I recently heard a man say that he had worked all of his life to get to the top of his own personal mountain. The prophet Elijah had his share of mountaintop moments as well. We are to listen to no voice that contradicts his voice, his word! It so happens that I know of somebody thats had a mountaintop experience just this past week. Even so, flaws and all, God sends us from our mountaintops into the valleys below. Sermons about Mountain Top Experience - SermonCentral.com Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. Christianity is living a life of obedience to Jesus! When it happens, they become excited and zealous for God. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". As the transfiguration reveals, the voice of Majestic Glory in the Word is a fearful thing. Ironically, remaining on the summit for more than just a few minutes can be dangerous for climberseven life-threatening. As for how this takes shape in the coming future, I dont really know and I am okay with that because I am very confident that my job is to be willing and available and He will open and close doors. Some only lasted for mere minutes. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. But never forget that it is a rhythmic, ordinary encounter with the Majestic Voice of God speaking in His Word. Romances and horrors are great genres to cozy up to in the dark. Herod asked about Jesus, who is this I hear such things about? Those who separate themselves to pray are the ones who see the Glory of Jesus! But now Moses is getting to see the glory of God face-to-face, in the person of Jesus Christ. was the founder of Israels worship of God. There are several reasons. If youll notice, neither Moses nor Jesus retired on top of a mountain. With this idea, though, one final observation must be made. What is Your Mountain Top Experience? - Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Especially if you have school work to do, background music can help fill the silence of late night studying. 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. That had to be a long six days. Tabor. But those were all just moments. Your Promised Land Is Chosen by God for Your Freedom and Success. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. The only way to properly do this is to be comfortable, because why relax when you could relax? A glorious, spiritual experience where you were alone with Jesus and your soul was lifted above this old world, and you got a taste of heaven. It means when you worry, stress, or get angry, think about your struggles from a different perspective. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples For that reason, even people who follow God to the mountaintop will likely find themselves waiting patiently and praying for Gods guidance for their next move. And minds that were already spinning are now completely blown. At least, that pattern held true for the likes of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. b : an elongated ridge 2 a : a great mass a mountain of a man E. K. Brown b : a vast number or quantity a mountain of mail a mountain of debt We stayed just outside the park, in full view of the snow-topped mountain range. Joe cartoons from the 80's that said, " Knowing is half the battle! 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. He neither deserves the honor or respect that entails. It is part of your sacred story and it will be a tremendous source of comfort and strength to you when you have to face the dark valley. To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. And if such an experience is to be sought after, how can the Christian be found on the mountaintop time and time again? Prophecy is not about a happening, an event, is about a person. 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. Jesus gives us his word that we might obey it, put it to practice in our lives, and live it out every day! Through His Word, Jesus presents grace to frightened disciples on the mountain. They didnt last for years. Under his feet lay challenge after challenge that he had encountered along the way in his business and personal life. there is only one way to be saved and that is through. Copyright 2023 Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. 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. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. When the back doors of the church opened, and there. 1:16), so the Word is as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Pet. It was their ultimate mountaintop experience. 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. He reflected on the massive amount of time, effort and energy it took to reach the specific goals that he had laid out for his life. If the bible is any guide, theres no better place to meet the divine than on or around a mountain. Baptism is NOT something we do. It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! adjective situated at the top or summit of a mountain: a mountaintop house. So where one person might be on their knees in tears over an experience with God, another might simply acknowledge the fact that theyve learned something new about God. The word, . 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. Mountaintop - definition of mountaintop by The Free Dictionary Yet over time we go back to normal life. Their dedication and devotion to Jesus brought special blessings into their lives. From this mountain-top experience, we learn the purpose of mountain-top experiences. This was the glory of God that had been veiled by his human flesh shining through. I have separated the list into Free Resources, Basic Resources, and Advanced Resources. The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. Learn a new word every day. It was a Mountain experience, because JESUS was there! 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! 17:2). (see Exodus 19) Mark 9:2-3 - The Mountain Top Experience | Daily Devotionals Our future includes a great change- corruption-incorruption; mortal- immortal. God met me in Atlanta and it seemed to me that He was saying, Lets do this together.. 