SOUTHERN AFRICA INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION

PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT – WEEK OF PRAYER, 2024

Contributors:

Dr Felix Njini (SID Education Director) and Pastor Nelson M. Simweemba (SID
Publishing Director)

THEME: EMPOWERED TO GO

THEME SONGS: 264 “O For that flame of Living Fire”

376 “Work For the Night is Coming”

PREAMBLE

Greetings to all preachers. Congratulations for accepting to give the gospel

trumpet a certain sound during the 2024 publishing week of spiritual emphasis.
These sermons are intended to provide spiritual revival to all Adventists in
Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division territory. Every congregation should
have the privilege of hearing these messages. We encourage all the preachers to
spend quality time in studying and meditating on the sermons. Though we may
all have our own styles of preaching, it is advisable that the main concepts of
each of these sermons are presented to the audiences.

Purpose of this Week of Prayer: To spiritually revive all members and awaken
the desire to witness for Christ while it is still day.

Objective: All members realise the need to earnestly pray for the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit and participate in spreading the Good News of salvation to this
dying world.

Daily Special Activities:

1. Give 3 to 5 minutes of testimony related to the importance reading books or

the benefits of witnessing

2. Share some insights from The Great Controversy, chapters 23, 24, 32, 36, 37,
and 40 in two minutes

3. Give time for individual or group prayers before the dispersing prayer

4. On Sabbath afternoon the members are to go to distribute free literature,

especially The Great Controversy. Each Sabbath School member to be challenged
to share an average 5 copies.
 Duration of Preaching: An average of 35 minutes. Adding with other activities 45
minutes.

DAY 1:

Title: A SPIRITUAL AUDIT REPORT FOR THE LAST CHURCH

Main Text: Rev 3: 14-18

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the
Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that
you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are
lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I
am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are
wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined
in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame
of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I
stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to
him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me
on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22“He who has
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”

Introduction

The message to the church of Laodicea is presented within the context of Christ’s messages to
the seven churches in the book of Revelation. The messages of the letters go beyond the seven
churches in Asia Minor existing during John’s time. They spun the history of the church from
the ascension to the second coming of Christ. Laodicea is therefore God’s last church on earth.
Writing to the remnant church, Ellen G White underscores the importance of the message to
Laodicea; “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.”—Early
Writings, 270:2.

“I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God’s people at the present time,
and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their
hearts.”—1 Testimonies, 186:1.

Historical background
The city of Laodicea was founded by Antiochus 11. He named it after his wife Laodicea. It
was located on a higher plateau with one big problem, there was no ready source of water in
the city. Water had to be piped through aqueducts flowing all the way from Hierapolis 6 miles
to the North and from Callose 10 miles to the East. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in
61 AD, the citizens of the city were so wealthy that the citizens rebuilt it with their own
resources refusing any kind of help from Caesar and imperial Rome. Laodicea was a center of
banking and finance. It was renowned for soft black wool which they used to make black
garments. There was a medical school in that city which produced a tablet which was mixed
with water to form a paste which they rubbed into the eyes to heal people.

The nature of the message

• The letters to the 7 churches are Christ’s audit report of the spirituality of the seven
church periods.
• We need to pay particular attention to the last letter because it is addressed directly to
us as Christ day church. Let us accept His diagnosis, His audit report of our spiritual
condition.
• The recovery won’t begin until the alcoholic admits that he needs help.
• "He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsake them shall
have mercy." Prov. 28:13
• “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9

During the time of John the Revelator, the letter to Laodicea was such a strange assessment
because by all earthly standards, the city of Laodicea seemed to be doing well. The city itself
was extremely rich. It was a financial and banking center of the civilized world. The city hosted
a productive textile industry and a prestigious medical school. Unfortunately, the church took
after the condition of the city. The same condition characterizes Christ’ end time church. Christ
offers no praise for the church of Laodicea. His evaluation is a rebuke motivated by love and
mercy. Notice that unlike other churches, Christ is not rebuking Laodicea for some doctrinal
error. The teachings taught by the Laodicean church are Bible based.
Rev 3:14
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the
faithful and True Witness, the Ruler of God’s creation...”

• The Laodiceans are so full of themselves that Christ must re-introduce himself to His
own church.
• He introduces himself as “the Amen.” That is a unique title.
• Isaiah 65:16 refers to God as “The God of amen.”
• Amen means - firm, fixed, certain, faithful, unchangeable.
• In the post-modern society where the last church is found, truth is regarded as relative
and subjective. Christ says He is the absolute unchangeable truth
• He is the beginning ruler or beginning ( archē) of God’s creation - ie, the source,
the originator, the initiator - it’s the same idea as in Rev 22:13 where He says, “I am
the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” He is the
first, He is the alpha, He is the originator, He is the beginning. John 1:14 put it this
way, “By Him were all things made that were made.”
• His word carries. It is the truth, the absolute truth

The True Witness.

Whatever assessment He gives of the church is absolutely accurate

Whatever promise He offers the church is absolutely affirmed in His perfect work.

• With all their wealth, with all their fashion, with all their boastfulness, Jesus had nothing
to commend the Laodicean church for.
• Rev 3:15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either
one or the other!

