Podcasts about Nineveh

Dive into the fascinating story of Jonah and the rise of Assyria. Explore the prophet Jonah's reluctant journey to Nineveh, his attempt to flee God's call, and the miraculous events that follow. Discover how God's mercy triumphs even in the face of Jonah's resistance. Learn about the historical context of the Assyrian Empire and its significance in biblical history.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

00:00:00 Jonah 1 – Jonah Fleeeth to Tarshish and is Cast Into the Sea00:02:28 Jonah 2 – The Prayer of Jonah and His Deliverance From the Fish00:03:39 Jonah 3 – Jonah Preacheth unto Nineveh and the City Repenteth00:05:04 Jonah 4 – Jonah Repineth at God's Mercy and is Reproved by the Gourd

00:00:00 Nahum 1 – The Majesty and Severity of God in Judgment Against Nineveh00:02:04 Nahum 2 – The Fearful and Victorious Armies of God Against Nineveh00:04:06 Nahum 3 – The Miserable Ruin and Utter Destruction of Nineveh

Judah's wealthy elite are violent, and the ordinary people are liars, and this is why God has begun to ruin them. They will eat but never feel that they have had enough.They will store up wealth only to have their treasures plundered by enemy soldiers.They will plant and harvest but never see the fruit of their labour.Punishment is coming, Micah tells readers, but the good times will return and their enemies will be left in awe of a God who rescues his people.Micah's book ends and Nahum dials up the poetry with a rant against the Assyrian capital, Nineveh, which will be consumed like fire raging through dry stubble in a cornfield. Written and produced by Chas BayfieldMusic by Michael Auld and Jon Hawkins MusicOriginal cover art by Lisa GoffE: contact@whollybuyable.comX: Wholly Buyable Podcast

What happens when God asks you to do something—and you run the other way?In Part 2 of our study through the book of Jonah, Reagan Kramer dives into Jonah 1 and the powerful story of a prophet who heard directly from God but chose to go in the opposite direction. As Jonah boards a ship for Tarshish, a violent storm reveals something deeper: we cannot escape God's purposes, and our disobedience can affect the people around us.Reagan explores the sovereignty of God, human free will, spiritual warfare, salvation by grace through faith, and the difference between following God's leading and trying to live life in our own strength. She also examines the fascinating biblical practice of casting lots and why, after Pentecost, believers have the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and give wisdom.Most importantly, this episode challenges us to look honestly at our own lives. Where might God be asking you to obey, but you are hesitating, hiding, or going the opposite direction? Reagan shares personal stories of moments when the Holy Spirit prompted her to reach out, encourage someone, or share what God had placed on her heart—and the unexpected blessing that came through obedience.In this episode:Jonah's decision to run from God's callingThe storm God used to get Jonah's attentionWhat biblical sovereignty meansGod's sovereignty and human free willWhy we cannot save ourselves through good worksJonah sleeping through the stormThe significance of the sailors calling out to their godsCasting lots in the Old TestamentWhy believers have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide themJonah's calling to bring the message of God to NinevehHow disobedience can cause us to miss opportunities to be a blessingLearning to recognize and respond to the Holy SpiritThe freedom and blessing found in obedienceReflection question:Where have you made it all about yourself and potentially missed the blessing God has called you to be a part of?How long are you going to say no to God? What consequences will you face?Have you thanked God for His mercy and grace over your life?Get your Bible, read Jonah 1, and join Reagan as we continue uncovering the revelation, freedom, and wisdom found in God's Word.Find more from Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | YoutubeBecome Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast:Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community! This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/

The book of Jonah ends with a question God asks, and Jonah never answers, on purpose, because it's aimed at us. Week 5, the finale of Jonah: The God Who Won't Let Go, gets to the real problem in the story: not the storm, not the fish, not Nineveh, but Jonah's own heart. Jonah 4:1-11, ESV.

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.”

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.”

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260926dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jonah wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.” But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” Jonah 4:8-11 The Creator and Preserver Jonah was very angry because God turned from his threat to punish the people of Nineveh. God worked to bring Jonah to repentance. He caused a vine to spring up overnight, and the next day its large leaves gave Jonah relief from the intense heat of the sun. But the cold heart of Jonah was not melted by the mercy that God showed him. The next night, God provided a worm that killed the vine. When the sun blazed the next day, Jonah was left without shade. He was so distressed about the loss of the vine that he told God, “I am angry enough to die.” God used that vine to teach Jonah an important lesson. Jonah merely had self-interest in the vine. His only concern for the vine was the protection and comfort it brought him. God wanted Jonah to think about the vine from the viewpoint of the one who caused it to grow and cared for it—a perspective quite different than Jonah’s attitude. The grower and the gardener demonstrate a deep concern for the well-being of the vine. Then the Lord applied the lesson. He is the creator and preserver of all people, including those people in Nineveh. And there were many of them, many people whom God loved and wanted to save from destruction. God is deeply interested in every person—no one is excluded from his love. His greatest desire is for people to live with him. That's why he came into this world and was born a true human being. His complete focus was on our welfare, not on his own. He came to save us from death and give us eternal life. Prayer: Lord, teach me the extent of your great love. Give me courage to open my mouth to tell others about your salvation. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260926dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jonah wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.” But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” Jonah 4:8-11 The Creator and Preserver Jonah was very angry because God turned from his threat to punish the people of Nineveh. God worked to bring Jonah to repentance. He caused a vine to spring up overnight, and the next day its large leaves gave Jonah relief from the intense heat of the sun. But the cold heart of Jonah was not melted by the mercy that God showed him. The next night, God provided a worm that killed the vine. When the sun blazed the next day, Jonah was left without shade. He was so distressed about the loss of the vine that he told God, “I am angry enough to die.” God used that vine to teach Jonah an important lesson. Jonah merely had self-interest in the vine. His only concern for the vine was the protection and comfort it brought him. God wanted Jonah to think about the vine from the viewpoint of the one who caused it to grow and cared for it—a perspective quite different than Jonah’s attitude. The grower and the gardener demonstrate a deep concern for the well-being of the vine. Then the Lord applied the lesson. He is the creator and preserver of all people, including those people in Nineveh. And there were many of them, many people whom God loved and wanted to save from destruction. God is deeply interested in every person—no one is excluded from his love. His greatest desire is for people to live with him. That's why he came into this world and was born a true human being. His complete focus was on our welfare, not on his own. He came to save us from death and give us eternal life. Prayer: Lord, teach me the extent of your great love. Give me courage to open my mouth to tell others about your salvation. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260926dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jonah wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.” But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” Jonah 4:8-11 The Creator and Preserver Jonah was very angry because God turned from his threat to punish the people of Nineveh. God worked to bring Jonah to repentance. He caused a vine to spring up overnight, and the next day its large leaves gave Jonah relief from the intense heat of the sun. But the cold heart of Jonah was not melted by the mercy that God showed him. The next night, God provided a worm that killed the vine. When the sun blazed the next day, Jonah was left without shade. He was so distressed about the loss of the vine that he told God, “I am angry enough to die.” God used that vine to teach Jonah an important lesson. Jonah merely had self-interest in the vine. His only concern for the vine was the protection and comfort it brought him. God wanted Jonah to think about the vine from the viewpoint of the one who caused it to grow and cared for it—a perspective quite different than Jonah’s attitude. The grower and the gardener demonstrate a deep concern for the well-being of the vine. Then the Lord applied the lesson. He is the creator and preserver of all people, including those people in Nineveh. And there were many of them, many people whom God loved and wanted to save from destruction. God is deeply interested in every person—no one is excluded from his love. His greatest desire is for people to live with him. That's why he came into this world and was born a true human being. His complete focus was on our welfare, not on his own. He came to save us from death and give us eternal life. Prayer: Lord, teach me the extent of your great love. Give me courage to open my mouth to tell others about your salvation. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jonah is soooooo much more than a cute bedtime kid's story.  It's really about about God's people refusing to love those whom God loves.  So, what is YOUR Nineveh?

