Podcasts about Nineveh

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 12:38-42 - Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You." He said to them in reply, "An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here." Memorial of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church Saint Lawrence, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Paul List on his book: Mount Doom, The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed

Gospel Matthew 12:38-42 Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." He said to them in reply, "An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.” Reflection Jesus' response to the Pharisees who ask for a sign is an indication of the disposition of the Pharisees. They didn't want to see what God really wanted to show them through Jesus, because it was too frightening to them. Because what Jesus is revealing is the power that he has is the transformation that he can affect within human beings. The transformation, say, of Jonah and that work of Jesus is the greatest of the miracles. Closing Prayer Father, there's a way in which we can expect a miracle in our life, where all of a sudden the thing that we can't do, is given to us the power to accomplish things. It's not that simple. We're not here to be powerful human beings, but to be ministers to one another and to be transformed into service, and not positions of authority. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,"Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you."He said to them in reply,"An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign,but no sign will be given itexcept the sign of Jonah the prophet.Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights,so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earththree days and three nights.At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generationand condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah;and there is something greater than Jonah here.At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generationand condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earthto hear the wisdom of Solomon;and there is something greater than Solomon here."

Title: God's Not DoneText: Jonah 3:1–10Big Idea: You can't out-sin the mercy of God—and you're never too far gone for a second chance.I. A God of Second ChancesAfter rebellion, a storm, and three days in the belly of a fish, Jonah gets another shot:“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.” (Jonah 3:1)Jonah's rescue wasn't random—it was redemption.God didn't discard Jonah—He restored him.Titus 3:5 – God saves not because of our goodness, but because of His mercy.Examples of God's Second Chances:Adam & Eve, Moses, David, Rahab, Zacchaeus, Peter, Thomas.Each one messed up—but God still had a purpose for them.If He did it for them, He'll do it for you.II. Jonah's Second Chance“Get up and go…” (Jonah 3:2) – yalak qum (ל ְֵ֥ך ק֛ ּום) = Go now. Immediately. Today.This is not just instruction—it's urgency.God's mercy doesn't just forgive—it re-commissions.Jonah 3:3-4Jonah obeys. He enters Nineveh, declares God's message.He doesn't sugarcoat the warning—“40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown!”III. The Power of RepentanceShockingly, the people listen. “The Ninevites believed God.” (Jonah 3:5)From the greatest to the least—even the king—there's deep, public repentance.Sackcloth and dust were cultural signs of humility and brokenness.To repent is to change your mind so deeply, it changes your life.IV. God's Compassion Responds to Repentance“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented…” (Jonah 3:10)This wasn't about performance—it was about surrender.Isaiah 30:18 – “The Lord longs to be gracious to you…”God didn't have to forgive Nineveh—but that's who He is.

The book of Jonah is a strange tale that you probably remember from Sunday School. It's got a big whale, a rebellious prophet, a tree eating worm, and a repentant Nineveh. These features make Jonah perfect for the screen but a bit hard to understand as scripture. Should we read Jonah like any other prophet or is it a parable? That strange ambiguity takes some work to understand but it's also what makes the book of Jonah so powerful. At the heart of the story of Jonah is a reluctant prophet frustrated by the mercy of God. As we read this strange little story, we're invited to look at our own lives and ask ourselves, do we really want God to love our enemies? Do we really want God to be merciful?

1. Jonah preaches 2. Nineveh repents 3. God pardons

Jonah's Disobedience and God's Mercy The Book of Jonah is about the chastening and mercies of God, highlighting the terrifying and comforting truth of Him. Jonah resisted God's command to preach to Nineveh because he wanted God to destroy them, as they were against Jerusalem. Jonah knew that God was merciful and might spare Nineveh if they repented, so he decided to do his own thing. "The first mistake we make is when we disobey God. When God's Word has been clear in our lives. And when we begin to look another direction and see a different picture. We begin to do our own thing." God's Chastening and Restoration God's chastening of Jonah was also a restoration, as Jonah was rejecting God's sovereignty, will, and purpose, just like the people of Nineveh. Even in a horrible, miraculous place like the belly of the fish, Jonah recognized that God was keeping him alive and that God wasn't finished with him. "When they throwed him overboard. What he found waiting on him was an ark of salvation. And when that fish swallowed him down. Brother Jonah realized. God ain't done with me." Pastor Tommy expresses gratitude for God's chastening hand, which proves God's love. "Thank God for the chastening hand. For the times when He's taken us when we should have. Lord, God had every right to cast us away...which is merciful and gracious and kind." The Book of Jonah is a warning to obey and serve God. "If you think for one minute you're going to get away with anything you're wrong." God deals with people differently, some with a snap of the fingers, others with a stern word, and some, like Jonah, who are more hard-headed. God's Sovereignty and Love God is sovereign and in control, and He will get what He wants out of you. "He don't need your advice nor your opinion. He knows exactly what he wants out of you. And let me give you some news. He'll get it." God could have given up on Jonah, but He loved him and made a way for him to escape from the impossible situation. God will chase and strip away the blinders of sin to bring His children back to Him. "He'll chase you. He'll chase in you. He'll strip from your eyes the blinders of your sin. And He'll get you to the place that you're ready and willing to serve Him again." The Book of Jonah is an encouragement that God will deliver His people and not be resisted. "People throughout all the history of mankind have read about this man who resisted the will of God only to find out that God will not be resisted amen." Once you are God's, you are not your own anymore, and He will continue to work on His children. God's Love for Backsliding Children God's multiple miracles and mercy toward Jonah remind us that there is no limit to God's love toward His backsliding children. "You see, God loves us. He don't just love them that are good. But He loves them that are trying to be bad." Even when Jonah despised God's word and was willing to die rather than obey, God was already working on his behalf. "Jonah may be in a place where he has despondent, where he has become the enemy of God, but the very minute they throwed him over that ship, what Jonah didn't know was that God was already working." God had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah and take him to the bottom of the ocean until He was done doing business with him. God loves His children and will help them if they obey Him. "And He'll help you if you'll obey Him." Everyone has their own "fish" experience where God takes them down to accomplish His will. "Likely everybody in here that's been saved for any amount of time, you've got your own fish somewhere. You've got your own experience that you can speak of where God took you down." The Pearl of Wisdom in Jonah 2:8 Verse 8 of Jonah chapter 2 contains a pearl of wisdom and the summary of the entire book: "Those that observe lying van...

