Grace in Louisville

As Jacob speaks of what will be true for his sons and their descendants in the future, we see that what we do matters, but what God can do matter more.

As Jacob nears his death, he seeks to bless his sons and grandsons in significant ways. His blessings reveal that he has learned two significant truths: God's promises are certain, and God's ways are surprising.

Joseph blesses his family and all of Egypt, Jacob blesses Pharaoh, and as God’s children, we are called to be a blessing to others and to rejoice in the blessings of God.

When we can’t see the future or when we question the past, we can trust that God lovingly leads his children.

As Joseph reveals his identity and forgives his brothers, he teaches us that trust in God's sovereignty is foundational to forgiving others and receiving the forgiveness of others.

As Joseph continues to test his brothers honesty and compassion, Judah steps to the forefront and shows that these men have been changed by the grace and conviction of God, and reminds us that change is possible, even for dishonest, uncompassionate people like us.

When Joseph's brothers arrive in Egypt, he keeps his identity hidden and begins to test their honesty and compassion. They teach us all to welcome the light of conviction into our lives.

In chapter 41 of Genesis, Joseph goes from being in prison in Egypt to being second in command under Pharaoh. We learn with him that when God raises us up, he does it in his time for his glory.

An episode in Joseph's life where he helps two men by interpreting their dreams shows us that as God works to accomplish his great purposes for the world, he is building character in his people, and that when it comes to character building, there is no substitute for experience.

The nearness of God will always be our good, no matter what is happening around us. Joseph lived his life before the face of God, and because of that, he submitted to sovereignty and walked with integrity.

In a difficult and jarring chapter of God's Word, we see that sin's deep roots can only be pulled from our hearts by a breakthrough of God’s grace. Judah and his sons' sins are despicable, Tamar is an unlikely heroine, and everyone points us to the salvation found in Jesus.

As Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery as a means of crushing his dreams, we see their wickedness, Joseph's integrity, and the way that nothing can thwart God's sovereign plans as he works in the "meanwhile" of our lives.

Here at the beginning of the Joseph narrative, we see men struggling to understand God's purpose and plan for their individual lives. As we watch them, we learn how to think about the specific purposes of God for each of us in light of his greater purposes in the world.

As the narratives focus on Jacob comes to a close, we learn that full devotion to God brings blessing while also equipping us to faithfully face difficulty and death.

One of the darkest events in the lives of the patriarchs helps us answer the question, "How do we respond to injustice and evil in a way that honors God?" Jacob and those around him model all the wrong ways; Jesus in the work of the gospel shows us the way to honor God in the face of evil.

As Jacob and Esau meet after 20 years apart, we see a beautiful picture of reconciliation, a confusing act of deception, and a testimony to the faithfulness of God to do all that he says he will.

Grace Fellowship Church

Grace Fellowship Church

Jacob, though headed in the right direction, is not ready to enter the Promised Land in faith. So God meets him and wrestles with him. The account is strange, yet it is much like our walk of faith and shows us that God will often cripple our strengths to strengthen our trust.

Fear is a part of everyone's life, but how do we deal with the fear and anxiety and distress that fill our hearts and minds? Jacob shows us positive and negative ways to face our fears. In this sermon we see that we can fight fear with the truth of God’s presence and the power of prayer without resorting to our own plans.

As Laban pursues and catches Jacob, we see three ways and two reasons why God protects his people.

God calls Jacob, in the words of Psalm 46:10, to "cease striving and know that I am God." We learn with him that God often sees our affliction and delivers us and that God reminds us of our allegiances and turns us.

As Jacob, Leah, and Rachel all look for satisfaction in various relationships, they teach us that no human relationship can satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.

Like he does with Jacob, God will not cease to pursue us with blessing, even while he reveals the sinful circumstances we have not settled. Our life as God’s children is marked by the simultaneous blessing and discipline of our Father.

As Jacob steps into an unfamiliar place, God meets him and promises to be with him. Jacob responds by trying to cut a deal with God. How will we respond when God meets us?