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260924dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?” Jonah 4:11 An Unanswered Question A good plot reveals a problem that needs a solution. Then, the rest of the story resolves that problem. Maybe you’ve watched a movie that doesn’t work that way. The final credits roll, and the plot seems unresolved. The problem remains, or the answer doesn’t seem complete. The question in todays’ Bible reading is from the last verse in the book of Jonah. God is speaking to his messenger Jonah. Jonah has complained that God is unfair for not destroying the wicked city of Nineveh. And he’s complained that God is unfair for letting a worm kill a vine that shaded Jonah’s head. For selfish reasons, Jonah cares about the vine, but he doesn’t care about a whole city of people in danger of being destroyed by God. God asks him this searching question, “Shouldn’t I be concerned about this great city filled with people who need my love?” We don’t hear Jonah’s answer. How would we answer? We might say, “Of course, God should be concerned about these people.” But are we? Do our lives ever reveal that we are more concerned about our own comfort than about telling people about Jesus? Do we let the differences that separate us from others keep us from sharing with them the news of the Savior who is for all? Do we let our lives get so filled up with our own busyness that we don’t have time to make sure our children are hearing God’s Word? God’s question for Jonah confronts us too. Let’s rejoice that God was concerned not only for the great city of Nineveh but for a world of sinners in every century and millennium in need of his mercy. His concern wouldn’t let him sit idly by. It caused him to send his Son, Jesus, to seek and save the lost, suffering and dying for sinners—for you, for me, for all. Because he did, we don’t have to fear death and hell. What amazing grace! May God’s love move us to act in loving concern for a world of people like us who need his amazing grace, too. Prayer: Lord, forgive me for my selfishness with your amazing grace. Give me a heart like yours that wants all to be saved. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesse and his Perfectly Good Podcast cohost Sylvan Groth sit down to talk with her friend and neighbor, Vermont songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bow Thayer. Bow shares his journey from growing up in Massachusetts to finding a home making over 30 albums in the small town of Vermont. He shares stories of connecting with Levon Helm, touring, having a family and his latest venture of a campground and concert venue called KnowTown. Bow also discusses his upcoming album. Inspired by both Vermont's remote Lake Ninevah and the ancient city of Nineveh, Ninevah explores nature, division, transition, and rebirth. After spending nearly a year recording the project alone, Bow scrapped much of it, took the songs on an Alaskan tour with guitarist Krishna Guthrie and percussionist Steve Ferraris, then returned to Vermont to record the album's core live. The record also features Val McCallum, James Rohr, Chazz Canney, Jabe Beyer, and Tyler Bolles and was mixed by three-time Grammy winner Justin Guip. Here's the bandcamp link https://bowthayer.bandcamp.com/album/ninevah Spotify and the others just have the single out for now https://open.spotify.com/album/2fG9WNXw1pstyyDUuPG7KH?si=HVpkGWrIRRiZMQ_xqP5Zyg&utm_source=copy-link https://music.apple.com/us/song/old-news/6804823311 https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0HGDJM38Q?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_bIfpT9jWrxbAoYjKXLquDmv3k Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260924dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?” Jonah 4:11 An Unanswered Question A good plot reveals a problem that needs a solution. Then, the rest of the story resolves that problem. Maybe you’ve watched a movie that doesn’t work that way. The final credits roll, and the plot seems unresolved. The problem remains, or the answer doesn’t seem complete. The question in todays’ Bible reading is from the last verse in the book of Jonah. God is speaking to his messenger Jonah. Jonah has complained that God is unfair for not destroying the wicked city of Nineveh. And he’s complained that God is unfair for letting a worm kill a vine that shaded Jonah’s head. For selfish reasons, Jonah cares about the vine, but he doesn’t care about a whole city of people in danger of being destroyed by God. God asks him this searching question, “Shouldn’t I be concerned about this great city filled with people who need my love?” We don’t hear Jonah’s answer. How would we answer? We might say, “Of course, God should be concerned about these people.” But are we? Do our lives ever reveal that we are more concerned about our own comfort than about telling people about Jesus? Do we let the differences that separate us from others keep us from sharing with them the news of the Savior who is for all? Do we let our lives get so filled up with our own busyness that we don’t have time to make sure our children are hearing God’s Word? God’s question for Jonah confronts us too. Let’s rejoice that God was concerned not only for the great city of Nineveh but for a world of sinners in every century and millennium in need of his mercy. His concern wouldn’t let him sit idly by. It caused him to send his Son, Jesus, to seek and save the lost, suffering and dying for sinners—for you, for me, for all. Because he did, we don’t have to fear death and hell. What amazing grace! May God’s love move us to act in loving concern for a world of people like us who need his amazing grace, too. Prayer: Lord, forgive me for my selfishness with your amazing grace. Give me a heart like yours that wants all to be saved. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260924dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?” Jonah 4:11 An Unanswered Question A good plot reveals a problem that needs a solution. Then, the rest of the story resolves that problem. Maybe you’ve watched a movie that doesn’t work that way. The final credits roll, and the plot seems unresolved. The problem remains, or the answer doesn’t seem complete. The question in todays’ Bible reading is from the last verse in the book of Jonah. God is speaking to his messenger Jonah. Jonah has complained that God is unfair for not destroying the wicked city of Nineveh. And he’s complained that God is unfair for letting a worm kill a vine that shaded Jonah’s head. For selfish reasons, Jonah cares about the vine, but he doesn’t care about a whole city of people in danger of being destroyed by God. God asks him this searching question, “Shouldn’t I be concerned about this great city filled with people who need my love?” We don’t hear Jonah’s answer. How would we answer? We might say, “Of course, God should be concerned about these people.” But are we? Do our lives ever reveal that we are more concerned about our own comfort than about telling people about Jesus? Do we let the differences that separate us from others keep us from sharing with them the news of the Savior who is for all? Do we let our lives get so filled up with our own busyness that we don’t have time to make sure our children are hearing God’s Word? God’s question for Jonah confronts us too. Let’s rejoice that God was concerned not only for the great city of Nineveh but for a world of sinners in every century and millennium in need of his mercy. His concern wouldn’t let him sit idly by. It caused him to send his Son, Jesus, to seek and save the lost, suffering and dying for sinners—for you, for me, for all. Because he did, we don’t have to fear death and hell. What amazing grace! May God’s love move us to act in loving concern for a world of people like us who need his amazing grace, too. Prayer: Lord, forgive me for my selfishness with your amazing grace. Give me a heart like yours that wants all to be saved. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260923dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:11 Amazing Grace for All Every day we get to choose how we will spend our time, our money, and our energy. Good time and money management often means deciding what matters most and putting those things first. When God asks, “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people…?” it may seem like he is saying that, because Nineveh is a big city, it is worthy of my time and attention. But what if you don’t live in a big city? Or even if you do, how do you know if God is concerned about you? How do you know if God loves you? Listen to the rest of God’s question: “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” You see, God is concerned for the lowest of the low, with no qualities that make them worth saving and no ability to help themselves. And that’s exactly whom God loves. God is concerned about the young and old, rich and poor, the strong and the disabled, people of every culture and language. That’s good news, because it means he is concerned about you, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel. His concern for you led him to make you his top priority. He gave everything for you, including his only Son, so that, no matter who you are, you can know that you are loved, forgiven, and cherished. You can live confidently in that love and be sure that nothing will take his amazing grace away from you. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving me, no matter how small I feel. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Running From God? What Jonah Teaches Us About Obedience, Mercy & Your CallingWhat if the story of Jonah is about far more than a man and a great fish?In this episode of Revelations Podcast, Reagan Kramer begins a new Bible study through the Book of Jonah and discovers a powerful story about obedience, rebellion, God's mercy, spiritual warfare, and the incredible purposes He has for our lives.Before diving into Jonah, Reagan explores the “sword of the Spirit” from Ephesians 6 and why the Word of God is one of the most powerful weapons we have against the enemy. She shares how Scripture reveals the truth about God, about ourselves, and about our identity in Christ—and how knowing that truth can keep us from being led astray.Then we enter the story of Jonah. Why did God send Jonah to Nineveh? Why did Jonah run in the opposite direction? And what does his resistance reveal about our own tendency to run from difficult assignments or people we don't think deserve God's mercy?Reagan takes a closer look at Nineveh, its history and pagan culture, Jonah's calling as a prophet, and the significance of Jesus referring to Jonah. She also explores one of the most challenging questions raised by the story: Do we believe God's mercy is available even to people we think are too far gone?Most importantly, Reagan shares a personal story of a time when she nearly walked away from a ministry God had called her to because it had become difficult. Through a series of unexpected confirmations, she realized she needed to seek God rather than simply walk away—and discovered the blessing that came from saying yes to His calling.This episode will encourage you to ask:Am I running from something God is asking me to do?Are there people I have decided don't deserve God's mercy?Am I allowing God's Word to shape my identity?What might God accomplish through my simple “yes”?Where is God asking me to trust Him even when obedience is difficult?Jonah reminds us that God's calling doesn't always lead us somewhere comfortable—but His mercy is greater than our rebellion, and we may never know this side of heaven the eternal impact our obedience can have.“You'll never know this side of heaven what kind of eternal impact your yes will make.”Find more from Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | YoutubeBecome Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast:Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community! This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/