Have you stumbled in your faith? Jonah did, too. But today, uncover the power of God’s grace and mercy in your life with an encouraging message from Pastor Greg Laurie. Notes: Focus verses: Jonah 3–4 The real story is about how God used a flawed man to bring a revival. Jonah was called to preach to Ninevah, which God described as a great city (Jonah1:2).Jonah refused, and the Lord sent a great wind on the sea. (Jonah 1:4).Jonah was thrown overboard and was swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1:17). The ultimate story of Jonah is of the great God who showed great love. #1 Jonah had a great message. Jonah’s preaching brought revival. Jonah 3:1–2 (NKJV)Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying,"Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you." Nothing happens through you until it has happened to you. Read Jonah 3:2–4 Jonah’s message was very simple, yet these eight words were important to God. Romans 1:16 (NKJV)For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvationfor everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. The bible says, “Christ died for our sin” (1 Corinthians 15:3).He did this to bridge the gap between us and a holy God. Jonah delivered his simple message as we must deliver ours. Our message must be delivered with urgency.(Jonah 3:4) Jonah 2:1–2 NKJVThen Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish's belly.And he said: "I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction,and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice.”God had delivered Jonah from a hopeless situation. There was an urgency and a passion to what Jonah was doing, Romans 9:3 (NLT)For my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. Remember how Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem and wept.Luke 19:41–42 “Winners of Souls must first be weepers of souls.”—D. L. Moody Our message must be clear and definite. Mark 12:37 (NKJV)And the common people heard Him gladly. Our message is not simplistic, but it must be simple. Our message should be authoritative. Jonah’s message was an unapologetic biblical directive from God Almighty. #2 There was a great response. Jonah 3:5 (NKJV)So the people of Nineveh believed God. The greatest revival in the history of the world came to Nineveh becauseJonah preached God’s message and not what the people wanted to hear. There was hope in Jonah’s message. John 3:16 If God could bring a mighty revival in Nineveh,He surely can do the same thing for America. Read Jonah 3:4–10 (NLT) This is a stunning spiritual awakening! An entire city turning to God. It was a great message.It was a great response.Now, we come to a great contrast. Read Jonah 4:1–4 (NLT) Jonah 4:4 (NLT)The LORD replied, "Is it right for you to be angry about this?" Sometimes people worry about new believers not changing quickly enough. Some believers have just stalled and stagnated. Sometimes people will wonder why a good God would allow bad things.Jonah wonders why a good God would allow good things—especially for bad people. Read Jonah 4:5–7 (NLT) Jonah missed the miracle because he was too worried about his own comfort. #4 The great commission today is“Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15 NKJV). There is nothing like seeing thousands of people coming to Christ.It truly is a taste of Heaven. Luke 15:7 (NKJV)"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. If God would open the window to Heaven for a brief glimpse, how we would change.If he opened the window for a glimpse of Hell, we would change even more! Jonah 4:10–11Then the LORD said, "You feel sorry about the plant,though you did nothing to put it there. And a plant is only, at best, short lived.But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness,not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a Great City?"--- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bible Story, Jonah is appointed to preach to the great and wicked city of Nineveh. However, Jonah's hatred is deep so Jonah runs from the will of God and boards a ship towards Tarshish. God sends a storm to catch up to Jonah, and Jonah is taken by the sea. In the deep, he's then swallowed up by a large fish, and remains in its belly for three days. This story is inspired by Jonah 1-2. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Jonah 1:2 from the King James Version.Episode 143: Jonah, now on dry land, is once again confronted by the voice of God telling him to go to Nineveh. Though it was not his desire, he obeyed. When he finally arrived he gave a sermon and left to watch the city burn. However, to his amazement, the entire city of Nineveh, even their king repented. Furious at this change of events, Jonah, sulked outside the city cursing God for his goodness and mercy. In reply, God gives both him and us a lesson of what it means to have mercy and love what God loves.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday with Tabitha 6. Nahum by Tabitha Smith   Nahum prophesied about the destruction of the city of Nineveh, the capital of the nation of Assyria. If Nineveh sounds a bit familiar, it might be because you've listened to the first instalment in this series about the book of Jonah! In some ways, Nahum is like a sequel to Jonah. The date of writing of Nahum can be narrowed down to somewhere between 660 BC and 630 BC. We can deduce this because of the historical events that Nahum refers to during his prophecy (unless of course you don't believe in predictive prophesy!). Like Micah last week, we don't know anything about Nahum apart from the fact that his home town was called Elkosh. It's not certain where this was, but it was probably in Judah because at the time of his prophesy, the kingdom of Israel had ceased to exist. The ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians in about 722 BC. The Southern Kingdom of Judah had not suffered the same fate, despite an attempted siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib of Assyria shortly after the fall of Samaria. Instead, the Kingdom of Judah had become a sort of vassal state to Assyria. The Assyrian kingdom had been established by acts of terrible violence, torture and cruelty and forced deportations of thousands of people, under the leadership of Tiglath-pileser III. His campaigns were ruthless and highly successful, conquering most of the known world at the time. Nineveh was a great city, the capital of Assyria. Jonah had been sent by God with a message of warning to Nineveh, telling of God's imminent judgement on them for their evil behaviour. At that time, much to Jonah's surprise and disgust, the people of Nineveh did repent and God spared them. However, a century later, we see that the repentance did not last, and Nineveh has fallen back into evil, idolatry, violence and depravity. Nahum's key message is that God is going to judge and overthrow Nineveh. Nahum means ‘comfort' and his message would have brought comfort to the people of Judah who were living under Assyrian oppression. Nahum is written in the style of ancient war poetry. The first verse of the book tells us that Nahum received the prophecy in the form of a vision. The way he writes his book is like the eye-witness account of a war correspondent. God is pictured as a divine warrior, coming to judge the Assyrians for their evil deeds. God had used Assyria as a tool of judgement on his own people, but the Assyrians were held accountable for the wicked nature of their conquests and the ways they had lived their lives in alienation from God. In chapter one, the book opens with a poetic description of God on the war-path. God is described as jealous (for his honour and his people), wrathful, righteously angry and all powerful. Even the rock-solid mountains melt before him and the seas dry up completely. Nothing and no-one can stand against him. At the same time, God is also described as slow to anger, good, knowing those who seek him, compassionate and seeking his people's freedom from their oppressors. The message that Nahum proclaims is simultaneously terrible and wonderful, and it all depends on the reader's perspective and relationship to God. At the end of Nahum 1, Judah is urged to keep the feasts, i.e. the celebrations of their history that remind them of God's salvation purposes and commemorate his saving works for them in the past. Judah will be restored once more.  We should not miss the significance of this - the Messiah would one day come from the remnant of Judah. Nahum 2 launches into a prophetic account of the overthrow of Nineveh. The imagery is vivid and it's almost as if Nahum is present in the city, watching the events unfold. The invading army arrives in the outskirts of Nineveh and the call goes out to ‘man the walls' and take up arms. The invasion comes with speed and devastation, chariots thundering and swords and spears flashing and glinting in the sun. The invading soldiers are clothed in red with red shields, possibly indicating the original colour of the shields or their staining with blood. Siege towers are built and the river gates are opened to flood the city and destroy the royal palace. It's helpful here to consider what we know from historical accounts of the overthrow of Nineveh. Nineveh was attacked by a coalition of armies, principally of the Medes and Babylonians, in 612 BC. The city was sieged for a period of time which may have been as short as a few months. The invading armies closed the gates of the river Khoser, which flowed through the city, allowing the water to build up. The gates were then opened, unleashing a flood on the city which destroyed much of the important architecture and allowed the invaders to penetrate the city walls and finish the overthrow of the city. Nahum 2 contains more vivid images of the invasion with graphic descriptions of the piles of dead bodies in the streets of the city. God asks Nineveh whether she has considered herself better than Thebes. Thebes was a great city in Egypt which was invaded by the Assyrians in about 664 BC. Thebes had appeared to be immune to attack with a natural sea defence and many allies. However, the Assyrians had conquered the city. They were now going to get a taste of their own medicine. The book ends with Nahum surveying the aftermath of the siege and invasion. The final words are a taunting song declaring the finality of the destruction. The ruins of Nineveh can be found today near the modern Iraqi city of Mosul. They were not discovered until the 19th century - prior to this all reference to Nineveh disappeared from the pages of history. When the ruins of the city were uncovered, many unburied skeletons were found. The city was razed to the ground. Nahum's prophesies were fulfilled. The book of Nahum reminds us that God is all powerful, omnipotent. He is not a tame god who is passive and powerless but he acts on behalf of his people. He is a God of justice who cannot pass over sin and evil but he must act justly to uphold his own honour and the welfare of his chosen people Israel. Moreover, God had promised to spare a remnant of his people, specifically from the tribe of Judah, in order that the Messiah, the deliverer, would come from his people. The future of the people of Israel often seemed under threat but God always faithfully preserved and restored a remnant to preserve the line of Abraham. God is able to work even the most impossible of circumstances and most wicked of people into his sovereign plan. The seemingly ordinary list of names in the genealogy of Jesus described in Matthew chapter 1 encompasses accounts of infertility, prostitution, bereavement, displacement, adultery, murder and exile. God truly is able to make all things work for the good of those who love him, according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). God can even use wicked and pagan people in order to judge his own people and work for their ultimate good. In a few weeks' time we will look at this issue in more detail as we look at the way Habakkuk wrestled with this. Whatever opponents or battles you face in your lifetime, none of them are too big for God to handle. The military might of the Assyrians was legendary and they built one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Yet even they were relegated to the pages of history, the ruins of their prized capital city lying undiscovered for centuries. Our perspective is so limited. We struggle to comprehend the span of human history, and yet humans are such a brief vapour, like the dew that evaporates from the morning grass. Peter says in the first chapter of his first letter: “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 All earthly things will pass and only God will endure. Yet, incredibly, he cares about each one of us and knows every detail about us. The whole of history is centred around the life of Jesus, God in the flesh, who came to rescue us. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He stands in authority above all human institutions and authorities, both the good and the evil ones. His kingdom is incomparably greater than the most mighty of human kingdoms and yet it is established in an upside-down order where the first are last and the last are first. We pray “your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” because Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. One day his kingdom will be unified and complete. Then, as Paul says ‘at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father' (Philippians 2:10-11).   Right Mouse click or tap here to download this episode as an audio mp3 file

