While we can celebrate with Jacob and his family over their relocation to an abundant land, we also recognize that the lands of Egypt and Canaan remained in severe famine. As we think of our own lives, God doesn’t promise that we won’t have famine or troubles, but He does promise His presence and provision within it. 

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There is a belief that is widely held. It’s false. And it can train wreck your faith. Here it is: God will keep you from pain and deliver you from difficulty. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that. What it does say, what God does promise, though, is that He is with us ready and waiting with provision. He is good, even when our circumstances are not. That is why we can worship in every season.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Genesis 47:7–11, 13-25

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Peter's letter was received by Christians undergoing severe persecution. Often in church history it's at such times that we see great spiritual growth. And while we may not experience the same level of suffering as this first century audience, we can still encounter challenging seasons in our own lives. So is it possible for God to use these situations to help us grow in a similar way? If so, how? 

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Peter writes about glorious, inexpressible joy. And he reveals that the reward for trusting Jesus will be the salvation of the soul. So, even in the face of horrific daily challenges, Peter encourages first-century Christians — and us — to rejoice. Because we have a joy that comes from heaven and one we can’t humanly describe. It’s joy in the reward yet to come — joy in the eternal hope we have in Jesus.

Message by Julie Wiemann

Scripture referenced: 1 Peter 1:1–9

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The Bible teaches us that God desires to speak to us and lead us in His plans and purposes. But how do we go about discerning His voice amongst all the other voices both inside and outside of us? How can we be sure we are hearing from God and not just ourselves? 

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Should he stay or should he go? Jacob is living in the Promised Land. But he discovers his beloved son is alive and doing very well in Egypt. Jacob is desperate to see him. But he knows once he steps foot beyond Beersheba, he will exit the Promised Land. If he leaves, what about the promises? What about the land? What about the covenant? Jacob puts aside his emotions and seeks God’s will. Do you do that? Can you discern His voice?

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Genesis 46

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There are few things harder in life than forgiveness. People can hurt one another deeply, and the impact can be painful and long lasting. And yet if we are to make steps toward healing, forgiveness is essential. 

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We've been studying this guy Joseph for several weeks now. One of the recurring themes? Joseph has been wronged. So what happens? Does he get revenge? Nope. Joseph forgives. But that’s not all Genesis 45 is about. It's about more. Genesis 45 is about restoration, too.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Genesis 44, 45

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Remember those prizes that came in cereal boxes? With some, if you collected enough tokens, you could submit them for a bigger prize. Sometimes we have the same idea with salvation: If we just accumulate enough of what we see as religious tokens—attending church, doing good things for others, reading our Bible, praying—at some point God will be pleased, and we'll qualify to spend eternity with Him. That isn’t how it works, though. It’s something much different than that.

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Remember those prizes that came in cereal boxes? With some, if you collected enough tokens, you could submit them for a bigger prize. Sometimes we have the same idea with salvation: If we just accumulate enough of what we see as religious tokens—attending church, doing good things for others, reading our Bible, praying—at some point God will be pleased, and we'll qualify to spend eternity with Him. That isn’t how it works, though. It’s something much different than that.

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