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HOLY SPIRIT 2018 Week

Christ The Righteousness of

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The “Holy Spirit Week” is an initiative of the Caribbean Union Conference of SDA that is

intended to provide a special opportunity for greater devotion to God, dedication to Christ,

and dependence on the Holy Spirit. In 2018 we are considering the theme “The Righteousness

of Christ and the Spirit-filled Life” which is a reality that is always relevant.

Christ has promised us the presence and power of the Holy Spirit and He is to work within us

to produce Christ’s imputed and imparted righteousness. The Apostle Paul has written exten-

sively on this topic. He says, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong

to Christ. If Christ is in you...your spirit is alive because of righteousness.”

He is speaking to those who claim to have faith in Christ, and observing the things that will

necessarily be true if their faith is genuine. The central promise is that the Holy Spirit is given

to all believers without exception. That means we all have, in the present moment, full access

to all the power we need to live righteous lives; and, in a day to come, even our dead bodies

will be made alive again.

May God bless us all as we are empowered to live this Spirit-filled life.

Dr. Kern Tobias, President-CARU.

FOREWORD

Holy Spirit Week 2018

THEME: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST AND THE SPIRIT-FILLED

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The Promise of The Spirit

"Christ declared that after his ascension, he would send to his church, as his crowning gift, the Comforter, who was to take his place. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit; the soul of his life, the efficacy of his church, the light and life of the world. With his Spirit Christ sends a reconciling influence and a power that takes away sin.

In the gift of the Spirit, Jesus gave to man the highest good that heaven could bestow. The Saviour looked on humanity, and saw that it was under the power of the prince of darkness; but he saw also that there was hope for human beings because there was power in the divine nature successfully to contend with evil agencies. With glad assurance he said, "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

The Spirit was given as a regenerating agency, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of

no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of man to this satan-

ic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the third

person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It

is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit

that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ

has given his Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to

impress his own character upon the church. E.G. White R&H May 19th, 1904

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Sabbath: Christ our Righteousness and the Loud Cry. Romans 8. - Ps. Cyril Horrell

Sunday: A Church on fire! Joel 2:23; Acts 2. - Ps. Johnson Frederick

Monday: The Latter Rain: Promise, Purpose, and Power. Galatians 5. Acts 1:8; Ps. Clive Dottin

Tuesday: The Remedy for the Shaking! Amos 9:9; Luke 22:31,32. - Ps. Gandalal Samlalsingh

Wednesday: The Sealing: A Special Work of the Holy Spirit! Ephesians 5:17-32. Elder Bertie Henry

Thursday: God’s Solution for Spiritual Lukewarmness! Revelation 3:14-22. Ps. Ashton O’Neil

Friday: The Spirit and the Bride Say Come! Revelation 22. - Elder Joel Hazelwood

Sabbath: The Comforter Abides With Us Forever. John 14:16-20. - Ps. Kern Tobias

C O N T E N T S

HOLY SPIRIT 2018 Week

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N O T E S

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Produced by: The Caribbean Union

Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Edited by:

Rhonda Morgan Design and Graphics: Claudius C. Morgan

Printed:

© January 2018

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CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE LOUD CRY

As we consider this topic, there are two important questions, which we need to answer this morning. The

first one is, “What is the “Loud Cry?” The Seventh-day Adventist Encyclopedia, p 814, provides this

statement about the loud cry: “The proclamation of the message of Revelation 18:1-4 is represented as

proclaimed by an angel who came “down from heaven, having great power,” and with whose glory “the

earth was lightened.” The phrase reflects the statement that this angel “cried mightily with a strong

voice”….. Seventh-Day Adventists understand that the angel of Revelation 18 unites his voice with that

of the third angel of chapter 14:9-11, in view of the fact that the message proclaimed by the latter, in its

context, is also God’s last message to man and immediately precedes the coming of Christ and the final

judgments of God upon this earth. This angel also spoke “with a loud voice.” Accordingly, SDAs some-

times blend the two into one message which they refer to as “the loud cry of the third angel.”

The Encyclopedia then quotes two statements from Ellen White as follows: “The work of this angel

comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud

cry” (Early Writings, 277). “These announcements (Revelation 18:1-4), uniting with the third angel’s

message (Revelation 14:9-11), constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth” Ps. Cyril Horrell

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(Great Controversy, 604). The loud cry, therefore, begins with the third angel’s message of Revelation 14, and culminates with the

message of Revelation 18:1-4.

The second question which we need to consider is, “What does Christ our Righteousness or the message of righteousness by faith

have to do with the loud cry?” To answer this question we need to examine carefully the two passages in Revelation, which form the

basis of the loud cry message - Revelation 14:6-7, and 18:1. These passages read as follows, “Then I saw another angel flying in the

midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth – to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people –

saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made

heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’ (Rev. 14:6-7 NKJV). After these things I saw another angel coming down from heav-

en, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with His glory” (Rev. 18:1 NKJV).

Notice first of all, that the three angels’ messages are prefaced with the preaching of the everlasting gospel, which is being

proclaimed to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. And after this, three commands are given – fear God, give glory to Him, and

worship Him. There are many instances in Scripture where commands are given in the context of the gospel. One classic example of

this is found in the preface to the ten commandments given in Exodus 20:2 which says, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you

out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” God first of all, declared to Israel the deliverance He wrought for them, then

He gave them the ten commandments. You see, the gospel is always about what God has done. And that is what gives the motiva-

tion and the power to obey God’s commandments. So when the gospel is preached to every nation, tr ibe, tongue and people,

and they hear what God has done for them, they will want to fear Him, give glory to Him and worship Him.

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Another important question that arises is, “What is it about the judgment that would cause us to fear and glorify God and how can

the judgment be part of the everlasting gospel?” This question is best answered by looking at Paul’s exposition of the gospel in the

book of Romans, which he presents in the setting of judgment. Paul introduces the subject in Romans 1:16-17. He says, “For I am

not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for

the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall love by faith.’” Notice,

he says that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel. But after saying that, instead of continuing his discussion of the sub-

ject, he makes a digression from verse 18 of chapter 1, to verse 20 of chapter 3, and in that parenthesis, he brings the whole world

before the judgment bar of God in order to show how lost everyone is without the gospel, and our great need for this righteousness

from God (mentioned in verse 17). First of all, Paul brings the pagans, the irreligious, and the Gentiles before the judgment bar and

shows that although they have not had the written law, they still had opportunity to know about God through the things which He

made, “so they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful”….. so

“God gave them up to uncleanness”… “God gave them up to vile passions”… “God gave them over to a debased mind” (Romans

1:20-21,24,26,28). In spite of the fact that they “have not the law,” they have been enlightened enough through their consciences to

do “the things contained in the law” (Romans 2:14). But Paul shows that they have not chosen to glorify God as their God. In their

own supposed wisdom they have become worse than fools, partaking in every imaginable vice, “who, knowing the righteous judg-

ment of God, that those who practice such things, are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who prac-

tice them” (Romans 1:32). Thus the Gentiles are found guilty, and are convicted and sentenced to die, for “the judgment of God is

according to truth against those who practice such things” (Romans 2:2).

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Then in chapter 2 he brings the Jews, the religious people before the judgment bar of God, and shows that the Jews are no better than

the Gentiles. We who, like the Jews, claim to have been entrusted with “the oracles of God” (Romans 3:2), ought to take careful note

of these comments which Paul wrote to his own nation. He first declares that the judgment of God is a judgment according to works,

for in “the righteous judgment of God” He “will render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2:5-6). But these works in-

clude more than outward actions, for “God shall judge the secrets of men” (Romans 2:16). “God shall bring every work into judg-

ment with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). He “will bring to light the hidden things

of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Notice he says that the “secrets of men”, “every secret thing”, “the hidden things of darkness”, and “the counsels of the heart” will be

judged. You see, the law exposes the whole truth about sin, showing that sin is not only in our outward actions but also in our nature.

Paul says in Romans 3:20, … “for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” The law shows that sin involves not only our outward actions

but also our sinful nature, which produces the outward actions. Ellen White concurs with this when she says in 1 SM 532, “The law

requires that the soul itself be pure and the mind holy, that the thoughts and feelings may be in accordance with the standard of love

and righteousness … If the law extended to the outward conduct only, men would not be guilty in their wrong thoughts, desires, and

designs.”

It is no wonder, therefore, that the Jews, and all religious people, are also found guilty as they stand before the searching gaze of their

Judge, because He declares that both Jews and Gentiles “are all under sin”; as it is written, ‘There is none righteous, no, not one…

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They have all turned aside….there is none who does good, no, not one” (Romans 3:9,10,12). In the Supreme Court of the universe “every

mouth” is stopped “and all the world” stands “guilty before God” (Romans 3:19). As a result of this, “by the deeds of the law no flesh will

be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). “No one is justified by the law in the sight of

God” (Galatians 3:11). So Paul lays the foundation for the gospel of justification by faith, by showing that in the judgment there is a law, a

righteous and holy law which demands perfection of every creature and prescribes the death penalty for transgressors. God demands per-

fect obedience, not just in acts and words, but even in thoughts, in our very nature. No wonder John says in Revelation 14:7, “Fear

God….for the hour of His judgment has come.”

And according to Scripture, the judgment takes our works into account. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before

the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

And James advises, “So speak and do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” So our works will be brought under the scrutiny

of the judgment, and they will receive their proper reward. But we must never miss this point: they, our works, can never justify us; they

can never acquit us; they can never entitle us to the verdict of eternal life. For “by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His

sight” (Romans 3:20). So we are now faced with a dilemma. Though we are to be judged by our works, yet they cannot justify us.

Some have tried to solve this problem by saying, “Of course it is true that works of the law can never justify us, but works of faith can.”

But the Bible makes no such distinction. In fact, if our works of faith are not works of the law, they are works of lawlessness – sin itself.

Now it is important to say that the Bible does not depreciate works of the law, for they are useful in their proper place. Works of faith are

useful as evidence that we have been justified by faith, and that we have received salvation by grace through faith.

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So works cannot be a means of salvation in the judgment any more than they are now. Otherwise we will be saying that justification by

faith is fine at the beginning of the Christian life, but by the time of the final judgment we must have enough good works to be justified on

that basis. And that idea is contrary to the gospel. You see, it is the gospel, which solves the apparent conflict between a judgment accord-

ing to works, and the impossibility of being acquitted by our works.

Now Paul, so far has painted a dismal picture for the irreligious, the religious, and the whole world, and that means all of us. As we face

the judgment we are all found wanting, because the only way to be justified in this Court is by works that perfectly measure up to the de-

mands of God’s holy law. But none of us has deeds of that kind to offer, for even “our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

Ellen White confirms this in Steps to Christ, page 62, when she states, “Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the law.”

Therefore, we all stand speechless, our heads bowed in shame, condemned to die. And God, who is a righteous and just Judge, invokes the

penalty. But we feel no pain, no throes of death. We look up and are amazed to see that the sentence of death has not passed upon us but

upon Jesus Christ, our Substitute, God’s sacrificial Lamb, who “was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities.”

Take note, that in the judgment there is not only the law. There is also a Lamb – “a Lamb as though it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).

You see, God is not such a Judge that He will let the guilty go free. Because God is just, in His government every debt must be paid, every

obligation met. If He pardoned sinners without insisting on the payment of the penalty of their transgression, the stability of the universe

would have been jeopardized. For if one sin could be arbitrarily pardoned, why not another? But God is not only just; He is also merciful.

He was not willing for mankind to pay its own debt of eternal death. Therefore He did the only thing that He could do in both justice and

mercy. Ellen White puts it this way in 1 SM 340, “Justice demands that sin be not merely pardoned,

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but the death penalty must be executed. God, in the gift of His only begotten Son, met both these requirements. By dying in man’s

stead, Christ exhausted the penalty and provided the pardon.”

You see, if we were able to bring an offering that would satisfy the penalty of the broken law, then we would have reason to glory in

ourselves. But in the judgment we can only “fear God and give glory to Him” (Revelation 14:7), for we must come empty-handed,

claiming for our offering, the Lamb which God has provided. So the glory for clearing our guilt can be given only to God. But in

the judgment there is not only a penalty to be paid, we must also have righteousness to present. In Steps to Christ, page 62, Ellen

White says, “The condition of eternal life is now what it has always been – just what it was in paradise before the fall of our first par-

ents, - perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness...we have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the

claims of the law of God.” This is why Paul’s main emphasis in the context of the judgment is on the only righteousness which is

able to justify us.

