Sabbath School

Adult Sabbath School Bible study guide.

Most people of faith today may grant the legitimacy of ancient biblical prophets, but do they believe the same thing is possible in our day? If the Joel 2:28–31 promise of a glorious end-time manifestation of the prophetic gift is to be believed, what might it look like?

Read Acts 2:36–42. What was the core message of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost? How did Peter’s audience react?

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in A.D. 31 is an excellent picture of what will happen during the end-time outpouring of the Holy Spirit, though in much greater magnitude. Pentecost was characterized by uplifting Jesus, widespread repentance, and the creation of a people ready and equipped for God’s mission. Peter’s Christ-centered message was empowered by the Holy Spirit, and this led 3,000 souls to repent and be baptized. This “former rain” blessing of the Holy Spirit also planted a precious seed, the church—a unified body of believers who exemplify and share the love of Jesus Christ while heralding His return.

As the former rain was given “to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the ‘latter rain’ will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 611. In other words, modern manifestations of the prophetic gift—the latter rain—will look a lot like previous manifestations of the former rain at Pentecost.

As we have already seen in Joel 2:28–31, the prophetic gift at the end of time will be open to young and old, male and female. God will speak through those whom the Holy Spirit selects. Whenever the Holy Spirit chooses an end-time messenger, his or her message will uplift Jesus, call people to repentance, and prepare people to fulfill God’s mission. These three characteristics are hallmarks of Ellen G. White’s prophetic ministry. Throughout her life, she uplifted Jesus and Scripture in her speaking and writing. She called Seventh-day Adventists and others to heartfelt repentance, and she urged all to enlist in God’s mission for the lost.

How much have you taken advantage of the wonderful gift we have been given through the ministry of Ellen G. White?

Supplemental EGW Notes

As the disciples, filled with the power of the Spirit, went forth to proclaim the gospel, so God’s servants are to go forth today. Filled with an unselfish desire to give the message of mercy to those who are in the darkness of error and unbelief, we are to take up the Lord’s work. He gives us our part to do in cooperation with Him, and He will also move on the hearts of unbelievers to carry forward His work in the regions beyond. Already many are receiving the Holy Spirit, and no longer will the way be blocked by listless indifference. Why has the history of the work of the disciples, as they labored with holy zeal, animated and vitalized by the Holy Spirit, been recorded, if it is not that from this record the Lord’s people today are to gain an inspiration to work earnestly for Him? What the Lord did for His people in that time, it is just as essential, and more so, that He do for His people today. All that the apostles did, every church member today is to do. And we are to work with as much more fervor, to be accompanied by the Holy Spirit in as much greater measure, as the increase of wickedness demands a more decided call to repentance. Everyone on whom is shining the light of present truth is to be stirred with compassion for those who are in darkness. From all believers light is to be reflected in clear, distinct rays. A work similar to that which the Lord did through His delegated messengers after the day of Pentecost He is waiting to do today. At this time, when the end of all things is at hand, should not the zeal of the church exceed even that of the early church? Zeal for the glory of God moved the disciples to bear witness to the truth with mighty power. Should not this zeal fire our hearts with a longing to tell the story of redeeming love, of Christ and Him crucified? Should not the power of God be even more mightily revealed today than in the time of the apostles?—Ye Shall Receive power, p. 316.

The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. . . . Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand. The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. . . . The rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them.—The Faith I Live By, p. 332.

The above quotations are taken from Ellen G. White Notes for the Sabbath School Lessons, published by Pacific Press Publishing Association. Used by permission.