WHAT IS THE FORECAST? INCREASING SHOWERS

WHAT IS THE FORECAST? INCREASING SHOWERS

Joel 2:28-29 ¶“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

The first sermon the Bible records of one of the disciples of Jesus is found in Acts 2. It is the famous sermon Peter preached on the street in Jerusalem answering the questions about the strange phenomenon people were witnessing on the day of Pentecost. Extreme joy, shouting, drunken behavior, and speaking in various unusual dialects was filling the temple courts in Jerusalem. Peter’s message was prophetic and powerful. Peter said that all of that strange behavior was a result of the prophesies of Joel being fulfilled. “This is that” Peter explained. Actually, this outpouring had been pointed to by all the prophets. Here is a quote from Ezekiel predicting these coming spiritual showers. “And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.” This was one of the major themes of the Old Testament prophets, there was coming a time when all mankind will have the possibility of receiving the power of the Spirit. Here is some comments from the Fire Bible on Joel’s famous prophetic word.

“Joel tells of a day when God will generously send his Spirit to empower and work through “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD”. As a result, prophetic gifts and experiences will be common among all people who serve God, no matter their age, sex or position in society. Peter quoted this passage on the day of Pentecost, explaining that the outpouring of the Spirit on that day was the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. The Spirit’s life-transforming work also would reach beyond the Jews so that “all” and “everyone” would include “all who are far off”, referring to the Gentiles (i.e., people of all races, backgrounds and nations who are not Israelite or Jewish). This prophecy is an ongoing promise to all who accept Christ as Lord—the Leader and authority in their lives—because all Christ’s followers can and should be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

What great news, the power of the Spirit is available to all of us. Actually, all Christians should receive this mighty Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I know many Christians have not experienced the power of the Spirit in the way I am describing today, but they can. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not only available but necessary in this dangerous world we live in. The moral fabric of our world has been torn, we need the power of the Baptism in The Spirit to live a victorious Christian life in these perilous times. How do you receive? Simple, ask and He will come. He said anyone who is THIRSTY can receive this gift.