Renew the Movement
This physical restoration of the Nation of Israel on May 14th, 1948, resulted in a supernatural spiritual outpouring and move of Adonai. The great tent healing revivals of Billy Graham, William Branham, Oral Roberts, T. L. Osborn, A. A. Allen to name but a few...I want us to clearly see the pattern, the intertwined relationship, the inseparable connection between the people, the Nation of Israel and the spirit realm of God. Then in June 1967, after the 6-day war, Jerusalem is prophetically restored back into our Jewish hands as Yeshua prophesied:
Luke 21:24. Some will fall by the edge of the sword, others will be carried into all the countries of the Goyim, and Yerushalayim will be trampled (pateo {pat-eh'-o}: Trampled, to tread underfoot-occupied or ruled, to strike or smitten) down by the Goyim until the age of the Goyim has run its course.
The age or kairos time of the Gentile occupation and rule of Jerusalem ended June 7th, 1967. This physical restoration resulted in a profound spiritual, charismatic spiritual outpouring, revival, the Jesus freak movement, Y.M.J.A. was birthed, the modern messianic movement explodes with thousands of Jewish believers coming to Yeshua through this charismatic revival outpouring. Takes me right to the refreshing, revival, restoration scripture;
Acts 3:19-21. "Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased; 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord's presence; and he may send the Messiah appointed in advance for you, that is, Yeshua. 21 He has to remain in heaven until the time comes for restoring everything, as God said long ago, when he spoke through the holy prophets.
It's so profound, restoration (renewal) is the foundation for revival but as we read on, we see another key revelation:
Acts 3:24-26. Indeed, all the prophets announced these days, starting with Sh'mu'el and continuing through all who followed. 25 "You are the sons of the prophets; and you are included in the covenant which God made with our fathers when he said to Avraham, 'By your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.' 26 So it is to you first that God has sent his servant whom he has raised up, so that he might bless you by turning each one of you from your evil ways."
It’s about the people, to the Jew first but also the nations! It’s personal! It’s about every one of His creations being restored unto Him! As the historical, physical Israel continues to be restored, as the dirt is removed and 5,000 years of Jewish history is undug so too will some 2,000 years of spiritual sludge and dirt be removed. We’re in the Season of spirit and truth; as Yeshua spoke to the woman at the well in Shechem;
John 4:23-24. But the time is coming—indeed, it's here now—when the true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshipping him. God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly."
A little over 50 years ago we experienced a profound, supernatural outpouring of the Aish, Heavenly Fire, the Ruach Elohim, the Spirit of God! Millions were coming to Yeshua! Young, old, Jew and Gentile, every nation, tribe, and tongue! But, then as often happens the outpouring, the movement plateaus. It’s a cyclical pattern that’s been repeated for millennia. Things become entrenched, stale, with little growth or forward movement! The outpouring becomes a denomination, a movement that isn’t moving. It’s then time for renewal!
We have a divine mandate to be a mature, sin free body that acquires the groaning’s of the Holy Spirit for revival, seeking life from the dead, to see signs and wonders restored upon them that believe. To restore, heal, and renew our Jewish people to receive and accept Yeshua and assume their place as the leaders of the body of Messiah. This centers on the restoration and renewal of Israel:
Romans 11:15. For if their casting Yeshua aside means reconciliation for the world, what will their accepting him mean? It will be life from the dead (nekros {nek-ros'}: deceased, departed, without life, spiritually dead, destitute of a life that recognizes and is devoted to God, destitute of force or power)!
The world will be radically transformed when we fulfill our destiny as Messianic Believers, bringing the “Good News”, the Gospel of Salvation to both Jew and Gentile alike while demonstrating the Dunamis, resurrection power associated with it. To cultivate an atmosphere of revival requires work on our part, action by us renew our commitment to the “Life from the dead” awakening in our homes and congregations, a renewed spirit in His presence:
Psalms 51:12-14. (TLV) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew (Hadas: renew, restore, renovate, rebuild, new, fresh, restoring, revitalizing ones spirit) a steadfast spirit within me. 13 Do not cast me from Your presence—Take not Your Ruach ha-Kodesh from me. 14 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Our society is one of anarchy, social and moral decay, racial division, wokeism, LGBQT false narrative, polarized politics, and the complete loss of confidence in both our government and the Mainstream Media who no longer reports news but thrives on op-ed, political spin, and Hollywood gossip. People are starving for fellowship but seized by fear, panic, apathy, and complacency! A major factor in this is the Church or Congregations’ inability to be relevant and speak the word of truth into our local and national situations! The truth of God’s word which is relevant and topical, powerfully speaking to us today!