In this Bible Story, we say goodbye to the Prophet Elisha and the end of the era of kings. The nations of Judah and Israel continue to wrestle with God. Soon, a great threat would arise to take Israel captive. This was a threat they were not prepared for.This story is inspired by 2 Kings 13. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 13:19 from the King James Version.Episode 142: Jonah, a questionable prophet of God, heard the word of God telling him to go to Nineveh and confront the people about their sins. Jonah, giving in to his pride and disgust for the people of Nineveh, said no and immediately boarded a ship headed for Tarshish. While the ship was sailing a deadly storm came upon them and Jonah found out that he could not run from God, and was swallowed by a fish.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” (Jonah 3:4–5 NLT) The Old Testament prophet Jonah very reluctantly went to the city of Nineveh to warn that God was going to judge its people in forty days. Jonah was reluctant because he understood God’s nature. He knew that if the Ninevites repented, God would forgive them and spare them His judgment. That’s not the outcome Jonah was rooting for. He hated the Ninevites and wanted to see them face God’s judgment. Jonah understood that he served a merciful and loving God. The fact that God was sending him to warn the Ninevites to repent instead of just judging them was evidence of His compassion and concern. Sure enough, Jonah’s worst-case scenario became a reality. The people of Nineveh repented from their sins and the king commanded his subjects to “pray earnestly to God” (Jonah 3:8 NLT). As a result, God lifted His judgment from the people of Nineveh. People in our culture today would have you believe that the God of the Bible is a vengeful deity who revels in His power to bring death and destruction on anyone who dares to disobey Him. Scripture itself paints a different picture. The God of the Bible is holy and just. Sin cannot exist in His presence. And He demands that all sin be punished. In Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul tells us that the punishment for sin is death. But the God of the Bible is also loving in a way that we cannot fully comprehend. He sent His Son to take the punishment we deserve for our sin and to die in our place. God sacrificed His Son so that anyone who believes in Him can escape judgment and have eternal life. In Ezekiel 33:11, God said, “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live” (NLT). The apostle Peter, in talking about why Jesus hasn’t returned yet, said, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). Everyone has sinned, so everyone deserves God’s punishment. If you receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you receive eternal life in Heaven with Him because your punishment has already been taken by Him. If you reject Him, you will face God’s punishment yourself—that is, eternal separation from Him. God has gone to unimaginable lengths to save you from His punishment. The next step is yours. If you confess your sins, turn away from them, and trust in Jesus, you will never have to worry about God’s judgment. Instead, you’ll discover the depths of His mercy, grace, and love. Reflection question: How would you explain God’s holiness, justice, and love to someone who knows little about Him? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we continue our sermon series, Summer in the Sand: learning from wilderness journeys in the Bible. For this sermon we will move to the sandy wilderness near the city of Nineveh where the Old Testament prophet Jonah, still recovering from his traumatic fishing story, contemplates his next move.  God had called the prophet Jonah to preach a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh, a place filled with people he deeply despised. Jonah resisted, not because he feared failure, but because he feared success—he knew that if the Ninevites repented, God would show them mercy, and that thought was unbearable to him. Yet God's lesson to Jonah was clear: His love and compassion extend to all people, even those we consider enemies. Jonah's story confronts us with a tough question—do we struggle with the same problem? Is it difficult for us to love those who have wronged us, even when God's heart is for their redemption? If God loves our enemies enough to pursue them with grace, shouldn't we at least be willing to do the same? This is a difficult teaching, but one that could radically transform your faith. Take a few minutes and check out Jonah chapter four and see what God wants you to do.