Jonah | Should I Not Have Compassion?Lesson Two | Fast AsleepScripture: Jonah 1:4-10Show Notes: The opening words of the book of Jonah are, “The word of the Lord came to Jonah,” and they should have prompted this prophet to tune in, listen carefully, and prepare to obey.Jonah, a prophet who knew better than anyone that God is the Creator of the sea and sky, still believed he could go somewhere God's presence and call wouldn't reach him. But he was mistaken!He booked passage on a sailing vessel to Tarshish, a city in the exact opposite direction from Nineveh. Scripture tells us three times in this chapter that he was fleeing "from the presence of the Lord."Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. Jonah 1:4-5Jonah slept through a storm that terrified everyone else on the ship. Running from God doesn't bring peace. It brings a false calm that masks real danger.Head to Heart Remember that running doesn't put you beyond His reach. God met Jonah in the storm and provided for him even in his rebellion.Whatever you're fleeing from right now, the Lord will not stop pursuing you. That's mercy, not mere correction.SONG:God of Wonders - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJy2Pk5ewSI&list=RDpJy2Pk5ewSI&start_radio=1

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260923dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:11 Amazing Grace for All Every day we get to choose how we will spend our time, our money, and our energy. Good time and money management often means deciding what matters most and putting those things first. When God asks, “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people…?” it may seem like he is saying that, because Nineveh is a big city, it is worthy of my time and attention. But what if you don’t live in a big city? Or even if you do, how do you know if God is concerned about you? How do you know if God loves you? Listen to the rest of God’s question: “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” You see, God is concerned for the lowest of the low, with no qualities that make them worth saving and no ability to help themselves. And that’s exactly whom God loves. God is concerned about the young and old, rich and poor, the strong and the disabled, people of every culture and language. That’s good news, because it means he is concerned about you, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel. His concern for you led him to make you his top priority. He gave everything for you, including his only Son, so that, no matter who you are, you can know that you are loved, forgiven, and cherished. You can live confidently in that love and be sure that nothing will take his amazing grace away from you. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving me, no matter how small I feel. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

I. The Parallels of Nahum to Jonah 1. Just as Jonah declared that God is long suffering and gracious (4:2), so Nahum acknowledged divine grace while affirming the Lord is also jealous and avenging (1:3).2. In Jonah, God appointed a storm and then calmed the sea (1:4, 15-16; 2:10-3:5), and in Nahum, God directed the rivers to flood Nineveh in order to destroy the city (1:8; 2:6).3. In Jonah, God allowed the prophet to reach dry land (2:10), and in Nahum, God rebuked the sea and made it dry in judgment (1:4).4. In Jonah, the common people were spared (3:5-10), but in Nahum, all the people were scattered (1:2; 3:18).5. In Jonah, the message reached the king, and he repented (3:5-10), but in Nahum, God addresses the king and describes his demise (3:18-19).6. In Jonah, both the sailors and the prophet offered vows to God (1:16; 2:9), so Nahum called Israel to pay their vows and give praise to the Lord for His judgment (1:15).7. In Jonah, the book ends with a question (4:11), so the Book of Nahum ends with a question (3:19). The only two books in the Bible that do that. BTW - They are two very different questions! 8. Nahum's description of the Ninevites mourning at the fall of their city intended to evoke the prophet Jonah and his hopeful mission. Nahum described the woman moaning like doves (2:7), that is what Jonah's name means (“dove”). Nahum means “comfort,” and he was true to his name, for God comforts those decimated by the evil of others.I.  The RISE of Assyria (History)II. The RESCUE of Assyria(Jonah)III. The FALL of Assyria (Babylon)•  The Character of God = Exodus 34 (again) - Jonah 4:2; Joel 2:13; Nahum 1:4= Sin must be punished (“guilty”)= Wrath & Grace - “The Lord is good” - Psalm 1:5; 9:16; 19:9 (NASB); 36:6; 51:4; 105:5; 119:120 •  The Judgment of God = against Assyria (by Babylon) = against Babylon (by Persia)= against Persia (by Greece)= against Greece (by Rome)•  The Comfort of God = for Judah = until Babylon (587 BC)= Then Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi = Comfort in the Bible - II Thess. 1:5-12; Revelation 11:15-18

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260923dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:11 Amazing Grace for All Every day we get to choose how we will spend our time, our money, and our energy. Good time and money management often means deciding what matters most and putting those things first. When God asks, “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people…?” it may seem like he is saying that, because Nineveh is a big city, it is worthy of my time and attention. But what if you don’t live in a big city? Or even if you do, how do you know if God is concerned about you? How do you know if God loves you? Listen to the rest of God’s question: “Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” You see, God is concerned for the lowest of the low, with no qualities that make them worth saving and no ability to help themselves. And that’s exactly whom God loves. God is concerned about the young and old, rich and poor, the strong and the disabled, people of every culture and language. That’s good news, because it means he is concerned about you, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel. His concern for you led him to make you his top priority. He gave everything for you, including his only Son, so that, no matter who you are, you can know that you are loved, forgiven, and cherished. You can live confidently in that love and be sure that nothing will take his amazing grace away from you. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving me, no matter how small I feel. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260922dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jonah] prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:2-3 Too Much Grace Jonah was a messenger God sent to Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness, cruelty, and immorality. Jonah’s message was, “God is going to destroy Nineveh because of your wickedness.” Jonah was from Israel, a nation that witnessed that wickedness firsthand. You would think he would be eager to go and tell them that God was going to destroy them. But instead, he ran the other way. After Jonah fled, was swallowed by a fish, and was spit out on the shore, he finally went where God told him to. And when he preached, something amazing happened. The people were sorry for what they did and prayed for God’s mercy. When he saw this, God decided not to destroy them. Instead, he had mercy on them. And Jonah’s reaction? “It’s not fair. I knew you weren’t going to punish them. That’s just the kind of gracious, compassionate God you are. You show too much grace.” Do we ever think like that? Wickedness spreads like an unstoppable virus. It infects our schools, our communities, even our families. We experience hatred and hurt from other people. And hatred grows in our hearts against them. We don’t want to forgive, and we don’t think God should either. But if God’s grace had limits, if there are things God won't or can’t forgive, will he forgive me for holding a grudge or harboring hatred in my heart? Will his grace reach the selfish corners of my heart that only God can see? Praise God that his grace is for all! It is never too much. It is just what we need. Because of God's grace, we are forgiven. That’s great news to hear and to share! Prayer: God, thank you for loving and forgiving me in your amazing grace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260922dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jonah] prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:2-3 Too Much Grace Jonah was a messenger God sent to Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness, cruelty, and immorality. Jonah’s message was, “God is going to destroy Nineveh because of your wickedness.” Jonah was from Israel, a nation that witnessed that wickedness firsthand. You would think he would be eager to go and tell them that God was going to destroy them. But instead, he ran the other way. After Jonah fled, was swallowed by a fish, and was spit out on the shore, he finally went where God told him to. And when he preached, something amazing happened. The people were sorry for what they did and prayed for God’s mercy. When he saw this, God decided not to destroy them. Instead, he had mercy on them. And Jonah’s reaction? “It’s not fair. I knew you weren’t going to punish them. That’s just the kind of gracious, compassionate God you are. You show too much grace.” Do we ever think like that? Wickedness spreads like an unstoppable virus. It infects our schools, our communities, even our families. We experience hatred and hurt from other people. And hatred grows in our hearts against them. We don’t want to forgive, and we don’t think God should either. But if God’s grace had limits, if there are things God won't or can’t forgive, will he forgive me for holding a grudge or harboring hatred in my heart? Will his grace reach the selfish corners of my heart that only God can see? Praise God that his grace is for all! It is never too much. It is just what we need. Because of God's grace, we are forgiven. That’s great news to hear and to share! Prayer: God, thank you for loving and forgiving me in your amazing grace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260922dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jonah] prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:2-3 Too Much Grace Jonah was a messenger God sent to Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness, cruelty, and immorality. Jonah’s message was, “God is going to destroy Nineveh because of your wickedness.” Jonah was from Israel, a nation that witnessed that wickedness firsthand. You would think he would be eager to go and tell them that God was going to destroy them. But instead, he ran the other way. After Jonah fled, was swallowed by a fish, and was spit out on the shore, he finally went where God told him to. And when he preached, something amazing happened. The people were sorry for what they did and prayed for God’s mercy. When he saw this, God decided not to destroy them. Instead, he had mercy on them. And Jonah’s reaction? “It’s not fair. I knew you weren’t going to punish them. That’s just the kind of gracious, compassionate God you are. You show too much grace.” Do we ever think like that? Wickedness spreads like an unstoppable virus. It infects our schools, our communities, even our families. We experience hatred and hurt from other people. And hatred grows in our hearts against them. We don’t want to forgive, and we don’t think God should either. But if God’s grace had limits, if there are things God won't or can’t forgive, will he forgive me for holding a grudge or harboring hatred in my heart? Will his grace reach the selfish corners of my heart that only God can see? Praise God that his grace is for all! It is never too much. It is just what we need. Because of God's grace, we are forgiven. That’s great news to hear and to share! Prayer: God, thank you for loving and forgiving me in your amazing grace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Albuquerque is the butt of a lot of jokes. So what does God see when he looks at this city?In week three of the Believer series, Pastor David walks through the book of Jonah and three things that shape how Believer Church sees Albuquerque:God loves Albuquerque. Jonah might be the worst prophet in the Bible. God sends him to Nineveh, the city everybody had decided was terrible, and every time God names it he calls it “the great city.” Jonah looked at it and saw an enemy. God saw a hundred and twenty thousand people he made. You don't have to go anywhere to change the world with the gospel.This city should be glad we're here. God told his people in exile to seek the peace and prosperity of the city he carried them to. We're not a church that happens to be in Albuquerque. We were placed here, by God, on purpose, and this church exists to help heal this city. That's what LoveABQ and our five partners are about.God has a plan for this city, and it involves you. Jonah sat outside the city and waited to see what would happen to it. Jesus tells a man he just set free to go home and tell his own people what happened. You're a witness, not an attorney.The message ends with Jesus, who stood outside a city that was about to kill him, wept over it, and walked in anyway.Scriptures: Jonah 1:1-3, Jonah 2:10, Jonah 3:2-10, Jonah 4:1-11, Jeremiah 29:7, Mark 5:19Facebook: / believerchurchabq Instagram: / believerscenter YouTube: / @BelieverChurchABQ Giving: https://pushpay.com/g/believerchurch First Time: https://believerchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/797243 Salvation / Rededication: https://believerchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/797600#BelieverChurch #Albuquerque #Jonah #LoveYourCityThanks so much for listening to the Believers Center podcast! Service Times:   Sundays at 10AM (online + in-person)Tuesdays at 7PM (in-person only)Follow us on Instagram @believerscenterTo learn more about Believers Center, visit https://www.believerscenter.com​​To submit a prayer request, or to get connected with a pastor, visit https://www.believerscenter.com/prayforme

