Podcasts about Nineveh

Jeremy Alder is a comedian who mines his life as a homeschooled youth group kid growing up in Texas for jokes that will probably be very relatable for our audience. We talk with Jeremy about his special, Purity Pants, his album, Almost A Grown Man, and his failed Christian rock band, Nineveh (or 9veh if Jeremy has his way). Jeremy also is a seminary graduate, a former preacher and creator of the series "Christians Who Don't Suck" on his Instagram. ---Do you have a Christian rock story to tell? Want to respond to this episode? Want to contribute to our Christmas Special? Leave us a message at ‪(629) 204-4264‬.If Rock That Doesn't Roll is important to you, support us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rtdr (join via the website, not the iOS app for a 30% discount)Or make a one-time donation: https://coff.ee/rtdrIf you can't afford a donation, please tell five friends about the show.You can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing RTDRpod@gmail.comSign up for our Substack to keep up with show developments.Buy RTDR merch here.

If there is any story in the Bible that shows the lengths a human will go to stay in control, do his own will, and avoid God, it's the story of Jonah. It's funny how over the years we have made this entire book to be all about the apparent bad thing of getting swallowed by a whale, when in reality the whale was sent by God to save the man from self-destruction. That metaphor can be used a lot in all of our lives.Listen to Jonah 1:1-4 …One day long ago, God's Word came to Jonah: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer.” But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get. But God sent a huge storm … (MSG) Okay, yes, God sent a huge storm, but didn't Jonah actually bring the storm on himself?Let that sink in for a moment.Of course, there are bad things that happen to us that are no fault at all of our own. But then, if we are going to be honest, how many storms do we need to admit we started or had a hand in starting?Back to the story, I guess sitting in the digestive juices of a whale causes you to re-think your choices, huh?Listen to just one chapter later …I was as far down as a body can go, and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever—Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God! When my life was slipping away, I remembered God, And my prayer got through to you, made it all the way to your Holy Temple. Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love. But I'm worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving! And I'll do what I promised I'd do! Salvation belongs to God!” Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore. (Jonah 2:6-10 MSG) Is this story a reminder of any situation in your own life? Maybe one from years ago or one you are in right now? So, are you on the ship … in the whale … or standing on the beach, wiping the vomit off?When we find ourselves out of control, and can even point fingers at other's poor choices, all we can do is what we can do about ourselves. We have to ask, what part of this do I need to own? And then, we have to learn to recognize that even when a situation may stink, God brought it to us for a reason to get us where He wants us to go. Because He loves us, wants to save us, and He is the One in control.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to not run from You, no matter what life brings, to accept that You are in control of me and You love me—always.” As above, so below.”

Every empire that has ever risen has also fallen — and Nineveh would be no exception. Dr. John walks through Nahum's vivid poetic description of Nineveh's destruction, showing how the proud lion of the ancient world was brought to ruin by the God it had long defied. A sobering study in the justice of God, and a deeply comforting one for all who have placed their hope in him.God's Patience Exhausted: What happens when a nation exhausts the patience of God? In this series, Dr. John works through the often-overlooked book of Nahum — the sobering sequel to Jonah — tracing the fall of the Assyrian empire and what it reveals about the character of God. A compelling study in divine justice, and a timely one for anyone who has ever presumed on the kindness of God.

Episode 2.91Narrative Juxtaposition: How the Bible Speaks Through Story Placement | Part 3In this episode of the Narrative Juxtaposition series, Michael and Zach explore one of the most unusual books in the prophetic collection: Jonah. Unlike the surrounding prophets filled with poetic oracles and covenant warnings, Jonah reads like a narrative filled with irony, humor, and uncomfortable reversals. The question quickly emerges: why is this story placed among the prophetic books at all?The episode argues that Jonah's placement is intentional. Rather than delivering extended prophetic speeches, the book exposes the heart of the prophet himself. The story unfolds as a series of moral reversals in which the pagan characters repeatedly respond to God more faithfully than the prophet who knows Him best.The pagan sailors in chapter one move from fear to reverence, praying to the Lord and offering sacrifices. The city of Nineveh responds to Jonah's brief warning with immediate repentance. Meanwhile Jonah resists God's call, avoids prayer, and ultimately becomes angry when God shows mercy.Through these narrative contrasts, the book critiques religious pride, exposes the danger of nationalistic theology, and reminds readers that God's compassion extends far beyond the boundaries His people might prefer. Jonah understands God's character—gracious, compassionate, and slow to anger—but he resents the implications of that mercy when it reaches Israel's enemies.By placing Jonah among the prophets, the Old Testament provides a powerful internal critique of prophetic pride and spiritual entitlement. Before Israel hears judgment against the nations, the story forces God's people to confront their own resistance to the global scope of God's mercy.The episode concludes by tracing the larger biblical trajectory. Jesus later identifies Himself as greater than Jonah, embodying the opposite posture: running toward sinners, embracing suffering, and rejoicing in repentance. The story ultimately challenges readers to ask whether their theology fuels compassion and mission—or quietly resists the wideness of God's mercy.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/9dcsWOwGRC0Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

Empires rise, declare themselves invincible, and vanish — and Assyria was no different. In this message, Dr. John continues through the book of Nahum, showing how God directly confronts the arrogance of Nineveh while offering remarkable comfort to his beleaguered people. A powerful study in who truly holds the future — and why that changes everything for those who trust in him.God's Patience Exhausted: What happens when a nation exhausts the patience of God? In this series, Dr. John works through the often-overlooked book of Nahum — the sobering sequel to Jonah — tracing the fall of the Assyrian empire and what it reveals about the character of God. A compelling study in divine justice, and a timely one for anyone who has ever presumed on the kindness of God.

A @Christadelphians Video: Inspiring and thought-provoking! Discover how modern archaeology consistently affirms the historical reliability of the Bible in this insightful expositional study. We explore outstanding discoveries that have turned skepticism into wonder, revealing the profound accuracy of Scripture down to the smallest detail. This presentation builds a powerful, evidence-based confidence that the Bible is not myth, but a truthful record—strengthening our trust in its greater spiritual promises.**Chapters:**00:00 - Introduction: The Unfolding Evidence of Archaeology01:21 - The Purpose of Archaeology & Building Trust in Scripture02:34 - The Hittites: A "Lost" Empire Rediscovered

In week four of our Grace in the Depths series through the book of Jonah, we look at Jonah chapter 3 and the surprising repentance of Nineveh. When God's Word confronts rebellious hearts, the only right response is humble repentance and a cry for mercy. This sermon reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace—and that true repentance begins when we step off the throne of our own lives and trust in Christ. Mission Church — www.missionlasvegas.com

