ANNOUNCER: The following program is sponsored by
generous friends and partners of Real Life.
ANNOUNCER: Welcome to Real Life with Jack Hibbs.
JACK: God doesn't dwell in temples made with stone. Thank
God, he wants to live inside your heart and the question
today is, is exactly, is that the truth regarding your
life? Does he live within you? Does your heart beat with
the things of heaven?
ANNOUNCER: Living according to the Spirit leads to a new
quality of life. Today, Jack Hibbs talks about how Christians
are to set their minds on the things of the spirit.
The flesh brings death, but the spirit brings life
and peace. Stay tuned for the message, The Power
of the Holy Spirit.
ANNOUNCER: One of the greatest gifts God has given us is a
gift that we can give to others, but giving this gift
is harder than it sounds. It's the gift of forgiveness
in a world filled with hurt and resentment. Choosing forgiveness
isn't easy. The weight of past grievances and the lure of
bitterness weigh us down and keep us from moving toward
reconciliation in the gift of forgiveness. Dr. Charles Stanley
shows us how to extend forgiveness when grudges run
deep and restoration seems out of reach, life is filled
with personal conflicts and confrontations. Will you choose
to forgive? The gift of forgiveness will equip you
to break free from the chains of bitterness. Don't
miss your chance to experience the liberating
power of forgiveness with this life transforming
book. Receive a copy when you make a gift of any size to the
Ministry of Real Life at JackHibbs.com or by calling
877-777-2346. Order now.
JACK: The Power of the Holy Spirit. What's amazing about
the person of the Holy Spirit is that he's part of the Trinity.
You say, well, pastor, the word Trinity is not in
the Bible. You're correct. The word trinity is not in
the Bible. Neither is the word Bible in the Bible, but
the Trinity is revealed in scripture and the Holy
Spirit, according to Jesus, is the very one who would
be our power to understand the word of God. And for the
book of Romans, it is in a very, very deep book, a very, very
powerful book. And we need the Holy Spirit's strength and power
and insights to unpack one of God's greatest treaties, written
to man and the emphasis is on the transformative power of the
Holy Spirit. Listen, stop trying to reform yourself, my friend.
That's the job of the Holy Spirit. You can't change
yourself. We've all tried. It doesn't work, but listen, when
you surrender and give up to the transforming power of the spirit
of God, that's when he goes to work in you. As believers, we
can live in freedom from the condemnation through Jesus
Christ. That condemnation is the fact that you and I know that
we're sinners, we've sinned against others and we've sinned
most importantly against God. And how do we live? Well all of
a sudden when Christ comes into our life, the guilt, the shame
is removed and we have the spirit of God at work within us.
Let's grab our Bibles and let's look at our message titled The
Power of the Holy Spirit.
JACK: The Bible tells us that is the Holy Spirit raised
Christ from the dead and according to the Bible, the
Holy Spirit lives inside of every believer. And you
can, by the way, you can detect that when you're talking
to somebody else by their worldview. What do they believe?
Who do they say Jesus Christ is for example, did you
know you can know this? Talk to people. We need
to stop being so superficial as a culture. You know
that everyone, we live right on the edge and I'm not
talking about thrills. We live right on the edge of reality. We
need to start digging in. Now's the time to start digging into
people's lives. People are scared. People are not sure
what's going to happen. We need to ask people, Hey, do you know
Jesus? They're going to say yes. Then you counter and you say,
can you define? Jesus who? Which one? What are you talking about?
Let them unpack that and it might open up a door of
evangelism. You can tell them about the real Jesus, the one
who is revealed in the Old Testament, and all of what he
did is recorded in the New, the remarkable ministry. We also
know this friends and it's quite powerful. The scriptures tell us
that in Joel, the book of Joel, the Hebrew prophet Joel chapter
2:28, and it shall come to pass that afterward that I will pour
out my spirit. Notice this God, the Holy Spirit on all flesh,
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Now, this
message is given by Joel 2,500 years ago to the Jewish people.
Your old men shall dream dreams. Your young men shall see
visions. And also on my men's servants and maid certains, I
will pour out my spirit in those days and I will show signs or
wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire, in
pillars of smoke. Listen up everybody. The sun will be
turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the
coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. Friends, that
is Joel's description of the second coming of Christ. That's
Joel's description of the consummation of man's rule on
earth. When this was mentioned 2000 years ago, and we'll read
it in a moment by the apostle Peter. Peter is speaking to the
Jewish people, sites the book of Joel saying, this work that
you're seeing is by the hand of God. Joel talked about it, but
as you well know, the religious leaders of Israel, they reject
it, but that's okay. God put them on pause. He's going to
start play any moment. Maybe he's doing that now in the world
around us, God's getting ready to work with the Jewish people
again, but note this, what he's saying right here. If you are a
student of the Bible, you're saying, wow, that's end time
stuff. Yes it is. But watch this. He says in verse 31, the
sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood
before the coming of the great and awesome or terrible day of
the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the
name of the Lord shall be saved. Watch, for in Mount Zion and in
Jerusalem there shall be a deliverance, as the Lord has
said among the remnant whom the Lord calls the end time events.
