SE 1 - On the Mountain

Lesson Overview:

Welcome to our journey together! Today, we’re exploring what it means to encounter God—not just in extraordinary moments, but in the flow of everyday life. Encounters aren’t something we chase after to seem more spiritual; they’re invitations from God, sometimes unexpected, always personal. Whether your experience comes through a dream, a vision, or a quiet moment in scripture, every encounter is meant to draw you into greater intimacy with Jesus. Our aim is to demystify encounters, root them in the Word, and give you confidence to walk this out with integrity and authenticity.

“Encounters are amazing, and they definitely create revelation and insight and intimacy with the Lord and even some direction. But in terms of creating, theology or doctrine, that was specifically given to scripture. So run your encounters through scripture.” —Bobby Haaby

Core Takeaways:

Encounters with God come in many forms: dreams, visions, moments in worship, or silent impressions.

The goal is not to seek encounters for their own sake, but to grow in relationship and intimacy with Jesus.

Encounters offer revelation, encouragement, and direction, but only the Word of God forms doctrine.

Every encounter should be processed, journaled, and weighed against scripture for confirmation.

Sharing your encounters responsibly means first understanding their message for yourself before sharing with others.

Encounters often carry instructions for daily obedience.

Key Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:16-17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”

Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”

Habakkuk 2:1 — “I will stand at my guardpost and station myself on the ramparts; I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me…”

Genesis 5:24 — “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

James 5:17 — “Elijah was a human being, even as we are…”

Questions To Consider

When have you experienced what you believe was an encounter with God? How did it impact your faith?

How do you process spiritual experiences—do you weigh them against scripture and seek God’s heart in them?

Activation:

Take 10 minutes today to sit quietly with the Lord. Ask Him to show you how He’s speaking to you in this season—through His Word, through others, or in your spirit. Write down any impressions, thoughts, or memories that come to mind. Then, take one of those impressions and compare it to scripture. Does it align with God’s revealed character and truth?

Journal Prompt

Describe one encounter you’ve had. How did Scripture confirm, correct, or clarify it?

Remember:

Every encounter is an invitation to deeper friendship with Jesus. Let’s cultivate hearts that respond well, rooted in His Word and open to His presence—every single day.