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October 20, 2024 · Brad Raby · Jonah 1:10-16
Jonah God is not only sovereign over all creation, he is also merciful and gracious. Pastor Doug Link concludes his survey of the book of Jonah, where God's mercy is on display despite the sinful behavior of this prophet. The post The Mercy of God in Jonah appeared first on Grace Church of Tallahassee.
Worship for Oct. 6th The Little Guys; Big Messages from Small Books Jonah 3:1-10, Matthew 12:38-41
In this episode, the guest speaker takes a brief pause from the ongoing study of Judges to introduce the Book of Jonah. He reflects on the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance seen throughout Judges and encourages the congregation to apply these lessons to their own spiritual journeys. The message highlights God's faithfulness and relentless pursuit of His people, even in times of disobedience. Tune in to explore how the themes of redemption and repentance from Judges connect to Jonah's story and discover how these ancient narratives can inspire and enrich your walk with Jesus today. Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm
Jonah God has complete control over all aspects of creation, including weather, seemingly random events, human choices, and even animals. Pastor Doug Link takes us through a survey of the book of Jonah, where God's sovereignty is on display throughout the book that we know so well. The post The Sovereignty of God in Jonah appeared first on Grace Church of Tallahassee.
Pastor John Randolph preached from Jonah 3 & 4 on God's perfect patience and kindness. Listen and believe.
Pastor John Randolph preached from Jonah 3 - 4 on God's perfect patience and kindness. Listen and believe.
Our Jonah series comes to an end as Sam Young looks at Jonah's reaction to God's reaction to the Ninevites reaction to his message.
Our Jonah series comes to an end as Sam Young looks at Jonah's reaction to God's reaction to the Ninevites reaction to his message.
Thank you for listening! Please click the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified of new episodes. We'd love for you to join us in person Sundays @10am, 3043 Gender Rd, Reynoldsburg OH 43068 Today, if you made a decision to follow Jesus, would like some guidance on your next steps, want more information on getting involved, or would like prayer, fill out our digital Connect Card by visiting https://mysimplechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/78525 For giving opportunities visit https://mysimple.church/giving For all things Simple Church, visit our main website at https://MySimple.Church "Podcast Opening Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music”
Jonah: God's Heart for the Nations 2 Kings 14:25 Truth to Power (1 and 2 Kings) pt. 10 Glenkirk Church August 4, 2024 Pastor Tim Peck
In this week's sermon, Pastor Jordan explores how to navigate seasons of hardship and despair, drawing lessons from Jonah's prayer in his darkest hour. Discover essential insights on how prayer can be a powerful response when we feel trapped in adversity, emphasizing practical ways to seek God's guidance and provision amidst life's challenges.
Episode 212 -- The Good Book | Jonah: God's Grumpy Prophet by Elk River Lutheran Church - Powered by Love
This week's service featured quite a bit of special music, so that has been included in this episode of the podcast for all the enjoy! We started with a special Opening Voluntary, with Marian Steed, soprano, singing “O Gracious Light” in an arrangement by Dorothy Papadakos that features a Whale Recording by Dr. Roger Payne. The unpublished music setting by Dorothy Papadakos offers us the opportunity hear the voice of the whale in the vastness of the ocean. The text (Phos Hilaron) from Ancient Greek praises the light that shines on all creation. Biologist and environmentalist Dr. Roger Payne (1935-2023) is famous for his discovery of whale songs while researching and recording humpback whales. The Phos Hilaron, Gladdening Light, is a Greek song of devotion and prayer. Dorothy Papadakos, Juilliard trained, has served as organist of St. John the Divine in New York City and also worked with Paul Winter. “O Gracious Light” was commissioned for the 60th Anniversary of the Alston Memorial Organ at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, GA, and dedicated to Paul Winter. Papadakos has graciously allowed Dawn McCord to adapt “O Gracious Light (With Whales)” for our worship today. Marian Steed collaborated on the adaptation of the choral score; Jim Leake and Jeff Williams contributed significant time to sound production. The scripture reading came from Jonah 3:1-10, followed by the rest of the song "Jonah and the Whale" as a scripture response. This week's response was lead by Kathy Roberts, Joanna Sherer, and Henry Roberts, who also sang an anthem earlier in the service. Verse 3 In the cold and briny deep Tears of grief did Jonah weep, And prayed a prayer that God his skin might save; Three long days and three long nights Jonah bargained for his life. God delivered him to shore from a watery grave! Chorus Over there, In that land both bright and fair, Oh, he'll tell me all about it over there. On the hallelujah strand God will take me by the hand, And he'll tell me all about it over there! Verse 4 Toward the Ninevites he still felt mean– Didn't want God's grace to intervene– So he preached the shortest sermon ever spoke. But wouldn't you know it, the Word took hold; Like a fire can't be controlled! Away from evil turned the king and all his folk!
