______ is given world power and authority.
-
Uniquely in Egyptian history, Joseph rides in a second chariot.
D. What will Joseph do with the power?
The Eighth in our series on the life of Joseph. The second 'filler' message from Pastor Kevin to replace the message not recorded while our sound system was down. Please email me with any comments: schuberts7th@gmail.com
Here's our outline:
Some Things Never Change (Genesis 39:7-23)
I. Human Nature Has Not Changed
A. Joseph was a ___________ man, and this matters to the story.
-
I Samuel 16:7
-
II Corinthians 10:7
-
I Peter 3:3-4
B. Potiphar’s wife used a _________ slur to increase the effectiveness of her accusation against Joseph (Genesis 39:14, 17).
-
We like to put persons into a ________ and condemn (or praise) the ________.
-
God’s command: treat people as ______________.
(Leviticus 19:15)
C. If ________ nature hasn’t changed, why would Satan change his tactics to __________ us?
II. Satan’s Methods Have Not Changed
A. We are vulnerable and __________ to malevolence.
-
We live in a fallen ________.
-
We have a fallen _________.
B. Uniquely, Christianity teaches that man is inherently _______.
-
We are not naturally _______ people that have done bad things.
-
We are naturally _______ people that won’t do good things (Isaiah 53:6).
III. God’s Solution Has Not Changed
A. Christ has given us the perfect __________ to follow.
(Philippians 2:5-8)
B. God has saved us and enabled us through the power of the ________. (I Corinthians 1:18)
I just listened to this episode. Talking to myself in an empty room is going to take some getting used to... my apologies. As I mention in the episode, my personal email address is schuberts7th@gmail.com. At the end of the message, I used the word 'determined'. A better word may have been 'pre-determined' for clarity's sake.
Here's the outline for the message:
Joseph: A Slave?
I. Joseph: A Slave Outwardly
A. At Judah’s suggestion, Joseph is sold to Midianite slave traders heading for ________.
-
Joseph was put in __________.
-
On average, it would take ________ days to make this journey.
B. When Joseph arrived in Egypt, he was sold to ___________, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard.
-
He had to learn a new ___________ and __________.
-
He had to come to terms with being a ____________.
-
Joseph had a choice: be _________ and do the worst job possible or move forward.
II. Joseph: Free Inwardly
A. The _______ was with Joseph.
-
It is mentioned ____ times in chapter 39 of Genesis.
-
Potiphar notices that the Lord is with _________.
B. Joseph finds himself in ___________ with a beautiful woman.
-
All things are open to him except ______ (Genesis 39:7-9).
-
It would be meaningless if he didn’t have the __________ to say yes or no
-
God has given us the _______ of freedom to say yes or no on which the whole of eternity will depend.
-
God will eventually ________ us as to whether we said yes or
no to Him. (John 3:35-36).
Although this sermon is not specifically about Joseph, the 'interruption' of Judah is absolutely vital to understanding God's plan in Joseph's life and redemptive history. Below is our outline:
I. Judah’s Background
A. Jacob was more attracted to Rachel than _______ (Genesis 29:17).
B. Due to the customs of the time, Leah is forced to marry a man that ________ her.
C. Judah grew up knowing his mother was hated, and he sees Joseph, ________.
D. ______ takes note of Leah because she is hated. (Genesis 29:31)
E. As Leah’s sons are born, the names she gives them records her _______ and longing.
-
Reuben—God has _______ my affliction.
-
Simeon—God has ________ that I am unloved.
-
Levi—At last my husband will become ___________ to me!
-
Judah—This time I will praise the _______.
F. These names would be inscribed by God on the gates of the __________ _______ (Revelation 21:9-12).
G. Judah would bring forth the _______ of the Tribe of Judah.
II. Jacob’s Family Disintegrates
A. Jacob believes Joseph is _______.
B. Judah _________ his family and heads south about 35 miles to Adullam.
C. What a mess he makes there!
D. Had it not been for ________’s desperation to preserve Judah’s line, it would have been extinguished and God’s project would have ended.