Now, church, family, mark this down in your notes, Acts chapter
2:14, 2000 years ago, after the resurrection of Christ and the
ascension of Christ back to heaven, Peter standing up with
the 11, raised his voice and said to them, men of Judea and
all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and take
heed in my words, but this is what was spoken by the prophet
Joel. Remarkable announcement. God does not live on stone
tablets. God does not live in a temple. Think of it. You say,
Jack, wait a minute. As a Jew, I'm offended by that. Wait,
wait, wait. No, you're not. No you're not. Just listen. Who
wanted to build God the temple everybody? David, but what did
God say to David? David, you know your hands are too bloody.
In fact, read the fine print, David, your hands are too
bloody, you're a man of war. I just want you to know I don't
need a house, you can't put me in a house, and David wants to
build God a house. David is told by God, okay, listen, you can't
build it, but you can fund it. You can pay for a lot of it. In
fact, he did. King David funded most of it, but he couldn't
build it, but his son Solomon did build it on the day that the
temple was complete. Those of you who know your Old Testament,
what happened on that day? The priest lined up to go in to get
the things going right, to go back or to take what's on the
tabernacle and put it into the temple with all of its glory
before they could even go in the building, the Bible says that
the spirit of God moved inside the building. The Shekinah glory
appeared within the temple and emanated out from the temple so
that the priests could not even make their way in to the temple.
Is that awesome? Friends, listen, right now, today the
very throne of your heart, God has decreed in the word of God,
old and New Testament. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, I will live in your
heart. I will dwell within you. That's not a New Testament
invention. It's a New Testament recording of an Old Testament
promise. God doesn't dwell in temples made with stone. Thank
God he wants to live inside your heart. And the question today
is, is exactly, is that the truth regarding your life? Does
he live within you? Does your heart beat with the things of
heaven? It matters. Secondly, look, there's the great appeal.
There's the appeal of heaven. Heaven's appeal is a reality
within us. Heaven's appeal. Even we ourselves groan within
ourselves eagerly waiting. Mark down these two words please,
along your margins, or in your notes, the word groan, we've
come across it before in this book of Romans, Stenazo in
Greek it means to exhibit pain or to show evidence of pain. We
groan. Every single one of us know this in life to one degree
or another. Physical pain, emotional pain, non-physical
pain. That is I would think the realm of the spirit. Think about
that, the pain that this world is going through. But check this
out, it means out of sorts or disjointed, misaligned or
skewed. Pain, we groan. The world is groaning. Just the
evidence of the fact that the world is groaning tells you that
there's something better, a remarkable truth. And then the
word eagerly, the word eagerly here means to experience
expectation. Friends, listen, when you're in pain, the
greatest thing that you can hear is when somebody tells you that
you're going to get relief or we're going to, have you ever
been in real pain? Have you ever given birth to kidney stones?
Listen, don't do it. A couple years ago, I didn't tell you
about it, but I was feeling fine and then I started sweating and
I'm wondering, why am I sweating? And within five
minutes, I went from being what somewhat resembled a man. I was
vomiting on my face in pain when I showed up. I mean, I couldn't
even drive. Somebody drove into the hospital and when I showed
up, the guys get a wheelchair. Somebody recognized this guy's
giving birth to a stone here. And I'm telling you, I went in
there. But the cool thing was during the whole thing, I kept
thinking, Jesus, this is nothing compared to what you went
through. This is nothing compared to what you went
through. And then they came and they gave me morphine and I
understood right then and there, now I see why there's drug
addicts in the world. Relief came, when the nurse said, you
know what, you're really, this is a whopper. And that's not
comforting when they say this thing is seven by seven. Yeah, I
have it. It's framed at home. I named it, it's called Little
Jack. I got it on the I have it, I've got it. Dated it, gave it a
name. When somebody says, we'll be right back, I'm going to go
get a nurse and she's going to bring you some relief. It's
like, yes, in life, betrayal, hurt, relational issues, people
coming against us, people hating us, misunderstanding. How much
pain do we go through in life when somebody hates us or
whatever. And they say why they hate us, but that's not even the
reason they misunderstood, they don't even know. That's some of
the worst. And you have no way of responding deep pain. And yet
Christ is there and he mitigates any comforts and he gives us his
word, but I can't wait. Listen, friends, just like you. The
older I get, I can't wait to see heaven. Heaven. This is not it.
