For six days Peter and the other 11 disciples have their heads spinning by the prediciton that Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, would die on a cross. 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). The relationships he had with family and friends had caused him both happiness and sorrow. 1:17). Moses and Elijah were known by Peter, James and John. You feel overcome by a greater awareness of God's reality. The only way to properly do this is to be comfortable, because why relax when you could relax? It is time to drop the negative connotation attached to valleys and embrace their true purpose. After clarifying among the three who the real hillbilly is (its the one who has Of course, except for Jesus, even people who undergo mountaintop transformations remain flawed. You feel overcome by a greater awareness of Gods reality. God doesnt intend for us to live in a perpetual state of emotional highs when it comes to faith. Full kitchen, with cookware and dinnerware, dishwasher, microwave, stove/oven, full fridge, coffeemaker. Under his feet lay challenge after challenge that he had encountered along the way in his business and personal life. All rights reserved. This is what all our experiences, all our theology, all our work should come to; bring is to the place to see Jesus! Theres only one place to meet with God; only one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus! DISC Certification, Speaker Boot Camp etc. You can read my full article about the importance of the mountaintop experience HERE. And if such an experience is to be sought after, how can the Christian be found on the mountaintop time and time again? I'd love to go mountain - climbing. But Jesus came and touched [the disciples], saying, 'Rise, and have no fear' (Matt. Some of us may prefer to not be confronted with such a frightening voice whenever our Bibles are opened. If the bible is any guide, theres no better place to meet the divine than on or around a mountain. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church625 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010(610) 525-2821. 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. Accessed 4 Mar. God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. Here is our startling recognition: the Christians mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Just as the Majestic Glory spoke on the mountain (2 Pet. Though it had not been easy, it had all been well worth the journey to get to where he wanted to be in life. Carmel that Elijah staged his mesmerizing victory over 450 prophets of Baal when God breathed down fire from heaven at Elijahs request. Yet over time we go back to normal life. 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. Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. 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. the last of the apostles to die, he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. TheLordwill keepyour going out and your cominginfrom this time on and for evermore. , the fashion of his countenance was altered and his raiment was white and glistering. There will be times of recognition, success, fun, laughter, happiness, financial success and many wonderful experiences together with family and friends. 2. a large mass or heap; pile. 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. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mountaintop, Nglish: Translation of mountaintop for Spanish Speakers. Both had famous departures from this earth. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! That night on the mount of Transfiguration, the glory of God that was within shined-forth through his humanity. Now for the Lords prophetic word: This is what the Lord is saying to the people of Mountaintop Worship Center. Herod asked about Jesus, who is this I hear such things about? Just as Christ shone before the disciples in radiant majesty (2 Pet. Now suddenly, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John for an evening hike up Mt. 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. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. That somebody is my wife, Joani, and Ive asked Joani to briefly describe her mountaintop experience with us today. They were catching a glimpse of the glory that God would reveal in Jesus Christ in the future. What is your ultimate mountaintop experience? 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 pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Metamorphosis- An outward change that comes from the inside. And one day he would return with clouds of glory at his second coming. Pastor at Columbus (IN) RP Church. But the valley experience is just as important to our Christian walk. At those times, we receive revelation and teaching from God. The term mountain top experience comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. There is so much to be done here in the valley. Philippians 4:13. Im guessing most of us have had at least one episode in our lives wed call a mountaintop experience. One moose, two moose. 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). 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. Through His Word, Jesus presents grace to frightened disciples on the mountain. 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. It is the most sacred spot on earth! the cloud which covered the Tabernacle with Gods glory. Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. White in the Bible speaks of purity, absolute holiness. Both had been shown Gods glory on those mountains. This past week I attended a two day conference in Atlanta for facilitators of a program called Listen to Your Life. about evangelism. 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. That is the reality of the experience of this thing we call life. To grow and restore the family of Christ on the foundation of His Word and His promises. -The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the light thereof. 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. I lift up my eyes to the hillsfrom where will my help come? Yet, right after this, Christians often go back into the valley where they seem to dwell most of the time. 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. My belief is the valley is as good as the mountaintop and just as important to our spiritual growth. as he tells you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him. 17:2). It was a Mountain experience, because JESUS was there! Even so, flaws and all, God sends us from our mountaintops into the valleys below. Jesus wants them to know that he is the King of glory, and one day he will wear the crown; but the cross would come before the crown. 