StoneBridge Community Church
Intended for Good: "Manasseh and Ephraim" - Genesis 41:37-57
Associate Pastor Jonathan Lusche
Locations & Times
StoneBridge Community Church
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:15 PM
Sunday 5:20 PM
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http://bit.ly/2glYW8EGenesis - The Joseph Narrative
Joseph's story picks up in earnest in Genesis chapter 37. What we know initially about Joseph is that he is the son of Jacob, the grandson of Isaac and the great-grandson of Abraham. Joseph has 11 brothers. Each of his brothers is the ancestor of a tribe of Israel.
Joseph's story begins with a dream and the love of his father. We are told that Jacob loves Joseph deeply, even more than he loves Joseph's brothers. Then, Joseph dreams that his brothers will all bow down to him someday and, in his naiveté, shares this dream. As you can imagine, his brothers don't appreciate the dream.
This begins a series of challenges. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers. He is falsely accused by his owner's wife. He is thrown in jail and forgotten. But all the while, we are told, God is with him. The dream that God gave Joseph will come true.
Joseph's story is one of challenges, but also one of God's ability to triumph. Working through the events in Joseph's life, God brings about an outcome that blesses multitudes. Though many of the human characters intend harm to Joseph, God has intended good for all and God will prevail. The dream will come true.
The Text in Context
"<i>Joseph not only has provided an accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, but Joseph also gives Pharaoh unsolicited advice about...</i>" To read more, click this link. *<b>NOTE TO GROWTH GROUP LEADERS</b> - This article contains additional discussion questions.
https://bit.ly/3BJHSSZ1. Don't deny that your past...
prepares you for your future.
2. Don't allow your past...
to hold you captive.
Quote from John Bunyan's, "Pilgram's Progress"
<i>This miry swamp... a place that cannot be mended; it is the descent where the scum and filth attached to the conviction of sin doth continually run... Therefore, it is called the Swamp of Despond: for still as a person is awakened about one's lost condition, there arises in one's soul - fears, doubts, and discouraging apprehensions. All of them together,... settle in this place; and this is the reason of the badness of this ground.</i>
3. Don't let your past...
steal your present.
1. Prayerfully consider five high points and five low points of your life. How have they prepared you for your present and future?
2. Prayerfully consider- how have the low points, and perhaps the high points, from your past held you captive?
3. Prayerfully release the low points, and perhaps the high points, from your past into God’s care and with God’s strength, face the future.
1. Up to this point in the Joseph story, identify some of his high points and low points. How did they both, better prepare him for God’s purpose for his life? Sharing only what you feel comfortable with, name some high points and five low points of your life. How have they prepared you for your present and future?
2. Joseph could have easily allowed the low points of his past hold him captive. How have the low points from your past held you captive? Can high points from our past, hold us captive? If so, how? How might some of your high points be holding you back?
3. Early in his life, Joseph was blessed with a vision of his future. How does God’s vision for our/your future, effect our/your present?
You matter to StoneBridge! And it’s God’s desire for every believer to have a church home in which you sprout roots and grow in faith. Join Pastors Jon and Jonathan for three informal and informative afternoons where you can meet others who are on a similar spiritual journey as yours; learn about StoneBridge’s core beliefs and values; ask and find answers to your questions; and if you choose, become a member of our church family. Free childcare available. Lunch will be served.
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