A SIMPLE GUIDE TO “PRAYER-COVER”

PRAYER is the Foundation and the Roof to all our Ministries!

This how-to-manual is provided by the Northern New England Conference Prayer Ministries

It is absolutely impossible to overstate the importance of prayer - earnest, fervent, sustained, continual prayer - to the success of this ministry. Please I implore you, as you prepare for these meetings, make this your top priority! Following are some suggestions, not all of which will be applied in all cases, but prayerfully take what you can use and ask The Holy Spirit to lead you into a deep Prayer Experience as the “Body of Christ”. We will be praying for your success!

I. Prayer coordinator and prayer team.

Choose a prayer coordinator and if you do not presently have a functioning prayer team try to start one ASAP. Choose a leader if possible with natural leadership abilities, one who knows and loves the Lord and who can inspire others with his own zeal and passion for prayer. Just remember that "God grows His own" and sometimes He gives us some amazing "surprises" when we let Him lead.

II Goals, Aims, "Visioning"

I suggest that you call together your board of elders and your church board (either together or separately) to pray for these meetings and to try to answer such questions as "What should we as a church family hope to gain from these meetings". "What is our greatest need as a church family and how can this series help in meeting that need?" Also every church member should be encouraged to put in writing (even if it's only for his own use), their personal goals aims and aspirations.

III How to organize the pre-meeting prayer focus

o Find out who is willing to be involved in prayer ministry and to what degree.

o Have the prayer coordinator develop a "prayer calendar" covering a time period beginning maybe two weeks before the meetings start until their conclusion. On it put the names of those who have agreed to give prayer cover, when and/or for how long they will be praying. For instance, if you have enough dedicated prayer warriors to pull it off, it would be wonderful if during the actual days of the meetings, someone, somewhere could be praying every hour, day and night around the clock.

o In your pulpit presentation in the weeks leading up to the meetings, do all you can to prepare the hearts and minds of the people.

o In your bulletins, church newsletter / pastoral letters (In fact if you don't do pastoral letters this would be a good time to do one!) use a series of reminders to carefully build up interest and enthusiasm in your members.

o "Prayer cells" each with four to six people and a designated leader can give powerful prayer support.

o If interest warrants, call some special meetings, solely and specifically for the purpose of praying for these presentations.

o Creative use of the telephone can yield awesome results.

o Prayer partners (one on one) can call and pray with each other daily.

o If facilities exist for a conference call God is on the line and is "ready when you are". Visit the website www.freeconferencecall.com to obtain your own conference call line.

o Set up a box where guests and members can submit prayer requests. If appropriate some of these could be prayed for publicly in Sabbath School or church. Those not wishing to have theirs read could mark them "private". Those not used could be given to prayer team members to pray for at home.

IV What to pray for during the pre-meetings - Prayer focus

o That everyone present will surrender their wills fully to Jesus.

o Unity! This is the time (and could be the opportunity of a lifetime) for wounds to be healed, for differences to be set aside, for wrongs to be made right, for forgiveness to be earnestly sought and freely given, for church feuds, fights and differences to be set aside and left behind.

o A massive outpouring (baptism) of the Holy Spirit individually and collectively.

o Reformation & Revival – A return to “primitive godliness” to sweep across your church.

o A passion for lost souls and a hungering to share with them what God is dong in your own life.

o Victory over sin, for the chains to fall off, for the captive to be set free, for the strangling and crippling habits and attitudes of a lifetime to be broken.

o Healing. That God's healing grace will be present to totally heal all the wounds that Satan has inflicted - mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.

o If possible make sure that every member gets prayed for by name at least once every day.

o Pray for perceived needs (families and individuals) specifically and by name.

o Pray, pray, pray for backsliders, weak or inactive members, unsaved family members, ex-members, attendees who are not members, etc. Especially pray for any who have left us over real or imagined grievances.

o And don't forget to pray for some divine "surprises".

V How to organize prayer during the meetings

o Set up a prayer room or if that is not possible, designate an area with as much privacy as possible as a prayer center. If at all possible, have at least one prayer warrior on site praying whenever a meeting is in progress.

o If enough interested prayer warriors are available, prayer room coverage can be extended in both directions (before and after the meetings) or even at other times during the day.

o Make sure that someone prays with the speaker personally before each meeting.

o Encourage your prayer coordinator to develop strategies for involving the youth, children's divisions and Sabbath School classes in this prayer initiative.

o Regularly pray with and for any and all support personnel involved in these meetings.

o If some are willing to sign up for a stint (20 - 30 minutes works well) in the prayer room, provide a list of united prayer points to be covered. Or encourage them to pray while sitting in the meetings. Their on-site observations can lead to some valuable targeted prayers.

o Sign up people to pray for the meetings wherever they may be, even if they cannot personally attend.

o At the speaker's option, he may invite prayer team members and others to meet with him for a short season of prayer just before each meeting begins or for a debriefing / prayer session after the meetings.

o Don't forget to pray for some of God's special surprises.

VI Prayer focus during the meetings

o The speaker; Pray that he will be able to think clearly and speak fluently and powerfully with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, being super-sensitive to God's guidance.

o Atmospherics; Pray that people may sense God's presence from the moment they walk in the door. That each team member may perform his part with divine efficiency and that the team as a whole may function as a smoothly coordinated unit.

o That distraction be neutralized / kept at a minimum and that all equipment work properly and reliably.

o Target individuals who have experienced special prayer needs as well as other whose needs may not be so obvious. Try to lift up each attendee every day as well as praying for those who have not showed up. Pray that all may be brought to that "spiritual sweet spot" of assurance and victory in Jesus.

VII Prayer ministries offered to others during the meetings

o Those with special prayer requests could be encouraged to come to the prayer room before or after the meetings where a prayer team member will be available to pray with them.

o It is vitally important that all prayer needs and requests be recognized / cared for during the series. Many will be more vulnerable and open to the Holy Spirit then they have ever been. God will work wonderfully and miraculously upon the hearts and minds of many to prepare them for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some will reach out for the helping hand of another human being. To these dear ones we must be especially sensitive and attentive.

It would be well if a special "prayer request coordinator" could be chosen whom people could call with their requests. They could be prayed with over the phone, their requests could be shared with the prayer team or, in special cases, they could be put in touch with someone who is so intimately connected with God that he/she can connect with them on the deepest spiritual level. By God's grace many who have given up all hope, who have been disillusioned, mistreated, exploited and abused can be rescued and restored - trophies of God's love, "stars that will shine forever and ever".

And Remember:

o Little prayer, little power - Much prayer, much power.

o Every member a praying member.

o Prayer is the Key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse!

o Forward on our knees.

This how-to-manual is provided by the Northern New England Conference Prayer Ministries www.nnecprayerministries.org (coming soon) kellyv07@yahoo.com

Introduction
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My journey to better understand the biblical teaching of the baptism of the Holy Spirit began in the fall of 1999 when the Lord led my wife, Patty, and me to begin studying this subject. Since then many facets of this marvelous biblical teaching have been revealed.

 

We have come to understand that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience necessary for the Christian to become truly like Jesus in life and ministry. Through Holy Spirit baptism Jesus lives most fully in the believer. As a result of this intimate connection with Jesus, the believer will begin experiencing his greatest victories over sin and will develop the most meaningful relationship possible with his Savior. In

my book, The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I present the biblical teaching on this subject as well as presenting what the believer will experience when he seeks the Spirit’s infilling.

 

Next the Lord led to the biblical study of the relationship revival and witnessing for Christ have to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, closely examining Christ’s method of evangelism. In my second book, Spirit Baptism & Evangelism, I explore this subject along with the problems last day Laodicean Christians face and the solution to those problems. Our urgent need for revival and how revival is experienced is presented.

In addition, I present the biblical meaning of intercessory prayer for the unsaved along with addressing the pertinent question: “Why does God need our prayers?”

 

Recently, the Lord has led Patty and me on the next leg of our journey, which is to better understand the relationship between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and genuine Christian fellowship. We have come to understand that even though we may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we will not grow spiritually as God intends without a meaningful, mutually dependent fellowship with other Spirit filled believers. To

become Spirit filled, and remain somewhat isolated and independent of other Spirit filled Christians will not only hinder our spiritual growth, but may lead to the loss of the fullness of the Spirit’s presence in our life.

 

It is urgent that every Spirit filled believer understands the genuine Christian fellowship into which God desires to lead us. The goal of this book is to clearly show the connection between Spirit baptism and fellowship, and to define what kind of fellowship God desires for His children.

 

This study has caused me to experience a “paradigm” shift in my thinking about what “church” really is meant to be. I am by nature an introvert and can be very satisfied avoiding fellowship. However, what I present in this book has challenged me to move forward in personal fellowship with other Spirit filled believers. This has resulted in a much deeper and richer experience in the Lord, and has led to stronger bonds of Christian love with fellow believers.

 

I became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian in 1966. 1 made my decision to join the church because of the clear biblical teachings held by Seventh-day Adventists. Having served the Lord as all active layman and as a pastor for many years, I have encountered many opposing arguments to the teachings of our church. I have personally found that every argument can be clearly refuted by systematic Bible study. The pillars of our faith are biblically sound.

 

However, I have also discovered through the years that Seventh-day Adventists tend to be very intellectual in their religion. We know many vital truths of the Bible. Our evangelistic efforts focus on those that set us apart from other denominations. Hence, many who choose to become church members do so because of those truths.

 

One fact that has often troubled me is the general weakness of Seventh-day Adventists in the area of Christian fellowship. We are a rather independent group of believers. One has to have somewhat of an independent spirit to become a Seventh-day Adventist in the first place, for choosing to keep the seventh day Sabbath sets us apart from the vast majority of other Christians.

 

I have often read the description of the believers following Pentecost where they are described thus:

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

I knew as a church we were “right on” when it came to “doctrine.” However, when it came to fellowship, we did not fare so well. I have observed that most Adventists are hard workers who provide for their families and do their best to attend the Sabbath morning worship service. Most church services are somewhat formal with little or no time for interaction between believers. Hence, the average fellowship consists

of warm greetings before and after church. Then, most make their way home to return the next Sabbath. Many of our churches have a mid-week prayer meeting which usually consists of a biblical presentation by the pastor and a season of prayer. However, most of our church members feel they are too busy or too tired to attend this mid-week service.

 

I have often felt that as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, fellowship should play a more important role than it does. Yet, until recently, I did not know what kind of fellowship God wanted us to have or how to achieve it.

 

The aim of this book is to clarify the nature of the fellowship God calls us to when we become a Christian and the way we can experience it. My prayer is that the reader will not only experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit in his/her life, but will discover the wonderful joy of genuine Christian fellowship among Spirit filled believers. Now I am convinced that it is not only necessary to be Spirit filled; but it is also essential for the believer to experience genuine Christian fellowship so that we will be able to grow to the “stature of the fullness of Christ” as individuals and as a church.
 

The Fruit of the Spirit and New Wineskin Fellowship
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Two essential elements of effective new wineskin fellowship groups are the fruit and gifts of the Spirit manifested in the lives of the participants. There is only one way these can be present. The participants must be Spirit filled.

In this chapter we will consider the role the fruit of the Spirit plays in the new wineskin fellowship. If the fruit of the Spirit are not present and maturing in the participants’ lives, they will not receive the full benefit of the fellowship group. Also, they will not have the character necessary to minister to their fellow participants. 

The fruit of the Spirit are listed in Paul’s letter to the Galatians: 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Realizing the importance of these qualities existing in the lives of the participants of fellowship groups, let’s take a closer look at each fruit and see the significant role it plays.

Love   Up

The first fruit is love. The Greek word here is “agape” love, the highest form of love. It is the kind of love with which God loves us, doing what is best for the one loved. Jesus described this kind of love in the following way: 

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

 Paul describes “agape” love with the words:

“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (Living Bible)

This fruit will allow the participant of a fellowship group to manifest understanding and sensitivity to others in the group. His/her example will tend to quiet any harsh tones or attitudes in others. Also, he/she will not have a judgmental attitude when a participant shares with the group his personal struggles. Rather, the fruit of love will cause him/her to feel empathy and compassion. He will reach out to the one hurting with healing, encouraging, redemptive words.

Joy   Up

The fruit of joy brings rejoicing and gladness to the heart. The one manifesting this fruit will “rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4) This fruit enables the Spirit filled believer to have a positive, uplifting influence on others. He will have developed the tendency to follow Paul’s counsel: 

“. . . whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

This fruit of genuine joy in the Lord is not simply forced, phony levity. It is a deep inner joy in the Lord, and will be a wonderful healing balm for the individual who is hurting. By example and admonition the joy filled Christian will have a positive influence on others.

Peace   Up

The fruit of peace refers to harmony among individuals. Peace in the Spirit filled believer will enable him to fellowship and work for Christ in unity with others. This fruit is clearly evident following Pentecost. (Acts 2:46-47)

 

The new wineskin fellowship group participant exhibiting peace will have the attitude of being content with his lot in life. He with Paul will be able to say: 

“. . . for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

This peace will be present in the life of the Spirit filled believer independent of circumstances. Jesus spoke of this peace when He said: 

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

It is obvious the important role this fruit plays when it is manifested by a participant in a fellowship group. What a blessing this fruit will be for the participant that is going through a trying time and is tempted to doubt God’s leading and care. The one possessing this fruit will be able to share with confidence that he knows from experience God will provide for His children. Such testimonies founded in this fruit of peace will have a powerful impact for good.

 

This fruit also includes a state of conscious reconciliation with God. When we have received Christ as our Savior, we know we are accepted by God and have eternal life. (1John 5:11-13) Often visitors will be present at the fellowship group who are just coming to know Christ as their Savior. The one manifesting this fruit of confident assurance of their salvation will be used by God to strengthen the new believer in his/her budding experience in Christ.

Longsuffering   Up

The fruit of longsuffering causes its recipient to have forbearance and self-restraint before acting. It describes the quality of a person who is able to avenge himself when wronged, yet refrains from doing so. Jesus gave us a clear example of this when He stood before his persecutors. Peter describes Christ’s attitude in 1Peter 2:23: 

“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

We all experience hurts in life. Such offences even happen in the church. Often individuals in the fellowship group will be going through painful episodes in their lives. The Spirit filled believer manifesting this fruit of patience will be a wonderful example for these hurting participants. Because this fruit brings to the believer patient faith under the pressure of trying circumstances, the one possessing it will be used by God to help others going through difficult times in their lives. The infilling of the Spirit has led him to know God so well that he can rest assured that God will see him through the most trying situations. Such patience exhibited in a fellowship group has great healing power.

 

This fruit will also enable the Spirit filled participant to relate with perseverance rather than frustration when a fellow participant has a prolonged struggle in an area of his life. This patient love will give hope to the one struggling because he will see the patient love of God manifested in his fellow believer.

Gentleness   Up

Gentleness is a fruit that includes the quality of kindness. It brings a mellowing of all which would be harsh. This fruit refers especially to one’s disposition and not necessarily to one’s actions. It gives the believer mildness of temper, a calm, quiet, yet cheerful disposition. We can clearly see the benefit this fruit would have on the fellowship group.

Goodness   Up

This character trait refers to active goodness. The Spirit filled believer in whom goodness dwells will be upright in heart and life, in motive and conduct. However, He will not spare sharpness or rebuke to invoke goodness in others. Jesus manifested this quality when He cleansed the temple of the moneychangers. (Matthew 21:12-13) We also see this quality manifested in Paul when he openly rebuked Peter for showing favoritism to those of the “circumcision.” (Galatians 2:11-12)

 

This aspect of the fruit of goodness will at times be needed in a fellowship group when one of the participants has acted out in a non-Christian manner. It plays a role in holding accountable the members of the new wineskin fellowship. There is a place for acceptance and understanding when a participant is struggling with temptation. However, there are also times when certain sins and lifestyles may have to be lovingly rebuked for the good of all. At such times, the Holy Spirit’s presence in the fellowship group will direct. When the chastising aspect of the fruit of goodness is manifested toward an individual, he knows in what spirit it is given because the other fruit of the Spirit have been consistently manifested to him in the fellowship group. These fruit of the Spirit have created an atmosphere where true redemptive discipline and healing can take place.

 

Faith   Up

 

The fruit of faith brings deep, abiding, firm conviction. It includes faithfulness and sincerity. This fruit leads the believer to avoid “double mindedness” (James 1:8), and will cause him to be steadfast in his conviction of God’s faithfulness.

In the setting of the new wineskin fellowship group, this fruit will he used by God to strengthen the faith of others. We reap what we sow. Doubt reaps doubt, and faith reaps faith. The fruit of faith consistently manifested in the fellowship group will also inspire others to trust in God. This fruit of faith will sow the seeds of faith in all exposed to it.

Meekness   Up

 

The fruit of meekness brings mildness and forbearance to the Spirit filled believer. It is more of an inward grace than all outward expression. It includes calmness toward God and accepts God’s dealings with us as just and fair. It will cause the believer to consider God’s dealings as good, believing the happenings in life enhance one’s closeness with God. Meekness causes one to truly believe that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28) Again, one can clearly see the positive effect this fruit would have on individuals going through difficult times.

 

Meekness may also include the expression of wrath when confronting sinful behavior and attitudes in man. We see this quality in Jesus’ actions and attitude toward the hardness of heart of the Jews in Mark 3:1-5. It may display an active anger toward evil. It is seen in the attitude of those sealed in Ezekiel’s vision when they are described as sighing and crying for the abominations done in the world. (Ezekiel 9:4)

 

This fruit of meekness stands between the two extremes of uncontrolled, unjustified anger on the one hand, and not being angry at all no matter what takes place around you on the other hand. When exhibited in fellowship groups, this fruit will help keep in balance justified anger versus ignoring a wrong that should be dealt with.

