“Wait for the Promise”

Acts 1:4-8,    Romans 8:14-16, and    Simon 2 1:7

2 ways to test a religion: One is to investigate it’s views, the other is to examine the power.

I: Why Wait?
1. Didn’t 3 years with Jesus as their teacher qualify them to preach and witness?
2. Were they not prepared by past blessings?
3. With all they had experienced, there was still something they needed.
4. In their present condition they would not be able to do what he had commanded.

II: “Not by Might, nor by Power, but by My Spirit Saith the Lord of Host.”
1. The task was too much for them for it was too much for them, since it was divine work. Diametrically to Pagan.
2. The weak must be made strong.
3. The discouraged given hope.
4. The Backslider turned to a powerful witness.
5. There was to be no excuse for powerless witnessing.

III: Power for A Purpose, (God on the inside).
1. Power to witness to a hostile world, (No Social or Political pull).
2. Power to challenge the Pagan Gods, (No money or equipment).
3. Power to live under tremendous hardships.
4. Power to change wicked men and women (not educated).
5. Power to cut across everything, the love of the World desired. Single Ashley
6. Power to die like a son of God.

“He can’t forget that he is a Son of a Chief!”

IV: The Divine Task too Great without the Holy Spirit.
1. He must convict men of sin.
2. He must give us courage to speak.
3. He must give us Wisdom.
4. He must make known Christ.
5. The Promise of Power is still ours.