WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.599 Have you ever had an overwhelming desire to draw close to God and really sense His presence? 00:00:09.599 --> 00:00:13.519 I think most of us have if we're Christians. 00:00:14.839 --> 00:00:19.519 Last Sunday night's storms may have had that effect on you. 00:00:20.539 --> 00:00:25.100 When the phone rings in the middle of the night with tragic news, 00:00:25.100 --> 00:00:30.960 one of the first things that we will do as Christians is call out to the Lord. 00:00:31.720 --> 00:00:35.560 We desperately want to sense His presence then, don't we? 00:00:36.820 --> 00:00:41.840 Sometimes we have to make major life-changing decisions. 00:00:42.900 --> 00:00:43.880 And so we pray. 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:52.120 And we really want to have a sense of God's, not just His presence, but His guidance. 00:00:52.119 --> 00:00:57.619 His giving us direction concerning this decision we've got to make. 00:00:58.959 --> 00:01:03.780 You know, all of us, no matter what your walk in life, 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:12.219 all of us have times when we're just stressed out, when we're afraid, when we're uncertain. 00:01:12.219 --> 00:01:22.079 And we want to experience God's presence and have Him to assure us that He's with us, 00:01:22.579 --> 00:01:29.359 that He's for us, that He cares, and that He is in control. 00:01:30.980 --> 00:01:37.379 Those are some things that we as Christians, children of God, desire, want. 00:01:37.379 --> 00:01:41.659 And hopefully we do experience that. 00:01:42.560 --> 00:01:43.799 That's the Lord's will. 00:01:44.659 --> 00:01:53.359 The Lord Jesus Christ wants us to have that kind of relationship with Himself and our Heavenly Father. 00:01:54.280 --> 00:02:01.120 In fact, both Jesus and our Heavenly Father have already acted to make it possible 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:09.800 for us to experience every day His presence, the Lord's presence, the Father's presence. 00:02:10.580 --> 00:02:18.319 What they've done in providing this for us, they've sent the Holy Spirit to live within us. 00:02:19.460 --> 00:02:24.659 Last Sunday, Easter Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of the Lord. 00:02:25.200 --> 00:02:28.700 And I called attention to some of the major points of the Gospel. 00:02:28.699 --> 00:02:32.639 I pointed out how Jesus died on the cross for our sins. 00:02:33.539 --> 00:02:38.000 How He arose from the grave by the power of God 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:42.780 and appeared to over 500 people over a period of 40 days. 00:02:43.859 --> 00:02:47.599 The Lord's ascension was something we also looked at last week 00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:55.359 when the Father seated Jesus following the resurrection at His right hand, 00:02:55.359 --> 00:02:58.239 the place of power and authority. 00:02:58.699 --> 00:03:06.939 But you know, there is one vitally important part of the Gospel missing from what I just said. 00:03:07.939 --> 00:03:16.599 God the Father and the Lord Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell every person who believes the Gospel. 00:03:17.259 --> 00:03:23.839 Every person who trusts in Jesus as their Lord and Savior receives the Holy Spirit within them. 00:03:23.840 --> 00:03:25.479 Think about this. 00:03:26.200 --> 00:03:32.020 Jesus saves us not just so we can be forgiven and miss hell, 00:03:32.020 --> 00:03:39.140 but to bring us into a new relationship with Himself and our Heavenly Father. 00:03:40.140 --> 00:03:43.340 This is not just a new relationship. 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:45.520 It's a right one. 00:03:45.960 --> 00:03:47.500 It's a healthy one. 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:49.960 It's close and personal. 00:03:49.960 --> 00:03:57.919 And the way we experience that kind of fellowship with our Heavenly Father and the Lord 00:03:57.919 --> 00:04:02.460 is through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 00:04:03.360 --> 00:04:08.479 I want us to look at several passages this morning about how this is possible. 00:04:08.479 --> 00:04:10.299 We're going to look first. 00:04:11.299 --> 00:04:14.079 We have the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. 00:04:14.739 --> 00:04:16.000 All of us as Christians. 00:04:16.219 --> 00:04:19.120 This message is to believers. 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:22.639 People who have a real relationship with Jesus. 00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:30.759 If that's you, you need to understand the presence of the Holy Spirit is with you. 00:04:31.039 --> 00:04:32.099 He is with you. 00:04:32.100 --> 00:04:40.180 Jesus promised that He and the Father would send the Holy Spirit to live in us after He returned to heaven. 00:04:41.160 --> 00:04:48.580 During His last night with His disciples, Jesus had an extended teaching time with them. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:51.480 John records this. 00:04:52.360 --> 00:04:55.220 John chapters 13 through 16. 00:04:55.220 --> 00:05:07.240 In those verses, specifically chapters 14, 15, and 16, Jesus refers to sending the Holy Spirit four times. 00:05:08.140 --> 00:05:15.600 Here's one example that emphasizes how Jesus is going to send the Holy Spirit to live in us. 00:05:16.220 --> 00:05:18.140 Look at the scripture from John 14. 00:05:19.400 --> 00:05:19.960 Jesus said, 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:49.299 Jesus is promising, comforting His disciples. 00:05:49.959 --> 00:05:59.079 That after He leaves them, He is going to send His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, to be with them and in them. 00:05:59.079 --> 00:06:07.859 Now, the book of Acts describes how Jesus and the Father originally fulfilled that promise. 00:06:08.500 --> 00:06:11.659 And they did it in a very powerful and unique way. 00:06:11.660 --> 00:06:23.220 In Acts chapter 2, verses 1 through 13, we read how the Holy Spirit came upon those first disciples on the day of Pentecost. 00:06:23.640 --> 00:06:28.780 I encourage you to open your Bibles and read that sometime later today. 00:06:29.780 --> 00:06:35.400 As you read that, I want you to notice all those believers were Jews. 00:06:35.399 --> 00:06:44.919 But the Christian faith is not just for Jews, obviously, if you just look at us. 00:06:46.019 --> 00:06:48.339 The Christian faith is for all people. 00:06:50.019 --> 00:06:53.060 Paul said it very clearly in Romans 10, 13, 00:06:53.179 --> 00:06:56.519 For all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. 00:06:56.519 --> 00:07:04.639 The book of Acts intentionally shows that salvation is for all people. 00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:12.339 And it describes how all believers, not just Jews, received the Holy Spirit. 00:07:13.339 --> 00:07:16.839 If you move on in Acts chapter 8, verses 14 through 17, 00:07:16.839 --> 00:07:21.199 We read how the Holy Spirit came upon the Samaritans, 00:07:21.659 --> 00:07:25.500 the group that the Jews hated, despised. 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:28.939 Yet when God saved those people, 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:33.419 the Holy Spirit came upon them just like He had the Jews. 00:07:34.059 --> 00:07:36.000 And then later on in Acts chapter 10, 00:07:36.659 --> 00:07:40.159 we read this entire chapter tells us this story, 00:07:40.779 --> 00:07:45.379 how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles who believed in Jesus, 00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:51.939 just as He had originally on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. 00:07:52.819 --> 00:07:58.180 The book of Acts shows us how the Lord got His church started 00:07:58.180 --> 00:08:02.300 by sending the Holy Spirit in a unique way 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:05.659 to all who believed in Jesus. 