Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

GOD'S MOUNTAINS

1. Mountains have, in the history of ancient Israel, played a large part in God's communion with His people:
   1. Mount Sinai where Israel received laws and the ministry of the earthly sanctuary.
   2. Mount Nebo where Moses died and was buried by the Lord - Deut. 32:49; 34:5-7
2. We think of Mount Moriah where Abraham sacrificed his son Isaac: Gen. 22:1-12

1. Mountains have become symbolic of the experience of God's people:
   1. We think of 'mount sacrifice'; this mountain has to be climbed by all who aim to enter the kingdom of God - EXAMPLES -
      1. Abraham and his son Isaac climbed this mountain - Gen. 22:1-12
      2. Moses, all alone, climbed this mountain - Deut. 32:48, 49; 34:5-7
      3. Our blessed Saviour, too, climbed this mountain - Matt. 17:1-6; Heb. 5:1-12; Phil. 2:6-11
   2. This mountain was made a condition of discipleship by the Lord - Matt. 10:34-36
   3. Some were unwilling to climb this mountain - EXAMPLES -
      1. The rich young ruler - Matt. 19:16-22
      2. Seventy disciples - John 6:66
2. Mount tribulation:
   1. Here is where some people get confused. They think that when we accept Christ as our Saviour, all trials and tribulation cease.
   2. But let us listen to the Bible to get the truth -
      1. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." - 2 Tim. 3:12
      2. "We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God" - Acts 14:22
      3. "In the world ye shall have tribulation" - John 16:33
3. Mount Zion of victory:
   1. John sees God's remnant people standing upon Mount Zion, singing the song of victory - Rev. 14:1-5
   2. All of God's people, who have won the victory over sin, will eventually stand on that mountain - Heb. 12:22-29

1. This is a most encouraging promise of the Lord:
   1. Mountain climbing can be very dangerous unless an experienced Mountaineer guides us over some very treacherous crevices.
   2. It takes stouthearted persons to climb mountains.
   3. Our blessed Lord and many of His faithfuls have blazed the trail for us. He paved the way for His saints to travel.
2. The experience of many of God's children shows that their mountain experience became a special blessing to them and the cause of God:
   1. Mount Moriah became the place where the temple was built and where Israel offered their sacrifices.
   2. Every time an intelligent worshipper came to offer a sacrifice to God, he could not help but recall the sacrifice of Abraham.
   3. David spent some time on or near Mount Olivet during the days of his persecution by his own son - 2 Sam. 15:30
   4. Our Lord spent considerable time on Mount Olivet - Acts 1:12
3. Some musts for all mountaineers:
   1. Divest yourselves of all unnecessary weight which would impede your progress - Heb. 12:1-6
   2. Keep looking up as you go forward. This is a must for you to make progress towards the kingdom of heaven.
   3. Said the Psalmist, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help" - Ps. 121:1- 6
   4. Follow the instructions of our guide with care and much prayer - Ps. 24:3
   5. Hold the hand of your guide very closely, and you shall be landing on Mount Zion.