Calvary Chapel of San Antonio

Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23

Christmas Special Message

Tonight is about what a church—our church—would look like if we had the same attitude, the same mind as Jesus. You’ll remember that the literal interpretation of that thought is ‘to keep on exercising your mind by deciding to think like Jesus...’

As we begin tonight, we know Israel has less than 33 years before Assyria will wipe them out. The people are getting the kings their sin deserves and, as you’ll see, these are 5 really bad, terrible kings… This history of the kings (north and south) would make a great movie or an exciting novel. Lots of action, lots of intrigue, lots of bad guys, even a few good guys. Tonight’s story focuses on lots of bad guys and one good guy…

Too many of us are content to settle for much less than God's best for us! We would rather be comfortable in our condition (sin, depression, guilt, fear, etc.) than be delivered from it. But God loves us too much to allow us to settle in it comfortably. He will never stop pushing us to desire total deliverance...

This is why arrogance is so dangerous: Jeroboam II became king in 782 BC. As they celebrate his coronation, what God knows—what the people have no idea about—is that the northern kingdom of Israel has less than 60 years left in its history! The Assyrians are gearing up to destroy Israel and the people haven’t got a clue. Arrogance, sin, pride, an unwillingness to repent before God, costs a lot more than any of us are willing to pay…

I said earlier that Israel’s history was about over. I find often that God pours out His blessings on those about to be judged. It’s His kindness which He hopes will lead to repentance. Now, I know God knows what people will do. He knew exactly when Israel would be judged. Still, by blessing them, He is taking one final chance to show them His love for them. It’s too bad they wouldn’t listen…