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S.T.A.R.S.
WARNING
Updated
2008-05-02
Issued 2007-06-04
(Download
a printer friendly version of this document.)
Concerning
“Operation Global Rain”
www.OperationGlobalRain.com
Specific Issue(s) of Warning
(The basics)
1.
Intimations about the Timing of the
Latter Rain
a.
Specifically - "If
God were to be so gracious as to answer" –Pr. Ivor Myers
http://operationglobalrain.webdevdepot.net/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=34
b.
“We
just may, if we follow the word of God, and the Spirit of Prophecy, be ready to
see things we've only talked about in Sabbath School and from the pulpit, unfold
before our very eyes." –Pr. Ivor Myers (See the
video analysis for more detail.)
i.
There is also a hint of works wrapped up in
the above statement.
2.
Sowing Seeds of Confusion by Placing the Final Events out of Order
a.
Specifically:
i.
http://operationglobalrain.webdevdepot.net/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=34
– This page attempts to spiritualize the shaking, and attempts to completely
bypass many important events (such as National Sunday Laws) that must come prior
to the “corporate” worldwide outpouring of the Latter Rain.
ii.
"The Sunday Law comes as a result of the loud cry." –Pr.
Ivor Myers
1.
This statement from the
video analysis is also confusing. National Sunday Laws, and Universal
Sunday Laws are not passed at the same time, and with a little study it can be
found that the “corporate” worldwide outpouring of the Latter Rain happens
between these two future events.
iii.
“See,
as Adventists we're waiting for a Sunday Law to spring us into action,
God is waiting for 2 Chronicles 7:14 to spring us into action and to, as it
were, to set off "the chain reaction." –Pr. Ivor Myers
1.
While we agree we should not wait for Sunday
Laws to "spring us into action," we have to take major issue at this
point. When mentioning the signs of the end, I don't recall Jesus
saying "therefore when you see the latter rain spoken of by Daniel the
prophet..." In all of this OGR's theories we have not heard one mention
of the National Sunday Laws and how we are told that they will come FIRST.
(See the
video analysis for more detail.)
b.
“God has not placed upon any of His
ministers the work of sowing seeds that will produce confusion and unbelief.”
{12MR 224.2}
3.
Literal anointing for spiritual issues.
(There is no biblical support for this.) –Added
2007-07-06
a.
Specifically:
i.
“I
had all my elders (6) come forward. We knelt and I anointed all of them on their
eyelids (this was explained from Rev.3, that we might all see our true need, and
be enabled to see what needed to be cleansed from our homes, etc.) I then prayed
aloud for them.”
ii.
“Two
of the Elders in turn anointed my eyelids and both prayed for me aloud.”
iii.
“We
continued this until all heads of household had been anointed on their eyelids.”
4.
Making of None Effect the
Testimonies
a.
Because the quote listed below does
not agree with OGR’s theories on the order and timing on the final events, the
following webpage(s) have been written in an attempt to make the following
statement of none effect:
i.
"The great issue so near at hand [enforcement of Sunday laws] will
weed out those whom God has not appointed and He will have a pure, true,
sanctified ministry prepared for the latter rain." 3SM 385 (1886). {LDE 179.2}
1.
(There are many other quotes and examples
that make it clear that National Sunday Laws will come before the Latter Rain,
some of which are listed in body of the warning below.)
b.
Specifically:
http://operationglobalrain.webdevdepot.net/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=34
5.
Feast Days? –Added
2007-07-06
a.
Specifically
i.
The "40
minutes for 40 days" article written by Operation Global Rain is
available at:
http://operationglobalrain.webdevdepot.net/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=1
in relation to the following
ii.
The article noticing the beginning date of the additional 40 days is
available at Operation Global Rain's own website forum at:
http://operationglobalrain.webdevdepot.net/wp/2007/05/08/perfect-timing-may-18-and-the-40-days-of-prayer/
- This page is archived
here.
1.
"Sunset Friday, May 18, is the beginning of the
Sixth Sabbath of the Seven Sabbaths towards Pentecost! The 43rd Day in the
count of Omer. That was the same day Yeshua ascended to heaven as per Acts
1:9-10."
6.
Pentecostalism (simultaneous
prayer) –Added
2007-07-06
a.
Specifically
i.
“We then had the 6 elders turn and face the seated. 6 came up at a time,
knelt with an elder as they anointed and quietly but audibly prayed for each
head of household. (This
was done simultaneously).” –Pastor OGR Team
b.
“Only
the Pentecostals pray in groups simultaneously with one another.” –Pr. Vance
Ferrell
7.
Methods used to bring about revival/interest in revival, are not
according to the Spirit of Prophecy
a.
Specifically:
Use of "imagination" and "excitement" to bring about
revival
i.
“Imagine. (thunder crash) 16 Million Seventh-day
Adventists, worldwide, all praying, at the same time, for the same thing.
Imagine, Operation: Global Rain. (thunder crash) 6.27.07 to 7.07.07
www.operationglobalrain.com” (Emphasis added.)
1.
(The words Seventh-Day Adventists”
have now been removed from the commercial.) –Posted 2007-07-06
b.
See section below titled: “A
false latter rain experience comes before the true latter rain. & Modern
Revivals” (See also Great Controversy chapter 27
– “Modern Revivals”)
8.
Translators needed? Works?
a.
Specifically:
i.
"We also want to make a final appeal, because we need translators,
uh, in every language, kindred, tongue, … we really need
people to come in and help.” –Pr. Ivor Myers
ii.
"Another thing is that we, we are in need of translators, and
we made that appeal last time. … And so the more translators we can get the
better." –Pr. Ivor Myers
1.
If this is the work of the true Holy Spirit
then translation would not be an issue. (See
the
video analysis for more detail.)
b.
Specifically:
i.
"Wouldn't it be nice if we could get it right the first time." –Pr.
Ivor Myers
1.
This statement is a red flag for a movement
based on “works.” (See the
video analysis for more detail.)
What ever happened to; "Not by might,
nor by power, but by My Spirit." Says the
Lord of Hosts." -Zechariah 4:6
Threat Level
High – (Orange)
Type of Threat
Domestic (Inside the Church.)
Origin
United States, California
Affects
Seventh-Day Adventist members
worldwide, but primarily in the United States.
Who is involved/promoting this?
1.
The Central California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists
2.
The Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists
3.
Multiple Seventh-Day Adventist Churches
4.
Multiple Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors
5.
Multiple Seventh-Day Adventist Evangelists
6.
Multiple Seventh-Day Adventist Individual Members
7.
Multiple Seventh-Day Adventist ministries
8.
Multiple Seventh-Day Adventist media outlets
a.
Commercials are airing several times a day on worldwide Adventist
television to promote this movement.
What is Operation Global Rain?
Operation Global Rain is a self proclaimed "amazing and perhaps prophetic
movement" that seeks to "petition the throne of God
at the same time,
for the same thing," and that being the worldwide, "outpouring of the Latter
Rain." They are promoting a 10 day prayer, fasting, & revival period to all
participating churches starting on 6-27-07 and ending on Sabbath 7-07-07. All
the details, promotional materials, video, & revival materials, are available at
their website:
www.OperationGlobalRain.com
Scripture
“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord
shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in
the field.” -Zechariah 10:1
According to this Bible verse there is a time for the Latter Rain. The main
question is; When is that time?
Basic Problems
Intimations are being
made by this group of Seventh-Day Adventist pastors that in response to the
previously mentioned 10 days of prayer, fasting & revival that God "might"
respond by outpouring the worldwide manifestation the Holy Spirit,
specifically in the Latter Rain.
This intimation is
going against clear counsel on the order of the final events as given under
inspiration of the same Holy Spirit, given by God, and manifested
throughout the writings of Ellen White.
***SERIOUS WARNING***
In relation to the Latter Rain, Ellen White
warned us that there would be a false, or counterfeit movement that would come
before the true.
Might Satan try to deceive us about the latter
rain?
1.
Satan uses a false latter rain to deceive.
a.
“Some he deceives in one way, and some in another. He
has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look
with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan
deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light
and spreads his influence over the land by means of false
reformations. The churches are elated, and consider
that God is working marvelously for them, when it is the work
of another spirit. The excitement will die away and leave
the world and the church in a worse condition than before.” {EW
260.1}
2.
A false latter rain experience comes before the true latter rain.
a.
