When A Dismal Outlook Is The Best Outcome, Pt 2

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Recap of the sermon from Sunday, June 28, 2009:

1. By giving Joseph a “richly ornamented robe” (either multi-colored or long-sleeved reaching to the ankles - the Hebrew is uncertain) Jacob was marking him out as his favorite and the likely son to receive the birthright. This favoritism, along with other things, brought about the hatred of Joseph’s brothers.
2. The favoritism and deception of Jacob’s past were now coming to the fore once again in his own children. Concerning favoritism, Jacob should have recognized the damage it can do in a family. But instead of dealing with it, he perpetuates it in his family with all the concomitant wrong and disorder that comes with it.
3. Jacob’s children used a goat to deceive Jacob about what had happened to Joseph even as Jacob had used a goat in deceiving his father Isaac concerning the birthright.
4. There is an important sowing and reaping principle we see time and again in Scripture which works in the physical, moral and spiritual realms. That which we allow in our lives will bear fruit, either good or bad, in our lives and in the lives of our children.

When A Dismal Outlook Is The Best Outcome

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Recap of June 21, 2009:

1. For personalized Bible reading plans see http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily; http://www.how-to-experience-the-bible.com/custom-bible-reading-plan.html
2. Read some good theology: A Survey of Bible Doctrine or Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie; Lectures in Systematic Theology by Henry C. Thiessen (revised by Vernon D. Doerksen; Know Why You Believe and Know What You Believe by Paul E. Little.
3. Genesis 37 (and in fact the whole Joseph account in Genesis) is an illustration of the doctrine of the providence of God. Providence, according to Lectures in Systematic Theology by Thiessen (see above) is “…that continuous activity of God whereby He makes all the events of the physical, mental and moral realms work out His purpose; ….”
4. According to Thiessen God exercises sovereign control over: the physical universe; the animal and plant creation; the nations of the earth; and over all individuals; extending to our birth, lot in life, and death; our successes and failures; over seemingly accidental or insignificant things in life; over the needs of His people; over the destinies of the saved and unsaved; and over the free acts of humans.

Success And Suffering, Pt 3

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Recap of the sermon from June 14, 2009:

Why do the righteous suffer?
-Righteousness does not exempt us from trials and suffering (examples are Job, Paul, etc.). The providences of God are often applied indiscriminately. (Matthew 5:45-48)
-When we suffer we are following the example of Christ (Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 5:10)
-Sometimes suffering is due to the discipline of God (Hebrews 12): discipline is proof of God’s love, vs. 6; it is proof that we are God’s children, vv. 7,8; it is evidence that He is our Father, vs. 9; discipline trains us to live righteously, vs. 11; discipline teaches us obedience, Hebrews 5:8
-Suffering tests our faith (Proverbs 17:3): to prove it genuine, 1 Peter 1;6,7, to produce endurance, James 1:2,3
-God is arranging our circumstances for our good (Romans 8:28)
-Suffering tests our character, our integrity toward God, our love for God (Job 1 & 2)

Success And Suffering, Pt 2

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The sermon recap from June 7, 2009:

1. Genesis 37-50 explain how it is that Israel came to be in bondage in Egypt and are the fulfillment of His prophecy to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16.
2. The account of Joseph which occupies Genesis 37-50 illustrates the place of suffering in the life of the believer and shows that God uses His people in ways they often do not understand and with people they could not imagine. God is working all things together for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
3. “What a marvelous comforting truth! God is in control of your life today. Trusting in that fact can be the difference between joy and despair. Few truths can change our lives like the knowledge that God is in control.” (Life Application Bible)

Dean Chollar, Guest Speaker

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Today's guest speaker, Dean Chollar, is founder and CEO of CrossWay International.