 

Temperance   Up

 

Temperance speaks of self-control. The person who exhibits the fruit of temperance will be moderate in all things. (1Corinthians 9:25) He will have complete control over every passion and appetite. Victories will be gained over addictions such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and food.

 

There will be participants in new wineskin fellowship groups that are having struggles in the area of self-control. The Spirit filled believer who has learned how to gain victories over the addictions in his life through the power of the Holy Spirit will be a great encouragement to those who are going through a time of severe struggle. The fruit of patience and love will enable him to deal with the one struggling, as Jesus did with Mary Magdalene. Many Bible Scholars interpret the seven devils Jesus cast out of Mary as referring to her returning to her immoral lifestyle seven times. The reason Mary could return to Jesus again and again after such repeated sins was because of Jesus’ patient love and encouraging words that she, too, could gain the victory in the area of temperance.

 

The Necessary Requirement   Up

 

These qualities which comprise the fruit of the Spirit are impossible to achieve separate from the infilling of the Spirit. This is why new wineskin fellowship groups must have Spirit filled Christians as the core participants. Then, when those young in the faith and “seekers” (non-believers) come to visit the group they will enter a Spirit filled atmosphere that can be used by God to bring healing to their lives. Such an atmosphere is vital in order for the “seeker” to find Christ.

 

New wine (Spirit filled) Christians are necessary if the new wineskin fellowship group is to fulfill its purpose of providing an atmosphere where all participants can grow into the fullness of Christ. The fruit of the Spirit, which is only manifest in the life of the believer by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, must be present in the lives of the core members of the fellowship group. These fruit bring the character of Christ into the group. It is through people that God loves us. So it will be through the Spirit filled Christians that God will reveal His love to all who come to the new wineskin fellowship, whether they are Christian or non-Christian.

 

 

 

About the Author
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At the time of the writing of this book, Dennis Smith is serving as pastor in the Southern New England  Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dennis has served the church as an active layman, and in pastoral and departmental positions for over 35 years.

 

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, be became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. After working in Engineering for a short time, he felt the call to full time ministry. To fulfill that calling, Dennis attended Andrews University Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree. Dennis has also done studies in the area of public health from Loma Linda University.

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Overview
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I am sure every Christian is aware that prayer is an important part of the Christian’s life. Many books on the subject have been written. So, a valid question might be, why another book on prayer?

During the fall of 1999 the Lord led my wife and me to look more closely at the biblical teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Since that time I have become aware of several aspects of the baptism of the Holy Spirit that I had not previously understood. One vital area that the Lord has broadened my understanding in is prayer. The truths presented in this book on prayer are those that I am convinced must be understood and experienced if we are to be ready for Christ’s return.

Some things you will read in this book may not be new to you. However, I believe the Lord is calling us to better understand concepts about prayer that we have only a limited understanding of. I believe there will be presented some truths about prayer that you have not been as familiar with. For instance, I was aware of the phrase “pray in the Spirit.” However, I have come to realize that I did not really understand what it meant. The Lord has clarified such questions as;

• Why is prayer really necessary?
• What does it mean to pray in the Spirit?
• What is intercessory prayer and how does it work?
• What is united prayer and why is it more powerful than only one praying?
• Why is fasting an important aspect of prayer?

I have sought to answer these along with many more questions about prayer in this book.

Another important concern that I believe most every Christian has is; why is it so difficult to have a consistent, powerful prayer life? If we are honest with ourselves I think most of us will have to admit that we have many times promised God that we would pray more only to find ourselves falling back into our previous nominal prayer life. The goal of this book is to change that forever. The teachings of this book will make it possible for you to develop a truly meaningful, consistent, and powerful prayer life in the Spirit.

If you long to have this kind of prayer life I invite you to ask God right now to give you the understanding of prayer and desire to pray that He wants you to have. Only God can change us from a “prayer-less Laodicean” Christian to a spiritually revived “mighty, prevailing praying” Christian. God has led you to read this book for that very reason. He is calling you to become a mighty prayer warrior for Him. He is calling you out of Laodicea in order to prepare for Christ’s soon coming. He is calling you to a prayer life that is necessary for you to have in order to gain the victory over every influence and oppression of Satan in your life, and be ready when Christ returns.

For this to happen to the fullest we must know deep within our heart that prayer is simply speaking with the One who loves us with all His heart; the One who gave of Himself in the person of Jesus Christ so we can be close to Him and live with Him forever. Stormie Omartian defines prayer as:

“Prayer is baring your soul to the One who loved you before you even knew of Him and letting Him speak to your heart.” The Prayer That Changes Everything, p.9

The more we truly realize God’s love for us the more intimate our relationship will be with Him. The more intimate our relationship is with Him, the more meaningful our prayer life will be.

Prayer plays a vital role in the salvation of the one praying as well as the one prayed for. Jesus said in His prayer recorded by the disciple John:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

Our eternal life depends on “knowing” God. On two occasions Jesus said He would declare “I do not know you” to those professed Christians who will not be ready to meet Him when He returns. A meaningful prayer life is essential for us to “know” God as we must if we are to be among the redeemed when He comes. Hence, the teachings in this book on prayer are as essential for God’s remnant people as are any teaching in the Bible.

Why Should We Pray?

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I have found that even though most Christians believe prayer is important, many do not understand why prayer is really necessary. Many question: If God is sovereign and able to carry out His will, why do we need to pray for Him to do what He already wants and plans to do anyway? Some reason that prayer is primarily for our benefit, but God is still going to do what He wants whether we pray or not. The idea is popular that it is a “privilege” to pray, but not really a necessity for God to carry out His will on earth. The truth of the matter is, it is necessary for God’s children to pray. Why else would Jesus tell us to pray that God’s will be “done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). If believers do not pray, God’s desires will not be carried out in this earth. In this chapter we will see why this is true.

Prayer is as essential to our Christian life and the work of God on earth as breathing is to everyday living. If one refuses or is unable to breathe his life ceases. If one refuses to pray for himself, he will be very weak spiritually and ultimately cease to be a Christian. If believers neglect to pray for the lost, their efforts to win them to Jesus Christ will be of no avail. It requires prayer to bring life to ourselves and to those who are spiritually “dead.” Prayer is required to sustain spiritual life and advance God’s kingdom.

I am sure many Christians—at least those living in these last days—have asked themselves: “Why is prayer so important? Isn’t God going to do what He wants to do whether I pray or not?”

 
Satan wants to confuse the believer concerning prayer. He wants to keep us from understanding the vital role prayer plays in the work of God in this earth and in saving the lost. Satan knows that if he can get the Christian to be negligent in the area of prayer he has little to fear concerning the believer’s spiritual growth in Christ or his effectiveness as a laborer for God in His work on earth.

I believe God’s Word teaches that prayer is necessary for an individual and church to experience revival. Prayer is necessary for the “strongholds” of Satan to be cast down, and for the saving of the lost. Prayer is necessary for a Christian to remain strong in the Lord. I find it amazing that prayer, which seems so powerless and insignificant to the natural man, is so necessary and powerful for the spiritual man. Why is prayer so important and necessary in the Christian’s life and God’s work? Let’s look at the creation of mankind to find the answer.

Why Prayer Is Necessary   Up

When God created Adam He created man in His own “likeness” and “image,” (Genesis 1:26-27). The Hebrew word translated “likeness” is “damah,” which means “similar to.” The Hebrew word translated “image” is “tselem” and means a “resemblance” or “representational image.” The word is used when referring to an idol, which represents a god. When God created man He created him in many ways like Himself.

 
God did something else when He created man. He gave man “dominion” on earth (Genesis 1:26-27). The Hebrew word translated “dominion” is “radhah,” which means “to rule” or “reign” over. Adam was to be the ruler of this world as God’s representative. He was to “keep” the earth (Genesis 2:15). The Hebrew word translated “keep” is “shamar,” which means to “guard against intruders,” “to preserve and keep safe.” Adam was to be God’s authoritative representative on earth. He was to be the earth’s watchman or guardian. He was to “re-present” God on this earth.

The psalmist further describes the position God gave man at creation. David was inspired to write that God crowned man with “glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). Looking again at the original Hebrew words translated “glory” and “honor” we find that man was given “majesty” similar to a king’s reigning authority. Hence, we see that at creation the earth was put under Adam’s authority. What happened on earth depended on Adam.

Adam’s authority and ruler-ship on earth was so complete that Adam was in a position to give this authority away to another. We know the sad story of Adam’s fall as recorded in Genesis chapter three. Adam gave the authority of this earth over to God’s archenemy, Satan. Satan well knew what he had gained when Adam yielded to his temptations to disobey God. When tempting Christ in the wilderness, Satan showed Him all the “kingdoms of the world” and stated: “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (Luke 4:6). Jesus never disputed Satan’s claim to have authority and dominion over this earth. In fact, three times Satan is called the “ruler of this world” in the New Testament (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

 
Christ, the Second Adam, Regained What the First Adam Lost   Up

Even though Satan gained dominion over this earth through Adam’s fall God did not change his decision to work through humans to carry out His will on this earth. So complete was this decision that it was necessary for God to become man to win this world back (John 1:1-3, 14). The first Adam gave man’s authority over this earth away. The second Adam, Christ, won it back and brought deliverance to Satan’s captives (Romans 5). At the creation of this world God established the principle that humans were to forever be His means of exercising His authority and activity in this earth.

This brings us to the main focus of this chapter on why prayer is essential for the Christian’s spiritual growth and the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth. Prayer is necessary because from the beginning God intended to work through humans, not independent of them, in carrying out His will on earth. God works through the prayers of His people.

When God wills to do something in this earth it is necessary for man to pray that God do it. Many examples of this are seen in both the Old and New Testament. We are to ask for “God’s will be done on earth” (Matt 6:10). We are to ask for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). We are to pray “laborers be sent into the harvest field” (Matthew 9:38). Paul asked believers to pray for the advancement of the gospel (2Thessalonians 3:1). All these things are God’s will. However, it is necessary for man to pray for them because prayer releases God’s power to carry out His will in this earth. Remember, it is God’s plan to work through man, not work independent of him.

Examples   Up

We see a very clear example of this in the experience of Elijah. God told Elijah there would be a drought for three and one half years. In order for the drought to happen it was necessary for Elijah to pray that it occur (James 5:17). Three and a half years later God promised to send rain and end the drought (1Kings 18:1, 41-44). Again Elijah knew it was necessary for him to pray for the rain if rain were to come even though it was God’s will to send the rain. We are told that Elijah had to pray seven times before the rain came. Elijah knew if he stopped praying for God to fulfill His promise to send rain the rain would not come. Ellen White points out the necessity of Elijah’s persistent prayer when she states:

“Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered til the answer came.” SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, p.1034

Persistent prayer is often required in releasing God’s power in this earth. When God desires to do something He moves upon the heart of His children to pray for it. However, we are always free to refuse to yield to His call to prayer.

Another clear example is seen in the book of Ezekiel. Israel had gone into great apostasy (Ezekiel 22:17-29). A very enlightening yet sad text follows. Israel justly deserved severe judgments from God because of her sins. However, God in His mercy sought for a man in Israel who would pray to Him for mercy that His judgments would be averted. The sad words are recorded: “but I found none,” (Ezekiel 22:30). As a result that no one was found who was willing to pray to God for His judgments to be withheld, God says: “Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them;” (Ezekiel 22:31).

As we read incident after incident recorded in the Bible about how vital prayer is in carrying out God’s will in this earth, there should be no question in any of our minds concerning the necessity of prayer. God works through the prayers of His people, not independently of them. Also, besides praying for our personal spiritual growth, we must also cooperate with God by following His revealed instruction in His Word, (2Timothy 3:16-17). Again the principle is clear. God works through both the prayers and efforts of His people to carry out His will in their lives.

Satan’s Fear   Up

That is why Satan is more afraid of the praying Christian than the active, working Christian. That is why Satan will do all in his power to keep you from becoming a Spirit filled, Spirit directed prayer intercessor for God. Wesley Duewel wrote:

“Satan fears prayer more than almost anything else we could ever do. Prevailing prayer is potentially the greatest continuing threat to Satan that there has been since Calvary. Nothing will please him more than to get you to stop or neglect a strategic prayer request. Hold on. If Satan is fighting, your persevering in prayer is worth all that it costs.” Mighty Prevailing Prayer, p.157

Ellen White wrote:

“There is a mighty power in prayer. Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God. An appeal to heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings.” In Heavenly Places, p.82

God’s House   Up

God says, “mine house shall be called an house of prayer . . .” (Isaiah 56:7). The house of God in the Old Testament was the temple. In the New Testament the temple or house of God is His people, (1Corinthians 3:16). There are two significant evidences that we are God’s temple—we are filled with the Holy Spirit and we are a temple of prayer, (Romans 8:9). That is why the baptism of the Holy Spirit and prayer are vital for the Christian. A Christian without the Holy Spirit is not truly a Christian. A Christian who does not consistently pray is not truly a Christian. Prayer and the baptism of the Holy Spirit will be the hallmarks of those ready to meet Jesus. Yes, as Seventh-day Adventists we know that the Sabbath will also be an issue. However, there is a danger that we focus on such doctrines to save us rather than focusing on Jesus. Remember it was Sabbath keeping, tithe paying, health reformers who crucified Jesus. It is not what we know, but Who we know that will lead to salvation. And it is through prayer and the baptism of the Holy Spirit that we truly get to “know” Jesus. We can have many other evidences that we think indicate we are ready to meet Jesus when He returns. We may be keeping the Sabbath, paying tithe or following health reform principles. However, if we do not know Him through prayer and the baptism of the Holy Spirit we will hear the words, “I know you not,” (Matthew 25:1-12). We may be involved in an apparently successful ministry for Jesus with even signs and wonders happening, but if we do not know Him through prayer and the baptism of the Holy Spirit we will hear the words, “I never knew you,” (Matthew 7:21-23).

It is essential that every Christian take seriously God’s call to pray and be filled with His Spirit. Whenever God’s people gather for fellowship and worship prayer should be a major part of their gathering. This was the case for those first century Christians, (Acts 2:42, 46-47).

My desire is that every sincere Christian who reads this book will never again doubt the importance of prayer. Let us each be daily filled with God’s Spirit and yield to the Spirit’s promptings to pray. The following chapters will present vital aspects of prayer that are necessary for every Christian to understand and practice in order for God’s work to be finished in this earth. Understanding and practicing them is also necessary for us to be ready for Christ’s return. The teachings on prayer in this book are not an option. They are a necessity for all who want to be ready for Christ’s second coming.
 

Conclusion 

Up

Have you ever wondered what those Christians will be like who go through the time of trouble (tribulation) and are ready to meet Jesus? It is important you find out. Why? Because I am convinced God is calling that very generation today, you and me, to come out of our spiritually weak, Laodicean condition and get ready to meet our Lord.

The purpose of the books I have written, including this one, is to help the reader better understand how they can become just like Jesus and overcome every influence and oppression of Satan; spiritually, emotionally and physically. Understanding and experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit is foundational to this process of growing into the fullness of Christ. That is why the theme of Spirit baptism runs through every book.

As I have pointed out in this book, those ready to meet Jesus will have a prayer life that is Spirit led. They will be uniting perseveringly with other believers claiming the promises of God. Fasting will become an integral of their seeking God. Their communion with God will be so close and intimate that they will often hear His “still small voice” and live a life under His constant direction.

Their communion with God will be of supreme importance to them. They will surrender their lives 100% to Him desiring to remove every hindrance that might stand between them and God. When Jesus comes there will be a generation of “Enochs” who have daily and moment-by-moment walked with God. They like Enoch will take that final step when Jesus comes and walk into glory to live with their Lord forever.

Do you want to be a part of that final generation? I believe God is calling that generation into existence now. God wants you to be among them if you are living when Jesus returns. I challenge you after you read this last sentence to close this book, open your heart to God in prayer and commit yourself completely to Him holding nothing back.

Jesus Is Coming - Get Ready!
 

About the Author
                           Up

At the time of the writing of this book, Dennis Smith is serving as pastor in the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dennis has served the church as an active layman, and in pastoral and departmental positions for over 35 years.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. After working in engineering for a short time, he felt the call to full time ministry. To fulfill that calling, Dennis attended Andrews University Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree. Dennis has also done studies in the area of public health from Loma Linda University.

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I have found that even though most Christians believe prayer is important, many do not understand why prayer is really necessary.  Many question: If God is sovereign and able to carry out His will, why do we need to pray for Him to do what He already wants and plans to do anyway?  Some reason that prayer is primarily for our benefit, but God is still going to do what He wants whether we pray or not.  The idea is popular that it is a “privilege” to pray, but not really a necessity for God to carry out His will on earth.  The truth of the matter is, it is necessary for God’s children to pray.  Why else would Jesus tell us to pray that God’s will be “done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).  If believers do not pray, God’s desires will not be carried out in this earth.  In this article we will see why this is true.

 

Prayer is as essential to our Christian life and the work of God on earth as breathing is to everyday living.  If one refuses or is unable to breathe his life ceases.  If one refuses to pray for himself, he will be very weak spiritually and ultimately cease to be a Christian.  If believers neglect to pray for the lost, their efforts to win them to Jesus Christ will be of no avail.  It requires prayer to bring life to ourselves and to those who are spiritually “dead.” Prayer is required to sustain spiritual life and advance God’s kingdom.

