Church (February 2013)

[fardell24]

3rd February
Josepth and his brothers
A Dysfunctional Family!
Whatever you sow in your family, you will reap it!


10th February
Genesis 39
In Slavery in Egypt
God was present with Joseph
He was in the last place where Joseph expected Him to be.
Real Success
Having God's presence in your life.
It will be with you for Eternity
He refuses Potiphar's Wife's advances because it would be a sin against God.
Joseph's heart was growing. He was developing the character of Christ as a result of his difficulties.
He learned to be humble, and to have enough self control to say 'No' to his master's wife.

The same thing can happen with us when we grow through our sufferings.


17th February
Genesis 40
Interpretation of dreams is God's business.
Joseph didn't get bitter about his discouragements.
Life is not fair
Joseph - hated by his brothers
- Sold by his brothers into Slavery
- Imprisoned unfairly
- Forgotten in the prison

Genesis 3
The Fall caused the unfairness
Sin is the cause of suffering (directly or indirectly)
Why did this happen?
Sin
Poor Judgement
People need to know about God, the only answer.

2 Corinthians 4: 16 - 18
God is sovereign

God had a plan for Joseph.
It didn't involve the butler remembering Joseph right away.

Romans 8:28
God was working out His purposes
He was working out Joseph's character development

God is not finished yet.
Discouraged?
Make a choice - Don't let bitterness rule your life.
Joseph noticed the problems of the officials and moved to solve their problems

Romans 13:4

Fellowship is a place of encouragement.
Turn to the Lord

Matthew 11:18


24th February
Genesis 41
Who's flying the plane?
Managing the prison - very difficult, Joseph had to negotiate with the other prisoners on a daily basis.

The thirteen years of difficulties had changed Joseph so that he was less arrogant.
God's plan was that Joseph would go to Pharoah at the right time.

Seven realities of experiencing God.
1 God is always at work around you
2 God persues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal
3 God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
4 God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways
5 God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
If people don't have faith, God would use others.
6 You must make major adjustments to your life to join God in what He is doing.
You cannot stay where you are and go with God at the same time.
7 You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and he accomplishes His work through you.