The Mountain Audio

As Jesus died, an mysterious event happened to herald something completely new in the world. Explanation here...

Our Verse: Matt 27:51 At that moment, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened.

Imagine the scene- The priests in Jerusalem hurry into the heart of the Temple. All is quiet, lots of gold and beautiful furnishings. And in the middle of it all, at the center, the rich colorful curtain protecting the Holy of Holies is torn right down the middle- top to bottom!

Some amazing events are recorded in the Bible. One of them is an eerie result immediately after the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The temple in Jerusalem had a special inner room known as the Holy of Holies. Only one man, the high priest, was allowed in this part of the temple. He entered the area once a year to provide a blood sacrifice for the people.
One tradition says he entered this room with a rope around his ankle. The reason for this- if he was not right with God, he could be struck dead by the holiness of God and would need to be dragged out.

The critical fact is- this room was truly holy, a sacred place not open to regular people. As Jesus hung on the cross, not far from this holy room, He was about to open the way for all of us to go into the presence of God. At the moment he died, the curtain protecting the holy room was torn. It was ripped top to bottom. This was God opening the way to Himself, His holy presence. No longer would His presence only be available to a select few. Everyone now can come into God's presence through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Heaven's door is now open to every single person!

Our Verse: Eccl. 1:14 King Solomon said, “I observed everything under the sun, and really, it is all vanity—like chasing the wind. “

A famous king, Solomon, called life Vanity. We could translate that as meaningless! We set out to do great things from a young age. We are full of aspirations as we look to a prosperous future and a happy life. We work hard for our family, building a life and possessions. But all around us people are dying, many of them people we love, and deep down, we know our time will come, when we breathe our last. We all want to live on forever, but ultimately we face the door called death. King Solomon realized that when he died, he would leave all he had made, his stuff and his accomplishments, to someone else, not knowing what would happen to those things in the future.

The fact is all systems in the world are constantly winding down, including us! We all face human entropy, loss of energy. Some tell us things are getting better and better, but every single person faces the inevitable, when the last breath goes out.

So how can we prepare for the last moment in a meaningless world? King Solomon gives us wise advice in his talk called Ecclesiastes. It's just after the Psalms in the Old Testament. Remember he is called the wisest man who ever lived and here is what he said, “Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is duty of every person.”

It's really good advice. When you follow God and obey his commands you will find that life is not meaningless, but full of meaning- both this life and the one to come. Catch the “Ripped Curtain Phenomenon” episode to learn about a safe door to eternal life! We hope these discussions make you strong and clear-eyed for the adventures of life!

Our Verse: 2 Tim 2:25 That God would grant them repentance. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

God uses supernatural mechanisms to help us. One of these is repentance or turning around. Its weird and scary for some of us, but hang in there.

Repentance, what we can call “turning around”, is the ability to change mind and heart toward God. It changes how you look at everything- God, people and your whole world. And... this is something for everyone!

Turning around means changing direction. You are headed one way, you stop, pivot to face the opposite direction, and begin moving that way. You might call it a “total 180”.
Some will say, Hey, Selfish actually feels pretty good. Why change?

God warns us that eternity is ahead. With the last breath, every human will give an account to God. The life of selfishness and God rejection will have a tragic end. The life of turning and serving God will lead to more life than you can imagine. The Why of turning is about how you live now and in eternity.

So, how do people “turn around”, what you call repent? Is it up to me or What??

Actually, God tells us! He says, “The goodness of God leads you to repentance!”
It doesn't depend on us, it depends on Him! He leads us through people, circumstances and sometimes He speaks. He leads us to Himself.

When we realize this, we begin to turn. In that moment, His power takes over! We just begin to turn, with little strength and God Himself steps in and His kindness leads us to repentance.

It's Gods love for you, His Kindness! It may have already happened to you or... it is about to happen.

Next time- Powerful King does 180!!

Our verse Acts 11:26 “...in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians.”

A concept here on the Mountain is this- Words are important, and really have a meaning. This is true of one of the most important words you will ever hear- Christian.

