Preparing the Heart for the Second Coming of JesusWelcome, friends. Today we’re discussing one of the most profound and transformative themes in all of Scripture—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We’ll journey back 2,000 years to the day of Pentecost, often called the “early rain,” and then move forward to understand what the Bible—and the writings of E. G. White—teach about the “latter rain,” the final outpouring of the Spirit before Christ’s return.Our goal is not just to understand history—but to answer a deeply personal question:Are postmodern Christian believers receiving the latter rain? If not, why not?Part 1: The Promise of the SpiritBefore Pentecost ever happened, it was promised.Jesus, speaking to His disciples, said in Acts 1:4–5:“Wait for the promise of the Father… for John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”And in Acts 1:8:“You shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me…”This promise is rooted deeply in the Old Testament. The prophet Joel declared:“I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh” (Joel 2:28).This prophecy finds its first fulfillment at Pentecost—and its final, greater fulfillment in the last days. Part 2: What Happened at Pentecost (The Early Rain)Let’s go to Acts chapter 2.The disciples were gathered together:“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1).Suddenly:A sound like a rushing mighty windTongues of fireThe disciples filled with the Holy SpiritThey began to speak in other languages, proclaiming the gospel with power. What Made Pentecost Possible?The outpouring of the Spirit was not random—it followed a specific spiritual preparation.1. Unity of HeartActs 1:14 says:“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.”They were no longer arguing about who would be greatest. Pride and self-interest had been laid aside.2. Confession and RepentanceEllen G. White writes in The Acts of the Apostles:“Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship.”They confessed faults, reconciled relationships, and humbled their hearts, and were one in goal and purpose- to let the world know that Christ died and was risen.3. Earnest PrayerThey didn’t just wait—they prayed intensely.“They were continually seeking God for the gift of the Spirit.”4. Focus on Christ, Not SelfTheir attention shifted from themselves to:The life of ChristThe mission of ChristThe righteousness of ChristResult: Power for MissionPeter, who once denied Christ, now boldly preached:“Repent, and be baptized… and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).Three thousand souls were converted in a single day.This is the early rain—a spiritual outpouring that empowered the gospel to go to the world.Part 3: The Meaning of “Early RaiSend us your questions to be featured on the next podcast!Thank you for being part of the AskGod365 podcast community.We value you and appreciate greatly the time you are spending with us today.Please share your comments and questions at AskGod365.comListen. Learn. Think. Grow. Together.AskGod365. Answers to life’s difficult questions.

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