In his senior sermon delivered on September 29, 2025 at Virginia Theological Seminary, St. David’s seminarian Daniel Bentley explores the concept of Bethel, the dwelling place of God. He begins by discussing the elusive nature of angels, who appear during crises and in sacred spaces where heaven and earth intersect. Referencing Jacob’s dream of angels at Bethel, he connects this imagery to Jesus, suggesting that Jesus is the means by which heaven and earth connect and can be considered Bethel. Daniel emphasizes that Bethel is accessible in various forms of Christian practice, such as meditating on Scripture, gathering in Christ’s name, baptism, and communion. He urges the audience to embody Bethel by bringing Christ into the world through their actions, despite human imperfections, relying on God’s grace and strength. The sermon concludes with a powerful affirmation of the divine presence in everyday life and a call to make it known to the world.