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. So what next? 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. Others need to share with a close friend a detailed description of all they experienced. top maun-tn-tp Synonyms of mountaintop : the summit of a mountain Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web Barkley spent his final four seasons with the Rockets, but the team's big threecomprised of him, as well as Olajuwon and Clyde Drexlerwas never able to get them back to the NBA mountaintop. 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. Moses was reflecting the glory of God because he had been in the presence of God; that is something we all should do! And Im guessing wed have a mountaintop experience at church if we took the time to listen to each other describe our mountaintop experiences. 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 I love to see goals attained after hard work. Peter, James, and John thought that Elijahs appearance on the mountain with Jesus that day surely was a fulfillment of prophecy. But what, biblically speaking, is a mountaintop experience? -They spoke about his decrease, which he would accomplish at Jerusalem, There on that high mountain with the representatives of the O.T. Still others need to spend time contemplating it all in the quiet of their own prayers. Jesus asked his disciples, who do you say that I am? Our moments with God shouldnt remain hidden in the past. revisiting them will prove a way to spur us on as we continue to live changed. Certainly, there is a rhythmic, ordinary nature to daily encounter with Gods Word. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. 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. Jesus is dazzling glory is talking to Moses who had been dead over fourteen hundred years and to Elijah who had been gone about nine hundred. I thought about all the ways God had provided up until that day and I felt like a fool. 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. 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. Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. encourage them and help them in the days ahead. 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. 2023. A variety of day trips, long weekends, and extended . Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? CAMIER PTY LTD HISTORY. adjective situated at the top or summit of a mountain: a mountaintop house. Peter, James, and John were transformed by the transfigured Christ. Ironically, the three disciples misunderstood nearly everything about that experience as it was occurring. Branded DISC Profile Service Back Office Login (has a different login than this website). 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. there is only one way to be saved and that is through. Confront the Danger. My purpose is to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God, resulting in them becoming A Bold Christian. You learn something new about who God is. Or you were convicted about something in your life that you now need accountability for from a friend or mentor. for who he really is, in all of his love, grace and glory, it is a mountain-top 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. Three of Jesus disciples would no doubt put a different experience atop their list. Jesus was God incognito, dressed in human flesh. The voice of God clearly identified Jesus as his only son, his beloved son, unique one-of-a-kind son. 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. 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. I would classify Atlanta as a mountaintop experience. The word, . the mighty apostle of Pentecost was a great leader in the early church, crucified upside down. He was the God-Man, Immanuel- God with us! Delivered to your inbox! The other gospel writers say his raiment was white as snow, as no washer on earth could make them. This was the glory that Jesus had with his father before the world began. Nighttime temperatures drop wellbelow zero, the air is razor-thin, and killer storms can strike without warning. 17:5), and Peter and the disciples fall to their faces (17:6). These moments can be truly genuine and beautiful. 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! The Cross was a great accomplishment; not an accident, tragedy, disaster! 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. 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 is the light of the world, and when we get to heaven he will be the light. When I heard that story, I identified with it so very much. They took my breath away from ground level and, when I climbed them, they whisked away any anxious thought Id ever have. We learned this word in school, a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis, that caterpillar wraps a cocoon around itself and goes through the process of change. 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? Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast & Goodbye to Jack Liskey! And you don't have to settle for regular milk! The stress I feel towards a particular class is so small compared to what really matters in life. Afterwards, we go back into the valleys where we live our lives. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". A bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud. When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. For after the disciples fall in fear, the Divine Voice speaks again on the mountain. Prophecy is not about a happening, an event, is about a person. 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! Both can be mountain top experiences, moments when we see God in a new way. Those who separate themselves to pray are the ones who see the Glory of Jesus! Moses still had flaws that would prevent him from entering the Promised Land. 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. Yet, it seems that Peter actually does the opposite. What was the difference? MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . II. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. Salvation is not in a program, or a plan, but in a person-. Worrying about finances doesnt measure up to what really matters in life. The heap on which he stood consisted of all the experiences and obstacles that he had faced on his journey through life. Here is our startling recognition: the Christian's mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. 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. Remember, Moses first met God at the burning bush on Mt. Tip: Re-evaluate your mountaintop experience. Mountains are a symbol of steadfastness. 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. 