THE LAST OUTPOURING

I know some will not receive what I am about to say, yet many will. I do not
believe we have yet seen the glory and fullness of the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit as prophesied by Joel. What we have seen are just a few sprinkles! Yes,
we have had a worldwide charismatic renewal and love has brought many together.
It has been an experience shared worldwide, yet it is just a foretaste.

God will permit nothing to hinder what he plans to do. The enemy is in for a
surprise. Just as it appears the church will be inundated by a satanic flood,
the Spirit will raise up a standard. Understand what that standard is, and you
will understand what God is about to do. The standard is a holy people, pure,
undefiled, delivered from the corruption that is in the world. That standard is
a new breed of sanctified Christians, who will shine forth as lights in the
midst of a wicked and perverse generation. It will not be just a renewal of
love and praise, but a restoration of holiness unto the Lord!

There will still be shouting and praise, but it will be the shout of victory
over sin and compromise, fulfilling the purpose of the last outpouring: "That
all who call on his name shall be delivered..." (Joel 2:32). Delivered from
what? From sin! From the spirit of the world!

We will not have had the fullness of the Spirit's outpouring until baptized
people separate themselves completely from the world. We must emphasize
separation and purity of heart. The purpose of the Spirit's coming is to
sanctify and prepare a people for the Lord's return, a people without spot or
wrinkle.

When the fullness of the Spirit's outpouring comes upon all flesh, conviction
for sin will be everywhere. "He will convict the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). That is the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit!

Tragically, too many speak with tongues, but then live like the devil. Sin was
never uprooted and all they received was an experience of ecstasy. God blessed
them just enough to call them into a deeper life of holiness and submission,
but they stopped and went about saying, "I’ve got the Holy Ghost."

Oh, there is so much more! I thank God for the privilege of praying in an
unknown tongue; it is my way of releasing all the pent-up praises to God in a
communication beyond my understanding. But you can speak with the tongues of
men and even angels, and without charity, you have received nothing. But I say
it goes even deeper. You are not truly baptized with the Holy Spirit until
every hidden part of your soul has been exposed—and every sin confessed and
forsaken.

By David Wilkerson