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Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Summary: In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley interviews Dr. S Jonathan Murphy—professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and new lead pastor at Stonebriar Community Church—about his remarkable upbringing and ministry journey. Dr. Murphy shares how he grew up immersed in a culturally Spanish world while rooted in a Northern Irish evangelical home. His early faith was shaped by the tight-knit church his father pastored and the missionary stories he heard as a child. By age seven, Jonathan had come to a personal faith in Christ, a decision that would shape his life's calling. After studying in Scotland, Dr. Murphy was unexpectedly led to Dallas Theological Seminary, where mentors like Dr. Howard Hendricks and Dr. Dwight Pentecost guided him toward pastoral ministry and eventually into academic training. He served faithfully as a local pastor in Northern Ireland before God called him back to Dallas to teach and eventually join the team at Stonebriar. Takeaways: Dr. S Jonathan Murphy grew up in a missionary household in Spain, learning faith through everyday family and church life. He transitioned from pastoring in Belfast to teaching and leading at Dallas Seminary, following God's unexpected direction. Chuck Swindoll personally mentored Dr. Murphy, preparing him over years to step into leadership at Stonebriar Community Church. Dr. Murphy believes discipleship should flow naturally from genuine community—not be limited to structured programs. Fidelity in ministry matters more than church size or reputation—quiet, steady faithfulness is the real success. The church should function as a spiritual family where people truly belong, support one another, and grow together. Links Mentioned: Authentic Influencer by Dr. S Jonathan Murphy Dr. Murphy's website Pre-order The Story of God And Us by Dr. S Jonathan Murphy Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.
Jonah 1:1-12 / July 14-15, 2025 From Jonah 1:1-12, Chuck Swindoll teaches us about the God who pursues. Learn how the grace of God shines through even in the rebellious turn of a racist prophet. From the Series: Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet read more
Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Jonah 1:1-12 / July 14-15, 2025 From Jonah 1:1-12, Chuck Swindoll teaches us about the God who pursues. Learn how the grace of God shines through even in the rebellious turn of a racist prophet. From the Series: Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet read more
Jonah 1:1-12 / July 14-15, 2025 From Jonah 1:1-12, Chuck Swindoll teaches us about the God who pursues. Learn how the grace of God shines through even in the rebellious turn of a racist prophet. From the Series: Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet read more
The word of God came to Jonah, but Jonah turned away. God said to go east; Jonah went west. God said to speak; Jonah stayed silent.Did this rebel prophet thwart God's plan? What happens when people today learn of God's plan for their lives but choose to sidestep it?From Jonah 1:1–12, Chuck Swindoll teaches us about the God who pursues. Learn how the grace of God shines through even in the rebellious turn of a racist prophet. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29
Die Bibel sagt: „Menschen sind Sklaven von dem, was sie besiegt hat” (2.Petr 2,19 GNB). Das gilt insbesondere für Eifersucht. Chuck Swindoll schreibt: „Neid und Eifersucht werden oft für das Gleiche verwendet, aber da ist ein Unterschied. Neid hat leere Hände; er trauert um das, was er nicht hat… Eifersucht hat volle Hände; ist aber davon bedroht, ihren Besitz zu verlieren trotz des Versuchs, ihn festzuhalten. Das war die Sünde Kains. Eifersüchtig auf Abel, nahm er Gott übel, dass er seinen Bruder angenommen hatte. Erst als Abels Blut über Kains Hände geflossen war, war die Eifersucht fort. Jeder, der die Befreiung von diesem höllischen Riesen erlebt hat, weiß nur zu gut, wie Eifersucht eine Freundschaft dezimieren, eine Romanze auflösen, eine Ehe zerstören, Spannungen hervorrufen, die Einheit in einem Team zunichte machen, eine Kirche ruinieren, Prediger trennen, Wettbewerb fördern sowie Bitterkeit und Schuldzuweisungen hervorrufen kann.” Die Bibel sagt: „Wenn ihr bittere Eifersucht in euren Herzen hegt, so verdreht nicht die Wahrheit!” Entscheide stattdessen, dich durch die Gnade Gottes aus ihrer Kontrolle zu befreien. Swindoll fügt hinzu: „Ich lebte viele Jahre im Gehorsam gegenüber ihren Befehlen. Es war die reinste Qual. Schließlich erkannte ich, dass ich nicht in Finsternis leben muss. Ich schlachtete den Riesen und kroch hinaus… und das befreiende Sonnenlicht erfüllte mein Herz. Die Luft war so frisch und rein. Oh, was für ein Unterschied das war! Es ist eine wahre Freude. Frage meine Frau.”
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1-2a, NIV) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1447/29
Watch Chuck Swindoll from Chuck Swindoll Sermons To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1447/29
Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Chuck Swindoll begins his series on Jonah, not by immersing us in the intricate details of this literary masterpiece but by giving us a bird's-eye-view of the book.Immediately, we'll learn how running from God is a theological impossibility and how running with God is a remarkable discovery.No matter the season in which you find yourself, whether you feel distant from God or close, listen in to the first message of Chuck's nine-part series on Jonah and get a fresh insight into God's Word. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29
Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Chuck Swindoll begins his series on Jonah, not by immersing us in the intricate details of this literary masterpiece but by giving us a bird's-eye-view of the book.Immediately, we'll learn how running from God is a theological impossibility and how running with God is a remarkable discovery.No matter the season in which you find yourself, whether you feel distant from God or close, listen in to the first message of Chuck's nine-part series on Jonah and get a fresh insight into God's Word. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
After pausing along the road to heal a blind beggar, Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But to the amazement of many, while accepting their praises, He rode on a donkey!Originally preached on April 10, 2022 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1447/29
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
JUL. 3, 2025You have come too far to give up now!."He persevered." Heb 11:27 NIVV. Raymond Edman said, "To be torn...by external forces, and still...preserve one's inward integrity, is to know the discipline that endures." So when you're faced with opposition, do you automatically throw in the towel, or like Moses, do you persevere? Chuck Swindoll characterizes Moses as a man "who hung tough, who refused to give in or give up, who decided that no amount of odds against him would cause him to surrender…He possessed the disciplines of durability. He endured the contempt of Pharaoh...the stubbornness of the Hebrews who grumbled, blamed, complained, and rebelled... the criticism of Miriam and Aaron, his own sister and brother. When ten of the twelve spies came back with their nay-sayings, Moses stood fast. When Korah and Dathan and Abiram led a conspiracy against him, Moses remained 'resolute. "When you have fought to a standstill...stand your ground' (Eph 6:13 PHPS)...when the wicked appear to be winning...in times of crisis…when no one will know if you compromised... when big people act contemptibly small…when people demand authority they don't deserve. Stand firm... keep your head…stay true...endure! You may be getting shaky...[or] begun to listen too closely to your critics. Maybe you've started giving in...in little areas...because you're tired.Moses endured-even in his eighties. How? By focusing...on 'Him who is invisible.' He fixed his heart and soul on the One who, alone, judges righteously. He continually reminded himself that his sole purpose was to please, obey, and glorify Him and to gain His approval at all cost." Whatever you're facing, stand strong and don't give up!You have come too far to give up now! Stand your ground.Share This DevotionalSend us a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
An event took place at Jesus' Passover meal with the 12 that came as a complete surprise to the men. But it became, no doubt, a lasting memory each man carried with him for the rest of his life.Originally preached on April 3, 2022 To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1447/29
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Proverbs 22:6Chuck Swindoll did not discover from his parents who he is. Knowing who you are as a child, through your parent's eyes, gives you security and confidence.
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit
Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit