Grace that Transforms | 9:30 am | Michael Gossett

[music] [music] Good morning, church family, and welcome Good morning, church family, and welcome Good morning, church family, and welcome to Greenacres. We're so glad that you to Greenacres. We're so glad that you to Greenacres. We're so glad that you chose to worship with us, whether you're chose to worship with us, whether you're chose to worship with us, whether you're in person or online. If this is your in person or online. If this is your in person or online. If this is your first time, or you've been coming for a first time, or you've been coming for a first time, or you've been coming for a little bit and haven't gotten connected, little bit and haven't gotten connected, little bit and haven't gotten connected, we would love to meet you and chat with we would love to meet you and chat with we would love to meet you and chat with you. Please do us a favor of texting the you. Please do us a favor of texting the you. Please do us a favor of texting the word connect to 903-5251100 word connect to 903-5251100 word connect to 903-5251100 so that one of our staff members can so that one of our staff members can so that one of our staff members can answer any questions you have and pray answer any questions you have and pray answer any questions you have and pray for any prayer needs that you have. for any prayer needs that you have. for any prayer needs that you have. Now listen, as we are headed into Now listen, as we are headed into Now listen, as we are headed into summer, I want to ask you as a church summer, I want to ask you as a church summer, I want to ask you as a church family to pray for a few things. Our family to pray for a few things. Our family to pray for a few things. Our high school beach camp leaves today. Be high school beach camp leaves today. Be high school beach camp leaves today. Be praying for those high school students praying for those high school students praying for those high school students as they study God's word together. We as they study God's word together. We as they study God's word together. We also have our middle school creek camp also have our middle school creek camp also have our middle school creek camp coming up later this summer and then our coming up later this summer and then our coming up later this summer and then our kids camp. So, please join us in praying kids camp. So, please join us in praying kids camp. So, please join us in praying for these camps as we pour into the next for these camps as we pour into the next for these camps as we pour into the next generation and seek to deepen their generation and seek to deepen their generation and seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Also, be relationship with Jesus. Also, be relationship with Jesus. Also, be praying for the many mission trips going praying for the many mission trips going praying for the many mission trips going out across the world this summer. Thank out across the world this summer. Thank out across the world this summer. Thank you for choosing to pray with us. Now, you for choosing to pray with us. Now, you for choosing to pray with us. Now, while we're talking about Creek Camp, we while we're talking about Creek Camp, we while we're talking about Creek Camp, we still have a few spots available, so still have a few spots available, so still have a few spots available, so make sure you visit jbc.org to get all make sure you visit jbc.org to get all make sure you visit jbc.org to get all of those details.

of those details. of those details. [music] And then coming up in a few weeks, we And then coming up in a few weeks, we have our Celebrate Freedom event on June have our Celebrate Freedom event on June have our Celebrate Freedom event on June 28th. Here's Courtney Newsome to tell 28th. Here's Courtney Newsome to tell 28th. Here's Courtney Newsome to tell you more. Hey church, Courtney Newsome you more. Hey church, Courtney Newsome you more. Hey church, Courtney Newsome here, and I'm excited to invite Red, here, and I'm excited to invite Red, here, and I'm excited to invite Red, White, and You to Celebrate Freedom here White, and You to Celebrate Freedom here White, and You to Celebrate Freedom here on the Tyler campus on June 28th at 8:30 on the Tyler campus on June 28th at 8:30 on the Tyler campus on June 28th at 8:30 p.m. We're going to have food trucks, p.m. We're going to have food trucks, p.m. We're going to have food trucks, family activities, family games, and family activities, family games, and family activities, family games, and we're going to cap off the night with we're going to cap off the night with we're going to cap off the night with the drone show. So, be sure to bring a the drone show. So, be sure to bring a the drone show. So, be sure to bring a blanket, bring a chair, grab [music] a blanket, bring a chair, grab [music] a blanket, bring a chair, grab [music] a friend, invite your family, and come on friend, invite your family, and come on friend, invite your family, and come on out Sunday, June 28th at 8:30 p.m. We out Sunday, June 28th at 8:30 p.m. We out Sunday, June 28th at 8:30 p.m. We hope to see you there. hope to see you there. hope to see you there. Thanks again for choosing to worship Thanks again for choosing to worship Thanks again for choosing to worship with us this morning. If you're online, with us this morning. If you're online, with us this morning. If you're online, make sure you leave a comment as you make sure you leave a comment as you make sure you leave a comment as you follow along with the service. If you're follow along with the service. If you're follow along with the service. If you're in the room, make sure to say hello to in the room, make sure to say hello to in the room, make sure to say hello to someone around you. And we're going to someone around you. And we're going to someone around you. And we're going to get started soon.

>> Well, good morning church family. >> Well, good morning church family. Welcome to the house of the Lord this Welcome to the house of the Lord this Welcome to the house of the Lord this morning. Would you stand to your feet? morning. Would you stand to your feet? morning. Would you stand to your feet? We [music] have a God this morning who We [music] have a God this morning who We [music] have a God this morning who is worthy of all worship. The one who is worthy of all worship. The one who is worthy of all worship. The one who created us and all of the world and created us and all of the world and created us and all of the world and everything in it. He's holy. Holy, holy, everything in it. He's holy. Holy, holy, everything in it. He's holy. Holy, holy, holy. And we sing to him this morning. holy. And we sing to him this morning. holy. And we sing to him this morning. Let's join our voices together as we Let's join our voices together as we Let's join our voices together as we sing. Come on. [music] sing. Come on. [music] sing. Come on. [music] This is where worship starts This is where worship starts This is where worship starts here in [music] the temple of my heart. here in [music] the temple of my heart. here in [music] the temple of my heart. Remembering who you are and all you've Remembering who you are and all you've Remembering who you are and all you've [music] done. And this is your majesty. And this is your majesty. Oh, I have tasted [music] and I've seen Oh, I have tasted [music] and I've seen Oh, I have tasted [music] and I've seen remembering who you are. remembering who you are. remembering who you are. And once again, come on, sing it out. I And once again, come on, sing it out. I And once again, come on, sing it out. I see the [music] Lord see the [music] Lord see the [music] Lord forever glorified, [singing] forever glorified, [singing] forever glorified, [singing] exalted and lifted high, [music] and all of your kingdom [singing] in and all of your kingdom [singing] in Christ. You are Christ. You are Christ. You are You [music] are the Lord.

