Some experiences are more calm and rational moments. This often propels us into a greater service for God. My help comes from theLord,who made heaven and earth. It is on the mountaintop we receive revelation from God, and it is where we often experience the tangible, felt presence of God. Dedication to the Lord still brings special blessings into our lives! It doesnt mean well have an answer to every question we faced on the mountain top. Properly understood, it is something we receive just like our salvation. It was the voice of the Heavenly Father, saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. The experience completely mortifiedPeter, James, and Johnuntil Jesus calmed them, and they saw that only Jesus remained. First, unlike other benefactors, God is unwaveringly benevolent. There is so much to be done here in the valley. Maybe your mountain top experience was giving your life to Christ for the first time at that altar call. The law and prophets all meet in Jesus, they point to Jesus, and they preach Jesus. What we should do is go back every now and then to the memories, the journal entries, the conversations. We forget what it felt like to trust God while on the mission field. Im guessing most of us have had at least one episode in our lives wed call a mountaintop experience. But never forget that it is a rhythmic, ordinary encounter with the Majestic Voice of God speaking in His Word. They see His Glory and they worship Him! Jesus would rise in a glorified body, ascend to heaven and sit on the right hand of the throne of God. A bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud. But now Moses is getting to see the glory of God face-to-face, in the person of Jesus Christ. Gorgeous mountain views off the deck 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Peter, James, and John climb up this high mountain with Jesus; probably Mount. Jesus is greater than Moses, and Elijah! 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. adj. The heap on which he stood consisted of all the experiences and obstacles that he had faced on his journey through life. 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. It is time to drop the negative connotation attached to valleys and embrace their true purpose. He talked about the struggles and challenges he had faced both personally and professionally. No one deserves worship but Jesus! But the Holy Spirit is not constrained to work through baptism only in the moment when it is administered. The Word communicated the fullness of the glory of God manifested to them. For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. Do what I have called you to do, and people will say, Let us go to Mountaintop Worship Center. The word, . Confront the Danger. 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. 2. a large mass or heap; pile. Here is our startling recognition: the Christian's mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. 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. 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. Perhaps they were previously lost, or filled with anger, depression, addiction, confusion. CAMIER PTY LTD HISTORY. Delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Both these men had talked with God on mountaintops before. V:29-his arraignment was white and glistening. It is always a good to say nothing when you dont know what to say! Peter immediately recommended the building of three shelters, presumably so that all six people could stay together on the mountain indefinitely. Maybe youve realized a new passion you have that you can practice in your community. Jesus does not fall to temptation but whips the Devil soundly on the mountain, and the Evil One slinks away, biding his time until he can harass Jesus again. In. Jesus would die on the Cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise again three days later. Yet over time we go back to normal life. , the fashion of his countenance was altered and his raiment was white and glistering. And you will walk away changed!. Copyright www.personality-insights.com. 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. Proclaiming the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! For once weve faced them head on, then well have a better understanding of what to do next. Yet, right after this, Christians often go back into the valley where they seem to dwell most of the time. Mountains have a logical religious symbolism for Jewish and Christian cultures since they are "closer to God" who dwells in the heavens (as in the sky). 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. But what, biblically speaking, is a mountaintop experience? In the Old Testament, the mountains of Sinai and Zion are most significant. Simon Peter and the brothers James and John accompanied Jesus one day up on a high mountain (Matt. Together they represent the entire O.T. 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 Exodus 24 God summoned Moses and a company of others to come back to the mountain. On one particular hike, the sun was setting, the warm air brushed against me, and the silence engulfed me. But Jesus was not reflecting the glory of God; He was shining out the glory of God from within. -They spoke about his decrease, which he would accomplish at Jerusalem, There on that high mountain with the representatives of the O.T. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. Horeb, which is described in the bible as the mountain of God. Later, Moses will climb Mt. It is a high point in your life when youre with Gods people and Jesus in his glory shows up! The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. Jesus is the light of the world, and when we get to heaven he will be the light. We recognize that many of us will not have the privilege to live our lives on the top of a mountain, whether literally or figuratively. 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. V:33-let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Salvation is not in a program, or a plan, but in a person-. Appropriately enough, both Moses and Elijah, the greatest lawgiver and the greatest prophet, show up to talk with Jesus. Philippians 4:13. 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. Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 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 Horeb, Elijah stood in the mouth of a cave and heard God speak not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the sounds of silence. But dedication to Jesus is the key to blessings. (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. But God never intended for us to live there. As a result, God often reveals himself on a mountaintop in the text. Peter, James, and John were transformed by the transfigured Christ. Did we really experience change? Yes it is, it is good to be in the presence of Jesus, it is good to be in good company, Moses, Elijah, James and John. But heaven will be a place of glory! The problem .read more Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. Of course, except for Jesus, even people who undergo mountaintop transformations remain flawed. This is where audiobooks are helpful. You will recall that Moses had to return to Mt. The way to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus is to spend time with him in prayer. 