All rights reserved. You might have been counting down the days until spring, but make the most of these chilly and cloudy days. This is the walk all . 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. Just as Christ shone before the disciples in radiant majesty (2 Pet. The law and prophets all meet in Jesus, they point to Jesus, and they preach Jesus. How can we reach this mountaintop?. No one deserves worship but Jesus! For six days Moses lingered in the cloud of God at the top of the mountain. It was a Mountain experience, because JESUS was there! Instead of presenting a contrast of experiences, Peter presents a parallel. Now for the Lords prophetic word: This is what the Lord is saying to the people of Mountaintop Worship Center. Mountain top definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary 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? Mountaintop - definition of mountaintop by The Free Dictionary 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. One moose, two moose. The Danger of the Mountain Top Experience - Youth Ministry To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. TheLordis your keeper;theLordis your shade at your right hand. 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. I walked down that mountain with a fresh, new fear for the Lord and new readiness to serve Him and only Him. All Rights Reserved. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. To hear the voice of God in His Word is to be led to the mountaintop of glory and grace. That is how we need to look at our daily issues. (see Exodus 19)We need the mountaintop experiences to experience the glory of God and receive revelation. If movies aren't your style or you need a quieter way to relax, pick up a good book. The voice of God clearly identified Jesus as his only son, his beloved son, unique one-of-a-kind son. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says it's Mt. How do we come down the mountain and begin living normal life while holding onto what weve learned? 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. That is what happens to Peter, James and John on that mountain. Worrying about finances doesnt measure up to what really matters in life. Perhaps it was getting our drivers license at the age of sixteen. The question is, will you enter into that change as you walk down the mountain into the valley? This often propels us into a greater service for God. Yes, I was on a literal mountaintop, but I am talking about a biblical mountaintop experience. 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. adj. God doesnt intend for us to live in a perpetual state of emotional highs when it comes to faith. Those moments will hide themselves away, unsure as to their place in our routines. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. , and respond as he calls you to trust him for eternal life. As I rest in the valley and meditate on my mountaintop experiences, please have Your Holy Spirit reveal to me what I need to know.Here in the valley, I will rest and feed on the goodness of Your Word. Our God is an awesome God, and He loves to come to us in ways He knows will change us. And dont forget that Jesus didnt make a move until he had spent his own forty days and night on top of a mountain, and thirty years plying his trade as a carpenter before that. Jesus asked his disciples, who do the people say I am? The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. In Exodus 24 God summoned Moses and a company of others to come back to the mountain. Peter, James, and John were caught in heavens high beams as they saw the glory of God shining through the humanity of Jesus. By now, its a Christian clich: the mountaintop experience. Many people want special blessings, and mountain top experiences but they do not want to be dedicated to 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". Why Elijah and Moses? Even though winter is ending soon, it does not mean the cold is. You learn something new about who God is. mountaintop synonyms, mountaintop pronunciation, mountaintop translation, English dictionary definition of mountaintop. Appropriately enough, both Moses and Elijah, the greatest lawgiver and the greatest prophet, show up to talk with Jesus. And if we keep moving upward an onward, we will eventually get to the peak or sum total of our own personal mountaintop experience! Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. Waiting feels like a waste of my time. 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. You are not THE mountain of the Lord, but you are A mountain of the Lord. It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! 6. resembling or suggesting a mountain, as in size. The distinction between the two is clear (now). God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. So what next? He neither deserves the honor or respect that entails. Or you were convicted about something in your life that you now need accountability for from a friend or mentor. Now this isnt to say drop everything you are doing in life because it doesnt matter. 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! 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). But then, out of nowhere, God's presence became real to them. V:33-let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. 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. Those who separate themselves to pray are the ones who see the Glory of Jesus! A review of both the Old and New Testaments makes it clear as daywhen it comes to entering sacred space where you can meet God and/or Jesus face to face, theres no substitute for a mountaintop. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Some of us may prefer to not be confronted with such a frightening voice whenever our Bibles are opened. I have had my fair share of mountain top experiences, both literal and spiritual. 