Sunday Sermon Summary...Discover God's Love

Matthew 17:1-8

The Transfiguration

1 Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.
4 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials[a]—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 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.” 6 The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.
7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

Pastor Ken began with the above scripture....then he made the following statement.... Spiritual life is about a journey: A journey about following God. You're never sure where He will lead or what He has planned, but you still follow. He said, "The most powerful moments have never come when I have planned." He then talked about going to Kenya which he has done several times. He said that one of the most powerful moments while he was in Kenya was when he was watching them count the offering at the small church he attended. He realized that the majority of the contribution made that particular Sunday came from the group that he was traveling with. He said he realized just how much money those 9 people, including him, had given of the total contribution. And although it wasn't much money to him and the others he was traveling with, it was a much larger amount to the Kenyans it would serve. He never imagined that one of the most powerful moments of that trip would revolve around money, but it did. To get to Kenya, you know you have to get on a plane there; and you will have to get on a plane home. The in between part, although it may be planned, usually falls by the wayside.

Peter, James and John all had a plan.....their plan was to leave everything and follow Jesus. However in the above scripture, we see that Peter is comfortable right where they are. He likes it there. He wants to dwell there and stop there. Ken stated that it can often be dangerous if we become comfortable in where we are, we may stop seeking Him if we become too comfortable. In the above passage, the cloud of God is leading them on. Clouds, as I'm sure you know, aren't still....they constantly move. We have to move on as well to truly follow God and trust Him. Give control over to Him.

10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God.... Isaiah 50:10!
It's difficult to get around in the dark, but even as a person of faith; you will have times in the dark. These times force you to trust God.

Psalms 119:105....105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Scripture is necessary in our walk with Christ. It's necessary in growing our faith. It's the light that guides on this journey.

Ken closed with the following....To get to Kenya, you have to get on the plane. Your spiritual journey is the same way....you have to make some intentional plans....where they will lead is up to Him.