 

I am sure many Christians - at least those living in these last days – have asked themselves: “Why is prayer so important?  Isn’t God going to do what He wants to do whether I pray or not?”

 

Satan wants to confuse the believer concerning prayer.  He wants to keep us from understanding the vital role prayer plays in the work of God in this earth and in saving the lost.  Satan knows that if he can get the Christian to be negligent in the area of prayer he has little to fear concerning the believer’s spiritual growth in Christ or his effectiveness as a laborer for God in His work on earth.

 

I believe God’s Word teaches that prayer is necessary for an individual and church to experience revival. Prayer is necessary for the “strongholds” of Satan to be cast down, and for the saving of the lost. Prayer is necessary for a Christian to remain strong in the Lord.  Prayer is necessary for the latter rain of the Spirit to be poured out.  I find it amazing that prayer, which seems so powerless and insignificant to the natural man, is so necessary and powerful for the spiritual man.  Why is prayer so important and necessary in the Christian’s life and God’s work?  Let’s look at the creation of mankind to find the answer.

 

Why Prayer Is Necessary

 

When God created Adam He created man in His own “likeness” and “image”, (Genesis 1:26-27).  The Hebrew word translated “likeness” is “damah”, which means “similar to.”   The Hebrew word translated “image” is “tselem” and means a “resemblance” or “representational image.”  The word is used when referring to an idol, which represents a god.  When God created man He created him in many ways like Himself. 

 

God did something else when He created man.  He gave man “dominion” on earth (Genesis 1:26-27).  The Hebrew word translated “dominion” is “radhah”, which means “to rule” or “reign” over.  Adam was to be the ruler of this world as God’s representative.  He was to “keep” the earth (Genesis 2:15).  The Hebrew word translated “keep” is “shamar”, which means to “guard against intruders”, “to preserve and keep safe.”  Adam was to be God’s authoritative representative on earth.  He was to be the earth’s watchman or guardian.  He was to “re-present” God on this earth.

 

The psalmist further describes the position God gave man at creation.  David was inspired to write that God crowned man with “glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5).  Looking again at the original Hebrew words translated “glory” and “honor” we find that man was given “majesty” similar to a king’s reigning authority.  Hence, we see that at creation the earth was put under Adam’s authority.  What happened on earth depended on Adam.

 

Adam’s authority and ruler-ship on earth was so complete that Adam was in a position to give this authority away to another.  We know the sad story of Adam’s fall as recorded in Genesis chapter three.  Adam gave the authority of this earth over to God’s archenemy, Satan.  Satan well knew what he had gained when Adam yielded to his temptations to disobey God.  When tempting Christ in the wilderness, Satan showed Him all the “kingdoms of the world” and stated: “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (Luke 4:6).  Jesus never disputed Satan’s claim to have authority and dominion over this earth.  In fact, three times Satan is called the “ruler of this world” in the New Testament (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). 

 

Christ, the Second Adam, Regained What the First Adam Lost

 

Even though Satan gained dominion over this earth through Adam’s fall God did not change his decision to work through humans to carry out His will on this earth.  So complete was this decision that it was necessary for God to become man to win this world back (John 1:1-3, 14).  The first Adam gave man’s authority over this earth away.  The second Adam, Christ, won it back and brought deliverance to Satan’s captives (Romans 5).  At the creation of this world God established the principle that humans were to forever be His means of exercising His authority and activity in this earth.

 

This brings us to the main focus of this article on why prayer is essential for the Christian’s spiritual growth, for the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth and for the latter rain of the Spirit to be poured out.  Prayer is necessary because from the beginning God intended to work through humans, not independent of them, in carrying out His will on earth.  God works through the prayers of His people. 

 

When God wills to do something in this earth it is necessary for man to pray that God do it.  Many examples of this are seen in both the Old and New Testament.  We are to ask for “God’s will be done on earth” (Matt 6:10).  We are to ask for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).  We are to pray “laborers be sent into the harvest field” (Matthew 9:38).   Paul asked believers to pray for the advancement of the gospel (2Thessalonians 3:1).  All these things are God’s will.  However, it is necessary for man to pray for them because prayer releases God’s power to carry out His will in this earth.  Remember, it is God’s plan to work through man, not work independent of him. 

 

An Example

 

We see a very clear example of this in the experience of Elijah.  God told Elijah there would be a drought for three and one half years.  In order for the drought to happen it was necessary for Elijah to pray that it occur (James 5:17).  Three and a half years later God promised to send rain and end the draught (1Kings 18:1, 41-44).  Again Elijah knew it was necessary for him to pray for the rain if rain were to come even though it was God’s will to send the rain.  We are told that Elijah had to pray seven times before the rain came.  Elijah knew if he stopped praying for God to fulfill His promise to send rain the rain would not come.  Ellen White points out the necessity of Elijah’s persistent prayer when she states:

 

“Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would not have            been answered, but he persevered til the answer came.” SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, p.1034

 

Persistent prayer is often required in releasing God’s power in this earth.  When God desires to do something He moves upon the heart of His children to pray for it.  However, we are always free to refuse to yield to His call to prayer.

 

Satan’s Fear

 

That is why Satan is more afraid of the praying Christian than the active, working Christian.  That is why Satan will do all in his power to keep you from becoming a Spirit filled, Spirit directed prayer intercessor for God.

 

Ellen White wrote:

 

“There is a mighty power in prayer.  Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God.  An appeal to heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings.” In Heavenly Places, p.82

 

Prayer for the Latter Rain

 

Zechariah 10:1 is a call to pray for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit.  Since prayer has always played a vital role in enabling God to carry out His will on earth it should be no surprise that prayer is also necessary for the latter rain of the Spirit to be poured out on this earth.  Of this necessity Ellen White wrote the following.

 

“But near the close of the 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’ (Zech. 10:1).  ‘He will cause to come down… the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.’ (Joel 2:23). (emphasis added)

 

The prayers of God’s people remain before God and will be answered according to His divine providence.  John describes this in the book of Revelation where the prayers of the saints are pictured as being in “golden bowls.” 

 

"…Each one (four living creatures & 24 elders) had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Revelation 5:8 NIV

 

God's people have been praying for the latter rain for many centuries.  God today is calling for His end time people to join with the saints of past generations in praying for latter rain power for the finishing of God's work.  Not one of those prayers of the past or present generation will be lost.  All are accumulating in the "golden bowls" before the throne of God.  In answer to those prayers God will pour out His Spirit (of fire) in latter rain power.  John depicts this great event in chapter eight of Revelation.

 

"And I saw the seven angles which stood before the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.  And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." Revelation 8:2-5

 

Ellen White understood this when she wrote:

 

"The revenue of the glory has been accumulating for the closing work of the third angels message.  Of the prayers that have been ascending for the fulfillment of the promise – the descent of the Holy Spirit – not one has been lost. Each prayer has been accumulating, ready to overflow and pour forth a healing flood of heavenly influence and accumulating light all over the world." Manuscript Release, Vol. 21:155

 

The day will come when the final prayer surge filling the bowls to over flowing will bring about the great out pouring of the latter rain of the Spirit.  The hope we have of this mighty out pouring of the Spirit is also a call to prepare for that great event.  The truth is; if we are not spiritually prepared by daily receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit we will receive no benefit from the latter rain when it falls.  Therefore, as we continue to pray for the latter rain I encourage all to daily seek the Lord that our hearts and lives may be fully surrendered to God.

 

For a further study on the necessity of prayer, and the importance of understanding and experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit I recommend my books, Spirit Baptism & Prayer and The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

 

Introduction
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Jesus foretold that the “gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt 24:14). Just before Jesus comes there will be a tremendous evangelism explosion that shall produce a mighty witness of the gospel in this earth.

 

The prophet Joel foretold two great Holy Spirit outpourings: the former or early rain and the latter rain (Joel 3:32). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit known as the former or early rain began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The book of Acts describes the great evangelism explosion that took place at that time. Thousands were won to Christ.

 

I am sure every Christian who has read the book of Acts has longed for the day when a similar mighty working of the Holy Spirit will take place again. In the fall of 1999 I began to better understand how the mighty moving of God’s Spirit will happen again. At that time the Lord led my wife, Patty, and me to study the biblical teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God next led us to specifically claim the promise of Spirit baptism in our lives. What God taught us in His Word about this very important Bible truth, and what we experienced in our lives as the result of seeking Spirit baptism is described in my previous book, The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

 

As I continued to study into the subject and grow in the Lord in this experience, God began clarifying how “anointed, Spirit-filled” believers will be mightily used by Him to win thousands to Christ. I began to realize that the professional radio or television evangelist would not finish God’s last day work, though they will play a role. Rather, God’s work will be finished when His people seek and experience the baptism of

the Holy Spirit and allow Christ to reach out to others through them. God’s work will not be finished by some new program or method; but it will occur through Spirit-filled believers who surrender themselves completely to Christ and not only allow Him to live in them but minister to others through them.

 

When consecrated Christians experience Christ in this way, the second great evangelism explosion will take place. It is then that the second great outpouring of the Holy Spirit called the latter rain will fall upon this earth. This book is dedicated to helping the reader understand how a second great evangelism explosion will take place and how every believer can be a part of it. In fact, all who are ready to meet Jesus when He returns will have had a part in the second great evangelism explosion.

Prayer and Evangelism
Up

Prayer is as essential to the work of evangelism as breathing is to everyday living. If one refuses or is unable to breathe, his life ceases. If one refuses to pray for the lost, his efforts to win them to Jesus Christ will be of no avail. It requires prayer to bring life to those who are spiritually “dead.” Prayer is required to sustain spiritual life.

I am sure many Christians, at least those living in these last days, have asked themselves: “Why is prayer so important? Isn’t God going to do what He wants to do whether I pray or not?”

Satan wants to confuse the believer concerning prayer. He wants to keep us from understanding the vital role prayer plays in the work of God on this earth and in the saving of the lost. Satan knows that if he can get the Christian to be negligent in the area of prayer, he has little to fear concerning his effectiveness as a laborer
for God in the work of saving the lost.

I believe God’s Word teaches that prayer is necessary for an individual and church to experience revival. Prayer is necessary for the “strongholds” of Satan to be cast down as well as for the saving of the lost. Prayer is necessary for a Christian to remain strong in the Lord. I find it amazing that prayer, which seems so powerless and insignificant to the natural man, is so necessary and powerful for the spiritual man. Why is prayer so important and necessary in God’s work? Let’s look at the creation of mankind to find the answer.

Why Prayer Is Necessary   Up

When God created Adam He created man in His own “likeness” and “image.” (Gen 1:26-27). The Hebrew word translated “likeness’ is “damah,” which means “similar to.” The Hebrew word translated “image” is “tselem” and means a “resemblance” or “representational image.” The word is used when referring to an idol, which represents a god. When God created man, He created him in many ways like Himself.

God did something else when He created man. He gave man “dominion” on earth (Gen 1:26-27). The Hebrew word translated “dominion” is “radhah,” which means “to rule” or “reign” over. Adam was to be the ruler of this world as God’s representative. He was to “keep” the earth (Gen 2:15). The Hebrew word translated “keep” is “shamar,” “which means to “guard against intruders,” “to preserve and keep safe.”  Adam was to be God’s authoritative representative on earth. He was to be the earth’s watchman or guardian. He was to “re-present” God on this earth.

The psalmist further describes the position God gave man at creation. David was inspired to write that God crowned man with “glory and honor” (Ps 8:5). Looking again at the original Hebrew words translated “‘glory” and “honor,” we find that man was given “majesty” similar to a king’s reigning authority. Hence, we see that at creation the earth was put under Adam’s authority. What happened on earth depended on Adam.

Adam’s authority and rulership on earth was so complete that Adam was in a position to give this authority away to another. We know the sad story of Adam’s fall as recorded in Genesis 3. Adam gave the authority of this earth over to God’s archenemy, Satan. Satan well knew what he had gained when Adam yielded to his temptations to disobey God. When tempting Christ in the wilderness, Satan showed Him all the “kingdoms of the world” and stated: “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.” (Luke 4:6). Jesus never disputed Satan’s claim to have authority and dominion over this earth. In fact, three times Satan is called the “ruler of this world” in the New Testament
(John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

Even though Satan gained dominion over this earth through Adam’s fall, God has not changed His decision to work through humans to carry out His will on this earth. So complete was this decision that it was necessary for God to become man to win this world back (John 1: 1-3, 14). The first Adam relinquished man’s authority over this earth. The second Adam, Christ, won it back and brought deliverance to Satan’s captives (Rom 5). At the creation of this world God established the principle that humans were to forever be His means of exercising His authority and activity on this earth.

This brings us to the main focus of this chapter on prayer and evangelism. Prayer is necessary because from the beginning, God intended to work through humans in carrying out His will on this earth, not independent of them. God works through the prayers of His people.

When God wills to do something on this earth, it is necessary for man to pray that God accomplish it. Many examples of this are seen in both the Old and New Testament. We are to ask for “God’s will to be done on earth” (Matt 6:10). We are to ask for our daily bread (Matt 6:11). We are to pray “laborers be sent into the harvest field” (Matt 9:38). Paul asked believers to pray for the advancement of the gospel (2Thes 3:1). All  these things are God’s will. However, since prayer releases God’s power to carry out His will on this earth, it is necessary for man to pray for them. Remember, it is God’s plan to work through man, not work independent of him.

Examples   Up

We see a very clear example of this in the experience of Elijah. God told Elijah there would be a drought for three and one half years. In order for the drought to happen, it was necessary for Elijah to pray that it happen (James 5:17). Three and a half years later, God promised to send rain and end the drought (1Kings 18:1, 41- 44). Again, even though it was God’s will to send the rain, Elijah knew it was necessary for him to pray for the rain if it were to come. We are told that Elijah had to pray seven times before the rain came. Elijah knew if he stopped praying for God to fulfill His promise to send rain, the rain would not come. Ellen White, writing of Elijah’s experience stated:

“Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered til the answer came.” SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 1034.

Persistent prayer is often required in releasing God’s power in this earth. When God desires to do something, He moves upon the hearts of His children to pray for it. However, we are always free to refuse to yield to His call to prayer.

Another clear example is seen in the book of Ezekiel. Israel had gone into great apostasy (Ezekiel 22:17-29). A very enlightening but sad text follows. Israel justly deserved severe judgments from God because of her sins. However, God in His compassion sought a man in Israel who would pray for mercy that His judgments would be averted. The sad words are recorded: “...but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30). As a result of no one being found willing to pray that God withhold His judgments, the Almighty sadly declares: “Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them.” (Ezekiel 22:31).

As we read incident after incident recorded in the Bible about how vital prayer is in carrying out God’s will on this earth, there should be no question in anyone’s mind concerning the necessity of prayer. God works through the prayers of His people, not independently of them.

Next, let’s apply this principle concerning prayer to the work of evangelism; God’s saving power for men and women. It should become very clear that our prayers are necessary for the salvation of those in our circle of family and friends. Everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour has done so because someone prayed for them. Dear reader, you are a Christian today because someone who cared about your eternal destiny took the time to pray for you.

One important point when it comes to the salvation of others is that not only do we pray, but we must also work for their salvation. A discussion of how we are to work - or cooperate - with God for the saving of mankind is covered in the chapter entitled Christ’s Method of Evangelism. Pray and work, work and pray - this is the formula for the release of God’s saving power on this earth.

Making Intercession   Up

What happens when we intercede in prayer for someone? Let’s take a look at how the word is used in the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah describes what Christ was to do for us on the cross. We are told that Jesus “made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah .53:12). The Hebrew word translated “intercession” is “pagha,” which means, “to meet, to push against, to attack, to urge a request, to make peace.” You can see that this word has a wide variety of meanings. When “pagha” happened at the cross of Christ, significant meetings took place: mercy met judgment; righteousness met sin; love met hate; and life met death.

Paul exhorts the Christian to make “intercession” for all men (1Timothy 2:1). We are to bring about “meetings” through intercessory prayer. Our prayers for the lost bring about “meetings” of reconciliation between them and God, and a “meeting” of dissolution between them and Satan. This reconciliation and dissolution is found in the promise God gave Eve shortly after the Fall. God promised to put “enmity” between the believer and Satan, which implies reconciliation between the believer and God (Genesis 3:15). Intercessory prayer is a major element in the “ministry of reconciliation” in which every Christian is called to participate (2Cor 5:18-19).

When we examine Christ’s prayer to the Father in John 17, we hear Him praying an intercessory prayer that “oneness” or “unity” takes place between the Father and the believers. He is praying for complete reconciliation between the Father and all believers. Christ not only prayed that intercessory prayer for us two thousand years ago, He continues to pray an intercessory prayer for us today (Hebrews 7:25).

The Hebrew word translated intercession also carries the meaning of dissolving a relationship. It can mean a meeting for destruction (see 2Samuel 1: 15). Our prayers of intercession for the lost are requests for God to destroy the relationship between Satan and the one for whom we are praying. We see this same kind of intercession in Christ’s prayer in John 17. He intercedes for us that we are “kept” from the “evil one.” He prayed for the dissolution of Satan’s power and influence in the believer’s life.

One aspect of the “intercession” (Isaiah 53:12) that took place at the cross was that the power and authority of Satan on earth was broken (1John 3:8). At the cross the legal claim Satan had on the earth as the result of Adam’s fall was dissolved. The power of Satan over the lives of men and women was broken. This is why Jesus could assure His followers that in Him they now had power and authority over Satan (Luke 10:17-19). However, few Christians truly realize this aspect of the intercession that took place at the cross.