Jonah got a second chance—and so did the people of Nineveh. Even though Jonah ran from God, God still used him to deliver a powerful message. The Ninevites listened, changed their ways, and experienced God's mercy. It's a reminder that God isn't done with us—even when we've messed up. Teacher - Tom Harrigan

This episode continues the discussion of Jonah and what his reluctant obedience teaches us about our own attitudes toward evangelism and missions today.• Jonah's need for a second command to "arise and go" after the fish incident reveals our own reluctance to obey God• The bare minimum approach Jonah takes in delivering God's message parallels how we sometimes share the gospel without love• Nineveh's repentance and Jonah's anger highlights our tendency to resent God's mercy toward those we deem unworthy• Practical tips for sharing the gospel include keeping tracts handy and starting with simple conversations• The love of Christ within us is essential for effective evangelism, especially when called to difficult situationsCheck out Delight Thyself Ministries for gospel tracts that can help you start conversations about Jesus in your community.Delight Thyself Design Ministries - Delight Thyself Design Ministries | Home

This week in our "Journey Through Scripture" series, Pastor Jim Ellis takes us through the book of Jonah. We'll explore how Jonah's story often mirrors our own tendency to run away from God. We will be challenged to embrace a radical calling: to love our enemies, a stark contrast to Jonah's reluctant obedience when God sent him to Nineveh. Discover what this ancient prophet's journey can teach us about our own hearts and God's boundless grace. #Bismarck #church #BismarckCommunityChurch #BCC #Gospel #JourneyThroughScripture #ReadBible #unity #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Sermon #JimEllis #Jonah #ReluctantProphet #Ninevah #WeAreJonah #RunningFromGod #LoveYourEnemies #GodsGraceSupport the showFind out more about us at BismarckCC.org. We would love for you to join us in person on Sunday mornings at 10am for worship service. We are located at 1617 Michigan Avenue in Bismarck, ND. If you have any questions for us, we would be happy to help. Click HERE to ask us anything.

Jonah 4:6-9, KJV6  And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.——————————————————————————Jonah, forgiveness, anger, Nineveh, prophet, Bible, mercy, disappointment——————————————————————————#jonahandthecityofnineveh #jonahandthebigfish #biblestories #godmercy #godjudgement #god #jesus

Jonah Chapter 4:1- 5 (KJV) Verse 1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.Verse 2 And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.Verse 3 Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.Verse 4 Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry?Verse 5 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.——————————————————————Jonah and the City of Nineveh, Jonah and the Big Fish, Prophet Jonah, Nineveh, Bible Story, Old Testament, God's Mercy, God's Judgment, Divine Mercy, Divine Judgment, Repentance, Forgiveness, Salvation, Obedience, Disobedience, Grace, Faith, Christianity, Biblical Narratives, Religious Stories, Spiritual Lessons, God, Jesus, Children's Bible Stories, Bible Study, Religious Education, Sermon Topic———————————————————————#jonahandthecityofnineveh #jonahandthebigfish #biblestories #godmercy #godjudgement #god #jesus

Jonah 4:9-11, KJV 9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.10 Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?Jonah, Nineveh, God's mercy, biblical lessons, divine compassion #BookOfJonah, #GodsLove, #BibleStudy, #MercyOverAnger, #Nineveh

Have you ever invested hours in a TV show only to be disappointed by an unsatisfying finale? That's exactly what the book of Jonah delivers—a cliffhanger ending that leaves more questions than answers. While Sunday School lessons usually gloss over Chapter 4, this final installment reveals the most challenging and profound spiritual lessons of Jonah's journey.After Nineveh's miraculous repentance, we find Jonah not celebrating but seething with anger outside the city walls. When God shows mercy to people Jonah deemed unworthy, the prophet throws a spiritual tantrum, even wishing for death rather than witnessing God's compassion toward his enemies. This raw, honest portrayal of Jonah's emotional turmoil makes him surprisingly relatable—cycling through obedience and rebellion, worship and complaint, faith and doubt. The most haunting revelation is that we can perform God's will without embracing God's heart. Jonah delivers God's message but resents the very mercy that saved him. When God provides a plant for shade, Jonah rejoices—yet when God removes it, he spirals into despair, revealing his skewed priorities. He cares more about his temporary comfort than the eternal destiny of 120,000 souls. God's response is both challenging and comforting: "Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?" The story ends without resolution, leaving us to confront our own hearts. Do we love what God loves? Do we share His compassion for those different from us? Are we more concerned with our comfort than God's calling?The beauty of this ancient text lies in its revelation of God's unchanging character. Despite Jonah's erratic behavior, God remains "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love." When we turn our hearts toward Him daily, surrendering our comfort for His purpose, we discover that intimacy with God transforms us in ways mere religious activity never can.Support the showMade a decision to follow Jesus? We want to know about it! Fill out our connect card here: https://local.churchcenter.com/people/forms/115766Thank you for your generosity. For information on how to give, visit https://localvineyard.church/give.