The sickening problem of Compromise

• Christ says, “...you are neither cold nor hot.” You are neither in nor out.
• We are neither good worldlings nor fervent Christians
• This is the plight of sickening compromise
• When Christians begin to be a replica of the world and its standards, when church
members appropriate the values and practices of the world; dressing like the world,
eating like the world, reasoning like the world, behaving like the world - Jesus says you
make me sick! I feel like vomiting you out!
• 5T 455 “God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as
a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second,
and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to
bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself.”

The sickening problem of Ecclesiastical Pride

• You say l am rich and in need of nothing.

• Laodicea tends to observe her achievements, which are not inconsiderable. She thinks
of her missionaries at the ends of the earth. She recalls the hospitals which her wealth
has erected. She surveys her schools . . she counts her printing presses . . her stately
houses of worship, she counts her membership. Her mind goes back to her humble
beginning, and she traces with a subtle and unconscious pride her years of growth and
progress. To Laodicea it is a splendid showing, and she is happy and complacent. She
has a flawless doctrine, a competent organization, a triumphant message. Who can deny
these things?
• “But God, the infinite Father of all, looks beyond all this: His awful gaze penetrates
past Laodicea’s schools, sanitariums, and publishing houses, past her fine buildings and
worthwhile equipment, past the growing membership and constantly widening sphere
of influence, and looks down upon Laodicea’s heart.
• In the heart of Laodicea God witnesses pride, the sin by which the angels fell; the desire
for human praise, the love of the world, with all that the world offers. He sees the
dangerous conformity to unchristian customs . . The gold of character is strangely
lacking, and its place taken by brilliant tinsel, which does not deceive the heavenly
Watcher. The raiment of Christ’s righteousness, at once so simple and ample, is not
worn; instead an ingenious arrangement of the filthy rags of Laodicea’s own
righteousness. Upon her eyes, festering with the sores of worldly short-sightedness, is
no healing salve to strengthen and sanctify.”—Signs, November 14, 1933.

The Sickening Problem of Complacency

Rev 3: 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of
my mouth.

• Emeo means, “to vomit” “You nauseate me!” “You make me sick!”

• “Christ cannot take up the names of those who are satisfied in their own self-
sufficiency. He cannot importune in behalf of a people who feel no need of His help,
who claim to know and possess everything,” Ellen G. White Comments, The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 964.

The sickening state of lukewarmness

• The word “lukewarm,” chliaros, is simply a word for tepid water. One historian says,
The water supply of Laodicea was derived from an artificial pipeline, bringing water
which was literally lukewarm and so impure as to have an emetic effect.
• It was borrowed water
• It was brought by artificial pipelines
• The calcium carbonate gradually clogged the pipes. The water was collected in a central
water tower, then distributed through the streets by pipes radiating from it. It is evident
that the water it carried was bad, for thick deposits of calcareous impurities can still be
seen almost choking the surviving section of the pipes. So whatever water finally got
to the city was dirty, impure. Such is the condition of borrowed faith.
• David refused to put on Saul’s armoury- that armoury had a history of failure
• The people of the city of Laodicea didn’t have the hot therapeutic water of Hierapolis
and they didn’t have the cold clear refreshing water of Colossae, they had the foul,
dirty, tepid water that flowed for miles through an underground aqueduct. It wasn’t hot
and it wasn’t cold.
• Laodicea couldn’t provide the refreshment of Colossae, it couldn’t provide the healing
of Hierapolis. Its lukewarm water was absolutely useless.
• LISTEN
• Spiritual Laodiceans are neither good Christians on real worldlings.
• This condition is a cause of concern to Christ. That’s the reason why He says- You
make me sick! You nauseate me with your tepid attitude.

• Where is the fire that was in you when you first accepted the Lord?
• Your neighbor doesn’t know what you stand for. Your very neighbors perish in
darkness when you are there hiding the light.
• You make me sick!
• Before I vomit you;
• 1. buy gold tried in the fire! Get the genuine Christian character that comes from Jesus!
• 2. buy pure white clothes from Christ’s shop, put away old torn clothes of self-
righteousness
• 3. Buy certified eye-salve that you may see spiritual things in this world of spiritual
blindness
• APPEAL
• How long have you been playing a double standard kind of Christianity?
• How long have you bragged about your righteousness before sinners?
• Will you not humble yourself today at the feet of Jesus and seek His perfect
righteousness alone?
• If that is your desire, why don’t you come forward now as we pray!
DAY 2:

TITLE: DRESSED YET NAKED; LEAFY YET FRUITLESS

TEXT-Rev 3: 17-22
Read verse
17: You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do
not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

Introduction:

Have you ever imagined yourself walking in public without clothes on you? Think of it,
meeting your childhood friends on that day!

Have you ever imagined planting a maize field whose stocks and leaves are so healthy and
without cobs?

• Expensive clothes attract attention

• Riches attract many friends
• A rich country is a destination for many people
• What a pity to think you are dressed up yet you are naked
• What a pity, to think and brag that you are wealthy yet you are in poverty

Consider the following related texts:

Mark 11:12-14 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the
distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found
nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no
one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.

