The Former and Latter rain (Prophecy)-Study,Update,19/3/2022

The Former and Latter rain (Prophecy)

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses to me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:1-4 the day of Pentecost was fully come, they in one accord in one place

Acts 20:16 Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost

Acts 1:14-15 those all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication

Acts 2:46-47 and continuing daily with one accord in the temple

Acts 5:42 and in the temple and every house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ

Acts 20:7 Paul preached, upon first day of week, and continued his speech until midnight

Acts 1:5:-7 John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water…he that comes after shall baptize with the Holy Ghost

Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire

Isaiah 4:3-4 the Lord shall have washed away filth of the daughters in Zion

Malachi 3:2-4 he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers soap

1Corinthians 12-13 by one spirit are we all baptized into one body, Jews, gentiles                                                                                                     Luke 24:49 behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city Jerusalem

Isaiah 44:3 I will pour out upon him that is athirst

Joel 2:28-29 I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, you your sons and your daughters shall prophecy

Ezekiel 39:29 I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel

Acts 2:17-18 In the last days, saith the lord, I will pour out my spirit upon your sons and daughters and they will prophesy

John 7:38-39 He that believeth in me as the scriptures said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all of them

Acts 21:8-9 The man had four daughters that were virgins which did prophesy

Zechariah 12:9-10 I will pour upon the house of David, the spirit of grace and supplications

John 14:16-17 The Father will give you another comforter that he may abide with you forever

John 15:26 I will send you from the Father, even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of me

Romans 8:15,26-28 Ye have not receive the spirit of bondage, but ye have receive the spirit of adoption

Acts 2:33 Having received of the Father the spirit the promise of the Holy Ghost

1 John 5:6-8 And it is the spirit that beareth witness because the spirit is truth

John 10:30 I and my Father are one

[Preparation for the Final Crisis pg 55-57]–The Holy spirit has, of course, been working in man’s behalf throughout the ages, but the Lord records promises in his word of an abundant and extraordinary out pouring or effusion of this power to fit the church for doing a special work in special times. In this sense the “early rain,” the first fulfillment of the prophet’s promise, gave the apostle ability to accomplish their prodigious work. The latter rain, which will occur in our days will enable the church to finish the great gospel task according to plan. Realizing the transcending importance of the latter rain to the church, we should earnestly pray for it. Although we have already seen here and there isolated showers, the latter rain in marvelous abundance will descend only when the major part of the church- ministers and laity experience the necessary revival and reformation and comply with the required conditions.

                                   Description

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause  to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain in the first month. Joel 2:23. “ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy your old men shall dream dreams your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the maids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heaven and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke, the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.” Verse 28-31.This promise is repeated in Acts 2:17-20. “Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3 “Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern Lands at seed time and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold . The bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s church. The outpouring of the spirit in the days of the prophets was the beginning of the early, or former rain and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the spirit is to abide with the true church.”

 At that time the latter rain or refreshing from the presence of the Lord will come to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” “It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the third angels.

The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost. As the former rain was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel to cause the upspring of the precious seed. So the latter rain will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest.

Joel 2:23 rejoice in the Lord you God for he hath given you the former moderately

Leviticus 26:3-4 If you walk in my statutes and keep my commandments I will give you rain in due season

Isaiah 30:22-23 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven image sand cast them away then he shall give the of thy seed

Ezekiel 34:26-27 I will cause the shower to come down in its season

Psalm 67:6-7 then shall the earth yield her increase and God shall bless us

Zechariah 8:12 the ground shall give her increase and the heaven shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all things

Deuteronomy 11:14 diligently hearken to the commandments and I will give you the rain of your land in due season, the first rain and the latter rain

Deuteronomy 28:12 the Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season. Bless all the work of thine hand

James 5:7 Be patient therefore brethren, until he receive the early and the latter rain

Hosea 6:3 If we follow to know the Lord, he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth

2 Samuel 23:4 He shall be as the light of morning, the earth by clear shining after rain

Psalm 72:6-7 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass

Job 29:21-23 they waited for me as for the rain, and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain

Zechariah 10:1  ask ye of the Lord the rain in time of the latter rain so the lord shall make bright clouds and give them showers of rain

Jeremiah 14:22 Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that cause rain or can the heaven give showers? O lord our God?