You [music] are the Lord. You [music] are the Lord. You are the Lord. Keep [music] calling deep inside of me. Keep [music] calling deep inside of me. Right where I'm meant to be. [music] Right where I'm meant to be. [music] Right where I'm meant to be. [music] Here with you. And this is your [music] family And this is your [music] family stretching as far as I [music] can see. stretching as far as I [music] can see. stretching as far as I [music] can see. Right where I meant to be. Right where I meant to be. Right where I meant to be. And [music] once again I see the Lord [music] I see the Lord [music] forever glorified forever glorified forever glorified exalted [music] exalted [music] exalted [music] and lifted high and lifted high and lifted high and all of your kingdom in Christ. You and all of your kingdom in Christ. You and all of your kingdom in Christ. You are are are you are [music] the Lord you are [music] the Lord you are [music] the Lord seated upon your throne. [music] You're seated upon your throne. [music] You're seated upon your throne. [music] You're the God who is three in one.

the God who is three in one. the God who is three in one. [music] The Father, the Spirit, the Son. [music] The Father, the Spirit, the Son. [music] The Father, the Spirit, the Son. You are [music] You are the Lord. You are [music] You are the Lord. You are [music] You are the Lord. You are Lord. You [music] are the Lord. You [music] are the Lord. Holy. Holy. Holy. [music] You are. [music] You are. [music] You are. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. Worthy Worthy Worthy you are. [music] you are. [music] you are. [music] You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. Holy [music] you are. you are. You are the Lord. [music] You are the Lord. [music] You are the Lord. [music] You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. [music] And I see the Lord [music] And I see the Lord [music] And I see the Lord forever glorified. [music] forever glorified. [music] forever glorified. [music] You're exalted and lifted high You're exalted and lifted high You're exalted and lifted high and full of [music] your kingdom in and full of [music] your kingdom in and full of [music] your kingdom in Christ. You are.

Christ. You are. Christ. You are. You are [music] the Lord. You are [music] the Lord. You are [music] the Lord. Seated upon the throne. Seated upon the throne. Seated upon the throne. You're the [music] God who is three in You're the [music] God who is three in You're the [music] God who is three in one. one. one. The Father, the Spirit, the Son. You are The Father, the Spirit, the Son. You are The Father, the Spirit, the Son. You are You [music] are the Lord. You [music] are the Lord. You [music] are the Lord. Holy Holy Holy [music] [music] [music] you are. you are. you are. You are the Lord. You are worthy. You are the Lord. You are worthy. You are the Lord. You are worthy. [music] [music] [music] You are. You are. You are. You are the Lord. Amen. He's worthy of praise today. We Amen. He's worthy of praise today. We rejoice in his name for all that [music] rejoice in his name for all that [music] rejoice in his name for all that [music] he's done, all that he's promised us, he's done, all that he's promised us, he's done, all that he's promised us, and for who he is this morning. We and for who he is this morning. We and for who he is this morning. We rejoice in him. Singjord [music] now and [music] now and sing it again we rejoice. sing it again we rejoice. sing it again we rejoice. Delight in [music and singing] the love Delight in [music and singing] the love Delight in [music and singing] the love he has shown us. Gratefully lift up your he has shown us. Gratefully lift up your he has shown us. Gratefully lift up your voice. His gentness [music and singing] voice. His gentness [music and singing] voice. His gentness [music and singing] above us. Join our hearts with praise.

above us. Join our hearts with praise. above us. Join our hearts with praise. [music] We gather in his [singing] [music] We gather in his [singing] [music] We gather in his [singing] goodness. goodness. goodness. Family [music] of grace with each breath Family [music] of grace with each breath Family [music] of grace with each breath we give it. [music] we give it. [music] we give it. [music] Praise the Lord in these times we live Praise the Lord in these times we live Praise the Lord in these times we live in. We will praise the [music] Lord in. We will praise the [music] Lord in. We will praise the [music] Lord throughout every throughout every throughout every season. season. season. I [music] I [music] I [music] am sure we have every am sure we have every am sure we have every reason to praise [music] reason to praise [music] reason to praise [music] the Lord. me. [music] Come with a song of me. [music] Come with a song of thanksgiving. thanksgiving. thanksgiving. Lay your request [music] Lay your request [music] Lay your request [music] at his feet. at his feet. at his feet. His peace will fall upon His peace will fall upon His peace will fall upon [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] to guard our hearts and minds.

to guard our hearts and minds. to guard our hearts and minds. In Christ to [music] raise eternal, In Christ to [music] raise eternal, In Christ to [music] raise eternal, the shepherd of our lives [singing] the shepherd of our lives [singing] the shepherd of our lives [singing] with his bre. [music] Praise the Lord in these times we Praise the Lord in these times we [music] live in. We will praise the Lord [music] live in. We will praise the Lord [music] live in. We will praise the Lord throughout every throughout every throughout every season. season. season. I am sure [music] I am sure [music] I am sure [music] we have every we have every we have every reason to praise the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> and praise your name. [music] [music] Rejoice in the Lord now and always. Rejoice in the Lord now and always. Rejoice in the Lord now and always. Tell of [music and singing] the good he Tell of [music and singing] the good he Tell of [music and singing] the good he has done. has done. has done. Worship the Lord to remember Worship the Lord to remember Worship the Lord to remember [music] all of the joy yet to come.