The result in all this isn’t a negative one which I’m sure many are thinking right now, that’s the direction I’m heading, surprise, no I’m not! I strongly feel that we are at a profound crossroads, a moment of divine opportunity, an open door to move in new, heavenly direction with new strategies to reach the lost and lead the children of God in Kingdom truth! What will be required is that we must renew ourselves, renovate, rebuild, start new, refresh, restore and revitalize our spirits in these complex and confusing times!
Here is what I’ve experienced and witnessed recently; People are searching for truth and meaning, substance, topicality, and relevance regarding the world around us and what truly matters both in our world and in their personal, spiritual lives! People are scared, confused, and searching for answers, they desire supernatural transformation! There is a growing desire, a deep hunger for answers, for truth, and nothing can compare to the name and power of Yeshua, the Good News, and the absolute that sets people free![EC1] To begin moving forward again we must seek several shifts in our norm to completely renew ourselves.
1) Renewing the movement requires us to shift and rely on Adonai’s power and presence vice religion, rituals, or our own skill sets.
I’ve shared numerous times over the years Yeshua’s ministry was one of demonstrating the Power, the Dunamis of Adonai then introducing the King! One of the foundational principles of the Messianic Movement is the restoration of the word coupled with the power which is why many are joining with this Messianic Revolution! Preparing for the return of the Jewish Messiah! We share and preach the unadulterated word of God through the eyes and culture of its Messianic Jewish Authors just as Yeshua did!
Matthew 4:23-25. Yeshua went all over the Galil teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing people from every kind of disease and sickness. 24 Word of him spread throughout all Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill, suffering from various diseases and pains, and those held in the power of demons, and epileptics and paralytics; and he healed them. 25 Huge crowds followed him from the Galil, the Ten Towns, Yerushalayim, Y'hudah, and `Ever-HaYarden.
We are commanded to be Talmidim, Disciples of Yeshua! Why did huge crowds follow Yeshua? He healed every kind of sickness and disease! A disciple or Talmid in Hebrew is one who accepts, mimics, and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. To be a Talmidim of Yeshua is to act like Him, to do what He did, to adhere to His teachings, His words, His commands!! Yeshua proclaimed the Kingdom by demonstrating the power, healing all who were brought to Him whereby HUGE crowds followed Him. This is true, biblical, Kingdom revival! When the presence of God is here-something will happen! No advertising is necessary, when the power is demonstrated people show up! Same then as it is today! Sha’ul captured this understanding and walked in it:
I Corinthians 2:4-5. and neither the delivery nor the content of my message relied on compelling words of "wisdom" but on a demonstration of the power (Dunamis: strength power, ability, inherent power, power for performing miracles.) of the Spirit, 5 so that your trust might not rest on human wisdom but on God's power.
Sha'ul planted numerous congregations, healed the sick, raised the dead through God's power, a true Talmid of Yeshua! It wasn’t religion, Talmud, Judaism, oral traditions, or any other doctrine, all of which Sha’ul said in Philippians 3 he considered worthless, a disadvantage! He gave it all up in order to be in union with the Messiah and live in the Dunamis power! Sha’ul profoundly tells us, as Yeshua demonstrated, that he wasn't eloquent in speech or a gifted orator. Sha'ul, Paul understood the basic fundamental characteristic of God's Kingdom, it's one of the Word and power! Regardless of how he spoke, the words that came out of Sha'ul carried a heavenly power, an anointing that came from God through the Ruach HaKodesh, a requirement, a mandate for us to renew ourselves.
2) A renewed movement requires leaders who will be transparent, who are willing to honestly, objectively evaluate the impact they are truly making.