We see this type of intercession when Jesus told Peter that Satan aimed to become completely victorious over him. Realizing Satan’s plan, Jesus told Peter that He had “prayed” for him that his “faith fall not.” (Luke 22:31-32). This is an example of intercessory prayer aimed at breaking the power of Satan in the life of the one being prayed for. This is the reason James admonishes all believers to “pray one for another.” (James 5:16). James knew that intercessory prayer played an essential role in breaking the power of Satan in individual lives.

Throughout the letters of Paul we read of his continual intercession to God on behalf of those to whom he is writing (Rom 1:9; Eph 1:16; Col 1:9). Paul certainly understood the necessity of continually making intercession for all the saints.

Satan’s Lie   Up

It is clear from this study why Satan will do everything in his power to make us believe that it is not essential or important that we specifically pray for one another. He wants us to believe that it is not really necessary for us to pray for those who are out of Christ. He wants us to believe that God will work for the salvation of he lost even if we don’t specifically pray for those in our circle of family and friends. It is hoped that by  reading this chapter, you will not believe Satan’s lies about the insignificance of praying both for others and ourselves. We must be alert to the fact that he will perhaps attack our prayer life more strenuously than any other aspect of our spiritual life.

Intercession for the Lost   Up

Those who we know are outside of Christ and living under Satan’s power are in a very dangerous position. If they don’t change, their eternal destiny is in jeopardy. Yet, of themselves, they are powerless to change. Paul describes them as those whose minds “the god of this world hath blinded . . . lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2Cor 4:4). The lost are  blinded to the gospel because it is “hid” from their view (2Cor 4:3). The word translated “hid” is the Greek word “kalupsis,” which refers to a “veil.”

The key to the saving of the lost is the removing of this “veil” that blinds them. By adding the prefix “apo” to the Greek word translated “veil,” the word becomes “revelation” or “unveiling.” Thus it is true that the lost need an “unveiling” or a “revelation” of God’s truth. The lost don’t need more information; what they need is  “revelation,” which is an unveiling of their understanding so they can “see” the truth of the gospel. An important question then is: How can this “unveiling” happen in the lives of the lost?

There is only one answer to that question. Only by intercessory prayer will the veil that causes spiritual blindness be removed from the mind of the unbeliever. Satan has false “imaginations” or thoughts and “strongholds” well established in the minds of the lost. The good news is that God has given the Christian the authority to “pull down” Satan’s “strongholds,” and to “bring into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ.” (2Cor 10:4-5). These two verses in 2 Corinthians 10 are very important when it comes to understanding the place of intercessory prayer in the lives of the lost.

Referring to the spiritual weapons of intercessory prayer on behalf of the lost, The Living Bible translates verse 5:

“These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built up to keep men from finding Him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ.” 2Cor 10:5.

Satan doesn’t want us to realize it, but we are to play a major role in lifting that blindness from the eyes of the lost. Our intercessory prayers open their minds to receive the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Praying intercessory prayers for them will remove this veil of blindness. God wants them saved (2Peter 3:9). However, it is essential that the believer pray for them so that God’s power can be released in their lives and Satan’s power over them broken. Remember Elijah’s prayer for rain. It was God’s will for rain to come and the drought broken. Yet Elijah knew he had to pray in order for God’s will to be carried out. The same is true concerning the lost. Even though it is God’s will to save the lost, believers must pray for them in order for God’s will to be carried out and bring them to salvation. Ever since the creation of this earth, it has been God’s plan to work through the prayers and efforts of man, not independently of him.

Ellen White clearly understood this when she wrote:

“Through much prayer you must labor for souls, for this is the only method by which you can reach hearts. It is not your work, but the work of Christ who is by your side, that impresses hearts.” Evangelism p. 525.

“The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of souls.” MYP 315.

“Their persevering prayers will bring souls to the cross. In cooperation with their self-sacrificing efforts Jesus will move upon hearts, working miracles in the conversion of souls.” 7T 27.

The 19th century Christian, Andrew Murray, wrote:

“God’s giving is inseparably connected with our asking . . . Only by intercession can that power be brought down from heaven which will enable the Church to conquer the world.” The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer, p. 22-23.

Philip Samaan in his book, Christ’s Way of Reaching People, states this concept very well.

“. . . in the context of the great conflict between good and evil, where Christ and Satan contend for human hearts and minds, our intercessory prayers allow God to more actively participate in a situation than He would otherwise. In other words, God can answer Satan’s objections and justify His special intervention in behalf of the object of our prayer by presenting our petitions as giving Him an invitation to act. Thereby, He
is simply honoring our choice in inviting Him to intercede.” P. 152.

Samaan continues by pointing out that Wayne McDill in his book, Making Friends for Christ states that we, as Christ’s disciples, “are responsible for leading a fellow human being to Christ, and ‘we have the right to press the legitimate claims of Christ in his life. . . Prayer is a matter of pressing the legitimate right of Jesus to rule in every life, since He died for every person in the world.” Ibid. 152.

An additional quote from McDill concerning our prayers for the lost states:

“. . . remember that you are not trying to convince God. He is already convinced. You are putting yourself in line with His wishes in your prayer. By the authority of Christ take your rightful stand in your neighbor’s life and exercise your faith in opening that territory to the extension of kingdom authority. Insist that the enemy retreat in the face of the rightful authority of Christ . . . Realize that the real battle will be won in prayer.” Ibid. 152-3.

The conclusion is clear. There will be souls lost if we do not pray for them and work for their salvation. Ellen White understood this when she wrote:

“Every year millions upon millions of human souls are passing into eternity unwarned and unsaved. From hour to hour in our varied life opportunities to reach and save souls are opened to us. The opportunities are continually coming and going. God desires us to make the most of them.

“Into one scale put the loss of your soul, and the souls of those whom you might have been instrumental in saving . . . Christ’s Objects Lessons, p. 373-374.

“Many have gone down in ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them.” DA, p. 141.

Wesley Duewel wrote concerning the importance of prayer for the lost:

“Satan is more afraid of your praying than of your pure life or zealous witness. One’s life may be a beautiful witness that cannot be silenced, but prayer is a militant force that has the potential of defeating Satan, destroying his works, and driving him out of places and lives he claims for his own.” Christ’s Way To Spiritual Growth, by Philip Samaan, p. 212.

Practical Application   Up

How then should we apply this important teaching on intercessory prayer in our lives? First, we should make a list of the names of all those in our circle of family, friends, co-workers, and other acquaintances who need our prayers. We should then begin specifically praying for each one using the principles of intercessory prayer. Pray in faith believing that God will hear your prayer and begin removing the veil from their minds. Believe that through your prayers the “strongholds” of Satan that are keeping them from Christ will be “pulled down”. In short, pray for what you know God wants to do in their lives.

The Praying Church Sourcebook gives the following list of what God’s will is for the unsaved. As believers in Christ we have the right to press these requests before the throne of grace on behalf of the lost. Include in your prayer the following:

• That God will draw them to Himself (John 6:44)
• That they seek to know God (Acts 17:27)
• That they believe the Word of God (1Thes 2:13)
• That Satan is bound from blinding them to the truth (2Cor 4:4; 10:4-5)
• That the Holy Spirit works in them (John 16:8-13)
• That they turn from sin (Acts 3:49)
• That they believe in Christ as Savior (John 1:12)
• That they obey Christ as Lord (Matt 7:21)
• That they take root and grow in Christ (Col 2:6-7)

When you pray for the unsaved believe God is able to bring those for whom you pray to Christ. Then allow God to work through you to make this happen, a process which is further examined in the chapter entitled “Christ’s Method of Evangelism.”

Ellen White clearly alluded to this approach of praying for those we know who are unsaved when she wrote:

“In times past there were those who fastened their minds upon one soul after another, saying, ‘Lord, help me to save this soul.’ But now such instances are rare. How many act as if they realized the perils of sinners?” Gospel Workers, p. 65.

“Let the workers grasp the promises of God, saying ‘ . . . I must have this soul converted to Jesus Christ.’” Medical Ministry, p. 244.

Jesus stated there would be even greater effectiveness when two believers unite in prayer (Matt 18:19). The church received the baptism of the Holy Spirit after ten days of “united” prayer claiming Jesus’ promise (Acts 1:14, 2:1-4). Concerning believers uniting in prayer for the lost, Ellen White wrote:

“Why do not believers feel a deeper, more earnest concern for those who are out of Christ? Why do not two or three meet together and plead with God for the salvation of some special one, and then for still another? In our churches let companies (small groups) be formed for service . . .

“ . . . as they work and pray in Christ’s name, their numbers will increase; for the Saviour says: ‘if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.’ Matt 18:19.” 7T, p. 21-22.

I pray that every sincere Christian who reads this book will never again doubt the importance of prayer for the lost. I also pray that from this day forward you will earnestly intercede to God for the salvation of the unsaved in your circle of family, friends and co-workers, believing it is God’s will to save them. Dear reader, if you in faith press such petitions to the throne of grace, you will see God’s hand of salvation in the lives of those for whom you are praying.

Note:
An excellent resource for a church that desires to become a praying church is the book, The Praying Church Sourcebook, by J. Vander Griend, published by Faith Alive Christian Resources, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
 

About the Author
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At the time of the writing of this book, Dennis Smith is serving as pastor in the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dennis has served the church as an active layman, and in pastoral and departmental positions for over 35 years.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. After working in engineering for a short time, he felt the call to full time ministry. To fulfill that calling, Dennis attended Andrews University Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree. Dennis has also done studies in the area of public health from Loma Linda University.

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I have just returned from experiencing a truly “Pentecostal” encounter with God; an experience similar to what the disciples must have had in that upper room 2000 years ago. I had heard of such “Holy Spirit events” happening on rare occasions in the Christian church. I along with every other Christian have longed to experience an “upper room,” but in over 40 years as a Christian it never happened to me. Oh yes, I have been in meetings where the presence of the Holy Spirit was strongly felt. I have had times where His presence was so strong and sweet that no one wanted to leave; but none like I have just had. This was 100 times more powerful and amazing than anything I had ever experienced before.

I was invited to attend a pastor’s meeting for the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The meetings were held at Indian Creek Camp; the camp grounds and retreat center of the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference. One of the subjects to be presented during the 4 day meeting was the baptism of the Holy Spirit along with an emphasis on prayer. I had heard that a prayer team had been brought in to specifically pray for the meetings even before they began, and during each session. Every speaker was personally prayed for by the prayer team before his presentation by a prayer team member before a meeting began, plus two pastors would also pray for the presenter as he was about to speak. So, knowing this and the subjects to be presented I felt that all who attended would be blessed. Oh My! Were we blessed!

It all began on Sunday night, February 8, 2009. The meeting began with prayer and praise singing. The presentation for the evening was on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the necessity of pastors daily experiencing the Spirit’s infilling in order to present God’s Word “not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power.” The pastor’s were challenged to take seriously God’s call for them to receive the Spirit’s baptism. However, in order to receive, all sin must be renounced and total obedience to God willingly given in lifestyle and ministry (Matthew 5:6). The pastors were challenged with the necessity of an intense thirst or desire for the Spirit’s infilling (John 7:37-39). It was pointed out that one would not receive this blessing if he felt it was not needed or the dependence in ministry was on methods, plans, or education; M.Div, D.Min, PhD, etc.

The pastors were also challenged that the desire to receive the Spirit’s infilling must be pure and not motivated to be a great preacher, a soul winning superstar; no motive for human greatness must be involved. The only acceptable motive is to honor and glorify God in one’s life and ministry.

At the close of the presentation the speaker asked the pastors to get in groups of two or three and pray unitedly for three things; for God to pour out His Spirit on the meetings, for God to prepare our hearts to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and for God to bring revival into our life and the church. After all had prayed the speaker then closed with prayer, and the song “Spirit of the Living God” was sung by all while still in an attitude of prayer.

Immediately after the prayer and song was finished pastors began mentioning several of their colleagues who were going through difficult times. The pastors gathered around these individuals and began earnestly interceding to God for them. An intense spirit of intercession began to be felt. Then pastors began confessing their wrongs and seeking to make things right between themselves and their fellow pastors. Praises to God were expressed. This spontaneous intercession, confession and praise continued for some time. As it was drawing to a close the speaker for the night said that he had planned to have the pastors specifically pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit the next morning after the devotional. He also said it was clear that God had already answered the united prayer for God to prepare our hearts to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and that we should fall on our knees right now and claim the promise of the baptism of the Spirit. This is what we did. There followed an intense crying out to God in deep earnestness to be filled with His Spirit. Total submission was expressed.

At the end of the prayer spontaneous praise continued for some time. We all left the meeting amazed at what we had just experienced. We knew something unique and powerful in the Spirit had just taken place unexpectedly.

The next morning (Monday) the meeting began with praise singing and time was given for testimony. Again unexpectedly powerful testimonies began coming forth. Individuals became transparent and shared the difficulties they were facing; not just professionally but personally. Tears were shed and an intense caring and concern by their fellow pastors was felt and expressed. Wrongs continued to be righted. Pastors confessed negative feelings they had felt toward conference leadership and asked for forgiveness. Conference leaders asked forgiveness for any hurts they had caused. Intercessory prayers continued to take place. This outburst of praise, tearful confession, personal transparency and intercession went on for over an hour. The morning speaker then spoke on the necessity of brokenness in order for God to fill us and use us. We all identified with the experience of brokenness, for many had been transparently sharing the experiences of brokenness they were going through. The session was closed with another season of united prayer for God to continue to baptize us with His Spirit and pour out His Spirit on these meetings.

Throughout Monday we continued to feel that the Spirit was doing something amazing in our midst; something totally unexpected and never before experienced by most of us in the meeting. The conference president shared that only one time before in his ministry had he experienced such a Pentecostal outpouring of the Spirit. It was such a powerful experience that he had longed to experience it one more time in his life. The previous Pentecostal outpouring had taken place in Africa many years before. He had wondered if it would ever happen in America, but now God had answered his prayer.

After all that had happened Sunday night and Monday everyone was tired Monday evening, and enjoyed just fellowshipping with one another. Yet, we felt the Spirit had more planned.

Then the Holy Spirit manifested Himself in the most amazing, marvelous, and unbelievable way; words can’t express the experience. It happened Tuesday morning. The meeting began as usual with praise singing followed by testimonies. The Spirit fell upon us even more powerfully than before, and heart felt confession was expressed, personal pain in the most transparent manner was shared, and intense intercession ascended to God. Men began weeping with such intensity. Their colleagues drew near them, holding them and praying for them. The conference president began praying. All gathered around him laying hands on him and each other. The Holy Spirit took over his prayer and we all felt in the presence of God. Tears flowed. Following that prayer men and the women present were praising God, embracing each other, and praying together in small groups.

It was approaching lunch time and we thought the meeting was about to end. The entire morning was filled with what I described above supplanting two scheduled speaker’s presentations. We didn’t mind because we all knew the meeting was 100% under the Holy Spirit’s direction. He had taken over the schedule. Planning to draw the meeting to a close, we all got into a large circle to hold hands and offer a benediction prayer. One pastor spoke up and said he felt the Lord wanted to “seal” this experience with a miracle, and he prayed for God to do just that.

One of the pastors was sitting in a chair still weeping uncontrollably. He was placed in the middle of the room with pastors gathering around him for prayer. Several prayed for their colleague. Then one of the pastors knelt before him, and specifically prayed for God to continue to fill this heart broken man with His Spirit. The pastor was led to forgive those who had hurt him, and ask God to forgive them and bless them. Many pastors encircled the weeping pastor and the one praying. Hands were laid on the weeping pastor and on one another. All the pastors were invited to participate in this prayer of forgiveness of all who had hurt them. Many pastors entered into this prayer. Once the forgiveness was expressed every oppressive spirit that was seeking to bring discouragement was commanded in the name of Jesus to depart. The power of the Holy Spirit was intensely felt, pastors became free from all negative feelings and emotions, a spirit of great joy and love filled each heart. Shouts of praise were heard. One pastor began shouting at Satan that he was a liar. The pastor who had led in the prayer of forgiveness next laid hands on this pastor who was still feeling so much pain, and now was on his hands and knees on the floor. He was asked who he needed to forgive. The forgiveness was expressed, and Satan was commanded to leave. Again the power of the Spirit was strongly felt, and this pastor was released and filled with joy and praises to God.

We were all experiencing deliverance from Satan’s oppressions. Joy and love was filling every heart. Praises continued to be expressed. Then one lady came forward to have prayer for her arthritis. Again God’s deliverance was manifested, and she arose from her chair walking without pain rejoicing in her deliverance.

God had just answered the prayer to manifest a miracle. He had performed many miracles of emotional deliverance and even a physical deliverance.

Tears of joy, shouts of praise, and prayers of thanksgiving continued for some time. We didn’t want to leave the room; it was the “upper room” of Pentecost. We were experiencing Pentecost and didn’t want it to stop. Some were so filled with the Spirit that they couldn’t even eat lunch. Everyone was basking in the blessings the Spirit had poured out on us. We were filled with thankfulness to God for blessing us with His presence in such a manner that words cannot express. I even heard numerous pastors say that they could now die and be content. I guess one would have to have been there to really understand what those words meant. This was the greatest experience we had ever had in the Lord when Pentecost came to Indian Creek.

Overview
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The premise of this book is that those ready to meet Jesus will have gained the victory over every influence or oppression of Satan in their lives: spiritually, emotionally, and physically. They will be just like Jesus when He returns (1John 3:2). Satan will have no influence over them.

