The Mountain of God - Pastor Greg Jones

Devotional

Day 1: Drawing Near to the Mountain of God

No matter what side of the mountain you find yourself on—whether you feel in need of God’s law and direction, or you sense His call to come up higher—God’s presence is always available and He desires for you to draw near. The mountain of God, known as both Horeb and Sinai, represents the place where God meets His people, calls them, and reveals Himself. It doesn’t matter what is happening in your life or how far you feel; God is inviting you to come closer, to step out of the valley and ascend to where He is. He is not a distant God, but one who longs for relationship and for you to experience His glory and calling firsthand. [03:06]

Exodus 3:1 (ESV)
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been “serving God from afar”? What would it look like for you to intentionally draw closer to Him in that area today?

Day 2: The Power of God’s Presence Changes Everything

There is a hunger in the world and in the church for the presence of God, and it is only by pressing past our tiredness, distractions, and routines that we truly enter into His divine presence. When you draw near to God, not only are you changed, but you can also bring others with you into that life-changing encounter. God’s presence is not something to be observed from a distance; it is meant to be experienced, transforming you and those around you. As you worship and seek Him, you become a vessel through which others can encounter the living God, just as Moses was drawn to the burning bush and called to something greater. [12:32]

James 4:8 (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can intentionally bring closer to God’s presence this week—perhaps through prayer, encouragement, or inviting them to worship with you?

Day 3: Knowing God Through His Word and Relationship

To truly know God, you must go beyond surface-level religiosity and enter into a deep relationship with Him, which is cultivated by spending time in His Word. Just as you learn the likes and dislikes of a loved one by being close to them, you discover God’s heart, His desires, and His character by reading and meditating on Scripture. It is not enough to know about God; He wants you to know Him personally, to see past the traditions and trappings and encounter Him as Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. The more you know His Word, the more you know Him, and the more your life is transformed by His truth. [23:34]

John 1:1 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to deepen your relationship with God through His Word—such as reading a specific passage, journaling, or memorizing a verse?

Day 4: The Sacredness of Covenant—The Blood and the Name

God’s covenant with His people is sacred and was sealed with His own blood, showing the depth of His commitment and love for you. This relationship is more important than any status, possession, or other relationship in your life. The life is in the blood, and through the name of Jesus, you receive salvation, covering, and identity as a child of God. Nothing else—no title, no ritual, no worldly achievement—can substitute for the power of the blood and the name. Your part in the covenant is to love Him back, to be committed, and to walk in the blessings and responsibilities of being His people. [30:40]

Hebrews 9:12 (ESV)
He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Reflection: In what ways can you honor the sacredness of your covenant with God today—perhaps by recommitting your heart, expressing gratitude for His sacrifice, or sharing the story of His redemption with someone else?

Day 5: Following God on the Straight and Narrow Path

Living for God is not the easy, wide road, but the straight and narrow path where He leads and you follow, even when it requires commitment and sacrifice. Just as a trail through the mountains sometimes narrows and requires you to walk single file, there are seasons when you must trust God’s leading, even if it feels uncomfortable or lonely. He is making a way for you, guiding you step by step, and your job is to keep your hand in His and follow. There is nothing in this world—no relationship, no experience, no possession—that compares to being in His presence and walking in His will. [39:37]

Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Reflection: What is one “wide path” you are tempted to take in your life right now, and how can you choose instead to follow God’s narrow way, trusting Him to lead you?

Sermon Summary

In every season of life, God remains constant and unchanging, always inviting us to draw near. The story of Moses at the mountain of God—known as both Horeb and Sinai—reminds us that no matter which side of the mountain we find ourselves on, it is still God’s mountain. Sometimes we approach needing a word, a law, or direction; other times, we are called higher, out of our valleys and into His presence. The mountain represents more than a physical place; it is a symbol of God’s invitation to intimacy, revelation, and covenant.

Too often, we are tempted to serve God from a distance, content to let others approach Him while we remain spectators. But God’s desire is for us to come close, to move beyond the trappings of religion, culture, or comfort, and to experience His glory firsthand. The presence of God is not something to be observed from afar but to be entered into with hunger and expectation. When we press past our tiredness, our distractions, and our fears, we find that God is waiting to reveal Himself in ways that transform us.

On the mountain, God reveals not just His power but His nature. He calls us into relationship, not mere religiosity. It is not enough to know about God; we are invited to know Him—to understand His likes, His dislikes, and His heart through His Word. Just as in any relationship, intimacy grows as we spend time together, learning and loving. The covenant God offers is sacred, sealed with His own blood, and it demands our commitment in return. This relationship is more precious than any status, possession, or earthly experience.

Ultimately, the journey up the mountain is not easy. It is the straight and narrow path, requiring us to follow where He leads, sometimes single file, sometimes forging new trails. But the reward is incomparable: the presence of God, the assurance of His love, and the promise of being called ever higher—both now and for eternity. Nothing in this world compares to knowing and being known by the Almighty God.