He describes this righteousness in Romans 3:21-24 (NIV): “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made

known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who be-

lieve. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the

redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to

demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – He did it to demonstrate

His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

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It is crucial to understand the nature of the righteousness that is received through faith. Paul declares in Romans 4:23-24, “Now it

was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him (that is to Abraham), but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who be-

lieve in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Imputed means it is reckoned, counted, credited to us, though we our-

selves did not do it. Just as David’s victory over Goliath was victory for the whole nation of Israel, so Christ’s victory over Satan,

sin and death is victory for everyone who believes in Him. All that He has done becomes ours when we accept Him by faith. His

victory is recorded by our name just as if we had done it ourselves. This is the principle of imputed righteousness – the righteousness

of faith.

Ellen White summarizes it well in Selected Messages Book 1, page 367: “Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands

righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to right-

eousness is through faith. By faith he can br ing to God the mer its of Chr ist, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to

the sinner’s account. Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies the repentant,

believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His own Son. This is how faith is accounted right-

eousness.” It is therefore clear that we are not accepted on the basis of our works but on the basis of the works of Jesus

Christ performed over two thousand years ago on our behalf.

Paul put it plainly in Romans 5:20 when he said, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s

obedience many will be made righteous.” The righteousness by which we are saved is a gift righteousness. It is not produced by

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faith, neither can it be achieved by faith. It can only be received by faith. This humbling, life-giving truth, constitutes the gospel,

which is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes in Jesus. This is the message of righteousness by faith other-

wise known as justification by faith, which is contained in the gospel of Christ. In Testimonies to Ministers, pages 91-92, Ellen

White makes the connection between the message of righteousness by faith and the loud cry when she writes, “The Lord in His mer-

cy sent a most precious message to His people … This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Savior,

the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited people to receive the

righteousness of Christ … This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which

is to be proclaimed with a loud voice and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure.”

It is important to note that the message of the loud cry is Christ-centered, and is the message of the righteousness that is in

Christ, received in the life of the believer by faith. We are not preaching the ever lasting gospel if we are not preaching the

message of justification by faith. In Evangelism, page 190, the servant of the Lord declared, “Several have written to me inquiring if

the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, ‘It is the third angel’s message in verity.’”

She further wrote in Testimonies, Volume 6, page 19, “The message of Christ’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth

to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God which closes the work of the third angel.” Then in Selected

Messages Book 1, page 363, “The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation

of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the

whole earth.”

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You remember that it was when Peter and the other apostles began to proclaim the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of

Christ, that the lives and relationships of thousands of believers were transformed by that gospel as the Holy Spirit filled the church

with acts of love, mercy, grace, and compassion. These early believers reflected the character of Christ, so much so, that people

knew that they were followers of Jesus, and called them Christians. Similarly, when the gospel of the righteousness of Christ is be-

lieved, received, and proclaimed in its fullness, it will result in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in latter rain proportions,

and it will produce in the life of believers, works of love, grace, mercy and compassion. Believers will truly fear God. They

will worship their Creator in spirit and in truth, and give glory to Him in the hour of His judgment. In their life, character, and rela-

tionships, they will reveal what the grace of God has done for them. At that time, all God’s people who are in Babylon will hear and

obey God’s love call to come out and join His remnant people, to await the glorious appearing of our Savior and Lord. God grant

that we shall all be a part of that wonderful experience.

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A CHURCH ON FIRE

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly

there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they

were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of

them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the

Spirit gave them utterance.

I. INTRODUCTION:

World history is rife with stories of great, devastating fires. Among them:

1. The great Fire of Rome in 64 AD caused widespread devastation, and burnt over the course of six

days.

2. The Chicago fire of 1871. This fire killed 300 people and destroyed more than 17,000 structures over

2000 acres in 27 hours.

Ps. Johnson Frederick

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3. The Great London Fire of September 2, 1666 which lasted for several days and destroyed more than 13,000 structures.

4. The San Francisco Earthquake Fire of April 18, 1906 lasted for three days, killing 3,000 people and destroying close to 300,000

structures.

5. The World Trade Center Fire of September 11, 2001 in which a total of 2,763 people died - 2,192 were civilians, 343

were firefighters, and 71 law enforcement officers. Live images on cable TV showed people leaping to their death from windows

many stories up, desperately attempting to escape the raging flames.

In the religious realm, there have been great devastating fires, the greatest of which is the Great Pentecost Fire of 31 AD, when the

infant Christian Church was set ablaze, and about 3000 souls were converted and baptized in one day. The event is dramatically de-

scribed in Acts chapter 2. “Suddenly,” the account states, “there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind” (NKJV).

The New International version describes the phenomenon as a “blowing violent wind”. We would describe the event today as the

sound of hurricane force winds. In addition, every one of the disciples in the house, about 120 persons, was set on fire. Pentecost was

noisy and awesome. In fact, Luke in Acts 2:6 records that “when this sound (the sound of the violent winds]) occurred, the multitudes

came together…” The Church was set on fire, and the flames would spread by violent winds!

II. A Church on Fire

Notably, the purpose for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is indisputably clear in Acts 1:8: “But you shall receive power when the Holy

Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Pentecost is about spiritual power given to Christian witnesses for the sole purpose of converting souls to the kingdom.

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This dramatic experience mirrors the very reason that Christ, the founder of the Christian Church, came to Earth. In Luke 4: 18, Luke

records:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed.”

Note well, Christ Himself first experienced Pentecost before He set forth on His ministry. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” he de-

clares. The “anointed one” received the Holy Spirit for ministry- to preach the gospel and to minister to the brokenhearted, the cap-

tives, the blind and the oppressed. Then, three years later, after his ascension into heaven, He empowers the early Christians, “people

anointed”, to evangelize the world.

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The Holy Spirit is primarily given to the Church for service and for the salvation of souls in the world. Prior to Pentecost, the Church

had only 500 members according to the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:6. On the day of Pentecost the Church grew by about 3000

souls, and in short order, Luke records in Acts 4:4 that “many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men

came to be about five thousand [5000].” The number of Christians could easily have been about 10,000 considering that the writer

of Acts, Dr. Luke, only reports men (GK. Andres) in Acts Chapter 4. Indeed, the Church is on fire!

III. The Church Prior to Pentecost

Was there evidence of Holy Spirit power in the Church before Pentecost? For sure, the Master was filled

with the Spirit and did many great wonders. His preaching and teaching, too, were soul-stirring and power-

packed. The people testified that he spoke not like the scribes, but with authority. But His closest followers

were fledgling in faith and still distracted by Jewish traditions and petty personal ambitions. Jesus first had

to convert them before He could send them to convert others. And that was what He sought to do.

They gloated over successes in ministry and lost sight of the spiritual significance of what they were em-

powered to do. Jesus sought to correct such spiritual pride in Luke 10: 17. The seventy-two returned with

joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

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18. He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to

overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but re-

joice that your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus also sought to teach them lessons of sustained spiritual discipline for effectiveness in ministry. Thus, they failed where they

had succeeded before. They failed to deliver the demon-possessed boy in Matthew 17 because they lacked faith and had not spent

time in the discipline of prayer and fasting. Their rejoicing over demons submitting to them seemed short-lived, to say the least.

Then, the disciples were obsessed with personal greatness and their morbid desire to be first. Jesus rebukes their unconverted desires

with the illustration of childlike humility rather than childish pride, competitiveness and profes-

sional jealousy (Matthew 18). And in Chapter 20, He asserts that true greatness is not in the

office one holds, but is rather in service and servanthood.

Even at the very last, Jesus was still working on the selfish expectations of the disciples. In Acts

1:6-7, the disciples asked Him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Je-

sus replied, “It is not for you to know the times and seasons which the father has put in His own

authority.” They were still preoccupied with politics, power and nationalistic fervor rather than

promoting kingdom interests.

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Times (GK. Chronos-- sequential time as in seconds, minutes, hour, days, months and years) and seasons (GK. Kairos—segment of

time or opportunity presented in time for an event) are outside of the Christian’s scope. Jesus was saying to the disciples, both time

and timeliness (chronos and Kairos) in matters of historical events belong to the realm of the divine. Rather they should focus

on receiving the Holy Spirit for mission, and service to the world.

1V. The Church After Pentecost

The early Church, after Pentecost, was no longer weak and self-serving, but was now united, empowered and mission-driven. Acts

2:4 declares, “And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Notice they “were filled (GK. Passive voice) with the Holy Spirit.” They did not fill themselves.

It was not within the purview of the disciples to fill themselves with the Holy Spirit. It is Jesus who does

the filling, and does so at the right time when the requisite conditions are met. Firstly, He told them to

wait in Jerusalem for the “promise of the Father.” They would be baptized with the Holy Spirit “not

many days from now,” which was about ten days later. On Pentecost, the fiftieth day after the Passover

which incidentally fell on the weekly Sabbath, the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father exactly as Jesus

had promised.

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Secondly, the right condition had been met. The disciples, one hundred and twenty of them, met in the upper room and “continued

with one accord in prayer and supplication” (Acts 1:12-15). White Comments: “…Putting away all differences, all desire for the su-

premacy, 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.

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” (Acts of the Apostles. P.67).

Clearly, the Holy Spirit could not function in an environment of disunity, desire for supremacy, and pent up feelings of animosity.

The Holy Spirit is a cohesive force. He binds hearts together, engenders fellowship and loving relationship, moves disciples of Christ

to a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, and plants in the heart a thirst and hunger after righteousness. And when the heart is

renewed, a new capacity is generated for service and servanthood.

Such spiritual preparation and presence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit resulted in a Church on fire:

a. The Church grew rapidly and penetrated new cultures and borders. According to Acts 9:31, “…And walking in the fear

of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” It is estimated that by AD 100 there were one million

Christians throughout the Roman Empire.

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b. The followers of Christ were constant in the study of the word, prayer and fellowship. “They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doc-

trine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

c. The Holy Spirit revealed Himself in the ministry of the apostles through signs and wonders. “Then fear came upon every soul, and

many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43).

d. The Church was united in loving relationships, selflessly met the needs of the poor among them, and engaged in constant fellowship.

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44).

e. The Church became attractive and desirable to the public, and as a result people constantly joined the ranks of the saved. “…

Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

V. Lessons from Pentecost

Is Pentecost simply an historical event given to the first century Christian Church? It couldn’t be! Jesus Himself declares: “And I will pray

the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16 NKJV). In verse 17, Jesus identifies that

Helper as the Spirit of truth who “dwells with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit, therefore, would become the permanent repre-

sentative of heaven who would empower the Church until the end of the world. The Holy Spirit still dwells with and in faithful believers.

The Holy Spirit as another Helper is not a passive divine agent; He is rather the active divine being whom Jesus received at His baptism,

and who empowered Him throughout His ministry on Earth. It was through that power that Christ did many wonderful works and laid the

rock-solid foundation for a Church against which “the gates of hell will not prevail.” This is assurance that God’s Church will never be

defeated.

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Further, In Acts chapter 2, Peter boldly claims the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh

(Acts 2:17). That prophecy was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit descended on all those in the upper room - not only the twelve disci-

ples, but on “the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers” (Acts 2:14). In all there were about one hundred and

twenty (120) believers, who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. They were all involved in what was a “gospel uproar” that stunned

the Jews.

Clearly, the power of the Holy Spirit is available for all in the Church. This is not about hierarchical privilege. The Spirit descended

on both the twelve apostles and believers - men and women. The Church is reminded that the Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all and

empowers believers to serve within the scope of their calling. The parable of the Talents establishes that spiritual gifts are given for

the purpose of service, and the “burial” of one’s gift or gifts is unfaithfulness with eternal consequence. Pentecost challenges the

Church to spiritual infilling and responsibility.

There is the feeling that the 21st century Church is helpless amidst an increasingly hostile culture and a palpably indifferent and cyni-

cal generation. Could it be that this feeling of helplessness is the result of ignoring the Helper among us?

Every generation is uniquely perverse, and poses its own unique challenge to the reception of the gospel. But Jesus has not left us

comfortless! An earnestly praying church that is prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to give method to mission in reaching the present

generation will be effective witnesses.

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Another vital point that must be noted is spiritual discipline - constant study of the word, prayer, confession and self-examination are

all necessary for the “rushing wind” and the flame of empowerment. The condition of the heart must be examined, and cherished sins

confessed and forsaken. Deeply ingrained animosities and bitterness will impede the dwelling of the Holy Spirit.

But Prayer must not be to simply confess sins. Prayer is, at the core, communion with the divine. Christ spent much time in deep inti-

macy with the Father. Intimacy with the divine connotes personal closeness that nurtures a trust-

ing and loving relationship until the will of the Father becomes the will of the supplicant. There

is great joy and comfort in such a relationship! Communion in prayer often gives rise to heartfelt

praise, and God loves to inhabit our praises. The result is God’s Spirit takes over the entire be-

ing, and Pentecost reigns supreme.