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. This works in making work more enjoyable too. They allow us to listen to our Christian books while driving, working, or cooking dinner. It is the most sacred spot on earth! We must take what weve learned and processed, allowing it to change us. 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. It matters not that the mountain is composed of a lot of "stuff". , when Moses met with God on Mount Sinai he came down with the glory of God radiating off his face. All nations will stream to it, and many peoples will come and say, Come, lets go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. As the transfiguration reveals, the voice of Majestic Glory in the Word is a fearful thing. 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. Maybe your mountain top experience was giving your life to Christ for the first time at that altar call. And if such an experience is to be sought after, how can the Christian be found on the mountaintop time and time again? We see Him working and moving throughout the lives of the people there, and we come home with a new vigor to live life differently, more passionately. For after the disciples fall in fear, the Divine Voice speaks again on the mountain. The greatest things that have happened in my life have all been. Thousands of people would say the answer is to stand on the "roof of the world," the summit of Mount Everest. Time to forget about any work you have to do, and treat the weekend as a weekend. First, unlike other benefactors, God is unwaveringly benevolent. Our moments with God shouldnt remain hidden in the past. And it happened at the foot of Mt. . II. The fact that the transfiguration is reported in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. There we will walk in His paths and will be taught His ways. For instruction and revelation will come out from Mountaintop Worship Center. Tabor. Wood burning fireplace, gas grill, washer and dryer, central heat. Mountaintop Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com That could prove dangerous and manipulative. Psalm 90:2; Exodus 19:17-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Isaiah 52:7; Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 54:10. 5. living, growing, or located in the mountains. I doubt any of us will go there. 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. The term "mountain top experience" comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. 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. It was a Mountain top experience, as heaven came down on that mountain. They witnessed Jesus transfigurationa majestic visualization of the Lords divine nature as well as His approaching death and resurrection. 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. Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? On one particular hike, the sun was setting, the warm air brushed against me, and the silence engulfed me. We will recognize our loved ones and others in heaven. Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. TheLordwill keepyour going out and your cominginfrom this time on and for evermore. My belief is the valley is as good as the mountaintop and just as important to our spiritual growth. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. Through His Word, Jesus presents grace to frightened disciples on the mountain. Mountaintop. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mountaintop. Moses is a prime example of this. The High Mountain became the Holy Mountain because he saw the glory of Jesus there! But now Moses is getting to see the glory of God face-to-face, in the person of Jesus Christ. And what does really matter in life? Those moments at a worship concert or at the end of a sermon when the person holding the microphone makes a powerful speech with emotional music playing in the background. Finally, its just Moses moving to the top of Mt. Salvation is not in a program, or a plan, but in a person-. Mountain Top TV No monthly fee. He was the God-Man, Immanuel- God with us! The sum total of all of the things he had done and experienced in life had brought him to the place where he stood at that moment in time. 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.". Jesus dead on the Cross as the Lamb of God means Exodus, freedom from sins bondage to all who will apply the blood of Jesus to their heart in faith! However, the truth of the matter is simply this: the mountain really is made out of a lot of stuff (both good and bad). The sum total of the Christian life is listening to and doing what Jesus says. A good book on a rainy day or with calming music is a wonderful way to take a break from the responsibilities of life and escape into another world. Apart from Jesus they fail miserably in dealing with the demon. The shekinah glory cloud was gone. while Peter is still talking; God interrupts Peters speech. Suddenly your problems dont seem like problems anymore. Mountain Characteristics & Formation | What is a Mountain? - Video 1:16). This was the glory that Jesus had with his father before the world began. Moses and Elijah were still alive and conscience though they had left the earth hundreds of years before this. Get our latest tips and leader helps with our free monthly e-newsletter. 1:20). Husband of Orlena. Their eyes opened and they saw a whole new reality; the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Then later, on the top of Mt. That had to be a long six days. Notice, too, that mountaintops offer a perfect setting for life-changing transformation. there is only one way to be saved and that is through. There, for Peter, the mountain-hearing of the Fathers Majestic-Glory serves as the paradigm for the churchs engagement with the Word of God. 17:2). Peter, James, and John were transformed by the transfigured Christ. Howdoes that experience encourage you now? Mountains are a symbol of steadfastness. from that experience knowing more about Jesus, more prepared to live and die for him! Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. These days weve been talking about the sacred rhythms of spiritual formation. Moses had asked to see Gods glory, and only got to see the backside of God as he passed by. The one time I climbed a mountain of any size, I was amazed at how long I enjoyed spending time just looking at the view in the distance, enjoying the air, and experiencing the warm sun. Those are great experiences that God has given to me, and I am thankful for them. A sermon delivered by David Hughes, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, Nc., March 6, 2011. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. Now, as we review Exodus 24 and Matthew 17, I want us to notice certain traits of mountaintop experiences. It had been six hundred years since anyone in Israel had seen the Shekinah glory cloud. Or did we just respond with emotions that were not actually genuine for the long run? Heres another rhythm to add to the listcoming up the mountain to be with God; then going down the mountain to serve Gods people. The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. If we stifle what weve seen and heard and done during those mountain top experiences, then we wont know how to carry them with us into the valley. Some people need to journal each moment while still on the mountain. Horeb, which is described in the bible as the mountain of God. Later, Moses will climb Mt. Jesus transformationcalled a transfigurationwas even more dramatic. Moses and Elijah were known by Peter, James and John. Jesus is the. It is always dangerous to say something when you dont know what to say! But dedication to Jesus is the key to blessings. 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. When I heard that story, I identified with it so very much. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. Then, for another forty days he remained in the fiery cloud of Gods presence, receiving still more revelation from God. Both can be mountain top experiences, moments when we see God in a new way. Tabor. MOUNTAIN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary Most of us have had a similar experience, maybe not as intense, but a "mountain top" experience nonetheless. Their dedication and devotion to Jesus brought special blessings into their lives. My time in Dallas was informative and meaningful and challenging, but I would not say it was a mountaintop experience. Finally, one day he reached the top of his mountain. I love life! Soon, weekends can be filled with park trips and beach adventures, but for now, the weather is temperamental, so a movie night can suffice. Dedication to the Lord still brings special blessings into our lives! 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! Tip: Re-evaluate your mountaintop experience. - Insights 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. The "deeper something" comes when one takes the divine voice as a motivation to trust in God during the hardships on the journey. There is so much to be done here in the valley. Cable TV and high speed internet. The other gospel writers say his raiment was white as snow, as no washer on earth could make them. Maybe thats why to this day so many Christian retreat centers are on top of or around mountains. Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way. Running Together: Evening Worship at 5:00. Mountains typically have steep slopes and are understood to be. Theres only one tabernacle where God dwells, Jesus Christ! Old truths and new stories of the Appalachian experience. Baptism is NOT something we do. But then, everything about Peters mountaintop experience changes. Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. The Mountaintop Experience | A Bold Christian The first time we see Jesus on a high mountain is in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the Devil. 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. Not sure of the resources you need for Bible study? 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. In Atlanta, as we met and talked and worshipped, I had a strong sense of energy and enthusiasm and knew clearly that God was saying to me, The time is right and you are ready to begin this work of listening. Whereas before, Listen to My Life sounded really interested and well-done, this time it felt truly life giving. A true Spiritual mountain-top experience always revolves around JESUS! These three disciples are none as the inner circle; Jesus let them in on things the other disciples didnt get in on. 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. I have ordered from them with great satisfaction for over 20 years. 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? to what Jesus says in his word. He and his disciples went up this mountain to pray. There will be times of recognition, success, fun, laughter, happiness, financial success and many wonderful experiences together with family and friends. 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. There are several reasons. The believers present experience of hearing the Word of God parallels the experience of hearing the voice of God on the mountain. This is what all our experiences, all our theology, all our work should come to; bring is to the place to see Jesus! 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. And you don't have to settle for regular milk! Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. Branded DISC Profile Service Back Office Login (has a different login than this website). 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. They would come down that mountain knowing without a shadow of a doubt who Jesus Christ was! On that mountaintop I realized that all the problems and worries that suffocate me daily were so worldly. and try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. But Jesus came and touched [the disciples], saying, 'Rise, and have no fear' (Matt. What is your ultimate mountaintop experience? Life is a continually ascending and descending in our religious experiences. 