Youve probably heard it used as an adjective- “That's not very christian...”, but the Bible word Christian is not an adjective. It means little Christ, or a human copy of Christ. It is a noun meaning a human with an actual relationship with Jesus. Those people in Antioch began to act like Jesus, doing the things He did and saying what He said. They were human versions of Jesus Christ. Just using the name Christian is not proof that one actually is.

Some use the name Christian, then act badly. These people are fake! They don't have new life from Jesus, that actual relationship. It's tempting to blame God for these people, but more accurate to blame them!

There are 2 ways a person really is a Christian: The eternal way and the earthly way.

Here's the eternal way- authentic Jesus followers possess a unique life force different from physical life. The Bible calls this “born of the Spirit”. (John 3) We cannot detect this eternal life force, God alone sees the inside- the heart.

Now... the earthly way to spot a real Christian- True Jesus followers become new people. The way they talk and act demonstrate they are real Christians. When you watch them, they are doing good and giving God the credit. That is a Christian!

Jesus said, “...by their fruits you shall know them.” (Matt 7:16) By “fruits”Jesus means their deeds, what they produce, how they live and treat others. If the “fruit” is good, that person demonstrating love, honesty, kindness and truth, its likely you are watching a real Christian!

Our Verse: Acts 2:44 “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.”

First let's determine what a church is. Most of us think of that fancy building with a cross on the top. The building isn't the church! It's simply the place where the church gathers!
In the Bible, church means a group of people who believe that Jesus is the Christ, Savior and coming King. They also believe God is alive and true and the Bible is His message to us.
The Church in the largest sense is composed of all people who believe these things worldwide. A local church is a smaller subset of this worldwide group of people.

A definition: A church is a group of people who meet together to honor God and help others.

So how do I find the right people to be a church with?

The very first church mentioned in Acts didn't have a building but met publicly and in homes. Here are some things they did:
They followed the teachings of the apostles, the things Jesus taught them.
They were together, sometimes at one house, sometimes at another.
They were happy and thanked God for everything.
They ate together and prayed together and they helped each other when there was a need.

A local church of Jesus followers should do these things. Here's a test to help you find your church:
Take time to get to know a group, maybe visit 4 or 5 times. That way you will get a better feel of how this group does these things.

Some questions to have on your mind and maybe ask:

Do the leader or leaders read and teach from the Bible?
Is Jesus held high with respect and honor?
Is personal faith in Jesus taught as the only means to get to heaven?
Are God and His Kingdom first in everything done?

Finally, the most important thing is God's leading. Ask Him to help you find your church, a place to serve others and receive many good things.
Church is a home for us, a place of safety and belonging. You can have a new family with your brothers and sisters in Christ!

What happens when I die? That's the question on everyone's mind! Here's dependable information so you can know for sure!

Our verse- Hebrews 9:27 It is appointed for men once to die, but after this the judgement.

Physical death is not the end, just the end of life on earth. Every person enters a new realm when they die- Eternity!

There are two distinct groups of people in history-
Those who lived before 33 AD, and those who lived after.

The first group waited for Jesus to rise from the dead.
In Luke 16, He tells the story of 2 men, a poor beggar and a rich man. “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with poor Lazarus at his side. He cried, “Father Abraham, send Lazarus! I am tormented in this flame.” Both men were alive with feelings and memories. They waited for the resurrection.

You and I are in the second group- Jesus came out of His tomb and opened Heaven's door. He “tasted death for everyone” Heb 2:9 and “destroyed him who had the power of death, the devil.” Heb 2:14
And here's the great news! Jesus promised the thief dying beside him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. Mt 23:43

Jesus took Lazarus and the thief straight to Heaven! Eph 4:8 And that identical experience can be ours!

Paul the Apostle says- We are confident, yes, and well pleased to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord! 2 Cor 5:8

You can be present with the Lord... if you are in Christ- Ask Him like this:

Lord Jesus, I believe you died for me and rose again. Forgive my sins, be my Savior and Lord! In Jesus name, Amen.

What happens when I die? That's the question on everyone's mind! Here's dependable information so you can know for sure!

