For Christians, it seems that anything from a relaxing woods retreat to a Mountain-Dew-induced sugar-high at a youth conference can gain the mountaintop moniker. Believe: What Secret Does It Hold For You Today. Father of 5 (David, Jenny, Elisha, Esther, Seth). When you looked at Jesus he was a common, ordinary Jew-, YET Jesus Christ was much more than a common man when he walked on this earth. One of the authors of the book, Sharon Swing says, Listening is the art of creating space so God can do His work in the heart of another., This time in Atlanta was a follow-up to similar work I did in Dallas two years ago. Peter said it is good to be here. Those are great experiences that God has given to me, and I am thankful for them. Sinai again and again to commune with God and to better understand not just the essential laws for the life of the community, but the rhythms and cycles of what their covenantal life together will be like in the Promised Land. There will be times of recognition, success, fun, laughter, happiness, financial success and many wonderful experiences together with family and friends. Of course, except for Jesus, even people who undergo mountaintop transformations remain flawed. But make no mistake Jesus was the unrivalled son of God. The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. Im glad Joani could share today because I really needed a fresh illustration of a mountaintop experience for this sermon! So when it is too cold for an ice cream party, you can have a hot chocolate party instead! Jesus would rise in a glorified body, ascend to heaven and sit on the right hand of the throne of God. This works in making work more enjoyable too. The glory cloud was the sign of Gods approval on the work that Jesus Christ had come to do; to die on the cross as a sacrifice for mans sin, and be raised from the dead the third day. To hear the voice of God in His Word is to be led to the mountaintop of glory and grace. Once weve processed our mountain top experience, well be able to face the valley without resentment or guilt. He talked about the struggles and challenges he had faced both personally and professionally. Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. Through His Word, Jesus presents grace to frightened disciples on the mountain. V:36-And when the voice was passed, Jesus was found alone. Consider how Peter engages this question in 2 Peter 1:16-21. Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way. Nighttime temperatures drop wellbelow zero, the air is razor-thin, and killer storms can strike without warning. This is where audiobooks are helpful. Now, as we review Exodus 24 and Matthew 17, I want us to notice certain traits of mountaintop experiences. The law and prophets all meet in Jesus, they point to Jesus, and they preach Jesus. That thought even reminds me of a song that was once sung by a group that was known as Blood, Sweat and Tears entitled "Spinning Wheel". Think of those wonderfully cheesy G.I. Then, for another forty days he remained in the fiery cloud of Gods presence, receiving still more revelation from God. The Holy Spirit really works through the sacrament of baptism. One of the principles of listening to God speak through scripture is that you should notice what causes you to resist as well as resonate. as he calls you to leave bitterness behind, and to forgive and find joy. Thats why he wanted to build dwellings or booths on top of Mt. II. This is my favorite source for everything Christian. The voice of God clearly identified Jesus as his only son, his beloved son, unique one-of-a-kind son. Now, even though Joanis Listen to Your Life conference in Atlanta took place in the suburbs rather than on top of nearby Stone Mountain (which is where, by the way, I proposed to Joani), she still refers to the conference as a mountaintop experience. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. And one day he would return with clouds of glory at his second coming. After clarifying among the three who the real hillbilly is (its the one who has I love to see groups of people work together and everyone succeed. 5. living, growing, or located in the mountains. This is so prevalent that the mountaintop experience has become a Christian clich of excitement and zeal. But, maybe you say, The church doesnt hear the voice like Peter did. So many of us begin to desire to leave God's mountaintop through lax engagement with God's Word because the experience feels so ordinary. Just as Christ shone before the disciples in radiant majesty (2 Pet. In any case, whenever something really wonderful happens to us, our excitement causes us to view it as one of lifes mountaintop experiences. In other words, the fulfillment of the Messiahs mission of salvation was nearer than the three disciplesknew. My belief is the valley is as good as the mountaintop and just as important to our spiritual growth. We forget what God said to us when we approached the altar during that sermon. Well have a better understanding of how that intense moment can fit into our everyday. Granted, Jesus did some of his best work on and around water, but he was a mountain man, too. every Bible should be bound and shoe leather. We, of course, visited the ranger station and gift shop at the top, and chatted with one of the rangers about what short hikes we could do while we were at the top and about the recent snowstorm that made the road impassible. