August 22, 2021

I have a dream

Preacher:
Passage: Genesis 28:10-22
Service Type:

Introduction

Speaking on v12
Some context
v10 – this was a life changing night for Jacob

Have you been changed by the living God?
Christian conversion is dramatic

It is a change within
It is no dream
It is not something your forget

5 steps of the ladder to life:

Jacob Asleep (v11)
Jacob Awake (v16)
Jacob Aware (v16)
Jacob Afraid (v17)
Jacob Alive (v20)

Jacob Asleep (v11)

Jacob was on the run and tired
He lay down to sleep and dreamed
v12 – he dreamed

Before the Scriptures came to be – God revealed certain things about Himself in dream
e.g. Jacob and Nebuchadnezzar

v13 – Who was in the dream

God
Even the Lord Jesus Christ – compare to John 1:51
This was a “theophany”

v13-15 – What was said

God is committing Himself to Jacob and to Israel

Will you take a step on the ladder towards Jesus Christ

The cross of Calvary is no dream

Jacob Awake (v16)

What sort of a night did Jacob have?
He knew that God was in this place

God was at the top of the ladder giving him access to heaven
It was experiential

In our conversion – we know that something is happening

The event was “awesome”

Meaning reverential fear
A life changing spiritual experience is awesome
Not always a Damascus Road experience

It occurred in Bethel

Previously called Luz – known for its bad name

Personal example

He placed a stone and poured oil on it

He called the place Bethel
Bethel meaning “House of God”
Personal example

God is in our towns and cities

He is a front line God

Example from Mark 5:39

It is time to get up and start a new day
Are you still asleep or have you awoken?

Jacob Aware (v16)

He was unaware of the presence of God

It is possible to be in God’s presence but not be aware/recognise Him
John 1:10 – Jesus’ own people did not recognise Him

Luke 23:34
Who else could do the works and miracles of Jesus?

When you come to church – are you aware that God is here?

v17 – this is house of God, the gate of heaven

The gate gives entrance and the ladder gives elevation
God is inviting us into the kingdom of heaven
Jesus said “I am the door, whoever enters through Me will be saved”
Example of sheep pen

Jesus Christ laid down His life so you could enter the kingdom of heaven

Jacob Afraid (v17)

Why was he afraid?

Personal example of fear of the dark – He was not afraid of the dark
Was it a fear of the unknown? – No

It was because he met God

Matt 14:25-26
When we meet God the fear of God is in our soul

God has come to take our sin and fear away

Are you afraid of the consequences?

Examples

Do not let your fears stop you coming to God/Christ

Jacob Alive (v20)

He believed the promises of God – v13 & 15

I will give you
I am with you
I will keep you
I will bring you back
I will not leave you

An example of redemption love

Jesus speaks to us through the Gospel
John 3:16

Are you running from anything this morning?
Do you need rest?

John 10:27-28

Whose hands are you in?

Jacob committed himself to God

Example of Grandpa Howard

Are you making excuses this morning?

Believe in God
Make God the Lord of your life
Rom 10:9-10
1 John 5:12

Do you have life?

Closing Remarks