Made for the Mountain I Robert Madu I Social Dallas

Summary

Summary of "Social Dallas Podcast – Episode: Made for the Mountain I Robert Madu"

Introduction

In the August 10, 2025 episode of the Social Dallas Podcast titled "Made for the Mountain I Robert Madu," hosts Pastor Robert and Taylor Madu embark on an inspiring exploration of the spiritual significance of mountains within the Bible. This episode marks the commencement of their new series, "Mountains Where Heaven Meets Earth," which aims to delve deep into the pivotal role that mountains play in connecting humanity with the divine.

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Opening Scripture and Theme

The episode begins with a communal recitation of Psalms 92:13-15, emphasizing the importance of being "planted in the house of the Lord" for spiritual growth and flourishing:

"Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God... They shall still bear fruit in old age... declares that the Lord is upright." ([00:25])

This scripture sets the foundation for the series, highlighting the belief that spiritual well-being is intrinsically linked to one's connection with God.

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Personal Anecdotes and Humor

To create a relatable and engaging atmosphere, Pastor Robert and Taylor share personal stories and humor. Pastor Robert celebrates turning 41, humorously declaring himself "too grown for that list," which includes light-hearted statements like:

"I'm too grown to stay up past midnight... I'm too grown to help you move." ([05:01]-[05:32])

These moments of levity serve to connect with the audience on a personal level before delving into more profound theological discussions.

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Mountains in the Bible: Significance and Examples

The core of the episode focuses on the profound symbolism of mountains in biblical narratives. The hosts elucidate how mountains have historically been chosen as sacred meeting places between God and humanity. Key examples discussed include:

1. Mount Eden:

   • Contrary to the common depiction of Eden as a flat garden, they reference Ezekiel 28:13-14, revealing that Eden was situated on a mountain, underscoring its sanctity and elevated spiritual significance.

2. Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat:

   • In Genesis 8:3-4, the ark rests on Mount Ararat, symbolizing a fresh start for humanity and God's commitment to preserving life amidst judgment.
   • Taylor remarks, "Noah's architect," emphasizing God's meticulous design and purpose behind the ark's construction ([19:03]-[21:45]).

3. Abraham’s Covenant on the Mountain:

   • Discussing Genesis 12-22, they highlight Abraham's journey of faith, including the near-sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah. This act exemplifies ultimate obedience and trust in God.
   • Taylor notes, "Everyone else is destroyed, but the one that found grace is inside the ark with the animals," drawing parallels to personal faith journeys ([23:14]-[27:50]).

4. Moses and Mount Sinai:

   • Exodus 19-20 is explored to illustrate how Moses received the Ten Commandments, representing a foundational covenant between God and the Israelites.
   • They emphasize the transformative encounter Moses had with God on Sinai ([30:00]-[32:58]).

5. Jesus’ Temptation and Transfiguration on the Mountains:

   • Referencing Matthew 4:1-11 and the Transfiguration, the hosts discuss how Jesus' experiences on mountains exemplify spiritual testing and revelation.
   • Pastor Robert states, "Jesus died on that mountain between two thieves, so I lift up my eyes to the hills. Cause, had he not died on that mountain, I would still be stuck in my sin," highlighting the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice ([35:42]-[37:53]).

Throughout these discussions, the hosts reinforce the idea that mountains are not merely physical elevations but sanctified spaces for divine-human interaction:

"Mountains are places where God encounters you and where you encounter God." ([08:42]-[09:00])

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Application: Made for the Mountain

Transitioning from biblical accounts to personal application, Pastor Robert and Taylor emphasize the metaphorical significance of being "made for the mountain." They encourage listeners to seek intimate relationships with God, rising above life's "valleys" of struggle and despair. Key points include:

• Purpose Over Struggle:

  • "You can be in a valley, but you were not made for the valley. You were made for the mountain." ([13:00])

• Intimacy with God:

  • They stress that true spiritual fulfillment and connection with God are found in ascending spiritually, paralleling the biblical acts of climbing mountains for divine encounters.

• Overcoming Fear and Doubt:

  • Addressing common fears and doubts, they urge listeners to embrace the mountain perspective, where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.

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Invitation and Prayer

Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts lead a heartfelt invitation for listeners to commit their lives to Jesus. This segment is marked by collective prayer and affirmation, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose:

"If you were made for the mountain... say, 'I need to give him my life.'" ([37:40])

Participants are encouraged to physically raise their hands as a sign of surrender and participation in the communal faith journey.

