12.4 The Early and Latter Rain
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Read Joel 2:21–24 and Acts 2:1–4, 41–47. Which prediction was fulfilled in the first century? How did this impact?

The fulfillment of Joel’s prediction of the early rain demonstrates the powerful effect of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and the powerful beginning for the Christian church. The book of Acts tells of one miracle of transforming grace after another. From just 120 believers who gathered for prayer, the number of believers quickly grew to about 5000. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of an amazing spread of the gospel.

Read Zechariah 4:6; 10:1; Hosea 6:3; and James 5:7–8. How is God’s work on earth said to be completed according to these verses?

According to these verses, God’s work on earth will be completed through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early rain, which causes the seed to sprout, symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the apostolic age, while the latter rain, which ripens the harvest, points to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of days to prepare the harvest of souls.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the fulfillment of Joel’s prediction of the early rain had a tremendous impact on the lives of believers in the first century and continue to hold significance for our faith and daily lives today. The powerful effect of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was the powerful beginning for the Christian church. From just 120 believers who gathered for prayer, the number of believers quickly grew to about 5000. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of an amazing spread of the gospel. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still active today and can bring powerful changes in our lives.

The verses from Zechariah, Hosea, and James point to the fulfillment of God’s work on earth through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early rain, which causes the seed to sprout, symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the apostolic age. The latter rain, which ripens the harvest, points to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of days to prepare the harvest of souls. This promise shows that the Holy Spirit continues to be effective in saving people and completing God’s work on earth.

In our daily lives, this means that the Holy Spirit is present and can work at every moment of our lives. He gives us strength, wisdom, and guidance to recognize and implement God’s will in our lives. By opening ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us, we can lead a fulfilling and powerful life of faith and contribute to the completion of God’s work on earth.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit completes God’s work on earth, as the early rain caused the seed to sprout, and the latter rain will ripen the harvest.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-4-the-early-and-latter-rain/

12.3 Whom Do We Worship?
The Decision in the Great Conflict

In the last days, the battle for true worship will take place dramatically. Do we worship the Creator or do we worship the beast and its image? There is no middle ground. The first angel in Revelation 14 calls on men and women: “Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water!” (Rev 14:7). To further underscore heaven’s appeal, the third angel reveals the dire consequences of worshipping the beast: “He shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out undiluted into the cup of His anger” (v. 10). In contrast, those who worship the Creator are described as “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus!” (v. 12).

Creation is the foundation of true worship (Rev 4:11). Since God “created all things through Jesus Christ” (Eph 3:9 SLT), Satan hates the Creator and has attempted through earthly powers to change the Sabbath, the memorial of creation (Dan 7:25). In the coming conflict over God’s law, the issue is authority. If Satan succeeds in eradicating Sabbath worship, he will declare that his authority is greater than God’s. To achieve this, Satan will try to convince or force the whole world to accept a counterfeit Sabbath.

As difficult as it may be to see this now—as we have already observed, the world is changing dramatically. The coronavirus crisis has shown us that our world can become a different place overnight. While we may not know the details leading to the mark of the beast, it is not very difficult to imagine. The world is very unstable, and with the amazing technology available today, what the Bible warns about could actually happen faster than we can imagine today.

Read Revelation 13:13–17. What specific penalties are imposed on those who do not accept the mark of the beast?

Those who remain faithful to Christ and do not accept the mark of the beast face severe consequences. In addition to economic penalties, they are also threatened with death. Humanity remains corrupt, power-hungry, and violent by nature. Although we do not yet know exactly how the final events will unfold, it is not difficult to imagine the persecution in the end times. Although written in a completely different context, these words of John say it all. Concerning Jesus, John writes that “He did not need anyone to testify about man, for He knew what was in man” (John 2:25 ESV).

Think about the corruption of humanity and the evil to which people are capable. Why does this show how easily the final events can occur? And, more importantly, what should this sad truth about guarding our own hearts teach us?

The corruption of humanity and the evil to which people are capable show how easily the final events can occur because they illustrate how quickly and widely the rejection of God and His commandments is prevalent in the world. Humanity is susceptible to manipulation, temptation, and sin. In a world where evil is so widespread, a crisis initiated by a manipulative and power-hungry system can easily lead to widespread persecution of believers. History shows that people are often capable of great evils when seduced by power and control over others. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine that the warnings of the Bible about the end times could become a reality.