Is My Life an Offering to God?2 Timothy 4:6-86 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I havefought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me thecrown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not onlyto me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.Paul writes this as he is languishing in a cold, damp, subterranean Roman prison – awaiting his executionPaul's perspective and focus as awaits death, show us how to live and how to dieHe takes a few minutes to look at his life as a Christ follower in the present, in the past and what thatmeans for his future.We all have a future after death…”the best is yet to come” for those who believe in JesusWhat he is NOT talking about is his persecution of Christians prior to his conversion…there's no “BUT” inhis description of his life.THE PRESENT- As Mikey talked about last week - Paul is issuing his charge to Timothy in light of his (Paul's)impending martyrdom- After urging Timothy to fulfill his ministry, Paul reflects on his own…6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. - Paul is speaking about dying – being poured out like a drink offering- Paul is reflecting on his life of sacrifice to God- (AND) departing – maybe the image of a boat (talk about that in a minute)- Paul used the same drink offering reference about 5 years earlier – referring to the possibility ofhis own death…Philippians 2:1717 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from yourfaith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.- In THIS case, he is aware that his death is no longer a possibility, but impending- Paul is referring to the Old Testament sacrificial system – make sacrifices for the atonement of theirsin…- Leviticus 23:13- 13 together with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah [a] of the finest flour mixed with oliveoil—a food offering presented to the Lord, a pleasing aroma—and its drink offering of a quarter of ahin [b] of wine.- During the ritual of sacrificing a lamb, wine was poured out at the base of the altar – atime of pouring out, or emptying the life of the sacrifice- In this case, the pouring out of life would represent an offering to Jesus- Though there would still be a little time before his death, but he was aware that theprocess had begunA question for us: are we aware that the process has begun?- Had a friend who said he might believe on his death bed.- we don't get to pick the time of our death…even if we think we should get to, weshouldn't- this became an operative metaphor for how Paul regarded his life – a drink offeringbeing poured out- The details of Paul's death are not described in scripture, but this picture of beingpoured out for Christ's sake is awe-inspiring.Paul was facing death, but triumphant. From the time of his conversion on the Damascus road,everything he had was given to God: his wealth, his mind, his body, his passions, his position, hisreputation, his relationships, his dreams – all of it was poured out, sacrificed to God. All thatremained was his life's breath, and he triumphantly gave that.You might say…well…this was Paul. I mean, THE PAUL. I could never do that.Could we say the same? Have we given Jesus EVERYTHING?This is a question you have to ask yourself - Hopefully the answer is yesWhen your life is over, will they say “he/she poured out his life for Christ's sake”? If not, what are yougoing to do about it?- You could say…”well, life is short and I want to live it my way”…- “my way” never worksHow do you want to be remembered?- Finishing well does not happen by accident.- Solomon – started out strong – asked for wisdom, so God gave it to him- Somewhere along the line, he decided to do it his way and died with 700 wivesand 300 concubines- - God told him that he should not marry women who serve other gods,because they would turn him away from Him – the one true God.-- - 1 Kings 11:6- “So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord;…”-- Jonah – God told him to Ninevah, and he ran (sailed) the other way- - Jonah ends with him so angry he wished he was dead, and God shaking Hishead.-Looking back on your life, has it been lived and poured out as a drink offering? In order to finish well,you should look at every day to live as an opportunity to live your life as a drink offering.Start today…life – year – month – day – hour…break it down and get going now. You have the powerto pick the start date…not the end date.Paul adds: “and the time for my departure is near”- The word translated “departure” is also used in Greek literature for the loosing of a ship from it'smoorings, or a soldier loosing the stakes from his tent. - An army packing up / breaking camp toleave the battle field – the war is over and they're going home-- The image of Paul, in death. boarding a boat for departure for another shore is pretty awesome.Paul wanted to live his life for Jesus, but eagerly anticipated the day he would board that boatPhillipians 1:22-2322 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I donot know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;This was Paul's dream, and his ship was about to leave. He was ready. ARE YOU?Of course he was excited…what awaits the believer is incomparable, and he knew it…DO WE?If you're not aware that the best is yet to come, and anticipate that day…why not?- We all get a boarding pass, but not all our boats are headed for the same shore- You don't want to choose the wrong boat hereNon believers fear death…actually, for some, they believe you just die, and we take our chances. Infinancial terms, I would say that one who believes nothing happens after death is like someone giventhe opportunity to have a billion dollars to the infinite power if they would just give up the penny theyare clutching.