The mission field proves a common place where we experience God in new ways. Tag-along Tours run for past customers by the MTE club enable you to travel in your own 4WD vehicle, but with the confidence of knowing you are being looked after. 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. To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. to what Jesus says in his word. The Rockies are a mountain chain / range in the western United States. Of all the things the apostles witnessed, none was more spectacular and the vision of the glorified Christ on top on the Mount of Transfiguration. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. It was a great privilege to see Moses and Elijah, but Jesus was the son of God! Moses had asked to see Gods glory, and only got to see the backside of God as he passed by. While we face the last couple of weeks of winter there are many things you need to do. 2. a large mass or heap; pile. It matters not that the mountain is composed of a lot of "stuff". 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. Whoever has ears, let them hear. You are not THE mountain of the Lord, but you are A mountain of the Lord. This past week I attended a two day conference in Atlanta for facilitators of a program called Listen to Your Life. Thats when you see people all around you move forward as they listen to the call of their mountain top experience. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. goats), the guys get to the true subject at hand. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church625 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010(610) 525-2821. Moses and Elijah were known by Peter, James and John. Not sure of the resources you need for Bible study? When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. 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. Many people want special blessings, and mountain top experiences but they do not want to be dedicated to Jesus. God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. But then, out of nowhere, God's presence became real to them. Jesus asked his disciples, who do you say that I am? Keep reading Matthew 17 and youll see that during their descent from the mountain the disciples have a frightening encounter with a demon from hell. They are solid and unmovable. But it will give us time and space to allow the intensity of those moments to sit raw and open as we transition back to the valley. I'd love to go mountain - climbing. the last of the apostles to die, he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. Ron & Andrea Camier established Mountain-Top Experience in 1998 following Ron's retrenchment from brown coal research and development engineering due to the privatisation of the power industry. There we can change the world and share Gods love and faithfulness that is as stolid as the mountains.We come down from the mountaintop because very few people are there. for a mountain-top experiences is that you will: Jesus was not alone on the mountain, two famous men from the Old Testament show up. Would you pray and ask God to give you a mountaintop experience; when he does you will see his glory and worship him, understand his work and trust him, hear his word and obey him. 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. Our God is an awesome God, and He loves to come to us in ways He knows will change us. Thousands of people would say the answer is to stand on the roof of the world, the summit of Mount Everest. But make no mistake Jesus was the unrivalled son of God. 17:5), and Peter and the disciples fall to their faces (17:6). 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. Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. Those who separate themselves to pray are the ones who see the Glory of Jesus! That had to be a long six days. But now Moses is getting to see the glory of God face-to-face, in the person of Jesus Christ. When it happens, they become excited and zealous for God. Salvation is not in a program, or a plan, but in a person-. adjective situated at the top or summit of a mountain: a mountaintop house. When Jesus entered this world, he came as a man, he was born in a stable, wore peasant clothing, and worked as a carpenter in a small town. the mighty apostle of Pentecost was a great leader in the early church, crucified upside down. 6. resembling or suggesting a mountain, as in size. 3:17). It matters not that the mountain is composed of a lot of stuff. The way to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus is to spend time with him in prayer. The prophet Elijah had his share of mountaintop moments as well. After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! Some only lasted for mere minutes. The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. You might have been counting down the days until spring, but make the most of these chilly and cloudy days. the cloud which covered the Tabernacle with Gods glory. and try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. 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. This passage in Isaiah carries a prophetic word for Mountaintop Worship Center. This is the walk Jesus makes of his life. Moses and Elijah had disappeared, the voice of the Father was silent, and the three disciples saw only Jesus! I have placed you on the mountaintop for my glory in the last days.. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. The first time we see Jesus on a high mountain is in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the Devil. Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. As Christians, we long for experiences of the transcendent that we believe will forever change our perspective on life. Lead me to those where the harvest is ready, for I am Your willing laborer.In Jesus name I pray, Amen. The training notes 'Mountain-Top 4 Wheel Driving or reflections on over 40 years of mistakes in the Victorian high country' is a 44-page booklet covering 'Getting the Right Gear', 'Tackling Tough Trails' and 'Touring Tips'. You feel overcome by a greater awareness of God's reality. It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! And what does really matter in life? Accessed 4 Mar. But, maybe you say, The church doesnt hear the voice like Peter did. Copyright www.personality-insights.com. Consider how Peter engages this question in 2 Peter 1:16-21. 