[music] all of the joy yet to come. [music] all of the joy yet to come. The hope that burns to fear [music] us. The hope that burns to fear [music] us. The hope that burns to fear [music] us. Dark and night Dark and night Dark and night with [music] praise that's never ending. with [music] praise that's never ending. with [music] praise that's never ending. We say rejoice with each breath he's gi. We say rejoice with each breath he's gi. We say rejoice with each breath he's gi. [music] [music] [music] Praise the Lord in these times we Praise the Lord in these times we Praise the Lord in these times we [music] live in. We will praise the Lord [music] live in. We will praise the Lord [music] live in. We will praise the Lord [music] through every [music] through every [music] through every season. season. season. I am [music] sure we have every I am [music] sure we have every I am [music] sure we have every reason to praise [music] reason to praise [music] reason to praise [music] the Lord. We have every [music] reason the Lord. We have every [music] reason the Lord. We have every [music] reason to praise the Lord. Oh, we [music] praise your name. We Oh, we [music] praise your name. We praise his name. praise his name. praise his name. [music] Amen. Church, are you glad to be in the Amen. Church, are you glad to be in the house of Almighty God this morning?

house of Almighty God this morning? house of Almighty God this morning? Amen. You can have a seat. Amen. You can have a seat. Amen. You can have a seat. >> All right, let's go. Good morning, >> All right, let's go. Good morning, >> All right, let's go. Good morning, church. Good morning, balcony. church. Good morning, balcony. church. Good morning, balcony. Okay, thank you. I hear you. Uh, it's Okay, thank you. I hear you. Uh, it's Okay, thank you. I hear you. Uh, it's good to see you. Thanks for being here good to see you. Thanks for being here good to see you. Thanks for being here this morning. It will be a blessing to this morning. It will be a blessing to this morning. It will be a blessing to you. Uh, for those of you watching at you. Uh, for those of you watching at you. Uh, for those of you watching at home or wherever you are, we sure hope home or wherever you are, we sure hope home or wherever you are, we sure hope that someday uh real soon that you'll be that someday uh real soon that you'll be that someday uh real soon that you'll be in this room. we can shake your hand and in this room. we can shake your hand and in this room. we can shake your hand and hug your neck if you believe uh you are hug your neck if you believe uh you are hug your neck if you believe uh you are just here kicking the tires. God has a just here kicking the tires. God has a just here kicking the tires. God has a purpose for you to be in this room or purpose for you to be in this room or purpose for you to be in this room or watching online. But if you consider watching online. But if you consider watching online. But if you consider yourself a guest, we want to get to know yourself a guest, we want to get to know yourself a guest, we want to get to know you. And so simply take your phone and you. And so simply take your phone and you. And so simply take your phone and text the word connect to 9035251100. text the word connect to 9035251100. text the word connect to 9035251100. Follow the prompts as we say, let us get Follow the prompts as we say, let us get Follow the prompts as we say, let us get to know you as you're getting to know to know you as you're getting to know to know you as you're getting to know us. You can use that very same phone us. You can use that very same phone us. You can use that very same phone number. Uh you can text the word uh number. Uh you can text the word uh number. Uh you can text the word uh give. You can also to give of course give. You can also to give of course give. You can also to give of course follow the prompts and you can text the follow the prompts and you can text the follow the prompts and you can text the word uh pray and um uh we will uh pray word uh pray and um uh we will uh pray word uh pray and um uh we will uh pray for whatever you share. We got a for whatever you share. We got a for whatever you share. We got a dedicated team of we call them prayer dedicated team of we call them prayer dedicated team of we call them prayer warriors and they're going to pray for warriors and they're going to pray for warriors and they're going to pray for what you share. Okay. All right. Well, what you share. Okay. All right. Well, what you share. Okay. All right. Well, there's a few things I want to make you there's a few things I want to make you there's a few things I want to make you aware of right now. our high school aware of right now. our high school aware of right now. our high school students and a bunch of volunteers are students and a bunch of volunteers are students and a bunch of volunteers are uh getting ready and some of them uh getting ready and some of them uh getting ready and some of them already left but they're doing our beach already left but they're doing our beach already left but they're doing our beach camp and camp is a very very special camp and camp is a very very special camp and camp is a very very special time. We want to be in prayer for that.

