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What Do You Do in the Dark?
Article by Mike FordJoseph exemplifies strong character in his trials as a slave in Egypt under Potiphar, a high-ranking official. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and separated from his father, Joseph upholds his integrity. God is with him, and he prospers, leading Potiphar to assign him work in his house rather than the harsh fields. Recognizing Joseph's success in all he does, Potiphar makes him his personal servant and eventually puts him in charge of all his possessions. However, Joseph's character faces a severe test when Potiphar's wife, noticing his handsome appearance, propositions him with the words, "Lie with me." This moment of temptation challenges Joseph to maintain his moral strength in the face of darkness.
Joseph's Extraordinary Example
Sermon by Kim MyersJoseph, a prophetic shadow of our Savior, Jesus Christ, faced many trials stemming from his family's dysfunction. Sold into slavery by his brothers out of hatred and jealousy, Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he became a servant in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Potiphar's wife, driven by lust, attempted to seduce Joseph, persistently urging him to lie with her. Joseph, steadfast in his integrity, refused her advances, recognizing that to yield would be a sin against God and a betrayal of Potiphar's trust. Enraged by his rejection, she falsely accused him of trying to assault her, using his garment as fabricated evidence. This led to Joseph's imprisonment, a severe trial that tested his character. Despite this injustice, Joseph remained unoffended, later rising to a position of power in Egypt, demonstrating forgiveness and providing salvation from starvation for many, including his own family.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife stands as a powerful example of resisting temptation. She pursued him with intense desire, her enticement alluring and gratifying to the senses, yet Joseph did not yield to her advances. Her actions were not mean-spirited or vindictive but rather a warm and pleasing persecution that could easily ensnare a person. Despite this, Joseph withstood the temptation, demonstrating that even the most difficult enticements can be resisted through steadfast resolve. Potiphar's wife compounded her sin of lust by deceitfully lying about the incident to Potiphar, falsely accusing Joseph of attempting to be with her. This act of arrogance led to Joseph's imprisonment, as she sought to hide her own guilt and protect her reputation. Her deception appeared to prosper her, while Joseph, the righteous man, suffered confinement, showing how sin often begets further sin and draws others into its destructive web. Though Potiphar cast Joseph into prison without a public charge, likely bypassing the Egyptian justice system, it seems he may not have fully believed his wife's accusations. By avoiding a trial that would involve her testimony, Potiphar's actions suggest doubt in her story, yet Joseph still bore the consequence of her falsehood. Despite the immediate worsening of his circumstances, Joseph's resistance to sin held the promise of eventual blessing, even if not apparent at the time.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven allowing for mankind's free moral agency and propensity to stumble, God still works out His purpose, even when people do not know it is for their good.
Stressed Out
Sermonette by Ryan McClureMoses, Job, and Elijah all suffered debilitating stress. Jesus endured overwhelming stress, sweating blood, but trusting His Father's sovereign purpose.
Works of the Flesh
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur outward works show what we believe, what we worship, and what we aspire to become. Apart from God, all human works activities are potentially destructive.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoseph knew and recognized his brothers before they knew him, even as God knows our guiltiest secret sins that we think we have effectively hidden.
Christian Marriage (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsCohabitation has led to increased divorce, marital violence, and lack of fidelity after marriage. Mass media has shamelessly used sex to promote materialism.
Dating (Part 2): The Proper Order of Things
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany singles have found dating in the church difficult, consequently turning to the world for companionship, courting dangerous consequences.
Do We See What We Are Looking At?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamSeeing versus truly perceiving frames a powerful exploration of biblical examples in which people failed or succeeded in spiritual discernment.
You Are What You Choose
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people must make a choice in favor of God's will. We have the freedom of choice to set our destiny, and must bear the consequences of our choice.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith. We cannot live by faith unless we believe we have a God who is faithful in everything He does.
Sin Against God
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughMore important than our offense against another human being is the offense we have committed against Almighty God.
The Role of Women
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEven though feminist leaders have attacked the Bible for allegedly denigrating and demeaning women, God's Word emphasizes the honor and dignity of women.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.