Could this happen even in the Adventist Church?
i.
False Revivals
- “I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists
and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall
be poured out, ministers and people will be called out from
these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan
knows this; and before the loud cry of the
third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious
bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that God
is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and
lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the
light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen
churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” {EW
261.1}
1.
Many might think this quote applies to the past only (1848), but we have
several questions:
2.
Are we still living in a time “before the plagues are poured out?” If
so, then could this statement still be just as valid as the day it was written?
We believe that it is.
3.
Others might say this quote only refers to other churches. But
remember there is a distinction drawn between the nominal Adventists and
the fallen churches. Remember that even some Seventh-Day Adventist
churches and pastors will apostatize near the end.
4.
Yet others say this was written
for “Adventists” that were not keeping the Sabbath at that time. Are there any
Seventh-Day Adventists today who are failing to keep the Sabbath from being
trampled underfoot? We would submit there are many baptized Seventh-Day
Adventists who have the same problem today.
5.
Here is another question: Do we have any nominal Adventists today?
6.
“Nominal” Definition 3a - “existing or being something in name or form
only” –Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
7.
Sounds like lukewarm churches
doesn’t it?
ii.
A warning against “appeals to
imagination,” “exciting the emotions,” and “for what is new and startling” to
carry a revival.
1.
“Popular revivals are too
often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the
emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling.
Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth,
little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles.
Unless a religious service has something of a sensational character, it has
no attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason
awakens no response. The plain warnings of God's word, relating directly
to their eternal interests, are unheeded.” {GC 463.2} How does
this compare with the advertising being used for OGR? …
a.
“Imagine. (thunder
crash) 16 Million Seventh-day Adventists, worldwide, all praying, at the same
time, for the same thing. Imagine, Operation: Global Rain.
(thunder crash) 6.27.07 to 7.07.07 www.operationglobalrain.com” (Emphasis
added.) Isn’t advertising like this “appeals to the imagination,” “exciting
emotions,” and “for what is new and startling?” Advertising and appeals like
this are clearly against the Spirit of Prophecy. The ends, (revival) does not
justify the means (imagination, excitement, new and startling.)
3.
Even among God’s people?
a.
“Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will
be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive
godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. . . . The enemy of
souls desires to hinder this work, and before the time
for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it
by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches
(nominal Adventists & the fallen churches)(see: EW 261.1) which he can
bring under his deceptive power, he will make it appear that
God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest
what is thought to be great religious interest. . . .” {GC 464.1} {LDE
158.2} (next LDE paragraph follows)
b.
“There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the
true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead.
Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's Word it is not difficult to
determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony
of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require
self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God's
blessing is not bestowed.” –{GC 464.2} {LDE 158.3}
4.
Satan’s Purpose in this type of Deception
a.
"Satan's purpose is, through his devices, to
make of none effect the testimonies of the Spirit of God. If he
can lead the minds of the people of God to see things in a perverted light,
they will lose confidence in the messages God sends through His servants;
then he can the more readily deceive, and not be detected."
{12MR 201.1}
i.
We are talking about our church
here right? Only the true church has “the testimonies of the Spirit of God”
right? What if Satan could influence some within our church to believe that the
Lord “might” pour out His spirit in response to 10 days of prayer, but the
timing of this belief falls outside of the final events? In fact what if this
happened BEFORE the final events? What if they used a lot of quotes from the
testimonies to support their theories? Could it be that some who
believed in this movement would either be deceived and/or lose their faith in
the testimonies? I would submit to you that this is very
likely, and might even be happening right now.
Contemplation Quotes for this Section
"Therefore be patient,
brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits
for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it
until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be
patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at
hand." –James 5:7,8
Do you notice how patience is
really a theme here? Patience, or waiting is mentioned four times.
"The Lord does not repeat things that are of no great consequence." -Ms
107, 1897
“We cannot use the Holy
Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through
the Spirit God works in His people "to will and to do of His good
pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). But many will not submit to this. They want to
manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only
to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch
for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given.”
-DA 672 (1898). {LDE 192.1}
The Straight Testimony on this Question
When will the true Latter Rain be poured out?
(Many more quotes are available, see notes at
end of warning.)
1.
After an Early Rain/Former Rain Experience
a.
“Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the
rain to come down for you— the former rain, and the latter rain
in the first month.” –Joel 2:23
b.
“The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the
spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man.
But unless the
former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green
blade will not spring up. Unless
the early showers have done their work, the latter rain
can bring no seed to perfection.” -TM 506 (1897). {LDE 183.3}
c.
“If we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive
both the former
and the latter rain, we shall lose
our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door.”
{TM 507.2}
2.
After National Sunday Laws
a.
“It is time for thee, LORD,
to work: for they have
made void thy law.” –Psalm
119:126
b.
“When
the law of God has been made void,
and apostasy becomes a national sin,
the Lord will work in behalf of his people. Their
extremity will be his opportunity. He will manifest his
power in behalf of his church.” {RH, December 24, 1889 par. 5}(LDE
133.3)
i.
“When our nation, in its
legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of men
in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday observance, and
bringing oppressive power to bear against those who keep the
seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to all intents and
purposes, be made void in our
land, and national apostasy will be followed by national ruin.”
-7BC 977 (1888). {LDE 133.5}
c.
“The great issue so near at hand [enforcement of
Sunday laws] will weed out those whom God has
not appointed and He will have a pure, true, sanctified
ministry prepared for the latter rain.” --3SM 385 (1886).
{LDE 179.2}
d.
“But when the decree shall go forth
enforcing the counterfeit Sabbath, and when
the loud cry of the third angel shall warn men against the worship
of the beast and his image, the line will be clearly drawn
between the false and the true. Then those who still continue in
transgression will receive the mark of the beast in their foreheads or in their
hands.” {BTS, February 1, 1913 par. 5}
3.
After the beginning of the “Small Time of Trouble”
a.
“The commencement of that time of trouble," here
mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured
out, but to a short period
just before they are
poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary.
At that time, while the work of
salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will
be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.
At that time
the "latter rain," or refreshing from the presence
of the Lord, will come, to give power to the
loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to
stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” {EW
85.3}
b.
“The unbelieving world will soon have something to think of besides their
dress and appearance; and as their minds are torn from these things by
distress and perplexity, they will have nothing to turn to. They are
not prisoners of hope, and therefore do not turn to the Stronghold. Their
hearts will fail them for repining and fear. They have not made God
their refuge, and He will not be their consolation then, but will laugh at their
calamity, and mock when their fear cometh. They have despised and
trampled upon the truths of God's word. They have indulged in extravagant dress,
and have spent their lives in hilarity and glee. They have sown to the
wind; they must reap the whirlwind.
In the time of distress and
perplexity of nations there will be many who have not given
themselves wholly to the corrupting influences of the world and the service of
Satan, who will humble themselves before God
and turn to Him with their whole heart and find acceptance and pardon.”
{1T 268.3}
c.
“But Providence has a part to act in
the battle of Armageddon. When
the earth is lighted with the glory of the angel of Revelation eighteen,
the religious elements, good and evil, will awake
from slumber, and the armies of the living God will take
the field.” (MS 175, 1899). {7BC 983.2}
4.
After the churches become active laborers
a.
“When the
churches become living, working churches, the
Holy Spirit will be given in answer to their sincere request. . . .
Then the windows of heaven will be open for the showers of
the latter rain.” --RH Feb. 25, 1890. {LDE 193.2}
b.
“The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which
lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we
have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it
means to be laborers together with God.
When we have entire,
wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will
recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure;
but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not
laborers together with God.” -ChS 253 (1896). {LDE 193.3}
c.
“The God-fearing, commandment-keeping people should be diligent,
not
only in prayer,
but in action; and
this will bring the truth before those who have never heard it.”
-{RH, December 24, 1889 par. 4}
5.
After the “storm of persecution really breaks upon us.”
a.
“When the
storm of persecution really breaks upon us, . . .
then will the message of the
third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be
lightened with the glory of the Lord.” --6T 401 (1900). {LDE 208.2}
b.
Persecution Leads to Unity Among God's People – “When
the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will
hear the true Shepherd's voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save
the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the
great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the
enemy a united front. In view of the common peril strife for
supremacy will cease, there will be no disputing as to who shall be
accounted greatest.” -6T 401 (1900). {LDE 152.2}
c.
