One of the most seemingly formidable arguments against the existence of God is the reality of evil and suffering. But what if the existence of suffering actually proves the existence of God? In this sermon, Pastor Josh gives eight lines of reasoning for the atheist to consider before making the confident assertion that evil proves the non-existence of God. Download

One of the biggest questions about our suffering when we boil it all down is this: "Why does God allow my suffering to continue?" His answer is shocking and surprising. In this sermon Pastor Josh unpacks a reality of God's nature and vulnerability, rarely considered but clearly taught throughout the Bible as God's ultimate answer to our suffering. Download

The climactic scene of the Joseph story delivers the narrative punchline: "What man intended for evil, God intended for good." But what does that actually mean? Is God the author & originator of evil? Or does God just respond to evil perfectly, even as he deals with causes outside his control? Do our choices even matter if God is truly sovereign? How can man be held responsible and accountable if God has already ordained everything that happens? How does believing in God's sovereignty comfort us but not breed a fatalistic worldview? In the story of Joseph, three biblical paradox's emerge that answer humanity's most pressing questions on one of the most deeply profound doctrines... The doctrine of God's providence. Download

In life we suffer and are sinned against, and that suffering demands a response. Will we harbor bitterness? Self pity? How could we possibly forgive those who betray us and maliciously hurt us? How can we obey Jesus when he says to return evil with good? How can we be freed from the paralysis of resentment? At the crescendo of the Joseph story, we find one of the greatest statements of God's character and an example in Joseph that shows us a way out of the poison of bitterness and into the freedom of the gospel. Download

External suffering as a result of painful circumstance is obvious to see, but internal suffering that no one sees is often even more painful. Grief from loss, guilt from unconfessed sin, and bitterness from hurt inflicted by others can traumatize and haunt us. What does it look like to walk in the freedom of forgiveness? Download

Pain and adversity enter our life without invitation, interrupting our plans and shaping our worldview. Why does God allow such suffering in the lives of his children? As the story of Joseph unfolds, we see God permitting what he hates to accomplish what he loves, so that even the fires of affliction at the hands of evil men and women are only used by God to prepare Joseph for the greatest moment of his life. Download

God promises to love and care for us, but in the middle of our suffering and pain, what does that tangibly look like? In this colorful story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife, we learn about the nature of lust and sexuality, as well as how to respond to clear and present temptation. But ultimately, in this snapshot of Joseph's life where we see him falsely accused and wrongly condemned, we get an answer to the pressing question...how exactly does God work through the evil intentions of man and the unjust suffering of his people to bring about their joy and his glory? Download

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  In light of the recent string of tragedies to hit the Wenatchee Valley, Pastor Josh offers a personal, pastoral reflection for the community at large, intended to help anyone processing the reality of death, pain, and suffering. In his words, “This isn’t a sermon for the people in the room... this is a sermon for anyone in our community dealing with the pain of loss.” For more resources on suffering, grieving, and loss, see our sermon series Joseph: God and Human Suffering Download

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