- Some would say, I just can't muster the faith to believe…- Too many hypocrite Christians – prosperity gospel – crooked evangelists – celebrity pastors goingoff the rails-I would say that the one who does not believe in life with Jesus after death because it requirestoo much faith, must have a whole lot of faith that nothing's going to happen after death. Even if that weretrue, which it isn't, the Christian ends up in the same nothingness as the non-believer. But if it IS true,which I promise you it is, the non-believer has so much more to risk and lose. It's illogical to take thoseodds.- But faith in Jesus is not just afterlife fire insurance – it is the promise of a fulfilling life…not a lifewithout pain, but a life of sacrifice that ends with eternity to the one who will take our pain away.-2 Corinthians 4:1717 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs themall.Romans 8:1818 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed inus.Charles Spurgeon put it this way: "To come to Thee is to come home from exile, to come to land out of the raging storm, to come torest after long labor, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes" Time is short…has your life been a drink offering poured out for Jesus, or have you been neglectingthe poor, withholding from the church and pouring your life into a future here that you're notguaranteed…If you're “living your best life now” going at it your way…this may be the only heaven you'll ever know- Doesn't look like heaven to meTHE PAST7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Looking back on his life, Paul uses 3 more words associated with his victory:“I have fought the good fight” – Paul was a spiritual warriorHe had stood before Felix, Agrippa and the officials of Rome with courageHe endured the riots in Ephesus, and the opposition in CorinthPaul describes some of his hardships in 2 Corinthians 11:23-2823 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked muchharder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to deathagain and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times Iwas beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a nightand a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers,in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in thecity, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have laboredand toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gonewithout food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of myconcern for all the churches.You've heard it said – if being a Christian was illegal, would there be enough to convict you?If the church of the US was being persecuted, would we be perceived as not worth the effort by thosedoing it?Paul goes on to say : “I have finished the race”- Paul says he has simply “finished” the race”…not won it…- We all have a race to run, and Paul's was nearly complete- What are you running to? Are you running from something?Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everythingthat hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race markedout for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him heendured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.In this, the author says that we run faithfully by remembering those who have gone before us; bythrowing off anything that keeps us from faithfulness, and by fixing our eyes on Jesus- We each have a race to run, a race that God has prepared for us, individually and corporately.- Are you running your race? Are we running ours?Finally, Paul says “I have kept the faith”- Paul is probably emphasizing his role as a steward of sound doctrine…kept the faith- Throughout his letters to Timothy, and others, Paul held tightly to the truth and was passing it on –like the passing of a baton…another great race analogyPassing the baton quickly for the sprint, and passing the baton slowly for the long runBoth are disciples making disciples- Every Christian has a fight to endure, a race to run and a treasure to guard.Are we just watching our brothers and sisters fight their good fight? Are we passively watchingother run their race, or maybe just lounging on our couch watching TV…- What are we doing? - I'm not saying there are boxes to check…- Paul didn't live his life as a drink offering in order to check boxes and gain the redemptionJesus offered. He poured out his life BECAUSE the redemption Jesus offers…a life ofgratitude and worship for the one who gives us eternal life.THE FUTURE8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will awardto me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.- The final picture is that of a crown or garland – another athletic analogy- Garlands won by the Greeks were greatly prized- He writes of a crown he will soon be receiving – the crown of righteousness – the ultimate,permanent state of righteousnessRomans 3: 22 - 22 This righteousness is given through faith in [a] Jesus Christ to all who believe.- While Nero was about to declare Paul guilty and condemn him, Christ the righteous Judge wasabout to declare him ultimately and permanently righteous.- Paul doesn't stop with his own crown, but reminds all of us of the crown awaiting all who believeand not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.- a sure evidence of saving faith is having your heart set on Jesus, longing for that day, as Paul did.Titus 2:1313 while we wait for the blessed hopeThose who don't believe will surely dread that day…How can we be sure?Start by repenting and turning to God…turn around and live towards him-- Put all your cards on the table and commit your life to Jesus- Everything Paul had was given to God –- his wealth, his mind, his body, his passions, his position, his reputation, his relationships,his dreams – all of it was poured out, sacrificed to God…to the very last breath.- - This isn't a “say the sinner's prayer and you're good” and go on with your life thinking you haveafterlife fire insurance. Give yourself to Him, because He gave Himself for us.Ezekiel 36:25-2725 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities andfrom all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you yourheart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow mydecrees and be careful to keep my laws.Knowing that there's a God who loves you, why would you want to do anything your way?