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. Sleeps up to 6 (one queen bed, one double bed, and two twin beds). Finally, its just Moses moving to the top of Mt. The Mountaintop Experience. Mountain Top Experience's season generally runs from April through December each year. Don't start to rationalize it, no matter how unbelievable it may sound to some. A variety of day trips, long weekends, and extended . Their dedication and devotion to Jesus brought special blessings into their lives. They didnt last for years. To experience Christ in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains. adjective situated at the top or summit of a mountain: a mountaintop house. The people live in the valleys. II. But the ecstasy was short-lived because when Jesus predicted his suffering and death on a cross, Peter reacted so negatively to this unexpected news that Jesus said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! Lead me to those where the harvest is ready, for I am Your willing laborer.In Jesus name I pray, Amen. for who he really is, in all of his love, grace and glory, it is a mountain-top experience! Is what youre worried about really worth the worry? But then, out of nowhere, God's presence became real to them. The sun shall not strike you byday,nor the moon by night. I commit myself to daily sharing with others good things You have done for me. Then, for another forty days he remained in the fiery cloud of Gods presence, receiving still more revelation from God. V:31-Which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. If not, why not today? n. The summit of a mountain. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". The term mountain top experience comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. Both can be mountain top experiences, moments when we see God in a new way. Address it with all of them, and make them aware of the pros and cons of the mountain top. At those times, we receive revelation and teaching from God. 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. Apart from Jesus they fail miserably in dealing with the demon. This passage in Isaiah carries a prophetic word for Mountaintop Worship Center. Soaking in the memory of what God revealed to us on the mountain will remind us of our purpose in the valley. As we walked onto a short trail through the snow and frozen ground, Owen remarked that it must be a strange job to drive to the top of a mountain and talk with thousands of visitors who pass through the center every day - like an environmental guru waiting at the peak for travelers to come seeking knowledge and insight. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says it's Mt. Husband of Orlena. Suddenly your problems dont seem like problems anymore. And eventually Peter would deny the very one who changed his life. 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. Moses was not left unchanged by his time 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? -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. In those moments, do we lose the passion and the awe we once felt on top of that mountain? 17:4). If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the idea of feeling miniscule. This will make any chill session that much more enjoyable. When I heard that story, I identified with it so very much. 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. Hermon. Tabor. They saw for the first time the dazzling Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! The cloud alone would have been enough to confirm Gods presence and blessings on Jesus. there is only one way to be saved and that is through. You have your hot chocolate made, playlist downloaded, movie set and books chosen. Maybe the thinness of the air, the lack of oxygen, or the exhaustion when we finally reach the top? Im glad Joani could share today because I really needed a fresh illustration of a mountaintop experience for this sermon! 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. You come down from the mountaintop ready for a changed life. 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. 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.. This was the glory of God that had been veiled by his human flesh shining through. We are to listen to no voice that contradicts his voice, his word! (see Exodus 19)We need the mountaintop experiences to experience the glory of God and receive revelation. 2. If movies aren't your style or you need a quieter way to relax, pick up a good book. 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. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church625 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010(610) 525-2821. And if such an experience is to be sought after, how can the Christian be found on the mountaintop time and time again? Their eyes opened and they saw a whole new reality; the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 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. Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. 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 will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. Just zoom out and think about your problems in the large scheme of things. Not all mountain top experiences drip with emotion. 5. living, growing, or located in the mountains. Metamorphosis- An outward change that comes from the inside. Why does God allow you to have a Mountain-top experience? They witnessed Jesus transfigurationa majestic visualization of the Lords divine nature as well as His approaching death and resurrection. I love to see goals attained after hard work. God knows how our brains work and how our individual personalities respond. V:36-And when the voice was passed, Jesus was found alone. Amen. That is how we need to look at our daily issues. 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. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Whoever has ears, let them hear. We cant leave them behind us. V:29-the fashion of his countenance was altered, a reflection of another light, but this was light, this glory was from within! Get our latest tips and leader helps with our free monthly e-newsletter. I love life! 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. 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. This is so prevalent that the mountaintop experience has become a Christian clich of excitement and zeal. Peter a man who always had something to say when nothing should be said; said: V:33-Jesus, master, it is good for us to be here. Our job is to share Gods reconciliation with them and bring them to the mountaintop for their own personal experience with God. Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law and prophets pointed toward. How does a congregation go This doesnt mean attempting to recreate our mountain top experience. Then later, on the top of Mt. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. If you need it, they have it. Or you were convicted about something in your life that you now need accountability for from a friend or mentor. How can we reach this mountaintop?. One trait that gets very little press is that mountain top experiences often involve waiting. Some only lasted for mere minutes. 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. It is always dangerous to say something when you dont know what to say! (. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Granted, Jesus did some of his best work on and around water, but he was a mountain man, too. 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). Thats because mountaintop experience is a figure of speech that comes right out of Holy Scripture. Jesus visage became as bright as the sun even as the long-dead Old Testament heroes Moses (representing the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets) appeared and talked with Jesus. But Jesus explained that Elijah had already come in the ministry of John the Baptist. the mighty apostle of Pentecost was a great leader in the early church, crucified upside down. TheLordwill keepyour going out and your cominginfrom this time on and for evermore. 1. a natural elevation of land rising more or less abruptly to a summit, and attaining an altitude greater than that of a hill. Jesus skin and clothing no longer glowed.
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