Jonah 3:10 - 4:113:10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that 3he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?”5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. 6 Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” 10 And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”Sermon QuestionsRead Jonah 4:1-4. Jonah's surface anger was at Nineveh, but the real anger was at God ("for I knew..."). When you get angry, what is usually underneath it? What did you snap at this week, and was it really about that?God asks Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry?" and doesn't hand down a verdict. Why might God have chosen a question? When has a question, not a rebuke, exposed something in your own heart?The sermon said anger is like a root that becomes a shoot and then a tree, and that we tend to dismiss it as a small flesh wound. Where have you seen your anger grow over time, and how has it affected people you love?Who are your "Ninevites," the people you've decided don't deserve grace? What makes it hard to want mercy for them?The sermon said that "you will never give grace to your Ninevites until you realize that, before a holy God, you were a Ninevite yourself." Jonah rested on a hill to watch judgment, while Jesus was lifted up on a hill to take it. How does the cross change the way you see the people you're angry with?Optional challenge to close: Name your Nineveh this week, and do one small, deliberately kind thing for them, not because they've earned it but because you didn't earn what Jesus gave you. Check in on how it went next time you meet.

This week at EDGE, Pastor James Sabin continues our Jonah series, exploring how God's love relentlessly follows us even when we run from Him. Using Jonah's flight from Nineveh & the storm God sent to wake him up, James teaches our EDGE students that the hardships we face are often God's loving discipline, meant to grow our character rather than punish us. This week, our students learn every believer has been given the ministry of reconciliation — inviting others back to a relationship with God the same way Jonah was called to Nineveh. The message closes with an invitation for students to respond to Jesus and to write down the names of friends & family who don't yet know Him. For more information on EDGE Student Ministries, please visit www.edgestudents.org. For more information on Kingdom: a Community Church, please visit www.kingdomemc.com. #EDGEStudentMinistries #YouthMinistry #TeenFaith #ChristianYouth #GodsLove #BibleStudy #FaithOverFear #ShareYourFaith #JesusLovesYou #SpiritualGrowth #YouthGroup #ChristianTeens #GenZFaith

Encore Series from 2021 Could this be one of the greatest revivals in history? When Jonah submits to God's will and heads to Nineveh to preach repentance, there is a radical transformation in this great city. In this episode we look at how the Lord uses frail man as an instrument of change. Study along in Jonah! Pick up one of our Jonah Bible study resources and go deeper into God's Word as you follow the series. https://preceptministries.ca/product-category/book-of-the-bible/jonah/

How do we move from merely knowing about God's grace and mercy intellectually to being truly formed by them in our hearts and habits? Drawing on the viral "It's Not About the Nail" sketch, Fr. Clint Wilson argues that Jonah's real problem isn't his anger at Nineveh's salvation—it's that he knows the doctrine of grace but hasn't been graced into the heart of God. Using the concept of "askesis" (spiritual discipline), he explores how our "gourds," those seemingly small things that trigger disproportionate anger (slights, losses, grievances, people who "grate against us"), are outward signs of an inward spiritual condition: a heart not yet formed by grace.Scripture: Jonah 3:10-4:11 (NRSV)Preacher: The Rev. Clint WilsonSt. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church | Louisville, KYhttps://www.sfitf.org

God's grace restores failed people and reaches unlikely people. Week 4 highlights two displays of mercy: God gives Jonah another shot, and God gives Nineveh a chance to repent. Don't rush past "the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time"; that's not just forgiveness, that's recommissioning. Jonah preaches maybe the shortest sermon in Scripture, and an entire city turns. The power was never in his delivery. It was in God's word.

September 13, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon   In this episode Hiram confronts Marcionism—the early church controversy of dismissing the Old Testament—and explains why the whole Bible is essential for Christian faith. Framing the talk around the title "Old Testament Lessons for New Testament Christians," the sermon walks listeners through ten concrete lessons drawn from Genesis through the Prophets and the Writings that shape New Testament belief and practice. Topics covered include the historical example of Marcion and his edited Bible, the continuity between Old and New covenants, and ten specific takeaways: (1) God as Creator (Genesis, Psalms), (2) the equal value of every person as God's image-bearer (Genesis, Leviticus, Proverbs), (3) God's heart for the nations (Jonah, Ruth, Joshua), (4) the inevitability and purpose of suffering (Job, John 16), (5) the indispensability of prayer (Psalms, 1 Samuel, Jeremiah), (6) God's seriousness about obedience (Leviticus, 2 Samuel, Numbers), (7) God's sovereignty over nations and rulers (Exodus, Daniel, Romans 13), (8) God's willingness to forgive anyone (Manasseh, Isaiah, Psalm 103), (9) divine providence surpassing human plans (Joseph, Esther, Romans 8), and (10) the hope of better days to come (Isaiah, Hebrews, John 14). Hiram weaves scripture references and illustrative stories—Job's suffering, Jonah and Nineveh's repentance, Joseph's providence, and the restoration of Manasseh—into pastoral encouragement. He emphasizes practical implications for listeners: don't reject the Old Testament, value every life, persevere through suffering, pray regularly, respect God's commands, submit to civil authorities while praying for them, trust God's providence, and live in expectation of Christ's return. Participants and contributors mentioned in the recording include Darrell (who reads a passage), co-teachers Barrett and Grant (noted for teaching the Psalms class), Neal (co-teaching with the speaker), and Chase (who leads the closing invitation song). The episode closes with an invitation to receive prayer, restoration, or baptism and an appeal to embrace the hope both Testaments point to in Jesus Christ.   Handout: Old Testament Lessons for New Testament Christians Hiram Kemp 1. God is __________________________ _________________________ (Genesis 1:1) 2. Every ______________________ has ______________________ (Genesis 1:26-27) 3. God wants all _____________________ to know ________________ (Jonah 3:1-10) 4. ______________________________ is _________________________ (Job 1:20-22) 5. ______________________ is _____________________________ (1 Samuel 1:9-18) 6. God does not _____________ ___________ lightly (Leviticus 10:1-3; 2 Samuel 6:6-7) 7. God is _____________ over ____________ & ___________ (Daniel 4:17, 4:25, 4:35) 8. God will ____________ ______________ & ______________ (2 Chronicles 33:1-20) 9. God's _______________ is ____________ than our __________ (Genesis 50:15-21) 10. Better _______________________ are ________________________ (Isaiah 2:1-4)   Duration 34:48