Fremantle Church Live 14/07/2024 Sermon: Jonah: God's Mercy Scripture: Jonah 2 Pastor: Lee Hinkle Our Sermons can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean. © Fremantle Church 2024
Brenton Willingham - Jonah: God's Mercy and Compassion
Subject: "Jonah: God Prepares" Speaker or Performer: Pastor Joshua Morrison Scripture Passage(s): Jonah 1:15, Jonah 2:6 Jonah 4:17 Date of Delivery: June 23, 2024
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A new MP3 sermon from 7th Reformed Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah: God’s Deep Compassion for the World Subtitle: Bible Overview: Book by Book Speaker: Paul van Engelenhoven Broadcaster: 7th Reformed Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 6/9/2024 Bible: Jonah 4:10-11 Length: 49 min.
Pastor Jerrill Wyler | Minor Prophet Series
05.26.24 - The Book Of Jonah- God Loves Better by CrossTrain Church
Preacher: Conner Faucher Date: 5/19/24 Series: Rediscovering Jonah Key Scriptures: Jonah 3:1–10 (CSB) 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” 3 Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord's command. Now Nineveh was an extremely great city, a three-day walk. 4 Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!” 5 Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth—from the greatest of them to the least. 6 When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 Then he issued a decree in Nineveh: By order of the king and his nobles: No person or animal, herd or flock, is to taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink water. 8 Furthermore, both people and animals must be covered with sackcloth, and everyone must call out earnestly to God. Each must turn from his evil ways and from his wrongdoing. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent; he may turn from his burning anger so that we will not perish. 10 God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—so God relented from the disaster he had threatened them with. And he did not do it.
Preacher: Andy Bauer Date: 5/12/24 Series: Rediscovering Jonah Key Scriptures: Jonah 2 (CSB) 1 Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish: 2 I called to the Lord in my distress, and he answered me. I cried out for help from deep inside Sheol; you heard my voice. 3 When you threw me into the depths, into the heart of the seas, and the current overcame me. All your breakers and your billows swept over me. 4 And I said, “I have been banished from your sight, yet I will look once more toward your holy temple. 5 The water engulfed me up to the neck; the watery depths overcame me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 I sank to the foundations of the mountains, the earth's gates shut behind me forever! Then you raised my life from the Pit, Lord my God! 7 As my life was fading away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, to your holy temple. 8 Those who cherish worthless idols abandon their faithful love, 9 but as for me, I will sacrifice to you with a voice of thanksgiving. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation belongs to the Lord. 10 Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
Jonah: God's Reluctant ProphetThe book of Jonah is about a missionary who cares more about his own comfort than about someone else's soul. As we open the final chapter, we find that Jonah still hates God's enemies; he would just as soon see them destroyed. It is astonishing to us that one of the Lord's own prophets should be so callous to the spiritual needs of someone else. But if we're honest, we will admit that Jonah's bias against those who are different from us and his hatred for the enemies of God live inside our hearts too. What's the cure for that?
Here is a rebroadcast of our service from March 17th , 2024, as guest speaker Brentton Akers brought us the final installment in the series titled "JONAH: God's Heart For The City."
At the end of his life the Apostle Peter wrote, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." The prophet Jonah lived eight centuries before Peter's birth, and his story reveals this same truth about God: He loves all people, even our enemies! In this five-week series on Jonah we will be invited to join God's mission of mercy to the people he loves.
Here is a rebroadcast of our service from February 4th, 2024, as guest speaker and Warehouse Students leader Brentton Akers brought us the third installment in the series titled, "JONAH: God's Heart For The City."
Here is a rebroadcast of our service from January 26th, 2024, as guest speaker and Warehouse Students leader Brentton Akers brought us the second installment in the series titled, "JONAH: God's Heart For The City."
Digital Bulletin w/ sermon notes and resources related to the teaching…www.graceandpeacechurch.org/bulletinConnect Card or Prayer Requests... www.graceandpeacechurch.org/connectWe gather Sundays at 10:30am for one hour at 1307 South Coast Hwy.Do you get value from connecting with us? Consider helping keep the mission of Grace & Peace Church alive and help others find new life. https://www.graceandpeacechurch.org/giveLinks to resources and ways to connect…https://linktr.ee/graceandpeacechurchWe are a church plant serving, worshipping and gathering in south Oceanside. We are learning the rhythms of grace Jesus taught about and discovering life to the full as result of it. Journey with us in discovering a real and tangible faith.