time. We want to be in prayer for that. time. We want to be in prayer for that. If you're a part of Wednesday night um If you're a part of Wednesday night um If you're a part of Wednesday night um last Wednesday we prayed for students by last Wednesday we prayed for students by last Wednesday we prayed for students by name and some of you still have those name and some of you still have those name and some of you still have those cards. Please keep praying. I know that cards. Please keep praying. I know that cards. Please keep praying. I know that beach camp, any kind of camp, when you beach camp, any kind of camp, when you beach camp, any kind of camp, when you take a student and you surround him with take a student and you surround him with take a student and you surround him with the love of Jesus, with dedicated adults the love of Jesus, with dedicated adults the love of Jesus, with dedicated adults and with God's word, God does some and with God's word, God does some and with God's word, God does some pretty special things. And so, we want pretty special things. And so, we want pretty special things. And so, we want to keep praying this week. I mentioned to keep praying this week. I mentioned to keep praying this week. I mentioned our Wednesday night prayer gathering in our Wednesday night prayer gathering in our Wednesday night prayer gathering in this room at 6:00. Listen, it is a great this room at 6:00. Listen, it is a great this room at 6:00. Listen, it is a great opportunity for you to come and to opportunity for you to come and to opportunity for you to come and to recharge, to reconnect. We do not make recharge, to reconnect. We do not make recharge, to reconnect. We do not make anybody pray out loud if they don't want anybody pray out loud if they don't want anybody pray out loud if they don't want to. And uh we want to make sure this is to. And uh we want to make sure this is to. And uh we want to make sure this is a place that you can come and be a place that you can come and be a place that you can come and be encouraged in your faith. Wednesday encouraged in your faith. Wednesday encouraged in your faith. Wednesday night, 6 pm in this room. If you've not night, 6 pm in this room. If you've not night, 6 pm in this room. If you've not been, ask someone who has. I think been, ask someone who has. I think been, ask someone who has. I think you'll be uh you'll be pretty excited you'll be uh you'll be pretty excited you'll be uh you'll be pretty excited about coming. Um hey, listen. There's about coming. Um hey, listen. There's about coming. Um hey, listen. There's some things coming up. We know that next some things coming up. We know that next some things coming up. We know that next Sunday is Father's Day. We know that, Sunday is Father's Day. We know that, Sunday is Father's Day. We know that, right? The Sunday after June the 28th on right? The Sunday after June the 28th on right? The Sunday after June the 28th on our parking lot, we're having celebrate our parking lot, we're having celebrate our parking lot, we're having celebrate freedom and there's a drone show and freedom and there's a drone show and freedom and there's a drone show and food trucks. It's the perfect food trucks. It's the perfect food trucks. It's the perfect opportunity for you to bring someone opportunity for you to bring someone opportunity for you to bring someone with you um and just have them a great with you um and just have them a great with you um and just have them a great give them a great time of fellowship, give them a great time of fellowship, give them a great time of fellowship, surround them with people that love surround them with people that love surround them with people that love them. We'll celebrate our 250th them. We'll celebrate our 250th them. We'll celebrate our 250th birthday as a nation. So, you make sure birthday as a nation. So, you make sure birthday as a nation. So, you make sure and be a part of celebrate freedom.

and be a part of celebrate freedom. and be a part of celebrate freedom. Great opportunity. It's a free event. I Great opportunity. It's a free event. I Great opportunity. It's a free event. I think you got to buy some food or think you got to buy some food or think you got to buy some food or whatever, but you come and and enjoy it. whatever, but you come and and enjoy it. whatever, but you come and and enjoy it. Um, a lot of times what we do is we Um, a lot of times what we do is we Um, a lot of times what we do is we spend time and uh we get you to pray for spend time and uh we get you to pray for spend time and uh we get you to pray for certain things. I want to do something a certain things. I want to do something a certain things. I want to do something a little different this morning and I little different this morning and I little different this morning and I simply want a voice of prayer. It's in simply want a voice of prayer. It's in simply want a voice of prayer. It's in the New Testaments in Ephesians 3 where the New Testaments in Ephesians 3 where the New Testaments in Ephesians 3 where Paul Paul Paul prays over a group of believers. And so prays over a group of believers. And so prays over a group of believers. And so if you'd bow your heads and close your if you'd bow your heads and close your if you'd bow your heads and close your eyes, I want to pray and then our ushers eyes, I want to pray and then our ushers eyes, I want to pray and then our ushers will come forward to collect the will come forward to collect the will come forward to collect the offering. But I will pray these words offering. But I will pray these words offering. But I will pray these words over you. This in Ephesians 3. over you. This in Ephesians 3. over you. This in Ephesians 3. For this reason, I kneel before the For this reason, I kneel before the For this reason, I kneel before the Father from whom every family member in Father from whom every family member in Father from whom every family member in heaven and on earth is named. heaven and on earth is named. heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you according I pray that he may grant you according I pray that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be to the riches of his glory to be to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power in your inner strengthened with power in your inner strengthened with power in your inner being through the spirit and that Christ being through the spirit and that Christ being through the spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. may dwell in your hearts through faith. may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you being rooted and firmly I pray that you being rooted and firmly I pray that you being rooted and firmly established in love may be able to established in love may be able to established in love may be able to comprehend all the saints with all the comprehend all the saints with all the comprehend all the saints with all the saints what is the length and width and saints what is the length and width and saints what is the length and width and height and depth of God's love and to height and depth of God's love and to height and depth of God's love and to know Christ's love that surpasses know Christ's love that surpasses know Christ's love that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with knowledge so that you may be filled with knowledge so that you may be filled with the fullness of God. Heavenly Father, the fullness of God. Heavenly Father, the fullness of God. Heavenly Father, thank you for those words from your thank you for those words from your thank you for those words from your word.

word. word. Father, we do pray that everyone in this Father, we do pray that everyone in this Father, we do pray that everyone in this room would experience the joy of their room would experience the joy of their room would experience the joy of their salvation. salvation. salvation. We pray, Father, that everyone in this We pray, Father, that everyone in this We pray, Father, that everyone in this room might experience your presence and room might experience your presence and room might experience your presence and your love your love your love and be filled with your fullness. and be filled with your fullness. and be filled with your fullness. Father, we do not want to be a people Father, we do not want to be a people Father, we do not want to be a people who simply follow a religion, follow a who simply follow a religion, follow a who simply follow a religion, follow a savior. savior. savior. So, Father, move in our lives today. So, Father, move in our lives today. So, Father, move in our lives today. Let this not just be another summer Let this not just be another summer Let this not just be another summer Sunday where we come and we check a Sunday where we come and we check a Sunday where we come and we check a mark, we ring a bell, we go on about our mark, we ring a bell, we go on about our mark, we ring a bell, we go on about our lives, but maybe today lives, but maybe today lives, but maybe today might be something different. Take these might be something different. Take these might be something different. Take these gifts, these offerings, gifts, these offerings, gifts, these offerings, make them go to your glory and to your make them go to your glory and to your make them go to your glory and to your honor. Give us generous hearts. honor. Give us generous hearts. honor. Give us generous hearts. We pray those things in Jesus name. And We pray those things in Jesus name. And We pray those things in Jesus name. And all the people said, I have seen my [music] father's glory I have seen my [music] father's glory revealed in Jesus [singing] revealed in Jesus [singing] revealed in Jesus [singing] Christ.