Congregation Zion’s Sake humbly began with around 28 people over 26 years ago. We’ve substantially grown since then. First, this is somewhat unusual for a Messianic Congregation as the average size of a Messianic Synagogue is around 40 members. Second, Adonai has blessed us abundantly beyond our comprehension. There are some key attributes that have gotten us to this place and some that will help us get to where God wants us to be. This is not your father’s Synagogue and it's not your father's Church. Adonai is doing something new, challenging both Jew and Gentile alike to "Think for yourselves" and seek restoration and truth. As a Congregation, we’ve rebranded ourselves over 6 times in twenty-six years seeking to keep moving, stay topical and relevant. We continuously review and monitor the impact we make upon this world.
Unfortunately, too many focus upon the ways, the traditions, things and events of the past! I’ve mentioned the Azuza street/William J Seymore revival 100-year event (1906-2006) which I was asked to be a part of and I turned it down, old manna! Trying to recreate something that’s old! We must look forward to the new thing Adonai is doing now, not behind us to the past! Yeshua is talking about our choice to commit and serve in the kingdom, which is always moving, always expanding! The most effective congregations, leaders, and congregates routinely seek input and evaluation regarding their work for Adonai, checking for truth and effectiveness. Are we bearing fruit? Does my preaching reconcile with the word of Adonai? We must be like the nobler people of Berea! It’s about stewardship with what we’ve been given and the stakes are high! Yeshua said in:
Matthew 18:6 and whoever ensnares (skandalizo {skan-dal-id'-zo} ("scandalize"): a stumbling block or impediment in the way, to offend, to entice to sin, to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey, to cause to fall away, what hinders one from acknowledging the authority of Yeshua, bait stick!) one of these little ones who trust me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the open sea!
This is a serious indictment against those who teach falsely, who engage in the doctrine of demons and lying spirits to cause people to apostatize! This is why I hammer away week after week regarding absolute reconciliation to biblical truth! I don’t want religion, I want Kingdom, biblical truth! There is a severe penalty for teaching and preaching false doctrine, oral law, counterfeit grace and hyper love messages!
James 3:1. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, since you know that we will be judged more severely.
We have a kingdom mandate to preach the word right! A renewed movement will require great intentionality in the restoration of the whole word of Adonai and not get bogged down in manmade religious dogma and rituals! We must be worshiping Adonai in Spirit and Truth.
3) A renewed movement requires everyone be engaged in sharing the Good News! To develop and disciple people and congregates to reach, to engage the world with the Gospel.
The restoration of Messianic Leadership, the revival of Israel, a worldwide outpouring that Yeshua prayed for in John 17 and Sha’ul, Paul states in Romans 11 “Life from the dead”. It’s not going to just fall on us. We MUST lay into this in prayer and fasting! We must lay siege to heaven, the Watchman must neither slumber nor sleep until He restores Jerusalem as a praise upon the earth, until Adonai in Heaven Shema’s, hears our prayers, our groaning, and crying and acknowledges us. We must do as our master did and as He commanded us. We must follow biblical protocol and biblical pattern. Marks account of Yeshua’s 40 period of fasting states:
Mark 1:12-13. Immediately the Spirit drove (ekballo {ek-bal'-lo}: drive, force, impulse, hurl forth, eject, a force overcoming opposite forces, a forceful, violent movement) him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by the Adversary. He was with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.
Kingdom transitions of renewal require force. We weren’t released from Slavery until after the horrific plaques against Egypt. We didn’t return from exile easily, it required force, as Nehemiah reveals a brick and one hand and a sword in the other to renew the walls of Jerusalem. And Yeshua Himself, who came to give us the renewed covenant of Jeremiah, was ekballo’d, driven, impulsed into the wilderness where He was tempted while the Angels took care of Him! Yeshua said in Matthew 11:12 that since the “time of Yochanan the Immerser the Kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force!” Ekballo, with force, with impulse, with fierce passion we gathered in one accord with singleness of Mind and prayer for the outpouring of the Ruach! And so, we must also do the same today.