• The leaves on a fig tree are an invitation – Come and have some fruits!
• The leafless trees around this tree raised no expectation.
• Yet when Christ came close to the fig tree, He discovered that it was only leafy but had
no fruits.
• Are you a ‘leafy’ Christian but no fruits? Such is the condition of the church of
Laodicea.
• John 15: 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my
disciples.

• God is glorified when we bear fruits of righteousness.

• True disciples of Christ bear much fruit.
• Failure to bear fruit is a denial of faith.
 Lk 13:6-9 He spake also this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard
and he came and sought fruit thereon and found none. He said to the man who took care of
the vineyard, behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none.
Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

• The owner of the vineyard was not interested in the height of the tree, the bloomy
leaves, the flowers etc., He wanted the fruit.
• God’s focus is on productivity not appearances.
• The tree was not only fruitless and useless, it used up valuable minerals of the ground.
• Vs 7 Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground? KJV
• Geek; Katargei – mischief
• “Cut it down; why mischieveth it the ground?” NJB
• It draws the moisture and mineral salts away from the surrounding soil, it receives the
rain and sunshine of heaven; for what?
• Productivity justifies existence.
• Vs 8,9 Sir, leave it alone for one more year, and l will dig around it and fertilize it. If it
bears fruit next year, fine. If not, then cut it down.
• Jesus Christ, the Vinedresser, intercedes for the fig tree and obtains a merciful reprieve.
• He recognizes the fact that persistent barrenness must meet its appropriate fate —
banishment from the kingdom of God.

The door of hope for Laodiceans

Rev 3: 19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I
will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father
on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches.”’”

“God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order
for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith
that works by love and purifies the soul.” 1SM 366.1

“The message to the Laodicean church is highly applicable to us as a people. It has been placed
before us for a long time, but has not been heeded as it should have been. When the work of
repentance is earnest and deep, the individual members of the church will buy the rich goods
of heaven. [Revelation 3:18 quoted.] Oh, how many behold things in a perverted light, in the
light in which Satan would have them see.” 7BC 961

“The only hope for the Laodiceans is a clear view of their standing before God, a knowledge
of the nature of their disease. They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral position, and
at the same time flatter themselves that they are in need of nothing. The True Witness hates
this lukewarmness.” 4T87

LISTEN NOW:

There is hope for the fruitless tree, God’s grace lingers on

There is more heavenly cultivation and manuring going on in the church of Laodicae

There is an assurance of much fruit from the fruitless tree

Jesus is still interceding; spare it this year also

• Pay attention!
• Hear the gentle knock on the door of your heart. Don’t ignore it, That is Jesus waiting
to be ushered in.
• If you allow Him in, your entire world will change for better. You will live a life of
peace and happiness.
• There is pure gold in the presence of Jesus
• In the presence of Jesus, Laodicea is dressed up
• In the presence of Jesus, the leafy Laodicea is a fruitful tree
• When Jesus comes in, the spiritual blindness is gone
• When the door is opened for Jesus, the lukewarmness status expires
• When Jesus comes in, Jesus’ food becomes our food
• If Christ’s food is evangelism (John 4:31-34), then with Jesus we shall eat
evangelism.
• Dress up, put on the righteousness of Jesus! Buy pure gold! Produce fruit, Preach the
word!

APPEAL

We Must Cooperate with Christ

“Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come
into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me.” Revelation 3:20

DAY 3

Title: Assurance For Overcomers

Key Text: Revelation 3: 21,22 “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and I am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (KJV).

Introduction

Christianity is not an event; it is a lifestyle. It is a permanent way of life. There is falling

along the way. There’s stumbling on the way. There’s staggering on the way. The secret is to
keep on rising up and moving forward.

There are so many casualties in Christianity. There are many that once professed the
Christian faith but due to the cares of this world, they have surrendered their faith. Some were
once dignified church leaders but are no longer in the faith. Some ran the Christian race for
over thirty years but towards the end of their lives gave in to Satan’s seductions.

The concept of overcoming is prominent in Scripture, especially in the book of Revelation. In

Revelation, the concept recurs over twelve times. The concept amplifies the reality of the
ongoing cosmic conflict between good and evil.

The Greek term for overcome is nikao which means “to conquer” “to prevail” “to get the
victory”.

Salvation is for overcomers. Satan is a serious hinderance in our way to salvation.

Important Texts on Overcoming

• Jesus gave His disciples the power to overcome the forces of evil (Luk. 10:19).
• The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God is given power to overcome the
world (1John 5:5).
• The name of Jehovah gives power to trample down our adversaries (Psa. 44:5).
• The presence of God provides victory over enemies (Jer. 1:19).

The Seriousness of the Conflict

The conflict with evil is real and tough (1Pet. 5:8).

