The Mountain Audio

Our Verse: Psa 37:7 “Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for Him to act.”

Here is a staggering proposition...You can leave your permanent mark on the Earth, actually change the world. Wow!

In the next few episodes, we get down to the hard facts of how you can do great things. There's a little word here at the Mountain, one of our favorites, the word, “yet”. It's very important if you plan to change the world.

“Yet” is God's training tool to make great people. It's a ego limiter and a caution signal. In your head or your circumstances, God will say, “Not yet, wait..”
Almost every world changer has great times of waiting before great times of serving. Read examples below.

Jesus explained it like this, “He that is faithful in least, will also be faithful in much.” Being faithful with little things takes time!
It stresses our patience, but those little things, they are your passage to greatness.

You will learn many things: Patience, awareness, your personal limitations, things you can change, and things you can't.

Humility is a great outcome of waiting and doing small things. Do your small tasks with excellence, and the great tasks will come!

Doors before you may be closed. Be willing to wait. It's likely God is saying “not yet.” Be the very best you can be at whatever task is now before you, and your time will come!

When that right time comes, God will launch you into the great works he has planned for you! You can change the world and do greater works than Jesus did himself while on the planet. Read His promise in John 14:12. (Included below). People are desperate, suffering terribly. Through Jesus' power, you can bring hope and better lives to many, maybe millions!

John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Examples of waiting: Acts 7:30- Moses, Genesis 41:1- Joseph, Galatians 1:18 & 2:1- Paul.

Romans 15:5 “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”

Psa 27:14 “Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Our Verse: “...anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works...” John 14:12

In this series, we are discussing the incredible possibility that you, one human, can change the world. You are listening to this because God is calling you to change the world. Buckle up! Ears and heart open to God's adventures for you!

We learned earlier that world changers do two things: they change people inside, their minds, their thoughts, or they change the physical world around them. And best of all, world changers can do both- change people and improve the world.
Could this be you? Jesus said we could do “even greater works” than Him, and said later, “Ask for Anything!” That is an amazing promise! John 14:13

Let's consider one human who did both these things, RG LeTourneau. Born in 1888, he was a restless young man. He did many things- farmer, logger, iron worker, welder, designer. His life work became engineering and the invention of machinery.

At a young age, he became a Christian, a Jesus follower. He made many mistakes, was often prideful, but he continued to grow, spiritually and professionally. Eventually, he designed and built gigantic machines. These machines changed the world. In many countries, Bob's machines built the roads and dams we use today.

He started an engineering school, LeTourneau University. Thousands of people have built careers in engineering and affected the world for good.
Mr. LeTourneau helped people around the world, always stating that God was his boss.

Could you be like Bob LeTourneau in the 21st Century? For 2025? For 2085? Yes... Absolutely, Yes!

Ask God for strength- both spiritual and intellectual, to leave your mark on the planet. He will be your strength!

More about World Changer Bob and LeTourneau University:
He was a inventor/designer in the field of earth moving. He started his work life as an iron foundry laborer. In his time, dirt was moved by men and horses. It was slow and backbreaking work, often debilitating, sometimes fatal. RG thought there must be a better way, so he decided to invent equipment that would mechanize the process. He invented the first mechanical road grader. That led to the first mechanical earth moving machine. About this time, World War II began. He was tasked with others, including Henry Kaiser, to build equipment for the war effort. He produced an amazing 50%+ of the earth moving machines for the war effort world wide, literally millions of dollars worth of equipment. He continued his work after the war, converting an A-26 surplus bomber to civilian use to increase his travel ability, even across oceans. He left a great spiritual and social legacy, building special communities and orphanages in Africa and the Far East.

In 1946, he established LeTourneau Technical Institute in Longview, Texas. There are 5 schools in various disciplines with one of the best engineering schools available.

In 1989 LeTourneau Tech became LeTourneau University, a SACSCOC and ABET accredited, nondenominational Christian university, offering four-year and two-year degree programs in engineering, technology, the liberal arts, business, aeronautical science, education, and the sciences, plus master's degree programs in business and education. 