 (The Desire of Ages pg 827)Tell the people of Him who is “the Chiefest among ten thousand,” and the One “altogether lovely.” The Song of Solomon 5:10, 16. Words alone cannot tell it. Let it be reflected in the character and manifested in the life. Christ is sitting for His portrait in every disciple. Every one God has predestinated to be “conformed to the image of His Son.” Rom. 8:29. In every one Christ’s long-suffering love, His holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth are to be manifested to the world.  The first disciples went forth preaching the word. They revealed Christ in their lives. And the Lord worked with them, “confirming the word with signs following.” Mark 16:20. These disciples prepared themselves for their work. Before the day of Pentecost they met together, and put away all differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ’s promise that the blessing would be given, and they prayed in faith. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely; they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day. So it may be now. Instead of man’s speculations, let the word of God be preached. Let Christians put away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them in faith ask for the blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the “former rain,” and glorious was the result. But the “latter rain” will be more abundant. Joel 2:23. All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence. The Saviour longs to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the whole world. It is His purchased possession, and He desires to make men free, and pure, and holy. Though Satan works to hinder this purpose, yet through the blood shed for the world there are triumphs to be achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb. Christ will not be satisfied till the victory is complete, and “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isa. 53:11. All the nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of His grace.

Jeremiah 5:24 Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and latter in his season

Psalm 147:8 who cover the heavens with clouds who prepareth rain for the earth

Acts 14:17 He did good and gave us rain from heaven

Note-[Preparation for the final crisis pg 57-59] this promised blessings claimed by faith, brings all other blessing in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and he is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive. Christian virtues and blessings are the fruit of the spirit.  The Galatians received assistance of that which enables us to make the first start. The blessings received under the former rain are needful to us to the end. Yet those alone will not suffice. While we cherish the blessing of the early rain, we must not, on the other hand, lose sight of the facts that without the latter rain, to fill out the ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not be ready for the sickle and the labour of the sower will have been in vain. Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place for us to rest in a careless attitude. We must never forget the warning of Christ. “Watch unto prayer, watch..And pray always.” A connection with the divine agency every moment is essential to our progress. We may have had a measure of the spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the spirit. It will never do to cease our efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will die at our own door.

Promises and willingness of God

Note- “If yethen being evil know how to give to give good gifts unto your children. How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him!”  Luke 11:13 It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of his grace do not flow earthward to men… If all were willing, all would be filled with the spirit.. The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serve him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the daily baptism of the spirit every worker should offer his petition to God.”The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future ; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now, seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and heaven is there for all who need them and will take him at his word. The promises of God are for us. The time is now. The Lord is anxious to fulfill the promise. Why then does the latter rain seem to be delayed? Because as happens with each promise of God, fulfillment is subject to condition which must be met. “Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to his church and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on condition.” “This promised blessing, claimed by faith, bring all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and he is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive. The spirit works upon man’s heart according to his desire and consent implanting in him a new nature.” Before the final visitation of God’s judgment upon the earth there will be among the people of God such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The spirit and power of God will be poured out upon his children. “Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues we shall not recognize the manifestations around us, but we shall not discern or receive it…” If we do not place in an attitude to receive both the former rain and the latter rain, we shall lose our soul, and the responsibility lies at our own door.   