Christ. Christ. And the [music] more that I behold him, And the [music] more that I behold him, And the [music] more that I behold him, the more he [singing] satisfies the more he [singing] satisfies the more he [singing] satisfies when I gaze upon his beauty when I when I gaze upon his beauty when I when I gaze upon his beauty when I [music] see him as I should. Then my [music] see him as I should. Then my [music] see him as I should. Then my eyes are lifted upward for his glory and eyes are lifted upward for his glory and eyes are lifted upward for his glory and my good. [singing] my good. [singing] my good. [singing] >> Church family, can we stand and sing >> Church family, can we stand and sing >> Church family, can we stand and sing [music] this morning of his glory? [music] this morning of his glory? [music] this morning of his glory? There is hope in every [music] trial. There is hope in every [music] trial. There is hope in every [music] trial. For I can trust the [singing] Lord. For I can trust the [singing] Lord. For I can trust the [singing] Lord. He will [music] turn my heart towards He will [music] turn my heart towards He will [music] turn my heart towards him and help me bear the thorn. him and help me bear the thorn. him and help me bear the thorn. So in faith I follow [music and singing] So in faith I follow [music and singing] So in faith I follow [music and singing] Jesus Jesus Jesus on the road not unerstood. on the road not unerstood. on the road not unerstood. For I know that he [music] is working For I know that he [music] is working For I know that he [music] is working for his glory [singing] and my good. >> [music] >> [music] >> To our God be the glory. [singing] To >> To our God be the glory. [singing] To >> To our God be the glory. [singing] To our God [music] be praised. He alone.

our God [music] be praised. He alone. our God [music] be praised. He alone. The name [music] above all [singing] The name [music] above all [singing] The name [music] above all [singing] names. names. names. I will [music] boast ever only in the I will [music] boast ever only in the I will [music] boast ever only in the Lord my [music and singing] God. For I Lord my [music and singing] God. For I Lord my [music and singing] God. For I know his glory is mine. I know [music] [music] the opening arms of Jesus the opening arms of Jesus the opening arms of Jesus upon the cross that day. [music] upon the cross that day. [music] upon the cross that day. [music] What they understood as weakness What they understood as weakness What they understood as weakness deserves my every [music and singing] deserves my every [music and singing] deserves my every [music and singing] praise for the charge that was against praise for the charge that was against praise for the charge that was against me. It was [music] nailed into the one. me. It was [music] nailed into the one. me. It was [music] nailed into the one. Yes, I know that he has saved me for his Yes, I know that he has saved me for his Yes, I know that he has saved me for his glory and my good. glory and my good. glory and my good. [music] To our God be the glory. To our [music] To our God be the glory. To our [music] To our God be the glory. To our [music] God, we praise thee alone.

[music] God, we praise thee alone. [music] God, we praise thee alone. The name above all names. The name above all names. The name above all names. [music] [music] [music] I will most ever only in the Lord my I will most ever only in the Lord my I will most ever only in the Lord my [music and singing] God. For I know his [music and singing] God. For I know his [music and singing] God. For I know his glory is my God. glory is my God. glory is my God. [music] [music] [music] I [singing] gladly be made nothing I [singing] gladly be made nothing I [singing] gladly be made nothing that Christ [music] would be made more? that Christ [music] would be made more? that Christ [music] would be made more? Would I seek [singing] the only kingom Would I seek [singing] the only kingom Would I seek [singing] the only kingom that far outweighs them all? that far outweighs them all? that far outweighs them all? I will stand before [music] my father I will stand before [music] my father I will stand before [music] my father where the faithful [singing] saints have where the faithful [singing] saints have where the faithful [singing] saints have stood. And [music] with joy my heart stood. And [music] with joy my heart stood. And [music] with joy my heart shall praise him for his glory and my shall praise him for his glory and my shall praise him for his glory and my good. [music and singing] good. [music and singing] good. [music and singing] And with joy my heart shall praise him And with joy my heart shall praise him And with joy my heart shall praise him for his glory and my good.

for his glory and my good. for his glory and my good. [music] To our [music] God be the glory. To our To our [music] God be the glory. To our God we praise. be alone. [music] God we praise. be alone. [music] God we praise. be alone. [music] The name above all names. The name above all names. The name above all names. [music] I will boast ever only in the [music] I will boast ever only in the [music] I will boast ever only in the Lord [music] my God for I know we say Lord [music] my God for I know we say Lord [music] my God for I know we say his glory is God his glory is God his glory is God [music] [music] [music] to our God. Be the glory [music] to our to our God. Be the glory [music] to our to our God. Be the glory [music] to our God. He praise me alone. God. He praise me alone. God. He praise me alone. The name [music] of all I will ever I will ever in the [music] Lord my God. For I know in the [music] Lord my God. For I know in the [music] Lord my God. For I know his glory is my good.