Matthew 9:35-38. Yeshua went about all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and weakness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his talmidim, "The harvest is rich, but the workers are few. 38 Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out (ekballo {ek-bal'-lo}: drive, force, impulse, hurl forth, eject, a force overcoming opposite forces, a forceful, violent movement) workers to gather in his harvest."
Its time right now for the Messianic Community, just like those 120 Messianic Jews in the upper room, too forcefully, passionately, impulse, interject ourselves into our prophetic destiny, to shift history, to pray and fast for the largest apostolic move of God ever recorded. To renew our movement!! I’ve shared this before, there is a radical shifting occurring as the original Messianic Leadership of the Entire body of Christ is restored! Yeshua’s words in Matthew 9 isn’t a suggestion, its fiery command. Yeshua is commanding us to hurl ourselves with force into this, to overcome opposing forces, to see the salvation of all Israel and the world! To ekballo, to drive, to force, to shift history so that Adonai will Shema, hear, acknowledge us in heaven. This is a long term, systematic pressing in! As we experienced the last two years, things don’t go how we think they should, moves of God come from suffering, trials, and sacrifice!
II Corinthians 1:8-10. For, brothers, we want you to know about the trials we have undergone in the province of Asia. The burden laid on us was so far beyond what we could bear that we even despaired of living through it. 9 In our hearts we felt we were under sentence of death. However, this was to get us to rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead! 10 He rescued us from such deadly peril, and he will rescue us again! The one in whom we have placed our hope will indeed continue to rescue us.
Sha’ul’s trials in Asia made him feel like he would die! It's the process of dying to self to rely upon Adonai whose power raises the dead! He rescued us before and will do so for us in the future! There are certain times in our lives, such as the last two years that make us feel like we are under a death sentence, but these trials produce change. This crushing process is likened to Myrrh that is harvest from a very thorny bush/tree called a Commiphora. When a wound on this bush penetrates through the bark and into the sapwood, the tree secretes a resin. Myrrh gum, like frankincense, is such a resin. Myrrh is harvested by repeatedly wounding the trees to bleed the gum. This sweet fragrance used in temple worship is a product of continuous wounding the bush. We joke about this, you know you’re on the Kingdom front lines and moving forward when you’re getting shot at, under attack, trials, and despair! This is good news! When you are far behind the battle it’s peaceful, there is no tsuris, no trials. We too must be prepared to move to the front lines and suffer, to sacrifice for the Kingdom!
Romans 12:1. I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical "Temple worship" for you.
Renewing our movement, surging forward in the kingdom, relying more on Adonai’s power, truly making a kingdom impact with every congregate engaged requires great sacrifice! As Yeshua told us:
Matthew 16:24. Then Yeshua told his talmidim, "If anyone wants to come after me, let him say `No' to himself (Aparneomai: Deny, refuse, say no to oneself, deny your own interests [sacrifice]), take up his execution-stake, and keep following me.
Few today are willing or know how to sacrifice for the Kingdom! Are we willing to sacrifice our TV/movie/Internet/gaming time to read the word and pray? Are we willing to sacrifice activities that keep us from fellowship and services. Are we willing to sacrifice our desire for material wealth; a nicer car/home/computer/TV/wardrobe so the money can be used to support kingdom needs? Revival doesn’t just somehow happen! The fire of Adonai always falls on the sacrifice! We must become that living sacrifice! Do we walk with the world, or do we renew ourselves and walk with Yeshua?
Blessings,
Rabbi Eric S Carlson
Luke 21:24. Some will fall by the edge of the sword, others will be carried into all the countries of the Goyim, and Yerushalayim will be trampled (pateo {pat-eh'-o}: Trampled, to tread underfoot-occupied or ruled, to strike or smitten) down by the Goyim until the age of the Goyim has run its course.
The age or kairos time of the Gentile occupation and rule of Jerusalem ended June 7th, 1967. This physical restoration resulted in a profound spiritual, charismatic spiritual outpouring, revival, the Jesus freak movement, Y.M.J.A. was birthed, the modern messianic movement explodes with thousands of Jewish believers coming to Yeshua through this charismatic revival outpouring. Takes me right to the refreshing, revival, restoration scripture;
Acts 3:19-21. "Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased; 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord's presence; and he may send the Messiah appointed in advance for you, that is, Yeshua. 21 He has to remain in heaven until the time comes for restoring everything, as God said long ago, when he spoke through the holy prophets.