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Conclusion

Pastor Robert and Taylor Madu wrap up the episode by reiterating the significance of mountains in fostering spiritual growth and divine connection. They preview the upcoming weeks of the series, promising "mountain moments" that will further explore how these sacred spaces facilitate encounters with God.

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Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps

• "Mountains are an invitation from God. It's a means for him drawing us to himself." – Taylor Madu ([09:33])

• "You were not made for the valley. You were made for the mountain." – Pastor Robert ([13:00])

• "The same God that speaks to them is the same God that wants to speak with you." – Taylor Madu ([31:08])

• "Jesus lived a sinless life and died on a mountain so that anytime my children need help, they'll know where to lift up." – Pastor Robert ([37:40])

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Closing Thoughts

This episode of the Social Dallas Podcast serves as a profound exploration of the spiritual metaphor of mountains, urging listeners to seek deeper connections with God through faith, obedience, and personal surrender. By intertwining biblical narratives with personal anecdotes and engaging discussions, Pastor Robert and Taylor Madu effectively convey their message that "we were made for the mountain," inviting all to ascend spiritually and embrace their divine purpose.

Transcript

[A]

But before we get into our text.

[B]

For today, we have a word. We have a word for 20, 25. That word is planted. We believe that our flourishing is connected to being planted in the house of God. So to remind us every single time we gather, we read our verse of the year, Psalms 92, verses 13 through 15.

[A]

Come on, let's read it. With uplifted, caffeinated voices.

[B]

Y' all ready? Come on. One, two, three.

[A]

Those who are planted in the house.

[B]

Of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

[A]

They shall still bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing to declare that the Lord is upright. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. 8, 30. Y' all sound good.

[C]

They sound good, don't.

[A]

And then our text for today. To begin our series for today called.

[B]

Mountains Where Heaven Meets Earth, Realtors will tell you that there's something strategic when it comes to houses, and that is location, location, location. I think God is the same way. There are certain things that he does in places and spaces. And we're going to look at mountains, and so we're going to stay in the book of Psalms. I want to go to Psalms 1:21. I really only need verses 1 and 2. But this song is so delicious that we got to read all eight verses and look at what it says. The psalmist writes, I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Your God has insomnia. Can't sleep. Why are you stressing staying awake when that's God's job?

[A]

Okay, I know it's been a while.

[B]

Y' all gone. It's gonna take a while for you to get back with me. I know I've been gone. The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

[A]

Yeah, we can go home on that right there.

[B]

The psalmist again says, I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. I want to begin this series called Mountains and. And tagging a title to this text. I want to talk to you from this thought made for the mountain. Made for the mountain. Help me preach before I preach. And just look at whichever neighbor you want. You pick and just say, neighbor. Oh, neighbor, you are made for the mountain. Oh, that neighbor was a little stuck up. Find another neighbor. Find another neighbor. Come on, say other neighbors.

[A]

Believe me when I tell you you.

[B]

Were made for the mountain.

[A]

If you believe God's going to speak not just today, but this entire series, would you give him some praise today? I mean a real praise.

[B]

Come on, somebody.

[A]

Lord, have your way today.

[B]

Amen. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. Made for this, the mountain. I was looking on our YouTube channel, which, by the way, if you don't know, we have one. We do, like, share and subscribe. It's crazy.

[A]

The last sermon that I preached here.

[B]

At Social was on Father's Day, and it was on my birthday. I turned 41 this year. Social fam. And I'll take those claps. And to be honest, 41 hit different than 40. They said 40 is supposed to be the milestone year, but 41, it hit different than 40.

[A]

So different that I have officially curated.

[B]

My own I'm too grown for that list.

[A]

Anybody know what I'm talking about?

[B]

Some of y', all, you ain't grown, so you don't.

[A]

I have a I'm too grown for that list. And I won't bore you with the whole list. It's just. I'll just give you a few. For instance, I'm too grown to stay up past midnight.

[B]

I'm too grown for that.

[A]

I'm too grown for. Don't get me wrong. I can do it. I can do it. But the amount of naps I need the next day to recover is not worth it. So I'm too grown to stay up past midnight. Here's another one. I'm too grown. It's gonna make somebody mad. I'm too grown to help you move.

[B]

Too grown.

[A]

That is a young man's game. I'm too grown. You're a pastor.

[C]

Oh, no.

[A]

I'll come pray for the house. I'll come bless your apartment. But I'm not about to carry your couch. Okay, I'll carry my cross. I am not carrying your couch. I'm too grown for that. I'm too grown for that. I'm too grown. I'm too grown to go to a concert without seating.

[C]

No, no, no.

