The Latter Rain Mindset. Part [3] 02/18/2025 (Morning thought)

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

[Last Day Events pp 211.212] Thousands Converted in a Day. There will be thousands converted to the truth in a day who at the eleventh hour see and acknowledge the truth and the movements of the Spirit of God. These conversions to truth will be made with a rapidity that will surprise the church, and God's name alone will be glorified. The time is coming when there will be as many converted in a day as there were on the Day of Pentecost, after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit.

So, how should we reconcile the two phrases given above? Here they are again, side by side: Thorough Preparation for Baptism. Thousands Converted in a Day.  While it is true that persons are to be thoroughly instructed before baptism, wherever possible, the fact is that most individuals do not retain all of the teachings given up front, let alone all of the twenty- seven fundamental doctrines of the church. In fact, very many Seventh Day Adventists may not be able to rattle off all 27 doctrines if asked to.

And therefore, the latter rain mindset will seek to make as simple and straightforward as possible that which will enable persons to make informed decisions for present truth. In other words, where time permits, extensive Bible studies can, and should be given, so as to make the candidates for baptism informed of what is involved in being baptized. But under the latter rain the Bible studies will become much shorter and condensed so as to feature those specific points of truth especially controverted by the beast.

Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

The Latter Rain Mindset. Part [2] 02/18/2025 (Evening thought)

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Back then, in the days of yore, when one asked the all-important question: What must I do to be saved, the answers given by the early Christians were not complicated or long-winded. They were direct, plain and simple so that everyone could understand. The Lord would have us understand that long Bible studies, spanning several months, or years, are not necessarily essential to an individual being baptized.

They could be productive of great good wherever it is possible, and wherever time can afford, but they are not absolutely necessary for an individual to be baptized. Therefore, the following two excerpts coming from the pen of inspiration must be reconciled once and for all, for they are to understood in their contexts.

[Evangelism pp 308] Thorough Preparation for Baptism. There is need of a more thorough preparation on the part of candidates for baptism. They are in need of more faithful instruction than has usually been given them. The principles of the Christian life should be made plain to those who have newly come to the truth.  The preparation for baptism is a matter that needs to be carefully considered. The new converts to the truth should be faithfully instructed in the plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The Word of the Lord is to be read and explained to them point by point.

John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!