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INTO SIN. AWAY FROM GOD. NOT OUT OF GOD'S REACH (48)

by Robert Dawson

Scripture: Genesis 38:1-30
This content is part of a series.


Into Sin. Away from God. Not out of God's Reach (48)
Genesis
Robert Dawson
Genesis 38

Years ago, I read a preaching book. Some of you are thinking, it's about time to read another. As a matter of fact, someone in the church gave it to me. I thought they were being nice but in hindsight, they were trying to tell me something. I'm not sure I learned it because they are no longer here, but I did enjoy the book and tried to learn from it.

It used the analogy of taking a car/truck ride, having a destination in mind and map of how to get there and taking people along for the journey. One of the lessons I remember from the book dealt with transitioning from one part/point in the sermon to another. It said, if you are going to transition, change direction, or make a turn in the sermon, you needed to signal to the congregation that a turn was coming.

We've all been in the car with someone when they made a sudden and unexpected turn, especially at a higher speed than was necessary or even safe. It catches you off guard, slams you against the window and has you reaching for that little handle above the door. Then, you look at them and blurt out, "What was that?! What just happened?!"

When you change direction like that in a conversation or message, that's the type of response you get from the listener.

Well, as we come to Genesis 38, that's how I feel.
- In Genesis 36 and 37 Scripture clearly signaled that we are transitioning to a new act in the story, that the focus of the story is about to change.
- In chapter 37, which we looked at last week, we have the high drama of Joseph, his fancy schmancy coat, jealous brothers who assault him, steal his coat, fake his death, and sell him to a band of traveling merchants. The chapter ends with Joseph as a slave in the home of an Egyptian office named Potiphar.

I'm on pins and needles. I'm ready to know what's next because chapter 37 basically ends by flashing "to be continued..." at the bottom of the scree ...

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