 

My goal in this book is to present a balanced approach to this deliverance. We are warned that the majority of Christians in the last days will lack real genuine faith and will live their lives in denial of the reality of God’s delivering power (Luke 18:8; 2Tim 3:5)

 

I will begin by presenting the importance of following God’s laws of health in order to achieve good health. Many who read this book will be somewhat familiar with these laws. My prayer is that all who read of their importance will renew their commitment, by God’s grace, to live their life in harmony with them.

 

The biblical teaching on what many call “faith healing,” which is the “trust in divine power,” which Ellen White referred to in the following quote, will also be presented.

 “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.” Ministry of Healing, p.127

Ministry to the sick is not to be limited to teaching the importance of following God’s ordained health laws in order to achieve good health. They are also to be prayed for in faith believing God will heal them.

“The work of the true medical missionary is largely a spiritual work. It includes prayer and the laying on of hands;” Counsels on Health, p.540

Another vital aspect of healing presented is the importance of deliverance from Satan’s emotional oppressions in our life such as: depression, anxieties, fears, uncontrolled anger, critical spirit, etc. The principles of how to achieve this emotional deliverance will be delineated.

 

Every biblical teaching in this book I have either experienced personally, or seen in the lives of others who have put into practice the principles of deliverance presented in the following chapters. I know and believe the teachings of deliverance you are about to read are true because of three witnesses to their truthfulness; the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy writings (Ellen White) and experience.

 

The deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage was a type of the deliverance of God’s remnant people when Jesus comes the second time. We are told that there was not “one feeble person among their tribes” (Ps 105:37). When Jesus comes there will not be “one feeble” person among God’s remnant. Why; because they have learned and practiced the principles of deliverance from all the oppressions of Satan in their life; spiritually, emotionally and physically. This may sound impossible from where we stand today in Laodicea. However, remember, those ready to meet Jesus will have heeded God’s call to come out of their Laodicean condition by receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Rev 3:18-21). They have experienced a genuine and powerful revival and reformation as the Spirit continued to fill them day-by-day. Their faith will have developed to the point where they are able to stand against anything Satan brings to them. They are completely victorious in every area of their lives; spiritually, emotionally and physically.

 

I have not used the word “perfection” or “perfectionism” in this book. There have been many misunderstandings throughout the centuries on the meaning of these terms. According to the Bible we will retain our sinful nature and bodies that are subject to death until Jesus comes (1Cor 15:51-53). Put simply, the spiritual deliverance I am presenting in this book is in essence; if you know something is sinful you don’t have to do it.

 

I believe God is calling this “remnant” today. My personal conviction is that we must take seriously this call by receiving the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit, experience revival and reformation under the power of the Holy Spirit, and experience the full deliverance Jesus offers to us over all of Satan’s temptations, influences and oppressions.

 

Our personal experience of deliverance over all of Satan’s influences in our life is an ongoing process. Its full and complete deliverance does not happen over night. It is an experience we are to grow into, and become stronger and stronger in (Mark 4:28).

 

So as you read in this book about the deliverance God’s last remnant people will have experienced and you do not see that full deliverance in your life now, don’t be discouraged. Let God begin the process now and trust him to bring you to the state of full and complete deliverance (1Thes 5:23-24). Learn and apply the “weapons” of your warfare against Satan and you will experience many more victories in every area of your life; spiritually, emotionally and physically (2Cor 10:4-5; Eph 6:10-18).

 

Everywhere I have presented and applied the principles in this book I have seen people delivered from Satan’s oppressions. Many have asked if this material was available in print so they could have something to study. This book is written in response to these many requests.

 

I invite you to read this book with an open mind and prayerful attitude (Acts 17:11). If we are living when Jesus comes, our eternal destiny will rest on whether or not we have cooperated with God in achieving this complete and final deliverance the gospel of Jesus Christ offers. This book is dedicated to the preparation of that last remnant people, who will have experienced that deliverance.
 

Personal Experiences

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I was baptized and became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian just before I graduated in engineering at Colorado State University. The year was 1966. Before I began studying the Bible with the local pastor and attended a short series of meetings conducted by HMS Richards Sr., who was joined by his son HMS Richards Jr. in Longmont, Colorado, I had come to the point where I even doubted the existence of God. But God in His masterful way led me to take the Bible seriously. Over a period of a few months I accepted Christ and His teachings.

I was excited about my new found faith and soon began feeling a call to the ministry. I worked in engineering for over a year, but then decided to leave everything and go to Andrews University and study for the ministry. God providentially opened many doors and within a little over two years I received my Masters of Divinity degree and began pastoring a small church in the northwest.

If the Bible Teaches It – That Settles It!   Up

I was happy to be an Adventist Christian and to be a pastor. Since my baptism I had prided myself in the fact that my church and I took the Bible as it read. If the Bible said it I would believe it. I have found that every person that comes to accept and obey the fourth commandment on the seventh-day Sabbath must come to that same conclusion. So I always held myself to this principle of believing something if it is in the Bible and I have taught others to do the same.

Over the years as a pastor I have had about every teaching that is contrary to my beliefs presented to me with Bible texts that supposedly supported them, and every time I became more confirmed in my faith. The teachings that I held and my church held could stand up to the closest scrutiny.

God’s Unexpected Leading   Up

Often God allows something to happen in our lives in order to teach us more about Himself. Such an experience happened in 1992. My wife, Patty, began experiencing an intense internal side pain. After several tests it was discovered that she had a congenital obstruction in one of her kidneys. Surgery was scheduled to remove the obstruction. During the surgery the doctor discovered that the kidney had been too badly damaged so it had to be removed.

About a month after this surgery Patty began experiencing severe edema. We again sought a specialist. After several tests it was discovered that the other kidney was being destroyed by glomerulonephritis, an auto-immune disease of the kidney. The doctors could only recommend steroids, but could guarantee no positive results. We sought a second opinion at UCLA Medical Center and spoke with the chief of the nephrology department and he gave us the same advice. We obtained information on steroid therapy and discovered there were many negative side effects. After much prayer and discussion Patty and I decided to take this problem to the Lord and trust Him for healing. We studied every verse in the Bible on healing to bolster our faith. In the process we discovered that it is God's will to heal His children. In time, Patty's kidney was healed and is functioning today at the level of two kidneys.

During the months that followed I didn’t pursue the Bible teaching on healing to any great extent. I had been a pastor for many years and had never seen a healing occur except for Patty’s kidney. So I had concluded that as a rule it probably was not God’s will to heal. However, this premise was challenged when we began studying the Bible teaching on healing after Patty faced the loss of her last kidney.

In September of 1999 God began challenging me in various ways to look at the Biblical concept of healing more closely. After careful study and prayer I came to the conclusion again that it is God’s will to heal His children. This book is the result of my study and the confirmation God has given to so many who have reached out to Him and received healing grace in their lives.

We as Adventists have been a little afraid of the concept of “faith healing” and deliverance ministry. Biblical healing is a simple concept. One must simply believe in God's desire and power to heal in Jesus' name in order to be healed. I will elaborate on this concept in much greater detail in other chapters.

What Happened Next   Up

What I will share next is what has happened as we have asked God for healing. One’s healing may be spiritual, emotional or physical since it is God's desire is to heal and sanctify us wholly: body, soul, and spirit (1Thes 5:23-24). Of course, we must remember that the one praying does not do the healing. God is the only One Who can bring healing.

The following deliverance experiences and more have occurred since mid September of 1999. Since then I have seen God heal scores of individuals as they have reached out in faith to their healing God. For the previous 30 years of ministry, before understanding the biblical concept of healing, I had never seen a parishioner healed as the result of prayer except for my wife, Patty. A brief description follows of healings I have witnessed since coming to understand God’s desire to heal His children and the principles of biblical healing.

• A lady had severe pain in her left arm and was wearing medicated
  patches to relieve the pain. She also suffered from severe anxiety and
  mild depression. She was healed physically and emotionally.
• A thirteen year old suffered from a heart ailment called tachycardia for
  which he was taking medication several times a day. He also suffered
  from asthma and allergies. He was delivered from all three.
• A lady had severe back pain and several fused vertebrae. She was
  completely healed of the pain.
• A lady had a very severe cold, which left her after a prayer for
  deliverance.
• A child had torn knee cartilage, which was healed. She was running with
  the other children that same afternoon.
• A lady suffered with depression and had kidney stones that caused her
  great pain. After prayer and learning the weapons of her warfare her
  depression was relieved and the pain left her.
• A young man was clinically depressed and planned to commit suicide on
  two occasions. He was heavily medicated for his condition, but was
  completely delivered from depression after prayer.
• One individual was healed of leg and neck pain.
• Two individuals were healed of severe pain for which they were taking
  cortisone shots. One had knee pain and the other shoulder pain.
• A lady was healed of a tumor on her lung.
• A man was healed of a heart condition that caused him to have
  breathing problems.
• A lady was healed of asthma
• One individual was healed of severe shoulder, back, leg pain caused by
  an accident years before
• Eye floaters, which were inhibiting one individual’s reading ability, were
  removed through prayer.
• One individual suffered from stomach pain, shoulder pain, lower back
  pain, and her neck artery was 50% blocked. All of these health problems
  were healed.
• A lady was healed of severe arthritis in her back and hands
• An individual was healed within an hour of a severe bladder infection
• A man was healed of a throat problem that hindered his singing for the
  Lord in church
• A man’s severe hip pain was healed that he had been suffering with for
  several months
• Another lady’s blocked neck arteries were opened

What About Doctors?    Up

The following chapters give the biblical basis for faith healing. However, I want to make one thing very clear. I do not believe the Bible teaches that one should not seek medical advice and rational medical cures for ailments. My personal belief is that God should be sought first in all cases. He will direct sincere believers as to what His will is for their recovery. In my wife, Patty’s, case we were directed to depend on God for the healing and not follow the recommended regimen of steroid treatment. There are also many “natural” means that can be used to bring relief from many health problems such as: diet, exercise, rest, etc.

 

I recall one case where an elderly man in our church had a defective heart valve that needed replacing. We prayed for his healing. Yet, God seemed to keep leading toward surgical replacement of the valve. I didn’t understand why the Lord did not heal him without surgery. The man had a successful valve replacement through surgery. After the surgery the doctor said, “Your heart valve was so defective I don’t understand how you were kept alive!” Then I understood. The Lord had answered our prayers and used the experience as a powerful testimony to the doctor of God’s power to keep His children.

 

In another case a young man had gone though many surgeries because of a severe health problem. Again he was facing very serious surgery on his neck. We had prayed for him that God would heal him. However, again the Lord kept leading toward the surgery. So the young man had the surgery. During the operation something amazing happened. When the doctor opened the area in his neck, the bone that he was going to try to properly relocate (which was a dangerous procedure) automatically moved on its own to the proper place in the neck. After the surgery the doctor related this to the young man and his mother stating that he had never see such a thing happen before. He didn’t understand it. Again God used this medical procedure as a testimony of His power.

 

God has also led us to understand His desire and power to heal emotional problems such as chronic depression, anorexia, anxiety attacks, anger, critical spirit, etc ... . As a result of applying this understanding I had never before seen such delivering power in ministry. These issues and how to become delivered from them will also be studied in this book. I think Satan’s plan is always to try to drive us to extremes by causing us to:
   • Be suspicious of “faith healing” and reject it
   • Look to doctors and modern medicine only
   • Depend on “faith healing” only and reject all modern medical solutions.

I believe God wants us to take a balanced approach.

 

In the following chapters we will look more closely at the Biblical teaching on healing and deliverance. My prayer is that the reader will approach this subject with an open mind. Healing is a wonderful gift God has given to His children. Do not allow Satan to steal it from you.

What Made the Difference?   Up

What made the difference in my ministry? Why have I seen so many healings in recent years when for over 30 years I saw none? I had to choose to believe what the Bible said about healing and deliverance. I had to step out in faith and act on that belief and encourage others to do the same. As a result I have seen how truly merciful and loving God is. I have gotten a glimpse of how desirous God is to heal all who suffer. In fact, the prophet Micah states that God “delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18). Every act of divine healing is an act of “mercy.” God “delights” to show “mercy” and “heal” His children! Remember that God’s word tells us to “believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper” (2Chron 20:20). Let us believe what Micah and the other Old and New Testament prophets tell us about God’s desire to be merciful and heal His children. When we do this then we too shall “prosper.”

 

My Personal Struggle   Up

This understanding didn’t come easily. Whenever one studies the Bible they bring to that study certain presuppositions. We all have previously formed ideas about certain teachings. These can affect the interpretation of what we read.

 

When I began this study of the biblical concept of healing I knew that I had preformed opinions on this subject. The following are the major presuppositions I had on the topic of faith healing.

   • God has the power to heal but He probably will not
   • God's promise of physical healing applies primarily to when Christ returns and we
     receive our glorified body.
   • We live in a sinful world, and disease and suffering are part of this world for both
     the believer and non-believer.
   • When we ask God in prayer to heal us we can never be confident that He will heal.
   • We must always preface our prayer for healing with the words “If it be Thy will.”
   • It is presumptuous on our part to pray with assurance that God will heal us.
   • God's way of healing today is through the use of doctors, hospitals, and following
     natural health laws only.
   • Miraculous healing may occur today through prayer. However, this in the exception
     rather than the rule because this type of healing was needed in times past when
     there was a great ignorance of God's health laws and medical science was not
     understood as it is today.
   • There is so much counterfeit faith healing taking place today that God will not now
     work in this way very often.

We need very much to have an open mind on the subject. Our goal must be to let the Scriptures speak for themselves. We would do well to emulate the Berean's attitude when searching for Biblical truth.

“These were more noble that those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11

I recall one man in my church that was very skeptical about what I was teaching on healing. When he was a child a “faith healer” had come to the area where he lived. As a result of what he saw and heard, he concluded that faith healing was not scriptural. Now he was a professional truck driver transporting vehicles. On one of his trips he fell from the top of the trailer and broke his foot. The pain was excruciating. Remembering what we had been teaching about God’s desire to heal His children, he called out to God in prayer asking Him to remove the pain. Immediately the pain left. When he went to get treatment for his foot the doctor asked him what pain medication he was taking so he could give him another prescription for continued relief from the pain. He told the doctor that there was no pain. The doctor couldn’t understand it. Such a break should be very painful. From that point on he believed in God’s desire to heal His children.

 
Three Views of Healing in the Christian Church Today:

   1. Some believe the gift of healing does not apply today. It was a gift for
       the apostolic Era of the church only. Therefore doctors and medicine
       are God's ordained means to heal today.
   2. Other Christians teach that faith healing is very much applicable
       today. However, some Christians go so far as to teach that if one
       goes to a doctor or uses medicine he is denying faith in God's power
       to heal. They teach that one should only look to God for healing of any
       disease one faces in this life.
   3. The Seventh-day Adventist church has taken the middle road of these
       two extreme views. The Adventist church teaches that God has given
       the knowledge of medical science for our benefit and we should avail
       ourselves of this knowledge. Natural laws of health such as diet,
       exercise, etc. play an important role in maintaining health. The church
       also teaches that the gifts of faith healing are given to the Christian
       today as well.

Health is God’s Plan for His People   Up

The apostle John shared the desire he had, which would have been God’s desire also, for Gaius and all of God’s children.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2

Ellen White also wrote much about health. In the following statement she lists what have been called God’s eight natural remedies.

“Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power - these are the true remedies.” Ministry of Healing, p.127

Why has God given us these eight natural remedies? He wants us to experience good health. In the chapter entitled, “Laws of Blessing,” I presented the importance of following God’s health laws. In the chapters that follow we will study closely the last of these eight true remedies, “trust in divine power” in order to experience spiritual, physical and emotional healing.

 
My prayer is that every reader of this book will truly be a Berean Christian, mind open and receptive to what the Bible teaches on this wonderful subject of divine healing. I know from experience that a great blessing awaits you if you do so.
 

Concluding Thoughts 

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The goal of this book has been to present a balanced view on spiritual, emotional and physical deliverance. My impression is that most Christians tend to emphasize one aspect of deliverance to the neglect of other important aspects. Those who focus on “natural remedies” such as diet, exercise, rest, etc. often know little about “trust in divine power” (faith healing). While, on the other hand, those who emphasize “faith healing” tend to put little emphasis on the natural laws of health.

My personal conviction is that God wants us to understand and apply all the truths concerning how we are to achieve total deliverance from Satan’s influence in our life; spiritually, emotionally and physically. I am also deeply convinced that the last generation of Christians living when Jesus comes will have achieved this total deliverance.

Not an Accurate Example Today   Up

Therefore, what we see in the Christian world today concerning spiritual, emotional and physical deliverance is not an accurate example of what those believers living when Jesus comes will have experienced. In general, God’s children today are still struggling with sin, emotional oppressions and physical diseases. When we read God’s description of the seventh church era, Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22), which is a description of the church today, it would be expected that the Laodicean Christian would be experiencing little real deliverance. In fact, those who choose to stay in their Laodicean condition will deny God’s power to deliver until the very end of time (2Tim 3:3, 5). Today’s Laodicean Christian’s experience is no where near the victorious experience God’s last day remnant people will have obtained just prior to Christ’s second coming.

However, even today I have seen glimpses of the deliverance God’s last day believers will experience. I have seen amazing spiritual, emotional and physical deliverance. I have seen flashes of God’s glory; that glory which will fill the earth just before Jesus returns (Rev 18:1).