God graciously gave Jonah a second chance to obey Him and declare His Word to the people of Nineveh. Speaker: Jeff Wortman Scripture: Jonah 3

Dave Brisbin 7.13.25 How many times have you asked God for a sign? Desperately cried out for any toehold you could get on some certainty…imploring, making bargains. Great scene in the movie Bruce Almighty, begging for a sign but too focused on his pain to see all the signs along the road until he's finally stopped in his tracks, forced to admit his loss of control. Art imitating life. When religious authorities ask Jesus for a sign, he refuses, calling them an evil generation—bisha in Aramaic—literally unripe, unready, unprepared. He knows as with almighty Bruce, no sign will be enough to convince them of anything until they are prepared to see. Except for the sign of Jonah. We all know Jonah: God asks him to preach to the people of Nineveh but he hates them so much, wants to see them burn, that he runs away aboard a ship only to be swallowed by a great fish. He camps in the fish for three days, until he can finally admit his loss of control. Ironically, Jonah is the only Old Testament prophet who successfully preaches a people to repentance, but when God spares the city, Jonah is not happy. This is why he ran away. He knew his God, the extent of God's love and compassion. But his own love was still tribal. His God should not be their God. God's love should not extend to those he hated. The descent of his three days in the belly of the beast brought him to the gates of Nineveh, but he'd need another descent before he could extend his love all the way to the enemy. This is the way of it. No sign will ever be enough to overcome our human fears and need for tribal certainty. But the sign of Jonah, descending deep enough, long enough to implode our narrow view of life and love, is the only way to become free enough to see a greater expanse. Whether through external trauma and loss, or internally through intentional spiritual formation, if we're willing to surrender to the beast, we still won't find certainty—that's impossible. But in stripping off illusion, the reality of love extending everywhere, filling every crack, can convince us our borders are artificial, our tribes too small, and our identity defined only in each other.

Dave Brisbin 7.13.25 How many times have you asked God for a sign? Desperately cried out for any toehold you could get on some certainty…imploring, making bargains. Great scene in the movie Bruce Almighty, begging for a sign but too focused on his pain to see all the signs along the road until he's finally stopped in his tracks, forced to admit his loss of control. Art imitating life. When religious authorities ask Jesus for a sign, he refuses, calling them an evil generation—bisha in Aramaic—literally unripe, unready, unprepared. He knows as with almighty Bruce, no sign will be enough to convince them of anything until they are prepared to see. Except for the sign of Jonah. We all know Jonah: God asks him to preach to the people of Nineveh but he hates them so much, wants to see them burn, that he runs away aboard a ship only to be swallowed by a great fish. He camps in the fish for three days, until he can finally admit his loss of control. Ironically, Jonah is the only Old Testament prophet who successfully preaches a people to repentance, but when God spares the city, Jonah is not happy. This is why he ran away. He knew his God, the extent of God's love and compassion. But his own love was still tribal. His God should not be their God. God's love should not extend to those he hated. The descent of his three days in the belly of the beast brought him to the gates of Nineveh, but he'd need another descent before he could extend his love all the way to the enemy. This is the way of it. No sign will ever be enough to overcome our human fears and need for tribal certainty. But the sign of Jonah, descending deep enough, long enough to implode our narrow view of life and love, is the only way to become free enough to see a greater expanse. Whether through external trauma and loss, or internally through intentional spiritual formation, if we're willing to surrender to the beast, we still won't find certainty—that's impossible. But in stripping off illusion, the reality of love extending everywhere, filling every crack, can convince us our borders are artificial, our tribes too small, and our identity defined only in each other.

Pastor Johnathan begins his sermon series on the prophetic book of Nahum, focusing on God's judgment against Nineveh and the Assyrian empire. This first message argues that understanding this ancient history provides crucial insight into the present-day wickedness of the world and the necessity of recognizing God's righteous judgment, ultimately pointing to the beauty and power of the gospel. He urges any listening to embrace repentance and believe in the face of cultural decline and to find comfort in God's ultimate triumph over evil.

In this episode, JT & Josh delve into the story of Jonah, exploring its deeper meanings and historical context, particularly regarding Nineveh and Assyria. They discuss the role of prophets, God's mercy, and the implications of modern interpretations of prophecy, including the concept of the Antichrist. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding scripture within its historical and spiritual framework, emphasizing that true worship transcends physical locations. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of modern prophecies, the significance of the temple, and the implications of eschatology in today's political landscape. They discuss the historical context of suffering, the misconceptions surrounding the end times, and the importance of understanding scripture. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a deeper comprehension of faith and the dangers of misinterpreting prophetic messages, while also touching on health and wellness insights.Please support our sponsor Modern Roots Life: https://modernrootslife.com/?bg_ref=rVWsBoOfcFPatreon: https://patreon.com/JT_Follows_JC?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkJESUS SAID THERE WOULD BE HATERS: https://jtfollowsjc.com/product-category/mens-shirts/WOMEN'S SHIRTS: https://jtfollowsjc.com/product-category/womens-shirts/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jt-s-mix-tape--6579902/support.