The school's Yellow Ribbon Program is available to “any veteran who honorably served on active duty for at least 3 years since September 11, 2001.”
Details- http://www.letu.edu/opencms/opencms/_Academics/

Our Verse: Psalm 23:4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

Let's restate our premise for this series. If we do the right things, we can change the world. Put another way, we can make it better for everyone. Being a world changer requires that you face what the Bible calls “the darkest valley”. This is a vital and required part of your life story.

Your adventures will include dark places. God says the whole world is dark without Christ. It's where all the sinners live. Its where we came from, and it's where we need to go. World changers can have great adventures, but it also means great difficulties, dark valleys. These difficulties are of two kinds:

The first difficulty is facing hardship to become tough and durable as God's servant; it's His training. We gain strength and experience to help our fallen world.

The second difficulty we will face is the opposition of the world. Jesus said, “I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:19 Both our training and the world's opposition can make our path difficult, steep, dark. The more you train through life's difficulties, the stronger you will be.

Our brother Peter understood this: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” 1Peter 4:12

So how do we deal with these “darkest valleys” of life? A few tips:
1. Stay close to your brothers and sisters.You will find strength and common purpose through your friends in Christ. God sends people to help you.
2. Read your Bible every day. Consolation and confidence shine on every page in Scripture. If you need help, ask your brothers and sisters where to read. If you have neglected your reading, get with it! Check this series for some guidance. http://bit.ly/YouStudyWord
3. Finally, realize that God is watching over you. He really is our good shepherd! He will train you and protect you so you can be a world changer!

Dark Valleys navigational aid:
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

Our Verse: Matt 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop”

So, what is a world changer?
Heres our definition:
A human who brings long-term change to the world, emotionally or physically. Said differently, that's a person who changes many people on the inside or alters the physical world- science, politics, daily life- for good.
Let's drill down a bit:
First, the emotional realm is the inside of people. Everything that happens in life, all of it, comes from inside people, their hearts their minds. What people think determines how the world goes and this thinking can be changed!
Second, the physical realm– Some people are called to improve society and the world around us. Usually this is through public work in science and social interaction. This work fixes or improves our planet.
God is likely calling you to help your world in one or both of these realms. You are naturally gifted for this work.
Jesus promised his followers they would do “greater works” after he returned to Heaven. This is our challenge. What is our part in these "greater works”?
Will you inspire thousands like Chuck Smith did? Check the last episode.
Or...will you be part of the team that defeats cancer or other diseases?
There is no limit to the challenges facing us today. And... there is no limit to the abilities God put in us, a pretty exciting possibility! We will meet people in upcoming episodes who used their abilities in amazing ways for good!

Father God, bless every Mountain listener. Help us affect people's hearts and minds to be better people! Grant us knowledge and skills to improve our world, to make it a better, safer place for all. In Jesus name, Amen.

Be a world changer!
Here is Jesus' command to you:
“let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Learn more in our series- You 3.0! right here on The Mountain.

Bonus-
Summary- Real people like you...can leave a permanent mark on the earth! You have inherent talents and skills that can reduce suffering and evil on earth. God wants to use those skills, actually He implanted them in you before you were born! Ask Him, seek Him daily and you can change the world!

Our Verse: Heb 12:1 “...we are surrounded by...a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith”. A tribute to Pastor Chuck Smith.

Part of becoming a better you in 2018 is studying those people who changed the world before us... and we mean exponential change. They are part of “the HUGE crowd of witnesses” to the reality of Jesus Christ. These witnesses can inspire us to accomplish great things. (John 14:12)

Today's world changer was named Chuck. He was a bright average guy, a family man, and an adventurer for Jesus! He was disappointed with the churches around him. He's saw they spent a lot of time on programs and not much time talking about Jesus. He decided to change that. In Southern California, he began to teach the Bible verse by verse. He reached out to many young people. Many came and the church grew. Then it really grew... by the thousands! From a tiny group of 25, that church grew literally around the world! (Your speaker was actually there in that little church!)

I asked Chuck one time the secret of his success. First he smiled. He said people were always asking that question. Here is what he said: “I made a decision to teach God's word from the front to the back (Genesis to Revelation), all of it, verse by verse. God has done the work from that decision.”