Our verse- Hebrews 9:27 It is appointed for men once to die, but after this the judgement.

Physical death is not the end, just the end of life on earth. Every person enters a new realm when they die- Eternity!

There are two distinct groups of people in history-
Those who lived before 33 AD, and those who lived after.

The first group waited for Jesus to rise from the dead.
In Luke 16, He tells the story of 2 men, a poor beggar and a rich man. “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with poor Lazarus at his side. He cried, “Father Abraham, send Lazarus! I am tormented in this flame.” Both men were alive with feelings and memories. They waited for the resurrection.

You and I are in the second group- Jesus came out of His tomb and opened Heaven's door. He “tasted death for everyone” Heb 2:9 and “destroyed him who had the power of death, the devil.” Heb 2:14
And here's the great news! Jesus promised the thief dying beside him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. Mt 23:43

Jesus took Lazarus and the thief straight to Heaven! Eph 4:8 And that identical experience can be ours!

Paul the Apostle says- We are confident, yes, and well pleased to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord! 2 Cor 5:8

You can be present with the Lord... if you are in Christ- Ask Him like this:

Lord Jesus, I believe you died for me and rose again. Forgive my sins, be my Savior and Lord! In Jesus name, Amen.

Our Verse: Acts 2:44 “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.”

First let's determine what a church is. Most of us think of that fancy building with a cross on the top. The building isn't the church! It's simply the place where the church gathers!
In the Bible, church means a group of people who believe that Jesus is the Christ, Savior and coming King. They also believe God is alive and true and the Bible is His message to us.
The Church in the largest sense is composed of all people who believe these things worldwide. A local church is a smaller subset of this worldwide group of people.

A definition: A church is a group of people who meet together to honor God and help others.

So how do I find the right people to be a church with?

The very first church mentioned in Acts didn't have a building but met publicly and in homes. Here are some things they did:
They followed the teachings of the apostles, the things Jesus taught them.
They were together, sometimes at one house, sometimes at another.
They were happy and thanked God for everything.
They ate together and prayed together and they helped each other when there was a need.

A local church of Jesus followers should do these things. Here's a test to help you find your church:
Take time to get to know a group, maybe visit 4 or 5 times. That way you will get a better feel of how this group does these things.

Some questions to have on your mind and maybe ask:

Do the leader or leaders read and teach from the Bible?
Is Jesus held high with respect and honor?
Is personal faith in Jesus taught as the only means to get to heaven?
Are God and His Kingdom first in everything done?

Finally, the most important thing is God's leading. Ask Him to help you find your church, a place to serve others and receive many good things.
Church is a home for us, a place of safety and belonging. You can have a new family with your brothers and sisters in Christ!

Our verse Acts 11:26 “...in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians.”

A concept here on the Mountain is this- Words are important, and really have a meaning. This is true of one of the most important words you will ever hear- Christian.

Youve probably heard it used as an adjective- “That's not very christian...”, but the Bible word Christian is not an adjective. It means little Christ, or a human copy of Christ. It is a noun meaning a human with an actual relationship with Jesus. Those people in Antioch began to act like Jesus, doing the things He did and saying what He said. They were human versions of Jesus Christ. Just using the name Christian is not proof that one actually is.

Some use the name Christian, then act badly. These people are fake! They don't have new life from Jesus, that actual relationship. It's tempting to blame God for these people, but more accurate to blame them!

There are 2 ways a person really is a Christian: The eternal way and the earthly way.

Here's the eternal way- authentic Jesus followers possess a unique life force different from physical life. The Bible calls this “born of the Spirit”. (John 3) We cannot detect this eternal life force, God alone sees the inside- the heart.

Now... the earthly way to spot a real Christian- True Jesus followers become new people. The way they talk and act demonstrate they are real Christians. When you watch them, they are doing good and giving God the credit. That is a Christian!

Jesus said, “...by their fruits you shall know them.” (Matt 7:16) By “fruits”Jesus means their deeds, what they produce, how they live and treat others. If the “fruit” is good, that person demonstrating love, honesty, kindness and truth, its likely you are watching a real Christian!