Wednesday, 9 July 2025   “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Matthew 11:21   “Woe, you, Chorazin! Woe, you, Bethsaida! For if in Tyre and Sidon, they occurred – the miracles, those done in you – if in sackcloth and ashes formerly they reconsidered” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began to rebuke the cities where He did His mighty works because they did not reconsider their ways. Now, to state His displeasure at them, and to reveal to them their fate, He begins with, “Woe, you, Chorazin!”   The word ouai, woe, is introduced. It is a primary exclamation of grief. Also, the name Chorazin is first seen here. It is a city in Galilee. The origin of the name is uncertain. Studying Hebrew root words that may be connected to the Greek transliteration, Abarim defines it as possibly Smoking Furnace.   The city is about two- and one-half miles north of a location known as Tel Hum. It remains a ruin to this day. Parts of the city are identifiable, such as the synagogue. This and its houses and buildings are built from locally obtained hard black basalt. Some of the walls that remain are up to six feet high. Next, Jesus says, “Woe, you Bethsaida!”   The name is from Beith, house, and tsayad, a huntsman. Thus, it means Hunter's House. However, being by the Sea of Galilee, some think the hunting is referring to fish and call it Fisher's House. It is where Phillip, Andrew, and Peter came from as seen in John 1:44. The location is still known and visited today. Of these cities, Jesus says, “For if in Tyre and Sidon, they occurred – the miracles.”   Turos, Tyre, and Sidón, Sidon, are both first mentioned here. The Hebrew name of Tyre is Tsor. This comes from tsor, flint, or tsur, rock. Thus, it is the fortified city, Rock. Sidon is from the Hebrew tsud, to lie alongside. Therefore, it signifies to hunt, chase, etc., due to the thought of lying in wait. As such, it is a place of fishing, and it is named after those who lie alongside as they fish. Thus, Fishery is its name.   These are cities that were destroyed by the Lord's judgment. Ezekiel was told to prophesy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26. Ezekiel 27 records a lamentation over Tyre. Ezekiel 28 begins with a proclamation against the king of Tyre and then continues in lamentation over the city. That is followed by a proclamation against Sidon in Ezekiel 28:20-24.   The Lord spent a great deal of time laying out His words against them. His descriptions and judgments put them on par with Sodom and Gomorrah as far as examples of wickedness resulting in punishment. Despite that, Jesus tells Chorazin and Bethsaida that if those terrible, wicked cities saw the miracles that Jesus did, “those done in you – if in sackcloth and ashes formerly they reconsidered.”   The adverb palai, formerly, is introduced. It is believed to come from palin, again. As such, it gives the sense of retrocession. It can mean all this time, a long time ago, already, formerly, etc. Jesus is saying that in the past, when they were wickedly going about life, there would have been a change in them.   The implication here is obvious. God used three chapters of Ezekiel, plus other references to Tyre and Sidon in His word (such as Isaiah 23), to reveal their wickedness. And yet, Jesus says that the hearts of these cities were humbler than those of Chorazin and Bethsaida.   If Jesus had gone to them and done His miracles at their time of judgment, they would have done what Nineveh did, reconsidering their ways and demonstrating that change in heart by adorning themselves with sackcloth and ashes.   Both of these words are also new. The first is sakkos, coming from the Hebrew saq, a mesh. It is the course material that would be only fitting in a time of mourning. This would be contrasted to the normal garments where life was going well. The other word, spodos, is a primary word signifying ashes.   The point Jesus is making, and which He will continue to make, is that if God destroyed these cities for their wickedness, how much more do Chorazin and Bethsaida deserve to be destroyed? They have not reconsidered their ways, but God knew that the hearts of Tyre and Sidon would have.   Life application: The meaning of the story of Jonah is a story that mirrors what Jesus is saying here. This is not the usual interpretation that is provided due to translational difficulties in Jonah 4, but when it is properly understood, it is clearly seen that God is contrasting the wickedness of Israel with the wickedness of Nineveh.   Nineveh reconsidered its ways, and God relented from His judgment upon it. Israel, with much greater revelation than Nineveh, refused to reconsider and receive their Messiah. Jesus will use exactly this symbolism in Matthew 12 and Luke 11. Israel didn't pay heed, and they were destroyed and exiled.   But the great covenant-keeping nature of God has spared them for another day. He has faithfully saved them, even through judgment, to bring them into the New Covenant. If He is this faithful to Israel through a covenant cut through the blood of bulls and goats, how much more do you think He will save you through the shed blood of Jesus Christ?   We are often just as unfaithful as Israel in our hearts and actions, but if we are in Christ, He will carry us through to a good end. Be assured and reassured in this.   Lord God, thank You for Your infinite love and grace as is revealed in our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen.  

We're called to reach a culture that has rejected God. What if God is inviting us to live out His grace towards our enemies? In this message from Jonah 4, Pastor Philip Miller shares the shocking ending of Jonah's call to Nineveh. Let's discover the do's and don'ts of sharing God's heart for our enemies. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. 

God's Plans Are Wrecking MineText: Jonah 1:1–17Big Idea: When you run from God, you don't just delay your purpose—you invite a storm. But even then, His grace finds you.I. The Setup: A Clear Command, a Defiant RunGod calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah heads to Tarshish—the opposite direction.This is not confusion. It's defiance.“If you want to run from God, the devil will always offer you a ride.”Jonah rationalizes sin, something we all do: our minds make excuses for what our spirits know is wrong.II. Downward Spiral of DisobedienceJonah's journey is literally and spiritually descending:He goes down to Joppa (1:3)Down into the ship (1:5)Down into the sea (2:3)Sin always takes us downward.Delayed obedience is still disobedience. True maturity shortens the gap between hearing God's Word and obeying it.III. Storms Have a PurposeGod sends a storm—not to destroy Jonah, but to redirect him.While the sailors panic, Jonah sleeps—numbed by rebellion.Jonah confesses who he is (1:9), but he still refuses to repent.Eventually, he tells the crew to throw him overboard. Only then does the sea grow calm.IV. The Wake-Up Call: Sin Affects OthersJonah's disobedience nearly kills an entire boat of people.Our rebellion never just affects us—it impacts everyone around us.But even in this moment, God is working. The sailors end up worshiping the true God.V. God's Mercy in a Fish-Shaped PackageJonah doesn't drown. God provides a fish.This wasn't punishment—it was preservation.Sometimes, what feels like rock bottom is actually the start of mercy.

The book of Jonah is a strange tale that you probably remember from Sunday School. It's got a big whale, a rebellious prophet, a tree eating worm, and a repentant Nineveh. These features make Jonah perfect for the screen but a bit hard to understand as scripture. Should we read Jonah like any other prophet or is it a parable? That strange ambiguity takes some work to understand but it's also what makes the book of Jonah so powerful. At the heart of the story of Jonah is a reluctant prophet frustrated by the mercy of God. As we read this strange little story, we're invited to look at our own lives and ask ourselves, do we really want God to love our enemies? Do we really want God to be merciful?

4th of July, Convention retrospective, lost sheep, social visits, retirement, and Nineveh's historical significance.   Third Sunday after Trinity, Luke 15:1–10

We're called to reach a culture that has rejected God. What if God is inviting us to live out His grace towards our enemies? In this message from Jonah 4, Pastor Philip Miller shares the shocking ending of Jonah's call to Nineveh. Let's discover the do's and don'ts of sharing God's heart for our enemies. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

We're called to reach a culture that has rejected God. What if God is inviting us to live out His grace towards our enemies? In this message from Jonah 4, Pastor Philip Miller shares the shocking ending of Jonah's call to Nineveh. Let's discover the do's and don'ts of sharing God's heart for our enemies. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29

Do you know who qualifies as "the worst missionary in the history of the world"? According to Dr. John Whitcomb, it was the prophet Jonah—the prophet that God sent to warn the nation of Assyria in the eighth century before Christ. Is it not amazing that Jonah—who had even tried to escape from the call of God and run away—had no love at all for the Assyrian people, "the most horribly cruel nation in the ancient world, the Nazis of the ancient world"? And yet he delivered the message that the Lord had given him for the city of Nineveh. Dr. Whitcomb views this as an example of speaking the truth—without love. It is still powerful, but it is not God's ideal, nor is it the most effective way that we can minister the gospel, or any of God's Word, which is true from the beginning to the end! With host Wayne Shepherd, Whitcomb Ministries thanks you for listening to this message called, "Truth is Greater Than Love," from our series on "Basic Biblical Distinctions." It comes from a series of sermons that Dr. Whitcomb recorded at Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, Indiana. We are so glad to have their permission to present them to a wider audience here on "Encounter God's Truth."

