Sermons and Outlines

Acts 1:4-12

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Intro: Ill. The context of these verses. Jesus has just given His Disciples His commission and His promise. Then, He ascended into Heaven. After Christ departs, the Disciples just stand there staring up into the sky. I wonder what they were looking for? Of course, the Lord sends an angel to them to give them the glorious promise that Jesus Himself will return from Heaven at some future date.

I thought about this in connection with my own spiritual life, and the spiritual life of others. I realized that many people who claim to be Christ's Disciples in this age are going the same thing those men were 2,000 years ago: Just standing there staring and not doing a thing for God! But, I also realized that I am looking for some things from God. In fact, the New Testament shares with us several great events that we should all be looking for. Allow me to share a few of those with you this evening.

I. WE SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR CHRIST

Luke 21:28

(Ill. He promised that He would return and that His people should be watching for Him, Matt. 24:42-43; Matt. 25:13. In fact, His past promise centered around His return, Rev. 22:20. Are you looking for the Savior's return?)

II. WE SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR OUR CHANGE

Titus 2:13

(Ill. According to the Bible, when Jesus returns, all the redeemed will experience a great bodily change. That is an event that we should all be looking forward to with great delight, 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Cor. 5:1-8; 1 John 3:1-3. Thank God for that day when we will be like Him in all His glory!)

III. WE SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR THAT CITY

Hebrews 11:8-10

(Ill. Abraham set the right example for us. He was looking for a better city. I am too! Of course, John was privileged to see that city, Rev. 21:1-2. However, one of these days, I'll get to see her too, John 14:1-3. When I do, I'll see a city of great glory and splendor, Rev. 21-22, that shall be my home forever!)

IV. WE SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR THE CONSUMMATION

2 Peter 3:9-14

(Ill. By consummation, I mean that time when everything is placed under the foot of the Lord Jesus. That time when He is exalted and reigning on the earth. That time when all the world will bow before Him and praise His lovely Name - Heb. 10:13. Ill. Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:9-11.)

V. WE SHOULD BE LOOKING TO OUR CHAMPION

Hebrews 12:1-3

(Ill. All of the things I have mentioned are great and will be wonderful to experience. However, they are all out there in the future. While the run the present race, we spend our days looking to Jesus for His help and His leadership. After all, He is the sum total of all the things I have mentioned this evening. If you have Him and are living for His glory, then you have all of these already! Think about that!)

Conc: So, what are you looking for tonight? A raise? A new this or that? A better life for your family? Or, are you looking for those things that will only be found in Jesus?