Key Takeaways

1. Draw Near, Don’t Serve from Afar God’s heart is for closeness, not distance. Serving Him from afar may feel safer or more comfortable, but it robs us of the transformative power of His presence. When we press in, even when tired or distracted, we discover a God who meets us, changes us, and draws others through us. [04:56]
2. The Mountain Is a Place of Revelation God’s mountain is where He reveals Himself—not just His power, but His character and heart. We must move beyond the surface, past the distractions of buildings, programs, or traditions, and seek a true revelation of who He is. This revelation changes everything about how we live and relate to Him. [14:15]
3. Covenant Requires Commitment God’s covenant with us is sacred, sealed with His own blood, and it calls for our wholehearted commitment. This relationship must take precedence over all else—status, possessions, or even other relationships. Our part is to love Him back, to know His Word, and to walk in faithful obedience. [26:16]
4. The Power Is in the Name and the Blood All the trappings of religion are empty without the application of Jesus’ name and His blood. Life, salvation, and protection are found only in Him. We must ensure that our faith is rooted in the reality of His sacrifice and the authority of His name, not in titles or traditions. [30:40]
5. The Journey Is Straight and Narrow Following God is not the easy, wide road, but the straight and narrow path. It requires vigilance, perseverance, and a willingness to follow where He leads, even when the way is difficult. Yet, He goes before us, making a way, and the reward is the incomparable joy of His presence. [36:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - God Never Shuts Down
[00:45] - Moses at the Mountain of God
[02:32] - Horeb and Sinai: Two Sides, One Mountain
[03:06] - What Side of the Mountain Are You On?
[04:17] - Serving God from Afar
[06:14] - The Call to Come Up Higher
[08:08] - Barriers to God’s Presence
[09:28] - Hunger for God in Our Day
[11:08] - Draw Near to God
[12:32] - The Revelation of God’s Glory
[14:15] - Beyond Religion: Knowing God
[16:21] - Jesus: Savior, Redeemer, Waymaker
[21:30] - Culture vs. God’s Calling
[23:08] - Knowing God Through His Word
[26:16] - The Blood Covenant
[30:40] - The Power of the Name
[36:40] - The Straight and Narrow Path
[39:37] - Following God Up the Mountain
[40:16] - The Incomparable Presence of God
[41:31] - The Ultimate Call: Eternity with God
[42:14] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 3:1 (ESV) — > Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Exodus 19:1-6 (ESV) — > On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.

James 4:8 (ESV) — > Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Observation Questions

In Exodus 3:1, what was Moses doing when he encountered the mountain of God, and what does this tell us about how God can meet us in ordinary moments?
According to Exodus 19:1-6, what does God promise the Israelites if they obey His voice and keep His covenant?
The sermon mentions that the mountain is called both Horeb and Sinai, depending on which side you’re on. What significance does the preacher draw from this detail? [[02:32]]
In James 4:8, what is the promise given to those who draw near to God?

Interpretation Questions

The preacher says that sometimes we want to serve God from a distance, like the Israelites at Sinai who told Moses to go up the mountain for them. Why do people prefer to keep their distance from God, according to the sermon? [[04:17]]
The mountain is described as a place of both law and calling. What does it mean for us to be called “higher” by God, and how does this relate to our spiritual growth? [[03:38]]
The sermon emphasizes that knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him personally. How does the preacher describe the difference between religiosity and relationship? [[15:19]]
The covenant God offers is described as being sealed with His own blood. What does this say about the seriousness and depth of God’s commitment to us? [[26:16]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us not to serve God from afar, but to draw near even when we’re tired or distracted. What are some specific distractions or comforts in your life that keep you at a distance from God? What is one step you could take this week to press in closer? [[04:56]]
The preacher talks about moving beyond the trappings of religion, culture, or tradition to seek a true revelation of who God is. Are there any “trappings” in your own faith experience that you need to move past? How can you focus more on God’s presence than on routines or expectations? [[14:15]]
The sermon says that intimacy with God grows as we spend time with Him and learn His likes and dislikes through His Word. What is one practical way you can deepen your relationship with God this month—maybe through Bible reading, prayer, or another spiritual practice? [[23:08]]
The preacher says the covenant with God is more important than status, possessions, or even other relationships. Is there anything in your life that you have put ahead of your relationship with God? What would it look like to reorder your priorities? [[26:16]]
The sermon highlights the power of Jesus’ name and blood, not just religious titles or traditions. How can you make sure your faith is rooted in Jesus Himself, rather than in habits, labels, or church culture? [[30:40]]
The journey up the mountain is described as the “straight and narrow path,” sometimes difficult and requiring perseverance. Can you share about a time when following God was hard for you? What helped you keep going? [[36:40]]
The preacher says nothing in this world compares to knowing and being known by God. What is one area of your life where you need to experience more of God’s presence and assurance? How can the group pray for you in this? [[40:16]]

