3-Minute Church: The Revelation that Changes Everything
This blog unpacks Pastor Lee Cummings’ Sermon from March 2, 2025
“Church isn't four walls. It's not LED screens. It's not meeting service times. Those are all part of it, but that's one dimension. The other dimension is that we come together and create an environment in which God is very much at home.”
Pastor Lee Cummings
God's Presence exists everywhere, but we have to have eyes to see beyond the natural.
LET'S BREAK IT DOWN:
Many of us are familiar with the story of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, a man whose very name meant "deceiver," spent much of his life manipulating situations to get what he wanted. He even went so far as to steal his brother’s birthright and blessing. After fleeing from the consequences of his actions, Jacob settled in Luz, exhausted and alone in the wilderness.
Then, something extraordinary happened: He encountered the presence of the Lord.
Genesis 28 tells us that Jacob, using a stone as a pillow, fell asleep and had a revelatory dream. He saw a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. At the top stood God Himself, who spoke to Jacob, reaffirming the covenant He had made with Abraham and Isaac: Their bloodline would be blessed with God's favor.
When Jacob awoke, he was overwhelmed by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it," he exclaimed. "This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." In that moment, Jacob realized that God's presence wasn't confined to temples or sacred spaces—it could be found even in the most unexpected and seemingly ordinary places.
This revelation changed everything for Jacob.
It transformed a barren wilderness into holy ground and shifted Jacob’s understanding of God. Jacob was so overcome by his encounter with the Lord that he renamed the city of Luz to "Bethel," meaning "house of God." The story of Jacob is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. The Old Testament rings true because the Abrahamic Covenant is an ongoing promise.
God opened Jacob’s eyes to the spiritual reality that exists in every environment. God is in every place, but how often do we, like Jacob, fail to recognize His presence in our everyday lives? We attend church services and sing worship songs, but do we truly comprehend that God is with us always?
Two people can be in the same sanctuary, and only one can encounter God's presence. Why? We must have eyes that see beyond the natural and long to encounter Jesus in the spiritual realm.
Imagine if we could see beyond the physical realm into the spiritual reality.
Picture a church service where angels ascend and descend and Jesus Himself walks among the congregation. The Bible tells us this is happening!
In Revelation, Jesus says He walks among the lampstands (representing churches). God is enthroned upon the praises of His people, and when we join together in heartfelt worship, we open the gates of the heavenly realm.
How often do we miss this truth, distracted by little "annoyances" that we deem more important than encountering the Lord?
Are we distracted by a crying baby during our church service, the person sitting in front of us who is blocking our view, or the message the pastor is preaching that offends us? Or are we entering our Sunday services with the mindset that we have a divine appointment with the Lord?
What if, instead of asking, "What can I get out of this?" we entered with the mindset of "God is here, and I want to encounter Him"?
Jacob teaches us that the revelation of God in our midst can change everything:
He set his stone as a pillar. This represents commitment. Jacob marked Bethel as significant, committing to remember and honor what had happened there. In our lives, this might look like committing to a local church and setting our stone in community.
He poured oil on the stone. Oil in the Bible often symbolizes consecration and anointing. God has given each of us a specific oil that represents our particular anointing, whether it be gifts, talents, abilities, or passions. Are we properly stewarding our oil and pouring it on the house of God?
He made a vow to tithe. Jacob committed to giving back to God the first tenth of all he received. This illustrates trust in God’s provision and boldly states that we want to partner with Him. When there is favor in His house, there is favor in ours.
These actions can sometimes be interpreted as religious rituals, but here’s what we miss: Jacob's encounter with God generated a pure and holy response because the presence of God changes everything.
Imagine if we, like Jacob, could see beyond the physical to the spiritual reality around us.
Our faith changes the atmosphere, and when we invite God into worship, He shows up.
Tap to watch Pastor Lee Cummings' full sermon on Youtube.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: Recognizing God's Presence
Reading: Genesis 28:10–22
Devotional: Jacob's encounter at Bethel reminds us that God is often present in unexpected places and moments. Like Jacob, we may find ourselves in spiritual "wilderness" experiences, feeling alone or lost. Yet it's precisely in these moments that God can reveal Himself most powerfully. Today, reflect on times when you've unexpectedly encountered God's presence. How might you cultivate a greater awareness of His presence in your daily life? Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see Him at work around you, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances.
Day 2: The Church as God's House
Reading: 1 Peter 2:4–10
Devotional: Peter describes believers as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house. This echoes Jacob's revelation of Bethel as the "house of God." The church is not merely a building or organization but a living, breathing organism where God dwells among His people. Consider your role in this spiritual house. What unique gifts or "oil" has God given you to contribute? How can you more fully pour out your gifts in service to God's house? Pray for a renewed commitment to your local church and for wisdom in how to best serve and build up the body of Christ.
Day 3: Worship as a Gateway to Heaven
Reading: Psalm 100
Devotional: Jacob declared Bethel to be the "gate of heaven." Our worship can similarly create an atmosphere where heaven and earth intersect. Genuine praise and thanksgiving open spiritual gateways, allowing God's presence to flow more freely. Reflect on your approach to worship. Is it merely a routine, or do you enter with the expectation of encountering God? Challenge yourself to worship with renewed passion and focus, recognizing that your praise can usher in God's presence not just for yourself but for others around you.
Day 4: Covenant Commitment
Reading: Joshua 24:14–28
Devotional: Jacob made a vow to God at Bethel, setting up a stone pillar as a marker of his commitment. Joshua similarly called the Israelites to choose whom they would serve, setting up a stone as a witness. What "pillars" or commitments have you made in your spiritual life? Are there areas where you need to renew your covenant with God? Consider writing down a fresh commitment to God today, perhaps in an area where you've been struggling. Ask for His grace to empower you to live out this commitment.
Day 5: Stewardship and Tithing
Reading: Malachi 3:8–12
Devotional: Jacob vowed to give God a tenth of all he received, recognizing God as the source of his blessings. Tithing is more than a financial transaction; it's a heart posture that acknowledges God's provision and our trust in Him. Reflect on your own approach to giving. Do you view it as an obligation or as a joyful response to God's goodness? Challenge yourself to give not just of your finances, but of your time and talents as well. Ask God to help you cultivate a generous spirit in all areas of your life, trusting Him to provide for your needs.