Pastor Chuck was my first pastor. My life and faith were strengthened by his work. He taught the Bible, publicly, cover to cover all 66 books, 5 times. That took him 40 years. Pastor Chuck changed the world, including me.

Will you be like Chuck? A world Changer? It's possible. Actually it's more than possible. If you give yourself totally to Jesus, a servant for His purposes, you can be a world changer! Meet others like Chuck during our series- You 3.0. Exciting stories ahead!

Special Details- Pastor Chuck Smith
Pastor Chuck was born June 1927. He came into the presence of Jesus on October 3, 2013. His personal vision was to expound (speak publicly) God's Word, verse by verse. He did this especially among the young, disenfranchised Americans of the 1960s. His simple and direct presentation of Jesus' life, death and resurrection was revolutionary to those young Americans. They responded powerfully in the thousands and became what most people now know as the "Jesus people movement”. Many young men and women were profoundly affected by Chuck's teaching. He became a solid landmark in the cultural swirl of the West and his life and message now live on through those he taught. Many of those people moved to other nations with the message of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Chuck even lead a king to Christ in a western Pacific nation!
Here is the summary: If a person dedicates his or her life to teaching and living the Word of God, thousands will benefit, nations will benefit. The entire world will be a better place. Well done and welcome Home, Pastor Chuck, enter into the joy of your Lord!
Resources to learn more:
Interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPL084GAcoo
Last Interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw_-v1gkQKs
Link to Chuck's Autobiography- https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B32EXSLdheKicWdSdXhXTDkyUE0/view

Our Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 “...anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”.

It's really true! That old person you were, the one who said, “I can take care of this myself!” is gone! That old you who cheated, lied, stepped on others... that person's gone. It's the exactly the same for a brand new Christian or a lifelong follower. Your new life has begun!

Last episode, we discussed how to become a better more productive person in 2018. We said a better you comes by pushing the junk out in your life with God's help. With that taken care of, let's discuss a growing trust in God, a life of faith in Him, not ourselves.

Trusting God is a process. We start small. At first, we trust a lot in ourselves, a little bit in God. Then, slowly, we learn to trust Him more and more. You start by saying to Him, “Lord, I will trust you with my life and my plans.” He hears this prayer and starts by giving you small opportunities to trust Him. As you trust Him, He gives you bigger opportunities. Often trust is built as you are forced to wait for God's answer. You wait for Him, He comes through, every time. (Lamentations 3:26)

Our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit are great teachers, full of patience! Our trust grows little by little! As a mature Christian you will trust God much more and yourself, not at all! It is a God transformation!

Then, LOOK OUT! You will become what God designed you to be! Without limits! The new you will become a world changer! In this series, you'll get to meet some world changing people. Don't miss it!
Teaser: Our first world changer planted 1000+ churches worldwide!

Our Verse: 2 Cor 5:17 All new! You are created new in Jesus! Here it is- “...anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

How can you be better in 2018? We call it- You 3.0!” A new version of you, different, more effective in your world!

While some of us may be happy with who we are today, most of us would like to be better. Note this is for all God followers, whether you are brand new Christian or a longtime follower of Jesus.

Let's start with a survey, an honest assessment of where we are today. It may help to write your answers.

First, consider the things in your life that don't please God. You know what they are... Are these things or habits ruling you today? Be honest and answer the question “can I stop doing this today?” God calls this “sin”, missing His standard of how to live your life. This analysis can be painful, but it is the only way to a better you.

If your answer is “No, I can't!”, here what to do:

A big part of getting where you want to go, is admitting where you are. God is listening. Tell Him all the problems and ask Him to change you. He will empower you to change (repent is the Bible word) “...His kindness leads us to repentance!” Romans 2:4

When you desire to change, God starts a process inside, no matter how long you have been entangled. He placed a tiny seed of faith in you. Romans 12:3. He will make it grow! Then, you are prepped for the Great Adventure of faith with Him. That leads to our 2nd and most important survey question:

Will you trust God with your whole life, your future in 2018?

