The Moody Church Sunday Morning Podcast

The word Advent speaks of “the arrival” of the Savior, but the story of the Christmas season doesn’t end there. As we live between the first arrival and the second coming of Christ, how shall we respond to the good news? Jesus came to serve the hurting and to save the lost; our response to the celebration of Christ’s birth should be to do the same. We are called to join Christ in that hope-filled mission.

 

Luke 4:18-19; 19:10

As we complete our series in Joseph, we take a look at how Joseph grieved for his father, Jacob. The end of the story teaches us about the sovereignty of God through three patterns of life, and how we can respond to each: grief, grace, and glory. Genesis 49:28-50:26

Why do we struggle to see God's faithfulness in our lives? Near the end of Jacob's life, he reflected on the scope of his life by considering the overarching, sovereign plan of God. In this sermon we learn three characteristics of God's plan for our own lives: God's plan is full of surprises; God's plan is full of hope; and God's plan is full of His faithfulness. Even in the surprises of our life, don't miss God's sovereign hand over it all. Genesis 48-49:27

Life isn’t always linear; pain, sorrows, and suffering can move the direction of our lives away from our preferred path. Yet during these setbacks, it’s important to remember that our lives are a tapestry that will one day be fulfilled in its entirety and God’s ultimate plan will be revealed to us. Like Joseph’s story, God is making a beautiful tapestry through our lives for His glory.

 

Genesis 46-47

It's often difficult to understand the reasons behind our trials. How should we process our experiences during these difficult times? Joseph's life story is one of great suffering and trials, but also one of great sovereignty under the faithful, loving, guiding hand of God. In the midst of our struggles, we should be rooted in the understanding that God is in control and sovereign over these situations. He is working for our good and for His glory.

 

Genesis 45

What is the evidence of true repentance? In this passage, we see Judah's heart repent from his sin against Joseph. It's not enough to be sorry or simply express regret; genuine repentance is a complete change of heart that acknowledges sin and sets off on a new path. We all have things in our lives from which we need to repent. The good news of the gospel is that, in humility, we can confess our sin and purpose in our heart to turn from it through the saving grace of Jesus. Genesis 44

Do people really change? In this passage, we find Joseph wondering if his older brothers have really changed from their past sinful behavior towards him. Through their story, we learn to sport four signs of true life change: changed people take full responsibility, demonstrate radical trust, see a different perspective, and show true repentance. Are we demonstrating true repentance in our daily lives? Genesis 43

The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all of Christianity. How are we to explain the Trinity, and what are its implications? In this special presentation by Dr. Michael Reeves, Distinguished Scholar and President of the Union School of Theology at Oxford University, we learn that without the Trinity, the cross of Christ does not work, and true love cannot exist. Who God is shapes the salvation of the Gospel that God offers.

Have you ever thought about the power of the things you look at? The things we fixate on will change us day by day. We become what we’re made to be by looking to Christ. It matters where we look. Our highest aspiration should be to revel in the light and glory of Christ, and to let His light shine through us. Do not settle for anything less than the glory of Christ; whatever it is you do, live and die for the glory of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:7-8

How should we interact with the sovereignty of God? Trusting that God is in control does not come naturally; it's a learned behavior built on experience. The life of Joseph exemplifies this. In this story about Joseph's brothers visiting Egypt, we learn that when we take our lives into our own hands, relying on our own ways, we will pay a price. There are consequences for rejecting God's sovereignty: we can choose to trust in God or live in fear; we can confess our sins or pay their price; and we can receive God's provision or take our chances. Genesis 42