The Gathering Windsor Podcast

The Gathering exists to bring glory to God through lives changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

After charging Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God so that he could serve more effectively, Paul exhorts him to guard the gospel, the good deposit entrusted to him.  What are the implications for us?

As we open 2 Timothy together and begin this new series, we are reading Paul’s final words. This is the last letter Paul ever wrote – his last communication to Timothy and to the churches who would benefit from it – churches like ours!

In the final story of this teaching series, Jesus gives his followers hope and motivation to persist in prayer.

In this story, Jesus confronts greed and materialism and explains that true life cannot be found in money and possessions.

This is perhaps the most famous story Jesus ever told.  As we unpack it, we will see that the main point of this story is that being a true neighbour involves showing radical love and deep concern for others.

In this story, Jesus explains that while people have a variety of responses to the Word of God, only one response results in salvation and genuine life change.

Although the Gospel is foolishness to the world, it is the power of God for the believer; it is essential for our journey to Christ, and for our life in Christ.

The preservation of the saints is that continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, by which the work of divine grace that is begun in the heart, is continued and brought to completion by God’s grace and for His glory.  We need this!

When God’s one and only Son was born in Bethlehem, the whole purpose was to pardon people who were living in bondage to sin, people like you and me. But why is God so eager to forgive?

Money can’t buy it, people can’t build it, churches can’t bestow it, but God promised peace.  It’s actually a two-fold promise, because the Bible speaks about peace with God, and the peace of God.  They are related but distinct in their functions.

God’s sovereignty is a major theme in the life of Joseph, and Joseph himself intends for us to interpret his life in light of God’s providence.  God wants us to see how he puts himself in these impossible situations and yet always finds a way to keep his covenant promises. 

Seventy people suddenly land on Joseph’s doorstep, and he needs to provide for them. It would be a struggle with a new country, a new culture, a new language, a whole new way of life!  How would Joseph fulfill his responsibilities as the prime minister of Egypt and look after his huge family, without compromising his integrity?  

As we work our way through Genesis 45-46, we rediscover the importance of walking with God every day no matter what we’re facing and no matter what the consequences may be.

Joseph’s final test of his brothers revealed their changed character.  This led Joseph to reveal himself to them and enjoy reconciliation.    

All of Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt at his request. They are fearful, worried, and feeling guilty.  They have no idea what is about to happen.  It’s a beautiful picture of grace at work!

Today we’re talking about Jacob, Joseph’s dad.  Jacob had known God for a long time, but his faith was constantly being undermined by his negative spirit, his horizontal point of view, and his closed mind. 

God used a famine in the land to bring Joseph's brothers down to Egypt.  In Egypt, they unknowingly encounter their long lost brother.  God used Joseph’s treatment of his brothers to start softening their hard hearts.

Having interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph faces the best and worst of days. This portion of the story helps us to see how we can remain faithful, patient and confident even though we have no idea what is going on.

After being imprisoned and forgotten by man, Joseph is suddenly remembered and promoted by God!  This fascinating account reveals the sovereign grace of God in preparing Joseph for his ministry.

Joseph was falsely accused and stuck in prison for over 2 years.  But God was with him.  And like Joseph, we need to trust God's presence, God's plans, and God's timing.  

Joseph’s high view of God, and personal integrity helped him to resist temptation.   

Doting on Joseph may have brightened Jacob's world, but it brought only dark clouds into Joseph’s.

Jesus came from heaven to earth, went to the cross, shed his blood, and then came out of the grave alive! All of it is an extravagant demonstration of the extravagant love of God for you!

We have all kinds of categories for people.  But at the foot of the Cross, on the day Jesus died, there were only two.  Two classifications that count for eternity:  those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and those who reject him.