Saturday, 14 March 2026   An explanation of the overall pictorial contents of Matthew 17.   Chapter 17 of Matthew completes a picture that has been ongoing for several chapters. In Chapter 14, there was a snapshot of Israel's history in relation to the law. Chapter 15 then gave a picture of what is going on in the world from the time Jesus fulfilled the law until the rapture. Chapter 16 revealed a passage that petitions the Jews of the end times to consider who Jesus is based on their own history, comparing it to how He is portrayed in Scripture.   Chapter 17 began with the words “after six days.” It is a reference to the six days of creation, which mirror the six thousand years of man's time before the millennium, the seventh day, the day of God's rest on earth –   “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” Isaiah 11:10   Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. Peter is the apostle to the circumcision (Galatians 2:7), James was the first apostle to die, and John was the last. This is an honor that James and John had sought, but in a different way –   “Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. 21 And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?' She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.'” Matthew 20:20, 21   In one respect, Jesus granted the request concerning the placement of apostolic honor. These three men form a triad of witnesses to the Jews. There on the high mountain, Jesus metamorphosed before them. Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets as well as the living and the dead, appeared along with Jesus.   Peter, whose epistles are strategically placed after Paul's, indicating they are addressed to the end times Jews after the church age, offered to build three tabernacles, dwelling places, for them. The voice of the Father came out of the cloud, noting that it is His Son, Jesus, in whom He is well pleased, and that they were to hear Him.   It is the final lesson of the end times. The law and prophets are not what the Jews are to focus on, but Jesus. It is His glory alone that will take them into the millennium, the law being finally removed from Israel (see Hebrews 8:13).   While descending the mountain, the disciples asked Him why the scribes said that Elijah was to come first. Jesus said, “Elijah indeed, he comes first, and he will reconstitute all” (17:11). Elijah is literally coming back to witness to Israel. However, Jesus also noted that Elijah had come already. The disciples understood this to mean John the Baptist.   The indication is that Israel will understand from these two appearances that they missed the ball, and the troubles they have faced were a self-inflicted wound. Verses 14-17 detail the healing of the man's son. No names of people or locations were given, just a description of the boy being moonstruck and suffering badly because he frequently fell into the fire and f  requently into the water.   It is a picture of Israel in their history before the Lord, completely untreatable, even by the disciples (their witness to Israel) –   “Your affliction is incurable, Your wound is severe. 13 There is no one to plead your cause, That you may be bound up; You have no healing medicines.” Jeremiah 30:12, 13   See also Micah 1:8,9.   Jesus called them a faithless and perverse generation, something that exactingly describes Israel. It is a point stated to the Jews by Peter in Acts 2:40. Despite their failure, it says that Jesus rebuked the demon, and it left the child that very hour. Israel's wound will be cured immediately at the return of Christ.   When the disciples asked why they couldn't cast it out, Jesus said it was because of their unbelief and that that kind could only go out by fasting and prayer. Jesus doesn't say who must fast and pray. Rather, He says it is a part of such healing.   Fasting is a sign of mourning and repentance toward God. Prayer is the means by which God is petitioned.  In the future, at the time of Christ's return, Israel will, like ancient Nineveh, fast and pray to the Lord. When they do, they will be healed.   The final verses of the chapter referred first to them “overturning” in the Galilee (verse 22). The word was anastrephó. As explained, one can return without any intent or change in the way things are, or one can return while considering, making changes, redirecting to something new, etc. It is also used as a word indicating contrast.   It is the state of Israel after having been healed. There is a return with a considered change, redirecting them to something new. They will enter the New Covenant, returning to God in a new way. That wording is based on Jesus' words about the Son of Man being betrayed into the hands of men, being killed, and being raised on the third day (verse 23).   That is the exact gospel Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. Israel will be overturned in their thinking by finally accepting, as Paul says, “the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved” (1 Corinthians 15:1,2).   In verse 24, it says that they came to Capernaum. The name is derived from kaphar, to cover, as in atonement, and Nahum, the name of the prophet. However, Nahum is derived from nakham, to sigh. The sense of the word extends to regretting, feeling sorry, and being or getting comfort.   All three of these are tied up in the thought of salvation. While in this location, those who received the temple tax asked if the Teacher paid the tax. Peter's answer in verse 25 was that He did. The tax, as explained, was based on the ransom money (silver) described in Exodus 30:11-16. It is the money representing salvation through Christ's sacrifice, ransoming man from the power of the devil.   Still in verse 25, Jesus preanticipated Peter by asking about paying such taxes, does that come from the king's sons or from unfamiliars (those outside the family). The word used was prophthanó, to get an earlier start on a matter.   Jesus didn't just speak of the matter of Israel's salvation before they asked for it. He spoke of the matter before they could ask. In other words, the Bible has clearly proclaimed that Israel will once again be God's people. Their ransom money had been procured long before they knew there was a need for it. This was preanticipated by God in Christ.   Peter's response to Jesus about the tax was from unfamilars. Jesus said, “Hence, the sons, they are exempt.” It is a point that will apply to Israel after the Lord returns. Being sons of God (as a nation), once again, they will be free from such payment.   Verse 27 described the manner in which Peter would find such a coin to pay the taxes. It was provided by Jesus in a miraculous way. Likewise, Israel will not pay anything for their ransom. Rather, it will be provided by Christ's all-sufficient payment at the cross of Calvary.   The final words of the chapter recorded Jesus' words to Peter, “That, having taken, you give to them for Me and you.” Jesus' work leading to His resurrection is what validated both His and Israel's sonship.   For Jesus, that is recorded in Romans 1:4, where it says, “and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” See also Hebrews 1:5.   For Israel of the end times, pictured by Peter, the apostle to the circumcision, it is belief in the gospel that will bring about their state of sonship. The tax is paid through the miracle-working power of God in Christ.   Life application: Chapter 17 of Matthew clearly indicates that there is a future for Israel, the people. They are restored to the land of Israel as prophesied in God's word. They will never be uprooted from it again, according to that same word –   “‘I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. 15 I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them,' Says the Lord your God.” Amos 9:14, 15   This is good news for Israel. However, for Israel at this time, the news is not so good. They are not currently God's people (Hosea 1:9, 10 & Romans 9:25, 26). Not being God's people, they are also not sons of God. That right has been stripped from them at this time.   Rather, Jesus clearly notes that their father is the devil –   “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” John 8:44-47   To reject Jesus is to reject God because Jesus is God and the Son of the Father. Jesus calls Israel during this dispensation a “synagogue of Satan” in Revelation 2:9 and 3:9. Calling them God's people at this time does a disservice to them. What they need is evangelism, not coddling, sycophancy, fawning, or flattering.   They are not right with God, and not to evangelize them, when you have the opportunity to do so, can only continue them down the path leading to the Lake of Fire. This is important. Israel needs Jesus. Without Him, they are like any other nation on the planet that lacks Jesus Christ. Be bold in your proclamation of Jesus Christ to all people, Jew and Gentile alike.   Lord God, help us to think rightly about our conversations with others. Help us to remember that without Jesus, they are on a one-way path to eternal condemnation. May we boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. Amen.

Greg Jenner is joined in the ancient world by Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid and comedian Marjolein Robertson to learn all about the famous Mesopotamian poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh. Sumerian poems about a legendary king called Gilgamesh began to be composed sometime in the third millennium, and were told and retold throughout Mesopotamia until a Babylonian scholar named Sîn-leqi-unninni wrote down what has become the standard version. The tale he recorded tells of a tyrannical king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, and the transformative journey he takes with his enemy-turned-friend (and possibly more), Enkidu. In the 3100 lines of the poem, they fight forest guardians and celestial bulls, anger the gods, and even challenge death itself. In this episode, we retell the story of Gilgamesh, exploring the history of the epic's composition, what it tells us about ancient Mesopotamian storytelling and beliefs, and how it was rediscovered in the nineteenth century, written in cuneiform on clay tablets housed in the Library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh. We also look at the themes of companionship, community and environmental protection that are still relevant today, and ask the question: is Gilgamesh just a legend, or was he based on a real king?If you're a fan of captivating myths and legends from the ancient world, heroic kings and impossible quests, and historians decoding ancient texts, you'll love our episode on the Epic of Gilgamesh.If you want more ancient history with Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid, listen to our episodes on the Babylonians and Cuneiform. And for more from Marjolein Robertson, check out our episode on Robert Bruce.You're Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Katharine Russell Written by: Katharine Russell, Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

Josiah teaches from Jonah 4, showing us a fresh perspective on God's mercy over both Nineveh and Jonah.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com  2 Kings 22 2 Chronicles 32 ISAIAH 22   Hezekiah is not panicking but he is trying his best to keep his people safe from the Assyrians. They are brutal people. They kill the army, then maim the remaining citizens as if to mark their territory… you can see why Hezekiah is wanting to do anything he can to spare his people from this terror.    During this time God leads Hezekiah to prepare.  Covers up the springs and brooks Rebuilds the walls Raised the towers Made new weapons and shields  He set up captains over the people He encouraged them - For there are more with us than with him: “We have more power than they have. (These words he quotes from the prophet Elisha, 2 Kings 6:16.) He rerouted the water   But even after all this prep…  2 Kings 18:13-16, that Hezekiah unwisely and unsuccessfully tried to satisfy Sennacherib with gold and treasures from the temple.   He takes silver from the temple and strips gold from the doors of the temple: tendency to seek security through compromise - compromise Gods Glory - MGLG  * even at the cost of diminishing the visible honor due to God's house. Then he goes to God with Isaiah and cry's out.   God never reprimanded him for his work, or his effort. Scripture describes these actions as part of Hezekiah's strategic and faithful preparation for the Assyrian invasion…   A pure heart, not Gods plan.   The Supernatural Intervention In response to Hezekiah's prayer and the prophecy of Isaiah, the Bible records that the Angel of the Lord sweeps through the Assyrian camp. Sennacherib retreats to Nineveh, and Jerusalem is spared without a single arrow being fired.