Acts 4:30-31 By the stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done… when they prayed…they were all filled with the Holy Ghost

Acts 2;43-46 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles

Marks 16:17-19 These signs shall follow them, in my name they shall cast out devils

Luke 10:17 The seventy returned saying “Lord even the devils are subject unto us”

Luke 10:1-3 The Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two by two…into every city

Matthew 10:1 His twelve disciples he gave them power over unclean spirits

Mark 3:13-15 he ordained twelve that they should be with him, and send them to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses

Acts 5:16-20 there came round about Jerusalem bringing sick folks, and them vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one of them

John 14:12 The works that I do shall he do also and greater works than these because I go unto my Father

Matthew 21:21-22 If ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, also if ye say unto this mountain be thou removed…it shall be done

Matthew 17:19-20 if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed you shall say unto this mountain be removed hence

Luke 17:6 If ye have faith as a grain of mustard, say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root

James 1:6 but let him ask in faith nothing wavering

Acts 2:4-5 they were all filled by the Holy Ghost

Acts 1:5 but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence

Matthew 3:11 He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with power

Note—[Testimony Treasures pg 211-215 Vol 3] The Promise of Spirit– notice that it was after the disciples had come perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the spirit was poured out, they were of one accord. All differences had been put away, and the testimony borne of them after the spirit had been given is the same, mark the word: “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.”Acts 4:32 the spirit of him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers. The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day. So it may be now. Let Christians put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the spirit in the days of the apostles was “the former rain,” and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant. What is the promise to those living in these last days? “turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee,” “ask ye of the lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every to every one grass in the field” Zechariah 9:12; 10:1.It is the absence of the spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless. Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowments, may be possessed; but, without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of his disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them channels for the outflowing of the highest influence in the universe.

Acts 4:32 the multitude of them that believe were of one heart

Romans 15:5 Be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus

2 Corinthians 13:11 finally brethren be perfect and of good comfort

Philippians 1:27 Stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

1 Peter 3:8 finally, be ye all of one mind having compassion

Acts 2:44 All that believed were together and had all things in common

Acts 4:24 When they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God

Note—[The Acts of the Apostles pg 70-76] Chapter. 7 – A Warning against Hypocrisy — As the disciples proclaimed the truths of the gospel in Jerusalem, God bore witness to their word, and a multitude believed. Many of these early believers were immediately cut off from family and friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews, and it was necessary to provide them with food and shelter. The record declares, “Neither was there any among them that lacked,” and it tells how the need was filled. Those among the believers who had money and possessions cheerfully sacrificed them to meet the emergency. Selling their houses or their lands, they brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet, “and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” This liberality on the part of the believers was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit. The converts to the gospel were “of one heart and of one soul.” One common interest controlled them–the success of the mission entrusted to them; and covetousness had no place in their lives. Their love for their brethren and the cause they had espoused was greater than their love of money and possessions. Their works testified that they accounted the souls of men of higher value than earthly wealth.  Thus it will ever be when the Spirit of God takes possession of the life. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ, will follow the example of Him who for our sake became poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich. Money, time, influence–all the gifts they have received from God’s hand, they will value only as a means of advancing the work of the gospel. Thus it was in the early church; and when in the church of today it is seen that by the power of the Spirit the members have taken their affections from the things of the world, and that they are willing to make sacrifices in order that their fellow men may hear the gospel, the truths proclaimed will have a powerful influence upon the hearers.

     In sharp contrast to the example of benevolence shown by the believers, was the conduct of Ananias and Sapphira, whose experience, traced by the pen of Inspiration, has left a dark stain upon the history of the early church. With others, these professed disciples had shared the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles. They had been present with other believers when, after the apostles had prayed, “the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 4:31. Deep conviction had rested upon all present, and under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Ananias and Sapphira had made a pledge to give to the Lord the proceeds from the sale of certain property.  Afterward, Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding to feelings of covetousness. They began to regret their promise and soon lost the sweet influence of the blessing that had warmed their hearts with a desire to do large things in behalf of the cause of Christ. They thought they had been too hasty, that they ought to reconsider their decision. They talked the matter over, and decided not to fulfill their pledge. They saw, however, that those who parted with their possessions to supply the needs of their poorer brethren, were held in high esteem among the believers; and ashamed to have their brethren know that their selfish souls grudged that which they had solemnly dedicated to God, they deliberately decided to sell their property and pretend to give all the proceeds into the general fund, but really to keep a large share for themselves. Thus they would secure their living from the common store and at the same time gain the high esteem of their brethren.