This sad truth about how corrupt humanity can be should teach us to guard our own hearts and be vigilant. We should be aware of how easily we ourselves can be influenced by the temptations and deceptions of this world. It is important to examine our hearts and minds daily and actively choose to follow God’s way and not submit to the temptations of evil. By aligning ourselves with God and His commandments, we can become more resilient to the temptations and corruption of the world. We must guard our hearts through regular prayer, study of the Bible, and a conscious decision to obey God in all things.

The connection between our daily lives and our faith is crucial, especially in times when the great conflict between true and false worship is becoming increasingly evident. Our daily lives are permeated with decisions that reflect our worship. Do we worship the Creator who made heaven and earth, or do we tend to follow the ways of this world and the seductive voices of evil? Revelation clearly shows that there is no middle ground. Our daily decisions, ranging from small habits to larger moral and ethical questions, reflect to whom we ultimately dedicate our worship.

The events described in Revelation could unfold much faster in our time than we can imagine. The current unstable world situation and technological advances make it clear that the warnings of the Bible no longer seem fictional. In such uncertain times, it is crucial to hold fast to our faith and follow the principles of Scripture.

When reflecting on the corruption of humanity and the evil to which people are capable, we should recognize how easily the final events can occur. History has shown us how susceptible humanity is to manipulation, abuse of power, and sin. This realization should encourage us to guard our own hearts and be vigilant. We must be aware of how quickly we can be influenced by the temptations and deceptions of this world.

To guard our hearts, we must turn to the Word of God daily, remain anchored in prayer, and consciously strive to follow God’s way in everything. By guarding our hearts in this way, we can become more resilient to the temptations and corruption of the world. It is our daily decision to guard our hearts through a firm faith, a conscious alignment with God’s commandments, and a deep relationship with Him.

Do we worship the Creator or do we worship the beast and its image? There is no middle ground.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-3-whom-do-we-worship/

12.2 Sealed for Heaven
The Sign of Faithfulness in the Final Conflict

In the upcoming crisis of worship, the faithful people of God will not succumb to worldly pressure. They will be sealed by the Holy Spirit and remain steadfast by adhering to God’s law and authority. In ancient times, seals served as marks of authenticity for official documents. As the final conflict revolves around worship and God’s authority, as revealed in His law, we would expect God’s seal to be embedded in His law.

Read Exodus 20:8–11. What elements of a seal are included in the Sabbath commandment?

In the Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8–11, we find three important elements of a genuine seal:

1. The Name: The seal belongs to the LORD our God.

2. His Title: He is the one who made – the Creator.

3. His Domain: Heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.

These elements of a seal are at the heart of the Sabbath commandment. The Sabbath is not only designated as a day of rest but also as a holy day that reminds us of God’s creation and reaffirms His sovereignty over the universe.

In the Bible, seals are sometimes also referred to as signs. These two terms are interchangeable. The Sabbath as God’s sign or seal is at the center of the final conflict over worship (Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Revelation 12:17). Observing it acknowledges God’s authority over our lives and serves as a reminder that He is our Creator and Lord.

Compare Revelation 7:1–3 and 14:1 with Revelation 13:16–17. Where are the seal of God and the mark of the beast received? Why do you think there is a difference?

In Revelation 7:1–3 and 14:1, the seal of God is placed on the forehead. The forehead symbolizes the mind and signifies a conscious decision. This indicates that those who receive the seal of God make a clear and conscious choice to submit to God’s will.

In contrast, the mark of the beast in Revelation 13:16–17 is received either on the forehead or on the hand. This suggests that people are intellectually convinced and of their own accord accept Satan’s lies or adapt to false worship to avoid being killed. It means that they either follow the beast and its false system in their thinking or in their actions.

The difference in the placement of God’s seal and the mark of the beast reflects the different states of the heart and decisions of people. Those who receive God’s seal do so from a clear understanding and a conscious dedication to God. They are firmly anchored in their faithfulness to Christ and hold fast to God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus. On the other hand, those who accept the mark of the beast do so either out of conviction or adaptation to the threats of the beast’s system.

