Joseph’s brothers: “Wait… you’re ALIVE? And you’re not mad?” Joseph: “Oh, I’m mad… with joy! And also, slightly smug.”
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome to Our Church Family!
Good morning, church! It is such a joy to gather together as one family in Christ. Whether you’ve been with us for years or you’re visiting for the first time, we want you to know that you are loved and welcome here. Today, we will explore a powerful story of forgiveness and reconciliation from Genesis 45:3-15, where Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. It’s a reminder that God’s grace is bigger than our past mistakes, and His plans for restoration are always greater than we can imagine!
Announcements & Upcoming Events
- Midweek Bible Study – Wednesday at 7 PM: Join us as we dive deeper into God’s Word and grow in our faith together.
- Community Outreach – Saturday at 10 AM: We will be serving at the local food bank. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus!
- Next Sunday: Baptism Service – If you are ready to take the next step in your faith, sign up at the Welcome Desk!
Section 2. Call to Worship
A Call to Worship: A Heart Ready to Receive
This morning, let’s center our hearts on God’s goodness and faithfulness. As we read from Psalm 100:4-5, let’s enter into His presence with gratitude and worship:
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Let us lift our voices in praise as we turn our hearts to Him!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
A Prayer of Surrender and Gratitude
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive Your Word. Thank You for Your faithfulness, for Your love that never fails, and for the grace that restores broken relationships. Speak to us through Your Word today, and may our worship be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Lifting Our Voices in Praise
Let’s stand together and lift our voices in worship! Whether we sing with loud joy or quiet reverence, let’s offer our praise to the One who is worthy. This morning, we’ll sing “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” and “Goodness of God.” May these songs remind us of God’s faithfulness and redeeming power!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction to Genesis 45:3-15
The story of Joseph and his brothers is a powerful testimony of God’s sovereignty and grace. Despite being betrayed and sold into slavery, Joseph chose forgiveness over revenge. Today’s passage highlights the moment he reveals himself to his brothers, showing us how God can turn even the worst situations into something good.
Genesis 45:3-15 New International Version
3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.[a]
8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’
12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”
14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
A Prayer for Restoration and Healing
Lord, we thank You for the power of reconciliation. Just as Joseph forgave his brothers, help us to extend grace and love to those who have wronged us. Heal broken relationships, restore our hearts, and remind us that You are always working for our good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Congregational Prayer Response
“What you intended for harm, God intended for good.” (Genesis 50:20)
Section 7. Offering
Giving as an Act of Worship
Our tithes and offerings are not just donations; they are an act of worship, a reflection of our trust in God’s provision. As we give, let’s remember that everything we have belongs to Him.
Prayer for the Offering
Father, thank You for Your generosity toward us. As we give today, use these tithes and offerings to bless others, expand Your kingdom, and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
A Time of Reflection Through Song
As we prepare our hearts for the message, let’s take a moment to reflect through this special song, “Reckless Love.” May the lyrics remind us of God’s relentless pursuit of our hearts.
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Genesis 45:3-15 – The Reunion That Changes Everything
The Shocking Family Secret That Saved a Nation! Joseph’s brothers expected punishment. Instead, they got something unbelievable. What happened next rewrote their entire future—and it can rewrite yours too.
Joseph stood before his brothers, revealing a truth they never saw coming: “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” (Genesis 45:3).
Can you imagine their fear? Their regret? The weight of their past mistakes crushing them in an instant? They had betrayed their own flesh and blood—sold him into slavery, left him for dead. And now, the one they had discarded was the second most powerful man in Egypt.
But Joseph’s response wasn’t revenge. It was grace.
“Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Genesis 45:5)
This wasn’t just a family reunion. It was a redemption story. A moment where betrayal was swallowed up by God’s greater plan.
Joseph saw what his brothers could not: God had been in control all along.
And isn’t that the kind of faith we long for? To look at the trials, betrayals, and broken places of our own lives and say, “God sent me ahead for a reason.”
What if you could bring this message of redemption, grace, and God’s divine purpose straight to your congregation?
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