We will explore that question in part 2 of You 3.0!

Today for Easter ...

Revelation 1:18 Jesus said, “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever

Come with me into a small cold cave. The entrance is blocked with a big rock. On the floor, there's a bloody tortured corpse. The body is all wrapped up and very cold. No hope here, an evil end to a really good life.

There's a lot of sadness and despair among the dead man's friends.They had a great hopes, now they are dashed. Now they aren't even near this grave. “We thought that he'd do great things! Now he's dead!”

History records a story just like this, a story involving many witnesses, a story clearly believable.The dead man is Jesus of Nazareth. His death...nothing short of brutal, a victim of the Roman killing machine. Case closed. No more Jewish troubles. Sect leader dead...sect gone.

So they thought...

After laying cold and dead for three days, Jesus came to life. Warmth coursed thru his body, though the terrible wounds remained. Angels appeared at the blocked entrance and moved the stone. Tightly wrapped linen cloths including a handkerchief were removed. Early on the morning of his 3rd death day, Jesus came out of the grave alive!
He did exactly what He promised.
“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.” John 10:18 Jesus had full control.

The same power he used to TAKE UP his life is available to us! He offers us endless life. The same kind He has right now. That... is what Easter is all about!

Visit this weekend where the Bible is taught or listen here online- http://live.awaken.church. Have a blessed Resurrection Day!
Picture Detail: This is the tomb! The Mtn team stood inside. Wow! It is real and it is EMPTY! Maybe you will go there someday to touch smell and feel the place where our Lord lay in death then walked out!

Our Verse: John 10:18 Jesus said, “...I have the authority to DIE when I want to and also I have authority to LIVE again.” (full verse below)

Lots of death all around us today...Looking at the picture above... it looks very final. People are fascinated, curious, but deep down, everyone is scared to die! People constantly seek ways to extend their lives and cheat death. But everybody “fears dying.”

Modern man tries to make death nicer. The body is whisked away for final disposition of the corpse. It's made up beautifully and put in a pretty box or... the body is burned and put in a can. None of this can banish our fear of dying.

How do you face the reality of your own death? You might say, “I'm young, I'm not gonna die!” From what's happening in our world today, there is no promise, death can come at any moment.

It would be nice to have an authority on death. Someone who really knows about life and death.
Curiously, there's only one human who has that authority. Curiously, He explained prior to his death that he would go there. Finally, His death occurred just like he said. And then, unbelievably...He came out of his grave! He took back his life. (John 10:18 below) This is attested as true by his friends and also five hundred witnesses who saw him alive after. Many saw him die, many saw him alive again.

Rely on someone who's been to death and back. Because He's alive...He has the power of an endless life, just the thing we want! A life that goes on after death- and no more fear! This week, billions of people celebrate the Resurrection the event that ends your fear of dying forever!
Catch Part 2- Alive! now available.

John 10:18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.
Heb 2:15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

Our Verse: Ephesians 4:29 “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Cynics are everywhere...in the news, on social media, on TV. They say, “It's hopeless, the world's goin' down!” Will you be sucked into this? Here's some advice to make 2018 much more positive.

Culture, society and media constantly push cynicism..doubting the possibility of good or that life can get better, a defeatist attitude.
A definition will help us- Cynicism is an attitude where one doubts the possibility of good change by human effort.

Cynics believe there are few good answers to life, they complain, criticize, quit. They are faithless people living in a troubled world. Christians can fall into the cynicism trap!

There is another way to view life and its the best- be a True Realist living by faith in a fallen world.

We all realize the troubles of the world are not fixable by human means. Yet, through them all, a small light always glows. This is God's continuing work to help us through all our troubles.

True realists, those with hope deep within, work in the troubles with words and deeds to heal the troubles.

That's us! We offer hope and forgiveness the same way God reached out to us in our hopelessness. And...we offer it to everyone!

Part of carrying your cross for Jesus is take the mercy you received and pass it on to others! Cynics say, “Forget the losers”, God says love every single one!

Don't be a cynic in 2018, be a true realist, living out our verse, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” 2018... our best year ever!