Prelude to Pentecost
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1).
The supreme challenge of the gospel ministry is embodied in this narrative of spiritual achievement. Few men among us can read without quickening heartbeat the interesting postscript recorded in Acts 2:41: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Although it is true that the rush for numbers is not to be encouraged as a proper motivation, it is equally true that the addition of large numbers of properly instructed, thoroughly converted souls to the faith is something very desirable. Those who condemn the larger vision are at variance with the often-stated philosophy of our Lord Himself. Such phrases as "compel them to come," "to every creature," and "the earth was lightened" are plainly designed to inspire world conquest.
"The Acts of the Apostles" is to be rewritten in our day. The stage has long been set, the harvest must be ripe. Divine inspiration assures us of a staggering response to the loud cry. Why, then, this hesitancy to cry aloud? Why this shortage of faith-filled proclaimers?
The key to Pentecost is not bigger budgets. Although few men would advocate the frugal approach to the spiritual conquest of the world of today, it is nevertheless true that reliance on the material has limited the success of many a campaign.
The pentecostal experience will not necessarily seek what is commonly called fruitful territory. Eternity alone will reveal how little or much the quality of the territory affects the soul yield in a given campaign. We will probably discover the truthfulness of Deuteronomy 2:25: "This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee." Men whose hearts fail them for fear of certain territories maintain a relaxed grip on the mighty arm of God.
The path to Pentecost will remain untrod by the man who says of himself, "I'm just a pastor, and I'll just stand by the stuff until the conference evangelist comes to my district." Is it not true that it takes a lifetime for one to discover his true potential in the plan of God? Repeated failure is not a clear indicator of one's calling or lack of it. But failure is certainly a call to deeper consecration.
In Testimonies to Ministers, page 207, we find the formula for the splitting of the spiritual atom that will project us into the golden age of evangelism:
"They expect success, and think that they must have the same order of success as did the apostles on the day of Pentecost. This success they will have when they go through the experience of humble, self-denying sacrifice as did the apostles. When they present as earnest supplications from broken, contrite, believing hearts as did the apostles, then the same proportion of success will attend their labors." (Italics supplied.)
The minister who will "crack" the soul barrier is probably reading these words at this moment. May I take the liberty to address that man for us all?
"DEAR BROTHER:
"You have our fervent prayers. Go forward in faith, nothing wavering. We are jealous for you—not of you. Your breaking through to Pentecost will shake us from our lethargy. You, by God's grace, will abolish forever the age-old dodge, 'There's a lion in the way.'
"You will convince us, brother, that ours is the chief sin—the sin of unbelief. Do us a favor if you will. Close your ears to our petty doubts and reservations. For though we little realize it, these are the very causes of our leanness.
"By your deed, brother, you will teach us a faith insatiable, a soul hunger that will make us, with you, the spiritual liberators of the world.
"Sincerely,
"THE ADVENTIST MINISTRY."