The Reluctant Prophet: The Frightening Greatness of Mercy This conference focuses on the meaning of repentance and God's mercy during Lent, . . . . . . using the Book of Jonah as a mirror for the human heart. When God calls Jonah to preach repentance to the wicked city of Nineveh, Jonah flees because he suspects that God might forgive them. His flight symbolizes how people often resist God's will, cling to resentment, and struggle with the idea that mercy might extend even to their enemies. Through humorous and ironic events . . . Jonah fleeing by ship, being thrown into the sea, swallowed by a great fish, and finally preaching reluctantly . . . scripture reveals both the stubbornness of the human heart and the persistence of God's grace. Jonah's preaching leads the people of Nineveh to sincere repentance, and God spares the city, which angers Jonah because he prefers justice without mercy. Why? The conference further explains. The book of Jonah concludes with God challenging Jonah's narrowness of heart. If Jonah can care about a small plant that gives him comfort, should not God care for the thousands of people in Nineveh who do not yet understand right from wrong? Jesus himself says, this generation will only receive the sign of Jonah. What Does That Mean? The conference then turns to Jesus Christ, who contrasts with Jonah. While Jonah runs from his mission and resents mercy, Christ willingly comes into the world and gives His life for sinners. Jesus fulfills the “sign of Jonah”: just as Jonah spent three days in the fish, Christ spends three days in the tomb, but unlike Jonah, He enters death to rescue humanity. Hear more within the conference! The central Lenten message is that God's mercy is wider and more generous than human expectations. We are called not only to seek forgiveness through repentance and confession, but also to accept the radical scope of God's mercy . . . even toward those they find hardest to forgive. Listen to this third devotional Lenten Retreat Conference and let it transform your heart. Listen to: The Reluctant Prophet: The Frightening Greatness of Mercy ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: This marks the Third Friday of the current Lenten Season, featuring special formation conferences covering a range of seasonal topics. Select the Friday Lenten Season Link on the QoAH website to see all conferences captured to date. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Carrying the Cross: Italian Painter: Giovanni Bellini: 1500 The painting presents a quiet, intimate moment. Christ is shown close to the viewer, transforming the scene into a personal encounter . . . a call to contemplation and compassion. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- You can find out more about the icon referenced in the conference . . . when Jesus reaches down to pull Adam and Eve from Hell . . . links and the icon image appear on the QoAH website.

Jonah 3:1-10

Pastor Dana's Lenten sermon series picks up in Jonah 1:3-4, 3:3-5, and 4:1-2; 11. God calls on Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh to change their ways, but Jonah resists and hopes to see their destruction, which is avoided through their repentance. God declares through the book of Jonah that no human is too deep into sin that He cannot reach them and grant them mercy and compassion. It isn't up to us to decide who is worthy.

Introduction: Jonah’s Disobedience The message is not just for the regular attendees but for anyone who will hear it. Example: Brother Mickey Roddy mentioned family members in two different states listening to the service online. The message serves as a reminder and a warning, urging listeners to get right with God. The sermon’s title is “Down to Joppa.” Understanding the geography is crucial to understanding Jonah’s situation. Jonah lived in Gethsemane, near Jerusalem and the temple. Jonah decided to leave the presence of the Lord, which is a terrifying prospect. Pastor Tommy emphasizes the importance of God’s presence and the fear of being without it. Pastor Tommy acknowledges personal struggles to stay right with God. Jonah’s Decision to Flee Deciding to walk away from the presence of the Lord is the worst decision one can make. The presence of the Lord is constant and provides guidance. Jonah lived close to Jerusalem, near the Mediterranean Sea. Nineveh was about 500-550 miles northeast of Jerusalem, a three-day journey (60 miles) within the city. Jonah chose to flee to Joppa (about 50 miles away) to get a boat instead of going to Nineveh. The devil can convince people to flee from God’s presence. The Consequences of Leaving God’s Presence Leaving the presence of the Lord opens one’s life to negative experiences. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God. There will be times when one must decide to stand for God, even if it’s difficult. One can never truly get away from God. When standing with God, His presence guides forward. Fleeing from God involves leaving behind the church, God’s people, and family. The devil can interrupt one’s whole life after turning away from God. Many people have gone down to Joppa and found it empty and sinful. Even on a boat, one cannot escape God’s presence. Jonah’s Motivation and the Inevitability of God’s Presence Jonah didn’t like Nineveh or the Assyrians and thought they would be spared if he preached to them. Turning against God’s will requires prayer and introspection. God wants people to stay in His presence. Joppa was a short journey away, but Jonah’s decision led him to go further down. Jonah paid for a boat to Tarshish, 2,500 miles away in Spain, thinking he could escape God’s commission. Turning one’s back on God leads to a downward path with no remedy or mercy. It’s important to stay in the presence of the Lord. The Downward Spiral and the Storm Pastor Tommy knows people who have left the presence of the Lord and sought other solutions. Flesh is inclined to run from God. Leaving God leads to paying the price to ride the devil’s boat. Jonah went down into the boat, trying to hide, but God knows everyone’s direction. The Lord sent a great wind and tempest, exposing those who leave His presence to life’s storms without comfort. The presence of the Lord is worth more than anything. Even in storms, Jesus can calm them. Spiritual Sleep and Divine Intervention Many people are spiritually asleep, trying to forget God and their past fellowship. Storms will wake them up. Jonah fell asleep, but the men on the boat cast lots to find the cause of the storm, and the lot fell on Jonah. King David’s story is referenced as an example of straying from God’s presence and facing consequences. David stayed home instead of going to battle. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed. The prophet Nathan confronted David with a story, revealing his sin. One cannot escape the presence of the Lord, who will open their eyes. Jonah’s Confession and the Whale Jonah confessed that he was the reason for the storm. Honesty about sins is crucial. Jonah suggested being thrown overboard to stop the storm, hoping to escape God. God can take away the hope of death. Turning back to where one left God is necessary for improvement. God prepared a great fish (whale) to swallow Jonah. There is always a lower point than one imagines. In the house of God, there is firm footing. The Depths of Despair and the Cry for Help Jonah went to the bottom of the mountains, feeling trapped in the belly of hell. Jesus believed the story of Jonah. Jonah cried out from the belly of hell due to his affliction. It all started when he walked away from the presence of the Lord. People walk away from God for far less. One doesn’t know how far down it is when they leave God’s presence. Jonah thought he would be in the fish’s belly forever. Tears of affliction and sorrow will come when one goes away from God. Turning Back to God Jonah realized God wasn’t giving up on him and would keep him alive in the whale’s belly as long as he was rebellious. He decided to look toward God’s holy temple. God began to move in Jonah’s life when Jonah began to seek God again. One can be in church and still run from the presence of the Lord. There is a father for the child of God. Lost people come to church and then go back to their old ways because they never got changed. How can someone who has experienced the presence of God decide to run from that? The flesh is more powerful than one thinks. Jonah was in a bad spot when he began to look up. Then he was brought up. His prayer went up. He got prayed up. One needs to do business with God to get back on the right track. Turn around, look up, pray up, get ready, and start calling on God. He’ll start lifting you out of where you’re at. Jonah got prayed up in the belly of the whale. Repentance and Restoration Jonah was willing to sacrifice, finally willing to do what God said. The worst thing one can do is turn their back on God. One’s life will crash and end in a nasty mess. God never let Jonah out until he got right. One won’t get out from under the hand of God until they get right if they are His. Jonah got spit up. Jonah was spit out near Jerusalem, back where he started. Jonah still had the same journey to Nineveh that he had when he left. He was just many days behind. Final Exhortations and Conclusion Do not turn your back on the presence of the Lord. It will cost you more, and you will regret it. One doesn’t have to go that way. Jonah hit the ground running and had to go 500 miles. Jonah preached, and the people repented. God had mercy on him and spared that great city. The message is for those who are going down to Joppa. They need to recognize that they have to get out of there and get back to God. They cannot continue on this downward path away from the presence. The book of Jonah is a sad story, but it doesn’t have to be your story. All may have a Jonah-like experience. One may end up in a spot that they can’t get out of. They will have to reckon with God in the end. Get right with God tonight. Let God teach what’s He. Get right with Him and quit going down that wrong and downward path. Flee to Him. Obey God. He’ll make all the difference in your life.

