Isaiah 7:10-17 (HCSB)The Immanuel Prophecy10 Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz: 11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—from the depths of Sheol to the heights of heaven.” 12 But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.” 13 Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? 14 Therefore, the Lord Hi...  Read More

Matthew 1:18-24 (HCSB)The Nativity of the Messiah18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. 20 But after he had considered these thin...  Read More

Matthew 1:1-17 (HCSB)The Genealogy of Jesus Christ1 The historical record of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: From Abraham to David 2 Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram, 4 Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Sa...  Read More

GOD PROVIDES FOR HIS PEOPLEGod is sovereign; He is in control in every circumstance.Key Truth: God Can Use Any Circumstance to Accomplish His Will and Provide for His People (Genesis 45:1-13)Key Truth: God Can Restore Broken Relationships (Genesis 45:14-28)Family Connection: Continue the discussion after church!How many people were in Jacob’s family or household that moved to Egypt? What did God p...  Read More

December 16, 20231. Based on the insights from the devotional on Genesis 42, how can you promote forgiveness and reconciliation in your sphere of influence to create a more God-centered environment in your community?2.  In the context of the devotional on Genesis 43, how can you encourage and support transformation and repentance in those around you, fostering a culture of spiritual growth in your...  Read More

Genesis 45:16-28 (HCSB)The Return for Jacob16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and go on back to the land of Canaan. 18 Get your father and your families, and come back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you can eat from the...  Read More

Genesis 45:1-15 (HCSB)Joseph Reveals His Identity45 Joseph could no longer keep his composure in front of all his attendants, so he called out, “Send everyone away from me!” No one was with him when he revealed his identity to his brothers. 2 But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and also Pharaoh’s household heard it. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still liv...  Read More

Genesis 44 (HCSB)Joseph’s Final Test44 Then Joseph commanded his steward: “Fill the men’s bags with as much food as they can carry, and put each one’s money at the top of his bag. 2 Put my cup, the silver one, at the top of the youngest one’s bag, along with his grain money.” So he did as Joseph told him. 3 At morning light, the men were sent off with their donkeys. 4 They had not gone very far fr...  Read More

Genesis 43 (HCSB)Decision to Return to Egypt43 Now the famine in the land was severe. 2 When they had used up the grain they had brought back from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us some food.” 3 But Judah said to him, “The man specifically warned us: ‘You will not see me again unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food...  Read More

Genesis 42  (HCSB)Joseph’s Brothers in Egypt42 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you keep looking at each other? 2 Listen,” he went on, “I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us so that we will live and not die.” 3 So 10 of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. 4 But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benja...  Read More

GOD IS IN CONTROLGod can use trials and difficulty for good for those who follow Him.Key Truth: God Can Cause Family Problems to Work Out for Good (Genesis 37:1-11)Key Truth: God Can Cause Mistreatment to Work Out for Good (Genesis 37:12-36)Key Truth: God Can Cause Every Work Situation to Work Out for Good (Genesis 39:1-6)Family Connection: Continue the discussion after church!What did the branche...  Read More

DECEMBER 9, 2023Have you ever had family members treat you poorly or even plot against you?2.  What reactions do we have when we suffer injustice?3.  How will you handle such problems?Want to dig deeper? Go directly to www.mikethebaptist.com. You will be able to listen or watch a conversation with Temple's pastors as they sit down and dive deeper into the weekly questions and content....  Read More