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God is the God of Toronto Baptist Church! April 27th 2003
Genesis 33:16-20,
So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir. [17] And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
[18] And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan-aram; and pitched his tent before the city. [19] And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. [20] And he erected there an altar, and called it El-elohe-Israel.
Introduction: Esau went "on his way" unto Seir. Jacob provided a house for his family and booths or stalls for his livestock. He was making a home for himself where God had led him.
He pitched toward Jerusalem (Shalem) and God blessed him there. He purchased a piece of property so that he might settle in the land God had promised to Abraham. He built an altar to his God.
El-elohe-Israel: This means God is the God of Israel.
I want to look at some things this afternoon as they relate to our life here at Toronto Baptist Church. That is why I have named this message: God is the God of Toronto Baptist Church.
It is without doubt that God was richly blessing Jacob. God would use Jacob and his sons to establish the nation of Israel! This is not just a blessing this is mind bogglingly tremendous. Think how you would feel if God had promised to make a great nation out of your family!
And yet, God has said, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9
Provided: Jacob provided:
The Bible is very clear that men of God provide for their family. That does not mean that every dollar you spend has been earned at your place of employment. All that we provide comes from the hand of God Almighty. Jehovah-Jireh: God is my provider! When times are tough the tough go to their heavenly Father to seek the provision they need for their family.
Purposed: Dare to have a purpose firm. Dare to stand alone. This was where God wanted him. This was where he would stay. Have you a purpose firm or have you left your options open?
Pitched: After purposing in his heart he took action and pitched his tents toward the future city of Jerusalem. From humble beginnings to the Nation of Israel in Solomon’s day and our day!
Purchased: He put his money where his mouth was. He invested his treasure in the place God had planted him.
Proved: The Word of God was proven here. He now had a possession in the land given to his fathers by the promises of God.
Prayed: He set up the altar for the purpose of prayer and fellowship with God.
Proclaimed: He "…called it El-elohe-Israel."
El-elohe-Israel: This means God is the God of Israel. Jacob had to enter the Land by faith. He did not know what God had in store for him but in the end he could proclaim: "God is the God of Israel". One thing that is beyond doubt is that God has richly blessed those who have come into Toronto Baptist Church. You came by faith and God has done above all that ye could ask or think.
(Give examples.)
God is the God of Israel and God is the God of Toronto Baptist Church!