-
The means were _______.
-
But God’s ______________ is greater (and more complex) than mankind’s evil schemes.
-
God continued His _______ without disturbing the free will of man one whit.
E. But, by the end of Tamar’s story, we see the faint glimmer of ___________ in Judah. (Genesis 38:24-26)
F. 19 centuries later God continues His plan in the __________, Jesus of Nazareth.
-
Schemes to thwart God’s plan include Herod, the chief priests, the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, Judas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and the Roman guards.
-
In the end, it all pointed to the ________ and Salvation for all mankind.
-
In the future, God’s plans also will not fail, regardless of the schemes of ______.
In our fifth message on the life of Joseph, things for Joseph continue to go downhill. Our outline is below.
I. Judah Becomes a ________ Trader
A. Judah moralizes his decision to _______ Joseph to Ishmaelite slave traders.
-
“What do we gain by just __________ him?”
-
“It would be _________ bad to kill him, because he is our brother.”
-
The second worst thing to do becomes “_______” in comparison.
B. They sold Joseph for _____ pieces of silver.
-
The prices of _____________ are listed in Leviticus 27:1-7.
-
Joseph was sold for _____ shekels, the standard price of a male between the ages of 5 and 20.
-
Christ was sold for _____ pieces of silver.
-
The standard price for Him should have been _____ shekels. Why the discrepancy?
-
Christ needed no redemption for Himself, but for His _______.
II. Jacob is Deceived by His _______
A. The brothers attempt to cover their sin with a ______.
B. The blood of a _______ is used to deceive Jacob.
-
Recall the story of Jacob and _______.
-
Jacob used goat skins to __________ his father
(Genesis 27:15-17)
-
Recall the story of Jacob and ________.
-
Laban ____________ the older for the younger to deceive Jacob.
-
Now, Jacob’s sons deceive him with the blood of a _______.
C. What the ________ of the story?
-
Numbers 32:20-23
-
Tell the ________! (Or at least don’t lie.)
-
You will not get away with ______, not in the long run. (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13)
In our fourth installment in this series, we see how a teenaged Joseph (who is highly favoured by his father) is set up and sets himself up for a great fall into troubled times. Our outline is below.
I. Joseph Brings a Bad Report of His Brothers to Jacob (Genesis 37:2)
A. The brothers he informed on were the brothers of the ________ women, Bilhah and Zilpah.
- Why was Joseph ________ by his brothers?
(Genesis 37:4)
-
Why was _________ hated by His own? (John 3:19-20)
-
What about you? What about me? (I John 3:12)
B. The report was not necessarily ________.
-
The ____________ of the brothers comes through clearly later on in the story.
-
Christ testified of the world that its deeds were _______ by His life and His speech. Do you?
II. Jacob Openly Shows Favouritism to _________ (Genesis 37:3)
A. Jacob should have known _________ (Genesis 25:28)
B. Each ________ is different.
-
Some children are easy going and ____________.
-
For some curious genetic reason, some are not.
C. We try, and _______, to be fair.
D. Genesis talks a lot about favouritism because it's _________.
III. Joseph Told His Brothers of His _________ of Supremacy
(Genesis 37:5)
A. These pronouncements bring the _________ of Joseph's brothers to their final limit.
B. How does the __________ man react in the face of authority?
-
Read John 8:58-59
-
Read Mark 14:60-65
C. Then, the __________ heart is filled with murder, deception, malice, greed, and enslavement.
D. What must the ____________ reaction be?
(Ephesians 5:1-10)
This is the third installment of the series of messages preached on Sunday mornings beginning back in August 2018. We finally begin to look at the early years of Joseph as well as some of the descriptions of the life of Judah in Genesis. Please forgive the poor audio quality. Below is our outline for the message.