“As trials thicken around us, both separation and
unity will be seen in our ranks. Some who are now ready to take up
weapons of warfare will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have
not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation. Those who have
had great light and precious privileges but have not improved them
will, under one pretext or another, go out from us.”
-6T 400 (1900). {LDE 175.2}
6.
After the (corporate worldwide) Shaking (due to the above events)
a.
See above: (Comes after the weeding is finished.) 3SM 385 (1886). {LDE
179.2}
b.
“There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel:
you cannot stand before your enemies,
until you take away the accursed thing
from among you.” Josh 7:13
c.
“He will purify His church even as He purified
the temple at the beginning and close of His ministry on earth. All
that He brings upon the church in test and trial comes that His people may gain
deeper piety and more strength to carry the triumphs of the cross to
all parts of the world.” -9T 228 (1909). {LDE 153.4}
d.
“When
the reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from the
church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested.
Divine power will be revealed. The church will see
the providential working of the Lord of hosts.” -9T 46 (1909). {LDE
193.4}
e.
“When
the law of God is made void the church will be
sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now
anticipate will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.”
--2SM 368 (1891). {LDE 174.2}
f.
Early Writings View of the Shaking leading to the Latter Rain – “Early
Writings – Spiritual Gifts Vol. 1 – The Shaking, Pages 269-271” (See a more
detailed version of this study at
http://www.SealingTime.com/studies for a powerful breakdown of these pages
of Early Writings.)
7.
After the close of the Sealing Time for the (remnant) Church
& Seal of God is received
a.
“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God
while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us
to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of
every defilement. Then
the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples
on the Day of Pentecost.” {5T 214.2}{Mar 240.4}
b.
“The refreshing from the presence of the Lord will never come to
hearts filled with impurity.” {RH, April 21, 1891 par. 11}
8.
Finally, the way has been prepared, God’s people have been fitted and
accepted an early rain experience, the Law of God has begun to be made void by
the legislation and enforcement of National Sunday Laws, and Satan has done His
best to overpower those of God’s people he has not been able to shake out. As
God’s people see there is no way out, the lessons of complete reliance on God
they have learned from their past experiences are now brought to memory. Now
the time has fully come and God’s people see that they are poor, blind, weak,
and naked, and they are not as prepared as they thought they were. They now see
that there is no way out except by His divine power and leadership. It is
now time for God to work. (Psalm 119:126)
a.
“God has thrust His people into the gap, to
make up the hedge, to raise up the foundation of many generations.
The heavenly intelligences, angels that excel in strength, are waiting, obedient
to His command, to unite with human agencies; and the Lord will
interpose when matters have come to such a pass that none but a divine power can
counteract the satanic agencies at work.
When His people shall
be in the greatest danger, seemingly unable to stand against the
power of Satan, God will work in their behalf.
Man's extremity is God's opportunity.” {2SM 373.1} {GCDB,
April 13, 1891 par. 22}
9.
Before Universal Sunday Laws
a.
“The power attending the message will only madden those
who oppose it. . . . The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power,
and in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the
movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the
law will be invoked against commandment keepers. . . .” {FLB 330.3}
{GC88 607.1}
i.
Note: “as the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes
more bold and decided” obviously means it has already
come into existence, or legislation, but is not being observed by God’s
faithful. This thought is reinforced by the following:
1.
“Those who trample upon God's law make human laws which they will force
the people to accept. Men will devise and counsel and plan what they will do.
The whole world keeps Sunday, they say, and why should
not this people, who are so few in number, do according to the
laws of the land?” -Ms 163, 1897. {LDE 136.3}
2.
Its obvious here that this statement is a reference to a time after basic
National Sunday Law legislation because “the laws of the land” have to
have already been enforced to even have this statement.
It cannot be argued that this applies to the present time, or a time
prior to National Sunday Law legislation for two reasons; #1. Sunday
Laws are currently NOT on books of every state in the union, #2.
The “laws of the land” or National (Federal) laws don’t even legislate Sunday at
this time.
b.
A National Crisis (Sunday Laws) will make God’s interference marked
i.