A Glorious, Victorious Future   Up

You see, that last generation of believers will vindicate their God before the entire universe (1Cor 4:9; Eph 3:10). In the midst of the greatest darkness upon this earth they will “perfectly” reflect the character of Christ and will have experienced, in the name of Jesus, complete deliverance over every “oppression” of the devil in their lives. They will be just like Jesus (1John 3:2).

I believe Ellen White supports this view in her many statements about deliverance. In the area of spiritual victory she states the following concerning the “character” of those ready to meet Jesus.

“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.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69

They will be continuously victorious over Satan’s temptations and will be reflecting Christ’s character perfectly.

“He who has not sufficient faith in Christ to believe that He can keep him from sinning, has not the faith that will give him an entrance into the kingdom of God.”— Manuscript 161, 1897.

Christ will be living fully in His remnant people through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (early rain). Their life will be a life of continual obedience to Him.

“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God, as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.” The Desire of Ages, p.668

Loving God and our fellow man are essential requirements in order to be ready for Christ’s Second Advent. God’s last generation of believers will love the Father with all their hearts and will love others as Christ loves. They will love “just like” Jesus loves. Ellen White wrote of this with the words:

“Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’ (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.” The Desire of Ages, p. 641

They will also have gained emotional victory over every emotional oppression of Satan.

“That which brings sickness of body and mind to nearly all is dissatisfied feelings and discontented repinings. They have not God, they have not the hope which reaches to that within the veil, which is as an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast. All who possess this hope will purify themselves even as He is pure. Such are free from restless longings, repinings, and discontent; they are not continually looking for evil and brooding over borrowed trouble.” Testimonies, Vol.1, p. 566

God’s last remnant people will not have dissatisfied feelings, discontented repinings, and restless longings. No; instead they will have peace with God and reflect the purity of Christ in their countenance and emotions.

Thirdly, those ready to meet Jesus will be victorious over every physical infirmity Satan has tried to bring upon them. Ellen White indicates this when one understands the logical conclusion of the following statements.

“Through faith in his all-powerful name—the only name given under Heaven whereby we may be saved—man could overcome appetite and passion, and through his obedience to the law of God, health would take the place of infirmities and corrupting diseases.” Review & Herald, March 4, 1875 par. 11

“It is a sin to be sick, for all sickness is the result of transgression.” Counsels on Health, p. 37

“God has pledged Himself to keep this human machinery in healthful action if the human agent will obey His laws and co-operate with God.” Medical Ministry, p.221

“Sin brings physical and spiritual disease and weakness. Christ has made it possible for us to free ourselves from this curse.” Ibid, p. 12

“The influence of the Spirit of God is the very best medicine that can be received by a sick man or woman. Heaven is all health, and the more deeply the heavenly influences are realized, the more sure will be the recovery of the believing invalid.” Ibid. p.12

God’s children, who are ready to meet Jesus, will most certainly be living under the “heavenly influences” of both the early rain baptism of the Holy Spirit and the latter rain outpouring of the Spirit. According to Ellen White, this powerful heavenly influence will bring recovery from debilitating disease.

Simply put, Ellen White tells us that those who obey God, which certainly describes those ready to meet Jesus, will experience health instead of infirmities and corrupting diseases. She states it is a sin to be sick. Those ready to meet Jesus will not be living in any known sin. Therefore, they will not be sick. Also, those ready to meet Jesus will be cooperating with God in every way. God will honor their obedience and pledges Himself to keep them in a healthful condition.

Also, prophecy indicates that those ready to meet Jesus will have gone through the “time of trouble.” They will have either been imprisoned or fleeing to isolated places to escape persecution. They will not be able to “buy or sell” (Rev 13:17). Under such conditions medical care, medications, kidney dialysis equipment, etc. will not be available to them. They will have learned to depend on God for their health, protection, sustenance, and victories over Satan’s attacks. They will know from experience what the scripture means when it says, “man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4 NIV). They are truly living by faith in God’s Word.

Remember, those ready to meet Jesus are the “first fruits” of the redeemed who will be raised from the dead (Rev 14:4). They still have a sinful nature and a body that is subject to death, both of which will be changed when Jesus returns (1Cor 15:51-53). However, they will have gotten complete victory over their sinful nature because they are allowing the “divine nature of God” to rule in their life (2Pet 1:4). And under the Spirit’s influence and power they have been delivered from emotional and physical infirmities. They will have achieved in the power of the Holy Spirit a level of victory that no other “generation” has experienced. They are a “type” of those who will be resurrected when Jesus comes. They are the “first fruits” of the redeemed.

Now is the Time   Up

I personally believe God’s prophetic time clock has struck the hour in which God is calling His remnant to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit and come out of their Laodicean condition. God is now calling us to experience the full and complete deliverance from all of Satan’s influences in our life (spiritual, emotional, physical), and reflect God’s glory fully. Those who heed this call of God will be able to stand “in the flesh” in the presence of a holy God in all His unshielded glory (Rev 6:17; 7:1-3).

Will you heed this call and glorify God in your spirit, soul and body (1Thes 5:21; 1Cor 10:31)? Are you willing to let the Lord refine and purify you? If you say “yes” to God’s call in your life, then when Jesus comes you will be among those of whom Jesus says; “This is my people,” and you will reply; “The LORD in my God.” (Zech 13:8-9)

About the Author
                           Up

At the time of the writing of this book, Dennis Smith is serving as pastor in the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dennis has served the church as an active layman, and in pastoral and departmental positions for over 35 years.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. After working in engineering for a short time, he felt the call to full time ministry. To fulfill that calling, Dennis attended Andrews University Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree. Dennis has also done studies in the area of public health from Loma Linda University.

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Introduction
Up

In the fall of 1999 the Lord began leading my wife, Patty, and me into the understanding and experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This book is the result of that experience, which began several years ago now and continues in our lives to this day.

 

Through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, we were led to a closer walk with Him, experiencing a return to that “first love” of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Personal changes began happening within us that only the Spirit of God could bring about. in my ministry, I began seeing a power as I had never seen before.

 

In the preparation of this material, I am indebted to LeRoy Froom’s book, The Coming of the Comforter, and Douglas Cooper’s book, Living in Our Finest Hour. These two books have been an inspiration and confirmation that there truly is available a much deeper experience in the Spirit than most Christians realize, it is an experience that goes beyond accepting Christ and water baptism. It is, in fact, an experience that does not always occur at water baptism. in addition, I consulted the book entitled The Complete Word Study Dictionary—New Testament by Spiros Zodhiates for many of the Greek word studies.

 

This booklet is not intended to be an exhaustive study on the subject of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, an experience also referred to as the “infilling” or “anointing” of the Spirit. My sincere desire is that every reader will be blessed as he/she comes to understand the Biblical teaching and to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that the spiritual teachings and principles in this book will bring victories in every area of life as never before experienced.

 

Paul expressed well the desire I have for everyone who reads this book: 

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19
 

Personal Experience

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In September of 1999 God began challenging my wife, Patty, and me through various means to look at the Biblical concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, also called the “anointing” and “infilling” of the Holy Spirit. After careful study and prayer, we decided to seek Him for this baptism. Since then we have experienced wonderful things in the Lord both personally and in our ministry. The experience can be best described as a return to our “first love.” Changes in life style began happening as the Spirit quietly worked in us. What we were (and are) experiencing should not be confused—as have some Christians—with the gift of tongues. In the baptism of the Holy Spirit that we experienced, tongues played no role.
 

The Concept   Up

 

The concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is that there are two works of the Spirit: one is to lead us to accept Christ and be bap­tized; the second is to fill us so we can truly live the Christian life and do the works of God. Jesus is our model or example in all things. He was “horn” of the Spirit, led by the Spirit from childhood into manhood, and baptized. Soon after this water baptism, He was baptized with the Holy Spirit which He had prayed for at the time of His water baptism. After the infilling of the Spirit, He was prepared to go forth with power to do battle with Satan as never before (the wilderness temptations). He was empowered to preach and teach the kingdom of God, carry on a ministry of healing, and cast out devils.

 

Jesus said all who believe would do even greater works than He. When the believer receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he/she is empowered to do the same works as Christ because the same Spirit that filled Christ has filled him. Before experiencing this Spirit infilling, God is with the believer because He called and led him to be baptized. However, he will not have the fullness of the Spirit’s power within him until he receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That is why Jesus told the disciples to wait for the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

 

Not every one was present at Pentecost. The book of Acts indicates that God continued to baptize the believer(s) with the Holy Spirit after the day of Pentecost. One way of doing this was by prayer and the laying on of hands (Acts 8:12-17; 19:1-6). This is the model I have followed. However, the laying on of hands is not always necessary. One can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit by earnestly committing his life to God, and by claiming in prayer His promise to give the Spirit in fullness.
 

Skepticism   Up

 

When the subject of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was first presented at the churches where I pastored, I found that members were at first somewhat skeptical. Many thought I wanted them to begin speaking in tongues. Some felt that I was saying that the Spirit had not been with them previously. They thought they already had the infilling of the Spirit. However, if they did not really understand or had never specifically claimed the promise for the baptism of the Spirit, chances were they had not experienced the infilling.

 

It took some time for my congregations to fully understand the concept; however, through much prayer and earnest Bible study, the Lord led both congregations to a correct understanding. I began preaching various aspects of the baptism of the Spirit on Sabbath mornings and at prayer meetings. I also went from home to home sharing my understanding of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. As I visited members, I offered to pray with them, laying hands on them to claim God’s promise to fill them with His Spirit.
 

Received by Faith   Up

 

Receiving the baptism of the Spirit is a matter of faith. The infilling of the Spirit comes from God, not from the one laying hands on the individual. The laying on of hands is simply a ceremonial act similar to ordaining a deacon or elder for his office. One mayor may not feel something at the time of the infilling; however, in all cases, the Spirit will make His presence known soon after the request is made in faith.

What happens when one receives?   Up

 

What happens when we ask God for the infilling of the Spirit? A few examples of the changes the infilling of the Spirit will bring to the life of the receiver are: a stronger desire to study God’s Word; more earnest prayers; and changes in lifestyles and activities.

 

I am convinced that the infilling of the Spirit is necessary for the believer to walk victoriously in Christ. I have come to the understanding that according to the Bible, one does not “know” Christ in the fullest, biblical sense without the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is illustrated in the parable of the 10 virgins as well as in other Scriptures where Christ speaks of not “knowing” someone. (I have covered this subject in greater detail in another chapter.) It appears that the water baptism is similar to the wedding service, while the Spirit baptism is symbolized by the consummation of the marriage when the bride “knows” her bridegroom. Satan will resist this work fiercely, for he is aware that the Spirit’s infilling will break his power in the believer’s life.

 

I am convinced that understanding and experiencing the infilling of the Holy Spirit is second in importance only to understanding and accepting Christ as our Savior. Nor is there any more important work for the believer than to seek the Spirit’s infilling and learn to walk victoriously in the Spirit.

 

Whether seeking this wonderful experience for oneself or seeking to lead others into this experience, one must move prayerfully. Satan will do all he can to cause confusion and prevent it. We must guard against outright rejection of the teaching, which will lead to rejection of the Spirit. We must also guard against fanaticism, holier than thou attitudes, pride, a feeling or belief we already have achieved it (which is Laodicea’s problem), or the attitude of feeling unworthy to receive it. I have found that many who believe they already have the infilling of the Spirit are willing to have special prayer to ask for even a greater infilling. Elisha saw no problem in requesting a greater portion of the Spirit than had his predecessor, as evidenced in 2 Kings 29.
 

 

An Observable Difference 

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As one reads the book Acts, one fact stands out. The church grew phenomenally and immediately alter the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit took charge of the work of God and thousands were converted to Jesus Christ. Such tremendous growth caused some problems. Chapter six of Acts informs us that some of the widows were being neglected in the “daily administration.” The Holy Spirit led the twelve disciples to call a meeting of believers. Seven deacons were to be chosen. Their qualifications were simple: “honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.”
 

Water baptism alone is not enough   Up

 

Such qualifications must have been observable in order to use them as guidelines. Hence, the qualification of being filled with the Holy Spirit must have been observable, as well. But one might argue, “Isn’t every believer filled with the Holy Spirit at baptism?” Apparently not, otherwise the qualification of Holy Spirit filling for the position of deacon would have been redundant. For example, if one were choosing men for a job and all men had blue eyes, it would be redundant to tell someone to select only men with blue eyes.

 

The experience of the Samaritan believers seems to verify the fact that not all baptized believers are filled with the Holy Spirit at their baptism. In Acts (Eight) we read that when Philip baptized a number of men and women, the disciples in Jerusalem heard about it and sent Peter and John to Samaria. Luke records what happened next:

“who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:15-17

In the selection of the seven deacons, men who were not known to be filled with the Holy Spirit were not selected. Hence, being filled with the Holy Spirit was something distinct and observable. What then was this observable difference? It seemed that these Spirit filled men had developed a reputation among the believers. The qualifica­tion of “honest” would appear to indicate that perhaps these men were living exemplary, victorious lives under the power of the Holy Spirit. Their being asked to “serve” might indicate that under the filling of the Holy Spirit, their lives were a great blessing to others. Their lives were perhaps more of a blessing than the believers who did not have the Spirit’s infilling.

Christians of the past agree   Up

Outstanding Christians throughout the ages have also understood this. Dwight L Moody wrote:

“God has got a good many children who have just barely got life, but no power for service The Holy Ghost coming upon them with power is distinct and separate from conversion. If the Scripture doesn’t teach (this statement) I am ready to correct it …. I believe we should accomplish more in one week than we should in years if we had only this fresh baptism

“A great many think because they have been filled once, they are going to be full for all time after; but O, my friends, we are leaky vessels, and have to be kept right tinder the fountain all the time in order to keep full Let us keep near Him.” They found the Secret, p.85-86

Seek Spirit baptism continually   Up

 

Paul seems to indicate that this infilling of the Holy Spirit is also something that the believer can lose. Paul instructs the Ephesians:

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Ephesians 6:18

The Greek verb form used for “filled” denotes a continuous action. Paul was instructing the believers to continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Everyday we must ask God to fill us with the Spirit, for it is a promise we must keep claiming in order to keep receiving. Perhaps God established this principle of receiving the Spirit so we would continue to be conscious of our dependence upon Him and the daily need to be filled anew.

A Spirit-filled church   Up

 

“Spirit filled” Christians make a church “Spirit-filled.” Let’s consider for a moment what a Spirit filled church is not. Chapter Three of Revelation describes God’s last day church. God uses the word “lukewarm” to describe her (Revelation 3:14-16). “Lukewarm” and “Spirit filled” are not compatible terms. A believer is either one or the other. Hence, the conclusion is clear. Holy Spirit infilling is what will change “lukewarm” believers into zealous, obedient followers of Jesus Christ. 

 

The parable of the ten virgins also supports this truth, as in Matthew 25:1-12. The wise virgins, who were ready to meet the bridegroom, had the extra oil. I believe this extra oil refers to the baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit. Commenting on this parable, Ellen White writes:

 

“The name ‘foolish’ virgins represents the character of those who have not the genuine heart-work wrought by the Spirit of God. The coming of Christ does not change the foolish virgins into wise. The state of the church represented by the foolish vir­gins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state.” Review & Herald, August 19, 1890

 

LeRoy Froom in his book The Coming of the Comforter, comments on the foolish virgins:

“The foolish think the wise are unduly worked up over this question of the oil.” (p.294)

Observing what happened in the early church in the book of Acts and comparing that church to the Christian church today I am forced to admit that I believe the Christian church is not presently Spirit-filled. I include the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this assessment. Does that mean God is not using the Adventist church to carry on His work? Not at all. It simply means there is so much more that God could accomplish through us if we were as Spirit-filled as He desires us to he.

 

I think statistics verify the spiritual state of the Christian church today. The majority of members and even pastors take little time for personal prayer and devotions. Most Christians will try to be present for their church’s worship service once a week but that’s about it. Prayer meeting, which some have said is the barometer of the spiri­tuality of the church, is either non-existent or sparsely attended. Do such facts describe a Spirit-filled church or Spirit-filled Christians? I think not.

 

It has been said, if the Holy Spirit were withdrawn today, the majority of the work of the church would continue as usual and most Christians wouldn’t even know it. As a Christian and pastor, I have to admit that one easily becomes so involved in the work of God that one begins doing his own planning and doing, giving little consideration as to whether the planning and doing are under the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I’m afraid that much of the activity in the church is the result of man’s plans and efforts, not those of the Spirit.
 

What are Spirit-filled Christians like?   Up

 

The Bible gives us a few descriptions of Spirit-filled Christians. Peter is a clear example of the before and after experience. Before Peter received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, he was weak, fearful and operated in his own strength. Just a few weeks before the Pentecost experience, he had denied his Lord three times; the final time was with cursing. After receiving the infilling of the Spirit, Peter was a very different man. A powerful change had taken place deep within him. In Acts Chapter Four, we read of the Jewish leaders threatening Peter and ordering him, “not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Once he was filled with the Spirit, instead of cowering under the pressure and being afraid, Peter and John answered, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we can­not but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

 

In Acts, Chapter Eighteen and Nineteen, we read of two men, Paul and Apollos. One was filled with the Spirit and one was not. When we read about Apollos, we get the impression that he was a very capable minister for Christ. He was eloquent and fervent; a powerful speaker. However, he taught Jesus and water baptism only. He did not understand nor experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In spite of this, he was confirmed by the brethren and was a powerful public apologist. The results of his efforts were twelve converts.

