The Things Of God Are Worth Waiting For

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, September 15, 2002, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

THE THINGS OF GOD ARE WORTH WAITING FOR

By Michael D. O’Neal              Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church              Albany, Georgia

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Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-9

Text: Acts 1:4

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Introduction: They say that something worth having is worth waiting for. I believe that is often the case. Young people, a pure wedding is worth waiting for. Brothers and sisters, a solid church is worth waiting for. The most enjoyable part of the meal is the DESSERT. The ruler at the marriage feast in John 2 observed that Jesus provided the best at the last.

I. THE BIRTH OF CHRIST WAS WORTH WAITING FOR

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

A. Because of the Person who was born

     

•        
  • The Messiah

       

• • The Mediator

       

• • The Master

     

B. Because of the proof that it gave

     

•        
  • Of God’s love

       

• • Of God’s prophecies

       

• • Of God’s power

     

C. Because of the promises it brought

     

•        
  • A full redemption

       

• • A future reign

     

II. THE BAPTISM WITH THE SPIRIT WAS WORTH WAITING FOR

Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

A. Because of the closeness that it brought

     

•        
  • These disciples were baptized by the Spirit into one body – 1 Corinthians 12:13

     

B. Because of the comfort that it brought

C. Because of the courage that it brought

D. Because of the converts that it brought

III. THE BODY OF REDEMPTION IS WORTH WAITING FOR

Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

A. Because of its pattern

     

•        
  • Like HIM, JESUS – 1 John 3:1-2

       

• • Like His glorious body – Philippians 3:20-21

       

• • Flesh and bones – Luke 24:36-40

     

B. Because of its purity

C. Because of its power

IV. THE BRIDEGROOM’S RETURN IS WORTH WAITING FOR

1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

A. Because of the reception for us

B. Because of the reality of Christ’s presence

C. Because of the rewards for the faithful

D. Because of the residence for the Christian – John 14:1-3

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;