IBCD Sermon Weekly International Baptist Church Düsseldorf

As we consider forgiveness, the goal of forgiveness is to restore a healthy relationship between estranged parties. It is not to just feel good or not feel awkward about being in the same room with a person you are at odds with. Forgiveness is not the goal; it is the necessary means to the goal of restored relationship.

1 Peter 3:18 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

Today we are looking at the story of Joseph and how it compares to the life of Jesus. The theme is repentance. There is a lot to the big reveal, which we will look at next week, but for this week it is important to understand that Judah’s genuine repentance leads to the revelation of Joseph and sets into place the actions which will be the salvation of his family.

Genesis 45:1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.

I think Grace really throws people. Grace is the idea that someone, in our faith we are usually talking about God, would do something kind, often sacrificial, with no expectation of repayment or returning the action in kind. Over the years I have realized that some people can accept a graceful act from another person with a simple “thank you, that’s very kind of you” and go on with life in a better place emotionally and mentally. Others either become suspicious about motives, or feel like they are losing control, or can even get irritated by a gracious act.

This happens in the story we have been reading about Joseph. While we are not sure why Joseph does what he does but we definitely see the response of Joseph’s brothers and father – which was not positive!

In today's sermon, Joseph has made peace with his life and is even grateful for his situation and at true peace.

Then God turns his life upside down. In the process, Joseph is set upon the destiny he had thought was lost forever.

Sunday Sermon by Avi Snyder

Joseph makes it from the bottom to the top, several times. He achieves great success. But what if I tell you that his even greater success lies elsewhere? The Bible talks about success very differently than the world does. Biblical success is all about knowing God, glorifying God, and being known by God. Joseph pursued that kind of success, as did Jesus.