Real Life with Jack Hibbs

Today, in this special Christmas message, Pastor Jack teaches that the first coming of Jesus was the single most powerful influence that the world has ever known or will ever know. In light of this, we are called to love the world as Jesus does and share with others not only the Good News of the Gospel, but the promise of His return.

Today, in this special Christmas message, Pastor Jack teaches that Christmas gives us the hope and expectation for Christ's return. Knowing this should help us rethink our priorities and cause us to live out our faith in Him.

Today, in this special Christmas message, Pastor Jack teaches that Jesus entered the world at the worst of times bringing hope and the promise of salvation. And, it's the same for the world we live in today. Christ's promise to return for His church, at a time when evil is on the rise and hope is fading.

Today, in this special Christmas message, Pastor Jack teaches that Christ's return has a forever ending. There is a Heaven, and Christ is the only Way to get there. Eternal life is promised to those who believe in His birth, receive His message of salvation, and look forward to the promise of His return.

Today, in this special Christmas message, Pastor Jack teaches that God anticipates our every human need. We have air to breathe, seeds for food, and intimacy for conception. Spiritually, we are complete in God's Son Jesus when He took our sin and redeemed us through His death on the cross, His resurrection and His promise to come again.

Today, in this special Christmas message, Pastor Jack teaches that Christmas is God's missionary journey to save us. It is not a story, but a real tragedy that mankind, once perfect, is ruined by sin. But, it is also the ultimate act of mercy when God offers us salvation, through His Son Jesus Christ, and promises that He will return.  

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that, like Israel, we do have an enemy. Satan is ruthless and will tell us that we are powerless and weak. A war is raging around us, still, we must enter the battle, because the Lord tells us that the war has already been won.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Saul was the leader of Israel's army, and still could not face Goliath. But, like David, we need to live with the expectation of victory. The Christian life isn't always easy, but with the Lord, we don't have to live on the sidelines or feel defeated.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we face our giants, we must not shrink back and assume we are helpless. When we are in Christ, He is by our side, and the outcome is in His hands.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that our giants may not look like Goliath. The giant may be fear, or insecurity, it may be past failures, or sickness under overwhelming odds. But, God will not fail us. He gives us the victory, even when we see our problems as too big, and our faith as too small.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that our advancement is in God's timing. Like David, our focus is to be ready for service in whatever role we find ourselves in. To live a Christ centered life is to submit to His agenda, not rushing ahead or comparing ourselves to others.

Today, Pastor Jack asks the question, “are we investing in God's Kingdom or squandering it? Are we devising our own advancement, or are we frustrated with the smaller roles we've been given, as God's larger plan is unfolding?”

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that David is advancing God's kingdom through his service. And, even though David is anointed, but not yet king, God uses him in a lesser way because of his faithfulness, and willingness to be available and obedient.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that the gift of evangelism is two-fold. It's not a talent but led by the spirit. But whether we think we have the gift, we should all be sharing about our faith and excitement for the Gospel.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God wants us to be involved in a healthy church that is filled with the Holy Spirit, loving one another, and using their gifts according to His will, and His Word.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that there is no greater joy than to be fully committed, and right in the middle of the will of God. If we're still breathing, God still wants to use us in a big way.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it's the Holy Spirit's job to work out the gifts within us. Even when sin has quenched our progress, and we feel defeated, if we repent, we are now open and ready for God to use us.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that each of us have different spiritual gifts that will edify the church body. But, we'll never know if we have the gift of faith unless we step out of our comfort zone.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God speaks to us through prayer and through His Word. Our faith isn't built on feelings, but on trusting that God will reveal His will for our lives.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when the church functions with unity and vision through the power of the Holy Spirit, it builds the church from the inside out. Church growth happens when God's choice is more important than our own agendas.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that as true believers, the Holy Spirit was given to us to equip us for ministry, and to edify the church. Serving others should be our passion, no matter if it's digging ditches, mission work, or helping wherever we're called.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we continually ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power, we can be an effective witness, and an example of Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that we need to examine our own motives for growth. Is it to impress, or is it to serve, build, and glorify the Lord, Jesus Christ? Church growth begins from within. Before there is outward expansion, inward development is essential. 