00:08:06.779 --> 00:08:12.060 Now, the normal, or what you might call the regular way 00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:14.920 God intends for His people to receive the Holy Spirit 00:08:14.920 --> 00:08:17.100 is at conversion. 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:20.140 When we trust in Christ as our Lord and Savior, 00:08:21.080 --> 00:08:23.400 the Holy Spirit comes to live within us at that time. 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:26.640 I want you to note how Peter explains 00:08:26.640 --> 00:08:30.860 this is to be the norm in his first sermon. 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:35.120 In Acts chapter 2, look with me beginning at verse 7. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:39.560 Now, when they heard this, they were cut to the heart 00:08:39.560 --> 00:08:42.539 and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:45.419 Brothers, what shall we do? 00:08:45.759 --> 00:08:47.360 Peter had presented the gospel. 00:08:47.720 --> 00:08:49.980 Jesus Christ died for their sins. 00:08:50.120 --> 00:08:50.860 He had risen. 00:08:50.980 --> 00:08:51.799 He had ascended. 00:08:53.539 --> 00:08:54.639 Verse 38, 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:56.220 And Peter said to them, 00:08:56.699 --> 00:08:59.980 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:01.699 in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:09:01.860 --> 00:09:03.639 for the forgiveness of your sins, 00:09:03.819 --> 00:09:06.419 and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:09:06.419 --> 00:09:11.039 For the promise is for you and for your children, 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:13.480 for all who are far off, 00:09:13.939 --> 00:09:17.919 everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself. 00:09:17.919 --> 00:09:21.699 Now, I want you to note how Peter told those people 00:09:21.699 --> 00:09:24.959 who were under conviction how to respond to the gospel. 00:09:25.659 --> 00:09:27.439 He said, First, repent. 00:09:28.299 --> 00:09:29.019 And then he said, 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:31.919 Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:33.899 for the forgiveness of your sins. 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:36.279 Then it says, 00:09:36.399 --> 00:09:41.019 The result would be they would receive the gift of the Spirit. 00:09:41.740 --> 00:09:43.779 Now, let's pause here for a moment. 00:09:44.599 --> 00:09:47.099 I want to make sure that no one misunderstands 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:47.960 what Peter meant 00:09:47.960 --> 00:09:49.440 when he said, 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:51.680 Repent and be baptized. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:55.820 Peter was not talking about 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:58.980 baptism taking the place of faith, 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:01.960 baptism being a requirement for salvation. 00:10:02.960 --> 00:10:06.220 I think the English Standard Version Study Bible 00:10:06.220 --> 00:10:09.500 explains this very clearly and concisely. 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:10.700 Look at it with me. 00:10:11.660 --> 00:10:12.120 It says, 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:14.740 This does not imply that people can be saved 00:10:14.740 --> 00:10:16.960 without having faith in Christ 00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:19.660 as Savior because the need to believe 00:10:19.660 --> 00:10:23.379 is implied both in the command to repent 00:10:23.379 --> 00:10:26.540 and also in the command to be baptized 00:10:26.540 --> 00:10:28.600 in the name of Jesus Christ 00:10:28.600 --> 00:10:30.440 for the forgiveness of your sins. 00:10:30.820 --> 00:10:33.460 The willingness to submit to baptism 00:10:33.460 --> 00:10:35.540 is an outward expression 00:10:35.540 --> 00:10:38.900 of inward faith in Christ. 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:42.600 baptism is a sign, 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:47.240 not a substitute for faith. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:50.019 When Jesus was dying on the cross, 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:55.319 there was a man on another cross beside him. 00:10:56.379 --> 00:10:59.240 And at some point during the crucifixion, 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:02.980 that man looked to Jesus in faith. 00:11:02.980 --> 00:11:07.240 And Jesus responded to him immediately, 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:12.440 Today, you will be with me in paradise. 00:11:13.440 --> 00:11:14.600 Now think about that. 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:17.800 That man looked to Jesus in faith 00:11:17.800 --> 00:11:19.279 and Jesus assured him, 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:24.060 Today, as we die here today, 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:28.340 you're going to open your eyes with me in paradise. 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:32.060 That man did not have a chance 00:11:32.060 --> 00:11:34.060 to be baptized, did he? 00:11:34.780 --> 00:11:36.060 But it didn't matter 00:11:36.060 --> 00:11:41.800 because baptism is not essential for salvation. 00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:45.000 Salvation is by the grace of God, 00:11:45.660 --> 00:11:49.220 through faith in Jesus Christ, period. 00:11:50.259 --> 00:11:51.560 Nothing else. 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:57.120 Today, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit 00:11:57.120 --> 00:11:59.379 the moment we put our faith in Jesus 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:00.840 as Lord and Savior. 00:12:01.980 --> 00:12:03.100 Every Christian, 00:12:03.879 --> 00:12:05.019 every Christian 00:12:05.019 --> 00:12:08.399 is indwelled by the Holy Spirit. 00:12:08.899 --> 00:12:11.120 Look at what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6. 00:12:12.519 --> 00:12:14.700 Do you not know that your bodies 00:12:14.700 --> 00:12:18.100 are temples of the Holy Spirit 00:12:18.100 --> 00:12:20.179 who is in you, 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:23.039 whom you have received from God? 00:12:24.560 --> 00:12:25.600 Think about it. 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:27.500 Look at yourself. 00:12:27.500 --> 00:12:28.860 Your body, 00:12:29.860 --> 00:12:31.700 if you're a Christian, 00:12:32.360 --> 00:12:33.700 is the temple, 00:12:33.940 --> 00:12:38.040 the residence of the Holy Spirit right now. 00:12:39.680 --> 00:12:41.920 Every Christian is indwelled by the Spirit. 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:43.500 Look also, 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:47.659 if the Holy Spirit does not live in us, 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:49.440 we're not Christians. 00:12:50.300 --> 00:12:53.060 Paul made that plain in Romans 8. 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:56.339 anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ 00:12:56.339 --> 00:12:59.159 does not belong to Him. 00:13:01.319 --> 00:13:02.319 Think with me. 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:04.919 If you are a Christian, 00:13:06.099 --> 00:13:06.979 the Holy Spirit, 00:13:07.659 --> 00:13:09.399 sometimes called the Spirit of God, 00:13:10.039 --> 00:13:11.979 sometimes called the Spirit of Christ, 00:13:12.919 --> 00:13:14.239 lives within you. 00:13:14.739 --> 00:13:16.679 He lives within you right now, 00:13:16.759 --> 00:13:20.859 and He has since the day you put your faith in Jesus. 00:13:20.860 --> 00:13:24.039 Now, the question I want to ask you is, 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:28.039 are you experiencing His power? 