Overall, the Great Controversy reaches its climax when the dragon (Satan) wages war against the faithful remnant, “those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Despite the pressure and temptations, they remain steadfast in their faithfulness to Christ and steadfastly hold to God’s commandments.

Why is daily faithfulness to God the key to being prepared when the final crisis begins?

Daily faithfulness to God is the key to being prepared when the final crisis begins for several reasons:

1. Strengthening of Faith: Through daily communication with God, prayer, and the study of His word, our faith is strengthened. A strong faith is crucial to withstand the challenges of the final crisis.

2. Recognition of Truth: Through regular study of the Bible, we come to know God’s truth and distinguish it from the deceptions of the world. This enables us to remain firmly anchored in truth when lies and false teachings abound around us.

3. Character Strengthening: Daily faithfulness to God helps shape our character according to God’s standards. It helps us develop virtues such as patience, love, faithfulness, and self-control, which support us in times of crisis.

4. Communion with God: Daily relationship with God allows us to sense His presence and experience His guidance in our lives. This close relationship gives us peace and security, even amidst the greatest challenges.

5. Preparation for Spiritual Warfare: Daily faithfulness to God strengthens us in spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness. When the final crisis begins, we will need spiritual armor and resilience to withstand the attacks of evil.

Overall, daily faithfulness to God is crucial to being prepared when the final crisis begins because it strengthens us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, giving us the endurance and steadfastness needed to courageously face the challenges of faith.

The daily faithfulness to God, as depicted in the Sabbath commandment and in the conflict over the seal of God and the mark of the beast, has a direct connection to our daily lives and our faith.

1. Sabbath Commandment and Daily Life: The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8–11 emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath as a holy day that reminds us of God’s creation and His authority over our lives. The elements of a genuine seal contained in the Sabbath commandment are at the heart of this commandment. The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but also a day on which we consciously remember God’s creation and His authority over our lives. This recognition shapes our daily lives by permeating our actions and decisions, reminding us that God is our Creator and Lord.

2. Faith and Decisions: Revelation describes how the seal of God is placed on the forehead, while the mark of the beast is received either on the forehead or on the hand. This distinction reflects the states of the heart and the decisions of people. Daily faithfulness to God is the key to being prepared for the final crisis. This faithfulness is sealed by the Holy Spirit and gives believers the strength to resist worldly pressure. This affects their daily lives, decisions, and relationship with God.

3. Conflict over Worship and Daily Life: The conflict over the seal of God and the mark of the beast shows how faith is rooted in our daily lives. Daily faithfulness to God is the key to remaining steadfast in this crisis. This faithfulness is sealed by the Holy Spirit and gives believers the strength to resist worldly pressure. This affects their daily lives, decisions, and relationship with God.

Overall, the connection between the Sabbath commandment, the conflict over the seal of God and the mark of the beast, and our daily lives shows that daily faithfulness to God is crucial to remaining steadfast in times of crisis. It influences our mindset, decisions, and actions and strengthens our faith by reminding us that God is our Creator and Lord, whom we should faithfully follow.

Daily faithfulness to God is the key to being prepared when the final crisis begins, as it strengthens us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, giving us the endurance and steadfastness needed to courageously face the challenges of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-2-sealed-for-heaven/

Lesson 12.Earth’s Closing Events 
Faithfulness, Outpouring of the Spirit, and the Ultimate Call 

In Lesson 12, we will delve into an extremely important topic: the last events of the Earth. The prophecy of the Bible gives us insight into the end-time events that will unfold in the near future. It is crucial that we understand these events as they will have a direct impact on our faith and daily lives. The Revelation of John, especially chapters 13 and 14, provides us with a detailed view of the events that will occur in the last days of humanity. We will closely examine the signs of the times and understand how we can personally prepare for them. The world as we know it is rapidly approaching a pivotal moment, and it is of utmost importance that we, as a believing community, remain vigilant and correctly interpret the signs of the times. Let us, therefore, together delve into the depths of the Holy Scriptures to understand the last events of the Earth and prepare ourselves accordingly.

12.1 Loyalty to God and His Word
The Power of Biblical Truth in the Great Controversy

Read Proverbs 23:2 and John 8:32; 17:17. What do these verses have in common?

