God Encounters

Canvas Church : San Diego

God Encounters 

"Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials —one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus." (Matthew 17:1-8 NLT)

Ever had an awkward moment? Like you saw someone waving & thought they were waving at you but they were really waving at someone behind you. Lol

Peter had an awkward moment: "Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials —one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” 

God showed up & interrupted Peter's moment. Basically told him to shut up & listen to his son.

1) God encounters ALWAYS point to Jesus.

Peter wasn't even acknowledged. Peter made it about himself like "its good that IM here b/c I can add to this moment by doing something that I know how to do."

Peter tried to prove his acceptance of why he was there in that moment. 

We do the same thing, we feel like we have to prove what we can do or how we can perform. We always search for affirmation. We live in a fatherless world, where children look to their mothers to nurture them & their fathers to affirm. There is no need to seek affirmation from men & women on this earth.

And we can't impress God! We have to stop trying to affirm his love for us. The point is to be transformed so instead of looking at it from a "works" point of view, realize that God loves us NO MATTER WHAT WE DO. The only affirmation we need is that he sent his son, Jesus. 

THIS IS WHAT SEPARATES CHRISTIANITY FOR THE REST IF THE WORLD. YOU CAN DO NOTHING TO EARN IT. 

Mathew 7:21-23

2) God encounters are often unannounced.

3) God encounters are usually interrupt your plans.

( Read Matthew Mark Luke & John. Do a character study on Peter & John. Peter focused on how he loved God; John focused how God loved him. )

Why are Moses & Elijah there? 

Moses represents the law.

Elijah represents the prophesies. 

..Then they lift up there eyes & see only Jesus is there saying dont be afraid; symbolizing that what you cant accomplish in the laws & what you cant fulfill in the prophesies doesn't matter because I am here (: 

I LOVE YOU.