00:13:29.680 --> 00:13:31.440 That's the next thing I want us to look at. 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:35.240 We have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. 00:13:35.240 --> 00:13:38.759 After Jesus' resurrection, 00:13:40.039 --> 00:13:42.299 He clearly told His disciples 00:13:42.299 --> 00:13:46.480 that they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:48.139 for their mission, 00:13:49.200 --> 00:13:50.860 but He also told them, 00:13:51.560 --> 00:13:55.500 don't start until you receive the Holy Spirit. 00:13:56.060 --> 00:13:57.399 I want you to note two statements 00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:59.259 Jesus gave His disciples 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:02.059 in which He made it clear, 00:14:02.679 --> 00:14:04.819 you cannot do what I've called you to do 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:05.740 on your own power. 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:09.460 So wait for this special power that I will send. 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:10.240 Look at it. 00:14:10.279 --> 00:14:11.419 First from Luke's Gospel. 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:12.679 And behold, 00:14:13.039 --> 00:14:16.120 I am sending the promise of my Father upon you, 00:14:16.500 --> 00:14:17.899 but stay in the city 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:21.679 until you are clothed with power from on high. 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:26.419 And then a very well-known verse in Acts 1.8, 00:14:27.359 --> 00:14:27.959 Jesus said, 00:14:28.099 --> 00:14:29.699 but you will receive power 00:14:29.699 --> 00:14:31.919 when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:34.620 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:37.979 and in all Judea and Samaria 00:14:37.979 --> 00:14:41.099 and to the end of the earth. 00:14:41.100 --> 00:14:46.740 The Holy Spirit lives in us today 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:51.879 to empower us to live the Christian life 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:54.080 as the Lord intends 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:58.060 and as we really desire 00:14:58.060 --> 00:15:01.840 if we are the Lord's people. 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:06.399 John Stott gives us a good summary 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:10.139 of the comprehensive work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:11.819 I want you to look with me 00:15:11.819 --> 00:15:13.799 at how Stott describes, 00:15:15.199 --> 00:15:16.539 really summarizes 00:15:16.539 --> 00:15:19.360 what all the Spirit does 00:15:19.360 --> 00:15:22.419 in every one of us as Christians. 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:23.439 Look at it. 00:15:24.379 --> 00:15:28.220 His ministry is both to reveal Christ to us 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:31.240 and to form Christ in us 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:34.960 so that we grow steadily in our knowledge of Christ 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:38.019 and in our likeness to Christ. 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:40.399 He goes on, 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:42.460 It is by the power of the indwelling Spirit 00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:45.879 that the evil desires of our fallen nature 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:47.059 are restrained 00:15:47.059 --> 00:15:50.179 and the good fruit of Christian character 00:15:50.179 --> 00:15:51.879 is produced. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:57.480 He also unites us to the body of Christ, the church. 00:15:58.159 --> 00:16:00.860 He reaches out through us to others, 00:16:01.439 --> 00:16:03.360 prompting us to witness to Christ 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:05.060 and equipping us with gifts 00:16:05.060 --> 00:16:08.360 for the service to which He summons us. 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:11.980 That's just a general statement 00:16:11.980 --> 00:16:14.680 of all that the Holy Spirit does 00:16:14.680 --> 00:16:17.120 in us and through us 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.659 throughout our lives as Christians. 00:16:19.220 --> 00:16:21.159 He helps us to know the Lord better. 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:25.560 He helps us to grow in Christ's likeness. 00:16:25.559 --> 00:16:29.959 He helps us to overcome sinful habits, 00:16:30.959 --> 00:16:32.299 to say no to temptation. 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:36.199 He enables us to truly develop 00:16:36.199 --> 00:16:39.059 Christ-like character qualities. 00:16:40.439 --> 00:16:41.819 The Holy Spirit works in a way 00:16:41.819 --> 00:16:47.699 to really help us love and enjoy one another 00:16:47.699 --> 00:16:50.459 as Christians, as brothers and sisters. 00:16:50.460 --> 00:16:52.960 And the Holy Spirit, 00:16:53.060 --> 00:16:54.720 when He is working in our lives 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:57.040 and we're being sensitive to His presence, 00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:59.460 He will compel us 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:01.160 to share the gospel, 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:03.160 to live out our faith, 00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:06.400 to try to reach people who don't know Christ 00:17:06.400 --> 00:17:08.460 with this good news 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:11.380 that will change them from the inside out. 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:14.360 The Holy Spirit is at work 00:17:14.360 --> 00:17:15.620 in your life and in mine 00:17:15.620 --> 00:17:18.160 right now in these ways. 00:17:18.160 --> 00:17:19.340 And He will be. 00:17:20.060 --> 00:17:21.540 He'll continue to work 00:17:21.540 --> 00:17:23.220 as long as we're alive. 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:26.040 We need to be sensitive to His presence 00:17:26.040 --> 00:17:28.360 and obedient to His leadership 00:17:28.360 --> 00:17:31.560 in each of these ways. 00:17:33.400 --> 00:17:35.840 Now, R.C. Sproul gives an example 00:17:35.840 --> 00:17:38.840 of one specific way the Holy Spirit works 00:17:38.840 --> 00:17:42.259 to help us to understand and apply Scripture. 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:46.860 As Christians, we read the Bible. 00:17:48.160 --> 00:17:49.140 It's a part of, 00:17:49.980 --> 00:17:50.820 it's one of the ways, 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:52.000 one of the means of grace 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:53.940 that God has given us along with prayer 00:17:53.940 --> 00:17:56.920 to grow in our knowledge of Him, 00:17:58.080 --> 00:17:59.880 to grow in our knowledge of His will, 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:02.060 to know how to please Him, 00:18:02.060 --> 00:18:03.500 to know how to live life the way 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:06.160 that He designed it to be lived. 00:18:07.320 --> 00:18:11.320 Well, Sproul explains how the Holy Spirit works 00:18:11.320 --> 00:18:13.279 to help us to understand 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:15.220 what God is saying in His Word. 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:18.120 He begins by quoting a passage of Scripture 00:18:18.120 --> 00:18:21.319 that ends with this verse in 1 Corinthians 2. 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:22.680 He says, 00:18:22.980 --> 00:18:25.240 These things God has revealed to us 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:26.100 through the Spirit. 