[A]

I ain't standing up for nobody for five hours. These are not standing room. Only knees. Okay, I need a seat. I need a seat. I'm too grown for that. I'm too grown. Ooh, this is blessing me. I'm too grown to argue with you in the comment section or in real life. I am too grown for that.

[C]

I'm not about to argue with you. Guess what?

[A]

You win. You win.

[C]

I will like your post and disagree with you. I'm just liking it cause you like.

[A]

It and you think it's true. I'm too grown to argue with you. And the one I just more recently became aware of while we were on break. And this is for somebody, y'.

[B]

All. I am too grown for roller coasters.

[A]

I just came to this conclusion. I'm too grown for roller coasters. Somebody asked me prpt how was the break in July? It almost broke me because we took our three little humans to California and we went to Universal Studios and we went to Disneyland, got fast passes at both parks and rode every single ride. And about that last ride, I just came to this conclusion. I am too grown for roller coasters. I just want to say this, and I want to look right in the camera and say this.

[B]

Roller coasters are not fun.

[A]

This is not. They are not. They are structurally engineered panic attacks, okay? With a height requirement. They are not fun. I don't like roller coasters. I don't like the loops. I despise the drops. And here's the. It's the setup for me on roller coaster. It's the setup because it's the click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click.

[C]

Climb, climb, climb, climb, climb, climb all.

[A]

The way to the top. And I can see on top of Mickey's head. And right when you got a good view over the park, then all of a sudden, sudden gravity just snatches your soul and you drop as your stomach goes up into your esophagus. I'm too grown for that. And I want it to be known. I don't like it. I hate it. I'm up there questioning my life. Did I pay my insurance premium? I don't like it. The climb is slow on roller coasters.

[B]

The drops are fast, the turns are sharp, the loops feel random until you.

[A]

Get off the roller coaster and you.

[B]

Realize they designed it to do that.

[A]

A roller coaster feels like chaos to.

[B]

The writer, but not to the architect. Every rise, every fall is intentional. Every turn is precisely placed, y'.

[A]

All, I did my due diligence.

[B]

I found out that 30,000 to 70,000 hours of engineering goes into one roller coaster. Ladies and gentlemen, if that much detail.

[A]

Goes into the design of a fleeting.

[B]

Thrill, how much more detail?

[A]

How much More careful, creative design went.

[B]

Into this world around us. God, who is the greatest engineer?

[A]

God, who is the omnipotent architect? God, who is the uncaused cause? God, who was before the beginning. God, who spoke the world into existence, but spoke out of the depth of his thoughts and everything he spoke had to come into existence. God carefully designed and engineered the entire world. The psalmist says, he's the maker of.

[B]

Heaven and of earth. He's the maker of you. He's the maker of me. So that means hear me. Every peak has a purpose. Every valley is strategic. He doesn't do anything by accident. He didn't make a mistake when he formed mountains, and he did not make a mistake when he formed you and me. Everything was created by careful design. So over the next several weeks, y', all, this just the appetizer today. I want us to go on. I want to go on a journey through the topography of scripture. And we're not going to look at valleys. We've done that. By the way. That's on our YouTube page, too. Like, share and subscribe. We're not going to look at rivers or seas. We're not going to look at the wilderness. We're not going to look at the terrain where life twists and turns, y'. All. We're going up. We're going up.

[A]

In fact, do me a favor, look.

[B]

At your neighbor one more time. Say, neighbor, it's about to go up. It's about to go up.

[A]

I don't know how you feel about heights. I don't know how you feel about heights, but over the next several weeks, we are about to mountain climb. So I want us to lace up.

[B]

Our boots, put on our backpack. It's time to climb. It's time. It's time to climb. Because I want us to look at moments on mountains in the Bible. Because, hear me, from Genesis to Revelations, we see moment after moment on the mountain, mountain after mountain. The mountain has always been the place where God wants to meet with his people, where God has always wanted a relationship with us. He's always been calling for humanity to come up higher and to commune with him. The mountain has always been the meeting place where heaven meets earth. Mountains are an invitation from God. It's a means for him drawing us to himself. Mountains are places where God encounters you and where you encounter God. Biblically, mountains were never just physical places. They were sacred. They were holy. Mountains were the place where God gave commandments, where he revealed identity, where he delivered vision and mission, where he tested loyalty, where he confronted the Enemy. Where he spoke truth to shape culture, where he walked with humanity in intimacy. It always happened on a mountain. There's so many Blue's Clues in your Bibles that God is trying to let you know that mountains matter. Over 550 times, mountains are mentioned in your Bible. That lets us know that every mountain has a message. And if the mountains are the place where God encounters humanity, can I tell you? You were made for the mountain. You were made for the mountain. You were made to connect with God.