     But God hates hypocrisy and falsehood. Ananias and Sapphira practiced fraud in their dealing with God; they lied to the Holy Spirit, and their sin was visited with swift and terrible judgment. When Ananias came with his offering, Peter said: “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”
Ananias hearing these words fell down gave up the ghost: and great fear came on then that heard these things.” Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?”Peter asked. No undue influence had been brought to bear upon Ananias to compel him to sacrifice his possessions to the general good. He acted from choice but in attempting to deceive the disciple, he had lied to the Almighty. It was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said yes, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, how it is that ye have agreed together to tempt the spirit of the lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead and carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard those things.” Infinite wisdom saw that this signal manifestation of the wrath of God was necessary to guard the young church from becoming demoralized. Their numbers were rapidly increasing. The church would have been endangered if, in the rapid increase of converts, men and women had been added who, while professing to serve God, were worshiping mammon. This judgment testified that men cannot deceive God, that He detects the hidden sin of the heart, and that He will not be mocked. It was designed as a warning to the church, to lead them to avoid pretense and hypocrisy, and to beware of robbing God.  Not to the early church only, but to all future generations, this example of God’s hatred of covetousness, fraud, and hypocrisy, was given as a danger-signal. It was covetousness that Ananias and Sapphira had first cherished. The desire to retain for themselves a part of that which they had promised to the Lord, led them into fraud and hypocrisy.

Acts 4:33 with great power he gave the apostles witness of the Lord Jesus’ resurrection

John 15:26-27 ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning

Luke 25:48-49 and ye are witnesses of these things.

Acts 2:21-22 a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you

John 3:2 Nicodemus went to Jesus by night… we know that thou art a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles, except God be with him

Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus, who went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil. For God was with him

Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own will

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 my speech and my preaching, in demonstration of the spirit and of power

1 peter 4:10-11 as every man hath received the gifts, even so minister

Matthew 24:45   Who then is a faithful and wise servant the Lord hath made ruler over his house hold, to give them meat in due season

Titus 1:7- 8 a bishop must be blameless, steward of God not self willed

Ephesians 4:4 – 7 there is one body and one spirit even as ye are called

Note—[Testimony Treasures vol 3 pg 214 – 215] When the Holy Spirit controls the minds of our church members, there will be seen in our churches a much higher standard in speech, in ministry, in spirituality, than is now seen. The church members will be refreshed by the water of life, and the laborers, working under one Head, even Christ, will reveal their Master in spirit, in word, in deed, and will encourage one another to press forward in the grand, closing work in which we are engaged. There will be a healthy increase of unity and love, which will bear testimony to the world that God sent His Son to die for the redemption of sinners. Divine truth will be exalted; and as it shines forth as a lamp that burneth, we shall understand it more and still more clearly. Testimony to the church Vol 8 pg 211. I was shown that if God’s people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry of the third angel, they will be found wanting. The refreshing or power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Testimony to the Church Vol 1 pg 619 This agency of the Spirit of God does not remove from us the necessity of exercising our faculties and talents, but teaches us how to use every power to the glory of God. The human faculties, when under the special direction of the grace of God, are capable of being used to the best purpose on earth, and will be exercised in the future, immortal life. Testimony to the Church Vol 4 pg 372.Why has the history of the work of the disciples, as they labored with holy zeal, animated and vitalized by the Holy Spirit, been recorded, if it is not that from this record the Lord’s people today are to gain an inspiration to work earnestly for Him? What the Lord did for His people in that time, it is just as essential, and more so, that He do for His people today. All that the apostles did, every church member today is to do. And we are to work with as much more fervor, to be accompanied by the Holy Spirit in as much greater measure, as the increase of wickedness demands a more decided call to repentance.[Testimony to the Church Vol 7 pg 33.]