The appeal of heaven is beautiful. It's encouraging, but
we groan and we eagerly wait with expectation. The Bible says
in Galatians 5:5, for we through the Holy Spirit, eagerly wait
for the hope of righteousness by faith. What a statement that is.
What does that mean? That means me as a Christian, watch me as a
Christian walking with Jesus. I'm keenly aware of all of my
faults and all of my sins. Now my sins are not so much. In
fact, I don't know if I sin outwardly much anymore at all.
If anything depends on how fast I drove here today. But outside
of that, I'm not going around cheating or drinking or
murdering kittens or looking at porn. I don't do that. But on
the inside I have thoughts or I want that. This is not right,
but it's like, oh man, look at it. That's an awesome cake. How
many people, and you look at the size of the cake, do you do this
or is it just me? And it's like that's a standard cake. And I'm
looking around at how many people are in the room, do the
math, the geometry from that angle, and you come to the
conclusion I need to get up there. That's called
selfishness. That's called self-centeredness. And we sin.
Listen, as you walk with Jesus, you become much more keenly
aware of your imperfections. And you know this is true. It's like
looking at those magnifying lamps in a hotel, you go to a
hotel to relax and enjoy yourself, and then some nut puts
this magnifying glass in the bathroom. So you turn it on and
you can see every pore, everything. And you go, what is
that? They should have a different lamp that makes you
look better than what you really look like. You're paying for
that room. It should make you look great. Nope. When you see
yourself more clearly, you're much more aware of your
deficiency. However, if you stay there, you'll be depressed. If
you step over into the arms of Christ who's telling you, I love
you, I have called you with a everlasting love, come to me and
I'll forgive you. I'm your Lord and savior and the beauty of it
all, how does he do this? He takes ashes and converts them
into beauty. When just about rock bottom, he says to you, you
are the sinner and I'm the savior. You are lost but I find
come to me and you go to him personally. Don't come to this
church and say, I want Christ. We can introduce you to him. But
a church cannot give you Christ by saying, well, okay, just sign
right here. Listen, did we pass the plate around this morning to
have you give the money? No. No we did not. Is there a little
card in the seat in front of you saying how to become a member?
No, it's not there. You want to know why? Because those things
get in the way of you meeting God. Look at it, see this
jacket? I don't wear jackets, but last week I wore jacket.
People said I like the jacket. I like the jacket. The jacket,
it's better with the jacket. So I'm thinking I don't like the
jacket, but because I love you, I'm wearing the jacket. The
price I pay. Would I rather have the jacket off? Yes, but for
you, because I love you, I wore the jacket. Okay, listen, we
become all things to all men that some might be saved, right?
And when we introduce people to the savior who washes away sins,
irregardless of your background, iregardless of your pedigree or
the lack thereof, I love when you speak about pedigree. The
Bible says, not many wise, God has called not many astute or
not many wealthy and not many royal or not many blue bloods is
the word that we would use. God has called. It says not many.
When Queen Elizabeth died, did you know that she was the one
who said, when she came across that portion of scripture, she
said, I'm so grateful that it says that not many blue bloods,
that Christ doesn't call not many. She says, I was saved by
an M because it doesn't say he doesn't call any blue bloods. It
says many isn't that beautiful? All have sinned to come short of
the glory of God. Every single human has sinned. He invites
everyone to come, but do all come? No, but some do. And the
Queen of England did. And I love the fact that she says, I was
saved by M, now I dunno if she did that like an M. Now, I don't
know what I'm communicating right now, by the way, in the
gang language. I have no idea what this means, so forgive me,
but she says, I was saved by an M. An M said many, not any. And
you might say, today, I've sinned so far, pastor God would
never have me. Don't talk like that. You're insulting the blood
of Christ. The Bible says you sin big and you're forgiven. You
love big. What an awesome thing. You can't run. I mean, you can
run, but you're not going to get anywhere. His love will be
there. You'll run. You're running from God. I'm not going
to have, there's no way. And while you're looking back to see
how far you are away from him, you'll run right into him. David
said, if I make my bed in hell, you're there. If I flee to the
uttermost parts of the sea, you're there. He's awesome.
Heaven's a reality and we appeal to that reality. Philippians
chapter 3:20, I love this. Our citizenship is in where? Heaven.
Church family, listen up. Our citizenship is in heaven. The
word in the Greek is politic. The way that we think, the way
that we act, what we do, how we conduct ourselves is in heaven.
So what does that mean? It means what heaven is we are to
represent here and now. Hang onto your seats. We're not
encouraged in the Bible to go out and propagate our opinions
on people. We are to propagate the will of God, the word of God
to people that they might have hope, that they might have
salvation, that they, are you hearing me? Now, I know that
sounds nuts in an age like this, which is all about social media.