The verses Proverbs 23:2 and John 8:32; 17:17 all share a common focus on truth. In Proverbs 23:2, it says: “When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you.” This verse warns against being seduced by false promises or deceptions.

John 8:32 says: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of truth in attaining freedom.

In John 17:17, Jesus says in His prayer: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Here, it is made clear that God’s Word is the source of truth, bringing salvation and redemption.

These verses teach us that faithfulness to God and His Word means recognizing and accepting the truth to be liberated from the deceptions of Satan. God’s Word is the source of truth that guards us against deception and guides us in His will.

Read 2 Peter 1:16–21. What assurance does the apostle give us regarding prophecy? What illustration does he use to demonstrate the importance of God’s prophetic word?

The apostle assures us in 2 Peter 1:16–21 that the prophecy in God’s Word is reliable and illuminates the path before us. He emphasizes that they are not “cleverly devised stories” but divine revelation. The illustration he uses to demonstrate the importance of God’s prophetic word is that of light shining in a dark place. Just as a light in darkness shows us the way, God’s prophetic word guides us and helps us distinguish between truth and error. Without the Bible, we would be subject to the whims of human opinions and could easily be deceived. The Holy Scripture is our protection against the influence of false teachings and the deceptive power of the spirits of darkness. Satan will use every means to prevent us from gaining knowledge of the Bible because the clear statements of the Bible expose his deceptions.

The final great deception will soon be revealed. The Antichrist will perform his great deeds before our eyes, and the counterfeit will be so similar to the genuine that only through the Holy Scripture will distinction be possible. In this final great confrontation, only those whose spirits are strengthened by the truths of the Bible will remain steadfast. Each of us must ask ourselves, “Should I obey God rather than men?” The hour of decision is approaching. Are we firmly standing on the rock of God’s unchanging Word? Are we prepared to take a clear stand for God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus?

Reflect on the questions in the above quote. What will enable us to endure in the last crisis? What prevents us from studying the Word of God? Where are we in danger of compromising truth for personal pleasure?

In the last crisis, our steadfastness will enable us to endure, based on the study and acceptance of the Word of God. Only through a deep understanding and a personal relationship with God’s Word will we be able to resist the deceptions and temptations of the last days.

Various factors can prevent us from studying the Word of God. The most common include lack of time, distractions by worldly affairs, lack of prioritization, and even spiritual lethargy. Sometimes, false teachings or misinterpretations of the Word hinder us from truly understanding and appreciating the Bible.

We compromise truth for personal pleasure when we allow ourselves to be tempted to distort or interpret God’s Word to suit our own desires and preferences, rather than submitting to divine truth. When we selectively interpret the Bible to justify our own behavior, we risk deviating from the truth and deceiving ourselves.

The connection between our daily life and our faith is evident in these lessons. Faithfulness to God and His Word, as well as the power of biblical truth in the Great Controversy, have immediate implications for our daily lives:

1. Steadfastness in the last crisis: Our steadfastness in the last crisis is enabled by our understanding and acceptance of the Word of God. A solid knowledge of Scripture and a personal relationship with God through His Word will enable us to resist the temptations and deceptions of the last days. This means that our daily life is strongly influenced by our relationship with the Bible and our faith.

2. Obstacles to studying the Word of God: Our daily life may prevent us from studying the Word of God. Lack of time, distractions by worldly affairs, lack of prioritization, and spiritual lethargy are common obstacles. Also, false teachings or misinterpretations of the Word can prevent us from truly understanding and appreciating the Bible. This underscores the importance of setting our daily priorities accordingly to make time for studying the Bible.

3. Danger of compromising truth for personal pleasure: There is a danger of compromising truth for personal pleasure when we are tempted to distort or interpret God’s Word to suit our own desires and preferences, instead of submitting to divine truth. When we selectively interpret the Bible to justify our own behavior, we risk deviating from the truth and deceiving ourselves. This highlights the importance of being vigilant in our daily lives and being aware of how we understand and apply God’s Word.

Faithfulness to God’s Word is the rock on which our steadfastness rests in the storms of life.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-1-loyalty-to-god-and-his-word/