Mobilizing for Change: A Call to Unity and Repentance
Summary
### Summary
This morning, I am grateful to share the vision of the Uprise event, which has been rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite the setback, we believe God's timing is perfect, and this delay allows us to mobilize even more effectively. Our vision includes a serve day across the city and a massive gathering of the United Church to pray, fast, and seek divine intervention. The church, not politicians, is the key to lasting change and reformation.
We delved into the book of Joel, which I was introduced to early in my faith journey. Joel's prophecy speaks to a time of crisis in Israel, calling for repentance and a return to God. Joel chapter 1 describes an economic crisis, while chapter 2 warns of a military invasion. Joel's message is clear: the people must listen and respond to God's call for repentance. This is not just about economic issues but deeper societal crises like abortion, perversion, and moral decay.
Joel's call to consecrate a fast and gather the people is a call to action for us today. We must recognize the urgency of our times and respond with prayer, fasting, and repentance. The church must lead the way in seeking God's mercy and intervention. This is not just about individual crises but about standing in the gap for those in desperate need, such as victims of sex trafficking and drug addiction.
We also looked at Acts chapter 2, where the early church gathered in unity and prayer, leading to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This unity and collective cry for God's intervention are crucial for seeing transformation in our cities and communities. The promise of God pouring out His Spirit on all flesh is a call for us to unite, repent, and seek revival.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Timing and Mobilization: The rescheduling of the Uprise event is seen as an opportunity to mobilize more effectively. This delay allows us to expand our vision and involve more churches and individuals in prayer, service, and unity. God's timing is perfect, and we must trust His plan and use this time to prepare and mobilize for a greater impact. [37:53]
2. The Call to Repentance in Joel: Joel's prophecy calls for a hearing ear and a response to God's call for repentance. The economic and military crises described in Joel are a wake-up call for the people to return to God. This message is relevant today as we face various societal crises. We must heed the call to repent and seek God's mercy and intervention. [44:50]
3. Urgency of Fasting and Prayer: Joel's call to consecrate a fast and gather the people highlights the urgency of our times. We must recognize the critical need for collective prayer, fasting, and repentance. This is not just about personal crises but about standing in the gap for those in desperate need, such as victims of sex trafficking and drug addiction. [49:42]
4. Unity and the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: The early church's unity and collective prayer in Acts chapter 2 led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This unity is crucial for seeing transformation in our cities and communities. We must lay down our differences and come together in prayer and repentance to seek God's intervention and revival. [01:05:12]
5. The Promise of Revival: God's promise to pour out His Spirit on all flesh is a call for us to unite, repent, and seek revival. This revival is not just about individual experiences but about seeing societal transformation and the harvest of souls. We must be willing to stand in the gap and cry out for God's mercy and intervention in our generation. [01:08:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:53] - God's Timing and Mobilization
[38:43] - Vision for the Uprise Event
[39:36] - The Role of the Church
[40:25] - Call to Prayer and Unity
[42:04] - Personal Testimony and Salvation
[43:07] - Introduction to the Book of Joel
[44:50] - The Call to Repentance in Joel
[46:31] - Economic Crisis in Joel's Time
[47:33] - Reference to Jonah and Nineveh
[48:53] - Consecrate a Fast and Gather
[50:22] - Judgment and Repentance
[51:33] - Transition to Joel Chapter 2
[52:11] - The Urgency of the Hour
[53:00] - Addressing Societal Crises
[54:29] - Military Invasion Prophecy
[55:59] - God's Call to Return
[57:39] - The Mystery of a Praying Church
[58:27] - Urgency of Gathering
[59:38] - Standing in the Gap
[01:00:28] - Transition to Acts Chapter 2
[01:01:06] - The Upper Room Crisis
[01:02:33] - Jesus' Call to Unity
[01:03:40] - The Fullness of the Spirit and Harvest
[01:04:34] - Unity and Transformation
[01:05:12] - Laying Down Differences
[01:06:05] - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
[01:07:32] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
[01:08:50] - The Promise of Revival
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joel 1:14-15 (ESV)
> "Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes."
2. Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
> "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the economic crisis described in Joel chapter 1, and how did it serve as a wake-up call for the people of Israel? [46:31]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the early church's unity and collective prayer in Acts chapter 2? [01:05:12]
3. What specific societal crises were mentioned in the sermon that parallel the crises in the book of Joel? [53:00]
4. How did the early church's gathering in Acts 2 lead to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and what was the result of this event? [01:06:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of God's timing and mobilization in the context of the Uprise event? How does this relate to the broader theme of trusting God's plan? [37:53]
2. In what ways does Joel's call to repentance and fasting apply to the modern church, especially in addressing societal issues like sex trafficking and drug addiction? [49:42]
3. How does the unity of the early church in Acts 2 serve as a model for contemporary churches seeking transformation in their communities? [01:05:12]
4. What does the promise of revival in Joel and Acts signify for the church today, and how can believers actively participate in seeking this revival? [01:08:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the sermon, how can you personally contribute to the mobilization and preparation for the Uprise event? What specific actions can you take to support this vision? [37:53]
2. Joel's call to repentance was urgent and collective. How can you incorporate fasting and prayer into your routine to stand in the gap for those in desperate need, such as victims of sex trafficking and drug addiction? [49:42]
3. The early church's unity was crucial for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to foster unity within your church community, especially when there are differences in opinions or practices? [01:05:12]
4. The sermon mentioned various societal crises like abortion and moral decay. How can you, as an individual, address these issues in your community through prayer, advocacy, or service? [53:00]
5. The promise of revival involves a collective cry for God's intervention. How can you encourage others in your church or small group to join in this collective prayer and seek God's mercy for societal transformation? [01:08:50]
6. Considering the urgency of the hour mentioned in the sermon, what immediate changes can you make in your life to prioritize spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and repentance? [50:22]
7. The sermon highlighted the need for the church to lead the way in seeking God's intervention. How can you take a leadership role in your church or community to promote unity, prayer, and revival? [39:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
The rescheduling of the Uprise event, though initially seen as a setback, is an opportunity to trust in God's perfect timing. This delay allows for greater mobilization and preparation, enabling more churches and individuals to participate in prayer, service, and unity. It is a reminder that God's plans are higher than our own, and His timing is always perfect. By embracing this delay, we can expand our vision and make a more significant impact in our community. Trusting in God's timing requires faith and patience, but it ultimately leads to greater blessings and effectiveness in our mission. [37:53]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: How can you trust God's timing in a current situation where you feel delayed or set back? What steps can you take to prepare and mobilize during this time of waiting?