 

Paul’s appearance and public speaking was not as polished and appealing as Apollos. We are told that his speech was “contemptible” and his bodily appearance “weak” (2Cor. 10:10). On numerous occasions the brethren had shunned Paul. However, Paul understood, experienced and preached the baptism of the Holy Spirit along with other truths about Christ. The results of his ministry are described with the words, “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). 
 

The Spirit works in unpredictable ways   Up

 

Perhaps one reason we often hesitate to earnestly seek the fullness of the Spirit in our lives and church is that He often works in unpredictable ways. Things may seem out of control when He begins moving in and through the church. We like things to be predictable and somewhat under our plans and control. We get a little fearful when, according to our judgment, things seem to be moving too quickly.

 

The early church didn’t seem to mind this aspect of the Spirit’s working. They had no buildings or facilities, not much organization, and few leaders. Yet in Acts 2:41 we read of 3,000 joining the church and 5,000 in Acts 4:4. This was even before there were deacons.

I think if such things began happening today, many would become uneasy. I know from personal experience, for I have seen members and local church leaders react negatively when the Spirit was clearly moving. The problem was that the Spirit was not moving in a way they had expected. I have seen such reactions both in local church growth and in church school situations.

 

Spirit-filled Christians will stir up Satan’s anger. We see clear examples of his efforts to hinder the Spirit’s moving in the experience of the apostles after Pentecost and in Stephen’s experience.

Amazing Results   Up

 

Nevertheless, Spirit-filled ministry will have amazing results. What appears to man’s eyes as of little consequence will amount to much when it is done under Spirit-filled power. Much effort performed in the wisdom and strength of a man or woman who is not Spirit filled will amount to little in comparison.

 

Jim Cymbala relates the following story in his book Fresh Power, a book that wonderfully illustrates the power of Holy Spirit ministry. In 1921 a young couple named David and Svea Flood from Sweden went with their two-year-old son to serve as missionaries in Africa.

 

They and another Scandinavian family, the Ericksons, felt led of God to go beyond the main mission station and serve in a remote area. They went to the village of N’dolera, but were rejected by the chief who feared they would anger the local gods if he let them minister in his village. So they built a mud hut a half mile up the mountain.

 

They continued to pray for God to touch the hearts of the villagers in some way, but no apparent breakthrough came. The Ericksons decided to give up the effort and returned to the central mission station.

 

Twice a week a boy from the village was allowed to sell the Floods chickens and eggs. This one boy being their only contact to the villagers, Svea Flood decided to tell him about Jesus. God blessed her efforts, and the boy accepted Jesus as his Savior.

 

Svea became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter whom they named Aina. The delivery was exhausting, and Svea had been stricken with malaria. Her condition worsened, and she died seventeen days later. Her husband, David, became very discouraged. He dug a grave and buried his wife, then returned to the mission station and gave his new born daughter to the Ericksons with the words, “I’m going back to Sweden. I’ve lost my wife, and I obviously can’t take care of this baby. God has ruined my life.”

 

The Ericksons became very sick themselves and both died within eight months. The baby, Aina, was given to an American missionary family who changed her name to Aggie and brought her with them to the United States at age three. This family served the Lord in pastoral ministry in South Dakota. Aggie grew into young womanhood and attended a Bible college in Minneapolis where she met and married a young man named Dewey Hurst.

 

The young couple served the Lord in ministry and had two children, a son and daughter. Her husband, Dewey, became president of a Christian college in the Seattle area. The Scandinavian heritage of the area interested Aggie. Not knowing where it came from, Aggie received a Swedish religious magazine one day and was shocked to see a photo of a white cross marking a primitive grave which read, “SVEA FLOOD.” Aggie rushed to a faculty member who could read the magazine in Swedish.

 

The faculty member told Aggie that the article was about a missionary couple that had come to N’dolera years ago. The wife had given birth to a baby girl, but died soon afterward. The article told of the young African boy who had accepted Christ, who after the white missionaries had left the area, grew up and convinced the chief to allow him to build a school in the village. This young man shared the Christ he had learned about from Svea Flood with his students, and they all accepted Christ. The children then influenced their parents to become Christian, even the chief. The article then stated that one village had six hundred Christian believers.

 

A few years later God providentially led Aggie to an evangelism conference in London, England, where she met a man who reported to the conference of 110,000 baptized believers in the nation of Zaire. She couldn’t resist asking him if he ever heard of David and Svea Flood. 

 

To her amazement he replied, “Yes. It was Svea Flood who led me to Jesus Christ. I was the boy who brought food to your parents before you were born. In fact, to this day your mother’s grave and her memory are honored by all of us.” After a long, tearful embrace, he told her, “You must come to Africa to see because your mother is the most famous person in our history.”

 

As a footnote to this story, God gave Aggie the opportunity to meet her father, David Flood, who was still living in Sweden. He had remarried, had several grown children, but was in failing health. David had become very angry and bitter toward God. However, as a result of Aggie’s visit with him, he renewed his relationship with Christ and experienced peace with God. A couple months after Aggie’s visit he died.

 

God provided a way for Aggie to visit Africa and her mother’s grave and see the white cross that had caught her attention in the magazine article. Aggie knelt by her mother’s grave and with tears in her eyes, thanked God.

 

May we each be willing to yield totally 100 percent to God, withholding nothing. If we in sincere faith ask God for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, He will give us what we desire. Then our lives will be a great blessing to others, and the results of our service for the Lord will reach into eternity.

 

 

One Church’s Experience

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Since seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the fall of 1999 the Lord has led us into many and varied experiences. I have sought to share this important teaching with the churches I have pastored since then. The following is an experience the Lord gave us when we sought Him during a series of revival meetings in New Haven, CT. I will never forget what happened, and pray that God will continue to lead us into deep, meaningful experiences with Himself. 

 

As part of the New Haven, CT, church’s plans for 2002, we scheduled two coinciding events. One event was a 10-day prayer fast. The second was a six night series of revival meetings. The prayer fast and revival meetings both began Sunday, February 17. The revival meetings were to end Friday, February 22, and the prayer fast end Tuesday, February 26. 

 

The concept of the 10-day prayer fast was to follow the pattern in Acts chapter one when the disciples prayed for ten days before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The goal was to shut out outside media distractions: TV radio, secular magazines, computer surfing and games, etc. and seek God as much as possible during this time. During the 10 day prayer fast the members were encouraged to pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and revival in their personal lives (2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 85:6) and in the church. They were also to ask God to pour out His Spirit (Zechariah 10:1). 

 

The revival meetings began the same night the prayer fast began. The focus was the same: seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, revival and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I had never conducted revival meetings before. So I wasn’t sure what to present or what would happen. 

The results of this effort of earnestly seeking God and asking Him to revive us far exceeded my expectations as pastor, and the expectations of those attending. During the first six days of the revival meetings we experienced the presence of God as I have never experienced Him before. It is difficult to describe in words. One would have to be there to understand. His presence and blessing seemed to grow from meeting to meeting. The moving of the Spirit in personal lives, the joy, the fellowship was wonderful. One lady described it as “falling in love with Jesus again.” Night after night I would hear individuals making comments about the renewed experience they were having with God.

God led in the format of the meeting since I didn’t know exactly what He wanted. We participated in praise singing from contemporary praise songs and hymn singing from the hymnal. Those attending participated in two sessions of prayer. The attendees were instructed to pray “unitedly” (Acts 1:14) (not for every need that came to mind). Rather all were to pray for revival, the personal baptism of the Holy Spirit, the outpouring of God’s Spirit and the special prayer focus I had presented from God’s Word for that night. This united focus in prayer proved to be a great blessing. I believe it played a major role in what we experienced. We came to understand more clearly what Christ meant when He stated: “... if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 18:19). 

The Lord led in a very direct way concerning the subjects to be presented each night. My personality is to have everything planned well in advance. Normally I would have had my sermons outlined and prepared well before the first night of the revival meetings. The Lord didn’t allow that this time. I was unable to determine what to give beyond each upcoming meeting. Then each night following the meeting as I began praying about what the Lord wanted presented the next night the subject would clarify in my mind. By the next meeting the message for that night was complete. This happened every night except for Friday night. On Friday the Lord gave me the message for both Friday and Saturday night, which I very much appreciated, knowing how busy I would be all day Sabbath with little or no time to prepare for the Saturday night meeting. 

The general outline and order of the subjects the Lord led us to study is given below. 

1.   Laodicean Warning — Laodicea was known for its therapeutic hydrotherapy, which implements hot and cold treatments. The Laodicean church is neither "hot” nor “cold". Hence, she is of no therapeutic value to God in her present condition. Therefore revival is urgently needed. The prayer focus was the three requests we made to God every night: the baptism of the Holy Spirit, revival and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. There was no additional prayer focus the first night. 

2.   Our part in seeking revival — (2 Chron. 7:14). Prayer and complete surrender to God is necessary if we are to experience revival. The additional prayer focus was to ask God to make us willing to submit 100% to Him. 

3.   In revival new life is found only in Jesus. Revival is not seeking some feeling, emotion, or ecstatic experience. Rather revival is seeking Jesus and letting Him into our lives more fully, (Rev. 3:20). The additional prayer focus was to ask God to remove anything blocking the door - letting Jesus in. 

4.   In revival we exchange our life for Jesus living in us. We are to become just like Jesus. The additional prayer focus was to give our life to Jesus in exchange for Jesus living in us. 

S.  The subject was the passion for souls. We looked at the passion Jesus and the early church had for souls. The additional prayer focus was to ask God to give us the passion for souls Jesus had. 

6.   Deliverance was the subject for this night. We studied how Jesus has made it possible for us to be victorious over all known sin. The additional prayer focus was seeking God for complete deliverance. 

7.   It is essential we learn how to walk in the Spirit. We discuss how we keep walking in the Spirit every day. The additional prayer focus was to ask God to subdue every sinful and wrong desire in us. 

8.   It is important we understand the power and authority we have in Jesus. We discussed the power and authority Jesus has given the believer over Satan. The additional prayer focus was to ask God to give us understanding of our power and authority over Satan. 

9.   We discussed what the fruit of the Spirit are and how Jesus living in us will manifest the fruit of the Spirit in us. The additional prayer focus was to ask God to manifest the fruit of the Spirit in us. 

10. The gifts of the Spirit were the study for the last night. The additional prayer focus was to ask God to manifest the gifts of the Spirit He has chosen for us and to give us the courage to begin ministering in those gifts. 

When I do another revival meeting the Lord may have a different order of subjects. The lesson the Lord had for me was the importance of earnestly seeking Him to direct in the entire program including the subjects and their sequence. 

Several things happened that I have never experienced before. First, was the sweet presence of the Spirit every night. Second, were the obvious changes that were taking place in the hearts of all who were present; a quiet moving of the Spirit. 

The revival meetings were originally planned to continue Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. As we approached Friday night members started coming to me asking if we could extend the meetings for the remaining 10 days of the prayer fast. They were experiencing God’s presence in their lives in such a dramatic way that they didn’t want it to end that Friday. So we decided to continue through the following Wednesday, which was one day past the 10 day prayer fast time period. Here too was something I had never experienced before — members asking for more nightly meetings. 

The blessings of God were so pronounced that we decided to have a testimony service for the Sabbath worship service, February 23. Several shared the experiences they were having in the Lord. We invited the church to come to the meeting that night. We had been having around 40 in attendance through the week, which was very large compared to the usual number that attend prayer meeting. I didn’t know what would happen that Saturday night. Especially since the worship service had continued much longer than usual and many who had been attending the revival meetings went out wit­nessing that afternoon in the community around the church. Hence, many had already spent all morning and afternoon at the church. To my astonishment, around 60 members came to that Saturday night revival meeting. I thought that had to be the power of God to get us Adventists out to a prayer meeting on Saturday night after such a busy Sabbath. One thing this exceptional turn out told me was that our people very much desire more than they have in their present relationship with God. We feel the need, but haven’t known how to get it met. 

The prayer fast continued through the following Tuesday and the revival meetings continued through Wednesday. The blessings of God didn’t stop. Each night brought more depth and breadth to what we were experiencing from God. The last meeting of the eleven night revival series ended Wednesday, February 27. I once more wondered how many would attend since this was the eleventh consecutive night of meetings. Again I was amazed. We had the largest attendance of all except for the Saturday night meeting. The sense of God’s presence and the joy we all felt are indescribable. We plan to continue the revival meetings every Wednesday night. 

I don’t know what God plans for the weeks ahead. One thing I do know, I will never forget what God did in New Haven and how He revealed Himself during this special time. I ask myself; “WilI we loose the experience we have had?” It all depends on us. If we continue to personally, earnestly seek God and avail ourselves of the future times of fellowship such as our Wednesday revival meeting, we will not loose it. Some have suggested continuing a weekly meeting in their homes also. 

One side note: a man from Africa of Islamic faith, who had been attending our church for several weeks and was taking Bible studies, attended the revival meetings. The ninth night of the meetings he gave a testimony that he had given his life to Jesus Christ. A thrill of godly joy surged through everyone present. 

I personally feel the baptism of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives is essential to achieving the relationship we desire with God. Seeking the Spirit’s infilling was a major focus during those eleven days. Ellen White strongly encourages us to daily seek this experience. God heard our request during those eleven days and His answer far exceeded our expectation. We should not have been surprised. He always blesses abundantly. Paul knew this when he wrote: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
 

About the Author
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At the time of the writing of this book, Dennis Smith is serving as pastor in the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dennis has served the church as an active layman, and in pastoral and departmental positions for over 35 years.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. After working in engineering for a short time, he felt the call to full time ministry. To fulfill that calling, Dennis attended Andrews University Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree. Dennis has also done studies in the area of public health from Loma Linda University.

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Those who are ready to receive the latter rain of the spirit, make it through the time of trouble and are ready to meet Jesus will definitely be a people of the Word of God.  The Bible will have played a major role in enlightening them concerning God’s will.  They also will have learned the truth that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). 

 

A Lesson of Faith

 

I had the opportunity to practice this when I went to Indonesia to conduct seminars on the Holy Spirit.  Indonesia has a large Muslim population.  Being an American and a Christian are not the most popular characteristics for a person to have there.  Satan tired to make me fearful.  However, I choose to depend 100% on God’s Word.  Such promises as those found in Psalm 34:7 and Isaiah 54:14, 17-18 were very comforting to me.  I do know that we may be called to become a martyr for Christ.  Yet, God put these promises on my heart and they gave me peace and security in Him.

 

Also, in many countries the sanitation and disease potential is greater than in the United States.  Satan tried to make me fearful that I would become sick.  However, again I choose to trust God’s promises that I would be protected from Satan’s attacks in the area of health.  I was doing all I could to practice God’s health laws.  So I looked to God and His Word for protection.  Such promises as the following gave me courage and faith that I would not get sick.

 

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; …and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:17-18 

 

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 

 

I choose to make these promises personal and believe them completely.  I traveled to several places in the country, ate at restaurants in cities and in the rural areas and never got sick.  I learned what it means to live by the words that proceed from the mouth of God.  That is the lesson God will continue to teach all who will allow Him to prepare them for the latter rain and Christ’s coming.  There will come a time when all that God’s people will have is their faith in God’s Word.  All earthly support will be withdrawn.  Their money will be worthless.  All they will have is God to look to for their daily needs. 

 

One of our ministers in Indonesia told me of an evangelist from the West who was afraid to eat the food the people provided.  He brought his own food and water.  This didn’t go over very well with our Indonesian people.  Besides that, he ended up getting sick anyway.  I did not what this to be my experience when seeking to minister to God’s people.

 

Faith, Not Fear

 

We must never become fearful of what Satan might do to us.  Job said,

 

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” Job 3:25  NIV

 

When we fear we show doubt in God’s Word.  Fear is the opposite of faith and gives Satan a right of passage into our life in the very area we fear.  Instead of fear, we must put our complete trust in God’s Word.  Remember, “faith is not believing God can.  Faith is knowing God will.”  We must have the confidence expressed by John:

 

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing 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.” 1John 5:14-15

 

This is the kind of faith and confidence in God’s Word those will have who are ready to receive the latter rain and make it through the final crisis.

 

Meditate on the Word

 

In order for us to have this kind of faith we must become very familiar with God’s Word.  It must become our meditation day and night (Joshua 1:8).  Then our ways will be prosperous and victorious.  We will be like a “tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season (Psalm 1:2-3). 

 

God’s Word is to play a major role in our victories over temptation and sin.  It does more than simply informs us concerning what is sin (Romans 7:7).  It is by faith in the promise of the Bible that we obtain victory and become like Christ (2Peter 1:4). 

 

Paul calls the Word of God the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).  The Greek word translated “word” in this verse is “rhema”, which means spoken Word.  Therefore, the Word of God spoken in faith will bring the changes in our life that are necessary for us to become like Jesus in character and ministry.  Jesus spoke of this when He said;

 

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Mark 11:23

 

Notice that Jesus strongly emphasized the importance of “saying” what we believe will happen.  When we speak the will of God as revealed in His Word and believe what we say, it will come to pass in our life.  Speaking the Word of God in faith is a very powerful weapon.

 

Ellen White wrote of the power of God’s Word.

 

“The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and re-creates the soul in the image of God.

 

“The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. ‘By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4)…”  Education, p.126

 

“The father of lies quakes and trembles when the truth of God, in burning power, is thrown in his face.” Vol.5, Testimonies, p.426

 

There is no shortage of power to transform us into the image of Christ.  Faith in God’s promises bring the Holy Spirit’s power into our life.  When we learn how to exercise the weapons of our warfare, we will then be able to pull down every stronghold Satan has in our life, whether spiritual, emotional or physical (2Corinthians 10:4-5).  For a more detailed description of how we are to obtain the victory over Satan in our life through God’s Word and the abiding presence of Christ I recommend my books, Spirit Baptism & Abiding in Christ and Spirit Baptism & Deliverance.