[A]

He has always wanted relationship with us.

[B]

You were made for the mountain. And I see some of y' all looking at me in that tone of voice. She's like, well, pr. If I was made for the mountain, how come I feel like I'm in a valley right now? I feel like I'm in a valley of depression. I feel like I'm in a valley of betrayal. I feel like I'm in a valley of financial lack. How can I be made for the mountain? Cause I feel like I'm in a valley. Hear me.

[A]

You might be in, but that still does not negate the fact that you.

[B]

Were made for the mountain.

[A]

You can be in a valley, but you were not made for the valley. You were made for the mountain. Oh, to be sure. God can meet you in a valley. How many know? His presence knows no limit. His presence knows no bounds. God can meet you anywhere. He has jurisdiction to show up and.

[B]

To show out anywhere.

[A]

But I want you to understand, we were made for intimacy with him on the the mountain. We were not made for the valley.

[B]

Okay, Y' all don't believe me?

[A]

Let's play a little game.

[B]

All right? Y' all still awake? Let's play. Finish the song. Finish the song. Okay.

[A]

A psalm is a song.

[B]

Let's play. Finish the psalm. Okay. If I pause, you say the word. Y' all ready? Okay. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of oh, y' all know the Bible. I will no evil.

[A]

You just proved you were not made for the valley.

[B]

Because death, fear and evil, those are valley words. Those are not Eden words.

[A]

When God created humanity, there was no.

[B]

Death, there was no fear, there was no evil. The valley came after the fall.

[A]

In the beginning, we were made for the mountain.

[B]

And scripture actually tells. Tells us that Eden was not just a garden. It's gonna mess some of y' all up.

[A]

Cause you like me. When you thought of Eden, what did you think of?

[B]

You know, whole food market and all this amazing lush greenery.

[A]

And maybe you just saw it on.

[B]

A flat plain But, But.

[A]

But the Bible tells us, it gives us something in Ezekiel chapter 28.

[B]

And it lets us know that Eden was not just the garden. Eden was on a mountain in Ezekiel.

[A]

28, verses 13 and 14, and even in verse 16, it calls Eden the.

[B]

Holy mountain of God.

[A]

So when you see the Garden of.

[B]

Eden, don't just see a flat plain. I need you to see a mountain.

[A]

A garden on a mountain, and a God that connected with his creation on a mountain.

[B]

Some of y' all still don't believe me.

[A]

If you read Genesis chapter two, it says a river flowed out of Eden and split into four rivers.

[B]

Now, y' all smarter than me.

[A]

Unless you figured out how water flows uphill, how in the world can that happen unless Eden had to be elevated? The waters flow down from the place of God's presence. And that has always been God's flow. It has always been God's flow to.

[B]

Connect with humanity on a mountain.

[A]

And then humanity then takes that favor and takes that blessing and takes that connection and then allows it to flow into the earth and to be fruitful and multiply and have human flourishing. Anytime you see human flourishing, it's because humanity has connected with God. It has always been his vision to.

[B]

Connect with us on a mountain.

[A]

And that's why the enemy has always.

[B]

Been after your mountain time.

[A]

Have you noticed anytime you get ready to get into the presence of God, that's when all hell comes against you. When you get ready, go to the club. Your car will start. When you get ready to do something you ain't supposed to do, it is an easy ride. It's not until you say, I guess I'm gonna go to God Gillies today that everything starts going crazy. Now your ex want to text you back. Everything goes crazy whenever you start making this decision to say, I'm going to pursue God's presence, I'm going to start climbing back up the mountain. Because your soul knows I was not created to live down here. There's a God that has always been calling me up here.

[C]

Come higher.

[A]

Get this perspective. You've been living too low.

[C]

Come up higher to where my presence is, is I'm telling you, we were made for the mountain.

[A]

And anytime a believer makes up in their mind to start climbing up towards the presence of God to meet him in the mountain, that's when the enemy is going to attack. That's why Satan showed up in the garden, because he knew there was a.

[B]

Connection on the mountain.

[A]

So when sin entered the world, Adam.

[B]

And Eve were driven from Eden's mountain. Because the serpent deceived them. And yet, all throughout Scripture, God keeps calling people back up to the mountain, saying, come to my presence, y'. All. Even after humanity began to grow and multiply and so did their wickedness, the Bible says that every intent of humanity and their thoughts were evil. Finally, God says, enough is enough. You do know there's a time when God goes, enough is enough. I know some of y' all don't like that. You're like, no, it's just grace all the time. And I can keep living in sin. And he doesn't know. There comes a time where God says, okay, enough is enough. And humanity got to that place where God said, okay, I'm about to start over. Enough is enough. I am going to destroy man. That is in your Bible and my exegetical imagination. It's like God had a little extra, and the earth was the Etch A Sketch. And because we marred his original intention and his vision, he's like, y'. All. Y' all messed this up too much. I'm just gonna have to, you know, okay, Etch A Sketch.

