Preparing the Way: A Vision for Unity and Revival

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we had the privilege of welcoming Paul Cohen, a pastor from Tel Aviv, who shared his inspiring journey and vision for the future of the church in Israel. Paul's story is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of unity among believers. His dream of planting 25 more churches in Israel is a bold vision that reflects the growing movement of faith in the region. This vision is not just about numbers but about creating spaces where authentic relationships with God can flourish, free from the constraints of traditional religion.

We explored the significance of John the Baptist's ministry, drawing parallels between his time and ours. John, a pivotal figure in preparing the way for Jesus, chose a location rich in historical and spiritual significance for his ministry. This place, where Israel first entered the Promised Land, symbolizes new beginnings and the fulfillment of God's promises. John's life and message remind us of the importance of preparing the way for the Lord, not just in Israel but globally.

The sermon emphasized the need for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, urging us to seek what God has for us today, rather than longing for past revivals. This call to action is a reminder that God's kingdom is now, and we are all part of His plan to reach every nation. The message resonated with the idea that the end times are not about fear but about the bride of Christ making herself ready through revival and salvation.

As we reflect on our own lives, we are challenged to consider what we are preparing the way for. Are we aligning our lives with God's purposes, and are we ready to be used by Him to bring about His kingdom on earth? This is a time for introspection and action, as we seek to be vessels of God's love and truth in a world that desperately needs it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity in Diversity: The gathering of believers from different backgrounds, including Jews and Koreans, highlights the beauty of unity in diversity. This unity is a powerful testimony of God's love and a reflection of the one new man in Christ, where all are included in God's redemptive plan. [32:36]

2. The Role of John the Baptist: John's ministry was crucial in preparing the way for Jesus. His life was a testament to the importance of humility and obedience in fulfilling God's purposes. Like John, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives and communities. [37:19]

3. Historical and Spiritual Significance: The location of John's ministry, where Israel entered the Promised Land, serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. This historical context enriches our understanding of the spiritual significance of John's message. [41:47]

4. A Call for a New Outpouring: We are encouraged to seek a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, tailored for our time and context. This call challenges us to move beyond past revivals and embrace what God is doing now, preparing us for the return of Jesus. [51:24]

5. Preparing the Way for the Lord: Our lives are meant to prepare the way for God's kingdom. This involves introspection and aligning our actions with God's purposes, ensuring that we are ready to be used by Him to bring about His kingdom on earth. [54:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:36] - Introduction of Paul Cohen
- [37:19] - The Significance of John the Baptist
- [41:47] - Historical Context and Spiritual Significance
- [45:09] - The Role of Elijah and Elisha
- [48:39] - The Priesthood and Baptism
- [51:24] - A Call for a New Outpouring
- [54:01] - Preparing the Way for the Lord
- [56:40] - Group Discussion: Preparing Our Lives
- [01:11:22] - Prayer for the Holy Spirit's Guidance
- [01:19:06] - Closing Blessing and Fellowship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 3:1-6
- Isaiah 40:3-5

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of the location where John the Baptist conducted his ministry, and how does it relate to Israel's history? [41:47]

2. How did John the Baptist's lifestyle and message differ from the religious norms of his time? [37:19]

3. What was the role of baptism in John's ministry, and how was it perceived by the people of Israel? [48:39]

4. How does the sermon describe the current spiritual climate in Tel Aviv, and what opportunities does it present for the gospel? [32:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon draw parallels between John the Baptist's ministry and the current spiritual needs in Israel and globally? [54:01]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church today can prepare the way for the Lord, similar to John the Baptist's role? [51:24]

3. How does the concept of unity in diversity, as discussed in the sermon, reflect the biblical vision of the one new man in Christ? [32:36]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our current context? [51:24]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: What are you currently preparing the way for, and how does it align with God's purposes? [56:40]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper hunger for the Holy Spirit in your life? [51:24]

3. Considering the unity in diversity highlighted in the sermon, how can you actively promote unity within your own church or community? [32:36]

4. John the Baptist's ministry was marked by humility and obedience. In what areas of your life do you feel called to demonstrate these qualities more fully? [37:19]

5. The sermon challenges us to move beyond longing for past revivals. What new things do you sense God is doing in your life or community, and how can you participate in them? [51:24]

6. How can you be a vessel of God's love and truth in your daily interactions, especially in a world that desperately needs it? [54:01]

7. Identify one specific way you can prepare the way for God's kingdom in your community this month. What practical steps will you take to make this happen? [54:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity Reflects God's Redemptive Plan
In a world often divided by differences, the unity among believers from diverse backgrounds serves as a powerful testament to God's love and His redemptive plan. This unity is not merely about coexistence but about embracing the richness that each culture and background brings to the body of Christ. It reflects the vision of the one new man in Christ, where all are included in God's plan of salvation. This unity is a living testimony of the transformative power of the Gospel, breaking down barriers and building bridges of love and understanding. [32:36]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to build a bridge of understanding and unity, reflecting the love of Christ?


Day 2: Preparing the Way with Humility and Obedience
John the Baptist's ministry was marked by humility and obedience, crucial traits in preparing the way for Jesus. His life serves as a reminder that fulfilling God's purposes often requires us to step aside and let God take the lead. Like John, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives and communities, embracing humility and obedience as we align ourselves with God's will. This preparation is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of those around us, as we become conduits of God's grace and truth. [37:19]

Luke 1:76-77 (ESV): "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice more humility and obedience to prepare the way for God's work?


