1. Two main types of “biblical teachings”
Exegetical – paragraphs, verses, and words – most of our teachings from Genesis 1-22
Thematic/Topical – patterns that run throughout the text(s) – most of our teachings from Genesis 23ff
Today: THEMATIC/TOPICAL – GENESIS 31:1-5 and 31:11-13

2. TWO THEMES from Genesis 31:1-13
“I AM WITH YOU”
“COME HOME TO ME”

3. “I AM WITH YOU” “COME HOME TO ME”
OPPOSITES? TWO TRUTHS (POLES) in the RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND US HUMANS
“I AM WITH YOU”
“COME HOME TO ME”

4. I. GENESIS 31:1-5 – “I am with you”
1 Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, "Jacob has taken all that was our father's; he has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father." 2And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him as favorably as he did before. 3Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your ancestors and to your kindred, and I will be with you."
4So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was, 5and said to them, "I see that your father does not regard me as favorably as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me.”

5. II. COMING HOME TO GOD & GOD’S PROMISES Genesis 31:11-13
 11”Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob,' and I said, 'Here I am!' 12And he said, 'Look up and see that all the goats that leap on the flock are striped, speckled, and mottled; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and return to the land of your birth.'"

6. COMMUNION: TWO TRUTHS:
WHEREVER YOU ARE – desolate, confusing, wonderful, blah,
“GOD IS HERE” “GOD IS WITH YOU” “GOD IS WITH US”
NO MATTER HOW FAR FROM WHERE YOU SHOULD BE – GOD IS CALLING:
“JUST COME HOME, (your name); I LOVE YOU!” (listen)