“From time to time the Lord has made known His manner of working. He is
mindful of what is passing upon the earth. And when a crisis has come,
He has revealed Himself and has interposed to hinder the working of
Satan's plans. He has often permitted matters with nations,
with families, and with individuals to come to a crisis
that His interference might become marked. Then He has let
the fact be known that there was a God in Israel who would sustain
and vindicate His people.” {LDE 152.3}
1.
Note carefully this Bible verse in Joel compared to the Ellen White quote
above. Notice that the corporate outpouring of the latter rain will show that
God is still in the midst of Israel:
2.
“23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully, and He will cause the rain to
come down for you— The former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
26… My people shall never be put to shame. 27
Then you shall know that I
am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God and
there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. 28 “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,
your young men shall see visions. 29 And also on My
menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those
days.” Joel 2:23,26-29
ii.
“When the
defiance of the law of Jehovah shall be almost universal,
when His people
shall be pressed in affliction by their fellow men, God will
interpose. The fervent prayers of His people will be
answered, for He loves to have His people seek Him with all
their heart and depend upon Him as their Deliverer.” -RH June 15, 1897.
{LDE 153.1}
1.
“Almost universal” = before Universal Sunday Laws.
iii.
“Amidst the deepening shadows of earth's last great crisis,
God's light will shine brightest, and the song of
hope and trust will be heard in clearest and loftiest strains.” -Ed 166
(1903). {LDE 201.5}
10.
How can we be sure this is the correct order?
a.
“The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and
prosperity she will have to do in a terrible crisis under most discouraging,
forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has
silenced or withheld must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of
the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative class,
whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work, will
renounce the faith.” -5T 463 (1885). {LDE 174.3}
i.
Make no mistake, the terrible crisis here is National Sunday law
enforcement, and after it you see the shaking again in those renouncing the
faith. The final warning, or loud cry, will come after that and “must be given
under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith”
Nature’s Lesson Book
In nature, rain does not
bring the storm.
The storm brings the rain.
The Dangers of Incorrect “Chronology”
(order of events)
Added 2007-07-06
1.
There are some movements right now “among the people of the Lord” that
are stating that the Latter Rain comes before National Sunday Laws. This
backwards “rain brings the storm” theology is dangerous for several reasons:
a.
The storm brings the rain, to say otherwise is against the order
specified by God.
i.
“When the
storm of persecution really breaks upon us, . . .
then will the message of the
third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be
lightened with the glory of the Lord.” --6T 401 (1900). {LDE 208.2}
ii.
If we state that the latter rain comes before the storm, then we are
boldly violating counsel given about bringing on a time of trouble before the
time.
b.
Places the great crisis and test over the Sabbath after the latter rain &
sealing
i.
“None are condemned until they have had the light and have seen the
obligation of the fourth commandment. But
when the decree shall
go forth enforcing the counterfeit sabbath, and the loud
cry of the third angel shall warn men against the worship of the beast and his
image, the line will be clearly drawn between the false and the true.
Then those who still continue in transgression will receive the mark of the
beast.” --Ev 234, 235 (1899). {LDE 225.4}
c.
Tears down, or displaces the very object that the loud cry is raised
against which is National Sunday Law enforcement. What is the loud cry against
if the latter rain and loud cry begin before National Sunday Laws?
i.
“The beast with two horns is also to say "to them that
dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast;"
and, furthermore, it is to command all, "both small and great, rich and poor,
free and bond," to receive "the mark of the beast." [REV. 13:11-16.] It
has been shown that the United States is the power represented by
the beast with lamb-like horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled
when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance,
which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this
homage to papacy the United States will not be alone.” {GC 578.3}
ii.
“As foretold in the eighteenth of Revelation, the third angel's message
is to be proclaimed with great power by those who give the final
warning against the beast and his image: "I saw
another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was
lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying,
Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils,
and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the
kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the
earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard
another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have
reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as
she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup
which she hath filled fill to her double." Revelation 18:1-6. This is
the message given by God to be sounded forth in the loud cry of the third angel.
{8T 118.1,2}
iii.
“…the loud cry of the third angel shall warn men against the
worship of the beast and his image…” -Ev 234, 235 (1899). {LDE 225.4}
iv.
“But the time to receive the mark of the beast, as
designated in prophecy, has not yet come.