[A]

Google it.

[B]

After service, he just. He said, I'm gonna have to shake.

[A]

This thing up and start all over. And he shook things up with a flood. But I love God because he's just. He is holy, but he does have grace. So even in the midst of a culture that was pervasive with evil, the Bible says something that blessed my soul. It says that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Everything around him was evil. God said, I'm going to destroy it all. But there was one man named Noah that found grace in the eyes of the Lord. And watch this. He said, noah, I'm about to make it rain. I'm going to flood this earth. We starting all over. But here's what I need you to do. I need you to build an ark. And here is Noah.

[B]

Never see.

[A]

Seen a flood, never seen a rain. But obeying by faith and building as God gave him the blueprint and the instructions, everybody shouts about Noah's ark. I don't shout about the ark. I shout about Noah's architect. Because God was the architect. Noah didn't want to build that big old Titanic. God told him to. To save his life. And because he obeyed what God told him to, here is Noah creating something from the word of God. Some of you in that season, right now, you're just obeying, obeying what God told you to do. And it doesn't even make sense. Right now. But later, when the water starts flooding and it starts coming in, it's going to go, oh, now I understand why I had to be obedient. Now I understand why I had to build this thing. And here is Noah building an ark.

[B]

And God is starting over. And notice what happens.

[A]

You've been to Sunday school.

[B]

You saw the flannel graph. The animals who start coming to Noah.

[A]

That blesses my life because he's got to get two of every kind. And how in the world do you get two of every kind of animal?

[C]

Can you imagine how I can't get.

[A]

My two dogs to come in the house? How is Noah going to do this? But if you read in the Genesis.

[B]

Account, the animals came to him.

[A]

He just had to build the ark.

[B]

The animals came to him. Here he is putting the last wood on the ark. And here come these animals walking two by two. In my mind, they in a straight.

[A]

Line, just coming straight towards him. He didn't have to go, no, they just started coming. Because even creation is incarcerated to the call of God. Animals are hardwired to know his voice. And when God said come, those animals started coming. What was God doing? Oh, I've seen this before. The same God that made the animals come to Adam and Adam had to name those animals is the same God that made the animals come to the ark. Because God said, I'm starting over again and I'm protecting you. So here is the ark, floating on the flooded waters. Everybody else is destroyed, but the one that found grace is inside the ark with the animals. It was an ark, but it was really a floating Eden. It was God saying, I'm trying to start this thing over again. I'm trying to have grace. I'm trying to have a new creation because I want to connect with humanity. And after 40 days and 40 nights.

[C]

Of all the places that the ark.

[A]

Could have landed on, it did not.

[C]

Land on a beach shore. It did not land in a valley.

[B]

The ark landed on a mountain.

[A]

I feel like preaching in here today.

[B]

Mountain.

[A]

Genesis 8, 3, 4 says, at the.

[B]

End of the 150 days, the water had gone down. And on the 17th day of the.

[A]

17Th month, the ark came to rest.

[B]

On the mountains of Ararat. It landed on a mountain. Why? Because we were made for the mountain. And so God goes, I'm going to start over. Tells Noah what he told Adam and Eve. Be fruitful and multiply. Makes a covenant with him, says, I'm blessing you. I'm starting over. And once you think we finally got a human that's gonna stay on the mountain and stay connected to God. The first one jacked it up cause he ate the fruit. Maybe Noah can get it right and this fool plants a vineyard and up there with his glass and just gets drunk. And once again, humanity cannot stay on the mountain. If I were God, I would have been through. Oh, right there, yeah. No, I would have said, I already started over. I'm too God for this. I am not doing this again. But God, who is rich in grace and mercy, doesn't stop with Noah. He calls a man named Abraham and his wife Sarah. Look at the orders that Abraham gets.

[A]

Leave your country, your family and your household and watch this. Go to a land I will show you. Go to a place I will show you.

[B]

I'm going to bless you.

[A]

I'm going to multiply you. But I want you to show my people how to walk by faith.

[B]

So go to a land I. I will show you.

[A]

This is the call of Abraham. Can you see Abraham and Sarah getting.

[B]

On Google Maps, putting their current location, er, destination? He'll show us. Here they are walking by faith. And as they walk by faith, they get more instructions. Who is this for today? If you'll keep walking, you'll get more instructions.