WELCOME TO THE CITADEL CHURCH ONLINE!We are so excited to connect with you this week! We pray you are blessed and that you find a place to belong here in our community.This week, we close out our Jonah series with one of the Bible's most surprising classrooms: a sulking prophet, a leafy plant, a hungry worm, and the blazing Middle Eastern sun.In Jonah 4:5-11, God confronts Jonah's anger, prejudice, and misplaced compassion and teaches a lesson that still echoes into our own hearts today.Why did Jonah want grace for himself but wrath for Nineveh?How do our prejudices reveal where our hearts need the Gospel?What does it mean that Jesus “went outside the city” - not to condemn but to save?Jonah wanted to watch Nineveh burn. Jesus came to save it.Join us as we explore how God's relentless compassion confronts our comfort, breaks our bitterness, and calls us to love those we'd least expect.“The book of Jonah ends with a question mark—because God is asking us: Will you love people who are different from you?”Listen now and discover why We Are Jonah.Each week, we gather to worship Jesus, open Scripture, and lean into what God is saying to us as a church. Whether you're part of the Citadel family or just checking things out, we're so glad you're here. These messages are designed to help you follow Jesus in everyday life and be part of something bigger—His Kingdom.FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US:Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.citadelnyc.church⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠citadelnyc_church⁠

Send us a textPride, locusts, and divine justice take center stage as three voices from our community unpack powerful lessons from the Minor Prophets. Far from being footnotes in Scripture, these ancient messengers offer timely warnings that speak directly to our modern hearts.Barbara Burke begins by examining Obadiah's pointed message to Edom. What happens when generational bitterness festers into active hostility? The Edomites—descendants of Esau—not only refused to help their brother nation during invasion but actively participated in their destruction and gloated over their downfall. Their pride became their undoing. As Barbara powerfully reminds us, "Pride of heart is the attitude of a lie that declares its ability to live without God." How often do we walk out of worship only to live as if we can handle everything ourselves?Dave Henderson brings Joel's message to life, describing waves of locusts that stripped Judah bare—a divine wake-up call that eliminated even their ability to offer sacrifices. Yet God's message wasn't merely judgment but invitation: "Rend your hearts, not your garments." When genuine repentance followed, God promised restoration beyond imagination: "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten." For those feeling stripped bare by life's difficulties, Joel offers hope that nothing is beyond God's restorative power.Angie concludes with Nahum's prophecy against Nineveh, revealing God as patient, powerful, and just. Though temporarily spared after Jonah's reluctant preaching, Nineveh returned to brutal practices and faced divine judgment. Yet even in pronouncing judgment, Nahum reminds us that "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who take refuge in him."These prophetic voices collectively challenge our spiritual complacency and the small, incremental steps that gradually lead us away from God. Our culture prioritizes instant gratification—likes, follows, success without sacrifice—but the Minor Prophets remind us that temporary pleasure pales compared to lasting relationship with our Creator. As Angie perfectly summarizes, "Life with Jesus may not be easy, but it is always worth it."Have you examined your heart lately? What pride, injustice, or complacency might be keeping you from experiencing God's restoration? Draw near to Him today, and watch the impossible become possible.Cornerstonehttps://www.cornerstoneaz.org/Follow Jesushttps://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-jesusLife Groups https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-groupsGiving https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.com/givingChurch Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZiOShttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-church-center/id1357742931?mt=8&ls=1&ign-mpt=uo%3D4Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ministrycentered.churchcenter----Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cornerstoneazFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/cornerstoneaz.orgTwitterhttps://twitter.com/cornerstoneaz.org

By Mark Skapura - What lessons can we learn from the story of Jonah having more concern for a plant than the people of Nineveh? Do we strive to have the same level of mercy that God showed for them? Let's continue to grow in God's Spirit by showing more mercy every day, even to those we consider our enemy.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Jonah 1-4; 2 Timothy 2 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this June 26th episode, Hunter guides us through a powerful journey in the Scriptures, reading the entire book of Jonah and diving into 2 Timothy 2. Today's reflection centers on Jonah's honest struggle with God's mercy and compassion, both for himself and for the people of Nineveh. Hunter draws out the profound truth that God is actively arranging our stories, extending grace and love not just to Jonah and the Ninevites, but to all of us—right where we are. Together, we'll explore how God's mercy sometimes confounds our expectations, yet invites us into transformation and mission. The episode wraps with heartfelt prayers for peace and gratitude, honest encouragement through life's challenges, and a reminder that no matter what you're facing, you are deeply loved. Grab your Bible and join us for another day of faithful reading, reflection, and community! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Jonah knew something truly important about God. And what Jonah knew—it caused him to run. We might expect that Jonah's knowledge would have made him eager to follow, but instead, it pushed him the other way. Jonah knew that God was merciful, compassionate, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He knew that God was ready—eager, even—to forgive, to show mercy, to extend compassion. Ironically, it was the goodness of God that made Jonah run. He confesses it himself: “I knew you would do this, Lord! That's why I ran.” Jonah didn't want God's mercy to fall on Nineveh. He would rather run than see God share mercy with those he disliked. But God was not done with Jonah. God was arranging his story—just as he arranges ours. He arranged for storms, for a great fish, for a plant and for a worm; he arranged all things so that Jonah, and the city of Nineveh, might come to know his love. God is the arranger. He is weaving mercy into our stories, into the lives of people and nations. He is making all things new. Jonah knew God's character, but he struggled to embrace it for others. The Ninevites, on the other hand, learned that even the worst of us are not beyond the reach of God's compassion and grace. God invites us, like Jonah, to join him in his arrangement—to see, to know, to trust that he loves all people, everywhere, and is at work, often in unexpected ways, to make all things new. Do you know this? Do you know that God is merciful and compassionate toward you? That when your heart feels far, he's already working to draw you near? That, even now, he is arranging your story, weaving his love and grace into your days? Let's discover, and actively participate, with this God— the God revealed in Jesus—whose love sets us free, whose presence remakes our lives. May this be the prayer of our hearts, the prayer for our families, and for all who listen: may we come to know and trust the God who is arranging all things in love. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Loving God, you have knit us together in the body of Christ from every nation and tongue. Make us a vessel of your peace today. Make us a vessel of your peace today. Where hatred stirs, let us bear your love. Where wounds run deep, let us be agents of pardon. Where fear grips hearts, may we speak faith. Where sorrow hangs heavy, may we carry joy. Teach us to listen more than we speak. To understand before we are understood. To love. For in surrender we find abundance. In mercy, we discover grace. And in dying, we rise into your life. In the name of Jesus. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. If you would like a compilation of daily prayers for other dates or want this formatted as a recurring segment, let me know! OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

