Note we had technical problem with recording and missed with introduction.Deuteronomy 32:48-52  (Numbers 20:1-13; Deuteronomy 34:1-12) A view from the summit: 1. He looked back and saw the faithfulness of God.2. He looked behind and saw the people who had followed him.3. He looked down and saw the harm of doubt and discontentment.4. He looked at himself and saw a flawed leader—that God still used.5. He looked ahead and saw an incredible future.6. He looked up and saw a better reward.

Why Sinai?1. God was choosing His people.2. God was giving His people a purpose.3. God was preparing His people for their purpose. Why the Ten Commandments?1. They were/are not a pathway for salvation.2. They were/are not intended to be only a moral/ethical code.3. They were/are a means for God to reveal Himself.4. They were/are a way for God to develop the identity of  His people. 5. They were/are designed to be more relational than performative. 6. They were/are an invitation to a better way of living.7. They were/are God’s plan for His people to be “God to the world.”

Exodus 3:1-14How to have a “burning bush” God experience. You might experience God…1. in the everydayness of life.2. in the place if desolation. 3. in the lonely silence.4. by becoming more aware.5. in the context of unusual circumstances.6. in a certain place.7. when you need a second chance.8. in the mercies shown to others.  9. in the promises of God.10.  when you come to the end of yourself.

Matthew 17:1-13Mountain Top Experiences are about...1 - God revealing His Greatness & Glory to You. Action Step: Make time for God to lead you to Mountain Top Experiences 2 - Knowing Jesus is Gods Son. Action Step: Make the commitment in your heart be about your relationship with  Jesus that He is God.   3 - You being strengthened in your faith in Jesus. Action Step: Regularly remind yourself how God has worked in your life.  4 - Knowing and doing the will of God. Action Step: Choose daily to live out the Glory of God by doing the Will of God.  Application: Personal Retreat 

Genesis 22:1-141. The Trail of Testing …Lessons on testing:A. It’s difficult to make sense of the trail.B. God’s tests are always for our benefit.C. Testing often involves an unmet need.D. If it doesn’t make sense, it’s probably a test. 2. … became a Trek of Trust … Lessons on trusting:A. The ultimate act of trust is simple obedience.  B. Resting is harder but better than resisting.C. Trust puts it on God instead of on us.D. Learning to trust is an irregular process. 3. … which summited the Peak of Provision. Lessons on provision:A. God provides what you need  - when you need it.B. Focus on the promise, not on the need.C. God can fill empty hands.D. Since God has already provided the ultimate,  everything else is easy.

Small Group Guide Mark 6:14-29Surviving the wilderness... 1.      Selflessness        Learn to put yourself second.  2.      Righteousness        Do the right thing—even if it is the hard thing.3.      Boldness Don’t let your fears hold you back. 4. Winsomeness You can always extend grace. 5. Faithfulness Don’t look back.  Don’t fall back.  Don’t go back.  Shaped by the wilderness...

Small Group Guide Matthew 11:1-11· Is it ok for a person to have spiritual doubts?· What do I do if I have spiritual doubts?· These are the doubts that I am dealing with… Three Important Truths1.  Doubt is the dark side of faith.· Doubts about God· Doubts based on your personal experience· Doubts voiced by others 2.  Doubt is an invitation to go deeper.· Refuse to bail.· Go to Jesus.· Do your homework.· Review your expectations.· Make your choice. 3.  Doubt must never become disbelief.

Matthew 3:1-2 

Small Group Guide John 3:22-301. It’s all from God.A. We need to be humbleB. We need to be grateful. C. We need to be responsible 2. It’s not for us. A. It’s for othersB. It’s for Jesus  Success is simply living as # 2.  

Small Group Guide Matthew 3:1-13He carries out his One Purpose by… 1. Preaching about the coming of Jesus (vv. 1-3)2. Calling people to true repentance (vv. 4-10)3. Pointing people to the work of Jesus (vv. 11-12) Action Steps: In our lives – Pursue fruit of repentance...In the Church –  Help the Church...In our World - Tell others...