[A]

Some of you are waiting for God to move his lips, but you won't move your life. If you'll do the last thing he.

[B]

Said, you'll get more instructions for the next thing. Here they are walking and they get a promise from God. You are going to be the father of many nations. I'm going to bless you. I know you're not fertile now, but watch this.

[A]

I am going to make you the.

[B]

Father of many nations. And Abraham's like, yes. And Sarah's like, can't wait. But they waited. They waited. They waited till they couldn't wait anymore. He waited to the point that Sarah suggested something that I don't know how any woman in her right mind could ever suggest.

[A]

She said, maybe we need to help.

[B]

The promise of God come to pass. You go sleep with the nanny, Hagar, and we'll help the promise of God come to pass. And they give birth to a son. His name is Ishmael. And before you judge them, don't act like you have never tried to force the plan of God to happen in your own strength.

[A]

Don't act like you ain't ever giving birth to an issue. I wonder if they called him ish. Yeah, cuz you got some ish in your life that you're like, oh, that wasn't the spirit. That Was my flesh right there.

[B]

That was my flesh. And God had to show them that.

[A]

When I give you a promise, I'm.

[B]

Gonna keep it 100, it will come to pass. And he kept it 100, because at 100.

[A]

I've been gone for a while.

[B]

Y' all know they give birth to the promised child, Isaac. And they realize that when God gives you a promise, it will come to pass. But what happens with Isaac? The same God that gives him the promised child now says, take this, your son to a Verily, to a beachfront, up to a Mountain. Genesis 22:2. Then God said, take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the region of Moriah, sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain. I will show you. Here you go with that. I'll show you again. And this text in particular causes a lot of angst for many of us. I know some people who won't even come to faith because of this story right here. How in the world could a God ask a father to sacrifice his son? But that is a valley perspective. Often we read the text and we don't know the context of the text. But you must understand, in Canaanite culture, in it was not strange for many people in that society where they worshiped several gods.

[A]

Many of the gods in the Canaanite.

[B]

Culture, they thought that the gods would want them to sacrifice their children to appease those gods. This was not a new idea. I know it sounds crazy to us, but understand, this was not a crazy idea to Abraham. They were already aware of child sacrifice.

[A]

In that culture because many people, too felt false gods, little G would sacrifice their children in that culture, maybe to be fertile or maybe to get blessing.

[B]

So this was not a new idea.

[A]

That God was bringing to Abraham. Now, Abraham obeyed and goes up the mountain. And here is the power of a mountain perspective. Here is Abraham obeying the last order that God gave him. And right as he's about to sacrifice his son, something that other people in that culture had done to other gods. Abraham, who is serving the true God, calls his name and says, abraham, wait. Don't do it. And he stops. See, we give Abraham too much credit. Yes, he obeyed. But here's the real power of the text. The power of the text is that in a culture where every other God, little G, was allowing their children to be sacrificed. God says, I don't work like that. I don't want you to sacrifice your child. I have something substitution. Abraham, look over there. There's a ram in the thicket. It's not me telling you to sacrifice your child. I have substitution for you. This is a preview of a coming attraction of a God who's letting us know that if you get a mountain perspective, I'm gonna send my child to die for you. But I'm not gonna make you kill yours.

[C]

Cause that's how much I love you.

[A]

That's a good place for somebody to give God some praise right there.

[C]

Because our God is the true and living God, different from every other God. God was showing out on that mountain.

[A]

Saying, abraham, I'm not like those other gods.

[B]

Stop. There's another sacrifice. And he takes the ram and sacrifices it. And it happened on a mountain. I say that to tell you there are some things in the valley that look like betrayal. But on the mountain, it looks like God's purpose. There are some things in the valley that you will say, God, how in the world could you let that happen? But when you get on the mountain, you'll say, God, thank you that they happened. Thank you that they left.

[A]

Thank you that they walked away. I wouldn't have the prayer life I have now. I wouldn't have the faith I have now.

[B]

Now. And some of us are mad at.

[A]

God because we've never come up on.