Then, the prevailing individualistic spirit among believers must give place to corporate unity.

Pentecost came when the disciples were in one accord, together in one place. The tendency to

retreat behind our high walls of separation and slump in the comfort of self-accomplishment

blocks the entry of the rushing wind and stifles the living flame. The Church must meet often in

earnest prayer and intercession. The messenger to the remnant makes a telling statement on cor-

porate worship and prayer:

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“The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of God’s people are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may

be expected a power greater than that comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the mem-

bers and their love for God and for one another” (The Central Advance, February 25, 1903).

Another hallmark of Pentecost was the extra-ordinary love and compassion that prevailed among brethren. The commentary in Acts is

beautifully expressed: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and

divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to

house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:44-46). Wow! What an impressive model of love and compas-

sion! Indeed the above quote deserves repeating: “the power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for

God and for one another.”

VI. Conclusion

There is good news for the Church! The Church has not been left helpless. The promise of the father to the early disciples is also for the

Church of the 21st century. The early Church was first set ablaze by the Holy Spirit, then she set the world on fire. The church today is

poised to do an even greater work. But a decision must be made.

Like the early disciples, the Church must enter the upper room in one accord; put aside worldly desires for self-glory, selfish differences

and competitive spirits. The presence of the Spirit will bring life to Christian relationships, give meaning to worship and fellowship, and

set the Church on fire to finish the work of the gospel in all the world. Can that burning desire for Pentecostal fire start with the leaders,

spread through the pews, and set ablaze the world? Let us not stop the flame. Let it burn! Let it burn! Let it burn!

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THE LATTER RAIN: PROMISE, PURPOSE

AND POWER

Scriptural Base: Galatians 5: 22-25; Acts 1:8

Introduction: Peter, on the day of Pentecost, was in Usain Bolt form. His sword was sharper than in

the Garden of Gethsemane. He was slicing through doubt and despair. He was filled with the Holy

Ghost and displayed total confidence in the Old Testament prophecies. Outside the Jerusalem Hall of

Justice, a young lady expressed confidently that he was part of the Galilean’s Cabinet. Peter was quick

to reply, “I do not know the man.” At this point in his walk with the Master, he was no supreme loyal-

ist when Jesus was being tortured and abused. Peter was prepared to disown his membership in the

Messianic Cabinet.

When Peter watched Jesus and his entourage lift off from the ground, thoughts of the Jew Jerusalem

filled his mind, the promise issued by Jesus just before take-off reverberated in his brain. “But ye shall

receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in

Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Broken promises are the order of the post-modern culture. It has been stated that “f you wish to test a man’s character, just give him power.”

Ps. Clive Dottin

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The Promise of Power

Today we have power – different brands in different places. The disciples had witnessed awesome power. On the cross, Christ used

the power of the Holy Spirit to convert the second thief on the cross. Disciples saw an energized, unpopular woman marching into

the kingdom of Grace after she received power. We do great injustice to the woman at the well when we ignore John 4:24: “God is a

Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Who did David acknowledge as his source of Power after he was disgraced by fulfilling the lust of the flesh? The Holy Spirit.

What about Psalm 51:10? “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Peter tasted the power of the Ho-

ly Spirit on the day of Pentecost and hurled dunamis thunderbolts on thousands of people. This was a United Nations conversion

convention – evangelism at its best. Sometimes we doubt that there will be a replay of Pentecostal power. There is military power,

nuclear power, tsunami power, volcanic power, celebrity power, judicial power but Christ promised power. He manifested power

outside the tomb of Lazarus after dialing his Father.

The voice of Christ penetrated the atmosphere as he called Lazarus out of the tomb. Promise of Power. The voice of Christ commu-

nicated hope to the man who had not walked for 38 years in John 5. Promise of Power.

Let us consider what Ellen G. White said: “Jesus said, ‘Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye

shall be witnesses unto me.’ It is the union of the Holy Spirit and the testimony of the living witness that is to warn the world. The

worker for god is the agent through which the heavenly communication is given, and the Holy Spirit gives divine authority to the

word of truth ” (RH April 4, 1893).

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Purpose

The promise was given to accomplish the following objectives:

1. To receive divine authority to proclaim the Word of God;

2. To enable us to be effective witnesses;

3. To experience personal transformation;

4. To discover truth and then help others to discover truth – divine truth.

We have a plethora of voices in the world, particularly in the religious sphere. We are quite sure

that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had a passion to be lights in the darkness of Bab-

ylon. They demonstrated that when God’s principles clash with hedonistic culture, God’s sol-

diers can use this clash to let their lights shine.

Daniel 1: 8 is pellucidly clear: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor

with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Check out synonyms for the word purpose: determination, focus, plan with objective. They had an agenda ordained by God so that no

bribe, promise of promotion, could have distracted them. The man or woman with a strong purpose will overcome distractions. People

with a passionate purpose receive their just reward.

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Purpose is not optional but compulsory for citizens of a nation, students in schools, members in the churches, athletes in sporting or-

ganizations and parliamentarians in Cabinet. Writer and Professor Robertson Davies said, “Extraordinary people survive under the

most terrible circumstances and then become more extraordinary because of it.”

John C. Maxwell has stated that one of his favorite books is As a Man Thinketh by James Allen.

When John was in junior high school, his father required him to read it. One of the ideas that left

the strongest impression was this: “Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to him-

self.”

I wish to advise that Daniel and the three Hebrew boys; Joseph in Potiphar’s home; Samuel in

the prophet’s home had developed strength of character before the test came. Of course, when

you pass the test you gain additional resilience.

Power:

Dante in his Paradiso, Canto XXIV, makes the following statement describing the awesome

power of God: “I believe in God sole and eternal, who unmoved moves all the heavens with love

and desire; and for such belief I have not only proofs physical and metaphysical, but the truth

gives it to me which hence rains down through Moses, through prophets and whatever psalms,

through the Gospels.”

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When you talk about power you have to think about God’s creative power. Think about the sheer size of the Universe. A graphic

portrayal comes from Boa & Bowman in their epic classic 20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists:-

a. The Milky Way has a hundred billion stars.

b. The Universe has hundreds of billions of galaxies.

c. The nearest star to us besides our own sun is Proxima Centauri: 24 trillion miles away.

d. Andromeda is some 18 trillion miles away.

e. It takes about 4 years for light to reach us from Proxima Centauri.

When we look to these stats we are forced to agree with Lois Pasteur, “The more I study

nature, the more I am amazed at the Creator.” Therefore we have to join with the Psalm-

ist David in Psalm 139: 14: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” God has creative power.

God has redemptive power. God has transforming power. When peter preached on the

Day of Pentecost, he was under the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Prophecy ap-

preciates the impact of the Holy Spirit’s Power:

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“The Lord did not lock the reservoir of heaven after pouring His Spirit upon the early disciples. We may also receive the fullness of

his blessings. Heaven is full of treasures of His grace, and those who come to God in faith may claim all that He has promised. If

we do not have His power, it is because of our spiritual lethargy, our indifference, our indolence. Let us come out of this formality

and deadness” (RH June 4, 1889).

Conclusion: The Latter Rain

Peter was quick to quote Joel 2 when he was proclaiming the gospel. Let us examine Acts 2: 15

-18: “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this

is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith

God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophe-

sy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they

shall prophesy.”

There is an allocation of power to different groups:

There is gender inclusivity - your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.

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When you dissect Acts 2: 2, the movement of the spirit is described as a ‘rushing, mighty wind’. Acts 2:3 opines that there were

‘cloven tongues like as of fire.’ However, the major signal of the Spirit’s power was the transformation experienced by thousands of

listeners who wanted to know what they must do to be saved. Then there was a community explosion and a loss of appetite for mate-

rial stuff.

There was a special kind of fellowship called KOINONIA. Of course, people received spiritual gifts at the baptism and there was the

intergenerational dimension of the promise: “The promise is unto you, and to your children.” One must conclude that the apocalyp-

tic explosion of the Holy Ghost power guaranteed in pre-Armageddonic times, will result in a universal surge of miracles, with the

greatest miracle being the transformation of the heart and mind.

Notes

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THE REMEDY FOR THE SHAKING

In this solemn time of Earth’s history the eschatological message of the shaking as prophesied in the

book of Amos and by Jesus Himself in the context of God’s remnant church requires careful attention

when understood in its correct perspective and exegetically examined.

The shaking passage in the Bible reads as follows: “For behold, I am commanding, And I will shake

the house of Israel among all nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, but not a kernel will fall to the

ground” (Amos 9:9, NASB). The “shaking” comes after a series of judgment pronouncements. Judg-

ment on Israel has through deliberations been shown to be unavoidable and thus God Himself is com-

ing to effectuate it, “standing beside the altar and taking command of this most delicate and crucial

matter” (Amos 9:1).

In its historical and national context the shaking occurred just before the total disbanding of the North-

ern Kingdom of Israel that gives us today a knowledge of just what can and will cause an unchanging

and just God to execute a similar judgment in His Church. Pervasively throughout the Bible and Spirit

of Prophecy God has given to us counsels to ultimately guide His people to act in a just and righteous

Ps. Gandalal Samlalsingh

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manner towards one another, indeed if we are truly converted and Christ-like. The catastrophic imperative is not surprising to see in

studying the events that led to the last straw shaking judgment in Israel. The socio-economic degradation among the people of God

was pointedly the main object of God’s displeasure and wrath.

Amos represents some of the best of Israel’s prophetic declarations. His very rarely warm and pleasant sentiments were followed by

serious messages that would not allow for congeniality. This prophet was quick, direct and creative in calling Israel to task for the

unjust and oppressive treatment of its citizens. The nation stands accused of rampant social injustice, a crime which has captured the

attention of Yahweh. With great intensity Amos announces that the Lord “roars from Zion” with devastating judgment on His people

for atrocities inflicted upon the citizenry (P.P.251, 252).

Amos was from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and the crux of his message is against social

injustices, many stemming from socio-economic issues - Amos 5:10-12. It was a time of re-

newed prosperity under the 41-year leadership of King Jeroboam II. Being a fair-minded mem-

ber of his class in society (he was a well-to-do businessman; a sheep/livestock breeder) he

champions the cause of those crushed by the wealthy oppressors. In view of the deplorable so-

cial conditions, religious and cultic worship practices, encroaching idolatry, he attacks the wor-

ship of Israel and assaults the mixing of any kind of worship with injustice and oppression of

the poor.

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In terms of literary considerations, the prophet Amos exhibits a high level of skill and artistry. He looked for ways to captivate his

audience and rivet its attention on his message. Amos pulls out all stops and utilizes a wide variety of creative literary forms and

techniques. His goal was to capture creatively and artistically the attention of his hearers by capitalizing on the rhetorical power of

his speech forms and unforgettably making his point. He skillfully crafts imaginative portraits which trigger powerful emotive im-

pulses, intended to make impossible any attempt to escape his searing words. The vast majority of his literary forms were judgmental

or creatively transformed into speeches of doom. In his customary judgment, sermons/speeches against foreign nations/powers, he

typically spoke to the community of Yahweh’s people, laying the groundwork for the hope that national and religious enemies would

be removed, and he ended up turning the smoking cannon around and blasting Israel with Yahweh’s broadside against social injus-

tice (P.P 253).

In Amos 5:4-6, the prophet Amos invited Israel to “seek God and live.” He requested of the people to seek social justice so that they

might survive the day of the Lord. From Amos’ viewpoint an ongoing covenant relationship with the God of Israel depended upon a

return to fair and just treatment of one’s fellow human beings and upon God’s mercy (Amos 5:15). Privilege does entail responsibil-

ity and peril. As a warning against the easy religion in vogue, Amos’ call to faith challenges long held views and forces reinterpreta-

tions. He categorically states that change does not occur independently of God; it is all relational and depends on God’s empowering

and molding, nor is reformation simply a mechanistic or legalistic modification as in an alteration one might make to clothing.

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Fundamental to our spiritual well-being is the need for energetic commitment to the social well-being of our fellow human beings.

Lines separating wealthy and poor continue to widen, deepening further the gulf and thrusting millions of helpless and homeless fami-

lies into more severe poverty, hunger and despair. A resurrected Amos today would be just as repulsed by the injustices protected by

political and economic policy in the modern marketplace as he was in ancient markets of Bethel and Samaria.

It is noteworthy to that God did all that was possible to awaken Israel out of their increasingly sound spiritual sleep. In Amos 4:6, God

first tried to make the people crave hearing from Him. So he stopped speaking to them, probably by not raising up a prophetic voice.

