How Big Is Your God (11AM)

Grace of Christ

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How Big Is Your God (11AM)

June 18, 2023 • Dennis Whitcher • Genesis 33:1–17, Genesis 32:1–21

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The drama of Jacob and Esau is not over yet. Remember that Jacob stole his twin brother, Esau's, birthright over a bowl of stew and then stole his blessing from their father with his mother's help. Esau threatened to kill Jacob for having wronged him so Jacob fled. After spending twenty years working for his uncle Laban, Jacob is commanded by God to return to the land of his ancestors. In order to do so, Jacob must pass through Edom, the territory of his brother, Esau. And so they meet.

Esau travels to the meeting with 400 men. Jacob, ever resourceful, draws up a strategy to pacify Esau. He prepares wave after wave of valuable gifts of various animals. The encounter between Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:4 appears to be a friendly one. Esau runs to greet his brother. He hugs Jacob and kisses him. It is fortunate that Esau does not kill Jacob or apparently even hold a grudge against him. But a careful reading of the scripture reveals that the rivaling brothers never actually reconcile.

Shortly after their encounter the two part ways and do not meet again until their father's funeral. Does real forgiveness take place between the two men? Although the brothers part unscathed from their encounter, is their relationship really repaired?

How different are God's gifts to us in Jesus Christ! We earn nothing and we cannot merit any of God's blessings. But, by God's grace we are given the precious gift of forgiveness and reconciliation by Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Therefore, let us live in joyful thanksgiving and not cringing terror.

Jacob Returns to Bethel 11am

July 2, 2023 • Dennis Whitcher • Genesis 35:1–15

Genesis 35:1–15 describes the fulfillment of Jacob's vows made to the Lord some thirty years earlier. Then, Jacob encountered God after fleeing from Esau. Now that Jacob has returned safely to Canaan and resolved the conflict with Esau, God commands him to build an altar at the place of their first meeting, Bethel. Jacob rids his family of all of their false idols returns to Bethel. God appears to him, confirming the covenant promises once more. Jacob responds to God's appearance and blessing by building a stone pillar and pouring a drink offering and oil over it. This sets a pattern for us as well. Coming back to God begins by recognizing from God’s word that you maybe you are not where God wants you to be. Jacob was in Shechem; God wanted him in Bethel. Then we respond in obedience to the command of God to arise, go up, and worship Him. What will it look like to obey the Lord? Getting rid of idols - those things that take the place of God in your life. Cleansing ourselves by confessing our sins before God. Then demonstrating that inward repentance by our outward behavior, bearing “fruit worthy of repentance.” Do you have a Bethel in your life, a special place where you first met God? Have you ever set up stone pillars in your mind to remind you of times that God has spoken to you and it has made a change in your life, or has brought your focus back to the true treasure of your heart, the Lord Jesus Christ?

Jacob Returns to Bethel 9am

July 2, 2023 • Dennis Whitcher • Genesis 35:1–15

A Wrestling Match (9AM)

June 25, 2023 • Alex Rule • Genesis 32:22–32

This is the story of Jacob's encounter with God. Jacob, has been deceiving many people for most of his life to get the benefits and resources he needs to not only live a good life, but to survive. He wants to always be ahead of others no matter what, but this time he is going to face his creator; this time he will wrestle with God to get His blessing. He wants to get this blessing even if it costs him something and he becomes disabled. After his encounter with God, Jacob learned to hold God's hand and to depend on Him always. In this story, God changed Jacob's name to Israel and changed his life forever. Fortunately, we don't have to wrestle with God to get blessings from Him, what we need is to be faithful and ask him to bless us in our daily prayers. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Hebrews 12:6-7