Here is a rebroadcast of our service from January 7th, 2024, as Pastor Ricc introduced the first installment in a new series titled "JONAH: God's Heart For The City!"
People often ask God to speak to them because they feel distance from Him or even doubt whether He is even there. But what if God is continually speaking to us? What if the issue is not God speaking but our listening and obeying? What if God is asking all of us to “Love our Enemies” and instead we would rather argue with God and do our own thing? Loving our neighbor was not God's gentle suggestion to keep busy till we die, but it's a critical part of who we are as Christ followers and how the world will see Jesus living in us. This week we will dive into the life and story of Jonah to learn how much God loves the world and how merciful and patient He is when we refuse to do the same.
Explore the powerful, provocative story of a misunderstood prophet. Jonah wrestles with the meaning of God's mercy and justice, and invites us to do the same. Jonah 4:1-11
Date: October 1, 2023Series: Who Cares? The Story of JonahTeacher: Elijah Shamendaoverflowchurch.org
JONAH SERIES - 5 GOD'S NOT FINISHED WITH YOUSunday, October 1, 2023Jonah 3:1-10“The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time…”Isaiah 46:10The first and most important thing you need to know is that God never throws your book away. Wherever you are struggling in life you can't stay there and reach your purpose.1. GET UP!Proverbs 24:16 2. GO!Philippians 3:13-143. DO!John 9:4It's not too late. You haven't missed your moment. It's not over.
Pastor Chad walks us through Jonah 1 as we discuss how the compassion of God fuels the mission of God.
God's grace, mercy and compassion reaches out to everyone who will call on the name of the Lord.
God is determined to accomplish his purposes through us so that his Justice and mercy will cover the earth like a flood. Still, despite hearing about the mercy characteristics of God, there are many of us who don't know this God. We flee wrath but we never worship under mercy. It is his pure and true justice as a loving father that leads us back to him and allows him to bring us fully into his restoration, healing, and new life.“When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.”Jonah 3:10 (NLT)“At first glance this message seems to be only one of gloom and doom. The Ninevites certainly understand “overturned” to mean “destroyed.” Everyone in the text understands, however, that this word of destruction contains the possibility of Yahweh's mercy if they repent. This word concept is crucial to understanding this chapter. The double meaning of “overturned” is not lost on Jonah. He knows that Yahweh's message implies that the people may repent and God will forgive. Such a possibility is exactly why Jonah initially fled to Tarshish. The Ninevites also seem to understand this when they immediately repent and hear about the hope of forgiveness from the king.”James Bruckner | NIV CommentaryTo plug into our daily bible study, text "DLR" to 501-200-3122 and follow the link to sign up. For more information on how to get connected at New Life Church - Downtown Little Rock, follow us on Instagram @nlcdowntownlittlerock or visit our website at newlifechurch.tv
The Minor Prophets: God's Word in Troubled Times#5 - Jonah: God's Heart for the NationsPastor Jay ChildsRunning from God (chapters 1-2)The Missionary Heart of God (chapters 3-4)
Jonah isn't a story about the big fish, this is the story about a gracious God. God is using two of the most extreme examples in human history of depravity and religiosity to teach us something about his own heart and our very nature. So here is the question the book of Jonah causes us to wrestle with: Do we love God's mercy? Do we really?“‘Throw me into the sea,' Jonah said, ‘and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.' Instead, the sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn't make it. Then they cried out to the Lord, Jonah's God. ‘O Lord,' they pleaded, ‘don't make us die for this man's sin. And don't hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.' Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the Lord's great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.”Jonah 1:12-16 (NLT)“The significance of the big fish is that the reader is asked to believe the “unbelievable.” The fish's swallowing Jonah is a sign that Yahweh will not be dissuaded from his intention to present the possibility of repentance and forgiveness to Israel's enemy. It demonstrates the astounding lengths to which God will go to reconcile Jonah and the violent Ninevites to himself through Jonah. The fish represents an “unbelievable” theology: Yahweh wants to save the rebellious and the violent. Through the agency of the big fish, Jonah is forgiven and saved. Also unbelievable, the storm is stilled and the sailors worship the true God, and the Ninevites receive the message from Jonah, repent, and are saved. In this way the bigness of the unbelievable fish is finally about God's saving way in the world. The big fish makes a specific point of God's extravagant, unrelenting, pursuing, and saving love.”James Bruckner - NIV CommentaryTo plug into our daily bible study, text "DLR" to 501-200-3122 and follow the link to sign up. For more information on how to get connected at New Life Church - Downtown Little Rock, follow us on Instagram @nlcdowntownlittlerock or visit our website at newlifechurch.tv