“But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:3 ESV) Did you know that God is vitally aware of what’s happening in the life of every individual? He is interested in every detail of our lives. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good” (NLT). It makes sense when you stop to think about it. How could He reward and punish otherwise? God is omniscient. He is always aware of everything that is happening. There is not one single thing that happens on this earth that escapes the attention of God. Proverbs 5:21 says, “For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes” (NLT). Coming to grips with the realization that God knows everything about everyone—including you—can be either frightening or encouraging. It all depends on your relationship with Him. If your life is not right with Him, if you’re living in sin, then God’s complete knowledge could be rather terrifying. It might be unsettling to think that nothing about your life escapes His attention. But if your life is right with God, then knowing that He’s aware of what’s going on in it, every minute of every day, is a comforting thought. It’s comforting because we know God won’t forget us. We know that we’re not just another face in this massive human sea of some eight billion people. If you’re a Christian who’s walking with God, His complete knowledge guarantees that He’s watching over and taking care of you. His awareness of us is much more personal and meaningful than a 24/7 tracking device. He created us. He wired us. He knows what will give us soul-deep joy and fulfillment. And He directs us to the choices and opportunities that will bring us genuine satisfaction. That’s what the apostle Paul was talking about when he wrote, “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (1 Corinthians 8:3 ESV). The Old Testament prophet Jonah proved that there’s no hiding from God. Remember him? God instructed him to warn Nineveh that judgment was coming. But Jonah hated the Ninevites and was afraid that they would repent and escape judgment. So he hopped on a ship that was sailing away from Nineveh. He tried to escape God. It didn’t work, of course. A storm battered the ship, so Jonah had himself tossed overboard. But even the depths of the sea couldn’t hide him. A fish swallowed him and then vomited him back onshore three days later. Jonah may have turned his back on God, but at no point was Jonah ever out of God’s sight. The better option for anyone who loves God is to embrace His constant vigilance and awareness. We do that by making decisions and conducting ourselves in ways that please Him. That is, to make sure that, when He watches us, He’s pleased with what He sees. When we make the decision to honor and obey Him in the way we live, we can pray, with all sincerity, “Lord, I know You see me always. Please direct me in the paths You would have me go. Thank You for never letting me out of Your sight and for always wanting what’s best for me.” Reflection Question: What does God know about you that no one else does? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Week 4 of The Unloved, Pastor Matt walks us through Jonah 3, where we see the ripple effects of repentance across an entire city. Sin has immediate impact and long-term consequences—but the grace of God meets us in the middle of our rebellion with an invitation to turn. In Nineveh, even imperfect obedience from a reluctant prophet leads to radical transformation. Through Jonah's flawed witness, we're reminded that repentance isn't just regret—it's turning toward life. In a world shaped by distorted contexts and broken systems, the gospel breaks in with hope, power, and new direction.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/

"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it.'" - Jonah 1-3 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Jonah 1:1-3Jonah Flees the Presence of the Lord1 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[a] 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.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Tomorrow I will be posting my Birthday numbers… Squat over 600, deadlift over 600 and Bench over 600…. Just kidding… Maybe 350…? Maybe But look for me on my social media accounts…      Episode 1528… yes that is correct.. with over 130K listeners just that I can track and on over 10 different radio stations and heard in USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Poland, United Arabe Emirtes, Czech Republic, Denmark, Indonesia, Iraq, Netherlands, Russia, XK, Australia…    A lot of people have reached out and wanted me to give my take on the War in Israel with Iran… as far as hard and fast details that are not tainted by the US media go to Tipping Point USA with Jimmy Evans and also Amir Tsarfati on Telegram…and make sure it is the official one and not a fake account… BUT here is my take - We understand that from here on out Israel will not lose another war until the battle of Armageddon when the whole world comes against Israel… Israel will cry out to God and Jesus will return on a white horse and crush the enemy…   But what I do know more than ever is we should be praying for the salvation of all those involved… yes praying for the salvation of the jewish nation and all Jews around the world but also praying for people and countries. Including Iran, Iraq and all of the middle east. Praying for Muslims that they might come to the full knowledge  and understanding  of who Christ is. That is what is most important. Thats my take.   But with that… it reminds me of Jonah. You know the story… (tell story)   When Jonah does return he does not preach the full extent of scripture…. He only tells them they are doomed for their sin. The city of Nineveh figures it out themselves… they repent. But here is the kicker… Jonah's actions did not match his heart. In chapter 4 Jonah laments that his worst fear actually happened…  Chapter 4:1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I'd rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”   Jonah understood Gods Holiness, he understood the price of sin, he understood Gods mercy and grace… What he didn't understand was the cost and ramification of his own sin.    Forgive our enemies is not natural… it has to be supernatural.  LOVE our Enemies is Transformational! 

In this episode of the Professor Liberty podcast, we continue our series on the ancients with a deep dive into the fearsome Assyrian Empire—so brutal, they earned condemnation in the Bible. From their ruthless kings like Sennacherib to their cutting-edge siege warfare and forced population relocations, the Assyrians didn't just conquer—they terrorized. With fortified capitals like Nineveh and iconic symbols like the lamassu, their legacy shaped empires, warfare, and civilization for generations to come. 

Jonah's mission is completed, but he's angry. How will God handle it? Will Jonah finally see things God's way? In this final study, we see God deal graciously with Jonah and save Nineveh, just as He promised He would.

Partially digested. That's how Dr. McGee describes Jonah's appearance when he arrived in Nineveh. Is it enough to get the attention of these wicked people? Will they listen to God? Will God spare them? These are the important questions we explore as we watch God move Nineveh.

Nineveh was one of the greatest cities in the ancient world. In fact, the Bible says it was “an exceeding great city.” But as Dr. McGee tells us, Nineveh was not only great in size, but great in wickedness, too! So, how will the Ninevites react when Jonah shows up with a message from God? That's what we'll discover as Jonah enters the city and begins to proclaim God's message.

God gives second, third, and even fourth chances to those He loves. That's the great message we learn as Jonah arrives on dry land. Our study then continues as Dr. McGee explains more about Nineveh, its great size, and its great propensity for sin.