Sermon Clips

There's a hunger in this world right now for the things of God and I'm watching it happen over and over in people's lives and if we'll push past the tired and say God, I'm going to worship no matter what, I may only jump that high instead of that high, but I'm going to do what I can do because I need God, His divine presence, and we cannot serve Him from afar off. It's an impossibility to serve God from afar. [00:10:35] (36 seconds) #WorshipNoMatterWhat

It goes deeper than just religiosity that people come up with, it goes deeper than just than a baby in a manger. We always put the manger right here and I automatically pointed right here. It goes deeper than Jesus in a manger on that first Christmas morning. It goes, you know, if that's all we have is a baby, we don't have nothing. Don't want to be mean and ugly, you know I love babies, I love kids, amen, but if that's all we got, we don't have anything, we haven't gotten anywhere, we haven't had anything changed in our life, but I'm thankful that that baby grew into a man and I'm thankful that that baby grew into a man who was the flesh of God. [00:15:28] (51 seconds) #JesusIsMoreThanABaby

He became that Savior, he became that Deliverer, he became our Kinsman Redeemer, whoo, I like that one, he became, some of you will like this one, he became the Waymaker, he became the one who brought me out of darkness, he became the one who helped me, who puts peace in my heart, he's the peace speaker, he's everything. Apostle Paul said it like this, he is my all in all. Come on, everything that you need you find in Jesus. He'll do whatever you have need of, amen, he'll take your problems and he'll turn them around into blessings, he'll take what you've done and make it into something that he can use. [00:16:32] (55 seconds) #KnowHimDeeply

When you know him, it changes everything in your life. Come on, you'll call on him in the middle of the night, when you know him, you'll call on him in the middle of a car wreck, when you know him, you'll call on him early in the morning even though nothing's going on, you'll still call on him because you know him. Oh yeah, he'll bless you even though you don't know why he's blessing you, he'll bless you. Oh watch this one, the bible says that while we were yet in our sins, he still loved us. Whoo, I like that one. Amen, even when I'm messing up he loves me. Come on, that's the God I'm talking about. [00:17:50] (49 seconds) #RelationshipOverStatus

We can do it without all the colored lights. We can for sure do it without smoke and mirrors. We don't need none of that mess. We just need to move with God. Come on, we don't need all that junk. We...We...We...We do part of it too. We don't do the smoke and mirrors and it'll never happen in this church as long as I'm around. We don't need no smoke. Amen. That's for people in a bar. It's not for the church. Drives me crazy. Anyway, get me off that. Amen. And...But we can...I've said we can do it without...We can do it without padded chairs. They went for years on those old hard fences. I slept on a lot of them. We...We...We...We...We...We...We can do it without carpet. We can do it without heat and air. We don't want to. But we could. We can do that. But I'm going to tell you, we cannot do without the blood. We've got...We've got to have the blood. It's got to be applied to our life. [00:28:55] (73 seconds) #FollowHisWay

The only way is through the name of Jesus. That name is where that life is at. Amen. There's no power in titles. You know, we could have...We could have whoever. My brain isn't going to anybody that I can think of right now that has a title. They can be here, and it really doesn't matter. I'll just use my pastor since I saw him yesterday. I've got to spend time with my pastor yesterday. It made me happy. Amen. he's our district superintendent. He's my pastor, but he's also our district. He's got a title. But I promise you, he could care less about that title. He could care less. And when it comes to us being saved, you know, a lot of people in the district call him Bishop Martin. Well, guess what? Bishop isn't going to do a thing. He's not going to do a thing. It's got to be the name. That's where the power's at, is in that name. That's where we get our covenant from, is through the name. We become children of God. We get what we need because of the name. [00:31:54] (79 seconds) #NothingBeatsHisPresence

That's what God's doing for us right now. It's a straight and narrow. He's making trail for us. He's making a way for... My job is to follow him. I feel the Holy Spirit. I know we're not running and shouting, but man, this, this is the presence of the Lord is here to get us to that place. Up on that mountain. He spoke to us. He let us know. He loves us. We just got to follow. We got to follow. [00:39:17] (44 seconds)

There is nothing. I've been a lot of places. I've done a lot of things. I've been out of the country. I've seen a lot of stuff in my life. There is nothing like being in His presence. There is nothing. There's no alcohol and no drug that will get you anywhere close to what it feels like to be in the presence of God. Absolutely nothing. There's no relationship that is as awesome as us being committed to the Almighty God. There's nothing that has been revealed to you that is as great as knowing what God is and who God is. Nothing. Nothing comes close to that. There's no amount of money. There's no amount of fame. None of that is anywhere close to knowing the Almighty God. [00:40:10] (71 seconds)

The Bible declares one of these days, one of these days, we are going to go up higher. The sin of sin is going to go up higher. The city of God, the Zion, whatever you want to call it. It's also called the mountain of God. What I just preached. One of these days, He's going to grab us and take us up higher. And we get to be there forever. That's what I'm looking for. That's what I'm looking for. Take this whole world, but give me Jesus. Amen. [00:41:31] (40 seconds)

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