IntroductionWhen God changes God's mind about punishing Nineveh for their evilways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding insteadfast love. Matthew then narrates one of Jesus' controversialparables in which Jesus says that the reign of God is like that of alandowner who pays his workers the same wage no matter what timeof day they began to work. Let us be reminded that in baptism wereceive the grace of God that is freely given to all.First Reading: Jonah 3:10—4:11, Psalm 145:1-8 and Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

Watch the Devotion Based on Romans 9:19; Jonah 4:11 The Merciful God  I don’t know about you but every time I read the story of Jonah in the Bible, I am amazed. It’s not so much that part where the giant fish swallows Jonah to preserve his life. . . And I apologize, if you're totally lost right now. Go and read the book of Jonah before you continue reading this devotion. It’s only four chapters long. It really won’t take you long. Ok, now. . . what amazes me about that story is that God spared the entire city of Nineveh. This was the seat of power for the Assyrian kingdom. It was also the seat of wickedness and witchcraft and all sorts of godlessness.   The LORD sent Jonah to the city of Nineveh to call them to repentance. God wanted to teach Jonah a lesson about his mercy and grace. And Jonah was actually upset about this—that God would spare the Assyrians. Not only were they godless and wicked, but they were mortal enemies of the people of Israel! The amazing part about this story is that the people listened to Jonah's call to repentance. God listened to their genuine repentance, and he spared the people.   The city of Nineveh was eventually destroyed by the Babylonians 150 years later. The region changed political hands over the years but about 500 years later St. Thomas, one of Jesus' own apostles, traveled to Nineveh and proclaimed the message of God's grace. That seed of the gospel was planted and remained there for about 2,000 years. Because of your military service and deployments some of you have been there—the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, on the eastern bank of the Tigris River.   Christianity has been there up until about 2014 when ISIS came in and either drove all the Christians away or slaughtered them. Some reports say that less than 70 Christian families reside in Mosul. Maybe it’s time to go back? That would be a little bit tricky wouldn’t it, to send a pastor as a missionary to Iraq? It wouldn’t be safe. What about you? Would you go?   The amazing thing about this story of Jonah is that God still works this way. He sends people with his radical grace and mercy to others who clearly don’t deserve it. They listen and they believe and God saves them from themselves and from destruction, from death and hell and all of it, and he gathers them into his house—people from all over the world with different skin colors and languages and cultures. Amazing!   What’s amazing about this story is that it involves you! You are one of those to whom God sent someone to pour water on your head. In your baptism he gathered you into his home. You are one to whom God sent someone to speak his words: “You are forgiven in Christ.” He caused his Word to be planted in your heart, and he caused faith to grow in your heart to trust that Word so that you know—as unworthy as you and I are, and we know that we are unworthy because of the things that we have done and the things that we have left undone—we know the amazing impossible thing is that God causes us to believe and to trust that this is for us.    The apostle Paul put it this way: “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Romans 9:16). The Father is generous with his grace and mercy. He told Jonah, “Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (Jonah 4:11). The amazing thing about this story is that God is concerned about our cities, too.  I don’t need to go over to Iraq. There are Iraqis living right here in San Diego. You should meet my neighbors who live in my little part of San Diego. All the different nationalities and cultures they represent; it's incredible. I’m sure the same is true for you and the important city where God has placed you. What’s incredible is that he calls you and me to be dispensers of this same amazing grace.   Prayer: Lord, ‘tis not that I did choose you that I know could never be, for this heart would still refuse you had your grace not chosen me. You removed the sin that stained me, cleansing me to be your own; for this purpose you ordained me, that I live for you alone. (CW581:1) O Holy Spirit, work in the hearts of our nation’s warfighters the joy that comes from knowing your grace and mercy is for them, unworthy though they be. Then open their lips to speak your Word of grace and mercy to those in their homes, in their barracks and apartments, and then make them so bold as to share that grace and mercy with those who do not feel worthy or undeserving of your love on their ships and boats, downrange and in the field, underway and overseas, so that all nations may be gathered to you. In your name I pray it. Amen.    Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Jesse and his Perfectly Good Podcast cohost Sylvan Groth sit down to talk with her friend and neighbor, Vermont songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bow Thayer. Bow shares his journey from growing up in Massachusetts to finding a home making over 30 albums in the small town of Vermont. He shares stories of connecting with Levon Helm, touring, having a family and his latest venture of a campground and concert venue called KnowTown. Bow also discusses his upcoming album. Inspired by both Vermont's remote Lake Ninevah and the ancient city of Nineveh, Ninevah explores nature, division, transition, and rebirth. After spending nearly a year recording the project alone, Bow scrapped much of it, took the songs on an Alaskan tour with guitarist Krishna Guthrie and percussionist Steve Ferraris, then returned to Vermont to record the album's core live. The record also features Val McCallum, James Rohr, Chazz Canney, Jabe Beyer, and Tyler Bolles and was mixed by three-time Grammy winner Justin Guip. Here's the bandcamp link https://bowthayer.bandcamp.com/album/ninevah Spotify and the others just have the single out for now https://open.spotify.com/album/2fG9WNXw1pstyyDUuPG7KH?si=HVpkGWrIRRiZMQ_xqP5Zyg&utm_source=copy-link https://music.apple.com/us/song/old-news/6804823311 https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0HGDJM38Q?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_bIfpT9jWrxbAoYjKXLquDmv3k Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 24: Jonah | Should I Not Have Compassion?Lesson One - Go To NinevehWatch us ONLINE! Click here!Show Notes:Jonah contains one of the Bible's shortest prophecies, spoken by an unlikely, rebellious prophet. To begin this new season, “Should I Not Have Compassion?” we will share key background information about the book of Jonah.Nineveh was not the capital of Assyria, but it became Assyria's glorious capital 60 years later, under King Sennacherib around 700 BC.However, Assyria was Israel's brutal enemy, a nation known for cruelty and violence. Nineveh was a massive, important regional city. Jonah wasn't merely avoiding an inconvenient assignment. He was being asked to deliver a message of mercy to people he likely believed deserved judgment rather than grace.The word of the Lord came to Jonah, son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. Jonah 1:1-3Song: All Because of Mercy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t-JDBZvoyc&list=RD6t-JDBZvoyc&start_radio=1

"Jonah Runs" - The first sermon in the Jonah runaway series.The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai:2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me.”

This week at EDGE, Pastor James Sabin kicks off a new 6-week series through the book of Jonah, starting with why sharing your faith is scary — for everyone, no matter how long you've walked with Jesus. Using the "Life in Six Words" gospel presentation and the story of Jonah's call to Nineveh, Pastor James unpacks how God's grace and calling on your life never gets revoked, even when fear or pride gets in the way. This week, students are challenged to move from fear to obedience through a simple rhythm: pray, care, share. This EDGE lesson is a must-watch for any student — or parent — wrestling with how to talk about faith with the people they love. For more information on EDGE Student Ministries, please visit www.edgestudents.org. For more information on Kingdom: a Community Church, please visit www.kingdomemc.com #EDGEStudentMinistries #YouthMinistry #TeenFaith #ChristianYouth #GodsWord #FaithOverFear #ShareYourFaith #Evangelism #BookOfJonah #BibleStudy #JesusLovesYou #GraceUponGrace

"Jonah Runs" - The first sermon in the Jonah runaway series.The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai:2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me.”

