Genesis 35
Each one of us has a Bethel that God periodically calls us back to.
Our Bethel is where we met Jesus for the first time and responded to his call.
Why God calls us back to Bethel
• Complacent and/or too comfortable.
• Change in attitude.
• Sidetracked.
• Forgotten promise.
Preparing to return to Bethel
• Understand there are distractions. – vs 2
• Understand there is pride. – vs 2
• Understand God will clear the way. – vs. 5
While at Bethel
• Avoid being distracted. – vs. 8
• Expect God to remind you of your new name; Christian. – vs. 10
• Expect God to encourage you with his promise. – vs. 11
• Expect God to encourage you with his blessing. – vs. 11
After Bethel
• Expect life to go unchanged. – vs. 16-22
• Or even seem more harsh. – vs. 22
• But, expect to experience a new sense of joy. – vs. 18
• And expect to be encouraged to continue fulfilling your promise (total commitment to Jesus). – vs. 27
Finding the way back to Bethel
• Prepare yourself.
• Find a quiet moment and avoid distractions.
• Remember the experience of the first time you met Jesus and responded to him.
• The wonderful thing, it can be done anytime, anywhere.
Are you in need of a return to Bethel?