In Jonah 1, a prophet hears God's call and runs in the opposite direction. In Isaiah 6, another prophet hears God ask, “Whom shall I send?” and responds, “Here I am. Send me.”In this message, Pastor Tim Riddick reminds us that God makes His invitation personal through us, and how we respond matters. Avoidance may feel safe, but it's still running. The difference between Jonah and Isaiah wasn't talent or gifting. It was availability.Questions for Reflection: • Who might be your “Nineveh” - someone God is prompting you to move toward instead of avoid? • What step could you take this week to move from delay to obedience?

In this message preached by Pastor Devin Hutchinson and Dylan Hutchinson, we walk through the story of Jonah and confront a sobering reality: sometimes we don't run from God because we can't hear Him—we run because we don't like what He said. Jonah was called, anointed, and given a clear assignment, yet he fled in the opposite direction. His descent shows us how discontentment and quiet resistance can slowly pull us away from the presence of God. When we reject the assignment, we step out of alignment with His peace, and life begins to feel like constant re-routing.But even in the depths, God's mercy pursues. The same God who appointed a fish for Jonah gives second chances and speaks again. This sermon is a call to stop running, stop wrestling, and stop repeating the same cycles. It's an invitation to repent, realign, and trust that obedience leads to peace. No more detours—just a surrendered heart that says, “Point me to Nineveh.”

The sermon centers on the book of Jonah as a profound revelation of God's universal mercy and sovereign purpose, challenging the narrowness of human prejudice and the tendency to resist divine calls to evangelize the unloved. Through Jonah's reluctant flight from Nineveh—a city emblematic of Assyrian cruelty and divine judgment—the preacher highlights the irony that God's mercy extends even to enemies, contrasting Jonah's nationalistic resentment with Christ's willing sacrifice for sinners. The narrative underscores that salvation belongs to the Lord alone, not to any nation, race, or tradition, and that true evangelism requires surrendering personal preferences to God's broader redemptive plan. The sermon emphasizes that disobedience leads to spiritual turmoil and divine correction, yet God remains faithful, pursuing and restoring His people despite their failures. Ultimately, it calls believers to embrace the same grace they have received, extending it without reservation to all, even those deemed unworthy, as Christ did on the cross.

We know of Jesus' mentioning of Jonah being in the "belly of a huge fish" (Matt 12:40 NIV) as Jesus would be in a tomb, but what other foreshadowing did the book of Jonah provide?  In "A Real Life Foreshadow", Pastor John describes the parallels of Jonah's travels to Nineveh and Jesus' arrival in Israel.Support the show

Have you been stuck expecting the worst—even in your walk with God?Over the last few days, we've been confronting pessimism through the life of Thomas, the disciple forever nicknamed “doubting Thomas.” But Dr. Michael Youssef reveals the deeper issue beneath Thomas' doubt—and ours: a distorted understanding of who Jesus truly is. With patient love, Christ led Thomas from skepticism to victory, and that same resurrection power can transform you too.In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, you'll discover:why doubt often grows from an incomplete view of Christ,how Jesus personally frees us from pessimism, andwhat genuine transformation looks like after we encounter the living Savior.Thomas' change wasn't merely intellectual—it reshaped his entire life. After meeting the risen Christ, he became bold and mission-minded, taking the Gospel into difficult regions such as Nineveh and India. Dr. Youssef reminds us that when we truly grasp God's calling and His unconditional love, pessimism gives way to Spirit-empowered hope—pessimistic to visionary, uncertain to confident, and hopeless to joyful.If you're tired of negative “what ifs,” chronic doubt, or spiritual hesitation, this devotional will point you back to the One who has the final word over every fear:“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).Scripture Focus: John 8:36 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What sort of book is Nahum? Nahum 1:1 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Nahum is divine Scripture that hangs the weight of certain judgment around the neck of Nineveh, and all the enemies of God. The book of Nahum delivers a solemn and weighty prophecy against Nineveh, portraying God's inevitable judgment on evil. Though Nineveh had previously repented in the days of Jonah, Nahum reveals that its sin has now reached a point of no return. The prophecy, given as a vision and later inscribed in Scripture, underscores that God's word is the ultimate authority for faith and life. The name Nahum, meaning 'comfort,' highlights the deep solace found in God's certain destruction of evil. The prophet's obscure origin emphasizes that true significance lies in divine appointment and faithful service. Ultimately, the message calls believers to take sin seriously, flee to Christ, and find lasting peace in the certainty of God's righteous judgment.

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of Jonah the Prophet, focusing on Jonah's transformation and struggle with mercy and obedience. He explains how Jonah's experience inside the fish symbolizes God's plan for salvation, highlighting Jonah's lack of compassion toward the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias discusses Jonah's prayer, faith, and thanksgiving amid hardship, emphasizing God's command over creation contrasting Jonah's resistance. The talk examines Jonah's second calling to preach repentance in Nineveh, showing Jonah's imperfect obedience and internal conflict. Fr. Matthias reflects on God's mercy, restoration, and patience in both Jonah's and humanity's spiritual growth. He draws parallels with St. Peter's restoration and stresses the importance of sacrifice, faith-based fasting, and genuine repentance for transformation. Fr. Matthias also discusses God's view of potential for change in others, humility in repentance, and the challenge of overcoming pride. The message challenges believers to respond to God's call with faith and openness to personal sacrifice for others' salvation.

Jesus teaches the crowd that they are called to repentance, just like the sign of Jonah who proclaimed conversion of heart to the people of Nineveh. (Lectionary #226) February 25, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

“But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa.” — Jonah 1:3 Instead of going to Nineveh to preach the Word, as God bade him, Jonah disliked the work, and went down to Joppa to escape from it. There are occasions when God's servants shrink […]

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Charles Murr joins Terry Gospel – Luke 11:29-32 – While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.  Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment  the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation  and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.  At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Check out this show from March 9, 2022 Jon 3:1-10 Did Jonah exist? Father explains Lk 11:29-32 What is the sign of Jonah? Letters: Can I break my Lenten fast on Sundays? Why do people bow to the priest processing in? Why do some dioceses have different holy days of obligation? Father talks about the importance of recollection before mass Word of the Day: Altar Callers What does 'the Word became flesh' mean? Should I be worried that I wasn't baptized correctly? I'm 82 years old. How do I talk to our priest, as I feel he's disrespectful, because he's always late for mass? Was Jesus in the tomb for three days?