The Gospel is one of the most disorienting parables Jesus ever told. A landowner keeps going out throughout the day, hiring workers even at the eleventh hour, and pays everyone the same. The all-day workers grumble. The landowner responds with what may be the sharpest question in any of the parables.Track One brings us the manna in the wilderness — daily bread, given as needed, no more, no less. Track Two brings us Jonah's anger at God's mercy toward Nineveh, and the book's astonishing final image: God's concern for a great city and also its animals. The Epistle gives us Paul from prison, torn between longing for Christ and remaining for the sake of the churches — with the famous line, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”For preachers continuing a series: last week's parable of the unforgiving servant exposed what we do when we forget the scale of mercy we have been shown. This week's parable of the vineyard workers exposes what we do when we cannot bear that mercy being shown to others. The Matthew arc keeps turning the mirror slowly.Photo by Tim Mossholder on UnsplashThe ReadingsExodus 16:2–15First Reading (Track One) — Manna in the WildernessSummaryThe Israelites, only weeks out of Egypt, complain against Moses and Aaron. They would rather have died in Egypt where they had food than starve in the wilderness. Moses hears the complaint as ultimately directed at God, not at him. God tells Moses that bread will rain from heaven — each family gathering just what they need for the day. That evening, quails cover the camp; in the morning, a fine flaky substance appears on the ground. The people look at it and ask, “What is it?” Moses tells them: it is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.Key Ideas for Preaching* The people's complaint is honest. They are hungry and afraid. It is easy to preach against them for lacking faith, but that misses what the text is doing. God does not scold them; God feeds them. Where in your congregation have people been shamed for honest complaint when what they needed was bread?* The manna comes daily. Not weekly. Not monthly. Daily. And no one can hoard it — later verses tell us it spoiled when they tried. What might it look like to preach a faith that is fed each day, not stockpiled?* The people's first response to the bread is “what is it?” They do not recognize it. God's provision does not always come in a form we would have anticipated. Where in your congregation might people be missing manna because they were expecting something else?Significant Cautions* Do not preach the manna in a way that shames people who are food insecure. The text is about God's provision to people who genuinely did not have bread, not a metaphor for what to do when a delivery is late.* “Daily bread” is a phrase Jesus takes up in the Lord's Prayer. That connection is worth noting, but the manna story stands on its own.Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45The Psalm (Track One) — God's Provision in the WildernessSummaryA section of the great remembering psalm, now focused on the exodus and wilderness. God brought Israel out with silver and gold. God spread a cloud for covering, gave quails and bread from heaven, opened the rock so water gushed out. God brought the people into the promised land. The closing is a single hallelujah.Key Ideas for Preaching* The psalm remembers not just the dramatic deliverance but the daily provision — quails, bread, water from a rock. God's care for the people included every meal. What might your sermon do with a picture of God's faithfulness that includes the ordinary?* The psalm's mode is remembering. The Israelites are being asked to keep the story alive across generations. Where in your congregation is the practice of shared remembering going quiet, and how might this psalm invite its recovery?Significant Cautions* The psalm's cheerful retrospect flattens a lot of pain in the wilderness generation's experience. Do not preach the calm summary as if it were the whole truth of what those people lived.Jonah 3:10–4:11First Reading (Track Two) — Jonah's Anger at God's MercySummaryGod sees that Nineveh has turned from its evil ways, and God does not destroy the city. Jonah is furious. He prays a bitter prayer: this is exactly why I fled to Tarshish in the first place — I knew you were a gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. Jonah asks God to take his life. God asks, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah goes outside the city and sulks. God provides a bush for shade, which Jonah loves. Then a worm attacks the bush; it dies; Jonah is again ready to die. God asks: is it right for you to be angry about the bush? And the book ends with God's question, unanswered: you are concerned about a bush; should I not be concerned about a great city with more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left — and also many animals?Key Ideas for Preaching* Jonah's honesty is remarkable. He does not pretend his anger is righteous. He says plainly: I ran away because I knew you would show mercy, and I did not want you to. Where in your congregation has anger at God's generosity been hiding, unspoken, behind more acceptable feelings?* Jonah's theology is not wrong — his summary of God's character (gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love) is exactly right. What has gone wrong is that he does not want that God to be that God toward these people. What does it look like to preach a Jonah-shaped hypocrisy — the theology we affirm about God we do not want extended to certain neighbors?* God's argument at the end is unforgettable. You cared about a bush you did not plant. I care about a city with a hundred and twenty thousand people. And also many animals. That final phrase is a stunning small note. God's concern is bigger than the human world. Where in your congregation has God's concern been imagined as narrower than the text describes?* The book of Jonah ends on God's question, unanswered. The reader is left to answer it themselves. What might your sermon do with the fact that Jonah is silent at the end, and we are asked to speak in his place?Significant Cautions* The book of Jonah is often preached as a story about a big fish. Do not spend the sermon on the fish. The fish is a subplot; the point is God's mercy toward people Jonah wanted destroyed.* Do not use Jonah as a stand-in for Judaism (a common Christian misreading). Jonah is a specific prophet with a specific problem, and the book is Israel's own honest self-critique. Handle carefully.Psalm 145:1–8The Psalm (Track Two) — Gracious and MercifulSummaryA psalm of praise. Every day I will bless you. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. One generation shall laud your works to another. The psalmist meditates on God's greatness and steadfast love. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love.Key Ideas for Preaching* “One generation shall laud your works to another” — the psalm assumes praise is handed down. Where in your congregation is the passing-down going quiet, and how might your sermon speak to grandparents, parents, and young adults about it?* The psalm's picture of God — gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love — is the same picture Jonah quotes bitterly. The psalmist praises what Jonah resented. What does it look like to preach the difference between celebrating God's mercy and hating that God's mercy extends to others?Significant Cautions* “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” has been used as an empty affirmation. Handle the language so that it lands as specific, not generic.Philippians 1:21–30The Epistle — To Live Is Christ; Live Worthy of the GospelSummaryPaul writes from prison, torn between two things he wants. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If he continues in the body, he will keep laboring fruitfully for the churches. If he dies, he will be with Christ, which is far better. He is hard pressed between the two, but thinks it more necessary for him to remain, for their sake. So he expects to stay — for their progress and joy in faith. Meanwhile, he asks them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel: standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind, not intimidated by opponents. And he names something surprising: they have been granted the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him.Key Ideas for Preaching* Paul's ambivalence is remarkable. He is not pretending to want death for spiritual show, nor pretending he does not want to be with Christ. He holds both honestly. What might your sermon do with a picture of Christian maturity that includes real desire for what comes next without contempt for what is now?* “In a manner worthy of the gospel” is not a call to moral perfection. Paul's specifics are relational — standing side by side, striving with one mind, not intimidated. Where in your congregation has “worthy of the gospel” been reduced to personal morality when Paul was describing communal courage?* “The privilege of suffering for him” is easy to skip past. Paul is describing suffering not as punishment but as proof that we belong to Christ. This is dangerous language when misused. But rightly heard, it names something real about what discipleship costs. Where has your congregation been surprised by suffering it did not expect its faith to cost?Significant Cautions* “To live is Christ, to die is gain” has been quoted in ways that shame grieving people for their grief. Paul is not saying we should not mourn death. He is naming his own particular readiness in a particular moment.* “The privilege of suffering” has been badly misused — again, to justify staying in situations of abuse and exploitation. Paul is talking about the cost of his own faithful witness, not endorsing anyone else's mistreatment.Matthew 20:1–16The Gospel — The Workers in the VineyardSummaryA landowner goes out early in the morning to hire day laborers for his vineyard. He agrees with them on a wage — a denarius, the usual day's pay — and sends them to work. He goes out again at nine, sees others idle in the marketplace, and hires them, promising to pay them what is right. Same at noon. Same at three. At five o'clock — one hour before the workday ends — he goes out again and finds still more people standing around. He hires them too. When evening comes, he tells his manager to pay everyone, beginning with the last hired. Each five o'clock worker receives a denarius. So do the three o'clock, noon, and nine o'clock workers. So do the workers who have been there since dawn. They grumble against the landowner: these last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. The landowner responds: friend, I have done you no wrong. You agreed to a denarius. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or is your eye evil because I am generous? So the last will be first, and the first will be last.Key Ideas for Preaching* The landowner keeps going back out. He does not stop hiring at nine or at noon or at three. He keeps going out to find people who are still standing idle. This is not a story about a landowner who accidentally overpays some latecomers. This is a story about a landowner who has been actively seeking workers all day. What does it mean for your congregation to hear that God is still going out, still seeking, still bringing people in — even at the eleventh hour?* The all-day workers' complaint is understandable. They worked longer; they should be paid more. Their argument is not stupid. It is what almost anyone would say. The parable is not shaming them for the logic; it is inviting them into a different kind of accounting. Where in your congregation has fairness-as-comparison quietly displaced generosity-as-gift?* The landowner's question — “is your eye evil because I am generous?” — is one of the sharpest in the parables. In the ancient world, “an evil eye” meant envy — the kind of envy that grows dark and pained when it sees someone else's good fortune. The workers' pain is not really that they were paid too little; the landowner has just proven they were paid what was promised. Their pain is that other people were paid what those people had not earned. What might your sermon do to help a congregation notice their own comparison patterns without shaming them?* “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Read alongside the rest of the parable, this line is more of an invitation than a threat — a reframing of what it means to be first at all. God's economy is not a race with winners and losers. It is a vineyard with an unexpected wage. What would change in your congregation if that were actually believed?Significant Cautions* The parable is often preached as if the all-day workers are simply villains. They are not. They are people who have been treated with real fairness (they got what they agreed to) and are struggling with the disorienting sight of generosity toward others. Preach with compassion.* Do not press the parable into a political program about labor economics or wage policy. It is a parable about the kingdom of God, not a policy paper. This does not mean it has no political implications — it does — but do not reduce it to those.* “The last will be first” has been misused as revenge language against successful or established Christians. That is not the parable's tone. The landowner is not humiliating anyone; he is redefining what first and last mean.Thematic ConnectionsThe Gospel is the natural center — a parable about God's disorienting generosity and what it exposes in us.On Track One, the manna in the wilderness pairs with the Gospel in a specific way. Both texts are about God's daily provision — bread each morning, a denarius at the end of the day. Both refuse the logic of stockpiling. And both assume that God's generosity is not measured by our labor. The manna comes freely; the denarius comes freely.On Track Two, Jonah's anger at God's mercy pairs directly with the all-day workers' grumbling. Both stories name the same spiritual problem: it is one thing to celebrate God's generosity toward us, and another thing entirely to accept it being extended to people we did not think deserved it. Jonah names it in his prayer; the workers name it in their grumbling. The invitation of both texts is the same — to let God's generosity expand rather than contract our own hearts.Philippians 1 sits inside the day as a picture of what it looks like when Paul's own life is shaped by this kind of generosity. Paul is torn between two goods — being with Christ and remaining for the churches — and lets his life be shaped by what is best for others, not what is best for himself. That is what generosity of spirit produces.Psalm 145's picture of God — gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love — is the same picture Jonah quotes bitterly. Both readings hold up the mirror: what we praise about God, do we resent in God when it extends to those we did not choose?For preachers continuing a series: last week the parable of the unforgiving servant exposed what we do when we forget the scale of mercy we have been shown. This week the parable of the vineyard workers exposes what we do when we cannot bear that mercy being shown to others. The Matthew arc keeps turning the mirror slowly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com/subscribe

