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Why Do You Wait Dear Sinner ? Acts 22:16 Prepared by Chris Reeves * El Bethel church of Christ Gospel Meeting * July 24, 2008

Why Wait? There was a sense of urgency in the ministry of Jesus (Jn. 9:4) There was a sense of urgency in the conversions in the book of Acts (2:37,41; 8:36-38; 16:33; 22:16; 26:28-29) There was a sense of urgency in restoring the erring Christian (Acts 8:20-24)

Why Wait? Where is the urgency today? - Urgency is dulled today by materialism, worldliness, indifference, pluralism, ignorance, etc.

Are You Waiting For… God, Jesus and the H.S. to do something? - They have already acted on your behalf (1 Tim. 2:4; Tit. 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9) Family, friends, or others to get right? - You take care of your responsibilities regardless of what others do (Jn. 21:21-22; Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 3:1-2)

Are You Waiting For… Your life to be put “in order”? - You start your improvement by becoming a Christian (Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 6:9-11) The hypocrites to go away? - There are hypocrites everywhere (including hell, Mt. 24:51), but that should not deter you from doing right

Are You Waiting For… What friends and family might think? - You must put the Lord first (Mt. 10:34-37) - You need to be concerned about what pleases God, not what friends and family think (Jn. 8:29; Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4; 1 Jn. 3:22)

Are You Waiting For… The need to be saved? - You may be a “good” person, but that alone will not save you (Acts 2:5; 6:7; 8:27; 10:2; 16:14; 23:1)

Are You Waiting For… A convenient opportunity? More Knowledge? - This may never come (Acts 24:25; 2 Cor. 6:2) More Knowledge? - You need to know enough to: H-B-R-C-B-F - There will be time for growth after you become a Christian (Mt. 28:19-20; 2 Pet. 1:5; 3:18)

Are You Waiting For… A direct operation of the H.S., or a “calling” from God? - The H.S. works through his word, and God “calls” through his word (Gal. 3:2; Eph. 6:17; 2 Thess. 2:14) The Lord to give you faith? - Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Acts 15:7; Rom. 10:17)

Are There Other Excuses? “I’m enjoying my life now…” “I’m not good enough…” “I’m afraid I can’t follow through…” “I feel saved…” “I’ve already been baptized…”

Why Do You Wait Dear Sinner? Wait No More! No more excuses (Lk. 14:15-24)! No more delays (Acts 22:16)! No more “tomorrows” (Prov. 27:1; Jas. 4:14)! No more sins (Rom. 6:17-18)!