Luke 9:1-5  he called his twelve disciples together, gave power and authority  over all devils, and to cure diseases

Matthew 10:7-8 heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils

Luke 3:2 the word of God came unto the son of Zacharias in the wilderness

Luke 10:9 the seventy, heal the sick that are therein, the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you

Acts 8:17-19 when Simeon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money

Acts 6:6-7 when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them, and the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied

Hebrews 6:2-3 laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, this will we do if God permit.

Note—[The Acts of Apostles pg 47-] –The gift of the Spirit . When Christ gave His disciples the promise of the Spirit, He was nearing the close of His earthly ministry. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that was to rest upon Him as the Sin Bearer. Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, He instructed His disciples regarding a most essential and complete gift which He was to bestow upon His followers–the gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of His grace. “I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16, 17. The Saviour was pointing forward to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to do a mighty work as His representative. The evil that had been accumulating for centuries was to be resisted by the divine power of the Holy Spirit.

 What was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? The glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost parts of the inhabited world. As the disciples proclaimed the message of redeeming grace, hearts yielded to the power of this message. The church beheld converts flocking to her from all directions. Backsliders were reconverted. Sinners united with believers in seeking the pearl of great price. Some who had been the bitterest opponents of the gospel became its champions. The prophecy was fulfilled, “He that is feeble . . . shall be as David; and the house of David . . . as the angel of the Lord.” Zechariah 12:8. Every Christian saw in his brother a revelation of divine love and benevolence. One interest prevailed; one subject of emulation swallowed up all others. The ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ’s character and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom. “With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33. Under their labors were added to the church chosen men, who, receiving the word of truth, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope that filled their hearts with peace and joy. They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatening. The Lord spoke through them, and as they went from place to place, the poor had the gospel preached to them, and miracles of divine grace were wrought .So mightily can God work when men give themselves up to the control of His Spirit. The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer’s love and of His saving grace. The men and women, who through the long centuries of persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives, have stood as signs and wonders in the world. Before angels and men they have revealed the transforming power of redeeming love. Those who at Pentecost were endued with power from on high were not thereby freed from further temptation and trial. As they witnessed for truth and righteousness they were repeatedly assailed by the enemy of all truth, who sought to rob them of their Christian experience. They were compelled to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Daily they prayed for fresh supplies of grace, that they might reach higher and still higher toward perfection. Under the Holy Spirit’s working even the weakest,by exercising faith in God, learned to improve their entrusted powers and to become sanctified, refined, and ennobled. As in humility they submitted to the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, they received of the fullness of the Godhead and were fashioned in the likeness of the divine

Nehemiah 9:20-21 thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them

Number 11:17 the lord said he will come down, and talk with thee, and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them

Genesis 11:5-7 the lord came down to see the city and the tower

1 Samuel 10:6-7 the spirit of the lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophecy with them

2 king 2:15-16 the spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha

Number 11:25  the lord took the spirit that was upon Moses and give it onto seventy elders, the spirit rested upon them and they prophesied