However, the people chose to go about their way according to their limited and flawed understanding rather than seeking a “thus saith

the Lord”. The people were faithfully performing their religious and cultic obligations. Yet in their self-centered and indifferent ways

during this era of temporal prosperity, they evidently felt blessed by God and thus continued unabated in these spurious and ungodly

ways (Amos 3:14). These non-sequitur and quite noticeable non-answer experiences should have led the people to realize that some-

thing was not right with this situation and should have led them into a deep and thorough soul searching.

God then attempted to get the people’s attention by restraining and withholding the most needed “latter” rain, just before the harvest

(Amos 4:7,8). The people who knew of God’s power over all creation expected their land to be fruitful through God’s miraculous in-

tervention if and when needed, but instead they now experienced a scarcity or total absence of this crucial rain. The people should

have been led to see that something indeed was wrong in their relationship with God. However, these “indeed judged” people pre-

ferred to naturalistically view things and dismiss this occurrence as perfectly normative, and just in the order of nature, as if the Creator

God could have absolutely no power over nature.

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With neither of these two acts having brought about the needed self-introspection and reformatory result, God then sent natural ca-

lamities that impacted the vital agro-economy productivity of the land (Amos 4:9). The very subsistence of the people became

threatened. They therefore should have seen unless they make a drastic change, they could end up losing their very lives.

God then ramped up the attention-getting measures, making them of a most overtly spiritual nature. He proceeded to send them

Egyptian type plagues. As seen in the book Revelation (chapter 15 and 16) such plagues are reserved for those who defiantly oppose

the cause of God. The Egyptian type plagues of judgment are poured out on those who have come to accept the Mark of the Beast in

their forehead. The most striking association of this relatively religious faithful community with a nation that said, “Who is Yahweh

that I should obey His voice?” (Exodus 5:2), should have made Israel shudder and realize the utter despicableness of their present

lifestyle and condition.

Finally, God gave them His ultimate punishment in a taste of “Hellish” judgment that was given to the cities and people in Sodom

and Gomorrah who had gone beyond God’s point of tolerance (Jude 1:7). Still, Israel did not get the applicable message, and they

continued in their ungodly socio-economic ways. If we are honest about the state of the Church today we will see a most alarming

parallel to these prevailing sins of the Amos generation and also with God’s attempt to correct this situation. There is nothing more

perplexing and striking than to see a lack of resolute effort to pray down the “latter rain” and revive the Church honestly and realisti-

cally as compared to the Apostolic outpouring. Even more perplexing is that, as commonly believed in the Church, the prophesied

end of all things is right at the door. So what then is the problem with this striking pre-harvest deficiency? Is God deaf, indifferent

and/or distracted or is it that there is something wrong in the Church that is preventing us from receiving this blessing?

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Some here made the claim that the “latter rain is being poured out in various places in the Global Church” and while this may be ob-

servably true, it is evidently not enough for all of the Church in its effects to fulfill the divine mandate. Typically or typologically

enough a church that does not fully or ever at all, understand the “All Mighty Power” of God in regards to this prophetic declaration of

God and the future, may glibly or moronically rationalize this non-development as not having been the time for those events to be ful-

filled. Given that the Church in general and members as individuals so revered world capitalistic economy, God has therefore repeated-

ly sent warnings to the church that dependence upon and adherence to such spurious and ungodly systems is not only detrimental to His

cause, but also threatening to its members. Indeed the work of the church rises and falls with the roller coaster fluctuations of the econ-

omy. Yet in many instances the church resolutely chooses to obey this system rather than live according

to the economic principles of God as stipulated and modelled in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.

Due to the unfaithfulness of those who stand as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people of God

(5T 211), the Lord promised to take care of the faithful remnant through a shaking. God has promised

that where the shepherds are not true He will take charge of the flock Himself. God has never made the

flock wholly dependent upon human instrumentalities. But the days of purification of the Church are

hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty shaking that takes place, we

shall better be able to measure the strength of the Church. The signs reveal that the time is near when

the Lord will manifest that His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor (5T80).

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In the days of Christ and the apostles the prophecy of Matthew 3:12 announced a forthcoming shak-

ing. There was indeed a separation in the Jewish Church when Christ and the apostles turned away

from the officially recognized religious leaders and organized an Apostolic church (Matthew 15:14).

Later on there was another separation when many professed disciples left the Lord and turned back

to the Jewish Church (John 6:66).

Furthermore there was another separation in the Jewish Church under the outpouring of the former

rain when many Jews left the Jewish Church and joined the Apostolic Church (Acts 2:41; 4:4). Ac-

cordingly the shaking was ongoing even in the first century Christian church. So the shaking predict-

ed by the Lord through prophet Amos, “I will sift the house of Israel,” (Amos 9:9) and through John

the Baptist, whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor (Matthew 3:12) was

fulfilled in the days of Christ and the apostles.

As history repeats itself, we find a parallel in the formative period of the Adventist church which

will culminate at the close of probation before the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is evident that

the shaking takes place before the sealing of the living saints, before the closing of the work, and be-

fore it is too late for a change (repentance and conversion); before the Sunday decree final test.

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The Spirit of Prophecy points out several causes for the shaking:

Rejection of God’s messages:

Through the prophets and apostles and in these last days God has raised up messengers to give a direct and forcible message to the peo-

ple of God. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their

sins” (Isaiah 58:1)

It is to church members that this message is to be given, to those who suppose that they are righteous, who take delight in opposing

God. The people described here realized that they did not have the favor of God but instead of

seeking His favor in His own way, they entered into a controversy with Him. God sends them

messages of positive reproof, showing plainly why they are not visited by His grace, but they

will not repent and ask for pardon. The servant of God says, “There is to be a shaking among

God’s people. It will be the result of refusing the truth presented” (2 SM 13). “I asked the

meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testi-

mony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans” (EW 270).

Wavering in connection with God’s law:

As a Church we stand or fall according as we prove to be faithful or unfaithful toward the law of God. E.G. White writes: “Thus we acknowledge and recognize His law, the foundation of His government in heaven and throughout His earthly dominions.

43

His authority shall be kept distinct and plain before the world and no laws are to be acknowledged that come in collision with the

laws of Jehovah. If in defiance of God’s laws, the world be allowed to influence our decisions or our actions, the purpose of God is

defeated” (TM 16, 17). “The law of God is an instrument which unites the true believers. As trials thicken around us, both separa-

tion and unity will be seen in our ranks” (67 400). “The law of God which is perfect holiness is the only true standard of charac-

ter” (SD 51).

Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials and the great preparation of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove

to be base metal. Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in

contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our

courage and firmness the most unflinching (5T 136). “ When the law of God is made void,

the church will be shaken and sifted by fiery trials and a larger proportion than we now

anticipate will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils” (EV 361).

The authorities will make laws to restrict religious liberty. They will assume the right that

is God’s alone. They will think they can free the conscience which God alone should con-

trol. Even now they are making a beginning; this work they will continue to carry forward

till they reach a boundary over which they cannot step. God will interpose in behalf of His

loyal commandment keeping people (DA 630).

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Unity with the world:

Unity between the Church and the world, whereby the Church is becoming “a cage of every unclean and hateful bird,” is one of the

causes of the shaking (7M 265). There are those who have so linked themselves with the world that they have lost the knowledge of

God and are departing from the faith. We are to have no fellowship with worldly practices that have perverted the faith of some who

enjoyed great privileges and who should now be standing on vantage ground. We are to respond to God’s call to take a decided stand

for truth and righteousness (Sp T, Series B, No. 6 pp. 62, 63). Our greatest trials will come because of that class who have once ad-

vocated the truth, but who turn from it to the world, and trample it under their feet in hate and derision (R.H. September 15, 1910).

There is need for genuine conversion which involves a complete breaking away from all worldly influences that have been intro-

duced into the church. The Lord has faithful servants who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to the entire world.

Introduction of false teaching:

“As the coming of Christ draws nigh, men and women will arise professing to have some new light or some new revelation whose

tendency is to unsettle faith in the old landmarks. Their doctrines will not bear the test of God’s word, yet souls will be de-

ceived” (5T 295). “Science is wearing away the foundation of Christian principle; and those who once were in the faith drift away

from the Bible landmarks and divorce themselves from God while still claiming to be His children (EV 362). “God will arouse His

people if other means fail, heresies will come in among them, which will sift them separating the chaff from the wheat” (GW 299).

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When the shaking comes by the introduction of false theories, these surface readers, anchored nowhere are shifting sand (TM 112).

“We are not to unify with those who are departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. With our

hearts sweet and kind and true, we are to go forth to proclaim the message, giving no heed to those who lead away from the

truth” (SM 412).

Health Reform:

E.G. White states: “If the work of temperance were carried forward and the health message were presented showing the people of

God the evils of intemperance in eating and drinking and especially the evil of liquor drinking; if these things were presented in con-

nection with the evidences of Christ’s soon coming, there will be a shaking among the people” (6T 110,111).

“If church members do not act the part God has assigned them, the movement of health reform

will go on without them, and it will be seen that God has removed their candlestick out of its

place” (MS, 78, 1900).

The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy gave many conformable counsels that can help in the avoid-

ance of condemnation when the great shaking and sifting take place.

On January 26, 1850, Ellen White received a vision in which the event of the shaking was

pointedly addressed. She says, “The mighty shaking has commenced and is going on, and all

will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand, and sacrifice for

God and His cause” (RH April 1, 1850).

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In a 1902 statement, Ellen G. White specified that the shaking would come right after the sealing of the faithful in the church: “Just as

soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads” (Rev. 7:1-8). It is not any seal or mark that can be seen but a “settling into the

truth, both intellectually and spiritually so they cannot be moved.” Just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking,

it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; “the judgments of God are now upon the land, to give us warning, that we may know what is

coming” (MS 173, 1902) (4BC 1161).

In the book Early Writings, Ellen White wrote: “ I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused

by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the

receiver and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will

rise up against it and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people” (E.W. 270).

Commonly in the Adventist Church, the message of the True Witness has been curtailed to be the ac-

ceptance of righteousness by faith. This is done solely because of one of the five deficiencies of Laodicea

spoken by the True Witness in Revelation 3:17, namely one dealing with spiritual nakedness which is read-

ily rightly identified as having to do with being covered with Christ’s righteousness. However, that is not

the full view of that message, for in addition to the symbolic allusion to the covering provided by Christ’s

righteousness, the Laodicean message also includes counsels for the church’s moral and behavioral respon-

sibility, lack of true love and joy, worthlessness of misused institutions, theological and spiritual deficiency.

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The simple message of the counsel of the True Witness in Rev 3:18 remedies all of these deficiencies as He advises Laodiceans to

buy:

Gold refined by fire so that you may become r ich and

White garments so that you may clothe yourself and that the shame

of your nakedness will not be revealed and

Eye salve to anoint your eyes so that may see.

Biblically, “purified gold” is gold that has been tried with the utmost testing.

(1 Peter 1: 6, 7; 1 Corinthians 3:9-15) and is thus superior to their impure gold and oth- er

“currency/wealth” of lesser value which does pass such “tests”. This “purified gold” would solve Laodicea’s “money problems”

making them “rich”.

“The gold mentioned by Christ, the True Witness, which all must have, has been shown to be faith and love combined and love takes

the precedence over faith. Satan is constantly at work to remove these precious gifts from the hearts of God’s people. All are engaged

in playing the game of life. Satan is well aware that if he can remove love and faith, and supply their place with selfishness and unbe-

lief all the remaining precious traits will soon be skillfully removed by his deceitful hand, and the game will be lost.” (2T 36-37; 18

MR 284.4; HP 110.3; cf 5MR 121)

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“The gold here recommended as having been tried in the fire is faith and love. It makes the heart rich; for it has been purged until it

is pure, and the more it is tested the more brilliant is its luster” (4T 88.).

“The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. We may be active, we may do

much work; but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of heaven (Col

158.2). Indeed this is the standard that Jesus Christ “guaranteed” to all of Heaven that He would manage to achieve in those whom

He would redeem from fallen man” (3SP 203.1).

White garments thematically/spiritually parallel the ‘fine, bright and clean linen’ to be worn by the purified bride of Christ, which is

(the members of ‘the holy city Jerusalem’) (Rev. 19:8; 21:9, 10). This raiment/garment is defined as being “the righteous acts of

saints.”

The white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly tex-

ture that can be bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience (4T 88.).

Eyesight in Revelation is symbolically used to represent ‘one’s spirit’ which should be that of God (Revelation 5:6). So this is a call

to literally ‘change one’s spirit’ by ‘seeing’ things as God sees them (i.e. adjusting/changing one’s theological view” and all by ap-

plying the remedying eye slave of this True Witness).