Gospel Luke 11:29-32 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.” Reflection There's an interesting comparison between the Old Testament and New Testament in this passage. The Old Testament was powerful. It did teach us things. But there's something so much greater than all of those, the stories of prophets and kings and patriarchs. They all led up to something radically new, radically different. And this effectiveness of the words in the ministry, in the presence of Jesus, is radically new. And so we need to pay attention always to the New Testament as the core of the teaching that fulfills the Old Testament. Closing Prayer Father, in the Old Testament, you were proving that you were the one and only God, and you began slowly to reveal yourself to those that you called to be your followers. But it was not until the New Testament that you were able to reveal fully what your intention is for all of us, it's to pay attention to all that you are teaching us and to go through a transition filled with the wisdom greater than Solomon, the ability to change a world better than Jonah. That's how our inheritance, bless us with it. Help us to be aware of it, to live in the New Testament. And we asked this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends of the Rosary,Today, we read in the Gospel (Luke 11:29-32) about the people of Nineveh, who are a model for Lent. At the preaching of Jonah the prophet, they did penance and obtained pardon and divine mercy.Jesus said to the crowd,“This generation is an evil generation;it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,except the sign of Jonah.Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,so will the Son of Man be to this generation.”The Church of Christ preaches penance today. Penance and sacrifices are part of the period of preparation for the forty days of the Lenten journey, before we arrive at the joy and glory of Easter.The Lord intends for us to live the Paschal rhythm of death and life to reclaim, through self-examination, our true selves and become ready to share in Christ's glory.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• February 25, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Jonah 3:1-10 (The people of Nineveh turned from their evil way)

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.4 But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. 6 So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” 9 And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous. 12 He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.” 13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they called out to the LORD, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

We read Nahum and Obadiah to face the edge where justice meets mercy. We explore Nineveh's fall, Edom's pride, and our urge to gloat, then turn our hearts toward refuge, humility, and prayer.• Nahum's oracle against Nineveh and Assyria's cruelty• God as just judge and sure refuge• Vivid siege imagery and empire collapse• Wrestling with judgment and divine goodness• Obadiah's charge against Edom's betrayal• The danger of gloating over another's pain• The Day of the Lord and restoration of a remnant• A call to humility, empathy, and prayer At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Luke 15:1-7 ESV 1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.   • • • Ephesians 6:12 ESV 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.   • • • Luke 15:3-4 ESV 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?   • • • 1. We Were All Lost   • • • Romans 3:23 ESV 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,   • • • Romans 6:20-23 ESV 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.   • • • Romans 5:6-8 ESV 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   • • • Luke 15:5 ESV 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.   • • • 2. Christ Came to Seek and Save the Lost   • • • John 3:16-17 ESV 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.   • • • Luke 19:10 ESV 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”   • • • 1 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.   • • • 2 Peter 3:9 ESV 9 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.   • • • Luke 10:36-37 ESV 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”   • • • 3. Sinner's Repentance Leads to Heaven's Parties   • • • Luke 15:6-7 ESV 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.   • • • Luke 15:9-10 ESV 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   • • • Luke 15:22-24 ESV 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.   • • • 4. Jesus Calls Us Both TOWARDS and AWAY   • • • Matthew 28:18-20 ESV 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”   • • • Luke 15:27-32 ESV 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'”   • • • Luke 11:29-30 ESV 29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.   • • • Application: When we no longer care about seeking and saving the lost, we're at risk of becoming a Pharisee—the ones who "think they've got it figured out". We were once lost and have been rescued by Christ's love. Our view of the lost and the marginalized needs to be more like Christ's, for that is why He came.

The story of Jonah reveals profound truths about running from God's calling and the consequences of disobedience. When God commanded Jonah to preach to Nineveh, the prophet fled in fear, leading to a dramatic encounter with a storm and a great fish. After three days of prayer in the fish's belly, Jonah finally obeyed and preached to Nineveh, resulting in the entire city's repentance. However, Jonah became angry at God's mercy toward his enemies, revealing his lack of compassion. Through a withered plant, God taught Jonah about divine love for all people, challenging us to examine our own hearts for areas where we resist God's calling.

https://www.theforbiddenknowledgenetwork.comIn 1849, the ancient Assyrian capital, Nineveh, yielded a perplexing find - a set of clay tablets known as the Enuma Elish. These tablets, dating back to the 18th century BCE, reference a group of celestial beings known as the Anunnaki. These beings are described as descending from the heavens to shape humanity, a claim that challenges the traditional narrative of human evolution. Delving deeper into Sumerian records, detailed accounts of the Anunnaki's presence on Earth come to light, suggesting their involvement in monumental constructions and human DNA manipulation. The question that lingers is, were the Anunnaki merely mythological, or do their stories preserve echoes of a forgotten history? In the intricate web of the Anunnaki narrative, a significant development occurred with the disclosure of a whistleblower from the defense sectors. The individual claimed the existence of a covert program focused on reverse-engineering ancient artifacts potentially linked to extraterrestrial technologies. These artifacts bore inscriptions eerily similar to those associated with the Anunnaki, raising questions about the true origins of these relics and their implications for our understanding of human history. As we peel back the layers of secrecy and control surrounding the Anunnaki narrative, we are left to ponder the implications of a history more intertwined with the cosmos than previously imagined.

Historical information regarding the prophet Jonah and Nineveh, to include the purpose of the writing of the book.

On this Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, join Doug Billings on The Right Side for a powerful 15-minute deep dive into the true meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent.Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, or simply feeling the call of faith today, discover why the ashes on your forehead are straight from Scripture – from Job and Daniel to Nineveh and Jesus Himself – and how this 2,000-year-old practice is more relevant in 2026 than ever.Doug addresses head-on the “pagan roots” critics who claim Lent, Ash Wednesday, and even the Christmas tree are corrupted because of ancient origins. With charity and firmness, he dismantles the myths (including Alexander Hislop's debunked The Two Babylons), explains how the Church Jesus founded on Peter redeems culture for Christ, and shows why these traditions bear beautiful fruit today.Plus: the explosive 2026 faith revival among young men (Barna data), practical Lent tips for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and a hopeful message that the same Jesus who started His Church is still in charge – even with an American Pope calling the world to renewal.This encouraging standalone episode is perfect for anyone seeking real hope on Ash Wednesday 2026.If this blessed you, subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that you are dust… but you are beloved dust, and the Cross always wins.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are found.Full video version on YouTube: @TheRightSideDougBillings#AshWednesday2026 #Lent2026Support the show

When Jonah preached judgment to Nineveh, the people did something astonishing: they believed God. In this Ash Wednesday sermon, Rev. David Buchs reflects on repentance that takes God at His Word, faces sin honestly, and clings to divine mercy rather than excuses or self-righteousness. Lent is revealed not as spiritual self-improvement, but as a season of learning once again what it means to be repentant sinners who trust a gracious Savior .Ash Wednesday – February 18, 2026Grace Lutheran Church | Little Rock, ArkansasKey themes include: • The repentance of Nineveh and believing God's Word • The biblical meaning of forty days as testing and trust • Why Lent teaches us to hunger for righteousness • God's mercy toward sinners who repent, not those who justify themselves#AshWednesday#Lent#Repentance#GodsMercy#BiblicalPreaching#ChristianSermon#JesusChrist#Faith#LutheranSermon#GraceLutheranLittleRock#LittleRockChurch#ArkansasFaith#LCMS#ScriptureTeaching

