Alva Baptist Church

We see the Trinity in action in this short slice of Scripture: The Gospel according to Mark Chapter 1, verses 1-15. There is a short introduction to Mark as he tells "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God", according to Peter's eyewitness account that Mark witnessed Peter preach over the time he travelled with him. Founded on an understanding of prophetic scripture, Mark tells how Jesus is baptised and driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for and battles for 40 days with Satan and wild animals; helped by ministering angels. Jesus declaration of intent is summed up in the quote "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mar 1:15)

Joseph gets on with it in prison.  With God's favour and gifts faithfully exercised, Joseph lifts up the name of the Lord and is delivered from adversity into the seat of government.  Dreams and dreams yet unfulfilled all coming true.  God's plan revealed in due time.

God guides us through temptation by our obedience to Him. We follow good instructions that steer us to where blessing is ordained; directions which keep us out of harm's way. Joseph is spared by his fidelity to God and also to Potiphar. It is worth noting that Potiphar, captain of the guard, the officer of Pharaoh, was likely a eunuch.  So Potiphar's wife has unmet needs and is left alone with herself while Potiphar serves the needs of Pharaoh. Where do we fail to meet our spouses needs while we pursue our vocation? Every man and woman is tempted; and our safety and deliverance is already provided for by God: in our knowledge of Him, in fellowship with each other, and ultimately,  in Christ.

God's plan for Joseph and all the descendants of Israel is unfolding.  God's favour benefits others as well.  God does not spare His servants of suffering when it is necessary for the greater good in the will of God.  God who shares in our grief and did not spare His only Son, whose Son suffered willingly.  We can learn from the story of Joseph today.

God still does this today. The video referred to in the podcast is located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CExvHJxJnY

Jacob is called by God to arise from Shechem where he has settled, because he is coming up short of the completed journey that God has in store for him.  He is lead to where God has ordained the blessing of Abraham and Isaac. Only obedience gets him there.  Only his life has taught him this obedience. God has patiently guided Jacob through the suffering his choices have rendered, back to the place where he met God; to recognize that God is not found in a place but in the relationship. Face to face.  The God of the House of God.  Not a God among gods, but God Almighty.

It may seem like a syncopated episode in the life of God's treasured people, but this tale of offense and shame that brings grief to many shows suffering is a part of the life of everyone in this fallen world.  Nobody is immune to the consequences of bad choices.

Hearing God clears the way to act with confidence.

Wives Tales and the cold hard truth of the matter

When God guides, God provides Images used in sermon are found at http://www.alvabaptist.org/