his glory is my good. his glory is my good. Yes, I [music] know his glory [singing] Yes, I [music] know his glory [singing] Yes, I [music] know his glory [singing] is my God. Oh, you glorious [music] Oh, you glorious [music] my God. my God. my God. We worship you, Lord. We worship you, Lord. We worship you, Lord. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord, we build our lives upon you. we build our lives upon you. we build our lives upon you. We just sing this out, church family, We just sing this out, church family, We just sing this out, church family, this morning. this morning. this morning. and I will build [music] and I will build [music] and I will build [music] my life upon my life upon my life upon your love. It [music] is a firm your love. It [music] is a firm your love. It [music] is a firm foundation [singing] foundation [singing] foundation [singing] and I will put my trust in [music] you and I will put my trust in [music] you and I will put my trust in [music] you alone [singing] alone [singing] alone [singing] and I [music] will not. We sing it and I [music] will not. We sing it and I [music] will not. We sing it again. I will build. And I will again. I will build. And I will again. I will build. And I will [music and singing] build my Yes, I [music and singing] build my Yes, I [music and singing] build my Yes, I will.

will. will. Upon [music and singing] your we are Upon [music and singing] your we are Upon [music and singing] your we are sure. It is a firm [singing] foundation. sure. It is a firm [singing] foundation. sure. It is a firm [singing] foundation. [music] [music] [music] And I will put my trust in you And I will put my trust in you And I will put my trust in you [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] alone. alone. alone. and I will not [singing] be [music] and I will not [singing] be [music] and I will not [singing] be [music] shen. There is no other name under heaven by There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. His great love which we can be saved. His great love which we can be saved. His great love this morning is the reason we sing back this morning is the reason we sing back this morning is the reason we sing back to him. Let's sing together. Come on. to him. Let's sing together. Come on. to him. Let's sing together. Come on. He's worthy [music] of every song we He's worthy [music] of every song we He's worthy [music] of every song we could ever sing. could ever sing. could ever sing. [music] [music] [music] And worthy of all the praise we could And worthy of all the praise we could And worthy of all the praise we could ever breathe. [music] ever breathe. [music] ever breathe. [music] And worthy of every breath we could ever And worthy of every breath we could ever And worthy of every breath we could ever breathe. We live for you. breathe. We live for you. breathe. We live for you. Oh, we live for you. We sing Jesus.

Oh, we live for you. We sing Jesus. Oh, we live for you. We sing Jesus. [music] Oh Jesus, the name above [music] Oh Jesus, the name above [music] every other name. The only one. every other name. The only one. every other name. The only one. Jesus, [music] the only one who could Jesus, [music] the only one who could Jesus, [music] the only one who could ever save. ever save. ever save. [music] [music] [music] He's worthy of every breath we could He's worthy of every breath we could He's worthy of every breath we could ever breathe. We live for [music] you. ever breathe. We live for [music] you. ever breathe. We live for [music] you. Oh, we live for you. Every voice we Oh, we live for you. Every voice we Oh, we live for you. Every voice we [music] sing, holy, oh, you are holy. [music] sing, holy, oh, you are holy. [music] sing, holy, oh, you are holy. There [music] is no one like you. There There [music] is no one like you. There There [music] is no one like you. There is none beside [music] you. Open is none beside [music] you. Open is none beside [music] you. Open [singing] [singing] [singing] up my eyes in wonder and show up my eyes in wonder and show up my eyes in wonder and show [music and singing] me who you are and [music and singing] me who you are and [music and singing] me who you are and fill me with your [singing] heart and fill me with your [singing] heart and fill me with your [singing] heart and lead me in your [music] love to those lead me in your [music] love to those lead me in your [music] love to those around me. around me. around me. Oh, [music] we sing his name. Sing the Oh, [music] we sing his name. Sing the Oh, [music] we sing his name. Sing the name of Jesus today. [music] name of Jesus today. [music] name of Jesus today. [music] Oh Jesus, the name above every other Oh Jesus, the name above every other Oh Jesus, the name above every other name. Only one name.

name. Only one name. name. Only one name. Jesus [music] the only one who could Jesus [music] the only one who could Jesus [music] the only one who could ever say. ever say. ever say. He is worthy of every breath we could He is worthy of every breath we could He is worthy of every breath we could ever breathe. [music] We live for you. ever breathe. [music] We live for you. ever breathe. [music] We live for you. Oh yes, we live for you. You are holy, Oh yes, we live for you. You are holy, Oh yes, we live for you. You are holy, holy. holy. holy. There is [music] no one like you. There There is [music] no one like you. There There is [music] no one like you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes in is none beside you. Open up my eyes in is none beside you. Open up my eyes in [music] wonder. [music] wonder. [music] wonder. Show me who you are and fill me. Fill me Show me who you are and fill me. Fill me Show me who you are and fill me. Fill me with your heart [music] and lead me in with your heart [music] and lead me in with your heart [music] and lead me in your love to those around me. your love to those around me. your love to those around me. For we build [music] our life. I will For we build [music] our life. I will For we build [music] our life. I will build my life upon [singing] your love. build my life upon [singing] your love. build my life upon [singing] your love. It is [music] a firm hallelujah.

It is [music] a firm hallelujah. It is [music] a firm hallelujah. And I will put [singing] my trust And I will put [singing] my trust And I will put [singing] my trust [music] [music] [music] in you alone. in you alone. in you alone. And we [music] declare that this morning And we [music] declare that this morning And we [music] declare that this morning church family and I will [music] build my life and I will [music] build my life upon your [music] love. upon your [music] love. upon your [music] love. Come on. We sing. I will put my [music] trust in you I will put my [music] trust in you and [music] I and [music] I and [music] I say you are holy. [music] There is no say you are holy. [music] There is no say you are holy. [music] There is no one like you. There is none beside you. one like you. There is none beside you. one like you. There is none beside you. Open [music] up my [singing] eyes. >> [music] >> Show me who you are. And fill me with >> Show me who you are. And fill me with >> Show me who you are. And fill me with your heart. And [music] lead me in your your heart. And [music] lead me in your your heart. And [music] lead me in your love to those around me.

