When people hurt us, attack us, and even cause and plan all kinds of evil against us, it’s hard to forgive and even harder to forget. Joseph had years to think about what his brothers had done and the damaging domino effect it brought into his life. And when he was reunited with his brothers in Egypt, he had the power to get back. Joseph is amazing in his faith walk and in the way he handles this moment when he is reunited with his brothers and when he has every opportunity to get even. He doesn’t get even; no, he forgives. A sermon on Genesis 50:15-26.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #4 - Leaving Guilt Behind
Our own sins have a way of haunting us and lingering in the backs of our minds. Our conscience has a good memory of what we’ve done to hurt others. Consciously or subconsciously, we think to ourselves that “what goes around comes around.” How do we and can we move forward in the peace that God’s forgiveness gives us when our past sins come back to haunt us? Though we may remember, God does not! A sermon on Genesis 42:18-28.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #3 - Exploding Whales
So much happens in our lives; it happens to us and on every side all the way around us. Joseph suffered more pain in his life unjustly than perhaps any except Job. And yet we never hear Joseph complain or even freak out because of what was going on. How? That’s not how we normally respond to react to adversity or interpret events in our life. Joseph knew that God was with him and that God was working in all these events, even if he couldn’t see it. God teaches us to react to the events of life and interpret them in view of his constant presence.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #2 - Untangling Temptation
Following Jesus and obeying his word is a tall order. Our own sinful flesh is opposed to it naturally. But add to this the additional lure that the world draws us with. It is a test we daily face. Joseph faced it when he served in Potiphar’s house. God teaches us how to past the test and promises to help us in temptation. A sermon on Genesis 39.
The Story of Joe Jacobson - #1 - The Meaning of Garments
Garments have significance and meaning. For Joseph, having garments meant one thing and having those garments taken away, mean another. In this first sermon in the series, we’ll explore the meaning of garments and what garments we have and wear not matter our circumstances. A sermon on Genesis 37:1-11.