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:29.039 For the Spirit searches everything, 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:32.799 even the depths of God. 00:18:33.860 --> 00:18:36.960 Now, Sproul explains what Paul's talking about there, 00:18:37.660 --> 00:18:39.940 how the Spirit searches everything, 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:42.360 even the depths of God. 00:18:42.359 --> 00:18:43.399 He says, 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.439 Paul is telling us here 00:18:44.439 --> 00:18:45.259 that the Holy Spirit 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:47.619 acts as a searchlight 00:18:47.619 --> 00:18:50.240 and shines on the text of Scripture 00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:51.279 when we read it, 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:53.199 giving us the capacity 00:18:53.199 --> 00:18:55.799 to understand the meaning of it. 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.299 When this happens, 00:18:57.679 --> 00:18:59.379 we see the truth of God 00:18:59.379 --> 00:19:01.479 intensely and sharply. 00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:03.879 Every one of us who is a Christian 00:19:03.879 --> 00:19:05.299 has had this experience 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:06.959 sometime in his or her life. 00:19:07.439 --> 00:19:09.000 We are reading from the Scriptures, 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:11.559 and suddenly a particular truth 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:13.259 seems to jump off the page 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:15.460 and pierce our souls. 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:18.319 That's the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:20.900 I want to give you a personal example. 00:19:21.900 --> 00:19:25.859 A personal example that I had, 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:28.619 I experienced a few days ago 00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:32.059 in my devotional Bible reading. 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:36.059 I was reading through Luke chapter 6. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:39.259 Luke chapter 6 has 49 verses. 00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:43.899 As I just read through that chapter, 00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:49.539 three verses just stood out to me. 00:19:50.659 --> 00:19:52.179 It's as if the Holy Spirit 00:19:52.179 --> 00:19:54.879 directed my mind, 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:56.200 my eyes and my mind 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:57.859 to three verses, 00:19:58.359 --> 00:19:59.559 not back to back, 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:01.859 and said something to me. 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:03.279 I want you to look at the verses first. 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:06.720 Verse 31 of Luke 6. 00:20:07.899 --> 00:20:09.099 And as you wish 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:11.079 that others would do to you, 00:20:11.919 --> 00:20:13.119 do so to them. 00:20:14.159 --> 00:20:15.279 Verse 36. 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:16.639 That was verse 31. 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.559 This is verse 36. 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:19.059 Be merciful, 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:21.859 even as your Father is merciful. 00:20:23.019 --> 00:20:24.200 Then verse 38, 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:25.359 the last sentence. 00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:29.039 For with the measure you use, 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:32.479 it will be measured back to you. 00:20:33.339 --> 00:20:35.000 Now when I was reading that, 00:20:35.899 --> 00:20:37.879 I underlined those three verses. 00:20:39.099 --> 00:20:40.359 And I just thought, 00:20:40.939 --> 00:20:45.559 I need to show more grace and mercy 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:48.879 to the people who are in my life. 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:52.680 I thought about how God has been gracious 00:20:52.680 --> 00:20:54.480 and merciful to me. 00:20:55.320 --> 00:20:57.560 He's not giving me what I deserve. 00:20:58.660 --> 00:21:01.000 He has been so gracious and loving 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:05.700 and giving me things I in no way deserve. 00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:09.920 And so as I was just thinking about those verses, 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:12.200 I thought, 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:16.340 why would I not be gracious 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:19.240 and merciful to other people? 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:22.220 That's what I want them to do to me. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:26.620 That's the way God has set the example 00:21:26.620 --> 00:21:28.539 in the way He treats me. 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:32.039 This is just an example 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:34.420 of how the Holy Spirit 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:37.920 can take the Word of God 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:39.539 and just make it come alive to us. 00:21:39.539 --> 00:21:41.559 It may not happen. 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:43.319 It won't happen every time you read the Bible. 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:46.180 But if we're going to read God's Word 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:47.220 prayerfully, 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:49.920 expectantly, 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:52.799 willing to be taught, 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:56.500 God will work through His Spirit 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:58.299 to open our eyes 00:21:58.299 --> 00:22:01.180 and to apply His Word 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:05.240 in ways that we need to change, 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:09.519 in ways that we need to mature, 00:22:09.539 --> 00:22:12.159 I encourage you, 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:13.180 listen to the Lord, 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:14.759 listen to His Spirit 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:16.420 as you read the Bible. 00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:18.980 I want to ask you, 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:22.339 can you see signs 00:22:22.339 --> 00:22:24.359 of the Holy Spirit's presence 00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:26.059 and power 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:28.019 in your life 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:30.039 the way that you're living right now? 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:34.139 Just think about this past week. 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:37.820 How have you experienced, 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:40.620 how could you describe 00:22:40.620 --> 00:22:42.640 the Holy Spirit's presence 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:43.620 and power 00:22:43.620 --> 00:22:45.200 in your life? 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:48.400 Are you growing 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:52.220 in your knowledge of Christ? 00:22:52.880 --> 00:22:54.040 Are you growing 00:22:54.040 --> 00:22:56.200 and becoming more like Him? 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:58.320 Slowly but surely, 00:22:58.540 --> 00:22:59.400 all of us. 