Day 3: Embracing the Historical and Spiritual Significance of Our Faith
The location of John the Baptist's ministry, where Israel first entered the Promised Land, is rich in historical and spiritual significance. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. This context enriches our understanding of the spiritual significance of John's message and challenges us to see the places and moments in our own lives where God has been faithful. Recognizing these moments helps us to trust in His promises for the future, knowing that He is always at work in our lives. [41:47]

Joshua 4:20-24 (ESV): "And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, 'When your children ask their fathers in times to come, "What do these stones mean?" then you shall let your children know, "Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground." For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.'"

Reflection: What are the "stones" in your life that remind you of God's faithfulness, and how can you share these stories with others?


Day 4: Seeking a Fresh Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
The call for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a challenge to move beyond past revivals and embrace what God is doing now. This call is a reminder that God's kingdom is active and present, and we are invited to participate in His work today. Seeking a fresh outpouring means being open to the new ways God wants to move in our lives and communities, preparing us for the return of Jesus. It is a call to be attentive to the Spirit's leading and to be ready to act in faith and obedience. [51:24]

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 today to be open to a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life?


Day 5: Aligning Our Lives with God's Kingdom Purposes
Our lives are meant to prepare the way for God's kingdom, which involves introspection and aligning our actions with God's purposes. This alignment requires us to be intentional about how we live, ensuring that we are ready to be used by God to bring about His kingdom on earth. It is a call to be vessels of God's love and truth in a world that desperately needs it, making ourselves available for His work and being attentive to His leading. [54:01]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to align your life more closely with God's kingdom purposes?

Quotes


And same thing like Korea and Korea needs something new. Right? There were all kinds of revivals in the past but we don't want the past. Right? We don't want Pentecost of Acts chapter 2 because we don't live then and we're not living there. We want what God has for us here. We want what God has for Israel and for the churches and the body of Messiah in Israel. So I knew that this would be an encouraging moment because this is what brings us together. Amen. And in these amazing situations. [00:27:24]

And so it's like I'm listening to his story and I'm thinking like these were the prayers that we were doing in Tel Aviv 20 years ago. Wow. Walking and prayer walking and going to the gay festival and going after the gay festival and like just praying that what is God going to do? Like we needed some sort of something new because the congregations in Israel were stuck in the Jesus movement. And it's nothing bad. And it's nothing bad but that's just the way that the Messianic body around the world, the average age of a Messianic congregational leader right now is 66 years old. [00:28:00]

And God is leading us down a similar path. Now, in those days, John the Baptist, John the Baptizer, this is not a title. This is some of his responsibilities and duties, which we will get into. So, it translates it, John the Baptist, John the one who was baptizing, John who has the authority to baptize. In those days, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea. [00:35:24]

Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up. Every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. And all flesh shall see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Amen. [00:37:07]

So this was not just any place along the Jordan River. This was the traditional place where Israel entered the promised land. This is the place where Joshua got to leave Israel and God split those waters and they came into the promised land. It's right back at the very beginning. And we're going to see these themes that he's going to be tying in. [00:41:04]

And we're going to see like this whole entire picture of what's going to end up happening, that John's role is an inferior role, but absolutely crucial because without him, without Elijah, there's no Elisha. Without Joshua, without Samuel, there's no prophet to go and anoint David. And so we see this picture throughout Scripture again and again, and this is who John was, from the moment that Elizabeth became pregnant with John. [00:44:34]

He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and there are children and there are few. Now I know every single Jewish mother wants their child to be the Messiah, because they already think that they treat them like that, especially their son. Oh, my son. My wonderful son. But John's whole role in life was going to be preparing the way for his cousin. [00:45:07]

And of course, they all wanted David to come back with the sword and the sling and to kill Rome. But instead, he was preparing the way of the Lord to come. The Mashiach ben Yosef, the Messiah, the son of Yosef, the suffering servant. And so even he himself would live a life of suffering. He lived a life preparing the path for Jesus. He was the witness of the one who was going to come. [00:52:38]

Because he was like a young Josiah bringing back the simplicity of a Torah of repentance. He was like King Hezekiah who rediscovered the word of God that brought back the simplicity of repentance. Not a complexity but the simplicity. God's kingdom is now. God's kingdom is for everybody. And the Messiah, he's almost here. That sounds exactly like today. [00:54:18]

But no longer just for Israel but for the entire world. The entire world. God is making a way in the desert. God is preparing things. There's a greater escalation that needs to happen for the return of Jesus that yes, Israel will be saved. And Israel must rise up and declare Baruch Haba B'Shem Adonai Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Israel must be saved. [00:55:19]

And Israel must rise up and declare Baruch Haba B'Shem Adonai Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Israel must be saved. There must be a critical mass of Jews saved. But also the gospel must go out and go to every single nation. And this is why we have a one new man and a coming together. That there is a role for Israel and there's a role for the nations. [00:56:01]

times, that you would really be praying for this hunger of the Holy Spirit. Lord, I'm open. Lord, I'm open for you what you want to do. It's not going to be like the 1980s. It's not going to be like the 1990s. We're not going to replicate the abuses that have all come out now that happened over the last 20 years in different spirit -led organizations. We're going to be focused on Jesus and humility and serving and yet the power of God is real. [01:18:32]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?