 

Avoiding Deception

 

Just before Jesus comes Satan’s deceptions will be very effective in leading multitudes away from God and cause them to be lost when Jesus comes.  The deceptions will be so powerful that “if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).

 

Understanding and accepting the Word of God is essential in order to avoid the deceptions of the last days and being ready for the latter rain.  Paul warns us:

 

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  2Thessalonians 2:10-12

 

We are in serious danger if we choose to reject the teachings of God’s Word.  Through God’s Spirit living in them, those who receive the latter rain and are ready to meet Jesus will have a love for God’s Word.  It will be their meditation day and night.  It will be their guide in every aspect of life.  They will agree with the Psalmist when he wrote that the commandments of God’s Word are “more to be desired than gold and sweeter than the honey comb” (Psalm 19:10). 

 

Only those who have diligently studied God’s Word and by His grace ordered their lives after its instruction will be shielded from Satan’s last great deceptions just before and during the time of trouble.  Only they will make it victoriously through the last great crisis and be ready for Christ’s coming.  Ellen White writes concerning this with the words:

 

“Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures, and who have received the love of the truth, will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all, the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation, the genuine Christian will be revealed. Are the people of God now so firmly established upon his Word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the Bible, and the Bible only?” The Great Controversy, p. 625

 

This is why Satan does everything he can to keep God’s people from digging deep into God’s Word.  He knows if he can cause them to neglect personal Bible study and prayer they will not be ready to receive the latter rain that is necessary to make it through the final crisis.  They will ultimately yield to his temptations.  Ellen White warned us of this.

 

“Satan will, if possible, prevent them [God’s people] from obtaining a preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life, and the day of trial may come upon them as a thief.”  The Great Controversy, p. 625

 

This goes right along with Jesus’ warning recorded in the gospel of Luke.

 

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36

 

It is clear from God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy that those ready to receive the latter rain of the Spirit and meet Jesus will be a people of the Word of God.  They will have learned the lessons of putting their complete faith in God’s Word and will look to God’s fulfillment of His Word for their daily provisions.  They will be just like Jesus Who applied the Word of God to every aspect of His life and met every temptation with a “thus says the Lord” (Matthew 4).

 

This is the reason the Lord allows His children to go through difficult times now.  Such times give them opportunity to trust His promises.  Just like Peter walking on the water.  He left the boat at Jesus word.  He was actually walking on Christ’s word.  It was not a presumptuous act.  However, when he began looking at the danger of the situation; the huge life threatening waves, his faith wavered.  He lost sight of Christ and began to sink.  We must learn the lesson to “walk on Christ’s word” in all situations.  Such lessons of faith are necessary for God’s people to learn if they are to be ready for the latter rain and victoriously make it through the final crisis of earth’s history.

 

 

 

Chapter 1
Ellen White and the 1888 Message
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Ellen White understood that Christ’s imputed righteousness (justification) and His imparted righteousness (sanctification) was absolutely essential for the believer to understand and experience.

 

“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.”  My Life Today, p. 311

 

“On Christ's coronation day He will not acknowledge as His any who bear spot or wrinkle or any such thing. But to His faithful ones He will give crowns of immortal glory. Those who would not that He should reign over them will see Him surrounded by the army of the redeemed, each of whom bears the sign, The Lord Our Righteousness.”  Maranatha, p. 39

 

It is only as God’s people are “clad in Christ’s righteousness” that they will be empowered to be victorious against Satan and his host.   Only those who are without “spot or wrinkle;” without sin, will receive “crowns of immortal glory.”  How have they become without “spot or wrinkle?”  The righteousness of Christ shines forth in and through them.  They know by experience what it means to declare, “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

 

Christ’s Righteousness   Up

 

“The Lord Our Righteousness” is the very message God brought to our denomination through Jones and Waggoner in 1888 and the years that followed.  Following 1888 Ellen White herself wrote much about the importance of Christ’s righteousness. 

 

Christ’s righteousness encompasses two important experiences in the believer’s life.  The first is called justification righteousness, which is imputed to the repentant sinner’s life.  Ellen White wrote:

 

“By faith he [the repentant sinner] can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of his Son to the sinner's account. Christ's righteousness is accepted in place of man's failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as he loves his Son. This is how faith is accounted righteousness;” The Review and Herald, Nov. 4, 1890

 

Writing about Christ’s righteousness becoming manifested in the believer’s life Ellen White stated:

 

“The sanctification of the soul by the operation of the Holy Spirit is the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity. It is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ revealed in character, and the grace of Christ brought into active exercise in good works. Thus the character is transformed more and more perfectly after the image of Christ in righteousness and true holiness.” Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 198 (1894)

 

 

The Significance of the 1888 Message   Up

 

She also declared that the message of righteousness by faith is the message to be proclaimed with a “loud voice” (loud cry) as the latter rain of the Spirit is poured out.  As this amazing message of Christ and His righteousness began to be proclaimed Ellen White believed the loud cry of the third angel had begun.  Of this she wrote:

 

“The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth.” Review and Herald, Nov. 22, 1892

 

 

Chapter 5

Righteousness by Faith Alone

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The great controversy has always been over Christ.  We read in the book of Revelation about when the controversy first began in heaven (Revelation 12:7-10).  Satan hates Christ and has always tried to replace Him (Isaiah 14:12-14).

 

The same controversy takes place in the lives of men and women today.  Satan desires to reign on the throne of the heart.  He wants mankind to follow his ways, not Christ’s ways.  In the area of Christian living he wants to replace Christ’s righteousness with man’s efforts.  He wants them to look to their own efforts for righteousness rather than Christ and His righteousness.  He wants them to look to themselves for obedience rather than to Christ manifesting His obedience in and through them. 

 

No Righteousness Separate from Faith   Up

 

Any righteousness that we seek to obtain by our own efforts is actually unrighteousness since it is impossible to attain to any righteousness apart from faith in Christ’s righteousness.  There is no righteousness separate from faith.  That is why Paul wrote:

 

“…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”  Romans 14:23

 

Concerning this truth E.J. Waggoner wrote:

 

“Without faith not an act can be performed that will meet the approval of God.  Without faith the best deeds that a man can do will come infinitely short of the perfect righteousness of God, which is the only standard.  Where ever real faith is found it is a good thing; but the best of faith in God to take away the load of the sins of the past will profit a person nothing unless it is carried right through in ever-increasing measure until the close of his probation.” ibid

 

Waggoner continues:

 

“We have heard many people tell how hard they found it to do right; their Christian life was most unsatisfactory to them, being marked only by failure, and they were tempted to give up in discouragement.  No wonder they get discouraged: continual failure is enough to discourage anybody.  The bravest soldier in the world would become faint-hearted if he had been defeated in every battle.  Sometimes these persons will mournfully tell that they have lost confidence in themselves.  Poor soul, if they would only lose confidence in themselves entirely, and would put their whole trust in the one who is mighty to save, they would have a different story to tell.  They would then ‘joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’  Says the apostle, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.’ Phil. 4:4.  The man who doesn’t rejoice in God, even though tempted and afflicted, is not fighting the good fight of faith.  He is fighting the poor fight of self-confidence and defeat.” Ibid, p.3

 

 

Chapter 9

The 1888 Message and the Last Generation

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Seventh-day Adventists have always had what might be called a “last generation theology.”  This theology teaches that the last generation of Christians that are living when Jesus comes will have to have developed a relationship with Christ as no other generation before them.  This will be necessary because they will have to be faithful to God through the time of trouble (Revelation 13:12, 15), live in the presence of God without a mediator (Daniel 12:1), and stand in the presence of Christ in all His glory at His return and not be consumed while all other inhabitants of earth will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming (2Thessalonians 2:8).

 

It is only those who understand and experience the 1888 message of righteousness by faith that will be able to endure these final events successfully.

 

Jones’ and Waggoner’s Understanding   Up

 

Jones and Waggoner understood this.  In the following statement A.T. Jones quotes Revelation 10:7, which states that when the seventh angel begins to sound the “mystery of God” will be finished.  Then he writes:

 

“’But what is the mystery of God? ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’  ‘God…manifest in the flesh.’  Then in these days that mystery is to be finished in one hundred and forth-four thousand people.  God’s work in human flesh.  God being manifested in human flesh, in you and me, is to be finished.  His work upon you and me is to be finished.  We are to be perfected in Jesus Christ.  By the Spirit we are to come unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Lessons on Faith, p. 150

 

About the Author
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At the time of the writing of this book, Dennis Smith is serving as pastor in the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dennis has served the church as an active layman, and in pastoral and departmental positions for over 35 years.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. After working in engineering for a short time, he felt the call to full time ministry. To fulfill that calling, Dennis attended Andrews University Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree. Dennis has also done studies in the area of public health from Loma Linda University.

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Introduction
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Waiting is not an activity that we in the western world like to do.  Gas lines, waiting at the check-out stand in the grocery store, and even waiting for our computer to boot can be frustrating moments for us.  We simply don’t like to wait.  What we want, we want now.

 

I suppose that many of us, even as Christians, have a difficult time waiting on God to do something we want Him to do.  Again, we don’t like waiting in prayer or waiting for God to change our difficult situation.  Yet, the Bible makes it very clear that waiting on God is an essential part of the believer’s experience.  Jeremiah, known as the “weeping” prophet because of the difficulties he faced in giving a very unpopular message from God to his people at a time of national crisis knew from experience the importance and necessity of waiting on God.  Concerning the blessing of waiting on God he wrote:

“The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26

Several Hebrew and Greek words are translated “wait” in the Bible.  In the above verse the two Hebrew words are qawah in verse 25 and dumam in verse 26.  The Hebrew word qawah means “to wait for, look for, hope for” and dumam means “to patiently, quietly wait in silence.”  Using the original Hebrew words, I would paraphrase these two verses in the following way: 

“The Lord will create joyfulness, pleasantness, and fruitfulness in those who wait upon Him with confident, enduring trust.  He will grant these things to the one who inquires of Him and asks Him” (Lamentations 3:25).

 

“It is morally right that a man should have the hopeful expectation that God will answer his request, and then quietly wait for God’s assistance and deliverance in the matter” (Lamentations 3:26).

Every book I have written focuses on some aspect of the experience of those who will be ready for Christ’s second coming.  This book is no different.  Those ready to meet Jesus will know from experience the blessedness of waiting on their God for everything.  They will have gone through the greatest crisis any generation of believers will have endured.  They will have had to learn the lessons of waiting on God in order to make it through this difficult time called the tribulation or time of trouble.

 

Waiting on God refers to the times of need when the Christian looks to God in confident, quiet, expectant, hopeful, peaceful trust.  Such waiting can only develop in each Christian’s life through experience.  In this book we will look at the kind of experiences God will bring into our lives in order to teach us the lessons of waiting on Him. 

 

Waiting on God involves much more than waiting for God to deliver in a crisis.  It also includes waiting for everyday guidance from God in the affairs of life, and waiting for guidance in service for Him, a moment-by-moment waiting attitude of prayer, waiting for the full manifestation of Christ in our lives.  In short, the biblical concept of waiting on God encompasses every aspect of the Christian’s life.

 

In this book I share many personal experiences of waiting on God.  I always feel somewhat self conscious when I share things about myself.  However, my purpose is to give God the glory.  When Jesus delivered the demoniac as recorded in Mark chapter five, the delivered man wanted to stay with Jesus.  Jesus said to him, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19).  The personal stories I share in this book are just that—telling the wonderful things the Lord has done for me, and sharing the compassion He has shown me.  I share the teachings of this book from experience, and tell you that without doubt, we serve a loving heavenly Father, who will be true to His word and bless those who wait on Him.

 

The parable of the ten virgins is a story about waiting on God.  It clearly indicates there will be a waiting time for all who are ready to meet Jesus (Matthew 25).  However, the five foolish virgins who waited for that event will not be ready.  Their waiting was not the waiting to which the Bible refers.  Biblical waiting leads us to intimately “know” our Lord.  The foolish virgins did not have that kind of intimate knowing (Matthew 25:12).

The reason for this lack in the foolish virgins experience is that they did not have the extra oil, which refers to daily experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit that is necessary to fully developing the character of Christ within ourselves.  Therefore, I will begin our study of waiting on God by focusing on what the Bible teaches on the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Waiting on God
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A most important lesson in the Christian life is to learn to wait on God.  In this book “waiting on God” means resting in entire dependence on Him for everything.

 

Nature Waits on God   Up

 

We can learn the importance of waiting on God by observing nature.  All of nature by instinct waits on God.  God provides for the animals, and they must wait on Him to provide.

“These [animals] wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.  That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good” (Psalm 104:27-28).

It was God’s work to create, and it is God’s work to maintain His creation.  The Bible tells us that God is “upholding all things by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3).  God constantly maintains and provides for His creation.  That is how He established all things, and that is how He wants us to view Him—as our maintainer and provider.  This is how intimately God desires to be connected to His creation—to you and me.

 

Moreover, Jesus used nature as an illustration of our need to wait for God to provide and not to worry about our needs being met: 

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment?  Behold the fouls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they?  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?  And why take ye thought for raiment?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:25-34). 

Notice what we are to do:  We are to seek an intimate relationship with God first by seeking His kingdom and righteousness, after which we have no need to worry about anything because He has promised to provide whatever is needed.  We are to live one day at a time and “take no thought” or worry about tomorrow because God will provide for us today and tomorrow also.  We are to “wait on God” resting in entire dependence on Him. 

 

How We Get to Know God
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{Author’s note:  The next four chapters will present biblical truths as to why God allows trials and difficulties to come into the Christian’s life, and why we must learn to wait on God at such times.  This study begins by focusing on the role trials play in developing our relationship with God.}

 

Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3)

 

Our salvation is not a matter of what we know, but who we know.  We, as Seventh-day Adventists, are in danger of depending on “what” we know in order to be ready for Christ’s second coming.  We feel secure because we know about the Sabbath, tithe paying, health reform, death, the mark of the beast, the manner of Christ’s return, etc.  Remember, it was tithe-paying, Sabbath-keeping, health reformers who crucified Jesus.  What we know is important.  However, without knowing Jesus, we will be deceived in the end and lost.

 

The Greek word translated “know” refers to intimate knowing—not simply an intellectual knowing.  So I ask the question, “Is God really real to you, or is He just an intellectual concept?” 

 

What Knowing is Not   Up

 

This personal illustration will clarify this point.  When I was six months old, I was adopted by the Smith’s.  However, they never told me I was adopted while I was growing up.  I was 23 years old when I found out I was adopted and during the following years I learned more facts about my history.  Subsequently, I have met my birth mother several times and my birth father once.  I also have brothers and sisters I have met since then.  I know the facts about my past, but in reality they are just facts.  The adoption is not actually real in my mind.  I have head knowledge of the adoption, but it is not felt in my heart.  I know, and have met, all my birth family.  Yet, they are more like casual acquaintances rather than intimate family.  On the other hand, the Smith’s are not casual acquaintances because I intimately know them.

 

God can be like that to us.  We can know things about God, but not really know Him.  A head knowledge of God is not real heart knowing—intimate knowing.  His desire is that we know Him intimately.

 

We don’t get to know God in this manner through doctrines or teachings about Him.  Israel had the Old Testament Scriptures and the sanctuary service.  Yet they didn’t know their own God when He came in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 8:58).  Of their lack of knowing Him, Jesus said: 

“Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have eternal life” (John 5:39-40). 

We can know God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (all present) without knowing Him.    We can know things God has done such as create this world and the other Bible stories of God’s actions in the affairs of men and still not know Him.  Such knowledge “about” God is not “knowing” God.  We can be very active in serving God in ministry and even do marvelous things in the name of Jesus and not know Him: 

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name have done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23). 

An active, apparent successful ministry in the name of Jesus is not evidence we actually know Him. 

 

The foolish virgins were also caught up in a self deception.  They believed in Jesus and that He was coming soon.  They enjoyed fellowshipping with God’s people.  They believed the doctrines and lived the lifestyle.  Yet Jesus told them, “I don’t know you.” (Matthew 25:11-12).  Ellen White described them as follows: 

“The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites.  They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working….the class represented by the foolish virgins have been content with a superficial work.  They do not know God….Their service degenerates into a form” (Christ Object Lessons, p. 411, emphasis added).

 

“The name ‘foolish virgins’ represents the character of those who have not the genuine heart-work wrought by the Spirit of God.  The coming of Christ does not change the foolish virgins into wise ones. . . .  The state of the church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state” (Review and Herald, Aug. 19, 1890, emphasis added). 

Note that the foolish virgins do not know God because they have not yielded their lives to the working of the Holy Spirit, which would have led them to know God intimately and become like Jesus in character.  This is why the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for every believer who wants to intimately know God and be ready for Christ’s return.

 

About the Author
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At the time of the writing of this book, Dennis Smith is serving as pastor in the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dennis has served the church as an active layman, and in pastoral and departmental positions for over 35 years.

Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. After working in engineering for a short time, he felt the call to full time ministry. To fulfill that calling, Dennis attended Andrews University Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree. Dennis has also done studies in the area of public health from Loma Linda University.

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Are you interested in reading the whole book on
Spirit Baptism & Waiting on God 

 

The cost for: Spirit Baptism & Waiting on God is US$ 8.99 + shipping


 

The Author can be contacted through E-mail at:
smith06515@msn.com

 

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