love to those around me. love to those around me. [music] Father, we worship you in spirit and in Father, we worship you in spirit and in truth today. And that's our prayer truth today. And that's our prayer truth today. And that's our prayer today, Lord. That we would remember that today, Lord. That we would remember that today, Lord. That we would remember that we are built upon your love. That is the we are built upon your love. That is the we are built upon your love. That is the firm foundation upon which we stand firm foundation upon which we stand firm foundation upon which we stand today, Lord. It's not financial today, Lord. It's not financial today, Lord. It's not financial security. It's not even family security. It's not even family security. It's not even family stability. stability. stability. It's the love of Jesus Christ, Lord, It's the love of Jesus Christ, Lord, It's the love of Jesus Christ, Lord, that we stand on today and every promise that we stand on today and every promise that we stand on today and every promise that you have spoken to us through your that you have spoken to us through your that you have spoken to us through your word. word. word. So Lord, we worship you in confidence So Lord, we worship you in confidence So Lord, we worship you in confidence today. We boldly approach your throne as today. We boldly approach your throne as today. We boldly approach your throne as Hebrews says and worship you in spirit Hebrews says and worship you in spirit Hebrews says and worship you in spirit and in truth. Lord, we are eager to hear and in truth. Lord, we are eager to hear and in truth. Lord, we are eager to hear from you this morning from your very from you this morning from your very from you this morning from your very word that you have spoken to us. Would word that you have spoken to us. Would word that you have spoken to us. Would you cause us to have open ears, open you cause us to have open ears, open you cause us to have open ears, open hearts because Lord, there is truly no hearts because Lord, there is truly no hearts because Lord, there is truly no one like you in all the earth. We one like you in all the earth. We one like you in all the earth. We worship you today with our whole being. worship you today with our whole being. worship you today with our whole being. Be glorified Jesus in the power of the Be glorified Jesus in the power of the Be glorified Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of the father. Holy Spirit to the glory of the father. Holy Spirit to the glory of the father. We pray these things in Jesus name. We pray these things in Jesus name. We pray these things in Jesus name. Everybody said, "Amen." You may be Everybody said, "Amen." You may be Everybody said, "Amen." You may be seated.

Well, good morning. I uh was thinking Well, good morning. I uh was thinking about this Jonah chapter 3 obviously all about this Jonah chapter 3 obviously all about this Jonah chapter 3 obviously all week and uh praying through it and just week and uh praying through it and just week and uh praying through it and just uh getting you know elbow deep into the uh getting you know elbow deep into the uh getting you know elbow deep into the text and and I keep coming back to this text and and I keep coming back to this text and and I keep coming back to this reality of of human nature reality of of human nature reality of of human nature and the reality that you and I face so and the reality that you and I face so and the reality that you and I face so often is uh this desire for change that often is uh this desire for change that often is uh this desire for change that everybody has everybody has everybody has uh but then the skepticism uh but then the skepticism uh but then the skepticism that real change can actually take that real change can actually take that real change can actually take place. And so when I say that we have a place. And so when I say that we have a place. And so when I say that we have a desire for change, I'm talking about the desire for change, I'm talking about the desire for change, I'm talking about the change that you want, right? I mean, we change that you want, right? I mean, we change that you want, right? I mean, we don't want change that other people give don't want change that other people give don't want change that other people give to us, but but we want certain changes to us, but but we want certain changes to us, but but we want certain changes and we want to see change in certain and we want to see change in certain and we want to see change in certain matters and in certain ways and uh even matters and in certain ways and uh even matters and in certain ways and uh even like politically across the landscape. like politically across the landscape. like politically across the landscape. We want to see change. We want to see We want to see change. We want to see We want to see change. We want to see good stuff happening and and we want to good stuff happening and and we want to good stuff happening and and we want to get rid of any of the bad stuff. I mean, get rid of any of the bad stuff. I mean, get rid of any of the bad stuff. I mean, that would require change. And we want that would require change. And we want that would require change. And we want to see change uh spiritually across our to see change uh spiritually across our to see change uh spiritually across our nation. I mean, we want to see uh nation. I mean, we want to see uh nation. I mean, we want to see uh revival to sweep through across our revival to sweep through across our revival to sweep through across our nation. We want to see it in the city of nation. We want to see it in the city of nation. We want to see it in the city of Tyler. We want to see it all throughout Tyler. We want to see it all throughout Tyler. We want to see it all throughout East Texas. This is the kind of change East Texas. This is the kind of change East Texas. This is the kind of change that we want to see. Like all believers, that we want to see. Like all believers, that we want to see. Like all believers, we have this desire uh that we want to we have this desire uh that we want to we have this desire uh that we want to change for the better in change for the better in change for the better in Christlikkeness.

Christlikkeness. Christlikkeness. But then there's this competing side in But then there's this competing side in But then there's this competing side in our mind. our mind. our mind. It's called skepticism. But it is this It's called skepticism. But it is this It's called skepticism. But it is this doubt that resides around us that doubt that resides around us that doubt that resides around us that anybody can really change. anybody can really change. anybody can really change. I mean, just think about it. even in I mean, just think about it. even in I mean, just think about it. even in your own family. your own family. your own family. I mean, think about it in your I mean, think about it in your I mean, think about it in your workplace. workplace. workplace. Think about it in school. I mean, think Think about it in school. I mean, think Think about it in school. I mean, think about it with friendships. Think about about it with friendships. Think about about it with friendships. Think about it uh in all of your context. I mean, uh it uh in all of your context. I mean, uh it uh in all of your context. I mean, uh think about um the whether or not people think about um the whether or not people think about um the whether or not people can truly change. can truly change. can truly change. I mean, you've had promises broken uh to I mean, you've had promises broken uh to I mean, you've had promises broken uh to you. You've had relationships that you you. You've had relationships that you you. You've had relationships that you thought were restored but only to thought were restored but only to thought were restored but only to backtrack and go the opposite direction backtrack and go the opposite direction backtrack and go the opposite direction again. You you have all of these things again. You you have all of these things again. You you have all of these things that take place around you that reminds that take place around you that reminds that take place around you that reminds you that you should be skeptical you that you should be skeptical you that you should be skeptical that you should uh somewhat even be that you should uh somewhat even be that you should uh somewhat even be cynical to a degree uh about whether or cynical to a degree uh about whether or cynical to a degree uh about whether or not people can change. And this is not people can change. And this is not people can change. And this is really um at the center of what is really um at the center of what is really um at the center of what is happening in Jonah chapter 3.