The testing time has not yet come. There are true Christians
in every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion. None are
condemned until they have had the light and have
seen the obligation of the fourth commandment. But when
the decree shall go forth enforcing the counterfeit Sabbath,
and when the loud cry of the third angel shall
warn men against the worship of the beast and his image, the line will
be clearly drawn between the false and the true. Then those who still continue
in transgression will receive the mark of the beast in their foreheads or in
their hands.” {BTS, February 1, 1913 par. 5}
v.
National Sunday Law enforcement is the image to the beast
A.
“But in the very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular power, the
churches would themselves form an image to the beast; hence the enforcement of
Sundaykeeping in the United States would be an enforcement
of the worship of the beast and his image.” {GC 448.3}
B.
“But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall
be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall
transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority
than that of Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to
Rome and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is
worshipping the beast and his image." {GC 449.1}
C.
“When the leading churches of the United States, uniting
upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall
influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their
institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of
the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will
inevitably result. . . .” {LDE 131.1}
D.
“What is the "image to the beast"? and
how is it to be formed? The image is made by the two-horned beast,
and is an image to the beast. It is also called an image of
the beast. [THE TWO-HORNED BEAST OF REVELATION 13:11-17 MAKES AN IMAGE
TO THE BEAST PORTRAYED IN REVELATION 13:1-10.] Then to learn what the
image is like and how it is to be formed, we must study the
characteristics of the beast itself--the papacy.” {LDE 228.1}
E.
“The "image to the beast" represents that form of apostate
Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek
the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their
dogmas.” --GC 443, 445 (1911). {LDE 228.3}
F.
“The Sunday idol is set up as was this image."
{12MR 219.2}
vi.
If we state that the latter rain comes before the storm, then we are
boldly violating counsel given about bringing on a time of trouble before the
time.
d.
Bringing on a time of trouble before the time by attempting to use the
latter rain and loud cry to bring on the loud cry, persecution and Sunday Laws.
i.
“The Lord does not move upon His workers to make them take a course
which will bring on the time of trouble before the time. Let them
not build up a wall of separation between themselves and the world by advancing
their own ideas and notions. There is now altogether too much of this
throughout our borders. The message of warning has not reached large numbers of
the world in the very cities that are right at hand, and to number Israel is not
to work after God's order. There is abundance of earnest work in
cities that have not been worked. Let your pen and will work to enlighten these
souls in simple, stirring articles upon faith and love.” {16MR 169.1} & {TM
202.1}
ii.
If we state that the latter rain and loud cry come before National Sunday
Laws
2.
Comments on the dangers of incorrect
chronology concerning the latter rain by one of our leading SDA, end time
event theologians.
a.
"...it is now being taught in our denomination that the latter rain and
sealing precede the national Sunday law crisis. It is frequently stated in our
denominational papers and gatherings that the latter rain is falling somewhere
else in the world-as evinced by lots of baptisms. (1) If the Sunday law crisis
precedes and leads into the other events (including the sealing and latter rain)
before the general close of probation, then a terrible crisis is ahead of our
denomination! This view, fully supported by the Bible and
Spirit of Prophecy, is the correct one. (2) If the
latter rain and sealing come first, then it is easier to conjecture that
we can remain in our sins while we receive the latter rain and are sealed,
still continuing in those sins until the second advent -with the
denomination experiencing no great crisis over strict obedience to the law of
God. This view is incorrect, and is bringing a
false hope to many of our people." -Pr. Vance Ferrell -
"The End of Time - A REMARKABLY COMPLETE COLLECTION OF SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
STATEMENTS ON FINAL EVENTS" Pg. 77 (The section in parentheses above about the
sealing and latter rain has not been added but is directly quoted
out of the book.) (Vance Ferrell is a well known theologian, pastor, and author
of many SDA books including the common "National Sunday Law Crisis" in print for
many, many years and available at any ABC.)
i.
“Vance Ferrell is an older member who now spends most of his time
publishing lowest-cost paperbacks of Spirit of Prophecy books for widespread
distribution (see back of this book). In earlier years, he was an Adventist
denominational canvasser, teacher, and pastor. His educational background
includes 22 years of formal education (based on 9 months per year), which
resulted in a B.A., M.A., and B.D. in theology and Biblical Languages from our
schools (Pacific Union College and Andrews University), plus training in
professional education. His only concern is to ground you in the faith and
encourage you to stand in its defense.” –www.present-truth.org
Possible
Consequences
1.
