You may have heard of being self-reliant- well, this message is about being stuff-reliant. For instance, riches kept the rich young ruler from the kingdom of heaven. Riches are one kind of -stuff,- but other stuff keep saints from enjoying the kingdom of heaven- worry, politics, peer acceptance, relationships, ...

Jesus frequently spoke against hypocrisy in Matthew's gospel. This sermon categorizes hypocrisy into five types- show boating, window dressing, cherry picking, words do not match actions, and wrecking ball religion.

Matthew addressed both little faith and great faith. This message attempts to answer the following- 1- What do the -little faith- accounts have in common- 2- What do the -great faith- accounts- have in common- 3- What did each of these people do or not do- think or not think- 4- When or in what areas of my life have I exhibited unbelief-

Joseph forgave his brethren for selling him into slavery. Then when Jacob died, the ten were certain Joseph would take revenge. The ten spent 17 years not believing forgiveness was real ... How many of us have done the same with Jesus' forgiveness-

God told Joseph that he would reign over his brothers, but Joseph did not know the form of that reign. Should he trust his brothers or rule with a heavy hand- Joseph tried his brethren with a series of tests to know their mind and consciences, to help him decide... When does sovereignty end and duty begin-

During the seven years of famine, Joseph fed the people and acquired all their money, livestock, land, and servitude. The Egyptians were happy afterwards. In a spiritual parallel, Christ saved His children and they surrender all to Him, and are happy afterwards.

Joseph worked diligently and faithfully despite having been 1- sold into slavery and 2- falsely accused and imprisoned. Servants who conduct themselves with integrity glorify God, whether the be CEO's or broom pushers.

Joseph grew up in an dysfunctional family- nevertheless, Joseph conducted himself with integrity, hard work, and faithfulness. If ever there was a person justified in playing the victim card, it was Joseph. But he never played that card. This sermon looks at his dysfunctional family and relates it to modern terms.

God is never far from us. There will be times when we may not recognize or feel is presence, but He is always near.