What Is This All For? 12 Even now— this is the Lord's declaration— turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster. 14 Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him, so you can offer a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord your God. 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion! Announce a sacred fast; proclaim a solemn assembly. 16 Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the infants, even babies nursing at the breast. Let the groom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber. 17 Let the priests, the Lord's ministers, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, "Have pity on your people, Lord, and do not make your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'" 18 Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people. 19 The Lord answered his people: Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them, and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.  Joel 2:12–19 [CSB] What are the ashes drawn in the shape of the cross on our foreheads for? To bring out that mark God already has made on you. When He baptized you into His name...into His Son...on the Cross where He punished Jesus instead of destroying you... Like He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Like He did other nations. Like He did Israel. Like He will the whole world. Why? Because we deserve to be!Disaster is right on our doorsteps! You think not? People are sneering...fists raised...yes, they are saying they can do what they want...they are defying God. Hear them? Listen to what is really being said: “Ha! We can do what we like. Watch and see! And we will do it again! So where...where… is your God when I do it to His face? Where is He who calls all that we like to do...all what I want to do...evil…? Where is He to punish what He calls sin?” God says, "From dust you were taken and to dust you will return..." No one escapes death. No one. God will not be mocked. He says that, "The wages of sin is death."That is what God told Adam because of his and his wife's sin. Yes, and to dust the world will be reduced to also... …soon now...maybe here in America sooner than Africa. I don't know. But remember, Nineveh repented. God spared them for several generations—over 200 years I think it was. Pray America... pray Illinois… and Lombard… repents also… repents—before it is too late. Yes, because... 12 "even now," declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. 14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God? Even so, still....all returns to dust. But only those with the sign of the cross on them will be raised to newness of life. Only those who return to the Lord will be saved...those who return to the place where that mark was made. This is what Lent is for. To mark us again for our burial. Yes, as we know what the consequences of sin are. Death. Yes, from dust we too were taken and will return... But with that mark...made with water… and Word…we won't stay there.  15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; 16 gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. We have...we are...it is called Lent. It is called the application of ashes...consecrating you again for burial...with Christ...in that living and ever flowing Water...the very waters of life... So that we will be spared eternal destruction...flames and ash... To be instead raised to eternal life. Take the ash now...death now...so that life eternal is ours later. Yes, Lent is preparation for our death now, but only for Easter later—our very own Easter. Easter...our Easter, is only possible with the Cross...with Jesus' death...and our death in Him...in Water...in Word...in this life...in this world...with its ways.... Lent is a time to fast and pray. To die to self. To die to sin. To switch our focus. To remove things in our lives that distract and blind us from the truth...for that which brings death and destruction.... Yes, to focus on dying...to let our sin nature die again...to drown it...that those things of sin to be removed...cleared away...cleaned off...the things that entrap us again in this world...in sin...that bring God's wrath and doom...fire and ash.... ...let them go...walk away...let them die...to be replaced with life...that new life to come...that He even gives a start of this here and now...a down payment from His Easter for the Easter to come... Yes, because then it does... Don't you know, Easter already has come? Then for sure, it is to be ours next! So...yes, lets get ready... 17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare your people, O Lord, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'" We can answer this...we can answer them—answer and say that it is not yet too late...even for them: Tell them that: He is here...in His Word...which endures forever...in the Living Water that marked us forever to be His...and in His Supper where He meets with us...feeds us...helps us to live in this world that is going to be in flames soon...a heap of ash all too soon... And then Easter. Easter is so near. Ours...and yes the Earth's too. It too is waiting...it too will also be reborn out of those ashes...just as we will be, it will be free of sin's decay...no longer filled with death... All new and green...alive...really alive...as it was meant to be...forever. Yes, He has called us. We have come. He has marked us. We have cried out and we will do so until the end—call to Him. We will look to Him. We have turned to Him for mercy. We mourn and cry out: "Spare your people, O Lord...!" And what does He do? How does He answer? He has already...He has acted...has answered. Jesus came and died...Jesus rose again...Jesus came to us—to you in water and word...and does in bread and wine. He has marked us for death so that we can live. Yes, He responds...He answers because.... 18 Then the Lord became jealous for his land and had pity on his people. 19 The Lord answered and said to his people, “Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied... All of this has started already to come to us...in Word and Sacrament....because of Easter... We are being filled up...with Him....today even...because of Easter... …and then we will see—the world and the devil will see. Easter is almost here. God says, "...I will no more make you a reproach among the nations." This… All because Easter has already come. Ours is next. Morning is about to dawn. He is coming...in the fire of His Glory... He will rise upon the earth—death dying in that intense… on His light. Then it is up and out...for all those marked by sign...in His name...as all is burned into ash.... …and then glory...and then the Easter morning...the forever Son forever...our Emmauel with us… aways, world without end. Amen.

The story of Jonah reveals three dangerous mindsets that can hinder believers from walking in God's heart. After witnessing a great revival in Nineveh, Jonah sits pouting because God showed mercy to 120,000 people. His response exposes the entitlement mentality, where we want God's grace for ourselves but resist extending it to others. The victim mentality keeps us trapped in bitterness and offense, making us unable to walk in victory. The comfort mentality prioritizes personal convenience over God's purposes, causing us to celebrate blessings while cursing the lessons that come with them. The book of Jonah ends unresolved, serving as a mirror for us to choose our own response to God's calling.

In Matthew 12:38–42, the Pharisees ask Jesus for “just one more sign.” But after witnessing healings, miracles, and undeniable evidence, their request wasn’t about proof—it was about resistance. In this message, we explore: * Why Jesus calls them a “wicked and adulterous generation” * The difference between honest doubt and stubborn unbelief * The Sign of Jonah and the power of the resurrection * What the Queen of Sheba and Nineveh reveal about real faith * How proximity to truth is not the same as obedience Have we ever asked God for a “sign” when what we really needed was obedience? This message challenges us to examine whether we are seeking confirmation—or simply resisting what we already know to be true.

In this continuation of the series on Jonah the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores God's sovereignty over creation as revealed through Jonah's story. He examines Jonah's resistance to God's command to preach to Nineveh, contrasting Jonah's apathy with the pagan sailors' active efforts to survive the storm. Fr. Matthias highlights Jonah's spiritual numbness, depression, and lack of compassion that lead him to isolate himself rather than seek God's help. The talk delves into Jonah's realization of his inner failings, the sailors' recognition of God's power, and the unfolding divine plan through the prepared great fish. Fr. Matthias draws connections between Jonah's prayer from the fish's belly and the hope of resurrection, emphasizing faith and thanksgiving even amidst suffering. This message encourages believers to respond faithfully to God's call, embrace transformation through trials, and trust in God's mercy and salvation.

Jonah preached and Nineveh repented. Repentance leads to God relenting. What does this teach us today? Join us as we celebrate our last week at our Boones Creek location!