3:17). The term "mountain top experience" comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. What Is the Significance of Mountains in the Bible? as he calls you to leave bitterness behind, and to forgive and find joy. The Cross was a great accomplishment; not an accident, tragedy, disaster! 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. 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. Believe: What Secret Does It Hold For You Today. 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 rise in a glorified body, ascend to heaven and sit on the right hand of the throne of God. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. Moses still had flaws that would prevent him from entering the Promised Land. goats), the guys get to the true subject at hand. We forget what God said to us when we approached the altar during that sermon. to what Jesus says in his word. 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. 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? 1:20). Their eyes opened and they saw a whole new reality; the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Nighttime temperatures drop wellbelow zero, the air is razor-thin, and killer storms can strike without warning. God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. In Exodus 24 God summoned Moses and a company of others to come back to the mountain. 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. How does a congregation go It also known valleys are quiet places of rest and peace. Metamorphosis- An outward change that comes from the inside. And we forget the promises we made to our Holy God in the midst of that mountain top experience. And as we immerse our lives in the majestic glory of the Word of God, we never need to. Because whatever happens, God has it all in control. 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. Maybe youve realized a new passion you have that you can practice in your community. and try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. On one day, we drove to the top of the mountains on Trail Ridge Road that cuts right through Rocky Mountain National Park peaking at an elevation of 12,000 feet - a literal arctic tundra in northern Colorado. The Apostle who once fell at Jesus knees upon a miracle of Christ (Luke 5:1-11) now offers His skill in tent-making to the transfigured Messiah (Matt. Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast & Goodbye to Jack Liskey! I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. mountaintop [ moun-tn-top ] SHOW IPA noun the top or summit of a mountain. They knew a lot about Jesus; but on that mountaintop they. It is interesting to imagine what it would be like to staff other peoples mountain top experiences. But then, out of nowhere, God's presence became real to them. Together they represent the entire O.T. This is my favorite source for everything Christian. We cant leave them behind us. 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; . 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. Wrapping up in a warm blanket with a hot drink and some calming music is one of the best ways to spend and indoor kind of day. Whoever has ears, let them hear. It is always dangerous to say something when you dont know what to say! The valley is not what you may think. This one might seem obvious, but what if I told you that having a cup of hot cocoa is more than chocolate powder in warm milk? Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. Peter was hoping Jesus would settle in on the summit. Mountain Top Experience will be re-opening on June 1, 2023. Today would 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. Living, Planning, Dying Well: Getting Your Affairs in Order, 2023 Youth Sunday & Souper Bowl of Caring, Interfaith Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Advent Gift Market a yearlong commitment to mission. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says its Mt. Why Elijah and Moses? V:33-let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. The realization that I could release control was like lifting bricks off my shoulders. First off, there are a variety of flavors, from White Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, Mint, Caramel and the list goes on. The problem .read more 17:4). Then, only Moses and his associate, Joshua moved further up the mountain. The greatest things that have happened in my life have all been. My greatest insight from a week of mountain climbing came from the time spent at the bottom of the mountains. We need to pray with Neil Griffith, Builder of mountains, make me like a mountain, Firm let me stand against the winds of strife; Give me a soul that reaches up to heaven, But plant my feet in needs of human life. You are not THE mountain of the Lord, but you are A mountain of the Lord. Finally, its just Moses moving to the top of Mt. I suddenly gained a perspective about life I had never had up until that moment. Here is our startling recognition: the Christians mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. God knows how our brains work and how our individual personalities respond. And what does really matter in life? 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 will recall that Moses had to return to Mt. The people live in the valleys. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. adj. How can we reach this mountaintop?. But seriously Im glad to have an excuse for Joani to describe the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in her life. 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. Sinai a third time to get a new copy of the commandments we read in Exodus 34 that Moses face was shining so brightly with the spirit of God that he had to veil his face when he was around people. The mountaintop experience enables the believer to remain stable when they reach low points in their life. Next came the same audible voice from heaven that had spoken previously at Jesus baptism (Matt. And suddenly, it appears like what we experienced was just an emotional reaction crafted by the situation at hand. Like you thought you grasped the concept of our large world, but then you realize its more incredible than you believed it to be. 