MEMORY VERSE: ‘And great grace was upon them all.’ Acts 4:33.
LESSON AIM: To show the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit in the closing work of the Gospel
‘The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Spirit awaits our demand and reception. Christ is again to be revealed in His fullness by the Holy Spirit’s power.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 120.
‘Peculiar and rapid changes will soon take place, and God’s people are to be endowed with the Holy Spirit, so that with heavenly wisdom they may meet the emergencies of this age, and as far as possible counteract the demoralising movements of the world. If the church is not asleep, if the followers of Christ watch and pray, they may have light to comprehend and appreciate the movements of the enemy.’ Testimonies for the Church, volume 6, page 436.
COMPILERS NOTE: The Early Rain or Former Rain, and the Latter Rain, are agricultural expressions from the time of ancient Israel. The Early Rain was the showers that germinated the grain, and the Latter Rains brought the crop to full readiness for harvest. The Bible speaks of God’s people being ripe for the final harvest. The former rain poured out at Pentecost continues to extend the triumph over evil that Jesus’ death on the Cross brought to the world. Lives are being reclaimed and transformed, But now Jesus is waiting to come to gather in the final harvest. When the workers ask for the Latter Rain, it will be given from Heaven. The awakening convicting power of the Holy Spirit will fill the world and every seed sown with bear its fruit to the glory of God. The angel declares, “Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
1. What is unique about the times in which we live? Revelation 14:7.
NOTE: ‘When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Christ in the Revelation, looking forward to that time, declares: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:11, 12. The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state; men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.’ Counsels for the Church, page 349.
2. How does God stress the urgency of heeding the voice of the Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin and righteousness and judgement? Psalm 95:7-8.
NOTE: ‘Oh, who will describe to you the lamentations that will arise when, at the boundary line which parts time and eternity, the righteous Judge will lift up His voice and declare, “It is too late.” Long have the wide gates of heaven stood open and the heavenly messengers have invited and entreated “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). “To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart.” But at length the mandate goes forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still” The heavenly gate closes, the invitation of salvation ceases. In heaven it is said, “It is done.” Such a time is not far distant. I plead with you to make sure work for eternity, to lay hold on the hope set before you in the gospel. Strive to enter in at the strait gate for, if you merely seek, you will not be able.’ In Heavenly Places, page 362.