The Story of Joseph – The Importance of the Pit | Genesis 37:3–28 | Sermon

When the pit feels like the end, it might just be God's beginning. In this message, we explore the powerful story of Joseph and how his journey through betrayal, dysfunction, and silence reveals the hidden work of God.

Much like Mount St. Helens appeared stable before its eruption, Joseph’s family looked blessed on the outside—but beneath the surface was resentment, favoritism, and hatred. This sermon shows how:

• Sin leads to dysfunction (Genesis 37:3–11)
• Dysfunction doesn’t cancel God’s purpose (Genesis 37:12–27)
• God works through the pit, not around it (Genesis 37:28, 37:36)

Even when God seems silent, He is never absent. The suffering Joseph experienced was not wasted—it was the very path to salvation for many.

Scriptures Covered:

• Genesis 37:3–28 — Joseph’s dreams, rejection, and betrayal
• Genesis 27:41 — The pattern of family dysfunction
• Psalm 105:16–17 — God’s purpose behind famine and suffering
• Romans 5:1–5 — How affliction produces endurance, character, and hope
• James 1:2–3, 12 — Endurance leads to maturity and the crown of life

Key Points:

• What is hidden in our lives will eventually come out. Deal with sin before it erupts.
• God's silence is not His absence. He is always working behind the scenes.
• The pit is not a place of punishment but a place of preparation.
• Jesus is the greater Joseph—betrayed, sold, stripped, and rejected—who brought ultimate redemption.

Anxiety and worry are universal human struggles, but as followers of Christ, we are called to continually cast all our burdens onto Jesus. Pastor Scott Odom shares with us that instead of being mastered by our anxieties or trying to handle them alone, we are invited to surrender them to the Lord daily because He deeply cares for us.

Key Scripture

1 Peter 5:6–7

Topics Covered

The universal experience of anxiety and its sources

Biblical examples of anxiety, such as Elijah’s collapse after victory

What it means to “cast” burdens on the Lord

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#BellShoalsChurch #Faith #anxiety #worry #surrender

In a world full of differing opinions and personal convictions, Pastor Stephen Staton challenges believers to seek unity over division when it comes to their convictions. From Romans 14, he emphasizes that while Christians may hold different views on gray areas they must not judge one another but instead live out their faith in love and humility.

Key Scripture -

Romans 14:1–23

Topics Covered -

Disputable matters and Christian liberty

Personal convictions vs. biblical commands

Unity in the church amidst differing opinions

Examples of modern gray areas

👉 Join us this Sunday or visit bellshoals.com to learn more about our campuses and ministries.

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#BellShoalsChurch #Faith #Questions #disagreements

Pastor Corey Abney teaches that TRUE salvation cannot be lost because it is entirely the work of God's grace - not something earned by human effort. He emphasizes that salvation is an immediate, radical, and eternal transformation initiated by God alone, and not dependent on our performance or circumstances.

Key Scripture:

Ephesians 2:4-9

John 3

Romans 12:1-2

John 15

1 John 4:19

Topics Covered:

Assurance of salvation

The nature of salvation

God’s role vs. human effort in salvation

The role of the Holy Spirit

Comparison of spiritual death vs. life

👉 Join us this Sunday or visit bellshoals.com to learn more about our campuses and ministries.

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Pastor Corey Abney addresses the commonly asked question of whether Christians should drink alcohol, emphasizing that the issue is not about legalism or license, but about applying Biblical wisdom.

Key Scripture:

1 Corinthians 6:12

Topics Covered:

Christian legalism

Biblical stance on alcohol

Risks and consequences of alcohol abuse

#bellshoalschurch #faith #churchservice #alcohol

Lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney kicks off our new series asking hard questions. He explains how evil and suffering exist in the world as a result of humanity's rebellion against God, but God, in His sovereignty, uses these trials to fulfill a greater redemptive purpose. Though we may not fully understand God's ways, He is in complete control over all things, including evil and suffering, and ultimately works all things together for good for those who love Him.

Key Scripture:

Genesis 3:7 (The fall of man and the beginning of suffering)

James 4:1-3 (The source of conflict and evil desires)

Psalm 33:10-11 (The sovereignty of God's plans)

Romans 8:28 (God works all things together for good)

Topics Covered:

The origin of evil and suffering: Humanity's rebellion against God.

The consequences of sin: Broken relationships, disease, and death.

The sovereignty of God: God's complete control over evil and suffering.

The redemptive purpose of suffering: How God uses suffering to accomplish His will and bring about good.

👉 Join us this Sunday or visit bellshoals.com to learn more about our campuses and ministries.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more uplifting messages from Bell Shoals Church. Let’s spread the hope of Jesus together!

#BellShoalsChurch #Faith #Questions #whydobadthingshappen

This Easter service, lead pastor Dr. Corey Abney shares how when life doesn’t always go according to plan, Jesus meets us right in the middle of our brokenness. Through the stories of Jairus and the bleeding woman in Luke 8, we see that Jesus responds to those who approach Him with both right belief and desperate faith. He is not afraid to engage with our mess, and He brings hope, healing, and restoration to those who truly seek Him.

Key Scripture:

Luke 8:40–56 — The healing of the bleeding woman and the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter.

Topics:

Jesus’ compassion for people whose lives have not gone as expected

Faith as childlike trust rather than perfection or strength

The power of Jesus to heal, restore, and give life regardless of how broken or desperate our circumstances

👉 Join us this Sunday or visit bellshoals.com to learn more about our campuses and ministries.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more uplifting messages from Bell Shoals Church. Let’s spread the hope of Jesus together!

#BellShoalsChurch #Faith #easter #eastersunday

What made the death of Jesus different from the thousands crucified during the Roman Empire? In this powerful Good Friday message, Dr. Corey Abney walks us through Colossians 2 to reveal why the cross wasn’t just an instrument of death, but a declaration of victory.

You’ll discover how Jesus didn’t just suffer physically, he erased our debt and canceled our guilt. Dr. Abney unpacks the reality that Christ’s death wasn’t a tragedy to mourn, but a triumph to proclaim.