The eye salve is that wisdom and grace which enables us to discern between the evil and the good, and to detect sin under any guise.

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God has given his Church eyes which He requires them to anoint with wisdom that they may see clearly but many would put out the

eyes of the Church if they could for they would not have their deeds come to the light, lest they should be re-

proved. The divine eye salve will impart clearness to the understanding. Christ is the depositary of all graces. He

says: “buy of me” (4T 88.).

Therefore:

The True Witness is inviting Laodiceans to buy/invest in better ‘economic resources/currency. Spiritually, this is

an invitation to purchase the spiritual resources of God. Temporally this literally extends into applying the socio-

economic principles of God as found in the Bible versus the world’s current economic dogma and system as only

these ways of God will exponentially increase the tangible riches of the Church with which it can fulfill Christ’s

exhaustively comprehensive Gospel Mandate.

Doing what is right in every situation is indeed the greatest need of the Church. That was the fundamental mes-

sage of Jesus throughout the Gospel. He therefore expects His end time church to all do such “acts of right doing”

and that is most tangibly done by doing all that can be done both individually and corporately to help as many

people as possible in the world who are in vital need (Matthew 25:31-46). It is only being worshipful of the

world’s ‘spurious and impure economic gold’ that such feasible right acts are not being done.

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In Conclusion:

Putting on the mind of Christ who most prominently did not ignore people in need but set out to help them, will result in the church

being no longer ‘spiritually blind’.

Indeed it is only through the heeding of these faithful and true counsels that all of the woes of Laodicea will be remedied. And this is

simply done by doing the works that Jesus expects of His followers towards those in need as he insistently and consistently taught in

the Gospels. Notes

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The Sealing: A special work of the Holy Spirit

Like the Gentiles of apostolic times and every other people group since, we are expected to manifest

the evidences of conversion. The lifestyle and common habits of the unconverted should not be seen

among us.

Before they came to a knowledge of the Gospel, the Gentiles manifested a life of spiritual darkness.

Their moral sensitivity was compromised and they made no distinction between good and evil. They

reveled in darkness and sin with an aversion to the life of holiness. This is also our story. The apostle

Paul describes this as “past feeling” where pleasures of the body, particularly immoral and deviant be-

havior, become a favorite pastime, and we are, by all accounts insensitive to sin. This is a real and

present danger for professed Christians who take their relationship with Jesus and spirituality for

granted.

The dry season at the beginning of the year in Trinidad transforms lush, undulating hillsides into an

ashen, thirsty landscape. The view from my home is reduced to naked mountainside. Dry leaves and

Elder Bertie Henry

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dust tornadoes are the only evidence of movement and life. As these hills give evidence of water deprivation, a life apart from God is

parched and hopeless. Greed, lust and self-love are unfulfilling substitutes.

Religion and philosophy agree that to be human is synonymous with being both deeply flawed and incapable of bringing about the

necessary changes in our own individual strength. Christianity, on the other hand recognizes that we must be transformed. This

“transformation” is only possible through the Holy Spirit.

The church at Ephesus was birthed when the apostle laid hands on the believers and prayed that they might receive the Holy Spirit

(Acts 19:1-7). The importance of the role of the Holy Spirit was taught by Jesus to the apostles. They in turn stressed this fundamen-

tal doctrine in their sermons and epistles to the early church.

It must be noted that the change of which we speak is not mere behavior modification. The “old man” is

like the parched landscape that has no capacity to reinvigorate itself. It is totally dependent upon rain.

The first miracle of the Holy Spirit therefore is to birth a new creation. Paul’s emphasis on the newness

of the being could not be missed. This is not putting on a new covering over the old but a renunciation of

the old. Like the parched landscape that becomes green after the showers return, the human soul and

everything deriving from it is change.

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As the seasons change, I would watch in awe as the mountains spring to life with new foliage and as the ecosystem is reactivated

with interdependence. It is a miracle of divine power. That is exactly what conversion is. When the Holy Spirit rains on our heart it

produces a change of attitude toward God and man.

As the rains do not wait until it is green again to fall, God in His mercy gives us the Holy Spirit while we are in desperate need. The

change in our prodigal hearts can come while we are in the far country. The Holy Spirit is the One who urges us to walk from the pig

pen to the Father’s house.

This is the conversion experience that Christ spoke to Nicodemus about. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The natural man receiveth not the

things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

This means that a new relationship with Christ is established through a radical turn. The apostle points out that:

1. Falsehood in thought, speech and actions will change and become truthfulness in all things because “we are members one of an-

other” (Eph. 4:25).

2. The new life has no room for anger that belittles and degrades.

3. The new person in Jesus will cultivate honesty and desist from dishonest means.

“Stop Stealing!” Paul says, without mincing words.

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4. The new person will speak truthfully, and that which “may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph.4:29). His or her speech has

no room for gossip or slander.

The Holy Spirit is the one responsible for the conversion experience but it does not end there. There is now new vibrant life with a

rich desire for knowing and loving God. This is a miracle of conversion as described by EG. White in Steps to Christ, page 18: “The

Saviour said, ‘except a man be born from above, unless he shall receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives, leading to a

new life, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

In all of this it is the Holy Spirit at work in us. Therefore it is hardly surprising that the apostles can charge us not to grieve Him.

When the Holy Spirit is grieved the Father and Son are grieved as well.

As we read the Bible we realize how much God cares for us; no wonder He could be pained by our actions. We have a moral and

spiritual responsibility that is for our best good. When we violate this, it brings pain to God. The Holy Spirit wants us to stay in a

right relationship with God so He can seal us unto the day of redemption. So we grieve the Holy Spirit when we reject His influence,

harden our hearts and do not live a life “worthy of the calling” in which we “were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:1, 30,

NKJV). Our life is the certificate of who owns us.

The concept of sealing does not find its way into our conversations

on any regular basis even though it is an integral part of our literature.

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Changes are needed in this regard. The subject of the sealing demands inquiry and exegesis. The Bible says the people of God are

sealed in their foreheads, but this is no visible seal or mark being placed on individuals. It is instead, an inner conviction and genuine

conversion. E.G. White calls it ‘a settling into the truth both intellectually and spiritually so they cannot be moved.’ Men and wom-

en will be very decisive in their stand for God. They will come to love His word and know Him in a personal and intimate way. This

is the Holy Spirit at work in us and it is He who gives us the power to overcome this world and walk in light. Jesus said, “Behold, I

send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke

24:49). Christ’s visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs.

The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work (AG 192.2).

The disciples were not the same after the Pentecost. Their lives became a witness of the indwelling

of the Holy Spirit. Their preaching was saturated with power, their understanding of the events

that took place while Jesus was physically on earth was deepened, and they were fearless in their

witness even when it was prohibited. No longer selfish and materialistic, they were now full of

other-worldliness and as such were uninhibited by the rough and unfriendly circumstances which

they had to go through to accomplish their mission. This is the essence of the new creation- the

new nature that man acquires when the Holy Spirit takes possession of his heart.

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Such newness of life could never exist in talk alone, in church offices alone, in church pews alone. It changes the foundation of who

we are and everything that we do. We are given the solemn warning that “…Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed.

There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the

light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These,

who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom, should have acted their faith. They should have command-

ed their households after them, that by a well ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the hu-

man heart” (CET 189.1).

Conclusion:

EG. White admonishes that we should “let the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ be in our minds continual-

ly and let them crowd out worldly thoughts and cares. When you lie down and when you rise up, let them be your meditation. Live

and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man. … Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to

make our calling and election sure” (EW 58.2). Let us remove from our lives the things that dull the impact of the voice of the Ho-

ly Spirit.

We are warned in Romans 8:14 that those who are spiritually stubborn will not be sealed. Therefore, our posture towards The Holy

Spirit would determine whether or not we are sealed. Let us allow Him to work in us, welcome Him into every moment of every day,

and deepen our connection to Him by acting on His promptings. I know He would be delighted to seal each of us if we demonstrate

that genuine desire.

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Our only confession and plea to God should be:

O, to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy Goodness, like a fetter,

Bind me closer still to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart ! O, take and seal it;

Seal it for Thy courts above.

Questions:

1. In Ephesians 4:32 Paul outlines three qualities that should mark our lives. What could you do to better manifest these qualities in your own life?

2. Can you identify at least one great change that Christ has brought into your life?

Prayer session: asking the Holy Spirit to live in our lives.

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GOD’S SOLUTION FOR SPIRITUAL

LUKEWARMNESS

INTRODUCTION:

Revelation 3:15-18

Jesus loves His Church. In fact there is no one who has a greater interest in the wellbeing of the

church than Jesus (Ephesians 5:25).

Therefore, Jesus is hurt and very disappointed whenever His church goes the wrong way and suffers

as a result.

This was the problem with the church at Laodicea. It was not just the fact that they were spiritually

sick and dying, but that they were presumptuous enough to say, “I am rich, and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing.” “I am all right; don’t need any help.” Jesus’ case against Laodicea re-

volves around the idea of self–deception. They were self-deluded.

To fully understand the reason for the Laodicean Christian’s boasting, and our Lord’s message to this

church, it is important for us to have a little background of their city. Pastor Ashton O’ Neil

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Historical Background

The Laodicean Christians lived in a very fertile city that was one of the most important centers of trade in that area. It was well for-

tified and secured from enemy attack.

This city was well known in its day for three main reasons:

1. It was a very rich city.

Their city boasted a first class banking center that was known throughout the Roman

Empire for its wealth and financial power. They were self-sufficient.

2. It had a flourishing textile business.

It was famous for the soft, black wool produced there. This wool was considered a luxury

item, and was sought after for clothing and rugs. Laodicea was the center of fashion in its day.

The most exotic styles appeared there first.

3. The most sought after medical school was in Laodicea.

This school gave special attention to curing eye diseases with their locally produced miracle tablet.

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These were the blessings from the Lord to the Laodiceans. But instead of giving glory to God, this community and church felt so self-sufficient.

The believers had an overabundance of material blessings and this made them proud and trusting in their riches to give them power, security and

happiness. They were so well off that they thought they had no need for others; not even for God their Creator. The Laodiceans thought they

were on a spiritual high .On the outside they were looking really good.

Jesus’ Evaluation of the Church

But the sad news is this - When Jesus came to this church, He had not even a single word of commendation. He had nothing good to say about

them at all.

We are told that “man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). This is what the Lord saw when

He looked at the heart of the church:

Although you are rich materially, your spiritual health is very poor.

“You are wretched, miserable and poor.”

You are very sick.

You produce the finest clothes and you boast of being the fashion center of the world, but “you are spiritually

naked.”

People around the world depend on you for ointment to heal the eyes .You claim to be able to make others see,

but “you are blind.” You can’t really see.

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Lukewarm Laodicea—No Passion

Jesus also told them that like the waters in their city, they had become lukewarm – not hot nor cold. This means they had lost their passion for the

things of God. They had become indifferent and apathetic, unenthusiastic, half-hearted. Church members had reached the place where they were

going through the motions, but they were unmoved by the things of the Lord. They were unconcerned about the lost people that they saw around

them every day.

They had no fire, no zeal, no strong desire for the things of the Lord.

What about the Church today? What about your local church ?

Prophetic interpretation reveals that the Laodicea church represents the final stage of God’s church before the return of Christ. Ellen White plac-

es the Seventh Day Adventist Church, God’s remnant Church as the church with the final message for the world just before Jesus returns.

Ellen White comments further :

“I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God's people at the present time...But God has given the message time to do its

work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut out Jesus. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented,

it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message

would end in the loud cry of the third angel.”

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I believe ,this is the important message for God’s church today. It is a message for all of us who are called Seventh-day Adventist.

The big questions that we need to ask ourselves are these:

a. What is the state of God’s remnant Church today?

b. As Jesus looks at your local congregation and you ,right now ,what is He seeing ?

c. What is the state of your own personal relationship with God?

Are we today just boasting of how we look on the outside? Of course ,the Seventh-day Adventist church has a lot to boast about.

1. We can boast as a church as being one of the fastest growing Christian denominations.

2. In our Educational system, we are at the head, not the tail. Today the Seventh-day Adventist Church manages one of the largest

Christian School systems in the world.

3. In Government, we are the head and not the tail. Several of our members have reached the pinnacle of greatness as Governor

Generals, prime Ministers and Ministers of Government.

4. In Achievement – we are the head and not the tail. Dr. Ben Carson – one of the leading Neuro Surgeons in the world is a S.D.A.

Dr. Barry Black – The U.S Senate Chaplain is a SDA.

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5. We have one of the best health care systems and superior knowledge on health matters from the writings of E G White.