Today's chapter 19 of 2nd Kings brings Isaiah onto the scene.  King Hezekiah in his great distress at the conquests of the Assyrians and now their presence outside the walls of Jerusalem sends his secretary and senior priests to the prophet, with a message saying, “It may be that the LORD your God heard all the words of the Rabshakeh,”  adding, “therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left” [v.4]Isaiah's response is very positive; “Say to your Master, ‘Thus says the LORD: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumour and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.'” [v.6,7]  This happens, but as the Assyrians depart they say, “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. ‘Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered?” [v.10,11]  History is full of human boasting like this, but “The word of the LORD” comes to Isaiah over this (v.21-28) that the LORD is “aware of their raging against me”[v.27] Within a generation or two the Assyrians fade into history and Nineveh is a heap of ruins to this day –  the Babylonians then become the main enemy, but in time Babylon too becomes a heap of ruins, as it is today.   Then Isaiah conveys a remarkable long term prophecy. “ … the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD will do this.” [v.30,31]  We witness the resilience of the “surviving remnant” today.  We can read in Isaiah's book, the prophecy the LORD gives him, how “in that day the Lord will extent his hand a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people … and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” [11 v.11,12]   We are witnessing that event and are in awe of the climax when God “shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.” [v.4]   Soon, in Luke's gospel, we will come to Jesus' awesome words predicting this. How awesome the fate of the great Assyrian army, because they reviled God! (185,000 died – v.35) How awesome the fate awaiting at least some who do so today!  Let us do the opposite.  And what is the opposite?.

Ashurbanipal was the ruler of the Assyrian empire in the 7th century BCE. His 38-year reign was marked by both scholarship and a terrifying brutality. Research: "Babylon." Britannica Library, Encyclopædia Britannica, 18 Mar. 2025. libraries.state.ma.us/login?eburl=https%3A%2F%2Flibrary.eb.com&ebtarget=%2Flevels%2Freferencecenter%2Farticle%2FBabylon%2F11618&ebboatid=9265928. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026. Ashurbanipal Library Project. https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/asbp/index.html " Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, Gale, 1998. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1631000306/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=f497ef8d. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026. Bonatz, Dominik. “Ashurbanipal's Headhunt: An Anthropological Perspective.” Iraq , 2004, Vol. 66, Nineveh. Papers of the 49th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale, Part One (2004). https://www.jstor.org/stable/4200564 “Ashurbanipal.” https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/ashurbanipal Fincke, Jeanette C. “The British Museum's Ashurbanipal Library Project.” Iraq , 2004, Vol. 66, Nineveh. Papers of the 49th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale, Part One (2004). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4200559 Hughes, Tristan. “Ashurbanipal: The Last Great King of Assyria.” The Ancients podcast. 8/20/2025. https://shows.acast.com/the-ancients/episodes/ashurbanipal-the-last-great-king-of-assyria Osborne, James. “He tried to conquer knowledge itself – instead this ancient Mesopotamian king resorted to rule with terror.” History Extra. 8/14/2025. https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-history/he-tried-to-conquer-knowledge-itself/ Taylor, Jonathan. 'About the project', Ashurbanipal Library Project, The Ashurbanipal Library Project, Department of the Middle East, The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, 2022 http://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/asbp/Abouttheproject/ The British Museum. “Who was Ashurbanipal?” https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/who-was-ashurbanipal Urbanus, Jason. “Royal Bibliophile.” Archaeology. Jul/Aug2024, Vol. 77 Issue 4, p40-41. Wilkes, Jonny. “Ashurbanipal 'the Great', the Lion of Assyria.” History Extra. https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-history/who-was-ashurbanipal-lion-assyria-facts/ Wiseman, Donald John. "Ashurbanipal". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 May. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ashurbanipal. Accessed 17 August 2026 Wisnom, Selena. “The Library of Ashurbanipal.” History Today. 4/4/2025. https://www.historytoday.com/archive/feature/library-ashurbanipal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can the books of Jonah and Nahum teach us about the character of God? While Jonah reveals God's extraordinary mercy toward a repentant Nineveh, Nahum shows His justice toward that same city after generations of rebellion. Together, these books give us a fuller picture of the God described in Exodus 34—compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, yet unwilling to leave sin unpunished. In this Bible Study Weekend message, we explore the history and theology of Nahum, its connection to Jonah, and what its message means for us today. God's mercy reaches farther than we expect, and His justice waits longer than we expect—but both are certain. Through Jesus, we see the ultimate truth: mercy triumphs over judgment. We are also celebrating an exciting step for Northeast as our Grinstead Campus prepares to launch at Barrett Traditional Middle School! Learn more at necchurch.org/grinstead. Check out our videos to learn more about us, or visit us at necchurch.org. Follow us on Facebook: @NECChurch Instagram: @northeast.church

Jonah 4 hits like a speed bump we didn't see coming. After the remarkable repentance of Nineveh in chapter three, we expect a celebration — but instead we find a rage-filled prophet shaking his fist at God. Pastor Patrick Austin unpacks the deep heart issue beneath Jonah's anger: Jonah believed that mercy should only be extended to those who are deserving of it. He despised the Ninevites, and rather than rejoicing that God's mercy had reached his greatest enemy, he wished he could die. Like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, Jonah looked at the lost and said, they don't deserve this. But as Pastor Patrick reminds us, God shows mercy to the undeserving — and that includes every one of us. In the second scene of Jonah 4, God teaches Jonah an intentional, hands-on lesson. He appoints a plant to shade Jonah, and Jonah is exceedingly glad — the very same degree of gladness that mirrors his earlier rage. Then God appoints a worm to destroy the plant, and Jonah is devastated. The contrast is striking: Jonah pities a plant more than the people of Nineveh. But God's heart is the opposite. The Hebrew word for "pity" in Jonah 4:11 literally means to have tears in one's eyes, painting a picture of God weeping over the lost state of 120,000 souls. This same heart is seen in Luke 19, when Jesus wept over Jerusalem — broken over people who were missing the very source of life standing right in front of them. Pastor Patrick calls the church to answer the book's final, unanswered question: Should I not pity Nineveh? — and to let that question reshape our hearts. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you. ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613 SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM) CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Given it's one of the most famous stories in the Bible, if not literature, Jonah's story needs little introduction.But most people who know that Jonah is swallowed alive forget that he not only accomplishes his mission, but brings about the largest mass conversion in the Bible.Much of it while absolutely furious!Written and produced by Chas BayfieldMusic by Michael Auld and Jon Hawkins MusicOriginal cover art by Lisa GoffE: contact@whollybuyable.comX: Wholly Buyable Podcast