[B]

The mountain to get his perspective. It looks evil on the valley. You're asking me to sacrifice my son. It looks merciful on the mountain. Because God is saying, I have another sacrifice. And it always happens in the mountain. What am I saying to you? We were made for the mountain. You were made for relationship and intimacy with God. And God has always wanted to meet with us. God honors his promise to Abraham. They become a mighty nation. The song was right. Father Abraham had many sons. Many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them. So are you. Let's just praise, okay? Never mind. God honors his promise to Abraham. And then we see that God still desires to meet with humanity on a mountain. What started with Abraham has become a mighty nation. And initially, God calls not just a man up the mountain. He calls a nation up the mountain to connect with him. Exodus 19. God says to Moses, go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day. Because on that day, the Lord will come down Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. God is giving an invitation to a nation to connect with him. Your God wants to connect with you. But look at the people's reply in Exodus 20. When the people saw the thunder and the lightning, they trembled with fear. They stayed at A distance and said to Moses, speak to us yourself and we will listen, but do not have God speak to us or we will die. They were afraid of the mountain and rejected the invitation of intimacy and settled for secondhand revelation when God wanted to connect with them. Do you know how many people today settle for second hand information? I'm all for listening to good preachers, Listen to them all day. I'm all for podcasts. I'm all for you listening to your favorite expositor break down the Word the way you like it. But do you know that the same God that speaks to them is the same God that wants to speak with you? Can you get on a mountain with him and connect with God?

[A]

And I'm afraid we have a generation that's just like that mountain that says, no, I'd rather get it secondhand for somebody else because I'm too afraid to.

[B]

Do the work, to climb up to.

[A]

The mountain mountain and see what God has for me. So I'd rather go stand in the line and get a prophetic word from somebody else. I'm not knocking prophecy, but I'm just trying to tell you that God wants to connect with you. He wants to speak with you. That's the power of reading the Word of God. It is different than any other book. That's the only book that when you read it, the author is in the room with you. And God says, if you'll just get up the mountain and meet with me, I have a revelation that I want to give you to you, but that revelation has to come with separation that.

[C]

Says, I'll climb over whatever I gotta climb over to get to a God that wants to speak to me. And that's the power of this.

[A]

21 days of prayer and fasting. You watch as you shut off Instagram and you turn over your plate, what God begins to reveal to you.

[C]

And you're gonna say, God, how in.

[A]

The world am I getting all this information? God said, I've been having it for you. You just had too much noise in your life. I've been calling you up the mountain. I've been drawing you to me.

[B]

People said, no, I want to stay at a distance. And so many of us settle for secondhand revelation when God wants to meet with you. They were scared of the lightning and the thunder and the smoke. So they said, we got to stay away from the mountain and look. Look at what God does. Worship team, you can join me. Look at what God does. The same God that revealed himself on a mountain with lightning and thunder and smoke. The same God that caused the earth to shake and cause their knees to shake too. And they said this God is too powerful and too great for us to connect with him. Maybe we just need Moses. The same God that is big and great and holy. Watch this. Comes down through 42 generations and wraps himself in the womb of a virgin named Mary and puts on human skin and puts on flesh. Why? Because that's how committed he is to connecting with you. That's how much he loves you. The same God that they stood at a distance and said, no, we can't come close to him. Allowed him to. To be born in a manger. And we beheld the wonder of his glory. The only begotten of the Father who is full of grace and truth. This is how committed God is to connecting with you.

[A]

That he would leave the lofty pinnacle.

[B]

Of heaven and come down to earth.

[A]

You can never say that God doesn't feel you. You can never say that God didn't understand what you're going through because he can't. Came from heaven to earth.

[B]

And the God of the mountain is the God that was a baby in the manger. Lived a sinless life. Was pointed out by John the Baptist in the Jordan. Behold the Lamb of God that comes to take away the sin of the world. And the enemy, the same serpent that tried to destroy intimacy on the mountain with Adam and Eve is the same serpent who shows up again to tempt God to stop him from redeeming humanity. And look at what he does on the mountain in Matthew chapter four. This is the final temptation.

[A]

Again, the devil took him to a.

[B]

Very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. All this I will give you, he said, if you will bow down and worship me. And Jesus said to him, away from me, Satan. For it is written, worship the Lord your God and serve him only.

[A]

I like that. Because you understand that when Jesus told the enemy away from you, when Jesus passed the test of that temptation, how many know that wasn't just for him.

[B]

That was for me.

[A]

And that was for you. That's why I can have power to resist the enemy today. Because the perfect one, who lived a sin, sinless life and live the life that I was supposed to live, rejected the enemy on a mountain. And notice what the final attack was after? It was after worship. He said, come on, I got you on this mountain now. Just worship me. And that's when he said, no, back up, Satan. You cannot have my worship. And I feel like there's somebody in here that needs to get some of that on the inside of you. And says, satan, you cannot have my worship. I might be in a low place right now, but I lift up my.

[C]

Eyes to the mountain. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord. The same God who can pull me.

[A]

Out of the valley is the God.