Yes, we are ‘rich and increased with goods’ or at least so it appears when we take a look from the outside. But as Jesus looks at the

church today, what is He seeing?

Spiritual Wealth or Poverty?

These are some of the questions that we need to ask ourselves to determine whether our churches or we as individual members are

lukewarm?

a. Is Jesus the center of our worship and service? Is He given preeminence in our lives? Have we become so comfortable in our

ways that we are now complacent, lethargic spiritually and not even know it? Are we placing more emphasis on programs and meth-

ods than we are placing on the presence and relationship with Jesus?

b. Has prayer become common and mundane, mechanical, a form? Do we only pray in emergencies? What has happened to

our weekly Wednesday night prayer service?

Is it because we don’t have much time for Jesus, that prayer is no longer so important and only a few faithful ones attend our

Wednesday night prayer service?

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c. Are we turning up late for our appointment with Jesus on Sabbath mornings ? Are we now satisfied to give God just our left

over time and resources.

d. Have we become so busy that we don’t have time now for family worship, welcoming of Sabbath on Friday evening, time to

read God’s word or our Sabbath school quarterly, and have reached the stage where our Sabbath ends after the divine service?

This is a good time for all of us individual members to look inward and see where we are and seek the help we need from Jesus.

There is another problem with Laodicea - she is Lukewarm.

Revelation 3: 15,16,19

“Thou art neither cold nor hot; because thou art lukewarm, I will spue thee out of my mouth..”

How do we know when a church or individual is lukewarm?

a. Lukewarm people love Jesus as Savior, but do not want Him to be Lord of their lives.

They have one foot in the church and one foot in the world.

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Like Lot’s wife, they do not really want to be saved from their sins, they desire only to be saved from the penalty of their sins.

They tend to do what is popular over what is right.

They want to be a part of the church and the world. They are more concerned about what people think than what Jesus thinks.

Lukewarm Christians have given Jesus only a part of their hearts; they are not willing to give all their lives to Jesus.

Their time and resources are used more for earthly things. They are not fully committed to investing in heavenly things.

In a lukewarm church, the members are going through the motions, but there is no burning passion for the things of the Lord.

They are unmoved by the plight of the lost, and they do not care if others near them go to hell.

They pray and preach and sing, but they are not on fire for the Lord.

There is no excitement and no passion. They get more excited from the games than they do seeing souls ready to be saved.

They get stirred up more about a distinguished visitor than the presence of God in the service.

They are more concerned about the presence of an artiste than the presence of Jesus.

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Jesus has the Solution for the Lukewarm Church

This kind of Church is in trouble, but not all is lost. The Lord is interested in restoring, and reviving His Church. Jesus gives an invi-

tation to His Church.

Revelation 3:20 - “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and

will sup with him, and he with me.”

Jesus is ready to bring about revival and reformation in each of us and in His church.

He desires that the church be hot and not lukewarm.

In Verses 17- 18, Jesus tells His Church where they can find all the spiritual help they need. Buy of

Me - Jesus.

Our churches need more of Jesus. Our homes and families need more of Jesus. Our children, our

schools need more of Jesus. We all need more of Jesus in our lives.

Ellen White explained the symbolism: “Gold represents faith and love; White raiment refers to purity

of character, the righteousness of Christ,” and eye salve describes the ability to discern between good

and evil (Testimonies, Vol. p. 88).

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a. He offers them gold—His faith and His love.

Faith to trust Him even when we cannot trace Him .

Faith to trust Him when like Daniel you are and the odds are against you when you seek to stand up for what is right.

Faith to trust God to provide for you and your family even when threatened with losing your job.

Faith to believe that your God is able to see you through your crisis situation .

Faith when all earthly help fails and you only have the promises of God to hold unto.

That unshakable faith in God that is able to withstand all the pressures and issues of life.

b. Jesus also gives His love freely to us (Romans 8:37-39 - KJV).

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to

come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our

Lord’. We need the blessed assurance that Jesus really loves us and will do anything to save us.

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c. Jesus prescribes eye salve – to restore our spiritual vision.

We need to see ourselves as we really are. We need the scales on our eyes to fall.

Each of us needs to come out of that false sense of security that makes us think that we have arrived and have need of nothing like

the rich young ruler who was good, kept every Sabbath, paid his tithe and offering and thought he had need of nothing.

So, we all need more and more of Jesus in our hearts and lives. We need Him every day for our every situation. We dare not travel

without Jesus. We need to spend more time with Him in prayer, the reading of His word and in His sanctuary of praise and worship.

d. So Jesus offers us white raiment.

This is His Spiritual garment of righteousness. We are all messed up. We come short so often. None of us can provide adequate cov-

ering for our mistakes and sins. In 1 John 1;9 He says , “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.” In Isaiah 1:18 he promises cleansing and He does a perfect job.

e. In Revelation 3 :19 Jesus asks us to “…be zealous and repent.”

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What is Repentance ?

The term repentance (from the Greek word metanoia) means “turning from sin”. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change

one’s mind”. The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19; Acts 26:20 ).

Like David, we all need to ask God to “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalms 51 :10).

Jesus desires that His church be revived, hot, zealous, on fire, and passionate about Him and lost humanity. Jesus wants each member

to have a personal, loving, intimate and active relationship with Him. He longs for us to talk with Him

regularly, read His word frequently, meet and worship Him in His sanctuary habitually and meaning-

fully .

He offers us this experience. He is willing to give it to you and me now. Why not let us all open up

our hearts and let Jesus right now do His work to take away the lukewarmness and give us a hot per-

sonal, close up, authentic, passionate relationship with Him?

Appeal : How many of us would like to open up our hearts to allow Jesus to do His cleansing work

within us and make us clean vessels for His Kingdom?

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THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY COME

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is

athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17 KJV).

The last verses of the last chapter of Revelation are like the final movement of some great concerto, in

which we hear all the instruments of the orchestra swelling the flood of triumph. In it many voices are

heard. Sometimes it is the Seer, John, who speaks; sometimes an angel; sometimes a deeper voice

from the throne which is Christ Himself. It is sometimes difficult, amidst these transitions, to tell who

the speaker is, but one thing is clear; we know that Jesus is speaking.

If we read Revelation 22: 12-16, we learn that the Lord has been proclaiming His return, ‘to give eve-

ry man according to his work.’ Since the beginning of time, even before man sinned, the promise had

been made that Jesus would come and pay the penalty of sin, to buy back mankind and to place them

where they belong; a place where there would be no more sin, no more pain, no more death, but life

everlasting.

Elder Joel Hazelwood

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He says, “Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my fathers’ house are many mansions. If it were

not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go, I will come again to receive you unto myself that where I

am there ye will be also” (John 14: 1-3). The evidence of his ascension is clear and the evidence of His return was confirmed by the

angel who said, “This same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into

Heaven.”

The evidence of the Spirit announcing that Jesus is the Son of God, was heard when He was baptized: “This is

my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.” When we accept Jesus Christ, because of His death on the cross

for our sins we are now sons and daughters of God. Bought by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are now co-

laborers with Him to fulfill the great gospel commission.

“The Gospel commission to the disciples includes all believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of

time. It is a mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the minister. All members are

ambassadors of the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fel-

low men. For this work, the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows, are

thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ” (D.A 822).

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The question is, who is Christ calling? He is calling those who ‘hear’, those who are ‘athirst’, and those who ‘will’. This seems to

suggest that even though there is an open invitation to all, not all will respond.

The first requirement is need, and the sense of need. These two, do not always go together.

One is universal, the other is not. When a man is thirsty he knows that he is. But it is quite

possible that the soul can be thirsty, and he may be unconscious of it. The will longs to be

mastered, even though it rebels against the Master, and the whole nature of man says, “My

soul thirsted for God; for the living God.” No man is at rest unless he is living in a con-

scious state and in possession of the Father’s heart and the Father’s strength.

Many of us are not aware of the thirst of our soul. We tend to forget our need, and for a

while we are quite satisfied with worldly success, or with the materialistic things that make

us happy for a while. It will not last! It is not likely to last a life time. Some of us may be

like the cactus that grows in hot conditions, light soil in desert lands, having a considerable

store of moisture in the fleshy spike that will help it through a long time of drought, but the

store gets used up. But let us be reminded that, until you go to Jesus Christ, you dwell in ‘a

dry and thirsty land where there is no water.’

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Not only does He call the thirsty and those who hear, but “Whosoever will, let him…” This group includes all those who are not in-

cluded in the first two calls. The sad news is that not all will accept the offer of Divine mercy. There still remains the free will of

choice. Jesus is the truth, the way and the life. You can refuse Christ, and when He says, “Take, and drink!” you can remain silent

and refuse, but, I beseech you to take this solemn call into consideration. The invitation is wide open for all to accept. “For God so

loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John

3:16). Wishing is one thing but willing is another. "Wishing to be delivered from the restlessness of a hungry heart, and to be satis-

fied, is one thing; but willing to accept the satisfaction which Christ gives freely, is another. To discern the need and to be willing to

let Him supply it, is the only means by which we can enjoy the blessings of His call, ‘Whosoever will.’”

Let us for a moment focus on the Revelation of God in Revelation 22. It is the description of Heaven. The river of the water of life,

(verse 1) has been rippling and tinkling from the first chapter of Genesis to the last of Revelation. It is the river that flowed through

Eden; the river which makes glad with its streams the City of God; the river of the Divine pleasures from which God makes His chil-

dren drink; the river which the prophet saw steaming out from under the Temple doors and carrying life whithersoever it came; the

river which Christ proclaimed should flow from because it had flowed into, all that should believe upon Him; ‘the river of the water

of life, clear as crystal’ which John saw proceeding from the Throne of God and of the Lamb. Our Lord’s words to the Samaritan

woman, and His words on that last great day of the feast, when He stood and cried, ‘If any man thirst let him come to Me and drink!’

and many other gracious utterances, are all gathered up, as it were, in this last Voice from the Throne.

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The water of life is not merely living water, in the sense that it flashes and sparkles and flows; but it is water which communicates

life. ‘Life’ here is to be taken in that deep, comprehensive sense in which the Apostle John uses it as a symbol for the magnitude of

the blessings which come to men through Jesus Christ, and which, received by men, make them blessed indeed.

The woman at the well experience was so profound that the words spoken by Christ were the living water. But she soon became so

interested that she left her water pot and, going into the city, bore the words to her countrymen, “Come, see a man which told me all

things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” The woman had come for water, and she heard of the water of life. She had been con-

vinced of sin, and believed on Jesus Christ.

The Lord has made ample provision that the heavenly graces shall be abundantly supplied to all, that the truth as it is in Jesus shall

hold the first place in the heart and shall ever occupy the soul temple. Then there will be thorough devotion to God, and all true be-

lievers will become fishers of men. They will pray for wisdom, and will walk in accordance with the prayer: “Ye are the light of the

world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Letter

48, 1897).

“He that is athirst let him come; and whosoever will let him take!” The two things, coming and taking, as it seems to me, means ba-

sically the same thing. You often hear earnest preachers reiterate that call - “Come to Jesus! Come to Jesus!” with more fervor than

clarity of explanation of what they mean.

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So, I would say in one sentence, emphatically, and as plainly as I can put it, that Jesus Christ Himself says, “If any man thirst let him

come to Me and drink.” He explained further, “He that cometh unto Me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on Me shall never

thirst.” So let us put away the metaphors of ‘coming’ and ‘taking’ and lay hold of the Christ-given interpretation of them. Let us say

the one thing that Christ asks me to do is to entrust my poor, sinful self, wholly, confidently and constantly and obediently to Him.

That is all.

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come,” - that is, come to the Saviour; come and partake of the

blessings of the gospel; come and be saved. The construction demands this interpretation, as the latter

part of the verse shows. The design of this whole verse is, evidently, to show the freeness of the offers

of the gospel; to condense in a summary manner all the invitations of mercy to mankind; and to leave

on the mind at the close of the book a deep impression of the ample provision which has been made

for the salvation of a fallen race. Nothing, it is clear, could be more appropriate at the close of this

book, and at the close of the whole volume of revealed truth, than to announce in the clearest and most

attractive form, that salvation is free to all, and that whosoever will may be saved.

The Holy Spirit entreats us to come. The invitations recorded in the Bible were inspired by the Spirit.

The Spirit also influences the understanding, the conscience, and the hearts of people, by the preaching

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of the gospel, and by the consistent righteous lives of members - showing the excellency and the desirability of true religion, and

how to do good in a sinful world.

The plan of God is fulfilled when a Christian parent invites his children; a brother invites a sister and a sister invites a brother; a

neighbor invites his neighbor, and a stranger a stranger; the master invites his servant and the servant his master. “And the Spirit and

the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life

freely” (Revelation 22:17 NKJV). That is, come to the Savior, and be saved.

