Posts filed under Lessons . . . Mountaintop

On the Mountaintop with Jesus, Part 2

Speaker: Pastor Marty Voltz
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Series: Lessons from the Mountaintop

As we have seen throughout this series of studies, the mountaintop is where God meets with His children to prepare them for life in the valley below. But it is also, on occasion, a place of testing and temptation.

On the mountaintop, we learn that:

  1. Attaining to life’s heights only increases our felt need to prove ourselves (vv. 5-6).
  2. Those who rise to the top may be expected to be tempted to "cash in" on their privileged position (v. 6).
  3. As we ascend the mountain of success, we must keep in mind that the world's kingdoms cannot grant us the fulfillment we seek (vv. 8-9).
  4. In the end, even those who attain to great heights are permitted no "shortcuts" (vv. 8-10).

Conclusion: It is often the case that we face our most severe temptations when we are lifted up to great heights. But there is no temptation too great for God’s provision.

Posted on June 30, 2013 and filed under Lessons . . . Mountaintop.

On the Mountaintop with Jesus

Speaker: Pastor Marty Voltz
Scripture: Luke 9:22-36
Series: Lessons from the Mountaintop

From the mountaintop, we can see things that cannot be observed from the valley below.

  1. On the mountaintop, God prepares us for spiritual battles to be fought in the valley below (v. 37ff).
  2. On the mountaintop, God prepares us for our own personal cross (v. 31).
  3. On the mountaintop, God gives us a glimpse of the greater glory still to come (v. 32).

Personal application: One does not go to the mountaintop to buy God’s love or to get His blessing on our plans, but to gain a glimpse of His glory and to be prepared for life in the valley below.

Posted on June 23, 2013 and filed under Lessons . . . Mountaintop.

On the Mountaintop with Elijah

Speaker: Pastor Marty Voltz
Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-40, 19:1-18
Series: Lessons from the Mountaintop

Once on the mountaintop, our job is to quiet our hearts and listen for what God has to say
to us.

  1. On the mountaintop, God sometimes speaks through the fire (18:38).
  2. On the mountaintop, God more often speaks to us in a gentle whisper (19:12-13).
  3. On the mountaintop, God sometimes speaks a word of recommissioning (19:15a).

 Personal application: What is God saying to you today?

    • He is speaking to me through the _____________, and He is saying ______________________________.
    Posted on June 16, 2013 and filed under Lessons . . . Mountaintop.

    On the Mountaintop with Moses

    Speaker: Pastor Marty Voltz
    Scripture: Exodus 34:1-14
    Series: Lessons from the Mountaintop

    In the Scriptures (both Hebrews and Greek), the mountaintop is the place where we encounter God and gain the vision to make our lives count to the fullest in the valley below. 

    • The first lesson to be learned on the mountaintop is the lesson of God's glory (Exodus 33:18). 
    • The second lesson to be learned on the mountaintop is the lesson of His revelation (Exodus 34:6, 10). 
    • The third lesson to be learned on the mountaintop is the lesson of fellowship with Him (Exodus 34:2-5). 
    • The fourth lesson to be learned on the mountaintop is the lesson of God's provision (Exodus 34:10-11, Deuteronomy 34:4). 
    • The fifth and final lesson to be learned on the mountaintop is the lesson of vision (Deuteronomy 34:1). 

    Personal application: 1) Do I take time to meet God on the mountaintop? Where? When? 2) What lesson is God teaching me during my times with Him on the mountaintop? 

    Posted on June 9, 2013 and filed under Lessons . . . Mountaintop.

    On the Mountaintop with Abraham

    Speaker: Pastor Marty Voltz
    Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19
    Series: Lessons from the Mountaintop

    Mountaintop experiences are not all "mountaintop experiences," if you know what I mean. They are not all sunshine and light. There is a dark side to the mountain a place of testing. The following are three lessons from the "dark" side of the mountain:

    1. On the dark side of the mountain, God tests our faith in Him (v. 1).
      • Will you trust Me with the thing you love most?
      • Will you trust Me even when you can't understand what I'm up to?
      • Will you trust Me for the impossible?
    2. On the dark side of the mountain, we learn that God means us no harm (vv. 11-12).
    3. On the dark side of the mountain, the man or woman of faith will receive God's provision for today and His blessing for tomorrow (vv. 13, 15-18).
      • God's provision for today is exactly what we need (v. 13).
      • God's blessing for tomorrow is more than we can even imagine (vv. 15-18).

    "To this day it is said (by those who have been with God on the dark side of the mountain), 'On the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided!"

    Posted on June 2, 2013 and filed under Lessons . . . Mountaintop.