Deception
a.
Ellen White has warned us that many “nominal Adventists” even “among the
people of the Lord” could be deceived by a counterfeit “holy spirit” experience,
and that this comes before the true Latter Rain experience.
–({EW 261.1}, {GC88 464.1})
2.
Divisions/Hinder the Work
a.
God's work would be hindered due to divisions in the church.
i.
Remember from above, "The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work."
And a “counterfeit” latter rain experience seems to be his plan to do exactly
this work, and he MUST do this BEFORE the true revival! And from what we see,
it's prophesied in a concrete way, without condition. It will happen and it
seems that only the work of "a few" with God's help can limit the extent
of this damage. –{GC 464.1}
3.
Persecution
a.
This could create two classes, those "with the spirit" and those
"without.”
i.
Those "with the spirit" could easily begin to deride those "without" and
begin to intimate that those "without the spirit" were to be the ones lost, &
would be shaken out, etc.
ii.
This could very easily set the stage for persecution in the church.
4.
Loss of faith
a.
This could result in some of God's children being made to feel they
had been "passed by" and had missed the latter rain.
i.
This could also bring feelings of disappointment, depression,
despondency, worthlessness, inadequacy, etc. (Just as Satan would have them
feel.)
ii.
This could easily result in some losing their faith due to the feeling it
was "too late" for them.
5.
Weakens faith in the testimonies
a.
Any time intimations about timing like this are made using “the
testimonies” to effect a revival and have failed, they weaken faith in “the
testimonies.” (Note, every quote in this next section is directed to God’s
Remnant church.)
i.
"It is Satan's plan to weaken
the faith of God's people in the Testimonies. Next follows
skepticism in regard to the vital points of our faith, the pillars of our
position, then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and then the
downward march to perdition. When the Testimonies, which were once believed,
are doubted and given up, Satan knows the deceived ones will not stop at
this; and he redoubles his efforts till he launches them into open
rebellion, which becomes incurable and ends in destruction." --4T 211. {LDE
178.2}
ii.
"One thing is certain:
Those Seventh-day Adventists who take their stand under Satan's banner
will first give up their faith in the warnings and
reproofs contained in the Testimonies of God's Spirit." --3SM
84 (1903). {LDE 177.4}
iii.
"The very last deception of Satan will be
to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. "Where there is no
vision, the people perish" (Prov. 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously,
in different ways and through different agencies, to
unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimony."
--1SM 48 (1890). {LDE 177.5}
iv.
"The enemy has made his masterly efforts
to unsettle the faith of our own people in the Testimonies. . . .
This is just as Satan designed it should be, and
those who have been preparing the way for the people to pay no heed to the
warnings and reproofs of the Testimonies of the Spirit of God will see that a
tide of errors of all kinds will spring into life." --3SM 83 (1890). {LDE
178.1}
(Many more quotes are available, see notes at
end of warning.)
Recommended Actions
Based on the S.T.A.R.S. Threat rating system.
- Pray 3-5 times/day (specifically on this issue.)
- If issue is domestic (inside the church) consider
voicing your concerns to your
conference.
- Discuss possible solutions/action with your local
church (if possible.)
- Share the
DVD,
PowerPoint presentation or its outline, and this warning with your local
church pastor and congregation, friends and family. (Adventist)
Final Notes
We want to be very
clear that we are not taking issue with the following:
- Prayer
- Prayer for the Latter Rain
- Revival
- Reformation
- The Latter Rain
- The Holy Spirit
These we highly encourage.
What we would like to see
·
A correction about any intimation that the Lord might respond
specifically with the worldwide, corporate outpouring of the
latter rain, to these or any prayers, prior to the beginning of the final
events. (Obviously the Lord can and will respond to a request for an early rain
experience, specifically a personal and even local
outpouring of the spirit. But the corporate, worldwide outpouring of the latter
rain must follow the correct sequence of events, which has been given under
inspiration by this same Holy Spirit.)
·
A correction about the order of the final events that includes the
correct placement of the future enforcement of United States National Sunday
Laws, and the worldwide corporate shaking of the Sevent | 
