Hold

Hold

Joseph's Dysfunctional Family

Genesis 39:6-10, Genesis 50:15-21

The state of homes and families in America--

Assumption: the problem is always multi-generational.

	I. Joseph's Family Favoritism: Chapter 37 Domestic Violence: Chapter 37 Prostitute: Chapter 38 Incest: Chapter 35
	II. Joseph's Results Egyptian official Saved countless lives Great man of God
	III. Joseph's Formula 1. Personal Responsibility, "How could I do such a wicked thing?" Genesis 39:9 2. Personal Forgiveness, "He reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Genesis 50:21

The Family That Lost Jesus

Luke 2:41-50

"...while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind..."

Luke 2:43

It is a tragedy to loose a child.

It is a greater tragedy to loose this child.

Three myths that cause families to loose Jesus:

I.  Quality time compensates for Quantity time. (Apply that thinking to next week's meals.)

II.  It takes a village to raise a child.  (It really takes a mom and dad.)

III.  Quality families just happen.  (Little happens without a reason.)

An Echo In The Church

John 3:22-30, Ephesians 4:14-16

"He must increase, I must decrease"  John 3:30 (John the Baptist)

From ancient mythology

Narcissus in today's society

Two doctrines that point to the church's echo

	1. Doctrine of church superiority (My church is better than your church mentality)
	2. Doctrine of personal rights (The kingdom owes me something)

The solution of John the Baptist must become our own: "HE must increase, I must decrease."