Conclusion

Christ sends His greatest and final invitation, “Come,” and “Take the water of life freely.” Your response will be the greatest deci-

sion that you will ever make!

The Spirit and the Bride, along with all those who have heard the truth, are still inviting lost sinners to come to Jesus for salvation.

It is the job of debt collectors to attempt to get debtors to pay off their debts. They begin by sending the debtors a letter. If the letter is

ignored, the debt collector sends more letters to get the individuals’ attention. If the letters are still ignored, the debt collector person-

ally goes to visit the debtors at their house or workplace to try to get them to pay off their debt. Debt collectors go through a lot to try

to get debtors to pay off their debts. However, they do it all for their benefit. They don’t care about the debtor, they just want to col-

lect their pay cheque.

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On the other hand, Jesus also tries to get His children to come back to Him. Sometimes, they ignore Him and continue doing what

they want to do. However, Jesus always stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. It does not matter how far you’ve gone, Jesus

will go to great lengths to save his children. The most amazing thing about Jesus is that He doesn’t go to extensive lengths for His

benefit; He does it all out of His love for us, because He promises us the free gift of salvation.

The question is, have you ever received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? Have you heard the Gospel message? Have you

seen your need of Jesus? Have you reached out by faith and taken the free gift of salvation? God loved you enough to give His Son

for you. Jesus gave His life on the cross to save you. The Spirit of God is inviting you to come to Jesus and be saved. All that re-

mains is for you to take the gift that God is offering to you.

Today, while the door of mercy is wide open, “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’” Will you come? Will your name be written in

the Lamb’s Book of Life? It can be! He invites you to come to Him today.

Notes

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THE COMFORTER ABIDES WITH US FOREVER!

Jesus Christ made an amazing promise to His church that is still relevant today. It is found in John

14:16 -20 and declares, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he

may abide with you for ever; 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. I will

not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but

ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye

in me, and I in you.”

Having spent years in close and intimate relationship with Christ, the apos-

tles were having difficulty coming to grips with His pending absence. Thus,

the promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence was reassuring and rewarding.

Christ promised that they shall have another comforter. The Greek phrase

allon parakleton was understood clearly by the apostles to mean a Com-

forter like Himself.

Pastor Kern Tobias

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THE HOLY SPIRIT AS ADVOCATE AND COMFORTER:

The Holy Spirit was to be Christ’s advocate with the disciples and with us, to plead His cause, and take care of His concerns on

Earth. When Christ was with them He spoke to the disciples as there was occasion; but now that He was leaving them they needed to

know that they were not to be ignored but that the Holy Spirit shall speak in them. Matt. 10:19,20 declares, “But when they deliver

you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye

that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.”

“You shall have another Master, Teacher, or Exhorter,” was the assurance that the disciples had received from the Savior. While they

had Christ with them He exhorted them to their duty, but now that He was going He was leaving One with them who would have

been able to provide the same support as effectively, though silently. It is believed by some theologians that the best word to ex-

plain the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the disciples is a Patron, One who shall both “instruct and pro-

tect them.”

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as another Comforter. Christ was expected as the consolation of

Israel. One of the names of the Messiah among the Jews was Menahem—the Comforter. Christ com-

forted his disciples when He was with them, and now that he was leaving them in their greatest need

He promised them Another Comforter of the same kind. What a blessed privilege the disciples were

able to enjoy; and we are also blessed because the Holy Spirit is promised to abide with us forever.

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INTERCESSION OF JESUS:

By the intercession of the Lord Jesus the special blessing of the Holy Spirit is procured to us. Christ said, “I will pray the Father.” He

said in John 14:14, “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” He said, I will pray for it, to show not only that He is both

God and man, but that He is both King and Priest. As priest He is ordained to make intercession for us and as King He is authorized

by the Father to execute judgment.

When Christ said, “I will pray the Father” this does not suppose that the Father is unwilling, or must be encouraged to give us who

was promised, but only that the gift of the Spirit is the Fruit of Christ’s mediation, purchased by His merit, and realized by His inter-

cession. Ellen White affirms, “The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independ-

ent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should

go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or

his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Savior would be accessible to all. In this sense He would

be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high” (Christian Service, p. 255).

BLESSINGS CONTINUED:

The continuance of this blessing is reflected in the assurance that the Spirit will

“abide with you for ever,” that is “with you, as long as you live.”

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Christ inferred that they will never know the want of a Comforter, nor lament His departure, as they were now lamenting it, once

they were beneficiaries of His special promise. It should be noted that with the absence of Christ, there was the loss of those com-

forts which were designed for His disciples for a time. The Holy Spirit’s presence guarantees that there are everlasting consolations

provided for us.

What a special blessing Christ provided even for His disciples today by promising and providing the Holy Spirit. With the preva-

lence of a spirit of doubt and double-mindedness in the world and in the church, He is always there to ensure that there is confidence

in the Bible and comfort in its promises.

Sister Ellen White, speaking on behalf of Christ, affirms, “It is the efficiency of the Holy Spirit that

makes the ministry of the Word effective. When Christ speaks through the minister, the Holy Spirit

prepares the hearts of the listeners to receive the word. The Holy Spirit is not a servant, but a con-

trolling power. He causes the truth to shine into minds, and speaks through every discourse where

the minister surrenders himself to the divine working. It is the Spirit that surrounds the soul with a

holy atmosphere, and speaks to the impenitent through words of warning, pointing them to Him who

takes away the sin of the world” (Gospel Workers, p. 155). What a blessing indeed and in truth!

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THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH:

This Comforter is the Spirit of truth, whom you know - John 14:16, 17. They might think it impossible to have a comforter who is

equivalent to the Son of God. “Yea,” saith Christ, “you shall have the Spirit of God, who is equal in power and glory with Me.”

The comforter promised is the Spirit; One who would do His work in a spiritual manner, inwardly and invisibly, by working on

men’s hearts.

“He is the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive.” He will be true to us, and to His undertaking for us, which He will per-

form faithfully. He will teach us the truth, will enlighten our minds with the knowledge of the truth, will strengthen and confirm our

belief of it, and will increase our love of it. While Jesus is the Truth, it is important to note that “His Word is truth” (John 17:17).

The Gentiles by their idolatries and the Jews by their traditions were led into gross errors and mistakes, but the Spirit of truth shall

not only lead us into all truth, but others by our ministry. Christ is the truth, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit that

He was anointed with. We are blessed with the same power and privileges.

YOU KNOW HIM:

“He is one whom the world cannot receive; but you know him, therefore, He abideth with you.” The disciples of Christ are here dis-

tinguished from the world, for they are chosen and called out of the world that lies in wickedness.

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They are the children and heirs of another world, not of this one. Christ wants us to know the Holy Spirit personally, as His disciples

knew Him.

It is the misery of those that are invincibly devoted to the world that they cannot receive the Spirit of truth. The spirit of the world

and of God are spoken of as directly contrary one to the other (1 Cor. 2:12). Where the spirit of the world has the ascendancy, the

Spirit of God is excluded. It is imperative that we get to know the Holy Spirit because “He is sent from heaven by the benevolence of

infinite love, takes the things of God and reveals them to every soul that has an implicit faith in Christ. By His power the vital truths

upon which the salvation of the soul depends are impressed upon the mind, and the way of life is made so plain that none need err

therein. As we study the scriptures, we should pray for the light of God’s Holy Spirit to shine upon the word, that we may see and

appreciate its treasures” (Christ Object Lessons, p. 113).

Christ affirms that “men cannot receive the Spirit of truth because they see Him not, neither know Him.” The comforts of the Spirit

are foolishness to them, as much as the cross of Christ was to the Jews, and the great things of the gospel, like those of the law, are

counted as a strange thing. Speak to the children of this world of the operations of the Spirit, and you are as a barbarian to them.

The best knowledge of the Spirit of truth is that which is obtained by experience. Again Christ indicates, “You know Him, for He

dwelleth with you.” Christ had dwelt with them, and by their acquaintance with Him they could not but know the Spirit of truth.

They had themselves been endued with the Spirit in some measure. Who enabled them to leave all to follow Christ, and to continue

with him in his temptations? Who enabled them to preach the gospel, and work miracles, but the Spirit dwelling in them? The experi-

ences of the saints are the explications of the promise that Christ made to them and to us.

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Those who have an experimental acquaintance with the Spirit have a comfortable assurance of His continuance in a marvelous way

with us. Christ assures that “He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you,” so we are privileged to have the Holy Spirit abide with us

forever. Those who know Him know how to value Him, invite Him and bid Him welcome. Therefore, He shall be in us and our com-

munion with Him shall be intimate, and our union with Him inseparable.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AS GOD’S SPECIAL GIFT:

The gift of the Holy Spirit is a special gift, bestowed upon the disciples of Christ in a distinguishing way. This is the favour God

bears to his chosen; it is the heritage of those that fear his name. When friends are parting, it is a common request that they make to

each other, “Pray let us hear from you as often as you can.” This is exactly what Christ did to his disciples, that out of sight they

should not be out of mind.

He promises that He would continue His care of them. In John 14:18 He says, “I will not leave you as orphans, or fatherless.” He as-

sures that though “I leave you, yet I leave you this comfort, I will come to you.” His departure from them was that which grieved

them; but it was not as bad as they thought, for it was neither total nor final. It was not total because as He explained, “Though I

leave you without my bodily presence, yet I do not leave you without comfort.” Though children, yet they had received the adoption

of sons, and His Father would be their Father, with whom those who otherwise would be fatherless find mercy. The case of true be-

lievers, though sometimes sorrowful, is never comfortless, because they are never orphans: for God is their Father, who is the ever-

lasting Father.

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It was not final because He explained, “I will come to you.” They understood Christ to say, “I will come speedily to you at my resur-

rection. I will not be absent for too long, but will be with you again in a little time.” He had often said that the third day he would

rise again and after He rose He said, “I will be coming daily to you in my Spirit, in the tokens of my love, and visits of my grace.”

He promises that they should continue their acquaintance with him and interest in him as He declares in John 14:19, 20, “Yet a little

while, and the world sees me no more.” That is, Now I am no more in the world. After his death, the world saw him no more, for,

though he rose to life, he never showed himself to all the people - Acts 10:41. The

malignant world thought they had seen enough of Him, and cried, “Away with him;

crucify him.” So shall their doom be because they shall see him no more. Those on-

ly that see Christ with an eye of faith shall see him eternally. The world sees Him no

more till his second coming; but his disciples have communion with Him in his ab-

sence because of the special Gift of the Holy Spirit.

The life of Christians is bound up in the life of Christ as sure and as long as He lives.

Those who by faith are united to Him shall live also. We shall live spiritually, a di-

vine life in communion with God. This life is hid with Christ and if the Head and

Root live, the members and branches shall live also. We shall live eternally; our bod-

ies shall rise in the likeness of Christ’s resurrection even if we die before His return.

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THE THREE C’S WE RECEIVE FROM THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE:

COMFORT: We have expanded on this blessing during the presentation. In my own experience God’s Holy Spirit has provided great

comfort during times of challenge and crisis. My mother died in 1997 while I was away for ten weeks reading towards my MA de-

gree. We spoke about that possibility since she was at the time of life when death was nearer than ever. It was shocking and painful

when I received the news that she had died. I still had my final exams to do, and the Holy Spirit braced me with divine comfort so

that I was successful. It was during the graduation ceremony that I was overcome with tears, which continued during her funeral.

The Spirit’s comfort is available to everyone who needs it. So receive His comfort today and always!

COURAGE: The Holy Spirit allows us to have communion with Christ because He will be with us forever. As we commune with

Him we shall become like Him. “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…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 suc-

ceeding age” (The Faith I live By, p. 52).

As we witness for Christ we need courage and it is guaranteed. In her book The Upward Look, p. 137, Ellen White says, “The great

source of our strength - which is our changeless consolation and hope and courage - would ever be within our reach….We should be

His faithful representatives to an apostate world. While in the world we are not to be of the world, but bear a faithful testimony

against the evil that is working in worldly policy plans contrary to the truth and righteousness.” Let us meet every situation with

courage because of this wonderful promise.

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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Character is who we are when no one is looking and especially if it is dark. That was

the reality that Ananias and Sapphira were exposed to, that tested their character. This sad narrative is recorded as a constant remind-

er that we need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit if we will develop Christ-like characters. Ellen White remarked that “The case of

Ananias and Sapphira was of the most aggravated character. In keeping back part of the price, they lied to the Holy Ghost. Guilt

likewise rests upon every individual in proportion to like offences. When the hearts of men are softened

by the presence of the Spirit of God, they are more susceptible to impressions of the Holy Spirit, and re-

solves are made to deny self and sacrifice for the cause of God.”