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. I do not capitalize the name satan in my writing. He has it all in control. First things first, don't be afraid to talk openly about mountain top experiences with your students. 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. It was a Mountain top experience, as heaven came down on that mountain. The first time we see Jesus on a high mountain is in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the Devil. Peter himself later recounts that the disciples were "eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Pet. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a mountain top experience. 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. The shekinah glory cloud was gone. There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. I have established you on the mountaintop. 2nd Purpose for a mountain-top experiences is that you will: 2. I love life! Enjoy the teamwork of tackling 4WD challenges, being part of caring community and learning about history and nature as we travel. 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! , when Moses met with God on Mount Sinai he came down with the glory of God radiating off his face. Climbing the mountain we now claim as Mt. That is the reality of the experience of this thing we call life. Thats why he wanted to build dwellings or booths on top of Mt. I call them mountain-top experiences! Those moments will hide themselves away, unsure as to their place in our routines. How do you respond? Jesus was God incognito, dressed in human flesh. (. 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". This mountaintop experience takes place during a time of prayer! My purpose is to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God, resulting in them becoming A Bold Christian. You have your hot chocolate made, playlist downloaded, movie set and books chosen. To answer this question, it seems wisest to evaluate the mountaintop experience par excellence of Scripture, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 17:1-3, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, 2 Peter 1:16-21). This unmediated view of the living God happened once, and only once in the Old Testament. The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . A Mountain Top Experience This is such an awesome piece of Scripture that describes the imagery of a future time when "the mountain of the LORD" and "the house of the God of Jacob" will be a holy place for all the diverse people groups from every nation and of every ethnicity, worshipping God and learning the ways of His wisdom - Amen! Both these men had talked with God on mountaintops before. To get on higher ground, to climb above the mundane, and get in the place where the glory of God can touch our lives, and we can see JESUS as He is in glory and power, and hear God speak to our hearts. The Father speaks from the cloud (Matt. Yes, he would soon be nailed to a cross. Jesus skin and clothing no longer glowed. And you will walk away changed!. Jesus is greater than Moses, and Elijah! Here at Mountaintop Worship Center, we spend every Sunday and Wednesday on the mountaintop. What an amazing sight! the last of the apostles to die, he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. MOUNTAIN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary No one deserves worship but Jesus! Scripture gives us stories of literal mountain top experiences that color our expectations for what it means to encounter the divine - Abraham and Isaac climbing together in an act of extreme devotion to God and experiencing the mercy of God at its apex. Many people want special blessings, and mountain top experiences but they do not want to be dedicated to Jesus. On the Mountain of Transfiguration it looks like things happen in a hurry. Both can be mountain top experiences, moments when we see God in a new way. Remember, it was on top of Mt. But God also spoke, it was Gods voice. Sinai. Moses and Elijah had disappeared, the voice of the Father was silent, and the three disciples saw only Jesus! Suddenly your problems dont seem like problems anymore. This works in making work more enjoyable too. Psalm 90:2; Exodus 19:17-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Isaiah 52:7; Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 54:10. About Us - Mountain-Top Experience Define mountaintop. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. But Jesus came and touched [the disciples], saying, 'Rise, and have no fear' (Matt. Our moments with God shouldnt remain hidden in the past. Sinai. Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. But make no mistake Jesus was the unrivalled son of God. Many of us have walked through our own mountain top experience. 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. But as Jesus might say, We cant work effectively for God in the valley until we have been transformed spiritually with God on the mountain. While we face the last couple of weeks of winter there are many things you need to do. Jesus Christ, furthering His kingdom, and bringing glory to God through it all. Moses is a prime example of this. Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. I have had my fair share of mountain top experiences, both literal and spiritual. 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. Yet, if we keep going and if we keep climbing, the sum total of all those experiences will keep us moving upward in the right direction. Address it with all of them, and make them aware of the pros and cons of the mountain top. V:31-Which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. . After surviving his 40 day and night fast, Jesus climbs down one mountain only to go up another, where he delivers the greatest sermon of all time, the "Sermon on the Mount.".