There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. TheLordwill keep you from allevil;he will keep your life. 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.. 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. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mountaintop.' I have separated the list into Free Resources, Basic Resources, and Advanced Resources. 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? Father of 5 (David, Jenny, Elisha, Esther, Seth). V:29-the fashion of his countenance was altered, a reflection of another light, but this was light, this glory was from within! Jesus is the light of the world, and when we get to heaven he will be the light. But Jesus was not reflecting the glory of God; He was shining out the glory of God from within. A true Spiritual mountain-top experience always revolves around JESUS! Perhaps it was getting our drivers license at the age of sixteen. Heaven or Hell! The problem .read more 1:19). But heaven will be a place of glory! there is only one way to be saved and that is through. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church625 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010(610) 525-2821. But then, out of nowhere, God's presence became real to them. This is the walk all . They were catching a glimpse of the glory that God would reveal in Jesus Christ in the future. Peter himself later recounts that the disciples were "eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Pet. To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. What was the difference? And it happened at the foot of Mt. Living Your Mountaintop Experience Everyday - Spiritually Hungry 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. And then there was Jesus. Jesus asked his disciples, who do you say that I am? Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. Ironically, remaining on the summit for more than just a few minutes can be dangerous for climberseven life-threatening. 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. Why not Isaiah and Jeremiah? The words of Psalm 121 came to my mind each afternoon gazing upon the mountains, and they are what I expect will be transporting me back there over the next several months. Mountaintop - definition of mountaintop by The Free Dictionary All Rights Reserved. Have you ever witnessed an altar call? Just as Christ shone before the disciples in radiant majesty (2 Pet. As a result, God often reveals himself on a mountaintop in the text. 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. If movies aren't your style or you need a quieter way to relax, pick up a good book. After hearing those commandments, Moses came back down the mountain and reported to the Israelites all that God had said to him. When the Bible says that Jesus was transfigured, it means that He became on the outside what He was on the inside. 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. Cable TV and high speed internet. I doubt any of us will go there. A Mountain Top Experience - The Odyssey Online The speaker concludes talking with an invitation to come to the altar and lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus. 1:16). Telling the stories from our mountain tops with others, sharing the insights we have learned and intentionally seeking out stories from others about their time on the mountain. And the thought of spending an additional 40 days in the fog listening for the voice of God doesnt excite me either. Through His Word, Jesus presents grace to frightened disciples on the mountain. Mountain Top Experience's season generally runs from April through December each year. Here is our startling recognition: the Christians mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. Sinai. as he tells you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him. Some of us may prefer to not be confronted with such a frightening voice whenever our Bibles are opened. Peter, James, and John were transformed by the transfigured Christ. This is what all our experiences, all our theology, all our work should come to; bring is to the place to see Jesus! 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. Some people need to journal each moment while still on the mountain. Ironically, the three disciples misunderstood nearly everything about that experience as it was occurring. 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. 17:2). Im glad Joani could share today because I really needed a fresh illustration of a mountaintop experience for this sermon! The saved are in glory, this life is one of suffering and humiliation for the saints. While we face the last couple of weeks of winter there are many things you need to do. 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. Amen, we all agree with that; to be on the mountain top in the presence of Jesus and to see His glory! 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. If there ever was a time for silence, this was it. What is your ultimate mountaintop experience? You come down from the mountaintop ready for a changed life. The Christian's Mountaintop Experience - Gentle Reformation . 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. On that mountaintop I realized that all the problems and worries that suffocate me daily were so worldly. Jesus would rise in a glorified body, ascend to heaven and sit on the right hand of the throne of God. 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. Baptism is NOT something we do. There closeness to Jesus is connected to Prayer! Sinai. They are solid and unmovable. Certainly, there is a rhythmic, ordinary nature to daily encounter with Gods Word. Worrying about finances doesnt measure up to what really matters in life. My belief is the valley is as good as the mountaintop and just as important to our spiritual growth. 4. of or pertaining to mountains. every Bible should be bound and shoe leather. I have had my fair share of mountain top experiences, both literal and spiritual. Their dedication and devotion to Jesus brought special blessings into their lives. Moses had asked to see Gods glory, and only got to see the backside of God as he passed by. Unfortunately, busy schedules can interfere with reading time. You are not THE mountain of the Lord, but you are A mountain of the Lord. Horeb, which is described in the bible as the mountain of God. Later, Moses will climb Mt. died on Mt. 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. Philippians 4:13. Time to forget about any work you have to do, and treat the weekend as a weekend. This passage in Isaiah carries a prophetic word for Mountaintop Worship Center. He fulfilled what the. Why does God allow you to have a Mountain-top experience? Not all mountain top experiences drip with emotion. Because whatever happens, God has it all in control. These days weve been talking about the sacred rhythms of spiritual formation. But the valley experience is just as important to our Christian walk. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. I call them mountain-top experiences! A sunrise view from the Solid Rock Hideaway our Vision. Perhaps they were previously lost, or filled with anger, depression, addiction, confusion. I suddenly gained a perspective about life I had never had up until that moment. Just zoom out and think about your problems in the large scheme of things. This was the glory that Jesus had with his father before the world began. 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. Tip: Re-evaluate your mountaintop experience. - Insights Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. With this idea, though, one final observation must be made. It matters not that the mountain is composed of a lot of stuff. Then, for another forty days he remained in the fiery cloud of Gods presence, receiving still more revelation from God. -They spoke about his decrease, which he would accomplish at Jerusalem, There on that high mountain with the representatives of the O.T. If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the idea of feeling miniscule. This looks differently for everyone, but its a step we cannot ignore. When the back doors of the church opened, and there. It was a great privilege to see Moses and Elijah, but Jesus was the son of God! God knows how our brains work and how our individual personalities respond. 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. It matters not that the mountain is composed of a lot of "stuff". The High Mountain became the Holy Mountain because he saw the glory of Jesus there! My purpose is to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God, resulting in them becoming A Bold Christian. We all need spiritual refreshing from the presence of the Lord; we need encouragement that can come only from being in the presence of Jesus. MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . No wonder Peter fell to his face. We cant disqualify a mountain top experience as just an emotional reaction. It is always a good to say nothing when you dont know what to say! (. The prophet Elijah had his share of mountaintop moments as well. Most of us have had a similar experience, maybe not as intense, but a "mountain top" experience nonetheless. 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. Not sure of the resources you need for Bible study? These moments can be truly genuine and beautiful. This mountaintop experience takes place during a time of prayer! Everything is tiny and nothing seems to matter when you are that far away from people. There is so much to be done here in the valley. BRICKS IN THE VALLEY Text: Matthew 17:1 - 9 We all know from the laws of gravity that what goes up must also come down. The Mountaintop Experience | A Bold Christian 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. Jesus skin and clothing no longer glowed. Mountain top definition: the top of a natural upward projection of the earth's surface, higher and steeper than a. You learn something new about who God is. 3. a huge amount: a mountain of mail. 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. -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. 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. I do not capitalize the name satan in my writing. 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 last of the apostles to die, he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. Thats when you see people all around you move forward as they listen to the call of their mountain top experience. Mountaintop. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mountaintop. 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). Amen. 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 relationships he had with family and friends had caused him both happiness and sorrow. 17:4). By now, its a Christian clich: the mountaintop experience. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. If you keep striving and climbing you will eventually get on top of it and you will have a life that is helpful to you, profitable to your family and a good influence on your friends. Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. It was their ultimate mountaintop experience. The law and prophets all meet in Jesus, they point to Jesus, and they preach Jesus. That somebody is my wife, Joani, and Ive asked Joani to briefly describe her mountaintop experience with us today. But then, everything about Peters mountaintop experience changes. It also known valleys are quiet places of rest and peace. Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? Notice, too, that mountaintops offer a perfect setting for life-changing transformation. The cloud alone would have been enough to confirm Gods presence and blessings on Jesus. Jesus would die on the Cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise again three days later. It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! Moses is a prime example of this. about evangelism. 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. There, for Peter, the mountain-hearing of the Fathers Majestic-Glory serves as the paradigm for the churchs engagement with the Word of God. The Cross was a great accomplishment; not an accident, tragedy, disaster! 17:7)." And as we immerse our lives in the majestic glory of the Word of God, we never need to. the cloud which covered the Tabernacle with Gods glory. But it seems that the visual experience did not generate the immediate fear and awe one might expect. 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. 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. 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. Yet the valley has become a symbol of rough times and depression.I dont believe this should be true. The Mountain Top Experience - Sermon Central for who he really is, in all of his love, grace and glory, it is a mountain-top experience! Delivered to your inbox! 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. 1:20). Believe: What Secret Does It Hold For You Today. 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. (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. We go down to the valley to meditate on our recent revelation, allowing us to learn from our mountaintop experiences. It is the most sacred spot on earth! The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. mountaintop [ moun-tn-top ] SHOW IPA noun the top or summit of a mountain. What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! Together they represent the entire O.T. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. Peter said it is good to be here. Or did we just respond with emotions that were not actually genuine for the long run? He will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. when we meet with Jesus, and he reveals himself to us. It actually turned out to be a good place. What is it about mountains that invoke a spiritual or religious response from us as human beings? 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. What an amazing sight! While such fear is proper, it may and must be accompanied by hearing the other mountain-voice of the transfiguration. No one deserves worship but Jesus! mountaintop synonyms, mountaintop pronunciation, mountaintop translation, English dictionary definition of mountaintop. goats), the guys get to the true subject at hand. V:36-And when the voice was passed, Jesus was found alone. They allow us to listen to our Christian books while driving, working, or cooking dinner. Jesus asked his disciples, who do the people say I am? Theres only one tabernacle where God dwells, Jesus Christ! Bible Verses About the Mountaintop Experience & Godly Journey Peter was hoping Jesus would settle in on the summit. There are several reasons. Proclaiming the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Learn a new word every day. One moose, two moose. Moses and company obeyed, hiking to the foot of the mountain where an astonishing thing happened: they saw the God of Israel, and they lived to talk about it! Mountaintop Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com 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. It is on the mountaintop we receive revelation from God, and it is where we often experience the tangible, felt presence of God. 3:17). 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. In those moments, do we lose the passion and the awe we once felt on top of that mountain? 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. Mountaintop Experience - Good Faith Media The valley is not what you may think. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. CAMIER PTY LTD HISTORY. Peter immediately recommended the building of three shelters, presumably so that all six people could stay together on the mountain indefinitely. Our God is an awesome God, and He loves to come to us in ways He knows will change us. 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. So what next? 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. Running Together: Evening Worship at 5:00. We forget what God said to us when we approached the altar during that sermon. Our future includes a great change- corruption-incorruption; mortal- immortal. A bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud. These men where dedicated and devoted to Jesus; these three men went on to be. It so happens that I know of somebody thats had a mountaintop experience just this past week. Sinai. 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. 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. But those were all just moments. to what Jesus says in his word. 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. What we should do is go back every now and then to the memories, the journal entries, the conversations. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". They knew a lot about Jesus; but on that mountaintop they. Hermon. What Is the Significance of Mountains in the Bible? Still others need to spend time contemplating it all in the quiet of their own prayers. Maybe it was getting married or having children. And eventually Peter would deny the very one who changed his life. God doesnt intend for us to live in a perpetual state of emotional highs when it comes to faith. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. Yet over time we go back to normal life. adj. Jesus would rise in a glorified body, ascend to heaven and sit on the right hand of the throne of God. The heap on which he stood consisted of all the experiences and obstacles that he had faced on his journey through life. When I heard that story, I identified with it so very much. 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). 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). It was simply a huge heap of stuff (both good and bad) that he had climbed up in order to get to where he was. He has performed miracle after miracle and, in that mountaintop experience, my blinded eyes were healed. 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? Copyright 2023 Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. 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. Hebrew tells us he is greater than all the O.T prophets! Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. But dedication to Jesus is the key to blessings. I commit myself to daily sharing with others good things You have done for me. A MOUNTAIN TOP EXPERIENCE | FaithWriters However, along the way there were broken relationships and many long hours of hard work and study. 2. a large mass or heap; pile. 17:5), and Peter and the disciples fall to their faces (17:6). After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! 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. DISC Certification, Speaker Boot Camp etc. 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. The "deeper something" comes when one takes the divine voice as a motivation to trust in God during the hardships on the journey. But then Jesus touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Our moments with God shouldnt remain hidden in the past. 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.. Under his feet lay challenge after challenge that he had encountered along the way in his business and personal life. In other words, the fulfillment of the Messiahs mission of salvation was nearer than the three disciplesknew. Climbing the mountain we now claim as Mt. But God also spoke, it was Gods voice. Psalm 90:2; Exodus 19:17-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Isaiah 52:7; Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 54:10. Grab a blanket and a glass of hot chocolate, and do these five warm indoor activities for those rainy winter days. And we forget the promises we made to our Holy God in the midst of that mountain top experience. 1. a natural elevation of land rising more or less abruptly to a summit, and attaining an altitude greater than that of a hill. Enjoy the teamwork of tackling 4WD challenges, being part of caring community and learning about history and nature as we travel. But now Moses is getting to see the glory of God face-to-face, in the person of Jesus Christ. , when Moses met with God on Mount Sinai he came down with the glory of God radiating off his face. 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. . This unmediated view of the living God happened once, and only once in the Old Testament. 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. 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!
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