It's so profound, restoration (renewal) is the foundation for revival but as we read on, we see another key revelation:
Acts 3:24-26. Indeed, all the prophets announced these days, starting with Sh'mu'el and continuing through all who followed. 25 "You are the sons of the prophets; and you are included in the covenant which God made with our fathers when he said to Avraham, 'By your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.' 26 So it is to you first that God has sent his servant whom he has raised up, so that he might bless you by turning each one of you from your evil ways."
It’s about the people, to the Jew first but also the nations! It’s personal! It’s about every one of His creations being restored unto Him! As the historical, physical Israel continues to be restored, as the dirt is removed and 5,000 years of Jewish history is undug so too will some 2,000 years of spiritual sludge and dirt be removed. We’re in the Season of spirit and truth; as Yeshua spoke to the woman at the well in Shechem;
John 4:23-24. But the time is coming—indeed, it's here now—when the true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshipping him. God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly."
A little over 50 years ago we experienced a profound, supernatural outpouring of the Aish, Heavenly Fire, the Ruach Elohim, the Spirit of God! Millions were coming to Yeshua! Young, old, Jew and Gentile, every nation, tribe, and tongue! But, then as often happens the outpouring, the movement plateaus. It’s a cyclical pattern that’s been repeated for millennia. Things become entrenched, stale, with little growth or forward movement! The outpouring becomes a denomination, a movement that isn’t moving. It’s then time for renewal!
We have a divine mandate to be a mature, sin free body that acquires the groaning’s of the Holy Spirit for revival, seeking life from the dead, to see signs and wonders restored upon them that believe. To restore, heal, and renew our Jewish people to receive and accept Yeshua and assume their place as the leaders of the body of Messiah. This centers on the restoration and renewal of Israel:
Romans 11:15. For if their casting Yeshua aside means reconciliation for the world, what will their accepting him mean? It will be life from the dead (nekros {nek-ros'}: deceased, departed, without life, spiritually dead, destitute of a life that recognizes and is devoted to God, destitute of force or power)!
The world will be radically transformed when we fulfill our destiny as Messianic Believers, bringing the “Good News”, the Gospel of Salvation to both Jew and Gentile alike while demonstrating the Dunamis, resurrection power associated with it. To cultivate an atmosphere of revival requires work on our part, action by us renew our commitment to the “Life from the dead” awakening in our homes and congregations, a renewed spirit in His presence:
Psalms 51:12-14. (TLV) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew (Hadas: renew, restore, renovate, rebuild, new, fresh, restoring, revitalizing ones spirit) a steadfast spirit within me. 13 Do not cast me from Your presence—Take not Your Ruach ha-Kodesh from me. 14 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Our society is one of anarchy, social and moral decay, racial division, wokeism, LGBQT false narrative, polarized politics, and the complete loss of confidence in both our government and the Mainstream Media who no longer reports news but thrives on op-ed, political spin, and Hollywood gossip. People are starving for fellowship but seized by fear, panic, apathy, and complacency! A major factor in this is the Church or Congregations’ inability to be relevant and speak the word of truth into our local and national situations! The truth of God’s word which is relevant and topical, powerfully speaking to us today!
The result in all this isn’t a negative one which I’m sure many are thinking right now, that’s the direction I’m heading, surprise, no I’m not! I strongly feel that we are at a profound crossroads, a moment of divine opportunity, an open door to move in new, heavenly direction with new strategies to reach the lost and lead the children of God in Kingdom truth! What will be required is that we must renew ourselves, renovate, rebuild, start new, refresh, restore and revitalize our spirits in these complex and confusing times!
Here is what I’ve experienced and witnessed recently; People are searching for truth and meaning, substance, topicality, and relevance regarding the world around us and what truly matters both in our world and in their personal, spiritual lives! People are scared, confused, and searching for answers, they desire supernatural transformation! There is a growing desire, a deep hunger for answers, for truth, and nothing can compare to the name and power of Yeshua, the Good News, and the absolute that sets people free![EC1] To begin moving forward again we must seek several shifts in our norm to completely renew ourselves.