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. 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. , the fashion of his countenance was altered and his raiment was white and glistering. Maybe it was getting married or having children. I have separated the list into Free Resources, Basic Resources, and Advanced Resources. Soaking in the memory of what God revealed to us on the mountain will remind us of our purpose in the valley. For once weve faced them head on, then well have a better understanding of what to do next. 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. This was the glory of God that had been veiled by his human flesh shining through. What an amazing sight! Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. Sinai still a third time because he shattered the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments upon hearing that the Israelites had manufactured and worshiped a golden calf in his absence. Above: Muhammad, Buda, Knish, or any other name. Certainly, there is a rhythmic, ordinary nature to daily encounter with Gods Word. The problem .read more My purpose is to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God, resulting in them becoming A Bold Christian. This will make any chill session that much more enjoyable. Just as the disciples heard the Word on the mountain (2 Pet. A sunrise view from the Solid Rock Hideaway our Vision. It is on the mountaintop we receive revelation from God, and it is where we often experience the tangible, felt presence of God. Maybe the thinness of the air, the lack of oxygen, or the exhaustion when we finally reach the top? Finally, Jesus directed the three disciples not to tell others about their experience until after His resurrection. This meditation allows us to digest the revelation so we can be more effective ambassadors for Christ. We are to listen to no voice that contradicts his voice, his word! Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. After a certain amount of time the caterpillar comes out of the cocoon a butterfly. You respond in Worship, praise, awe, thanksgiving, tears, and joy!! The Mountaintop Experience. 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.. 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. Mixed in with all of that were some great memories and wonderful times of happiness, too. mountaintop [ moun-tn-top ] SHOW IPA noun the top or summit of a mountain. when we meet with Jesus, and he reveals himself to us. But seriously Im glad to have an excuse for Joani to describe the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in her life. We cant leave them behind us. Peter immediately recommended the building of three shelters, presumably so that all six people could stay together on the mountain indefinitely. If there ever was a time for silence, this was it. Some experiences are more calm and rational moments. You feel overcome by a greater awareness of Gods reality. After clarifying among the three who the real hillbilly is (its the one who has For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. Joe cartoons from the 80's that said, " Knowing is half the battle! 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! My help comes from theLord,who made heaven and earth. If the bible is any guide, theres no better place to meet the divine than on or around a mountain. Yet, it seems that Peter actually does the opposite. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. The Father speaks from the cloud (Matt. 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. V:30-31-And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his decease, which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. Like you thought you grasped the concept of our large world, but then you realize its more incredible than you believed it to be. This looks differently for everyone, but its a step we cannot ignore. And minds that were already spinning are now completely blown. The relationships he had with family and friends had caused him both happiness and sorrow. While we face the last couple of weeks of winter there are many things you need to do. Top selling author and speaker, Robert Rohm Ph.D. is founder of Personality Insights Inc. and The Robert Rohm Co. As you will see, Dr. Rohm specializes in helping people better understand themselves and others. And then there was Jesus. And eventually Peter would deny the very one who changed his life. 17:4). As Christians, we long for experiences of the transcendent that we believe will forever change our perspective on life. Perhaps they were previously lost, or filled with anger, depression, addiction, confusion. Copyright 2023 Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. 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. Amen. Proclaiming the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. At the very least, tell a fellow Christian about your decision and ask for guidance. 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. This is the walk Jesus makes of his life. A variety of day trips, long weekends, and extended . for who he really is, in all of his love, grace and glory, it is a mountain-top experience! Im glad Joani could share today because I really needed a fresh illustration of a mountaintop experience for this sermon! Jesus is the only one to ever walk this earth who was absolutely sinless and holy! When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. 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. I'm sure you have left over hot chocolate from November and December, so it's time to finish them off. Philippians 4:13. No wonder Peter fell to his face. 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. Mountaintop Experience - Good Faith Media 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.