Isaiah 44:3 I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine offspring

John 7:37-39 he that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water

Note—[the Acts of the Apostles pg 52-53]   Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13), the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein. From the beginning, God has been working by His Holy Spirit through human instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose in behalf of the fallen race. This was manifest in the lives of the patriarchs. To the church in the wilderness also, in the time of Moses, God gave His “good Spirit to instruct them.” Nehemiah 9:20. And in the days of the apostles He wrought mightily for His church through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The same power that sustained the patriarchs, that gave Caleb and Joshua faith and courage, and that made the work of the apostolic church effective, has upheld God’s faithful children in every succeeding age. It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that during the Dark Ages the Waldensian Christians helped to prepare the way for the Reformation. It was the same power that made successful the efforts of the noble men and women who pioneered the way for the establishment of modern missions and for the translation of the Bible into the languages and dialects of all nations and peoples. And today God is still using His church to make known His purpose in the earth. Today the heralds of the cross are going from city to city, and from land to land, preparing the way for the second advent of Christ. The standard of God’s law is being exalted. The Spirit of the Almighty is moving upon men’s hearts, and those who respond to its influence become witnesses for God and His truth. In many places consecrated men and women may be seen communicating to others the light that has made plain to them the way of salvation through Christ. And as they continue to let their light shine, as did those who were baptized with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they receive more and still more of the Spirit’s power. Thus the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God. On the other hand, there are some who, instead of wisely improving present opportunities, are idly waiting for some special season of spiritual refreshing by which their ability to enlighten others will be greatly increased. They neglect present duties and privileges, and allow their light to burn dim, while they look forward to a time when, without any effort on their part, they will be made the recipients of special blessing, by which they will be transformed and fitted for service. It is true that in the time of the end, when God’s work in the earth is closing, the earnest efforts put forth by consecrated believers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit are to be accompanied by special tokens of divine favor. Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church. But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest “in the time of the latter rain.” In response, “the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.” “He will cause to come down . . . the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain,” Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23. But unless the members of God’s church today have a living connection with the Source of all spiritual growth, they will not be ready for the time of reaping. Unless they keep their lamps trimmed and burning, they will fail of receiving added grace in times of special need Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace, will have power proportionate to their daily need and their ability to use that power. Instead of looking forward to some future time when, through a special endowment of spiritual power, they will receive a miraculous fitting up for soul winning, they are yielding themselves daily to God, that He may make them vessels meet for His use. Daily they are improving the opportunities for service that lie within their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they may be, whether in some humble sphere of labor in the home, or in a public field of usefulness. To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the knowledge that even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for fresh supplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He went forth to strengthen and bless others.

Mark 3:11 an unclean spirit when they saw him fell down before him and cried, saying thou art the son of God

Luke 4:33-43 a man had an unclean spirit

 Mark 1:23-24 in the synagogue a man with unclean spirit; and he cried out, Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? i know thee

Matthew 9:20 a woman had a disease for twelve years, touched the hem of his garment

John 16:13 when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth

John 14:17 even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive

John 15:26-27 The Comforter I will send unto you, he will testify of me

1 Corinthians 2:11-15 the natural man receiveth not the things of Spirit of God

Proverbs 20:27 the spirit of man is the candle of the lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly

Romans 8:13-16 ye have not received the spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of adoption

2 Timothy 1:7 God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power

1 john 2:20 ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things

1 John 2:27but the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you

Jeremiah 31:33-34 I will put laws in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will their God and they shall be my people

Note—[Preparation  for the final crisis pg 62] – To surrender self: He longs to pour upon us his Holy Spirit in rich measure, and he bids us clear the way by self- renunciation. Where self is surrendered to God, our eyes will be opened to see the stumbling stones which our un-christlikeness has placed in the way of others. All these God bids us remove. He says confess you faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” James 5:16 when one is fully emptied of self, when every false God is cast out of the soul, the vacuum is filled by the inflowing spirit of Christ. “The time demands greater efficiency and deeper consecration. I cry to God , raise up and send forth messengers filled with a sense of their responsibility, men in whose hearts self-idolatry, which lies at the foundation of all sin, has been crucified, who are willing to consecrate themselves without reserve to God’s service, whose souls are alive to the sacredness of work and the responsibility of their calling; who are determined not to bring to God a maimed sacrifice, which cost them neither effort nor prayer.” “No man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be. Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, un-chirstlike self. Mold me, fashion me, and raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere,  where the rich current of thy love can flow through my soul.” “it is not only at the beginning of the Christian’s life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed” “there is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable.” “there is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.” “The minister for God should in an eminent degree possess humility; those who have the deepest experience in the things of God are the farthest removed from pride and self-exaltation. Because they have an exalted conception of the glory of God, they feel that the lowest place in his service is too honorable for them.”

Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering

Matthew 15:13 Every plant which my Heavenly Father hath not planted will be rooted up

Colossians 3:12 Put on as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercy

Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind

Romans 6:4-7 Christ raised up from the dead, even so we should walk in newness of life

Galatians 6:15 Walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 knowing brethren your election of God

Note {Acts of the Apostles pg 37}- Pentecost –  As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled their hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief. As they called to remembrance the words that Christ had spoken to them before His death they understood more fully their meaning. Truths which had passed from their memory were again brought to their minds, and these they repeated to one another. They reproached themselves for their misapprehension of the Saviour. Like a procession, scene after scene of His wonderful life passed before them. As they meditated upon His pure, holy life they felt that no toil would be too hard, no sacrifice too great, if only they could bear witness in their lives to the loveliness of Christ’s character. Oh, if they could but have the past three years to live over, they thought, how differently they would act! If they could only see the Master again, how earnestly they would strive to show Him how deeply they loved Him, and how sincerely they sorrowed for having ever grieved Him by a word or an act of unbelief! But they were comforted by the thought that they were forgiven. And they determined that, so far as possible, they would atone for their unbelief by bravely confessing Him before the world.
The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God, and as they did this they realized what a privilege had been theirs in being permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good, He was trying to teach them.

     These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised. During the patriarchal age the influence of the Holy Spirit had often been revealed in a marked manner, but never in its fullness. Now, in obedience to the word of the Saviour, the disciples offered their supplications for this gift, and in heaven Christ added His intercession. He claimed the gift of the Spirit that He might pour it upon His people. “And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”
The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Spirit’s grace. And under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in wonder, the apostles exclaimed, “Herein is love.” They grasped the imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.

Ephesians 4:11-15 He gave some apostles, and some prophets, evangelist

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves and all the flock over which the Holy Ghost had made you overseer

Hebrews 9:14 Who through the eternal spirit offered himself to God without spot or wrinkle

Ephesians 5:9-11 The fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth

Ephesians 1:13 After that ye believe, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Who hath also sealed us and given us the earnest of the spirit in our hearts

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin for his seed remain in him and he cannot sin, because he is born of God

1 Peter 1:22-23 Being born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever nor of the will of the flesh

John 1:13-14 which were born, not of blood, but of God

Note: {Preparation for the final crisis pg 17-18}-The latter rain, the loud cry and finishing of the work –  To hasten the completion of the gospel commission, God desires to pour out on his people the latter rain of the Holy Spirit. Thus as the early rain prepared the apostolic church to proclaim the good news of salvation with success and efficiency in all parts of their world, so this outpouring of divine power will enable the people of God today to complete the unfinished work and to reach every nation, tribe tongue, and people with the last evangelic message. The promise of the latter is for today, not for some future time. But an indispensable prerequisite for its fulfillment is that the great majority of church members consecrate themselves completely to God denying self, repudiating sin in all its forms and seeking the lord with humility. Shortly the loud cry of the message must be given. Accompanied by a manifestation of divine power, the earth will be lighted with the glory of the Lord, and the work will be finished according to the plan and promise of God. See Revelation 18:1-4. A special process of reform and sanctification will be needed among the ranks of the church which will affect  the great majority of the members—in preparation for the latter rain, the loud cry and the finishing of the gospel task. 

Note—[Preparation for the final crisis pp 63-64] Results of the latter rain — as the members of body of Christ approach the period of their last conflict, the time of Jacob’s trouble, they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of his spirit. As the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass though the time of trouble. Theirs faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the third. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men [men in national affairs through whom the Lord is now working], and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble. The angel who unites in theproclamation of the third angel’s message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of worldwide extent and unwonted power is here foretold. The advent movement of 1840-1844 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God, the first angel’s message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in some countries there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the reformation of the sixteenth century, but these are to be exceeded by the mighty movement under the last warning of the third angel. “the work will be similar to that of the day Pentecost. As the former rain was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel to cause the up springing of the precious seed, the latter rain will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest

Luke 11:13 If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more is shall your heavenly Father give his holy spirit

Jeremiah 3:1-3the shower withholden, and there hath no latter rain

Deuteronomy28:23– the lord shall make the rain of thy land powder and rain