I. God's Great Plan For the Ages is Embedded in a _________
A. Jacob does not have one son, but _____ (and a daughter).
- It seems as though God is working out 2 plans:
a. To establish His chosen _________.
b. To bring forth the promised "_______" that will bring salvation to all nations.
- As a result, we get 2 stories about 2 different men.
B. Who would you choose?
- In Chapter 37, you have a _________.
a. A ___________.
b. Openly coddled by his _________.
c. Proclaims to his ___________ that they will serve him.
- In Chapter 38, you have ________.
a. Took a Canaanite _______.
b. His first two sons were so _______ that God terminated them.
c. Had twin sons by his daughter-in-law, ________, whom he thought was a prostitute.
C. Well, one of the twins was named ________.
-
We encounter him several times in the ______ ____________.
-
We also encounter him in __________ 1:1-3
II. What's So Special About _________?
A. Listen to what the martyr __________ says: (Acts 7:9-10, 51-52)
-
You've consistently ___________ the men whom God raised up to be your saviours.
-
Now you've done the same with ________.
B. Joseph stood at the start of a long line of people that ________ for God against the flow of __________ and brought truth and salvation, that line extending even through _________ Himself.
This is a quick overview of the book of Genesis to get an idea, however brief, of God's grand narrative of redemptive History. From here, the plan is to place the life of Joseph into this narrative. It continues the outline from last week's sermon.
This is the first message on the life of Joseph taken from the book of Genesis. These first two messages give us important biblical, historical background to the life of Joseph as it fits into the overall narrative of the Bible in General, the Old Testament in particular, and Genesis specifically. This message was preached on Sunday morning, August 19, 2018. Below is a copy of our outline:
I. There are 11 natural divisions in the book of Genesis.
A. The first is from, "In the beginning, God..." to chapter 2:3
B. From here, Moses uses the phrase, "These are the generations of..." for the other divisions.
-
Chapter 2:4 - the heavens and earth
-
Chapter 5:1 - Adam
-
Chapter 6:9 - Noah
-
Chapter 10:1 - Shem, Ham, and Japheth
-
Chapter 11:10 - Shem
-
Chapter 11:27 - Terah
-
Chapter 25:12 - Ishmael
-
Chapter 25:19 - Isaac
-
Chapter 36:1 - Esau
-
Chapter 37:2 - Jacob
II. More broadly, we can divide Genesis into 2 main parts.
A. The times of plenty (Genesis 2:6)
-
The Creation
-
The Fall
-
Noah and the Flood
-
The dispersion of Mankind
B. The times of famine (Genesis 12:10, 26:1, 41:53,57)
-
The story of Abram/Abraham
-
The story of Isaac
-
The story of Jacob/Israel
-
The story of Joseph
III. There are also 6 larger divisions based on God's Plan for Salvation in History (each ending in death.)
A. Chapters 1:1-2:3 - The Creation and Organization of the Universe
-
The Word creates the universe (John 1:1-3)
-
The Word creates men and women in God’s Image (Genesis 1:26-27)
-
The death of mankind (Genesis 3:6-7)
B. Chapters 2:4-4:26 - The meaning of human life and death
-
The Word defines morality including temptation, sin, and salvation
-
Cain and Abel
-
The death of righteous Abel
C. Chapters 5:1-9:29 - The nature of God's dealings with human beings
-
The faith of Noah
-
The judgment of the Flood
-
The death of the wicked
D. Chapters 10:1-25:11 - The Rise of the Hebrew nation from the Gentile nations
-
Abraham and his sons – Ishmael and Isaac
-
The death of Abraham
E. Chapters 25:12-35:29 - The development of the Hebrews into Israelites
-
Isaac and his sons, Esau and Jacob
-
The death of Isaac
F. Chapters 36:1-50:26 - The Israelites become a blessing to the Gentile world through Joseph
-
Jacob and his 12 sons
-
The deaths of Jacob and Joseph