Day 2: Heeding the Call to Repentance
Joel's prophecy calls for a hearing ear and a response to God's call for repentance. The economic and military crises described in Joel are a wake-up call for the people to return to God. This message is relevant today as we face various societal crises. We must heed the call to repent and seek God's mercy and intervention. Repentance is not just about acknowledging our sins but turning away from them and returning to God with a sincere heart. It is a call to examine our lives, recognize our shortcomings, and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. [44:50]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to repent and return to God? How can you make repentance a regular practice in your spiritual journey?
Day 3: The Power of Fasting and Prayer
Joel's call to consecrate a fast and gather the people highlights the urgency of our times. We must recognize the critical need for collective prayer, fasting, and repentance. This is not just about personal crises but about standing in the gap for those in desperate need, such as victims of sex trafficking and drug addiction. Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God and align our hearts with His will. They help us to intercede for others and seek God's intervention in the crises we face. [49:42]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting and prayer into your spiritual routine? Who are the people or situations you feel called to intercede for during your times of fasting and prayer?
Day 4: Unity and the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
The early church's unity and collective prayer in Acts chapter 2 led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This unity is crucial for seeing transformation in our cities and communities. We must lay down our differences and come together in prayer and repentance to seek God's intervention and revival. Unity in the body of Christ is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's Spirit and power. When we come together in one accord, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move mightily and bring about lasting change. [01:05:12]
Acts 2:1-2 (ESV): "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting."
Reflection: What steps can you take to promote unity within your church and community? How can you contribute to creating an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely?
Day 5: Embracing the Promise of Revival
God's promise to pour out His Spirit on all flesh is a call for us to unite, repent, and seek revival. This revival is not just about individual experiences but about seeing societal transformation and the harvest of souls. We must be willing to stand in the gap and cry out for God's mercy and intervention in our generation. Revival begins with a personal commitment to seek God wholeheartedly and extends to a collective movement of believers united in prayer and action. It is a call to be agents of change and vessels of God's Spirit in a world in desperate need of His love and power. [01:08:50]
Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."
Reflection: How can you position yourself to be a vessel for God's Spirit and an agent of revival? What specific actions can you take to seek and promote revival in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When the church is on fire, when the church is united and when the church is doing what the Bible has called us to do, what Jesus has commissioned us to do, that's when we see real lasting change. That's when we see real true reformation and transformation." [39:36] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to tell you, church, that as the body of Christ and as believers that are infilled with the Holy Spirit, who have said yes to Jesus, who have been given the scriptures... we are called through current events, through the Bible, through the Holy Spirit, to discern the times in which we live." [44:50] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need Jesus. We need the Spirit to move. So Joel calls for the generation of his time to get a hearing ear and to listen." [46:31] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to return to the Lord, because we have turned away from him, and there comes a point where he'll begin to turn against us, because he needs us to repent and come back. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?" [54:29] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the presence of God can break into these pimp rings, into these drug rings and pour out. And maybe you don't believe in signs and wonders. I apologize to you. I got saved by signs and wonders. So I don't understand your language. I'm not here to disrespect you." [01:06:50] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Because I want to tell you that the systemic homelessness and brokenness and drug-relatedness, and sex rings, the politicians aren't going to fix this one. We need Jesus. We need the Spirit to move." [45:44] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And I'm not saying to forsake leadership, but what I'm saying is that we have to, we have to get the body of Christ ignited, ignited to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying in this hour. And it's not more Trump rallies, church. Praise God for good politicians. I'm not here to endorse a politician. I'm here to endorse a king, and his name is Jesus." [45:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And the Lord goes, you know what, Joel, you're doing a good job prophesying, but I have something I have to say to the people, because the Lord never asked us to do anything that he won't do himself. And the Lord says this, yet even now declares the Lord, return to me with all of your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments." [55:59] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And in verse 15, the Lord says, blow the trumpet in Zion and consecrate a fast. He calls it again. Israel didn't do it the first time. So he calls it again. Call a solemn assembly and gather the people. Consecrate the congregation and assemble the elders. Gather the children, even the nursing infants, and let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber." [57:39] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And he does that in Acts chapter 2. He does that in Acts chapter 2. As they gather together, men and women, different races. What happens? In the middle of their crisis, they're praying. God pours out his spirit. And what does Peter say when he stands up on the day of Pentecost? He looks at all the different races that are represented. He says, this is that which was spoken of by who? The prophet Joel." [01:06:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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