1) Renewing the movement requires us to shift and rely on Adonai’s power and presence vice religion, rituals, or our own skill sets.
I’ve shared numerous times over the years Yeshua’s ministry was one of demonstrating the Power, the Dunamis of Adonai then introducing the King! One of the foundational principles of the Messianic Movement is the restoration of the word coupled with the power which is why many are joining with this Messianic Revolution! Preparing for the return of the Jewish Messiah! We share and preach the unadulterated word of God through the eyes and culture of its Messianic Jewish Authors just as Yeshua did!
Matthew 4:23-25. Yeshua went all over the Galil teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing people from every kind of disease and sickness. 24 Word of him spread throughout all Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill, suffering from various diseases and pains, and those held in the power of demons, and epileptics and paralytics; and he healed them. 25 Huge crowds followed him from the Galil, the Ten Towns, Yerushalayim, Y'hudah, and `Ever-HaYarden.
We are commanded to be Talmidim, Disciples of Yeshua! Why did huge crowds follow Yeshua? He healed every kind of sickness and disease! A disciple or Talmid in Hebrew is one who accepts, mimics, and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. To be a Talmidim of Yeshua is to act like Him, to do what He did, to adhere to His teachings, His words, His commands!! Yeshua proclaimed the Kingdom by demonstrating the power, healing all who were brought to Him whereby HUGE crowds followed Him. This is true, biblical, Kingdom revival! When the presence of God is here-something will happen! No advertising is necessary, when the power is demonstrated people show up! Same then as it is today! Sha’ul captured this understanding and walked in it:
I Corinthians 2:4-5. and neither the delivery nor the content of my message relied on compelling words of "wisdom" but on a demonstration of the power (Dunamis: strength power, ability, inherent power, power for performing miracles.) of the Spirit, 5 so that your trust might not rest on human wisdom but on God's power.
Sha'ul planted numerous congregations, healed the sick, raised the dead through God's power, a true Talmid of Yeshua! It wasn’t religion, Talmud, Judaism, oral traditions, or any other doctrine, all of which Sha’ul said in Philippians 3 he considered worthless, a disadvantage! He gave it all up in order to be in union with the Messiah and live in the Dunamis power! Sha’ul profoundly tells us, as Yeshua demonstrated, that he wasn't eloquent in speech or a gifted orator. Sha'ul, Paul understood the basic fundamental characteristic of God's Kingdom, it's one of the Word and power! Regardless of how he spoke, the words that came out of Sha'ul carried a heavenly power, an anointing that came from God through the Ruach HaKodesh, a requirement, a mandate for us to renew ourselves.
2) A renewed movement requires leaders who will be transparent, who are willing to honestly, objectively evaluate the impact they are truly making.
Congregation Zion’s Sake humbly began with around 28 people over 26 years ago. We’ve substantially grown since then. First, this is somewhat unusual for a Messianic Congregation as the average size of a Messianic Synagogue is around 40 members. Second, Adonai has blessed us abundantly beyond our comprehension. There are some key attributes that have gotten us to this place and some that will help us get to where God wants us to be. This is not your father’s Synagogue and it's not your father's Church. Adonai is doing something new, challenging both Jew and Gentile alike to "Think for yourselves" and seek restoration and truth. As a Congregation, we’ve rebranded ourselves over 6 times in twenty-six years seeking to keep moving, stay topical and relevant. We continuously review and monitor the impact we make upon this world.