Nineveh | Message 3: I Still Don't Want To Go | Pastor Chad Dingess | 02/15/2026 by Bethesda Church

Jonah 1:1-6God's Relentless Grace

Saturday, 14 February 2026   Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28   “Amen! I say to you that they are some of those having stood here who not they should taste death until if they should see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told His disciples that the Son of Man is about to come in His kingdom, and then He will give each according to his practice. He next says, “Amen! I say to you that they are some of those having stood here.”   The Greek verb is a perfect participle. As can be seen, the NKJV fails to properly elucidate this, saying, “some standing here.” In fact, one would be hard-pressed to find a translation that accurately translates the verb. Instead, they rely on a present tense or present participle rendering. But Jesus' words indicate a completed action, the results of which are still present or relevant, “having stood here.” The same perfect participle is found in the same context in Mark 9:1. Combined with the words, “some...here,” this limits the scope of what is said to those present. Of those referred to, Jesus next says they are those “who not they should taste death.”   A new word is seen, geuomai, to taste. It is used figuratively here to indicate experiencing. It is aorist subjunctive, viewing the whole as a single completed event. In other words, these will not experience death, “until if they should see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”   The meaning of this is widely debated. Is this referring to the transfiguration? Does this speak of the resurrection? Is it the beginning of the church at Pentecost? Is it the destruction of the temple in AD70? Is it referring to the millennial kingdom? And so on. Each of these has its supporters. For example, some believe that Jesus' words in John 21:22 mean that John is still alive and he will be one of the two witnesses. One of several problems with that is that the two witnesses will be killed before the Son of Man returns. Further, Jesus' words in Matthew 16:28 are plural, indicating more than one person. One of many problems with the destruction of the temple view is that Jesus didn't return in AD70. If He did, other words of Jesus would be a complete failure, such as Matthew 24:27.   There is no record of such an event, something that would not be lacking. That is an unbiblical attempt by preterists to dismiss any future prophecy, including the restoration of national Israel as a literal, historical event.   The problem with the Pentecost view is that it was the Holy Spirit, not Jesus, who came upon the people in Acts 2. To conflate the meaning of one with the other is stretching the text like a rubber band, which will eventually snap. As for the resurrection view, as Jesus was not in a glorified state at the resurrection, that also seems to be a stretch of the intent.   The account that is noted next at the beginning of Matthew 17 follows in the same manner in all three synoptic gospels, which is a strong hint that tells us that the transfiguration is what Jesus is referring to. It is a kingdom foretaste for the benefit of the disciples. As it is recorded in the word, it is thus provided as a benefit for all.   This glorified state was then viewed by John when he received the book of Revelation, including Jesus' return in Revelation 19. For a fuller and more complete explanation of the details of Matthew 16, please continue reading the life application section of this commentary.   Life application: Chapter 16 of Matthew is a passage that petitions the Jews of the end times to consider who Jesus is based on their own history, comparing it to how He is portrayed in Scripture.   In verse 1, Jesus was approached by the Pharisees and Sadducees, who asked for a sign from heaven. As in Chapter 15, these types of men represent the same thinking and paradigm as the rabbis of Israel today. Jesus told them that they could read the signs in the sky, but they could not discern the signs of the times.   With the coming of the end times, the Jews of Israel would naturally be expected to understand the situation they are in, but they will be clueless about the matter. In verse 4, Jesus said that the generation was wicked and adulterous, something akin to what Peter calls the Jews who rejected Jesus in Acts 2:40. Jesus continued that no sign would be given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.   As explained, the sign of the prophet Jonah is the destruction of the temple, it being a year for a day based on Jonah's proclamation, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”   In the end times, the Jews will have to look to their Scriptures, understand that their temple was destroyed and they were exiled for rejecting Jesus, internalize this truth, and then have faith in Him based on that.   As an explanation of the doctrine of faith in the Messiah, in verse 5, the disciples went across the Sea of Galilee. As such, they crossed the Jordan because the Jordan runs through the sea. Being on the other (east) side signifies those who have not come through Christ to be saved. Jesus told them in verse 6 to take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. They thought He was talking about bread. But He corrected them by recapping the miracles of feeding the five thousand and the four thousand.   These miracles, anticipating the salvation of Jews and Gentiles, testify to His being the Messiah. What He was warning them about was the doctrine of those false teachers, not about bread. Their doctrine is to be equated with the false doctrine of the rabbis and other law teachers of the end times who have returned to law observance, temple worship, etc. It is a warning that the end times Jews are not to follow those Satan-led examples. Faith in Jesus, as represented by the feeding of the masses, is what brings restoration with God.   In verse 13, it is noted that Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi. Caesarea is derived from Caesar. The idea of being a Caesar is the deification of the individual. He is attributed a god-like status. Philippi is from Philip, a lover of horses. But in Scripture, a horse is metaphorically used as a source of military pride –   “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7   Abarim rightly defines Philippi with the lengthy paraphrase, They Who Lean On Their Military Complex. It is exactly the source of pride that Israel of today is heading towards. Their military superiority is their source of pride and is exalted to god-like status. This will only increase after the battle of Gogd/Magog.   It is in this prefigured end-times state that Jesus asks them who He is. The various answers are answers you could expect from Jews. Jesus was a prophet (or false prophet) or whatever. However, Simon Peter proclaims Him the Christ. What was Jesus' response? “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah.”   The same name that was acknowledged as the sign in verse 4 is now noted by Jesus. He is Simon (Hearer) Son of Jonah. In other words, he represents the Jews who have understood (heard) the sign of Jonah. To be a son signifies identity. The end times Jews who acknowledge Jesus as the Christ are “sons of Jonah,” because they have made the connection by understanding the sign. In essence, “We missed Him when He came, but we know now who He is.”   It is on this proclamation that Jesus will build His out-calling of those in the end times. They will receive the keys to the kingdom of the heavens, entering into the millennial reign of Christ. In verse 21, Jesus spoke of His destiny to suffer and die. Peter's words of admonishment stirred Jesus to turn His back on him, call him Satan, and tell him he was not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.   It is a warning to the end times Jews that they are to accept a crucified Savior as the role of the Messiah. Israel looked, and still looks, for a conquering Messiah, but His role as the crucified Messiah is what God highlights in Him more than all else.   From there, Jesus told the disciples the words about denying themselves and losing their souls in order to save their souls. The thought is "losing their souls (meaning their lives) in order to save their souls."  It is exactly what is seen in Revelation –   “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9, 10  &   “And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.” Revelation 15:2   In verse 27, it said, “For the Son of Man is about to come in His Father's glory with His messengers.” This is exactingly described in Revelation 19:11 –   “And I saw the heaven having been opened. And you behold! Horse, white! And the ‘sitting upon it' being called ‘Faithful and True,' and in righteousness He judges, and He battles” (CG).   Jesus is coming in His Father's glory. In Matthew 24, it notes that in the end times, He will send out His angels (Greek: messengers) to gather His elect.   The final verse of the chapter then said, “Amen! I say to you, that they are some of those having stood here who not they will taste death until if they should see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Again, this is exactly what occurs in Revelation. Some of the end times Jews will make it through the entire tribulation, not seeing death until they behold Jesus coming in His kingdom.   These things are gleaned from Matthew 16, forming a picture of what is coming in the future for Israel.   Lord God, how precious it is to know that You will not reject Israel, even when the whole world is imploding, You will be with them and carry them as a people through the tribulation and into the time promised to them so long ago. Thank You for Your covenant faithfulness, even to those of us who fail You constantly. Amen. Matthew 16   16 And having approached, the Pharisees and Sadducees, testing, they queried Him to show them a sign from heaven. 2And answering, He said to them, “Evening having come, you say, ‘Good weather!', for the heaven, it is red, 3and early, ‘This day... inclemency!', for glowering, the heaven, it reddens. Hypocrites! Indeed, you know to discern the face of the heaven, and the seasons' signs, not you can. 4Generation – evil and adulteress – it seeks a sign, and a sign – not it will be given it – if not the sign of Jonah the prophet.” And having left them, He departed.   5And His disciples, having come to the beyond, they overlooked to take bread. 6And Jesus, He said to them, “You behold, and you caution from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”   7And they deliberated in themselves, saying, “Because not we took bread!” 8And Jesus, having known, said to them, “Why – you deliberate in yourselves, little-faithed? Because you took no bread? 9You grasp, not yet, nor you recollect the five loaves – the five thousand, and how many handbaskets you took? 10Nor the seven loaves – the four thousand, and how many hampers you took? 11How not you recollect that I spoke not concerning bread to you! Caution from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12Then they comprehended that not He said to caution from the leaven – the bread, but from the teaching – the Pharisees and Sadducees.   13And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi, He entreated His disciples, saying, “Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?”   14And they said, “These, indeed, John the Immerser, and others Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”   15He says to them, “And you, whom you say Me to be?”   16And answering, Simon Peter, he said, “You, You are the Christ, the Son of God, the living.”   17And Jesus, answering, He said to him, “Blessed you are, Simon, Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood not it revealed to you, but My Father, the ‘in the heavens'.” 18And I also, I say to you that you, you are Peter, and upon this – the Rock – I will build My out-calling, and Hades' gates, not they will overpower her. 19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. And whatever, if you may bind upon the earth, it will be ‘having been bound' in the heavens. And whatever, if you may loosen upon the earth, it will be ‘having been loosed' in the heavens.” 20Then He enjoined His disciples that they should say to none that He, He is Jesus the Christ.   21From then He began, Jesus, to show His disciples that it necessitates Him to depart to Jerusalem and to suffer many from the elders, and chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be roused.   22And Peter, having clutched Him, he began to admonish Him, saying, “Propitious, to You, Lord! No, not it will be, this to You!”   23And, having turned, He said to Peter, “You withdraw behind Me, Satan! Snare, you are, to Me. For you think not these of God but these of men.”   24The Jesus, He said to His disciples, “If any, he desires to come after Me, let him disown himself, and he took his cross, and he follows Me. 25For whoever, if he may desire to save his soul, he will lose it. And whoever, if he may lose his soul because of Me, he will find it. 26For what it benefits a man if he may gain the whole world and he may lose his soul? Or what will he give, man, equivalent his soul? 27For the Son of Man is about to come in His Father's glory with His messengers. And then He will give each according to his practice. 28Amen! I say to you, that they are some of those having stood here who not they will taste death until if they should see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