In His humanity, Jesus needed power to overcome:

• He depended on prayer and fasting (Matt. 4:2; Mark 1:35)

• He leaned on the authority of Scriptures (Matt. 4: 4, 7)
• He directly rebuked the Evil one (Matt. 4:4,7; 16:23)

Jesus had to die to conquer Satan (John 12:31,32)

Christians are always Satan’s targets:

• He targets at those who keep the Commandments of God and the Testimony of Jesus
(Rev. 12:17)
• There is wrestling going on (Eph. 6:12,13)

The Certainty of our Victory

• We are certain of our victory because Christ has overcome Satan (John 16:33)
• We are certain of our victory because Christ has promised to deliver us and preserve
us unto heaven (2Tim. 4:18)
• We are sure of our victory because Jesus has been given all the power and authority
both in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28: 18)
• We are certain of overcoming because God has given us power to resist the Devil
(James 4:7,8)
• We are certain of our victory because the blood of Jesus never loses power (Rev.
12:11)
• The certainty of our victory lies in our total dependence on God’s sustaining power.
God’s Irrevocable Promise for Overcomers

Christianity today may seem to be of no value, but listen:

• They shall eat from the tree of life in Paradise (Rev. 2:7)- Keep on overcoming my
brother!
• They shall not be hurt by the second death-Hellfire (Rev. 2:11)- keep on resisting the
Devil my friend!
• They shall eat the hidden manna (Rev. 2:17)- keep on looking unto Jesus for help!
• They shall rule over the nations (Rev. 2:26)- don’t get discouraged my sister!
• They shall wear white robes (Rev. 3:5)- continue in the Christian faith!
• The name of God and the New Jerusalem shall be upon their foreheads (Rev. 3:12)-
let nothing; let no one disturb your relationship with Christ!
• They shall be granted permission to sit with Jesus on His throne (3:21)- keep on
claiming the power of His blood!

Appeal

Endure the pain of perseverance in Christianity-There is abundant life ahead. Never Give up!

Day 4

Title: CHURCHQUAKE - SIFTING AND SHAKING

Introduction:

There are two contrasting pictures of the church of God in the last days. First is the church in
a Laodicean state (Rev 3:14-22) and second is the victorious church depicted in Rev 12:17
which keeps the commandments of God and has the faith of Jesus.

The church at war with the dragon (church militant) is introduced by Christ to the whole
universe in Rev 14:12 as a victorious church, “Here is the patience of the saints, here are they
that keep the commandments and the faith of Jesus,” (church triumphant).

The question is how will Christ transform a lukewarm Laodicean Church into a victorious
church of Rev 12 and chapter 14?

Key Bible Texts

Amos 9:9 “For I will give the command, and I will shake the people of Israel among all the
nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will reach the ground.

Jeremiah 15: 7(a) “I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land...”

Mat 3:11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more
powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit and fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor,
gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The reality of the sifting

“God’s people will be sifted, even as corn is sifted in a sieve, until all the chaff is separated
from the pure kernels of grain.”—1 Testimonies, 431:2.

The solemnity of the process of shifting and shaking

• “Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see
only floors of rich wheat.”—5 Testimonies, 81:1.
• “The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves.”—4 Testimonies, 89:2.
• “Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness.”—
Prophets and Kings, 188:1.
• “Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who
now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal.”— 5 Testimonies, 136:1.
• “When the law of God is made void the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger
proportion than we now anticipate, will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of
devils.”—2 Selected Messages, 368:1.
• “There will be a shaking of the sieve. The chaff must in time be separated from the
wheat. Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. It is the very time when
the genuine will be the strongest.”—Last Day Events, 173:1 (Letter 46, 1887).

What causes the church-quake?

1. Persecution produces a shaking.

“In the absence of the persecution there have drifted into our ranks men who appear sound and
their Christianity unquestionable, but who, if persecution should arise, would go out from
us.”— Evangelism, 360:4.

2. Acceptance of false science brings separation.

“Science, so-called, and religion will be placed in opposition to each other because finite men
do not comprehend the power and greatness of God. These words of Holy Writ were presented
to me, ‘Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples
after them’ [Acts 20:30]. This will surely be seen among the people of God.”—Evangelism,
593:1.

3. Adversity does the purging.

“Prosperity multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church.”—4
Testimonies, 89:2.

4. Deception and false doctrines

“The time is upon us when the miracle-working power of the archdeceiver will be more
decidedly revealed. And his deceptions will increase in their delusive attraction, so that they
will perplex, and if possible, deceive, the very elect. The prince of darkness with his evil angels
is working upon the Christian world, inducing those who profess the name of Christ to stand
under the banner of darkness, to make war with those who keep the commandments of God,
and have the faith of Jesus. 4 Testimonies, 89.

5. The sifting climaxes when the mark is urged.

“The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will
be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to
worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield themselves to the powers that be, rather
than be subjected to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. 5 Testimonies, 81:1

“The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will
be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly customs will not find it a
hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult,
threatened imprisonment, and death.”—5 Testimonies, 81:1

The separation

1. The superficial will depart.

“And at that time the superficial, conservative class, whose influence has steadily retarded the
progress of the work, will renounce the faith and take their stand with its avowed enemies,
toward whom their sympathies have long been tending.”—5 Testimonies, 463:2.

2. The sinners will be sifted out.

“The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in
Zion will be sifted out—the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal,
but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of
the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot
or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths.”—2 Selected Messages, 380:2.

3. The worldly will be sifted out

“As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s
message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their
position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of
its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is
brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing
address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls.
They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath keepers are
brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient
agents of Satan to mis- represent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to
stir up the rulers against them.”—Great Controversy, 608:2.