It is when divine light shines into the chambers of the mind with unusual clearness and power that feel-

ings of the natural are overcome, that selfishness loses its power upon the heart, and that desires are awak-

ened to imitate the Pattern, Jesus Christ, in practising self-denial and benevolence. The disposition of the

naturally selfish man then becomes kind and compassionate toward lost sinners, and he makes a solemn

pledge to God, as did Abraham and Jacob.

Heavenly angels are present on such occasions. “The love of God and love for souls triumph over selfish-

ness and love of the world. Especially is this the case when the speaker, in the Spirit and power of God,

presents the plan of redemption, laid by the Majesty of heaven in the sacrifice of the cross” (Testimonies

for the Church, vol. 4, 470). May God bless us in our growth in grace!

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CONCLUSION AND APPEAL

We must thank God for the fulfillment of the promise that the Comforter will abide with us forever. Despite the challenges that we

face in our Christian journey, we have continuous comfort, courage, and companionship that will enable us to meet our loving Jesus

one of these days. I challenge us all to be faithful to Christ and the Comforter!

Are you grateful for this wonderful promise from our loving Saviour? Raise your hand!

Are you desirous of developing that trusting relationship with Christ that will guarantee the comfort, courage, and character to meet

Him in glory? Please stand!

Is there anyone who is willing to surrender to Christ and experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? Please raise your

hand. Prayer of commitment! Notes

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WEEK 2018

Caribbean Union Conference Children’s and Adolescents

Beauty From The Inside –

To The Outside

Sabbath

Those who think they can do it on their own, end up obsessed with measuring their own spiritual muscle, but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them, find that God’s Spirit is in them – living and breathing God. –Romans 8:5 (Message Bible)

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Materials:

Clear Plastic Cup – (At Least 6” Deep)

Sugar, Water, Food Coloring, Straws, Cotton String, Paper Clips, Plastic Cups

Tape, Fine-Tip Marker

NB: (Please make a sample and take to class for display)

Method:

The Day Before Class, Prepare The Following Solution:

2 Cups Water, 2 Cups Sugar For Every 4 Children In Your Class

♦When it begins to boil, add sugar until it thickens to a syrup.

♦Remove from heat and allow to cool overnight.

♦In class, pour about one inch of the solution in the plastic cup of each child.

♦Give each child 1 straw, 1 plastic cup, 1 ten inch length of string.

♦Let each child add one drop of the food coloring of his/her choice, into the cup.

♦Tie one end of the string in the middle of the straw, then attach the paper clip to the other end of the string.

♦Moisten the string with water, then rub sugar along the string.

♦Lower the paper clip end into the sugar solution, then lay the straw across the top of the cup, to hold the string in place. Secure it

with some tape. Set it aside, and check it at Wednesday’s meeting.

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This solution is made up of three things we use every day: Sugar, water and food coloring. When they were mixed together, they

formed the syrup.

CONCLUSION:

This syrup reminds me of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, God the

Holy Spirit. Three distinct beings forming one powerful solution. The string

represents you and me.

When the string was soaked in the solution, it was changed. It could not change

by itself it had to be saturated with the solution. The result was a change from

an ordinary piece of string to an extra-ordinary piece of Art.

In the same way, when we give our lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit transforms or

changes us. Our words, thoughts and actions become better. We become beautiful.

We cannot do it on our own. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to make us

into a beautiful person.

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HS Word Sunday

In the last days, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: your sons will prophesy, also your daughters.”—Acts 2: 17 (Message Bible)

Materials:

Balloon, yeast, sugar, water, a glass jar, funnel, empty glass drink bottle

Method:

♦Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 cup warm (not hot) water in the glass jar.

♦Use a funnel to pour the mixture into the bottle.

♦Hold up the balloon and ask, “What do you think will happen to this balloon when I stretch it over the neck of the bottle?”

♦Attach the balloon to the bottle then watch as it inflates.

♦Discussion: What do you think happened?

♦The growing yeast produced carbon dioxide. Because it is a light gas, it rose to the top and filled the balloon.

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CONCLUSION:

Just like the gas, the Holy Spirit is invisible, but powerful. When we open our hearts and minds to Him, He will fill us with power.

He will give us words to speak for Him.

Our text says that God has promised to pour out His Holy Spirit on His Children in the last days. When we are filled up with God’s

Spirit, like the balloon, people will see it and feel it. They will also hear it, because God will give you power to share His special

messages with everyone.

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IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSSIBILITY MONDAY

What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses. . . . – (Acts 1:8 (Message Bible)

Materials: 1 peeled hard-boiled egg,

1 glass jar with a mouth just smaller than the egg so the egg cannot pass through it

3 -- 1” x 3” strips of paper, matches.

Method:

♦Set the egg on the mouth of the jar. Ask the children to help you figure out a way to get the

egg in the jar without breaking it.

♦After a few suggestions ask, “How many of you believe this egg can get into this jar without breaking?” This seems like an impossi-

ble problem, but I believe I have a solution.

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♦Crumple the three strips of paper and drop them inside the glass jar. Light a match and drop it inside the jar. When the strips catch

fire, immediately place the egg on the mouth of the jar. When the flames are extinguished, the egg will slip inside the jar.

Questions:

♦What do you think caused the egg to drop into the jar?

♦Did you think it was impossible to get the egg inside the jar

without breaking it?

♦Why or why not?

♦Have you ever seen something happen that you thought impossible?

CONCLUSION:

When we give our lives to Jesus, and we see what a great God He is, we need to share with others what it is like, to be a Christian.

God wants us to be a witness for Him. Without the Holy Spirit, it would be impossible to do this. The Holy Spirit helps us to be

brave and wise. However, although He is powerful, He does not force himself on us. We have to give him permission. When we do,

we will be able to share Jesus in ways we never thought possible. We will discover that with God, all things are possible.

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KEEP ON KEEPING ON! TUESDAY

Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon I’ve prayed for you in particular that you do not give-in or give-out. Luke 22:31-32 – (Message Bible)

Materials:

1 Clear Glass Bowl – (Or Hard Plastic)

Modeling Clay – (Not Play-Doh)

Water

Method:

♦Fill the bowl half-way up with water.

♦Roll the clay into four balls – three small, one larger.

♦Drop each small ball in the water and watch it sink

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♦Tell the children that each ball represents someone who feels discouraged and frustrated. We all feel like that sometimes.

Just like the clay balls you may want to give up and sink. Give each ball a pretend name and talk about reasons why someone stops

going to church or stops believing in Jesus.

♦Next, take the large ball and start reshaping it into a canoe. Talk about how the Holy Spirit reshapes our mind, attitudes and

behavior.

♦Put the boat into the water and watch it float.

♦Pick up each small ball and put it in the boat.

♦Discuss ways in which the Holy Spirit helps us, and how we can in turn, help our

friends.

CONCLUSION:

Jesus knew that there will be many challenges for us every day. He knew that we will

make mistakes and even want to give up, so that is why He prayed for us. He also

gives us the Holy Spirit to help us persevere. God wants to help you to keep on the

right path.

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WEDNESDAY

GOOD FRUIT

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word is a gift.

Do not grieve God. Do not break His heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you is the most intimate part of your life, mak-

ing you fit for himself. Do not take such a gift for granted. –Ephesian 4: 29, 30 (Message Bible)

Materials:

♦Candy or biscuit tin filled with smelly trash (eg: old fruit skins, old socks, etc).

♦Clear jar filled with colorful fruit-shaped jelly candies.

♦Gloves, Trash bag.

Method:

♦Show the candy/biscuit tin with trash (keep it closed), make it look clean, bright and attractive.

♦Keep the clear jar hidden.

♦Ask: What is this?

♦What is your favorite candy/biscuit/chocolate from boxes like this?

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♦Talk about how beautiful the box is. Show excitement and say, “Let’s open the box!” Show the trash and make an

awful face.

♦ “Ugh! What is this?” Put on gloves and pick up a few items and drop them into the trash bag.

♦ “Are you surprised at what is coming out of this box?”

♦ “This box/tin is so beautiful. I did not expect garbage to come out of it! Something

nice should have come out of it, but it did not.

Questions:

♦What kinds of “smelly” thoughts people hide on the inside? ”Smelly” thoughts pro-

duce “smelly” words and actions.

♦What is sin? Allow time for answers.

♦What are some sins we hide, that no one sees?

♦Does God know about the sins inside of us?

Yes He does. God gives us the Holy Spirit to clean us from the inside.

Without Him, our minds will be like this box/tin; full of garbage.

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CONCLUSION

When we allow the Holy Spirit to live within us, our words and actions will be beautiful. We cannot hide our hearts from God. He

sees everything. He wants to make our lives beautiful, inside and out. (show the clear jar) and allow discussion on what is inside.

The Holy Spirit can help you produce good fruit. Would you let Him help you?

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Fuel For Life THURSDAY

The people I love, I call to account – prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. “Up on your feet, then! About face!

Run after God!” Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to

supper with you. –Revelation 3:19, 20 (Message Bible)

Materials:

2 balloons – one old and partially deflated

One new and filled with helium (for best effects)

Method

♦Show the different balloons and point out the differences between them.

♦Compare the two balloons.

The old partially deflated balloon represents us, and the other helium-filled balloon, represents God.

The partially inflated balloon was once filled and beautiful; but time passed and it began to lose its air and become limp and soft. It

became “lukewarm.” It is neither full nor empty, so it cannot bounce or float in the air, and it is certainly not pretty anymore.

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Some Christians are like that. God does not fill their whole life so they are not a good witness for Him. The Bible calls them lukewarm Christians. And He is not pleased with that kind of

Christian. Show the balloon that represents God and, point out the differences. (Allow the chil-dren to contribute).

♦It is beautiful! ♦It is more powerful! ♦It can rise higher!

♦It does not need wind to fly! ♦It can go higher than I can go!

Conclusion:

There is a powerful gas called helium inside this balloon, and it causes the balloon to do all the wonderful things we talked about. Similarly, the Holy Spirit in our heart gives us the power to

do great things for God, just like the helium gives the balloon power. Our text says that God wants us to be up on our feet and filled with power. He wants us to be

active Christians, not ‘lukewarm’ Christians. He wants us to live powerful lives for Him.

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OBEY YOUR THIRST FRIDAY

Come says the Spirit and the Bride, whoever hears, echo, “Come!” Is anyone

thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink. Drink feely of the

“Water of Life.”—Revelation 22:17 (Message Bible).

Materials:

Dehydrated water beads

Water

Clear glass or plastic container

Method:

Rehydrate the beads according to instructions

Questions:

What do you think will happen to the beads?

What do you think will happen to the water?

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♦Discuss the difference in the beads before, and after, they ‘drink’ the

water.

♦Allow the children to feel the beads. (It is a great sensory experience)

♦The beads were colorful and looked OK, but they needed water so they

could become what they were created to be. Left on their own, they were

hard and dry. When filled with water, they can be used to keep plants and

flowers alive. They can also be used for therapy or decoration.

CONCLUSION:

The beads remind us of our life. Left on our own, we are not very useful.

The promises in the Bible are like water for our spiritual life. When we

study and memorize God’s word, we become stronger on the inside. The

Holy Spirit gives us wisdom to make good choices. and we grow up into

the person God created us to be.

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I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU SABBATH

I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you.

This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. –John 14:16-17 (Message Bible)

Materials:

1 bottle chocolate syrup, 1 bottle/box of milk

A clear jug

1 spoon

1 clear glass

Several small cups

Method:

Slowly pour some milk into the glass,

Pour some chocolate syrup slowly into the glass of milk

(enough to make a thick layer at the bottom of the glass)

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♦Say, “This chocolate milk is so delicious. I can hardly wait to taste it.”

♦Lift the glass and slowly drink some.

♦Soon someone will point out that it is not stirred up.

♦Pretend to be surprised and say, “Oh! It’s supposed to be mixed? That’s a good idea!

I’ll try it!” Pick up the spoon and stir the milk until it is well blended.

♦Say, “Does that look better? Great!” Proceed to taste, then offer to one or two chil-

dren.

(Ensure you have enough to share to everyone after class)

“Although the chocolate was in the glass, I still had to do something.

I had to stir it up so it could become a delicious drink. Left by itself,

it was not real chocolate milk.”

CONCLUSION:

The milk is just like our lives and the chocolate is like the Holy Spirit. When we give our lives to Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to

live inside us. In order for us to be real Christians, we have to mix Him into every part of our life. As a result, our words and actions

will be sweeter. When we do that the Holy Spirit will always be with us.

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HOLY SPIRIT 2018 Week