Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Joel 2:28

 

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

 

This prophecy was fulfilled in the early church when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost.  Peter, who preached a powerful sermon on that day, quoted Joel’s prophecy. “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 prophesy, 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.” Acts 2:16-18

 

The outpouring at Pentecost was the “former rain” or the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus returns again there will be another mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon God’s people, “the latter rain,” to empower them to stand through the trials that are coming in the last days. Satan, knowing that a true revival is coming, has stirred up the people with a counterfeit movement that appeals to the flesh.  Many churches have been caught up in this false movement and many people are being led astray.  Godliness has been replaced with worldliness and the desires of the flesh are being fulfilled in what is called “worship.”

 

“Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth, there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.

 

In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half-century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God’s word, it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed. And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.” Ellen White, The Great Controversy, pp. 463-465

 

A true revival is coming. Let us not be caught up in the false one.

 

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim