All photography provided by Jared Chambers

He sends you abundant showers, both former and latter rains to vindicate your righteousness. (Joel 2:23)

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 former and latter rains. (James 5:7)

 

biblical principles:

THE FORMER RAIN - Joel mentions the blessing of the autumn or the former rains also known as the early rains (Hebrew – moreh). These rains would usually fall in late October and extend into the winter months in Israel. The autumn rains were important for preparing the ground for plowing and planting season as well as to fill up the cisterns and wells that would run dry during the summer heat.

(1) מוֹרֶה moreh – autumn or former rains

THE LATTER RAIN - The latter or spring rains (malquosh) on the other hand would fall in early April and were essential for the final ripening of the crop as well as to prepare the ground for harvest.

(2) מַלְקוֹשׁ malquosh – latter or spring rains

APPLICATION - Just as the autumn or the former rains prepare the ground for planting season, there is a season when “good seed is sown by the Son of Man” (Jesus) into the world (Matt. 13:36-37). Jesus explains this parable concerning “the mysteries of the Kindgom of Heaven” with the soil representing the hearts of men (Matt. 13:18-23). In this season of planting there is an anticipation that this good seed will lead the hearts of men to salvation when they respond to the Gospel. Ultimately, there will be a great end times harvest - the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels (Matt. 13:39). The spring or the “latter rain” prepares the crops for its final ripening and for harvest. The Holy Spirit brings about revival and renewal (latter rain) preparing the remnant, the true ekklesia for the work of this great harvest.

“Let us strive to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the latter rain that water the land...Sow righteousness...break up the unplowed ground...until He comes and sends righteousness on you like rain.”
— Hosea 6:3 & 10:12

What We believe

  • The Lord Jesus Christ is the one and only way to salvation. (John 14:6)

  • The Bible is divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit and is God’s authoritative Word for all matters of faith & practice. (1 Timothy 3:16)

  • The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian believer at salvation. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

  • Christian believers are to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for service (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5 & 1:8

  • Christian believers are to live in the Spirit and to bear fruit. (Galatians 5:16-25)

  • Christians are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

  • Believers should be able to discern the times in which they live: “when you see all these things, recognize that (Jesus) is near, right at the door.” (Matt. 24:33)

  • Jesus will return for the Church. (Acts 1:11)

  • Jesus will set up His Kingdom at the creation of the new heaven and earth. (Revelation 21: 1-4)