Unfortunately, too many focus upon the ways, the traditions, things and events of the past! I’ve mentioned the Azuza street/William J Seymore revival 100-year event (1906-2006) which I was asked to be a part of and I turned it down, old manna! Trying to recreate something that’s old! We must look forward to the new thing Adonai is doing now, not behind us to the past! Yeshua is talking about our choice to commit and serve in the kingdom, which is always moving, always expanding! The most effective congregations, leaders, and congregates routinely seek input and evaluation regarding their work for Adonai, checking for truth and effectiveness. Are we bearing fruit? Does my preaching reconcile with the word of Adonai? We must be like the nobler people of Berea! It’s about stewardship with what we’ve been given and the stakes are high! Yeshua said in:
Matthew 18:6 and whoever ensnares (skandalizo {skan-dal-id'-zo} ("scandalize"): a stumbling block or impediment in the way, to offend, to entice to sin, to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey, to cause to fall away, what hinders one from acknowledging the authority of Yeshua, bait stick!) one of these little ones who trust me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the open sea!
This is a serious indictment against those who teach falsely, who engage in the doctrine of demons and lying spirits to cause people to apostatize! This is why I hammer away week after week regarding absolute reconciliation to biblical truth! I don’t want religion, I want Kingdom, biblical truth! There is a severe penalty for teaching and preaching false doctrine, oral law, counterfeit grace and hyper love messages!
James 3:1. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, since you know that we will be judged more severely.
We have a kingdom mandate to preach the word right! A renewed movement will require great intentionality in the restoration of the whole word of Adonai and not get bogged down in manmade religious dogma and rituals! We must be worshiping Adonai in Spirit and Truth.
3) A renewed movement requires everyone be engaged in sharing the Good News! To develop and disciple people and congregates to reach, to engage the world with the Gospel.
The restoration of Messianic Leadership, the revival of Israel, a worldwide outpouring that Yeshua prayed for in John 17 and Sha’ul, Paul states in Romans 11 “Life from the dead”. It’s not going to just fall on us. We MUST lay into this in prayer and fasting! We must lay siege to heaven, the Watchman must neither slumber nor sleep until He restores Jerusalem as a praise upon the earth, until Adonai in Heaven Shema’s, hears our prayers, our groaning, and crying and acknowledges us. We must do as our master did and as He commanded us. We must follow biblical protocol and biblical pattern. Marks account of Yeshua’s 40 period of fasting states:
Mark 1:12-13. Immediately the Spirit drove (ekballo {ek-bal'-lo}: drive, force, impulse, hurl forth, eject, a force overcoming opposite forces, a forceful, violent movement) him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by the Adversary. He was with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.
Kingdom transitions of renewal require force. We weren’t released from Slavery until after the horrific plaques against Egypt. We didn’t return from exile easily, it required force, as Nehemiah reveals a brick and one hand and a sword in the other to renew the walls of Jerusalem. And Yeshua Himself, who came to give us the renewed covenant of Jeremiah, was ekballo’d, driven, impulsed into the wilderness where He was tempted while the Angels took care of Him! Yeshua said in Matthew 11:12 that since the “time of Yochanan the Immerser the Kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force!” Ekballo, with force, with impulse, with fierce passion we gathered in one accord with singleness of Mind and prayer for the outpouring of the Ruach! And so, we must also do the same today.
Matthew 9:35-38. Yeshua went about all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and weakness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his talmidim, "The harvest is rich, but the workers are few. 38 Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out (ekballo {ek-bal'-lo}: drive, force, impulse, hurl forth, eject, a force overcoming opposite forces, a forceful, violent movement) workers to gather in his harvest."
Its time right now for the Messianic Community, just like those 120 Messianic Jews in the upper room, too forcefully, passionately, impulse, interject ourselves into our prophetic destiny, to shift history, to pray and fast for the largest apostolic move of God ever recorded. To renew our movement!! I’ve shared this before, there is a radical shifting occurring as the original Messianic Leadership of the Entire body of Christ is restored! Yeshua’s words in Matthew 9 isn’t a suggestion, its fiery command. Yeshua is commanding us to hurl ourselves with force into this, to overcome opposing forces, to see the salvation of all Israel and the world! To ekballo, to drive, to force, to shift history so that Adonai will Shema, hear, acknowledge us in heaven. This is a long term, systematic pressing in! As we experienced the last two years, things don’t go how we think they should, moves of God come from suffering, trials, and sacrifice!