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. I wasnt so eager to leave the mountaintop. Waiting feels like a waste of my time. And Im guessing wed have a mountaintop experience at church if we took the time to listen to each other describe our mountaintop experiences. Jesus would die on the Cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise again three days later. Climbing the mountains in Western North Carolina with my former youth from Indiana who made it a tradition to climb together early in the morning and then share affirmations on the mountain top at the end of a Montreat Youth Conference. Why does God allow you to have a Mountain-top experience? It also known valleys are quiet places of rest and peace. First things first, don't be afraid to talk openly about mountain top experiences with your students. This looks differently for everyone, but its a step we cannot ignore. Some only lasted for mere minutes. Cable TV and high speed internet. The mountaintop transfiguration of Jesus Christ was certainly a transcendent visual experience for Peter, James, and John. There we will walk in His paths and will be taught His ways. For instruction and revelation will come out from Mountaintop Worship Center. Finally, one day he reached the top of his mountain. At first they were deathly afraid of what they had seenwho wouldnt be!? Our job is to share Gods reconciliation with them and bring them to the mountaintop for their own personal experience with God. Questions for further thought: Where and when have you been overwhelmed by a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for you on the cross? Time to forget about any work you have to do, and treat the weekend as a weekend. Soaking in the memory of what God revealed to us on the mountain will remind us of our purpose in the valley. The story in our text today is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke and I believe it's the source of the phrase "A Mountain Top Experience. Peter, James, and John thought that Elijahs appearance on the mountain with Jesus that day surely was a fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. We forget what it felt like to trust God while on the mission field. This past week we spent our vacation at the base of the Rocky Mountains and went into the National Park each day to climb this mountain or that mountain - all reasonable morning hikes. Youve never seen something so beautiful and peaceful. A time when you just felt like Gods Spirit was all over you, and around you, and joy filled your heart, and you just felt like you were going to bust! And if weve implanted them in some way in our present, then revisiting them will prove a way to spur us on as we continue to live changed. Now for the Lords prophetic word: This is what the Lord is saying to the people of Mountaintop Worship Center. The next time you have a mountain top experience, whether its at church, on the mission field or in the comfort of your room for not all experiences are charged with emotion know those moments arent wasted. He will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. As Christians, when we know what we have, we never want to leave the mountain of God. Theyre moments when we experience God in an intense, intimate way. Properly understood, it is something we receive just like our salvation. As he stood there looking out over his life and all of his accomplishments, he looked down and realized that the mountaintop was not at all what he thought it would be. The saved are in glory, this life is one of suffering and humiliation for the saints. - the law and the, Prophets; the son of God and the three great apostles of the church they are talking about the Cross! Nebo, and God buried him in a grave known only to God. These guys had seen Jesus on multiple occasions, do amazing things, but they had NEVER seen him like they are going to see him on that mountain. What is the purpose of a Mountain-top experience? In the Old Testament, the mountains of Sinai and Zion are most significant. Like the testing of Abraham ( Genesis 22:1-19 ), the receiving of the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 19-20:21) and, of course, the transfiguration ( Matthew 17:1-13 ). while Peter is still talking; God interrupts Peters speech. 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36) and is alluded to in Johns Gospel (John 1:14) as well as in 2 Peter 1:16-18 underscores that Peter, James, and John never forgot their trip with Jesus up on the mountain. But those were all just moments. mountaintop synonyms, mountaintop pronunciation, mountaintop translation, English dictionary definition of mountaintop. My greatest insight from a week of mountain climbing came from the time spent at the bottom of the mountains. Upon seeing Jesus shining as the sun, Peter offers a surprisingly casual and perhaps clueless initial response. As a result, God often reveals himself on a mountaintop in the text. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. It could have been graduating from college and then stepping into a dream job. The way to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus is to spend time with him in prayer. But Jesus came and touched [the disciples], saying, 'Rise, and have no fear' (Matt. V:33-let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Howdoes that experience encourage you now? What we should do is go back every now and then to the memories, the journal entries, the conversations. But, before we get into the prophetic message, lets look at the importance of the mountaintop experience.The mountaintop experience is something many Christians seek after. These three disciples are none as the inner circle; Jesus let them in on things the other disciples didnt get in on. Ironically, remaining on the summit for more than just a few minutes can be dangerous for climberseven life-threatening. I would classify Atlanta as a mountaintop experience. You feel overcome by a greater awareness of God's reality. But dont forget that six days prior, the disciples spent their own time in a theological fog, utterly confused about the proposed suffering and death of Jesus. Became pastor of the church in Jerusalem, and was martyred for Preaching Jesus. Salvation is not in a program, or a plan, but in a person-. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Enjoy the teamwork of tackling 4WD challenges, being part of caring community and learning about history and nature as we travel. One moose, two moose. Now suddenly, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John for an evening hike up Mt. Define mountaintop. Dan Allender has written, God has crafted our character and gives us a role that will reveal something about Him that no-one elses story can reveal in quite the same way. I am excited to see How God can lead us to discover our unique stories and then become Holy Listeners for each other. We wont be able to implant every detail of the mountain top into the valley, but we cant waste those moments. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! Moses is a prime example of this. Don't start to rationalize it, no matter how unbelievable it may sound to some. Moses and company obeyed, hiking to the foot of the mountain where an astonishing thing happened: they saw the God of Israel, and they lived to talk about it! The greatest experiences of my life have been the times when God moved in power, and make himself none to me through his word and by his Spirit; making Jesus real to my heart! Things may not be the way you want them to be right now, but as long as you do the next right thing and move in a positive direction, you will continue to learn and grow. , when Moses met with God on Mount Sinai he came down with the glory of God radiating off his face. Jesus climbing to the top of a mountain not to receive, but to give a new interpretation and understanding of those laws shaping our communal life together as Christians through the Sermon on the Mount. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says it's Mt. All rights reserved. The Rockies are a mountain chain / range in the western United States. To save this word, you'll need to log in. -In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. Climbing the mountain we now claim as Mt. Theres only one place to meet with God; only one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus! I call them mountain-top experiences! On the days when I find myself worrying about temporary issues I need to take a step back and look at life as if I was looking at the world from a mountaintop. 17:1). We experience gratitude most naturally and intensely when a giver (1) unpredictably and (2) at cost to him- or herself (3) transfers to our full possession (4) a benefit that pleases us. This reminds me of Church! -They spoke about his decrease, which he would accomplish at Jerusalem, There on that high mountain with the representatives of the O.T. We cant leave them behind us. Metamorphosis- An outward change that comes from the inside. We are to listen to no voice that contradicts his voice, his word! Since the first reported successful climb of that 29,000-foot peak in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, more than four thousand different individuals have experienced the thrill. They see His Glory and they worship Him! But never forget that it is a rhythmic, ordinary encounter with the Majestic Voice of God speaking in His Word. Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! In that silence, as I sat on the mountaintop looking at the miles and miles of land stretching out before me, I had what some might call a mountaintop experience.. Peter, James, and John were caught in heavens high beams as they saw the glory of God shining through the humanity of Jesus. Jesus gives us his word that we might obey it, put it to practice in our lives, and live it out every day! Any place be it mountaintop, retreat center, or worship service, that can change you inside out should be considered dangerous. All Rights Reserved. Those who separate themselves to pray are the ones who see the Glory of Jesus! Together they represent the entire O.T. Some experiences are more calm and rational moments. Mountaintop. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mountaintop. Both had been shown Gods glory on those mountains. This mountaintop experience takes place during a time of prayer! It was simply a huge heap of stuff (both good and bad) that he had climbed up in order to get to where he was. Psalm 90:2; Exodus 19:17-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Isaiah 52:7; Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 54:10. Not all mountain top experiences drip with emotion. Maybe it was getting married or having children. That is what happens to Peter, James and John on that mountain. 2023. MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . However, there will be times of hard work, traffic jams, taxes, wasted time, frustrating situations, wrecked dreams, lost money, broken relationships and the list of challenges that we face at some point in our lifetime could go on and on. Moses was reflecting the glory of God because he had been in the presence of God; that is something we all should do! I do not capitalize the name satan in my writing. Dedication to the Lord still brings special blessings into our lives! And that moment made such an impression on Peter that years later he would refer to it in one of his New Testament letters as proof positive that that he didnt make up the gospel, but was an eyewitness to the very power and majesty of Jesus that changed his life forever. I have had my fair share of mountain top experiences, both literal and spiritual. Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law and prophets pointed toward. When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. Death moves our soul to another place, and that particular place is determined by what you do with Jesus in this life. This unmediated view of the living God happened once, and only once in the Old Testament. There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. And suddenly, it appears like what we experienced was just an emotional reaction crafted by the situation at hand. The person and name of Jesus is a name that is above every name! 3. a huge amount: a mountain of mail. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. David Briscoe is a content editor at Lifeway for Explore the Bible resources. 1:21). God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. Romances and horrors are great genres to cozy up to in the dark. Accessed 4 Mar. Here is our startling recognition: the Christians mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. I walked down that mountain with a fresh, new fear for the Lord and new readiness to serve Him and only Him. If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the sensation of inexplicable awe. This will make any chill session that much more enjoyable. It involves a series of visual maps which are designed to help us sort through the chapters of our life story and rediscover clues about those places in our life where God has been, and is continuing to work. Wood burning fireplace, gas grill, washer and dryer, central heat. Recently, when I was complaining to a friend about waiting for God to do something, this spiritually wise person noted that God almost never hurries. In the last days the mountain of the Lords house will be established at the top of the mountains and will be raised above the hills. Or did we just respond with emotions that were not actually genuine for the long run? It is interesting to imagine what it would be like to staff other peoples mountain top experiences. This passage in Isaiah carries a prophetic word for Mountaintop Worship Center. Learn a new word every day. It is on the mountaintop we receive revelation from God, and it is where we often experience the tangible, felt presence of God. Jesus is the. Valleys contain lakes and streams and are where rich grasses and varied types of trees grow.Therefore, ranchers take their cattle and sheep to the valley for the rich food. And if such an experience is to be sought after, how can the Christian be found on the mountaintop time and time again? This was the glory that Jesus had with his father before the world began. (see Exodus 19) I have placed you on the mountaintop for my glory in the last days.. V:29-his arraignment was white and glistening. If youll notice, neither Moses nor Jesus retired on top of a mountain. So, over the past week I went searching for stories and quotes about Mountain top experiences, and I stumbled on this comment: "The Outing Club is hosting world traveler and Mount Everest Climber, Jeff . The glory cloud was a sign that Jesus was Gods dwelling place on earth, Jesus was the Mercy seat, he alone provides salvation and forgiveness! And appropriately enough, a bright cloud overshadows them, and from the cloud a voice said, This is my Son, the Beloved; with whom I am well pleased; listen to him! As great as Moses and Elijah were, Jesus was and is greater still. The term "mountain top experience" comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. You come down from the mountaintop ready for a changed life. when we meet with Jesus, and he reveals himself to us. Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. God doesnt intend for us to live in a perpetual state of emotional highs when it comes to faith. It was a great privilege to see Moses and Elijah, but Jesus was the son of God! Sinai. I lift up my eyes to the hillsfrom where will my help come? (Mark 9:2-3 ESV) Jesus takes his inner circle to a mountain with him and they experience a "God thing." It was something unlike anything they had ever seen. I found myself late every afternoon sitting and simply meditating on the mountains, remembering what it was like to be on top of them and giving thanks for their ancient and imposing beauty. On this mountaintop; theyre going to see who Jesus is; theyre going to see the glory of the son of God; theyre going to hear the voice of God as he says this is my beloved son. Jesus is greater than Moses, and Elijah! And it happened at the foot of Mt. Like you thought you grasped the concept of our large world, but then you realize its more incredible than you believed it to be. Is what youre worried about really worth the worry? Have you ever witnessed an altar call? They didnt last for years. But our mountaintop moments are not designed by God just to give us warm fuzzies at high altitudesthey are designed to go fill us with the Spirit of God that we have the courage and strength to do the work of the kingdom in the valley. So what next? Maybe thats why to this day so many Christian retreat centers are on top of or around mountains. Mountains are a symbol of steadfastness. n. The summit of a mountain. Your Promised Land Is Chosen by God for Your Freedom and Success. Soon, weekends can be filled with park trips and beach adventures, but for now, the weather is temperamental, so a movie night can suffice.
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