THE FOLLY OF PRIDE

Tonight (Wednesday,1/15, 7:00 p.m.), gather with your Calvary Chapel family in the Holy Grounds Cafe or on our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we continue our study of Ezekiel (29-32).

Ezekiel's prophetic ministry balanced encouragement and warnings of judgment. Encouragement was given to those who obeyed and continued to trust God. Numerous warnings of judgment were given to those who disobeyed God or thought they didn't need to depend on anyone, including God.

His ministry included the Babylonian captives left behind in Jerusalem and the surrounding nations. Some of those nations watched and waited for the opportunity to take advantage of Judah's vulnerability and enrich themselves. Others. Like Egypt, which had the resources and military to match those of Babylon.

Therefore, Ezekiel gave seven prophecies warning Judah and Egypt of the foolishness of confronting Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon's military and political prowess.

Those in Jerusalem continued to look everywhere but to God to protect them from Babylon. Egypt thought she was too rich and strong to fear Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel's prophecies warned Judah and Egypt and, at the same time, revealed God's mercy. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew what they would do before it entered their collective thinking.

Yet, out of His love for people, His prophet repeatedly warned them to allow them to listen, trust God, and obey His commands to avert a national disaster.

It has been said that the Bible prophecy is given not to scare but to prepare you. That is true for those who are leery of what the future holds and true for those who, in their pride, think they are insulated from anything bad.

Please pray that this journey through the Word of God will be received by open hearts that long to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Moreover, He will do deep and abiding work in and through us for a world desperately needing a Savior.

In His Strong Love,

Pastor