ARCC Sermons

The story of Joseph continues the lineage of the people of Israel - God’s chosen people.  It is clear from beginning to end that God is more faithful to His people than they are to Him.  We will see, in the life and times of Joseph, that in God’s sovereign plan nothing is wasted.  In the end, our lives, like Joseph’s, will prove our great need for God’s salvation and that his plans and purposes for our lives are good.

DNA Questions - Genesis 45

Discover

Why would it have been emotional for Joseph to reveal himself to his brothers?

Why is it important for Joseph to tell his brothers that God sent him?

What does Jacob mean when he says "It is enough"?

Nurture

How do your emotions impact your close relationships?

What most interferes with your ability to be present with people?

How does the gospel empower us to extend and actually receive grace?

Act

What is one thing you could do to be more present with those you love?

What grace do you need to extend this week and what grace do you need to receive?

Galatians 2:15-21

Christ died so that we could die. He lived so that we could live.

DNA Questions

Discover

Why is it important that Paul bring up the "Gentile sinners" in this text?

What is the significance of the fact that Paul says "we know" as he talks about justification?

What does Paul mean when he says that he does "not nullify the grace of God"?

Nurture

Who is the "them" that makes you feel justified?

What are the "laws" that make you feel justified?

What is the shame and the pride that need to be crucified with Christ?

Act

What about your life would be different next week if you had faith in the One who loved you and gave Himself for you?

There is something about my evangelical upbringing that makes me assume that if Jesus walked through that door I would love Him, worship Him, and lay everything down to follow HIm. There is something about the Gospels that gives me pause as so many encountered the living God face to face and wanted to kill Him! Blessed is the man who has actually come to the place where he believes that he is unworthy!

DNA Questions - Revelation 5:1-6

Discover:

What is important about the scroll?

Why is it important that the angel asks who is worthy?

Why is it important that the Lion is actually a slain Lamb?

Nurture:

What in your life do you look to to feel "worthy"?

How does the gospel offend and comfort?

Act:

How does hoping in the slain Lamb impact the really important things in your life?

The story of Joseph continues the lineage of the people of Israel - God’s chosen people.  It is clear from beginning to end that God is more faithful to His people than they are to Him.  We will see, in the life and times of Joseph, that in God’s sovereign plan nothing is wasted.  In the end, our lives, like Joseph’s, will prove our great need for God’s salvation and that his plans and purposes for our lives are good.

DNA Questions

Discover:

- Why does Joseph plant the cup in Benjamin's sack?

- What is significant about Judah's statement: "God has found out the guilt of your servants..."?

- What do we learn about Judah's heart by the end of the chapter?

Nurture:

- Is it possible that God's love for us is similar to Jacob's love for Benjamin?

- In what ways does this story lead us to the gospel of Jesus?

- How does the gospel break down walls of hostility?

Act:

- Believing the gospel, is there anything you could do in moving towards someone in forgiveness and reconciliation?

The story of Joseph continues the lineage of the people of Israel - God’s chosen people. It is clear from beginning to end that God is more faithful to His people than they are to Him. We will see, in the life and times of Joseph, that in God’s sovereign plan nothing is wasted. In the end, our lives, like Joseph’s, will prove our great need for God’s salvation and that his plans and purposes for our lives are good.

Discover:

- Genesis 43 shows God orchestrating famine, fear, and family tension to move His covenant people toward healing. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of God’s sovereign goodness and how it is never at odds with His sovereignty?

- The narrative moves the family of Jacob one step closer to becoming the nation through whom the Messiah will come. How does this chapter help you see that redemption is unfolding even when not evident in the moment?

- Joseph’s mercy toward his brothers—preparing a feast instead of judgment—echoes a pattern repeated throughout Scripture. How does this scene fit into the larger biblical motif of God turning judgment into grace, a pattern that ultimately culminates in Christ?

Nurture:

- Jacob’s reluctant surrender of Benjamin exposes both his fear and his faith. How does this tension mirror our own struggle to trust a God who is both wise enough to rule the universe and good enough to care for us?

- The brothers assume Joseph intends harm when he intends blessing. What does this reveal about the human heart’s tendency to misread God’s providence, and how does this challenge our assumptions about His character in seasons of confusion?

- Joseph’s emotional response to Benjamin—compassion that overflows into tears—reflects a God who is not cold or distant. How does this glimpse of tender, pursuing mercy line up with your understanding of the heart of Christ toward sinners?

Act:

- Judah offers himself as a substitute for Benjamin. How does seeing this pattern in Genesis 43 invite you to live with deeper gratitude and confidence in Jesus as the true and better Substitute?

- The chapter ends with the brothers feasting in the presence of the one they once betrayed. How does this anticipate the gospel reality that Jesus welcomes His betrayers to His table, and what step might God be calling you to take toward someone who has wounded you?

The story of Joseph continues the lineage of the people of Israel - God’s chosen people. It is clear from beginning to end that God is more faithful to His people than they are to Him. We will see, in the life and times of Joseph, that in God’s sovereign plan nothing is wasted. In the end, our lives, like Joseph’s, will prove our great need for God’s salvation and that his plans and purposes for our lives are good.

DNA Questions: Genesis 41:37-57

Discover:

What do you notice about the interaction between Pharaoh and Joseph in verses 37-45?

How do you think Joseph's work is impacted by his relationship with Pharaoh?

What do you think Joseph realizes as all the earth is coming to Egypt for food?

Nurture:

How do verses 37-45 give us a robust vision for salvation and redemption?

What can we learn from the way Joseph names his sons?

How does the gospel make us ready to see the goodness of God in our life despite past hurt and wounds?

Act:

What would it look like for you to actively mark out and remember what God has done for you?

What would it look like for you to remind yourself every day of your relationship as son or daughter of the King?