Life in 4D
Depend
Jon Fredricks
Today’s Scripture: Acts 1:3-5, 8-9, 14 NIV
__________
Acts 1:3-5, 8-9, 14 NIV
3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” ... 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. ... 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Matthew 16:18 NIV
Acts 1:14 NIV
1 Peter 2:9 NIV
John 17:21 NIV
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Colossians 1:27 GW
God wanted his people throughout the world to know the glorious riches of this mystery—which is Christ living in you, giving you the hope of glory.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Isaiah 40:31 NASB
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
1) WE DESPERATELY DEPEND ON GOD'S LISTENING EAR
Romans 9:16 NIV
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
James 4:8 NIV
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Luke 11:9 NIV
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
2) WE DESPERATELY DEPEND ON GOD'S WORD FOR CHANGE
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Psalms 19:7-11 NIV
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
John 15:7-8 NIV
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
3) WE DESPERATELY DEPEND ON GOD'S WAYS TO WIN
John 13:17 NIV
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Galatians 5:16 NIV
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
James 2:22 NIV
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.