The Bible, God's ancient book of wisdom, tells the story of Jonah. God asked him to go to the city of Nineveh to share a message of mercy. But Jonah did not want to go. Instead, he boarded a ship in the opposite direction, hoping to escape God's instructions. The ship encountered a dangerous storm. And when the sailors figured out that Jonah was the cause, they threw him overboard—only to be swallowed by an enormous fish. And in the darkness of the belly of that fish, he cried out to God. And God responded. The fish spat Jonah out onto dry land, and God gave him a second chance. This time, Jonah obeyed—and as a result, an entire city turned towards God in repentance. Are you stuck in your own “storm”? Jesus offers you life and hope. Will you accept His second chance today? Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Jonah 3:1-3 radio.hopewithgod.com

This sermon explores Jonah chapter 3, focusing on God's second chances and the power of obedience. After Jonah's rescue from the fish, God recommissions him to preach to Nineveh. Despite Jonah's reluctant obedience and harsh eight-word sermon warning of destruction in 40 days, the entire city repents from the king down to the animals. The message emphasizes that God's grace pursues us even when we run, His word has power to transform hearts, bold obedience brings incredible results, and God's mercy should flow through us to others. The sermon concludes with communion, reminding us that just as God gave Nineveh a second chance, He offers us grace and forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice.

Nineveh | Message 2: The Belly Of A Fish | Pastor Chad Dingess | 02/08/2026 by Bethesda Church

During Sunday school, my patience with three-year-old Peter was wearing thin. He was unhappy, unkind to the other kids, and absolutely refused to be content, even when we offered him the most coveted toys. My pity turned to annoyance. If he stubbornly persisted in being difficult, then fine, I’d send him back to his parents and he would miss out on all the fun. Too often I find my compassion has conditions. If someone ignores my advice or refuses my help, then they don’t deserve it anymore. Fortunately, God doesn’t act that way toward us. The prophet Jonah experienced His great mercy after a time of stubborn disobedience when God commanded him to travel and preach to Nineveh. Defiantly choosing the opposite direction, Jonah was caught in a terrible storm, set adrift at sea, and then swallowed by a great fish—a self-made disaster. When Jonah finally “prayed to the Lord his God” (Jonah 2:1), God was still listening to him, ready to forgive His reluctant prophet. Jonah was delivered from the fish and graciously given a second chance to go to Nineveh (3:1). In little Peter’s case, a special trip to the playground consoled him—a brilliant and kind idea by a helper with more patience than I had shown. How beautiful is mercy that continually seeks us out, even in the middle of our own mess.

Evangelism is a God-given calling every Christian must answer in obedience. In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie shares principles of a good "fisherman." Notes: Luke 5 There are right and wrong ways to go fishing.And there are also wrong ways to share our faith. The problem today isn’t that Christians are sharing the gospel the wrong way.It’s that 8/10 Christians never share the gospel in any way. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Do you want to know how to share the gospel effectively? Do you want to go fishing for men? Read Luke 5:1–10 This is a story of how a miracle of Jesus touched the lives of three men,Peter, James, and John. This terrific trio accompanied Jesus on many occasions.They were there at the transfiguration.They were there when Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter.They were there during His agony in Gethsemane. Were they afforded these privileges because they were better than the others? Maybe Jesus was essentially saying, “I need to keep my eye on you, boys.” Peter’s misstatements were legendary. There were never three men who had less promise or natural ability.Yet they became three of the greatest missionary preachers in church history. Luke 5:3 (NLT)Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So He sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. John 1:42 (NLT)Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John--but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter"). Jesus looks at Simon and sees what he will become. There was another time Jesus looked at Peter.It was after Peter’s denial of Jesus.That was a look of understanding. It appears that Peter, James, and John had a spiritual lapse of sorts.Or perhaps they were just unsure of what it meant to follow Jesus. Peter, James, and John did not realize the potential Jesus had for them. Jesus was making them into powerful spiritual leaders who would touch their world.They had the privilege of writing the very scripture we hold in our hands. Have you sensed God’s call on your life to do a certain thing and then not done it? When Jonah ultimately stepped up to the plate, a national revival happened in the wicked city of Nineveh. Not to respond to God’s call on your life can be an actual sin.It is a sin of omission. Luke 5:4 (NLT)"Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish." Luke 5:5 (NLT)"Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing." Fishing at this time was back-breaking work because it involved laying out a great net in a semi-circle. It encompassed over 100 feet. Then it had to be drawn in hand over hand. Luke 5:5 (NLT)"Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." Peter used an interesting term for Jesus when he called Him, “Master.”It was a nautical term, "Captain of this boat." Peter let down the net instead of the nets.The result was that the net started breaking. This was supernatural, and these fishermen all knew it. Jesus gave Peter fish because that is what Peter understood. It’s amazing how Jesus can reach the academic and the uneducated,the certified genius and the little child. Augustine lived for drinking, partying, and rampant immorality. Weeping, Augustine heard the voice of a child repeating, “Take and read.”Augustine saw this as God entering his world. This is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God. Peter is overwhelmed with gratitude and guilt as Jesus gives him a great catch. God is not looking for self-confident people.He is looking for people who are aware of their inadequacies and weaknesses. When you encounter the Holy God, you realize how sinful you are. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now, on you’ll be fishing for men!”(Luke 5:10) The Lord said we can catch men alive.Either we do it, or the devil does. Luke 5:11 (NLT)And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. The word for followed signifies the “deepest inward attachment.” #1 A fisherman needs to be patient. The Bible compares evangelism to farming.1 Corinthians 3:6–8 We live in a microwave society, but God often works like a slow cooker. Ecclesiastes 7:8a (ESV)Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. #2 A good fisherman must persevere. God doesn't grade us on our closing percentage.He grades us on our obedience. #3 A good fisherman must know to go to the right place at the right time. #4 A good fisherman must have skill. We learn effective skills through experience. We learn to build a bridge rather than to burn it. One of the best ways to share the gospel with someone is to listen. Know the word of God.2 Timothy 2:15 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. # 5 A good fisherman must know how to work with others. Cooperation is the key to effectively sharing your faith. God specializes in turning sinners into saints. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.