The latter, or spring rain is mentioned several times in the Bible. The spring rain refers to the heavy downpours that come, in Israel, just prior to the harvest of grain.

Without becoming too rigid with the type, we might think of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts as being the former, or fall rain. The fall rain prepares the ground for planting.

Then there are sporadic winter rains.

It may be true that we have come to the time of the spring rain of the Spirit. If this is the case, we can expect an unprecedented downpour of the Spirit of God. After that, will come the burning sun of tribulation in preparation for the harvest of the earth.

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. (James 5:7—NIV)

Revival is upon us, bringing repentance, worldwide evangelism, and a further unfolding of God's Word. During this exciting period we must remember that the current Christian doctrines of lawless grace and an "any-moment rapture" are not scriptural.

If we are to please God, whether or not He uses us in a fruitful ministry, we absolutely must follow the Spirit of God into personal moral transformation. God will accept nothing less than a new creation in Christ if we are to participate in the glory of the Day of the Lord.

Iron righteousness, fiery holiness, stern obedience to the Father. These are absolutely necessary if we are to ride with Christ on the war stallions.

You may be a new Christian, or a discouraged older Christian. Take heart. Christ is waiting for you to turn your life over to Him. He is well able to make you a good soldier, a fit member of His army. He is glad to do this for you and in you.

But make no mistake. The Lord Jesus is not anything like He is pictured in the United States of America. He is not humbly knocking on the United Nations building hoping someone will let Him in to sit at the table.

Jesus Christ is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. When He has accomplished His perfect will in the midst of the political foolishness that is being conducted, He shall return. Woe to the sinners in that day! The rich and the poor, the lords and the slaves—all shall cry for the mountains and rocks to cover them and hide them from the face of the Lamb.

The trumpet is sounding in Zion today, that is, in the Christian churches. Can you hear it? It is telling you and me to prepare ourselves for His glorious appearing.

I am preparing myself, my household, and all who will hear me, as God enables.

How about you? (from Sound the Alarm in the Churches)