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. Three of Jesus disciples would no doubt put a different experience atop their list. And so: Often, 2 Peter 1:16-21 is presented with the idea that Peter contrasts the visual mountain experience with the Word-based experience of heeding the prophetic word more fully confirmed (2 Pet. Telling the stories from our mountain tops with others, sharing the insights we have learned and intentionally seeking out stories from others about their time on the mountain. I have established you on the mountaintop. Theres only one place to meet with God; only one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus! Instead of presenting a contrast of experiences, Peter presents a parallel. Mountain top definition: the top of a natural upward projection of the earth's surface, higher and steeper than a. Copyright 2023, Good Faith Media | Site by, Lincoln Lessons: Real Church, Real Theology, New GFM Podcast on Race, Religion and Politics Drops in, Five Things to Listen for in Raceless Gospel Podcast. After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! Yes it was temporary eclipsed by the cross, but they remember it after the resurrection and they spoke about it for the rest of their lives. At the very least, tell a fellow Christian about your decision and ask for guidance. -They spoke about his decrease, which he would accomplish at Jerusalem, There on that high mountain with the representatives of the O.T. Old truths and new stories of the Appalachian experience. Define mountaintop. Christianity is living a life of obedience to Jesus! Heaven will not be a place of strangers. Peter, James, and John climb up this high mountain with Jesus; probably Mount. Maybe thats why to this day so many Christian retreat centers are on top of or around mountains. One trait that gets very little press is that mountain top experiences often involve waiting. . The aspect of a beautiful mountaintop experience has a whole new meaning when you realize that it does not matter what the mountain is made of. The law and prophets all meet in Jesus, they point to Jesus, and they preach Jesus. 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. No one deserves worship but Jesus! Lastly, the best part is the toppings. Others need to share with a close friend a detailed description of all they experienced. Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. I thought about all the ways God had provided up until that day and I felt like a fool. Jesus was God incognito, dressed in human flesh. But if we dont use what we have experienced on the mountain to affect the valley, then they might as well just be quick reactions to a fleeting moment. The term mountain top experience comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. Notice, too, that mountaintops offer a perfect setting for life-changing transformation. Yet the valley has become a symbol of rough times and depression.I dont believe this should be true. 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. The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. Peter himself later recounts that the disciples were "eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Pet. If there ever was a time for silence, this was it. We must take what weve learned and processed, allowing it to change us. He talked about the struggles and challenges he had faced both personally and professionally. I love to see families encouraging and helping one another. Every Christian needs a place to be alone and talk with the Lord, when he described this mountain top experience, he called this high mountain; . We are to listen to no voice that contradicts his voice, his word! Maybe the thinness of the air, the lack of oxygen, or the exhaustion when we finally reach the top? mountain noun [C] (VERY LARGE HILL) A2 a raised part of the earth's surface, much larger than a hill, the top of which might be covered in snow: The Matterhorn is one of the biggest mountains in Europe. As a result, God often reveals himself on a mountaintop in the text. In the presence of Jesus with the saints, talking about the Cross! Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Build a pillow fort on your bed in any clear space using four chairs, an abundance of blankets and all the pillows you can find. 17:2). 1. a natural elevation of land rising more or less abruptly to a summit, and attaining an altitude greater than that of a hill. The greatest things that have happened in my life have all been. God met me in Atlanta and it seemed to me that He was saying, Lets do this together.. Then, for another forty days he remained in the fiery cloud of Gods presence, receiving still more revelation from God. It also known valleys are quiet places of rest and peace. From this mountain-top experience, we learn the purpose of mountain-top experiences. That is the reality of the experience of this thing we call life. I love to see groups of people work together and everyone succeed. Why does God allow you to have a Mountain-top experience? Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? Upon seeing Jesus shining as the sun, Peter offers a surprisingly casual and perhaps clueless initial response. Because whatever happens, God has it all in control. In the Bible, mountains are often the places where God encounters His people, changes their lives, and sends them back down to the world with a prophetic message. A sermon delivered by David Hughes, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, Nc., March 6, 2011. Delivered to your inbox! There is an actual valley connected to rough times and depression in Psalm 23, known as the shadow of death, that is outside of Jericho in Israel. Jesus is the light of the world, and when we get to heaven he will be the light. In any case, whenever something really wonderful happens to us, our excitement causes us to view it as one of lifes mountaintop experiences. We dont know the name of the mountain or its heightthe tallest peak in the region was less than ten thousand feet highbut we know this eventbecame the trios ultimate mountaintop experience. The other gospel writers say his raiment was white as snow, as no washer on earth could make them. First off, there are a variety of flavors, from White Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, Mint, Caramel and the list goes on. Jesus is greater than Moses, and Elijah! Unfortunately, busy schedules can interfere with reading time. 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. Shes still not sure whats she supposed to do with what shes learning, and now shes in her own personal waiting period trusting God to clarify her next move. 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. He and his disciples went up this mountain to pray. In the Old Testament, the mountains of Sinai and Zion are most significant. I love to see goals attained after hard work. It is the most sacred spot on earth! The Mountaintop Experience. encourage them and help them in the days ahead. Proclaiming the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Moses and Elijah were still alive and conscience though they had left the earth hundreds of years before this. Upon returning from the top of Mt. Everything is tiny and nothing seems to matter when you are that far away from people. Life is a continually ascending and descending in our religious experiences. Do you understand that Jesus came to this earth, lived a sinless life; and took your sin, and died in your place that you might experience forgiveness and salvation? Even though winter is ending soon, it does not mean the cold is. The chosen son of God, the Savior of the world! They were the Lords closes friends, they were with him when he raised Jarius daughter from the dead, and they would be with him in the garden of Gethsemane. They saw for the first time the dazzling Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way. Simon Peter and the brothers James and John accompanied Jesus one day up on a high mountain (Matt. You are a stumbling block to me. Jesus recognized the voice of the Evil One again, this time speaking through Peter, and he told him to back off. 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. Sinai with Joshua and Owen during our last days in Egypt, watching the sun rise over the vast chains of mountains in the desert there, and experience a diverse and international group of pilgrims praying their unique prayers at the top.
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