4. Surface readers

“When the shaking comes, by the introduction of false theories, surface readers, anchored
nowhere, will be blown away like shifting sand.”— Testimonies to Ministers, 112:1.
 5. The counterworkers will be purged.

“Those who have had privileges and opportunities to become intelligent in regard to the truth
and yet who continue to counterwork the work God would have accomplished will be purged
out, for God accepts the service of no man whose interest is divided.”—Last Day Events, 175:1.

6. The half-hearted

“Let opposition arise, let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be
kindled, and the half- hearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the
true Christian will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter than in days
of prosperity.”—Great Controversy, 602:1.

7. The rebellious.

“The history of the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram is being repeated, and will be repeated till
the close of time. Who will be on the Lord’s side? Who will be deceived, and in their turn
become deceivers?”—Last Day Events, 173:2 (Letter 15, 1892).

8. Believers with no fruits

“When trees without fruit are cut down as cumberers of the ground, when multitudes of false
brethren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones will be revealed to view, and
with hosannas range under the banner of Christ. 5 Testimonies, 81:1.

A Purified Church

Stripped of the dross, and now in armour, the church goes forth to its final conflict.

“The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view.
There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had
the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But it may be under a rough
and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed.
In the daytime we look toward heaven but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the
firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine lustre.”—
5 Testimonies, 80:1-81:0.

“The church is to be fed with manna from heaven, and to be kept under the sole guardianship
of His grace. Clad in complete armour of light and righteousness, she enters upon her final
conflict. The dross, the worthless material, will be consumed, and the influence of the truth
testifies to the world of its sanctifying, ennobling character.”—Testimonies to Ministers, 17:1-
18:0.

Appeal

“Clad in the armour of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict.
"Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners" (Song of Solomon
6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” Prophets and Kings,
223.
The militant will soon be the church triumphant!

Will you be counted among the faithful?

Will you not participate in soul winning now, bringing many to the side of Jesus?

DAY 5

Title: WE NEED HIM NOW

Main Text: Zech 4:6-10 6Then he answered and spoke to me saying, “This is the word of
the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says
the Lord Almighty. 7 “What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become
level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”

Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah who led the first group of returnees from the Babylonian
captivity in 536 B.C. (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7; 12:1). Under his leadership, nearly 50,000 people
took advantage of King Cyrus’s edict and returned to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:64–65). When
Zerubbabel arrived, immediately, along with the priests, he restored the altar of burnt offering
and in the second month of the second year started to lay the Temple’s foundation (Ezra 3:2).
To Zerubbabel the temple representing the presence of God was to be given pre-eminence over
all other necessities

In rebuilding the temple, the governor Zerubbabel had enormous difficulties.

Mountains faced by Zerubbabel

1. Jerusalem lays in ruins for 70 years – deplorable condition

2. The once glorious Temple of Solomon - a heap of rubble.

3. When Solomon built the temple, he employed 150,000 men. He had 3,000 foremen on the
job. For Zerubbabel, only 50,000 people had returned from Babylon, including the aged,
women and children.

4. Poverty: meagre resources after spending 70 years in captivity

5. Internal differences leading to discouragement (Ezra 3:8–13).

6. External onslaughts. Opposition from the Samaritans was intense. Denigrating letters about
what Zerubbabel was doing were written to the King of Persia leading to an edict to stop the
work

7. King Artaxerxes shut down the work, and construction ceased for 16 years.
8. People began building their own houses and businesses (Ezra 4). (Discouraged workforce)

Then he answered and spoke to me saying, “This is the word of the Lord to
Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty (Zech
4:6).

Mountains faced by the Remnant Church in the last days

1. The remnant church will pass through the early time of trouble.

PK 278 We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages.

R&H Nov 24, 1904 The time of trouble, which is to increase until the end is at hand.

Lk 21:25-26 And there shall be upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the
sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those
things which are coming on earth

Jer 12:5 If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you
compete with horses? If you stumble in a safe country, then how will do in the swelling
of the Jordan?

2. The release of the four winds

Rev 7:1 After this l saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding
back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or sea.

EW 36 I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work is
completed in the sanctuary. As he nears the completion of his work, the angels will
begin to release the four winds.

5T453 He will restrain the forces of darkness until the warning is given to the world
and all who will heed it are prepared for the final conflict.

PK 277 The time is at hand when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm
can heal.

3. The finishing of God’s mission – Mat 24:14

4. The second phase of the time of trouble. What triggers the 2nd phase of the Time of
Trouble. The Dragon shall pour out his rage against God’s remnant Church (Rev 12:17)

All earthly means of sustenance will be cut off from them, when the edict that forbids
buying or selling is passed (Rev. 13:17)

The remnant shall stand firm against receiving the mark of the beast defying the death
penalty (Rev. 13:15)

They shall go through the time of Jacob’s Trouble and endure the trying hour without
an intercessor (Jer. 31)
 They shall lose everything and dwell in solitary places awaiting the coming of the Lord
(cf. Esther 3:8-15 Haman’s Decree)

The remnant church shall witness the destruction of the earth by the 7 last plagues (Rev.
16)

“The time of trouble, such as never was is soon to open upon us, and we shall need an
experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain.”
GC 622

The Divine Counsel

Zech. 4:6 Then he answered and spoke to me saying, “This is the word of the Lord to
Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

To overcome these ‘mountains’ we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit just like Zerubbabel
of old.