We build gods we're comfortable with — laid-back about sin, easy to please. Then we open Scripture and meet the real one: holier than we expect, and far more merciful than we deserve. Through the story of Jonah and Nineveh, this message uncovers a God who takes sin seriously enough to warn a violent empire of judgment — and loves deeply enough to forgive it the moment it turns back, no conditions attached. Mercy that isn't earned. Just given.Pastor Schroder's sermon preached at Faith on September 6, 2026Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz

There are moments when God whispers an invitation, and there are moments when He sounds an alarm. “Get a grip” is a call to the Body of Christ to awaken from complacency, draw closer to God, and become firmly established in Him.We are living in significant times, and this is not the season for a casual or comfortable relationship with God. The Lord is calling His people deeper—to know His voice, remain anchored in His truth, strengthen our spiritual foundations, and stand firm regardless of what may be happening around us.Galatians 5:1 tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then…” There is an urgency in those words. Freedom has been given to us, but we must choose where we will stand.Throughout Scripture, God warned and prepared His people before significant moments. Noah continued building when others did not understand. Jonah carried a warning to Nineveh. The prophets repeatedly called God's people back to Him. God's warnings were not given to produce fear—they were expressions of His mercy, calling people to prepare, return, and respond.Get a Grip is that kind of message. It is a challenge to examine where we have become spiritually comfortable, distracted, or complacent and to intentionally strengthen our relationship with the Lord.This is the time to stand firm, draw near, and go deeper.God is calling His people to become rooted, grounded, discerning, and prepared—not afraid of what lies ahead, but confident in the One in whom we stand.A New Level Awaits You!For books, teachings, upcoming events, and additional resources, visit loisflewelling.com.

This is message 7 in the series Jonah Jonah 3:3-9 Faith begins by believing that God means what He says. When people truly believe His Word, that faith produces a genuine response of humility, repentance, and a turning from sin. No one is beyond the reach of God, and no position, power, or past wickedness changes our need to humble ourselves before Him. When God confronts sin, the right response is to believe Him, turn from our own way, and seek His mercy. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

Welcome to Day 2939 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2939– “Grave Warnings for the IN Crowd” – Luke 11:29-36 Putnam Church Message – 08/23/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Grave Warnings for the “IN” Crowd”   Last week, our message was “The Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness,” and we learned that Jesus Christ was sent to reclaim the nations and finalize God's kingdom. Today, we continue with our thirty-fifth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Grave Warnings for the “IN” Crowd.” Our core passage today is Luke 11:29-36, starting on page 1615 of your pew Bibles. The Sign of Jonah 29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here. The Lamp of the Body 33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy,[b] your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” Opening Prayer   Father, we come before You today asking for more than information. We ask for illumination. Shine the light of Your Word into every corner of our hearts. Lord Jesus, protect us from becoming people who stand close to You outwardly / while resisting You inwardly. / Keep us from demanding more evidence when You have already given us more than enough. Expose our pride, our hidden motives, our fears, and our excuses. Holy Spirit, give us clear eyes, humble hearts, and willing spirits. Help us not merely to admire the Light, but to walk in it. In Jesus' name, amen.       Introduction: Being “In” Does Not Mean Being Right By this point in Luke's Gospel, Jesus was no longer an unknown teacher from Galilee. His name was everywhere. John the Baptizer had drawn huge crowds and pointed people toward Him. Jesus had healed the sick, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, fed thousands, commanded storms, raised the dead, forgiven sinners, confronted hypocrisy, and commissioned His followers to carry His message throughout the land. People were talking about Him. / Some loved Him. / Some hated Him. / Some were afraid of Him. / And many were simply watching to see which way things would go. That is human nature, isn't it? / When something becomes popular, people begin asking, “Is this going to succeed?” / When an election approaches, some people wait to see who appears most likely to win. / When a business reorganizes, employees may quietly watch to see which executive is gaining influence. / When a controversy divides a community, some people hesitate to take a position until they know which side will cost them the least. And apparently, many people surrounding Jesus were doing something similar. / They were interested. / They were impressed. / They were curious. / But they were not committed. / They wanted Jesus to prove that following Him would be a safe investment. / Give us another sign. / Give us one more miracle. / Give us enough assurance that we can join Your side without risking too much.  / But Jesus refused to play that game. Last week, in “The Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness,” we saw Jesus draw a sharp line. There is no neutral ground. The Stronger Man has entered the strong man's territory. The Kingdom of God has come near, and everyone must decide where their allegiance lies. Now Jesus takes that truth one step further. / He turns from the obvious darkness around them to the hidden darkness within them. / And that is where this message becomes uncomfortable. Because Jesus' strongest warning is not directed toward people who know nothing about God. / It is directed toward the people standing closest to the revelation. / The “IN” crowd. / The religiously informed. / The culturally familiar. / The people who have seen much, heard much, and know much. And Jesus says, in effect: The greater the light you receive, / the more responsible you are for what you do with it. Let's look at four truths that will help us to understand this passage, which are on your bulletin insert. Main Point 1: Demanding More Proof Can Become an Excuse for Not Believing Luke tells us that as the crowd pressed in around Jesus, He said: “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah.” That sounds almost shocking. / Hadn't Jesus already given signs? / How many signs did they need? He had healed the blind. / He had cleansed lepers. / He had restored crippled bodies. / He had raised the dead. / He had fed thousands. / He had cast out demons. Immediately before this passage, He had delivered a man who could not speak because of demonic oppression. / And some still said, “Show us a sign.” At some point, the problem is no longer a lack of evidence. / The problem is unwillingness to respond to the evidence already given. The Sign of Jonah Jesus says Jonah will be the sign. / Jonah carried two powerful meanings. First, Jonah was a prophet sent by God with a message. / He went to Nineveh and said, essentially, “Judgment is coming. Repent.” / There were no fireworks. / No extended miracle campaign. /No entertainment. Just the Word of God. / And Nineveh responded. Second, as Matthew 12 makes clearer, Jonah's experience in the great fish also points forward to Jesus' death and resurrection. Jonah disappeared into the depths and emerged alive. / Jesus would descend into death and emerge victorious on the third day. The ultimate sign would not be another temporary miracle. / It would be the empty tomb.   Ancient Context: Nineveh Nineveh was not a pleasant little Gentile village. / It was associated with Assyria, one of the most brutal imperial powers of the ancient world. / Assyrian warfare was infamous for cruelty. They terrorized conquered...

“Then Gideon said to God, ‘If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.’ And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water.” (Judges 6:36–38 NLT) One of the crucial benefits in learning to be still is that it gives us the opportunity to become more aware of our circumstances. And that’s important because God often speaks to us through circumstances. This is not to say that we should look for God’s hand in every unexpected encounter, every missed opportunity, and every stray comment someone makes. Sometimes circumstances are just circumstances. But I can tell you this: Although I’m not one to base major life decisions on circumstances alone, I’ve experienced occasions when I sensed that something was the will of God and then found that things fell into place circumstantially. I’ve also experienced times when circumstances have made it obvious that God was saying no to something. A classic example of God graciously confirming His word through circumstances is found in the story of Gideon in Judges 6–8. God called Gideon to lead the Israelites against the Midianites. But Gideon had trouble seeing himself as a great military leader, so he asked God to confirm his calling. God worked through the circumstances of the morning dew to assure Gideon that he was the man for the job (see Judges 6:36–38). Likewise, when the prophet Jonah tried to flee from God because he didn’t want to go to Nineveh, God used a storm at sea and a giant fish to bring his journey to an abrupt halt. Of course, not all biblical examples are quite so dramatic. Acts 8:26–40 tells the story of Philip the Evangelist’s encounter with an Ethiopian official. According to verse 29, “The Holy Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and walk along beside the carriage’” (NLT). Philip followed the Spirit’s prompting and led the Ethiopian official to Christ. He obeyed the Spirit’s prompting and recognized the opportunity God had placed before him. Two thousand years later, God still works through circumstances involving other people. For example, there have been times when I was listening to someone preach or was talking with a friend and suddenly realized that what the person was saying addressed a situation I was going through, even though the person was completely unaware of my circumstances. Those occasions made me realize that it was God Himself who was speaking to me through those individuals. Maybe God has spoken to you through a pastor or a Christian friend. Or perhaps He has been speaking to you through circumstances. If so, pay attention. You’ll be glad you did. Reflection question: How has God guided you through circumstances in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.