[C]

Who wants to connect with me on the mountain. Somebody needs to say, whatever I gotta do, I will climb up the mountain to connect with God. I want to thank him for enduring the temptation and resisting it and then going to a mountain of Transfiguration and showed him Peter, James and John. This is the glory that's on the inside of me. I am the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. I want to thank him for the fight on the Mount of Temptation and for revealing his glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. Hold up. I want to thank him for the Mount of Olives, where he said, father, not my will, but your will be done. And said, if it takes me going to the cross, I'll go to the cross. You know why I lift up my eyes to the mountain? You know why I have help? Oh, it's not because of the Mount of Evil Eden. It's not because of the Mount of Arat. It's not because of the Mount of Moriah. It's not because of Mount Sinai. It wasn't a sermon on the Mount that redeemed me. It wasn't the sermon on the Mount that defeated death. It wasn't the Mount of Temptation or transfiguration. You know what it was? It was that mountain on Calvary where he was lifted up and they hung up high and they stretched him wide. That's why I lift up my eyes to the hills. Cause had he not died on that mountain between two thieves, I would still be stuck in my sin. I would still be defeated by death. But thanks be unto God that he bled and he died. Lift up your eyes to the mountain. That's where your help comes from. I'm telling you, our only hope, our.

[A]

Only help my is because the same God that created humanity and wanted to commune with them on Mount Eden is the same God that even after the enemy thought he won, said, I'll come down through 42 generations, I'll put on human skin and I'll die on a mountain so that anytime my children need help, they'll know where to lift up.

[B]

Their eyes to the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

[A]

He will not sleep.

[B]

He will not slumber.

[A]

Some of you been Losing sleep.

[B]

Why, when God is wide awake watching over you, his careful hand guarding you, protecting you. Some of you about to pass out because you stumbled, you didn't fall. He will not allow thy foot to be moved. He'll keep watch over you. The sun won't strike you by day, nor the moon by night. He'll be a shade on your right hand that blessed me this week. I said, God, why don't you just be a shade? Why does it have to be my right hand? I'll take the shade because it's hot out here. I'll take the protection. And then I found out that whenever you're in a battle, your shield was always in your left hand and your sword was in your right. And so when you're fighting, you always had an area of weakness on your right side. But God says, when you're in the battle, I'm gonna cover your right side. I'm a shade on your right hand. Some of you are like, man, I can't. You can't fight anymore. Can you look up to the mountains to a God who is a present. Help. Throughout this series, I want us to climb. This is just a setup, but week by week, we're going to look at mountain moments throughout scripture where heaven met earth and God met with his people. Over this 21 days of prayer and fasting. It is going to be mountain moments. I'm telling you, it's gonna be mountain moments. And watch this. The mountain moment is never just for you. It's always for somebody else. I'm gonna ask everybody that can to stand. I'm gonna ask. Heads be bowed and eyes be closed. Hear me today. You might be in a valley, but you were not made for the valley. You were made for the mountain. So many of us are trying to build towers on success, on influence and money, and it's just like the Tower of Babel. It's only a matter of time before it falls. Because you cannot get to God without God. You need him. You aren't made for the valley. You are made for intimacy and connection with him. And some of you are going to end up in relationship after relationship, drinking bottle after bottle, chasing high after high, trying to get something that you cannot get in the natural. It comes on the mountain with him. So with heads bowed and eyes closed, today I want to call somebody up. Our Savior's already made a way. He died on the mountain. You don't have to get yourself together. He lived a sinless life. If you're here today and you say, hey, P.R. i've never surrendered my life to this Savior who's always wanted to meet with me and connect with me, have relationship with me. If that's you, and you've never surrendered your life to Jesus, I want to give you that opportunity today. You are made for intimacy with him on the mountain. If that's you, would you just lift up your hand high enough and long enough to where I could see it today, saying, I need to give him my life. Yeah, I see that hand. I see that hand. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. Thank you. I see that hand. This is a savior that would do anything to connect with you. He loves you so much. Anybody else? Thank you, Lord. See those hands? I want us to pray this prayer. We're all going to say it as one family, but especially those of you who lifted up your hand. Would you say this? Would you say, jesus, I need you, Lord, I know I was made for the mountain. I was made to be with you. So, Jesus, today I confess with my mouth. I believe in my heart that you are the son of God. You lived the life that I was supposed to live. You died the death I was supposed to die. You took my place. So my response is to surrender. Forgive me of my sin. Make me brand new. From this moment, I'm walking with you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen.

[A]

If you meant what you prayed, would you give God praise today?

[B]

Come on, you can do better than that.

[A]

Would you give Jesus some praise today?