Not by might (Hayil in Hebrew) nor by power (koah)

Hayil- focuses on collective strength, collective resources of a group or an army.

Koah - individual strength, leadership prowess, personal skills and competences

We should never put our trust on human strength as we prepare for the final crisis.

The Holy Spirit is the indispensable resource needed to finish the work and to face the time of
crisis leading to the final conflict with the forces of evil.

We need Him now!

“Oh! May God send us poverty; may God send us lack of means and take away our power of
speech if it must be, if we may only thus get the blessing.” Charles Spurgeon

“There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by
removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church
and an impenitent congregation” (Last Days Events, p. 120).

“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard
against him.” Isaiah 59:17.

This promised blessing, claimed by faith brings all other blessings in its train. It is given
according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according
to the capacity to receive (Gospel Workers p. 285).

No Limit to the Promise of the Spirit

“The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that
the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of
Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves
fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the
Holy Spirit has come as a counsellor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers
have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer’s
love and of His saving grace. The men and women who through the long centuries of
persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives, have
stood as signs and wonders in the world. Before angels and men they have revealed the
transforming power of redeeming love.” A.A. 49.

• We need Him now

• We need Him now to remain faithful in hardships
• We need Him now to overcome the mountains before us
• We need Him now to strengthen us in the coming crisis
• We need Him now to give us strength to sound the gospel trumpet
• We need Him now to illumine our minds as we study God’s word
• Without the Holy Spirit we are without power: We need Him!

Appeal

We Need the infilling of the Holy Spirit now!

“Why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit, since this is the means by which we
are to receive power? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it? The Lord is
more willing to give the Holy Spirit to us than parents are to give good gifts to their children.
For the baptism of the Spirit every worker should be pleading with God.” 8T 22

I ask each one of us to find a partner and whisper a prayer pleading for the infilling of the Holy
Spirit. Plead for the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit.

DAY 6

Title: THE OUTPOURING OF THE LATTER RAIN

Main Text: REV 18:1-2,4 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,
having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a
strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of
devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”
Joel 2: 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for He has given
you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former
rain, and the latter rain

The Promise

“...I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that
thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.” Deut. 11:14.

“...Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his
season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” Jer. 5:24.

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the
morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”
Hosea 6:3.

“Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the
former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and
the latter rain in the first month.” Joel 2:23.

“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and
give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zech. 10:1.

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth
for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and
latter rain.” James 5:7.

Acts of the Apostles, 55. “Near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual
grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of
the Spirit is likened to the falling of the Latter rain.”

Early As Well As Latter Rain

From these texts we have seen that the Bible speaks not only about a “Latter Rain,” but, as
should be expected, about a “Former Rain” (also called “Early Rain”) as well. Therefore, just
as we look forward to a “Latter Rain” of the Holy Spirit, we should expect to find evidence of
a “Former Rain” of the Spirit as well. And so there was. That outpouring took place early in
the history of the Christian Church, on what is historically known as the Day of Pentecost (see
Acts 2). That event, and the experience of those who participated in it, has many lessons for us
today, and we shall have cause to look at them closely.

Early and Latter Rain – Use of Natural Phenomena to Teach Spiritual Lessons

The terms Early Rain and Latter Rain, which we see being used with reference to the Holy
Spirit, rightly belong to the natural or physical world, particularly the farming profession,
where the terms are closely linked to the sowing and reaping of crops. Note:

“Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and
harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure
upon God’s church.” AA. 54.
“In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in order that the seed may
germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter
rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. The
Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit.” TM. 506.

Early and Latter Rain in both Church History and Lives of Individuals

“The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or
former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to
abide with the true church. But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual
grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of
the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians
are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest “in the time of the latter rain.” In response,
“the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.” “He will cause to come
down... the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain,” Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23.” AA. 54, 55.

“The latter rain, ripening the earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the
church for the coming of the Son of man.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
(TM), 506.

Just as the farmer planted his crop at the time of the Early or Former Rain, so Christ launched
the Christian Church under the outpouring of the Early Rain of the Holy Spirit. And just as the
plant produces “First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear” (Mark 4:28), so
the Church has endured, existed, and grown, sometimes through much struggle and affliction,
but always under the watchful eye of God, who has from time to time sent intermittent showers
of rain.

But the Church has not yet reached the condition of full, mature growth represented by the “full
corn in the ear,” which means readiness for reaping at the Second Coming of Christ. It is for
this purpose that the Church needs the Latter Rain.

Significantly, the harvest principle also explains why Christ has not yet come. It is because the
harvest of the Church is not yet ripe. And the harvest is not ripe because it has not yet received
the Latter Rain. And the Latter Rain has not been received because it has not been understood
and sought as it should. And yet Christ is eagerly waiting to bestow it. He pleads,

“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the later rain, so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and
give them showers of rain, to everyone grass in the field.” Zech. 10:1.

Finally, the fruit on the plant must be brought to a stage of harvest-ripe maturity. Similarly,
Christ wants to bring His followers to a stage of character development where they are fully
ready for His coming.

