In a thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Jack Hibbs from Calvary Chapel Chino Hills sought to clarify common misconceptions about Heaven while emphasizing the comforting promise of living under the divine protection of “the Almighty.” His message focused on the eternal future believers have with God.
The sermon, part of an ongoing series titled “Under the Shadow of the Almighty,” drew from Romans 11:33–36. Hibbs, who is the senior and founding pastor at the church in Southern California, engaged the congregation with reflections on eternity and God’s desires for humanity.
“God desires you and I to be with Him forever. We talk about forever. We talk about eternity, but I don’t think we meditate on eternity. I don’t think we meditate on forever,” Hibbs stated in his sermon.
He articulated that the concept of forever is not merely a long duration but an infinite experience beyond the confines of time. Expanding on this, Hibbs described God as existing in a non-physical realm, challenging the notion of a deity with human-like attributes such as a long white beard.
The pastor drew parallels between God’s guidance of the Israelites with a pillar of cloud and fire during their wilderness journey and His current promises to the Church. This imagery of divine guidance and protection serves as a reminder of living “under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Hibbs contrasted the eternal realm with the temporal nature of the physical world, suggesting that Heaven will be a place of endless discovery. “When you and I are in eternity with God, it will be for you and I a time endless in discovery,” he explained, emphasizing humanity’s innate curiosity and passion for exploration.
Encouraging curiosity and wonder, Hibbs advised parents to instill in their children the habit of questioning and seeking God as a precious gift. He emphasized the spiritual realm’s tangibility over the physical, asserting that the eternal home is superior to any earthly experiences.
Addressing potential doubts about God’s plan, Hibbs acknowledged human tendencies to question divine intentions, reminding his audience to trust in God’s wisdom. “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Nobody. Who has become His counselor?” he pondered, highlighting the futility of trying to dictate divine will.
Hibbs urged believers to embrace faith during uncertain times, quoting Psalm 46:10, which says to “be still and know that I am God.” He envisioned a future as described in Revelation 21, where God’s presence eradicates pain and fear.
As the sermon concluded, Hibbs extended an invitation to those ready to commit their lives to Christ, promoting a message of hope and renewal through faith. “If today you’re saying, ‘That’s it. That’s the God I want. That’s the God I need,’ tell Him now,” he encouraged, leading the congregation in a prayer for awakening to God’s plan.
Hibbs left the audience with a challenge to live out God’s promises and embrace His eternal plan with joy and faith: “The more we yield to Him and say, ‘Lord, whatever you want, do it,’ the more we see His glory in our lives.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