II Corinthians 1:8-10. For, brothers, we want you to know about the trials we have undergone in the province of Asia. The burden laid on us was so far beyond what we could bear that we even despaired of living through it. 9 In our hearts we felt we were under sentence of death. However, this was to get us to rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead! 10 He rescued us from such deadly peril, and he will rescue us again! The one in whom we have placed our hope will indeed continue to rescue us.
Sha’ul’s trials in Asia made him feel like he would die! It's the process of dying to self to rely upon Adonai whose power raises the dead! He rescued us before and will do so for us in the future! There are certain times in our lives, such as the last two years that make us feel like we are under a death sentence, but these trials produce change. This crushing process is likened to Myrrh that is harvest from a very thorny bush/tree called a Commiphora. When a wound on this bush penetrates through the bark and into the sapwood, the tree secretes a resin. Myrrh gum, like frankincense, is such a resin. Myrrh is harvested by repeatedly wounding the trees to bleed the gum. This sweet fragrance used in temple worship is a product of continuous wounding the bush. We joke about this, you know you’re on the Kingdom front lines and moving forward when you’re getting shot at, under attack, trials, and despair! This is good news! When you are far behind the battle it’s peaceful, there is no tsuris, no trials. We too must be prepared to move to the front lines and suffer, to sacrifice for the Kingdom!
Romans 12:1. I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical "Temple worship" for you.
Renewing our movement, surging forward in the kingdom, relying more on Adonai’s power, truly making a kingdom impact with every congregate engaged requires great sacrifice! As Yeshua told us:
Matthew 16:24. Then Yeshua told his talmidim, "If anyone wants to come after me, let him say `No' to himself (Aparneomai: Deny, refuse, say no to oneself, deny your own interests [sacrifice]), take up his execution-stake, and keep following me.
Few today are willing or know how to sacrifice for the Kingdom! Are we willing to sacrifice our TV/movie/Internet/gaming time to read the word and pray? Are we willing to sacrifice activities that keep us from fellowship and services. Are we willing to sacrifice our desire for material wealth; a nicer car/home/computer/TV/wardrobe so the money can be used to support kingdom needs? Revival doesn’t just somehow happen! The fire of Adonai always falls on the sacrifice! We must become that living sacrifice! Do we walk with the world, or do we renew ourselves and walk with Yeshua?
Blessings,
Rabbi Eric S Carlson
Posted in June 2026
Recent
Archive
2026
2025
August
Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner Sheva Moedim HaAdonai, the seven Feasts of the LordSend on your behalf – Sh’lach l’Cha & the “One New Man”Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner May 2022Word Omer and Yeshua’s AscensionTHE TALLIT Phrases and PurposeRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner June 2022What is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah?Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner July 2022Truth DecayThe ShofarRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner August 2022The ShemaThe Biblical Wedding Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner September 2022Etrog & LulavThe Wedding Kiddushin & NisuinRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner October 2022Fall Feasts (Moedim)The Shelamim OfferingRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner November 2022AnointingThe MezuzahRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner December 2022HanukkahWhat is ShabbatRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner January 2023God’s Covenant SignsWhy Is Torah For Today?Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner February 2023DiversityEchadRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner March 2023Pesach is a Sign of RevivalShalom in the StormRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner April 2023Pesach is a Sign of RevivalFestival of MatzahRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner May 2023ShavuotMothersRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner June 2023Father’s DayFreedom Juneteenth 2023Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner July 2023Independence DayT’shuvah is Topical & RelevantRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner August 2023Danger of PrideElul - 40 Days of Prayer & FastingRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner September 2023Yom TeruahSUKKOTRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner October 2023TransitionRestorationRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner November 2023Prophetic IsraelThanksgivingRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner December 2023What do we do with Christmas?Hanukkah Culture WarRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner January 2024HopeSeed’s and Tare’sRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner February 2024Mishpocha (Family)Rebuilding Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner March 2024Bondage to FreedomPurimRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner April 2024DeceptionPesach (Passover)Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner May 2024RiversInjusticeRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner June 2024Fathers Day 2024ShavuotRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner July 2024Attention to DetailCourage in Adversity The foundation of RevivalRabbi & Rebbetzin's Corner August 2024Hindering Spirits