“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When
the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim
them as His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name
bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the
gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the
precious grain.” COL. 69.
As individuals we have need of both the Early and Latter Rains of the Spirit for the
accomplishment of these purposes.

“As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the
harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of
spiritual growth.” TM. 506.

We need the Early-Rain for the production of the new spiritual life in the soul, for spiritual
growth, and for the development of Christ-like character.

And we need the Latter Rain for bringing us to harvest-ready Christian maturity.

This brings us to a very important point. It shows us that while we might be eager to receive
the Latter Rain, we will be in no position to benefit from it unless we have first received and
benefited from the Early Rain.

“The Latter Rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the
church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be
no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the
latter rain can bring no seed to perfection. There is to be “first the blade, then the ear, after that
the full corn in the ear.” There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant
advancement in Christian experience. This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may
adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. Many have in a great measure failed to receive the
former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They
expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace
shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible
mistake.” TM. 506, 507.

A personal Issue

“No man can believe for another. No man can receive the Spirit for another.” Christ’s Object
Lessons, 412.

“Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every
defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking
of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples
prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only
in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing,
and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and
He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of
the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have
will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active
Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain.
It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” TM. 507.

Purpose of Latter Rain

EW 85, 86

• Gives power to the proclamation of the 3rd Angel’s message.

 • Gives power to the Church to face the last persecution
• Prepares the saints to stand when the last 7 plagues fall
• Strengthens the church to pass through the time of trouble

GC 611 Ripening of the harvest (Rev 14:14-16)

Hindrances that need to be removed

“There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by
removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing
church and an impenitent congregation” (Last Days Events, p. 120).

• I saw that none could share the ‘refreshing’ unless they obtain the victory over every
besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and
action..”—Early Writings, 71:1.
• The heavenly refreshing will not come to those who are unready for it, because they
have been wasting time by giving attention to trifles- R &H March 29, 1892
• The great outpouring of the Spirit which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will
not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means
to be laborers together with God- Christian Service 252
• The Holy Spirit will come to all who are begging for the bread of life to give to their
neighbors- 6T 90.
• The divine power and the great things of God will not be received so long as we are
satisfied with small things- R &H 15 Nov 1892
• The outpouring of the Spirit without measure will not come upon the selfish and self-
indulgent and those who fail to live up to the light that has been given them- R&H 12
July 1896
• The Church will never be clothed with power until envy, evil surmisings and evil-
speaking are put away- R & H Oct 6, 1896
• The Spirit will not be poured out so long as men are striving for highest honor, place,
or position as before Pentecost- Signs of the Times, Feb 17, 1914
• We may be sure that when the Holy Spirit is poured out those who did not receive and
appreciate the early rain will not see or understand the value of the latter rain- TM 399

Appeal

“Servants of God, with their faces lightened up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten
from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the
earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs
and wonders will follow the believers.” GC 612

“Clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. ‘Fair
as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners, she is to go forth into all
the world, conquering and to conquer.”—Prophets and Kings, 725

Will you be among the faithful? Lets pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

DAY 7
Title: I HEAR THE SOUND OF HEAVY RAIN

1 Kings 18: 41-46

41And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for l hear the sound of a heavy rain.” 42So
Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the
ground and put his face between his knees.
43“Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. There is
nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”
44The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from
the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the
rain stops you.”
45Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and
Ahab rode off to Jezreel.

46The power of the LORD came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead
of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

Introduction

God instructs us to persevere in prayer. The experience of the prophet Elijah, when he prayed
for rain on Mt. Carmel, is second to none. It is in fact a shadow of the experience of God’s
people who pray for the Latter Rain today. The background to this highly significant prayer
was the decisive contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal to demonstrate who was the
true God –Yahweh or Baal – and therefore to bring Israel back to the worship of the true God,
after years of apostasy under the reign of king Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel. The rain was
needed because there had been a withering drought in the land of Israel. (The full account is
found in 1Kings 17 & 18).

Elijah’s Day compared to our Day

It was after a long time of drought- three and a half years– no physical rain. James 5:17.18.

Elijah had the word of God that there would be rain at the end of that period, and at that time.
1Kings 17:1; 18:1.

Elijah prayed in faith based on God’s word.

We have the word of God that He will send the Holy Spirit today, in this time. Zech. 10:1;
Joel 2:28, 29.

We are to pray in faith based on God’s word. Luke 11:9-13.

“The land was to be refreshed with rain. “Get thee up, eat and drink,” Elijah said to Ahab; “for
there is a sound of abundance of rain.” Then the prophet went to the top of the mount to pray.
It was not because of any outward evidence that the showers were about to fall, that Elijah
could so confidently bid Ahab prepare for rain. The prophet saw no clouds in the heavens; he
heard no thunder. He simply spoke the word that the Spirit of the Lord had moved him to speak
in response to his own strong faith. Throughout the day he had unflinchingly performed the
will of God and had revealed his implicit confidence in the prophecies of God’s word; and
now, having done all that was in his power to do, he knew that Heaven would freely bestow
the blessings foretold. The same God who had sent the drought had promised an abundance of
rain as the reward of right doing; and now Elijah waited for the promised outpouring. In an
attitude of humility, “his face between his knees,” he interceded with God in behalf of penitent
Israel.” P.K. 155, 156.

