Covenants have been the primary way in which God has dealt with individuals and peoples from early on.  Some of these early covenants are still in effect, but some are not.  Misunderstanding these differences has led to a lot of confusion in what people believe today and how they try to serve and worship God.  In fact, many Christians don't even know what a covenant is!

When Joseph's brothers return to Egypt to buy grain they bring Benjamin, a stipulation by "the man."  When Joseph's silver cup is planted in Benjamin's sack and "discovered," Judah steps up to plead for the lad since he had become surety for him to his father Jacob.  This is too much for Joseph, and he breaks down in tears as he reveals himself, telling his brothers that God has been behind it all in order to save them during the famine.  Since both shepherds and Hebrews were loathsome to Egyptians, how else could God have them sheltered there except by having a Hebrew over the whole land?

The famine is so severe that Jacob sends his sons to buy grain in Egypt.  Joseph recognizes them, but they don't know him.  He speaks harshly to them and treats them rather roughly.  He accuses them of being spies and finally holds Simeon hostage until they go back to Canaan and return with their younger brother.  All of this sparks guilt in the brothers seeing these events coming upon them for what they had done previously to Joseph.

Joseph languished in prison for two years, but when Pharaoh had dreams, the chief cupbearer remembered him.  Not only was Joseph able to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, but he was also able to give him a remedy for the coming seven years of devastating famine.  All this was by the power of God, of course.  Pharaoh was so moved that he elevated Joseph to the second place of power in all of Egypt with all its benefits.  Joseph immediately went to work to prepare for the coming seven years of famine.

Joseph prospers in the prison because God is with him, and he applies himself.  When the incarcerated chief cupbearer and chief baker have dreams, Joseph offers God's interpretations for them.  The chief cupbearer's dream indicates that he will be restored to his position with Pharaoh.  Joseph asks him to remember his plight, but the chief cupbearer fails to do so.  Joseph is forgotten in the prison, but not by God.

Joseph prospered as Potiphar's slave in Egypt because God was with him.  But he got thrown into jail because of false accusations made against him by Potiphar's wife because he refused her advances.  But even in the prison God caused him to prosper.  Joseph is a great example for all of us when we are in that "life isn't fair" mindset.

Life's Not Fair, Maybe - "Life's not fair" is a theme we hear often.  Joseph's life was very much like that, and we can learn a lot from it.  Young people especially need to learn to expect the twists and turns of life.  Sometimes it's good, and sometimes you don't get what you deserve.  However, when God is with you, He will see you through it all.

Jesus referred to Himself as "the bread of life" and "the living bread."  But He also spoke about "living water."  What was He talking about?  Was this another reference to Him or was this something else?  Who was this "living water" for?  What might it do for a person?  And how does one get it?  Is this something that's been somewhat overlooked? 

In a few years' time, the early disciples were accused of upsetting the world and proclaiming "another king, Jesus."  How had they "turned the world upside down" in such a short period of time?  What had they done?  What was the driving force in their lives?  And was Jesus really a King?  Is He still a King?

Filling in for Jeff this week is fellow Shadyside Church of Christ member, Bob Moore with his sermon titled...Pictures. Enjoy!