Moutain Top Experieces

Introduction

Unless you have no connection to the outside world you have probably heard about the revival happening in Wilmore, KY right not. It began 12 days ago and does not show any signs of slowing down. In-fact, it has been growing exponentially. People are coming from all over the country to witness how the Holy Spirit is moving in that little town. This is one of those movements that we would call a “Mountain Top Experience.” It’s like what the people in our Scripture readings today experienced.

And the movement of the Spirit has been spreading. It has been moving to other colleges, universities, and churches. There is definitely a movement of God happing in our country. And I don’t know about you but I have mixed feeling about this.

My feelings are not mixed about whether or not this is a real movement of the Spirit. My feeling are mixed because I am excited that God is working in such an amazing way, but I’ll admit I’m a bit disappointed that I don’t get to be apart of it. If you too are disappointed I pray that this message will give you some hope. Today lets look at just what Scripture says about these “mountain top” experiences.

God Leads Some to Mountain Tops

Mountain top experiences are God’s power at work in great ways

Moses on Mount Sinai

Jesus, Peter, James, and John on Mt. Tabor

Some church leaders have had these mountain top experiences

Mountain Top experiences are not for everyone

Only Moses

Only Peter, James, and John

Mountain top experiences serve a purpose........

God’s Preparing Them to Be Sent

Moses was given the law for the Hebrew People

He was not meant to just dwell in God’s presence

He was given the tablets to deliver to the people of Israel

Peter, James , and John saw that Jesus was God

Before the Mountain they knew Jesus was special

On the mountain they experienced Jesus as God

they were the leaders in the church

God leads people to mountain tops to be sent in to the world

because....

They Are God’s Witnesses in the World

Moses lead the Hebrew people

The Law given to him by God is still the law the Hebrew people follow

Peter, James, and John became the first leaders of the Church

Triumvirate

Peter gave the first evangelical message

James was the first apostle Martyred

John led the church in Ephesus

They were the most significant disciples of Jesus

Modern believers who have “mountain top” experiences are there to lead the church

God doesn’t give a “mountain top” experience for personal edification

Revival isn’t simply to nurture a believer

“Mountain Top” experiences are to prepare leaders

They strengthen

They enlighten

They give witness

Conclusion

So, if you have had one of these “mountain top” experiences and are not leading in some way you are wasting what God has done through you.

If you question whether you have had a “mountain top” experience or not you probably have not. God’s “mountain tops” are impossible to miss. Do you think Peter, James, and John had any response to the transfiguration aside from “we are standing in the presence of God incarnate?”

And, if you have not had a “mountain top” experience don’t be discouraged. Those that have these experiences are may have a direct experience with God, but remember Jesus told Thomas, “blessed are those who believe without seeing.” You may not have a mountain top experience but you are all still God’s chosen children and you are more blessed because of your relationship with him. Let us pray.