Session 4

Gate of Heaven (Genesis 28:16-17)

Jacob’s response when he woke up.

16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said,
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”
17 He was afraid and said,
“What an awesome place this is! This is none other than the house of God.
This is the gate of heaven.”

Application Point:

Believers can experience the joy of God’s presence.

Ask:

• In what ways might sensing God’s presence change a person’s perspective? (PSG, p. 42)

Write:

Record Gate of Heaven

Discuss:

Jacob recognized God’s presence when he experienced it.

Key Questions

Jacob left home not quite knowing what to expect on his journey or during his time in Aram.
But it’s safe to say he probably didn’t expect to experience God’s presence in such a powerful way.

• When have you felt specifically aware of God’s presence in your life?
• How did those experiences change you? How did they change the way you relate to others?
• What are some things you can do to become more sensitive to His word in your life?

This week as you pray,
ask God to help you be aware of His presence and of what He is saying to you.

discuss how adults might respond to those questions.

Examine:

Challenge adults to evaluate their own lives
identify things that might keep them from recognizing God’s presence or His voice.

Emphasize that God’s presence can provide incredible joy-
and we will miss that joy if we don’t embrace His work in our lives.

Transition:

Genuine experiences with God always change us.
We cannot spend time with Him without being transformed.
That’s what Jacob was beginning to realize, as well.