Seeking the Lord

In this message, we look at aspects of seeking the Lord for the Spirit

1. The precept
   The command is to not depart from Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. Wait sometimes denotes inactivity, but we see activity. They wait in the context of prayer. These all continued with prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14, 2:1). God commands us to pray. He can move where he wants of course, but the usual practice is to send the Spirit in answer to prayer

2. The place
   It is the place where God is about to work. God often stirs the hearts of those in the place where He is about to work

3. The people
   They are mentioned 1:14. There is a community in prayer. Prayer is not just for emergencies. Both men and women are to pray. The prayer meeting is a place for all to come to seek the face of God

4. The promise
   This promise of the Spirit occurs throughout the Scriptures (Acts 2:17, Isaiah 44:3-4). Prayer is pleading the promise of God. Prayer is not a place for imagining things. Our prayers need a biblical foundation. Prayer is saying to God: Do what you said you would do. The promise of the Father has been purchased by the blood of Christ.

5. The patience
   He says they should wait. This does not mean inactivity as was said earlier, but it does speak of perseverance. Men ought always to pray and not to faint. Continue to go to the throne of grace with patience and perseverance. God avenges the elect who cry out to him day and night.

6. The power
   The power will come upon you. The power is seen in confident preaching and conversion. The promise was seen and sudden.