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; . Remember, it was on top of Mt. On that mountaintop I realized that all the problems and worries that suffocate me daily were so worldly. Youve never seen something so beautiful and peaceful. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. 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. 1:19). While such fear is proper, it may and must be accompanied by hearing the other mountain-voice of the transfiguration. But sitting each day in the shadow of the mountains made me wonder how we can find better ways to continue to connect with and draw inspiration from those brief moments when we have been on the mountain - meditating on the scripture or hymns that remind us of our mountain top experiences, bringing images back with us from our spiritual mountain tops and keeping them in places that call to mind our moments on the mountain. and try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. Grab a blanket and a glass of hot chocolate, and do these five warm indoor activities for those rainy winter days. Old truths and new stories of the Appalachian experience. Most of us have had some type of mountaintop experience during our lifetime. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. When the Bible says that Jesus was transfigured, it means that He became on the outside what He was on the inside. Perhaps it was getting our drivers license at the age of sixteen. 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. There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. But never forget that it is a rhythmic, ordinary encounter with the Majestic Voice of God speaking in His Word. Ironically, remaining on the summit for more than just a few minutes can be dangerous for climberseven life-threatening. But Jesus was not reflecting the glory of God; He was shining out the glory of God from within. Baptism is NOT something we do. 1:18), so the believer does well to pay attention to the Words of the prophets (2 Pet. Our job is to share Gods reconciliation with them and bring them to the mountaintop for their own personal experience with God. 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. Above: Muhammad, Buda, Knish, or any other name. V:36-And when the voice was passed, Jesus was found alone. If you have Netflix or Hulu, the possibilities of movies are endless. . But as great as it will be to see our loved ones, the main person we will want to see will be JESUS! Many people want special blessings, and mountain top experiences but they do not want to be dedicated to Jesus. Mountain Top TV No monthly fee. They are solid and unmovable. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. 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. . 4. of or pertaining to mountains. Moses is a prime example of this. Question Origin of mountaintop First recorded in 1585-95; mountain + top 1 Words nearby mountaintop This mountaintop experience takes place during a time of prayer! The valley is not what you may think. But dedication to Jesus is the key to blessings. adj. Here at Mountaintop Worship Center, we spend every Sunday and Wednesday on the mountaintop. 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. Copyright www.personality-insights.com. At least, that pattern held true for the likes of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. 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. 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. Im glad Joani could share today because I really needed a fresh illustration of a mountaintop experience for this sermon! Together they represent the entire O.T. 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. He will teach us about his ways so that we may walk in his paths. For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-3 CSB). Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? Recommended ResourcesEasy Bible Study Method, Bold LivingFaithSpiritual GrowthDevotions, I am an author, blogger, Bible teacher, and preacher. Heaven or Hell! - the law and the, Prophets; the son of God and the three great apostles of the church they are talking about the Cross! When is the last time you had a mountain-top experience? Hebrew tells us he is greater than all the O.T prophets! 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. 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. 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 the presence of Jesus with the saints, talking about the Cross! Became pastor of the church in Jerusalem, and was martyred for Preaching Jesus. The prophet Elijah had his share of mountaintop moments as well. He will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. Why not Isaiah and Jeremiah? 6. resembling or suggesting a mountain, as in size. We will recognize our loved ones and others in heaven. Joe cartoons from the 80's that said, " Knowing is half the battle! 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.. Apart from Jesus they fail miserably in dealing with the demon. Maybe thats why to this day so many Christian retreat centers are on top of or around mountains. As soon as Jesus and company reach the summit, he undergoes the mysterious process of transfiguration. The voice of the father, encouraged Jesus in his preparation for the cross. Romances and horrors are great genres to cozy up to in the dark. If youll notice, neither Moses nor Jesus retired on top of a mountain. No wonder Peter fell to his face. But it seems that the visual experience did not generate the immediate fear and awe one might expect. What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! On the Mountain of Transfiguration it looks like things happen in a hurry. Click the link below to sign up for updates from Good Faith Media via our daily or weekly e-newsletters. -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. And what does really matter in life? 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? You come down from the mountaintop ready for a changed life. Even though winter is ending soon, it does not mean the cold is. It was a Mountain top experience, as heaven came down on that mountain. 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. Death moves our soul to another place, and that particular place is determined by what you do with Jesus in this life. I recently heard a man say that he had worked all of his life to get to the top of his own personal mountain. Have you ever witnessed an altar call? But as great as those experiences are, there not the greatest experiences of my life. What is it about mountains that invoke a spiritual or religious response from us as human beings?
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