7. How does the Bible show us the preparation the disciples made before the promised Holy Spirit came to them? Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1.
NOTE: ‘Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God and as they did this, they realised what a privilege had been theirs in being permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good, He was trying to teach them. These days of preparation were days of deep heart-searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realised that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised. “And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”’ Acts of the Apostles, page 37.
‘The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fulness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Spirit’s grace. And under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in wonder, the apostles exclaimed, “Herein is love.” They grasped the imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 38.
8. Considering an everyday example, how does James show the degree of purity that God seeks in our spiritual life? James 3:10-12
NOTE: ‘The life, the acts, the words, will tell whether the individual possesses true humility, and the dress will correspond with the fruits manifested. A pure fountain cannot send forth sweet water and bitter. Cleanse the fountain and the streams will be pure.’ Spiritual Gifts, volume 2, page 288.