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:01.280 But are you? 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:03.560 Think about it more specifically. 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:06.579 Are you developing 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:09.379 a real hatred 00:23:09.379 --> 00:23:10.740 for sin? 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:13.119 That's something 00:23:13.119 --> 00:23:14.079 the Holy Spirit will do 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:14.679 within us 00:23:14.679 --> 00:23:16.119 as He changes us. 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:18.460 Are you developing 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.279 a real hatred 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:20.759 for your personal 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.700 habits 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.919 of sin? 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:26.779 Are you making progress 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:28.220 in your efforts 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:30.240 to overcome the sin, 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:33.599 to resist the temptations? 00:23:36.059 --> 00:23:38.039 Do you have a real desire 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:40.319 to develop 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:42.019 Christ-like character? 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:45.160 Do you really want to 00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:47.299 become more loving, 00:23:48.120 --> 00:23:48.579 joyful, 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:49.740 peaceful, 00:23:50.420 --> 00:23:50.940 patient, 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:52.200 kind, 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.380 good, 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:54.599 faithful, 00:23:55.359 --> 00:23:55.779 gentle, 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.579 self-controlled? 00:23:57.579 --> 00:23:59.980 That's what Paul calls 00:23:59.980 --> 00:24:00.939 the fruit of the Spirit. 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:04.159 And I heard it a long time ago 00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:05.159 and it stuck with me. 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.539 That's some of the character 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.619 qualities that Jesus 00:24:07.619 --> 00:24:08.399 demonstrated. 00:24:09.679 --> 00:24:10.559 And it's some of the 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:11.339 character qualities 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:12.599 we will demonstrate 00:24:12.599 --> 00:24:15.879 as we are obedient 00:24:15.879 --> 00:24:17.000 to the Holy Spirit's leadership, 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:19.960 as we develop 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:21.779 Christ-like character. 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:23.299 It's not going to happen 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:23.759 overnight. 00:24:24.160 --> 00:24:26.139 It's a lifetime process. 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:28.319 But it should be 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:29.440 a process 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:31.460 whereas we can look back 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:31.980 and see 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:33.980 we're moving forward. 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.920 We're moving forward. 00:24:36.980 --> 00:24:37.299 You know, 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.279 one of the most obvious 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.839 signs of the Holy Spirit's 00:24:39.839 --> 00:24:41.399 working in our lives 00:24:41.399 --> 00:24:43.279 is that He gives us 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:44.779 a true desire 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:47.759 and then the ability 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:49.779 to please God. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:52.259 Paul describes this 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.359 in Philippians chapter 2 00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:54.059 verse 13. 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:54.899 He says, 00:24:55.019 --> 00:24:55.660 For it is God 00:24:55.660 --> 00:24:56.779 who works in you 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:58.500 both to will 00:24:58.500 --> 00:25:00.059 and to work 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:02.619 for His good pleasure. 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:04.879 Think about it. 00:25:05.920 --> 00:25:07.940 Do you have a real desire 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:09.759 to please God? 00:25:10.920 --> 00:25:11.160 I mean, 00:25:11.180 --> 00:25:12.019 do you think about it? 00:25:13.319 --> 00:25:14.059 Do you think about 00:25:14.059 --> 00:25:15.680 as you read the Bible 00:25:15.680 --> 00:25:19.220 learning what pleases God, 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:20.299 what doesn't please Him? 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.680 Do you have a desire 00:25:22.680 --> 00:25:24.799 to please God? 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.819 Do you have a real 00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.900 heartfelt desire 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:29.759 to put forth the effort 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:31.900 to please God? 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:34.059 It's one thing 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:36.720 to think sometime 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:39.120 that I really would like 00:25:39.120 --> 00:25:40.920 to please my spouse. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:45.060 but it's totally 00:25:45.060 --> 00:25:46.660 different 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:49.000 just to have that thought 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:51.860 and then to put forth 00:25:51.860 --> 00:25:52.480 the effort 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:55.420 to please your spouse 00:25:55.420 --> 00:25:57.560 by what you do 00:25:57.560 --> 00:25:59.320 and see a smile 00:25:59.320 --> 00:26:00.800 come over his or her face 00:26:00.800 --> 00:26:02.900 as a result of you doing it. 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:04.759 You know, 00:26:04.800 --> 00:26:05.600 the way that you answer 00:26:05.600 --> 00:26:06.580 those two questions, 00:26:07.580 --> 00:26:08.480 do I have a desire 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.340 to please God? 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:11.019 Do I have a desire 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:11.439 to put forth 00:26:11.439 --> 00:26:11.839 the effort 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:12.519 to please God? 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:15.039 That will show you 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:16.419 if the Holy Spirit 00:26:16.419 --> 00:26:17.439 is really at work 00:26:17.439 --> 00:26:18.799 in your life. 00:26:20.139 --> 00:26:21.240 If you don't see 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:22.399 clear signs 00:26:22.399 --> 00:26:23.059 of the presence 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:23.839 and power 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:24.819 of the Holy Spirit, 00:26:25.139 --> 00:26:26.759 something is terribly wrong 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:27.639 in your life. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:31.799 Two possibilities mainly. 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:33.959 You may not be a Christian. 00:26:33.960 --> 00:26:36.620 If there's absolutely 00:26:36.620 --> 00:26:37.900 never been 00:26:37.900 --> 00:26:38.980 and is not today 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:39.799 any signs 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:41.000 of the Holy Spirit's presence 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:41.980 or power in your life, 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:42.880 there's no reason 00:26:42.880 --> 00:26:43.340 for you to think 00:26:43.340 --> 00:26:43.920 you're a Christian. 00:26:45.240 --> 00:26:46.440 And if that's the case 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:47.579 and that bothers you, 00:26:48.579 --> 00:26:49.980 I want to encourage you 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:50.620 right now. 00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:53.019 Turn from your sin. 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:53.700 Repent. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:55.960 Put your trust in Jesus 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:57.660 as your Savior and Lord. 00:26:58.600 --> 00:26:59.340 Call upon Him 00:26:59.340 --> 00:27:00.220 to save you. 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:02.720 Call upon Him 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:03.960 to come into your life 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:04.539 right now. 00:27:05.579 --> 00:27:06.559 Surrender control 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.319 of your life 00:27:07.319 --> 00:27:08.180 to Him. 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:10.700 But it could be 00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:11.759 that you are a Christian. 00:27:12.700 --> 00:27:13.440 You know, 00:27:13.559 --> 00:27:14.680 you've experienced 00:27:14.680 --> 00:27:16.160 the presence 00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:17.240 and power 00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:18.000 of the Lord 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:19.940 at various times 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:21.220 and various degrees 00:27:21.220 --> 00:27:23.180 throughout your Christian life. 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:25.620 But right now, 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:28.720 you see very little evidence 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:31.860 of the Holy Spirit's presence 00:27:31.860 --> 00:27:34.740 and the Holy Spirit's power. 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:37.660 And if that's the case, 00:27:38.660 --> 00:27:40.200 it may be that you've done 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:41.339 as Paul describes it, 00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:43.720 you've grieved the Spirit 00:27:43.720 --> 00:27:45.779 by your sin. 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:49.360 You've quenched the Spirit 00:27:49.360 --> 00:27:51.480 by your refusal 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:53.120 to obey Him, 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.680 to do what you know 00:27:54.680 --> 00:27:55.900 you should do 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:58.140 when it comes to pleasing God. 00:27:58.140 --> 00:28:00.080 If that's true, 00:28:01.120 --> 00:28:01.940 if you've grieved 00:28:01.940 --> 00:28:02.920 or quenched the Spirit, 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.800 if you're not sensing 00:28:04.800 --> 00:28:05.640 His presence 00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:06.420 and His power, 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.880 if you're a Christian, 00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:10.840 you're miserable, 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:13.120 aren't you? 00:28:14.380 --> 00:28:15.520 We can't, 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:16.220 as Christians, 00:28:16.860 --> 00:28:17.660 grieve and quench 00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:18.180 the Spirit, 00:28:19.480 --> 00:28:20.820 just ignore Him, 00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.620 disobey Him, 00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:25.900 and be at peace 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.740 with God. 00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:29.120 we're going to be miserable 00:28:29.120 --> 00:28:33.460 until we wake up spiritually, 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:35.579 confess our sin, 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:36.460 turn from it, 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:39.180 come back close to the Lord, 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.680 renew our faith, 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:42.960 our confidence, 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:45.240 our commitment to Him. 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:48.059 And if that's you 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:49.079 as a Christian, 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:51.120 I want to encourage you 00:28:51.119 --> 00:28:52.739 to not wait 00:28:52.739 --> 00:28:54.059 another hour, 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:57.439 but admit to God 00:28:57.439 --> 00:28:58.199 where you are. 00:28:59.519 --> 00:29:00.459 Tell Him how much 00:29:00.459 --> 00:29:01.319 you hate it 00:29:01.319 --> 00:29:03.099 and how miserable 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:03.859 you are 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:05.719 and ask Him 00:29:05.719 --> 00:29:06.639 to work in you, 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.419 to change you, 00:29:08.959 --> 00:29:10.119 to help you 00:29:10.119 --> 00:29:11.139 willingly turn 00:29:11.139 --> 00:29:12.119 from whatever it is 00:29:12.119 --> 00:29:13.099 that's gotten in the way 00:29:13.099 --> 00:29:13.839 between you 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:14.579 and the right relationship 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:15.019 with Him. 00:29:16.339 --> 00:29:17.379 Ask Him to help you 00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:18.599 to draw close to Him. 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:20.439 And the Scripture says 00:29:20.439 --> 00:29:21.199 when we draw close 00:29:21.199 --> 00:29:22.019 to God, 00:29:22.079 --> 00:29:22.819 He will draw close 00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:23.399 to us. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.899 All Christians, 00:29:26.879 --> 00:29:27.779 every Christian, 00:29:27.899 --> 00:29:28.539 you and me, 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:30.159 we can live 00:29:30.159 --> 00:29:31.259 a Spirit-filled, 00:29:31.459 --> 00:29:32.379 Spirit-controlled, 00:29:33.459 --> 00:29:34.599 Spirit-empowered life 00:29:35.339 --> 00:29:37.819 if that's the kind 00:29:37.819 --> 00:29:38.419 of life we want 00:29:38.419 --> 00:29:38.779 to live. 00:29:40.659 --> 00:29:41.980 If we'll be obedient 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:43.179 to Him, 00:29:43.919 --> 00:29:44.839 sensitive to Him, 00:29:44.839 --> 00:29:48.079 do what He's calling us 00:29:48.079 --> 00:29:48.419 to do. 00:29:49.960 --> 00:29:51.279 If that's what you want 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:51.799 right now, 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.720 I encourage you 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.879 to just draw close 00:29:54.879 --> 00:29:55.379 to the Lord. 00:29:57.639 --> 00:29:58.619 Listen to Him. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.179 Obey Him. 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:03.000 On a daily basis, 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:06.079 to maintain this presence 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:07.059 and power of the Holy Spirit, 00:30:07.639 --> 00:30:08.539 spend time with the Lord 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:09.679 and confess your sin. 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:12.500 Don't let it build up 00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:13.279 in your life. 00:30:13.699 --> 00:30:14.939 Make it a daily practice. 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:16.359 Commit yourself 00:30:16.359 --> 00:30:17.179 and you in afresh 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:18.100 every day 00:30:18.100 --> 00:30:20.700 to walking with the Lord 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:22.140 in fellowship, 00:30:23.140 --> 00:30:24.140 in obedience. 00:30:25.880 --> 00:30:26.680 Spend time 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:27.720 every day 00:30:27.720 --> 00:30:29.720 talking to the Lord, 00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:30.680 listening to the Lord, 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:31.480 in prayer, 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.539 in Bible reading. 00:30:34.440 --> 00:30:35.279 That's the only way 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:35.799 we're going to develop 00:30:35.799 --> 00:30:36.400 a real, 00:30:37.039 --> 00:30:38.279 close relationship 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:38.960 with Him. 00:30:40.380 --> 00:30:41.700 And you can ask God, 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:42.340 and I encourage you 00:30:42.340 --> 00:30:42.680 to do this, 00:30:42.900 --> 00:30:44.220 ask God to fill you 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:46.740 with His Spirit 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:48.039 and you in afresh 00:30:48.039 --> 00:30:48.940 every day. 00:30:50.180 --> 00:30:50.440 You know, 00:30:50.460 --> 00:30:51.279 what we're talking about 00:30:51.279 --> 00:30:51.740 this morning, 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:54.140 this is not wishful thinking. 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.819 We're talking about 00:30:56.819 --> 00:30:58.600 absolute fact 00:30:59.339 --> 00:31:01.539 based on the Word of God. 00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:04.200 we can experience 00:31:04.200 --> 00:31:06.319 closeness with God, 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:09.619 but we'll only experience 00:31:09.619 --> 00:31:10.779 by the presence 00:31:10.779 --> 00:31:12.059 and power 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:14.079 of the Holy Spirit. 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:17.079 And one more thing, 00:31:17.500 --> 00:31:20.139 I want you to think 00:31:20.139 --> 00:31:20.539 about something 00:31:20.539 --> 00:31:21.079 we looked at 00:31:21.079 --> 00:31:21.700 for just a moment 00:31:21.700 --> 00:31:22.299 last week 00:31:22.299 --> 00:31:22.920 and I want to close 00:31:22.920 --> 00:31:23.420 with this. 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.799 We can experience 00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:26.099 closeness with God 00:31:26.099 --> 00:31:28.579 by the presence 00:31:28.579 --> 00:31:29.079 and power 00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:29.819 of the Holy Spirit 00:31:29.819 --> 00:31:30.839 and also 00:31:30.839 --> 00:31:33.039 by the powerful 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:33.980 prayers 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:36.039 of our Lord Jesus 00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:38.279 who is right now 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:39.139 at the right hand 00:31:39.139 --> 00:31:39.960 of the Father. 00:31:41.199 --> 00:31:42.059 R.C. Sproul 00:31:42.059 --> 00:31:43.539 points this out 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:44.759 as a way 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:45.539 to encourage 00:31:45.539 --> 00:31:46.740 us as Christians. 00:31:47.599 --> 00:31:48.579 Look at what he says. 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:50.619 One of the chief ways 00:31:50.619 --> 00:31:51.359 in which God 00:31:51.359 --> 00:31:52.839 preserves His people 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:54.439 is through the priestly 00:31:54.439 --> 00:31:55.240 intercession 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:55.779 of Jesus. 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:57.720 We see an example 00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:58.460 from this 00:31:58.460 --> 00:31:59.240 from the night 00:31:59.240 --> 00:32:00.440 when Jesus was betrayed. 00:32:01.400 --> 00:32:02.420 Jesus knew that Peter 00:32:02.420 --> 00:32:03.640 was going to deny Him 00:32:03.640 --> 00:32:04.420 later that night 00:32:04.420 --> 00:32:05.500 so He told Peter, 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:07.299 Simon, Simon, 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:08.339 behold, 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.839 Satan demanded 00:32:09.839 --> 00:32:10.680 to have you 00:32:10.680 --> 00:32:11.360 that he might 00:32:11.360 --> 00:32:12.259 sift you 00:32:12.259 --> 00:32:13.100 like wheat 00:32:13.100 --> 00:32:14.880 but I have prayed 00:32:14.880 --> 00:32:15.480 for you 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.839 that your faith 00:32:16.839 --> 00:32:18.059 may not fail 00:32:18.059 --> 00:32:19.620 and when you have 00:32:19.620 --> 00:32:20.680 turned again 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:22.880 strengthen your brothers. 00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:25.579 Peter's denial, 00:32:25.799 --> 00:32:26.460 Sproul says, 00:32:26.460 --> 00:32:28.579 was a ghastly 00:32:28.579 --> 00:32:30.460 and heinous crime 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:31.740 but Jesus 00:32:31.740 --> 00:32:32.980 had prayed for him 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:34.840 and He commanded Peter 00:32:34.840 --> 00:32:35.519 to strengthen 00:32:35.519 --> 00:32:36.279 his brothers 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:37.779 when He returned 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:40.579 not if He returned 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:42.340 but when. 00:32:43.140 --> 00:32:43.880 So the prayer 00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:44.460 of Jesus 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:45.259 for Peter 00:32:45.259 --> 00:32:46.600 was effective. 00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:48.559 Today, 00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:50.380 Jesus is in heaven 00:32:50.380 --> 00:32:51.500 interceding 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:52.380 for you and me 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:53.819 if indeed 00:32:53.819 --> 00:32:54.700 we belong to Him 00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:56.240 and His prayers 00:32:56.240 --> 00:32:57.180 for us 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:58.580 are equally 00:32:58.580 --> 00:33:00.080 effective. 