Sermons by Brandon
The Beginning of Luke: Faith in God’s Timing
Luke opens his Gospel by explaining that he carefully investigated eyewitness accounts so readers could have confidence in the truth about Jesus. Written as the first part of a two-volume work with Acts, it presents an orderly account of Christ’s life, emphasizing His humanity, compassion, prayer life, joy, fellowship, and concern for outsiders. The narrative begins during the reign of Herod with Zechariah and Elizabeth, a faithful elderly couple who had long endured the pain of childlessness. While serving in…
Surrender, Service, and the Pilgrim’s Journey
Gen 47 In Genesis 47, Joseph completes the purpose behind his long journey of suffering and exaltation by bringing Jacob’s family into Egypt and settling them in Goshen. This separation protects them from the surrounding culture and allows them to grow into the nation God intends them to become. The chapter highlights how God sometimes places His people in environments where they can be strengthened, prepared, and preserved for future purposes. When Jacob meets Pharaoh, he describes his life as…
From Betrayal to Blessing
Gen 45-46 Joseph’s brothers had finally demonstrated genuine repentance. Instead of abandoning Benjamin as they had once abandoned Joseph, they were willing to sacrifice themselves for him. Seeing this change, Joseph could no longer hide his identity. Overcome with emotion, he revealed himself to his brothers, who were left speechless and terrified. Yet Joseph responded not with revenge, but with grace. He acknowledged their sin while recognizing that God had been working through every painful event to accomplish a greater…
The Test of Changed Hearts
A severe famine continued across the land, leaving Jacob’s family in desperate need of food. Although Jacob was reluctant to send Benjamin, his most cherished remaining son, the family could not survive without returning to Egypt. Judah stepped forward and personally guaranteed Benjamin’s safety, demonstrating a remarkable change of heart compared to the brothers’ earlier jealousy and betrayal. When the brothers returned to Egypt, Joseph welcomed them into his house. Expecting punishment because of the money that had mysteriously been…
From the Prison to the Palace
Gen 40-41 In prison, Joseph encountered Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker after they offended Pharaoh and were placed in custody. Both men had troubling dreams on the same night and were distressed because no one could interpret them. Joseph, despite his suffering and unjust imprisonment, still trusted God and declared that interpretations belong to Him. The butler dreamed of a vine with three branches that produced grapes which he pressed into Pharaoh’s cup. Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that…
A Robe and a Ring
Gen 36-37-38 Joseph, still young, is favored by his father, which sparks jealousy and hostility among his brothers. Tension grows when he shares dreams suggesting he will have authority over them. Sent to check on his brothers, Joseph is betrayed; they first plan to kill him but instead sell him into slavery in Egypt. To cover their actions, they deceive their father into believing Joseph has been killed, leaving him in deep grief. Alongside this, Judah’s story unfolds. He distances…
Jacob -> Israel
Gen 34-35Jacob settles near Shechem instead of fully following God’s direction, placing his family in a spiritually dangerous environment. Dinah leaves the safety of her family and is violated by Shechem, who then seeks to marry her. His father proposes assimilation between their peoples, appealing to unity and economic benefit. Jacob remains passive, while Dinah’s brothers respond with deceit, demanding circumcision as a condition. While the men of the city are weakened, Simeon and Levi massacre them, and the rest…
Wrestling with God
Jacob leaves Laban after a final separation, unable to return, and journeys toward home knowing his brother Esau once wanted to kill him. Caught between past conflict and uncertain future, he hopes time has softened Esau. Along the way, he encounters angels and names the place Mahanaim, sensing divine presence with him. He sends messengers to Esau with a humble message, calling him “lord” and presenting himself as a servant, revealing both fear and a tendency to manage outcomes through…
The Drama of Jacob
Gen 29 & 30 Jacob eventually arrives near the region where his uncle Laban lives and meets shepherds at a well. There he encounters Rachel, Laban’s daughter, and is immediately overwhelmed with emotion. After greeting her, Rachel runs home and informs her father, who warmly receives Jacob. After a month, Laban proposes that Jacob should not work for free and asks what wages he wants. Laban has two daughters: Leah, the older, and Rachel, the younger. Rachel is described as…
4 Senses
Gen 27:1-46 Though aging and nearly blind, Isaac believes he is near death and asks Esau to hunt and prepare his favorite meal so he can formally bestow the patriarchal blessing upon him. This blessing carries material prosperity, authority over others, and the covenant promise first given to Abraham. Rebekah overhears and intervenes. Years earlier she had been told that her younger son, Jacob, would rule over Esau. Convinced that Jacob is the rightful heir, she devises a plan to…
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