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that church leadership is not about position or popularity, but about God's will for us, to embrace his character, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the Body Of Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we ask for God to fill us with the Holy Spirit, it is something different. It's when we continually ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power so we can be an effective witness, and an example of Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when God comes upon us, He does so by the Holy Spirit. Our enemy, Satan, tries to fight this, and wants to leave us weak and without influence. But, when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, we become effective, powerful, and victorious in our calling.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when David was anointed with oil as the King of Israel, it wasn't because he was gifted. It was because God gifts those that He calls into service, and fills them with power of the Holy Spirit to carry out what He calls them to do.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that we often acquaint appearance with strength or weakness. So, when Samuel anoints David as king, it's God accomplishing His will, not through David's human strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that what matters to God is that His will is being done. The world looks at things differently, gossiping and twisting and turning the truth. But, when God is our influence, He reshapes our hearts, our priorities and our responsibilities.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Samuel was weakened by Saul's ministry. But, in these deep, spiritual times where you are run by someone's powerful and damaging influence, an awakening by God can produce both a lasting and positive change.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Saul was the people's choice as king, but David was God's choice, and it troubled Saul to the point of jealousy. A jealousy that turned to rage.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that failure can be redirected when we repent and rebuild from the inside out. God is aware of our inner life, our motives and our needs. He patiently waits for us to humble ourselves, and come back to Him when our choices fail us miserably.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that a crisis reveals our true character. Saul relied solely on his own capabilities which tragically fell short. Saul's internal integrity doesn't match his outward reputation when he fails to do what the Lord has asked him to do.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that faith is not just belief, but action in spite of uncertainty. Faith can push you to do what seems irrational to others, but it's that very boldness that can change the outcome.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that Saul behaves proudly over the victory against the Philistines, making rash vows, becoming emotionally led, and God resists Him.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when it comes to faith, there is boldness vs. hesitation. Jonathan acts boldly, stepping into danger when odds are against him. Saul, however, who was not a worshipper, lacked faith and becoming burdened by the situation chooses safety.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that whenever we run ahead of God, it doesn't end well for us. But, if we just worship, and wait upon the Lord, He will often move Heaven and earth on our behalf.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that just like in Samuel's time, our enemy Satan is alive and well ready to defeat us. But, if we are aware of the danger, and live dependent on God, a simple song of true worship can send the enemy running.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it was King Saul, and his failures as king, that led Israel's leaders and the people astray. They chose appearance over faithfulness. A kind of misplaced worship that leads to a decline in their relationship with God.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God delights in watching us grow spiritually, and loves to see us continue to learn His ways. So, in response, it's important for us to stay conscious of His holiness, His faithfulness, and His character.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God wants us to experience Him, as well as respond to Him. It's a two-way relationship. When we come to him, we can pray with confidence for our needs, for the needs of others and for those who do not know Christ.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that, as Christians, we face spiritual warfare constantly. So, it's vital that we study the Word, and apply the Bible in our battles, knowing the right scripture down to the right verse for the right time.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that our enemy Satan doesn't want to kill us, he wants us to not fight against him. With fear and terror, he weakens us, even to the point of not standing together, and not sharing our faith with others.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that just as the people of Israel came together under Saul's leadership to rescue and protect the vulnerable, we need to realize that seeing injustice or suffering is not enough. We, too, must act with purpose and unity even at the risk of failure.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we demand things instead of resting in the things of God, we may find God, in His goodness, answering our demands. But, if we demand wrongly, we will also reap the consequences.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when things are going well, our minds immediately go to the trouble that must be coming. But, that kind of thinking is deceptive. God's goodness holds true in any kind of condition we find ourselves in.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that even though Israel wrongly asked for a king, God was still at work to bring to pass His divine will. What does that mean for us today? We can still come to God no matter what we've done and seek His divine will for our own lives.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that as we grow in Christ, we'll find that He is always involved in our lives. He will never leave us but will provide what's needed to carry out His will.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that even when things come against us, God is still there to lead us and guide us. God is so involved in our lives, that He will also use others to help provide what we need.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that we need to let go of the fear that keeps us paralyzed with uncertainty. We often overcomplicate what's in front of us to do, while God wants us to live with confidence, and follow in His path.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that God will make things clear for us, but in the meantime, we simply need to focus on doing the right thing, right now, knowing that clarity will come from God, as we continue to trust in Him.