00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:03.400 We can 00:33:03.400 --> 00:33:04.620 live 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:05.759 faithful Christian 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:06.259 lives 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:06.940 in this world 00:33:06.940 --> 00:33:09.259 because the Spirit 00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:09.580 of God 00:33:09.580 --> 00:33:10.580 indwells us 00:33:10.580 --> 00:33:12.200 and the Son 00:33:12.200 --> 00:33:12.779 of God 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.900 is praying 00:33:13.900 --> 00:33:14.700 for us. 00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:16.840 It is our 00:33:16.840 --> 00:33:17.539 responsibility 00:33:17.539 --> 00:33:18.319 to stay 00:33:18.319 --> 00:33:18.880 sensitive 00:33:18.880 --> 00:33:19.740 to the Holy Spirit's 00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.240 presence 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:22.160 and obedient 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:22.180 and obedient 00:33:22.180 --> 00:33:23.180 to His leadership. 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:26.240 And I pray 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:28.059 we're all 00:33:28.059 --> 00:33:28.400 going to pray 00:33:28.400 --> 00:33:28.680 in a moment 00:33:28.680 --> 00:33:29.480 but I pray 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:31.039 that you will 00:33:31.039 --> 00:33:31.759 respond to what 00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:32.620 the Lord is calling 00:33:32.620 --> 00:33:33.240 you to do 00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:34.120 right now 00:33:34.120 --> 00:33:37.539 and that you 00:33:37.539 --> 00:33:38.039 will respond 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:38.359 to Him 00:33:38.359 --> 00:33:39.359 every day 00:33:39.359 --> 00:33:42.059 in such a way 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:42.539 that you will 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:43.680 make 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:45.079 experiencing 00:33:45.079 --> 00:33:46.259 the Holy Spirit's 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:46.919 presence 00:33:46.919 --> 00:33:48.559 and His 00:33:48.559 --> 00:33:49.139 power 00:33:49.139 --> 00:33:51.339 your 00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:52.139 normal 00:33:52.139 --> 00:33:53.299 way of life. 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:55.019 Let's pray 00:33:55.019 --> 00:33:55.379 together. 00:33:56.619 --> 00:33:57.599 Father, 00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:59.699 thank You 00:33:59.699 --> 00:34:00.419 so much 00:34:00.419 --> 00:34:01.819 for not 00:34:01.819 --> 00:34:02.500 leaving us 00:34:02.500 --> 00:34:03.019 alone 00:34:03.019 --> 00:34:03.879 in this world. 00:34:05.419 --> 00:34:06.559 Thank You 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:06.919 Father. 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.019 Thank You 00:34:08.019 --> 00:34:08.619 Lord Jesus 00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:10.199 for sending 00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:11.539 Your Spirit 00:34:11.539 --> 00:34:13.380 to indwell 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:13.920 us, 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:16.519 to teach 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:16.980 us, 00:34:17.699 --> 00:34:18.619 to convict 00:34:18.619 --> 00:34:19.139 us, 00:34:19.639 --> 00:34:20.619 to comfort 00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:21.079 us, 00:34:21.659 --> 00:34:22.739 to encourage 00:34:22.739 --> 00:34:23.259 us, 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:24.920 and to 00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:25.420 enable 00:34:25.420 --> 00:34:26.099 us 00:34:26.099 --> 00:34:27.920 to live 00:34:27.920 --> 00:34:28.500 our lives 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:28.940 in a way 00:34:28.940 --> 00:34:29.460 that will 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:31.159 glorify You, 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.500 make a 00:34:34.500 --> 00:34:34.920 difference in 00:34:34.920 --> 00:34:35.480 other people's 00:34:35.480 --> 00:34:35.940 lives, 00:34:36.980 --> 00:34:37.659 and bring 00:34:37.659 --> 00:34:38.279 joy and 00:34:38.279 --> 00:34:38.739 satisfaction 00:34:38.739 --> 00:34:39.739 to us. 00:34:41.539 --> 00:34:43.179 Lord, 00:34:43.460 --> 00:34:44.619 we pray 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:45.199 right now 00:34:45.199 --> 00:34:46.599 that You 00:34:46.599 --> 00:34:47.019 will so 00:34:47.019 --> 00:34:47.579 work 00:34:47.579 --> 00:34:49.099 in the 00:34:49.099 --> 00:34:49.779 life of 00:34:49.779 --> 00:34:51.719 whoever is 00:34:51.719 --> 00:34:52.199 listening to 00:34:52.199 --> 00:34:52.880 this message 00:34:52.880 --> 00:34:55.519 and show 00:34:55.519 --> 00:34:56.139 them how 00:34:56.139 --> 00:34:56.659 they need 00:34:56.659 --> 00:34:57.380 to respond. 00:34:59.019 --> 00:34:59.699 If they're 00:34:59.699 --> 00:35:00.360 not Christians, 00:35:00.539 --> 00:35:00.719 Father, 00:35:00.820 --> 00:35:01.400 we pray that 00:35:01.400 --> 00:35:01.599 You will 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.019 draw them 00:35:02.019 --> 00:35:02.340 to faith 00:35:02.340 --> 00:35:02.759 in Jesus 00:35:02.759 --> 00:35:03.380 now. 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:07.179 And Lord, 00:35:07.239 --> 00:35:07.679 for any 00:35:07.679 --> 00:35:08.400 Christian who 00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:08.779 is 00:35:08.779 --> 00:35:11.279 disobedient, 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:13.719 indifferent, 00:35:14.400 --> 00:35:15.079 rebellious, 00:35:16.119 --> 00:35:16.800 wake them 00:35:16.800 --> 00:35:17.219 up, 00:35:18.500 --> 00:35:19.360 overwhelm 00:35:19.360 --> 00:35:19.759 them 00:35:19.759 --> 00:35:21.460 with 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.099 conviction 00:35:22.099 --> 00:35:22.440 and 00:35:22.440 --> 00:35:23.279 brokenness. 00:35:24.739 --> 00:35:25.500 Call them 00:35:25.500 --> 00:35:26.019 to be truly 00:35:26.019 --> 00:35:26.800 repentant 00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:28.320 and to run 00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:29.179 back to You 00:35:29.179 --> 00:35:31.559 in total 00:35:31.559 --> 00:35:32.179 commitment, 00:35:33.779 --> 00:35:34.420 love, 00:35:35.559 --> 00:35:36.039 trust. 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:36.219 rest. 00:35:38.000 --> 00:35:38.559 And I 00:35:38.559 --> 00:35:38.719 pray, 00:35:38.900 --> 00:35:39.019 Father, 00:35:39.079 --> 00:35:39.340 that You 00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:39.739 will so 00:35:39.739 --> 00:35:40.500 respond 00:35:40.500 --> 00:35:42.659 that that 00:35:42.659 --> 00:35:43.219 person will 00:35:43.219 --> 00:35:44.059 experience 00:35:44.059 --> 00:35:46.539 closeness 00:35:46.539 --> 00:35:47.199 with You, 00:35:48.840 --> 00:35:49.440 that they 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:50.099 will enjoy 00:35:50.099 --> 00:35:50.960 a growing, 00:35:51.360 --> 00:35:51.599 loving 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:52.239 relationship 00:35:52.239 --> 00:35:52.920 with You 00:35:52.920 --> 00:35:55.199 by the 00:35:55.199 --> 00:35:55.940 power and 00:35:55.940 --> 00:35:56.480 presence 00:35:56.480 --> 00:35:57.480 of Your 00:35:57.480 --> 00:35:57.980 Spirit. 00:36:00.619 --> 00:36:01.199 Father, 00:36:01.279 --> 00:36:01.639 we pray 00:36:01.639 --> 00:36:02.139 this in 00:36:02.139 --> 00:36:02.380 Jesus' 00:36:02.579 --> 00:36:02.860 name. 00:36:03.900 --> 00:36:04.219 Amen. 00:36:04.219 --> 00:36:07.239 and 00:36:07.239 --> 00:36:09.119 Dan 00:36:09.119 --> 00:36:10.179 will 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:10.980 be 00:36:10.980 --> 00:36:17.119 ση 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:17.379 on 00:36:17.379 --> 00:36:19.279 of 00:36:19.279 --> 00:36:20.159 my 00:36:20.159 --> 00:36:21.639 fear 00:36:21.639 --> 00:36:22.719 and 00:36:22.719 --> 00:36:23.419 atra