SERIES TITLE
Anchored Week 5
series overview
Culture is shifting. We see it all around us. So, how do people of faith live and love well in a culture of compromise? How do we stand firm without alienating the very people who need the grace and love of Jesus? Join us for a brand new 5-part series from the book of Daniel, and let’s discover together how Daniel and his friends personified courageous faith in a spirit of love and truth.
sermon TITLE
When Love Is Tested
The Story of Joseph
Sermon Summary
Gene Appel shared the powerful story of Joseph, who, after being betrayed by his brothers, rises to a position of power in Egypt. When a famine strikes, his brothers unknowingly come to him for help, leading to a dramatic reunion where Joseph tests their character and loyalties. Judah, one of the brothers who previously sold Joseph into slavery, ultimately offers himself as a substitute for Benjamin, demonstrating profound growth and change in his heart. Gene highlights how this mirrors Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity, calling the congregation to continue living generously and faithfully as they write their “unfinished stories” together.
ice breaker
What was the most generous gift you have ever received? How did it impact you?
DISCUSSion
Select 3-4 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
1.Read Philippians 1:6 in the New Living Translation. How has the Unfinished journey at Eastside impacted your life over the last 2 years?
- Joseph experienced deep betrayal from his brothers but ended up in a powerful position where he had the opportunity to show forgiveness. Can you think of a time when you had to forgive someone who hurt you? How did that impact your relationship with them or with yourself?
- Read Genesis 43:8-9. Judah’s commitment to his father’s well-being and his willingness to protect Benjamin show that he is ready to take responsibility for his actions and loved ones. Joseph set up a test to see if his brothers had changed since they sold him into slavery, wanting to know if they had developed a sense of responsibility and love. How and when might it be appropriate to set up a test to prove that someone has changed before moving forward with them?
- Read Genesis 44:31-34. Judah, who once sold Joseph into slavery, offers to be a slave himself to protect Benjamin, showing he has changed. In what ways can sacrifice for others be a sign of personal growth in someone’s life? Have you ever witnessed that yourself?
- Judah offers himself in place of his brother, which echoes the greater sacrifice Jesus made for all of us. What connections can you draw between Judah’s actions to protect Benjamin and the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for humanity?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
Please share any prayer requests you might have.
- Ask God to help you recognize areas of your life where you need to show grace, just as Joseph did for his brothers.
- Pray for strength to support your loved ones, especially in difficult times, as Judah did for Benjamin.
- Seek God’s guidance in practicing forgiveness in some area of your life.
- Take a moment to lift up any specific prayer requests from the group.