Evergreen Beaverton: Sermons and Lessons

Forgotten, but not Forsaken

I. Providential Imprisonment (v. 1-4) God sovereignly orchestrates the circumstances of our lives. The imprisonment of Pharaoh’s officials was not a mistake, but a divine appointment placing them directly in Joseph’s care. II. Sovereign Revelation (v. 5-19) When the troubled officials dream, Joseph points them away from human wisdom and boldly declares that interpretations belong to God. He faithfully delivers both the good news and the bad. III. The Forgotten Faithful (v. 20-23) Human loyalty is conditional and quick to forget, but God’s steadfast love never wavers. Joseph was forgotten by man for two more years, but he was never forsaken by God. Christ-Centered Conclusion: Joseph only asked for a release, but God was arranging a throne. In the same way, Jesus was falsely imprisoned between two criminals—not because God had abandoned Him, but because He was arranging an eternal throne and salvation for His people. No pain in the pit is ever wasted.

All Things, Part 2: What Do “All Things” Do?

Main Point: God orders the circumstances in which his people live such that all things cooperate in bringing about the good purposes of delivering his people and creation from the effects of sin. Outline: 1. God’s Goal: Our Good 2. God’s Means: Gifts and Groaning

Book Introduction: A Heart Aflame for God

Pastor Parker introduces A Heart Aflame for God, a book the church is distributing to every family as part of Evergreen's strategic vision for mature discipleship in 2026. He walks through the book's core themes, which include a distinctively Reformed approach to spiritual formation, the "Reformation Triangle" of Scripture, meditation, and prayer, self-examination, the natural world, and Christian friendship. Pastor Parker explains why each of the practices matter for growing as a follower of Christ. A companion study guide is available at evergreenpca.com/heartaflame for individual or group use.

All Things, Part 1: Does God Control “All Things”?

Main Point: Scripture teaches that God is sovereign over “all things,” and there is nothing that ever happens which is beyond God’s Fatherly control. Outline: 1. Sovereign Over the World Around Us * Is. 45:5-7; Job 37:11-12 2. Sovereign Over the Wills Around us * Genesis 50:20; Ezra 1:1; 2 Sam. 16:10; Acts 4:27-28; Prov. 21:1 3. Sovereign Over the Works Around us * Health Events * Psalm 54:4; Deut. 32:39; Ps. 31:15; Job 14:5 * Financial Events * 1 Sam. 2:7; Deut. 8:18 * “Chance” Events * 1 Kings 22:34; Ruth 2:3

The Spirit Intercedes

Main Point: Though our specific requests are often flawed by ignorance, we can pray with confidence because the Spirit perfects our prayers to align with God's will. Outline: 1. Our Weakness Before the Father a. We are bad judges of what would help us b. We know the general, but not the particulars   2. His Spirit’s Intercession a. He Initiates b. He instructs   3. The Perfect Answer According to God’s Will a. We pray for harmful things (God gives us better) b. We pray for untimely things (God’s timing is perfect)