Thank you for joining us for worship this weekend.
Today, we conclude a message series THE BLESSING as we find Jacob and his family going home. The journey is an opportunity for a new beginnings yet Jacob is again caught up in old ways of seeing the world, only this time it is his son's who bring trouble upon the family... or is it. Even still, God once again changes the story for Jacob and for the nation of Israel.
I pray that your participation in today's worship helps you move closer to Jesus and reveals more of his plan for your life.
Worship Schedule:
8:30 am
Live @Raum Chapel
9:30 am
Live @Wesley Chapel
Live on our Worship Line: (443) 252-2878
11:00 am
Live @Rock Hall Church
Live online @https://yourrockhall.online.church
On-Demand
This week's announcements
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Today's Order of Worship
Welcome
Morning Prayer
Opening Songs
Pastoral Prayer
Message
Closing Worship
Benediction
Songs for worship:
9:30am
2062 “THE LILY OF THE VALLEY”
144 “THIS IS MY FATHER’S WORLD”
CHOIR ANTHEM: “DRAW US TOGETHER”
557 “BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS”
11:00am
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Lord I Need You
Graves into Gardens
Message Notes
Genesis #33: The Life - Dreams, Pits, and God's Plan
Genesis 38:1-36
The Life of ________ When I’m consumed with God dreams, nothing else matters. Genesis 37:1–11 NIV
The people of God don’t always act like it.
Genesis 37:12–18 NIV
We can’t spiritually lead others without learning to serve.
Genesis 37:19–36 NIV
Joseph’s suffering and God’s plan
This week's prayer focus:
Sunday - Our Mission: God, increase the desire of believers to fulfill the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20
Monday - Our Church: God, direct our vision for the Future. Proverbs 19:21
Tuesday - Our Leadership: God, help our ministers and volunteers persevere in Your work. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Wednesday - Families: God, help our families be committed to the Lord and His Work. Joshua 24:15
Thursday - Our Community: God, bring salvation to the lost. Luke 19:10
Friday - Children/Youth: God, help our young people set an example of godliness for others. 1 Timothy 4:12
Saturday - Adults: God, give our adults discernment to not be deceived by the world and Satan.1 Peter 5:8
Merger Prayer Focus: Laying the Foundation
At the beginning of the Vital Merger process, many foundational pieces need to be in place. This first week of prayer will focus on building a solid foundation.
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12
Pray for an openness to God’s presence. Isaiah 43:19
Pray for an openness to the action of God’s Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
Pray for our Merger Team Matt 6:10
Pray for your neighbors Luke 10:25-29
Pray for the Mission Luke 4:17-21
Pray for Vision, Proverbs 29:18
Pray for Clarity of values Matt 6:24
Take it Home:
We are told that Jacob favored Joseph, what examples do we see of this in the text. What character flaws did that bring out in Joseph and how did the other brothers respond?
What is the main point behind both of the dreams that Joseph receives from God? Do you believe that Joseph was being prideful or arrogant by sharing his dreams?
One of the sub themes of the Joseph story is all the humility that comes into his life through suffering. He will be betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused and forgotten by people he helped. Why is pride or arrogance so dangerous to someone like Joseph and why would God want to humble someone like Joseph before putting him into a place of leaders? What happens when people have power but not humility?
How did this sermon focus on the idea of providence? Can you define it? What are some things you have learned about God that can give you hope when yo are in difficult times?
What hints does the text give us that Joseph’s brothers resented him and held his dreams against him? (Look at 37:4, 5, 11 and 19).
What happens in Joseph’s life to cultivate pride and arrogance in him? How does God reveal the dangers and foolishness of pride in this story?
Are there any events that seem “coincidental” in this story that show us God’s hand behind what took place?
How do these events humble Joseph, both physically and emotionally?
Why does God want to correct pride and arrogance in his people?
One major theme throughout the Joseph story will be God’s Providence which is God’s activity to provide for the needs of his people. It is the idea that God works events for the good of his people and his plan, even if those events seem like setback and suffering while they’re happening. How does God show us his providence early on in this story? Have you had experiences in your life that were difficult or that you’d consider a setback but in the long run God used that for good? Please share with someone, a friend, your small group, or me-your pastor, followers of Jesus love hear how God works in the lives of other believers.
the group if you feel comfortable doing so.
Bible Reading Plan:
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