You can get caught up into the opinions of people. You need to
get caught up in the opinion of one. And his opinion is very
clear. It's not an opinion, it's a fact. It is truth. And he's
awesome that way. He's precious that way. Hebrews chapter 9:28,
listen to this. So Christ or Messiah was offered once to bear
the sins of many. I'm going to interrupt myself right here. If
you are Jewish today, for example, you ought to write down
right here, Isaiah chapter 53, you ought to write it right
there. So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.
You know where you find that language? Isaiah Chapter 53. Old
Testament prophet to the nation of Israel that the Messiah would
give his life for the sins of not only the nation but for the
world. To those who eagerly wait for him, he will appear a second
time. You can't appear a second time unless you came the first
time. He came 2000 years ago. Apart from sin, meaning sin will
not be a factor when he comes the second time, hallelujah.
When he comes back, it says, apart from sin for salvation,
tremendous statement. Jesus Christ is coming back for those
who are His. And when he takes us either by life or by rapture,
it doesn't matter when he picks us up, it has nothing to do with
sin. The sin question that means it's been done with. Think about
this, everybody. He's picking us up unto salvation, not unto the
sin issue where were and when was our sin dealt with on the
cross 2000 years ago. He was the Lamb of God who takes away the
sins of the world, says the Bible. It's thrilling.
JACK: Well, that's exactly right. We are talking about
the power of the Holy Spirit. I've got to tell you
that the power of the Holy Spirit is the
literal answer to the weakness, the frailty.
What is it? The apathetic nature of what is called
the church today in the world. Listen, when we read the
book of Acts as an example, we see a church that experiences
the power of the Holy Spirit and transforms the world that is
around it. And do you think 2000 years later that God is tired?
Is that what's wrong with your church? My church, our lives,
wherever. Is God tired? God cannot get tired. He never grows
weary, and that's why you and I need the Holy Spirit. The Bible
says whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. That
is eternal truth and it's true today. How does that happen?
God's power. How does that happen? By the Holy Spirit. God
wants to live inside of you. Friends, listen, you know how
you move into a house? Or you move into a building? Well, will
you allow God the Holy Spirit to move into you? You move into
that building and you hang your pictures on the wall, you set it
up, you decorate and you make it your own. God does the same
thing to you and I, if we'll just let him. Invite him into
your life today. Let him live in you. You are built to have God
live inside of you. You know you're empty, lonely. Maybe
you're searching for meaning to life and you just don't get it.
You're never satisfied. You know why you're not. You'll never be
satisfied friend until God moves inside. Please believe me when I
tell you that God's word is so true and so powerful that when
he moves in, Jesus starts rearranging furniture, that he
starts rearranging thoughts, he starts rearranging priorities,
he moves in, and he starts taking over our lives. Hope that
doesn't scare you. He takes over our lives in such a way that he
starts leading you through this life. Friends, I'm telling you,
this is the gospel truth. This is God at work. This is the
power of the Holy Spirit doing what he does. Listen, if you
want to know more, go to JackHibbs.com. You can connect
with us there. God bless you. Until next time.
ANNOUNCER: You are watching Real Life with Jack Hibbs.
ANNOUNCER: One of the greatest gifts God has given us is a
gift that we can give to others, but giving this gift
is harder than it sounds. It's gift of forgiveness in
a world filled with hurt and resentment. Choosing
forgiveness isn't easy. The weight of past grievances
and the lure of bitterness weigh us down and keep
us from moving toward reconciliation. In the "Gift of
Forgiveness," Dr. Charles Stanley shows us how to extend
forgiveness when grudges run deep and restoration seems out
of reach, life is filled with personal conflicts and
confrontations. Will you choose to forgive? The gift of
forgiveness will equip you to break free from the chains of
bitterness. Don't miss your chance to experience the
liberating power of forgiveness with this life transforming
book. Receive a copy when you make a gift of any size to the
Ministry of Real Life at JackHibbs.com or by calling
877-777-2346. Order now.
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more you listen to and see the world today, the easier
it is to feel hopeless and helpless. Amidst the confusion
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Fast forward your faith.
ANNOUNCER: Welcome to Real Life Radio with Jack Hibbs.
JACK: God's Word never will return void. God's Word is
spirit, it's power, and it has its effect. God did not
give us Bible prophecy to scare us, but to prepare
us. You are the light of the world Jesus said, you
are the salt of the earth. How does that happen?
ANNOUNCER: Jack Hibbs truly believes we are living in some
of the most exciting days in history, which brings some
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no-nonsense presentation of the gospel to this generation
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ANNOUNCER: The preceding program was sponsored by generous
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