“The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the watch, saying, There
is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He
kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed to honour God, he confessed his sins, and
thus continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token that his prayer was
answered. As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation
and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything;
and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only
strength and righteousness, the answer came. The servant appeared, and said, “Behold, there
ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.” (R.H. May 26, 1891), B.C. 7A, Vol. 2,
1035.

What an amazing experience! Elijah was praying for physical rain, and our experience today
is to be exactly the same, as we pray for the spiritual rain. This can be clearly seen from the
following analysis.

Elijah

When at first, after several sessions of prayer, there was no sign of response, he did not give
up in discouragement.

He kept reviewing his life to see where he had failed God.

He confessed his sins.

He continued to afflict his soul before God, while watching for a token that his prayer was
answered.

As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the
sight of God.

God’s People Today

We are not to give up in discouragement if we see no initial response to our prayers, even
though we may already have prayed long and hard many times.

We need to review our lives to see where we have failed God

We have to reach the point of total confession of our sins.

We must continually afflict our souls before God, while waiting for evidence of an answer to
our prayers.
As we search our hearts, we will come to see ourselves as less and less, both in our own
estimation, and in the sight of God.

It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything.

It was when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only
strength and righteousness, that the answer came.

We will be led to see ourselves as nothing, and God as everything.

It is when we reach the point of renouncing self, while clinging to the Saviour as our only
strength and righteousness that we will fully realise the answer to our prayers for the Spirit.

The reason for persevering prayer

It was the knowledge that God had promised rain, that enabled Elijah to persevere in faith. He
had the sure word of God. 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1.

We can have the same persevering faith as we pray for the Latter Rain, because we, too, have
the word of God. Zech. 10:1; Hos. 10:12; Joel 2:23, 28, 29.

“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and
give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zech. 10:1

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time
to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12.

“Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the
former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and
the latter rain in the first month. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my
spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream
dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids
in those days will I pour out my spirit.” Joel 2:23, 28, 29.

“Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mt. Carmel he
offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request
unto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and yet there was no sign that his petition was granted,
but with a strong faith he urged his plea to the throne of grace. Had he given up in
discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would have not been answered but he persevered
till the answer came. We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove
his word, he will honour our faith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven with his
interests, and then he can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the
blessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God. God does not always answer our prayers
the first time we call upon him; for should he do this, we might take it for granted that we had
a right to all the blessings and favours he bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to
see if any evil was entertained by us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail to
realize our dependence upon him and our need of his help. Elijah humbled himself until he was
in a condition where he would not take the glory to himself. This is the condition upon which
the Lord hears prayer, for then we shall give the praise to him.” (R.H. March 27, 1913). B.C.
7A, Vol. 2, 1034, 1035.
“It was because Elijah was a man of large faith that God could use him in this grave crisis in
the history of Israel. As he prayed, his faith reached out and grasped the promises of Heaven,
and he persevered in prayer until his petitions were answered. He did not wait for the full
evidence that God had heard him, but was willing to venture all on the slightest token of divine
favour. And yet what he was enabled to do under God, all may do in their sphere of activity in
God’s service; for of the prophet from the mountains of Gilead it is written: “Elias was a man
subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained
not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” James 5:17.

“Faith such as this is needed in the world today—faith that will lay hold on the promises of
God’s word and refuse to let go until Heaven hears. Faith such as this connects us closely with
Heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. Through faith God’s
children have “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness
were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews
11:33, 34. And through faith we today are to reach the heights of God’s purpose for us. “If thou
canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23.

“Faith is an essential element of prevailing prayer. “He that cometh to God must believe that
He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” “If we ask anything
according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we
know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” Hebrews 11:6, 1 John 5:14, 15. With
the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, we may present our
petitions to the Father, claiming all that He has promised. The honour of His throne is staked
for the fulfilment of His word.” P.K. 156-158.

“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth
the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to
the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me
void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent
it.” Isa. 55:10, 11.

The efficacy of prayer

Higher Places p.76 Prayer is a heaven ordained means to victory in this spiritual war.
Appeals, petitions, entreaties between man and man, move men and act a part in controlling
the affairs of nations, but prayer moves heaven.

“The greatest victories to the church of Christ or individual Christian are not those that are
gained by talent or education, by wealth or favor of men. They are those victories that are
gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the
mighty arm of power.” PP 203

“We must remember that the goal of prayer is the ear of God. Unless that is gained, the prayer
has utterly failed. The uttering of it may have kindled devotional feelings in our minds, the
hearing of it may have comforted and strengthened the hearts of those with whom we have
prayed, but if the prayer has not gained the heart of God, it has failed in its essential purpose”
– Charles Spurgeon
“Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer! Support the tottering knees. Have you
any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein and mercy will
come down.”- John Wesley

APPEAL

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you: Seek and you will find; Knock and the door
will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who
knocks the door will be opened… If you then though you are evil know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who
ask Him?” Luke 11:9, 10, 13

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according
to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21

Now is the time to storm the throne of grace in prayer as we ask for the outpouring of the
latter rain.