Why Jesus Waits (A Prepared People, pt. 1)
by Pastor Ilcias Vargas, Jr.
The sermon opens by asking how much time the world has left and points to escalating conflict, violence, disasters, and the Doomsday Clock as evidence of growing instability. Revelation 7 portrays four angels holding back the destructive winds of strife, showing that conditions could be worse but remain restrained by God’s sovereign power. The speaker emphasizes that world history will not end through human warfare, disease, or disaster, but when God permits it and Jesus returns in glory. According to Revelation 7:2–3, the winds are being held until God’s servants are sealed, making the sealing of His people heaven’s highest current priority. Second Timothy 2:19 teaches that God personally supervises this process because He knows those who belong to Him. Ephesians 1 explains that believers are sealed through the Holy Spirit after hearing God’s Word, believing it, and trusting in Christ. The Holy Spirit is described as God’s down payment or guarantee that He has the power and commitment to finish the transforming work He begins. Acts 5 teaches that God gives the Holy Spirit to those willing to obey Him, requiring genuine surrender rather than a desire merely for signs or spiritual experiences. Jesus’ words in Luke 11 show that believers must simply ask for the Holy Spirit, yet distractions, self-direction, and misplaced priorities often prevent them from doing so. The congregation is challenged to begin every day for one week by asking God to fill them with the Holy Spirit and declaring their willingness to follow whatever He directs.