The Bible isn’t about what a lot of people think it’s about. It’s not about a problem-free life where there are no issues and everybody lives happily ever after. It’s a whole lot more relevant than that. In Genesis chapter 39, God is speaking. What He is telling us: He is with us just as much when life is hard as He is when life is good.

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As we continue looking at the life of Joseph, we are taking some time to hone in on the family line that preceded him. As with many parts of the Old Testament, it is filled with stories of relational dysfunction and people following their own way apart from God.

So what can we learn from these stories about how God has called us to live? And how does this all relate to challenges we have in our own family history/present relationships?

Join Doug and Will as they discuss these questions and more on our weekly Beyond the Sermon podcast.

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Earlier in Genesis we see the family line that preceded Joseph. Starting with Abram and Sarai, Joseph’s family history is filled with dysfunction and with people choosing to follow their own way apart from God. Despite, what we ultimately see is that God knows. He cares. And He uses it all — even the most broken people and situations and circumstances — for good.

Message by Doug Applegate

Scripture referenced: Genesis 15:1–6, 16:1–6, 20:1–7

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One of the most wonderful aspects of the gospel is the news that we can experience change in our lives. We can know freedom from internal struggles, and transformation into the likeness of Jesus. But how does this actually happen? And what's so wrong with just pursuing your desires anyway?

Join Pastor Mike and Will as they discuss the path to personal change and the life God created us to live.

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Facing any temptation today? Here is what you need to know: Seemingly small decisions impact our lives significantly. Often, it’s not just one failed dramatic moment that causes our world to fall apart. It doesn’t happen at all once. Rather, it happens one decision at a time. And this: God knows. He cares. And He has a way out. Take Joseph’s lead. Resist, turn, flee and run away.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Genesis 39:1–18

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Guilt is a weight that can, if we let it, drive us away from God and others. But is there a way that our past actions can be redeemed for good? And is freedom from the bonds of guilt truly possible?

Join Pastor Mike and Will as they explore what the Bible teaches about God's power to take our greatest failures and use them for ultimate good.

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Ever felt like you’re not good enough? Not worthy enough? Judah certainly wasn’t. Just look at Genesis 38. Judah had spiritual deficiencies, moral failures, fears, insecurities, inadequacies. He messed up. He sinned. Time and time again. But God didn’t discard or discount Judah. God didn't give up on him. And He doesn't give up on us.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Genesis 38

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Passing the baton isn't something that just happens; it requires our intentional participation. But what does it look like practically to raise up younger generations? And what happens when we drop the baton ourselves? How can we get back in the race?

Join Joey and Will as they discuss these questions and more on this week's BTS Podcast.

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There is a handoff going on — a passing of the baton — from one generation to the next. We are called to train the younger generation in wisdom and to share our walk with Jesus. Now is the time. To whom are you going to pass the baton? How do you plan to do it?

Message by Joey Weber

Scripture referenced: 2 Timothy 1:5, 2:1–2

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Parenting is one of the greatest responsibilities and privileges. God has entrusted our children to us to show them who He is and help guide them toward a life that He desires for them. If you don't have children of your own, the principle still applies — we can all have a positive influence on younger generations.

So what does this look like practically? Join Pastor Mike and Will as they discuss this and other takeaways from the Genesis 37 story.

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