happening in Jonah chapter 3. happening in Jonah chapter 3. we get to this moment of testing of we get to this moment of testing of we get to this moment of testing of whether or not people can really change. whether or not people can really change. whether or not people can really change. And obviously uh in scripture we see the And obviously uh in scripture we see the And obviously uh in scripture we see the truth of the matter that people do truth of the matter that people do truth of the matter that people do change change change but not because of them or not because but not because of them or not because but not because of them or not because of you but because of who God is. of you but because of who God is. of you but because of who God is. The center the the central character of The center the the central character of The center the the central character of Jonah is God himself which by the way is Jonah is God himself which by the way is Jonah is God himself which by the way is the central character of every book of the central character of every book of the central character of every book of the Bible. Okay? the Bible. Okay? the Bible. Okay? But especially right here as we are But especially right here as we are But especially right here as we are tempted to think that it is Jonah, the tempted to think that it is Jonah, the tempted to think that it is Jonah, the Ninevites or a fish, we need to be Ninevites or a fish, we need to be Ninevites or a fish, we need to be reminded that the central character of reminded that the central character of reminded that the central character of this story is God himself. And the this story is God himself. And the this story is God himself. And the central theme is his relentless pursuit central theme is his relentless pursuit central theme is his relentless pursuit of graciousness toward people who are of graciousness toward people who are of graciousness toward people who are absolutely absolutely absolutely broken, broken, broken, absolutely wicked, and running in the absolutely wicked, and running in the absolutely wicked, and running in the opposite direction of God himself.

And then we see And then we see change. It's not the kind of change that maybe It's not the kind of change that maybe we're thinking. we're thinking. we're thinking. It's change that is called It's change that is called It's change that is called transformation. transformation. transformation. And this is the reality of what really And this is the reality of what really And this is the reality of what really happens is that we see that grace is happens is that we see that grace is happens is that we see that grace is what transforms us. what transforms us. what transforms us. It is this grace that has the power of It is this grace that has the power of It is this grace that has the power of transformation. This is why um our own transformation. This is why um our own transformation. This is why um our own uh vision statement at our church is uh vision statement at our church is uh vision statement at our church is about transformation. about transformation. about transformation. It's about this transforming power of It's about this transforming power of It's about this transforming power of God's truth. This is why we talk about God's truth. This is why we talk about God's truth. This is why we talk about this so often is because it is what is this so often is because it is what is this so often is because it is what is required at the point of regeneration required at the point of regeneration required at the point of regeneration is that there is not just outward change is that there is not just outward change is that there is not just outward change but there is inner transformation that but there is inner transformation that but there is inner transformation that takes place for every believer who comes takes place for every believer who comes takes place for every believer who comes to Jesus.

to Jesus. to Jesus. And we see this And we see this And we see this 2800 years ago in Nineveh from a prophet 2800 years ago in Nineveh from a prophet 2800 years ago in Nineveh from a prophet who was rebellious, who was rebellious, who was rebellious, then broken, now going back to the Lord then broken, now going back to the Lord then broken, now going back to the Lord named Jonah. And so, if you have your named Jonah. And so, if you have your named Jonah. And so, if you have your copy of God's word, I want to invite you copy of God's word, I want to invite you copy of God's word, I want to invite you uh to stand if you are willing and able uh to stand if you are willing and able uh to stand if you are willing and able and let's read this passage together. and let's read this passage together. and let's read this passage together. We're going to read all of Jonah chapter We're going to read all of Jonah chapter We're going to read all of Jonah chapter 1 uh chapter 3:es 1-10. 1 uh chapter 3:es 1-10. 1 uh chapter 3:es 1-10. And this is what we're going to see. All And this is what we're going to see. All And this is what we're going to see. All right. I I want you to keep this in the right. I I want you to keep this in the right. I I want you to keep this in the back of your mind as we are reading back of your mind as we are reading back of your mind as we are reading this. I want you to understand that what this. I want you to understand that what this. I want you to understand that what Jonah is teaching us here is that no one Jonah is teaching us here is that no one Jonah is teaching us here is that no one encounters encounters encounters the grace of God and stays the same. No the grace of God and stays the same. No the grace of God and stays the same. No one. This is what it says in verse one. one. This is what it says in verse one. one. This is what it says in verse one. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a The word of the Lord came to Jonah a The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.

second time. second time. Get up. Go to the great city of Nineveh Get up. Go to the great city of Nineveh Get up. Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you. and preach the message that I tell you. and preach the message that I tell you. Jonah got up and went to Nineveh Jonah got up and went to Nineveh Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord's command. according to the Lord's command. according to the Lord's command. Now Nineveh was an extremely great city, Now Nineveh was an extremely great city, Now Nineveh was an extremely great city, a three-day walk. a three-day walk. a three-day walk. Jonah set out on the first day of his Jonah set out on the first day of his Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, "In 40 walk in the city and proclaimed, "In 40 walk in the city and proclaimed, "In 40 days, Nineveh will be demolished." days, Nineveh will be demolished." days, Nineveh will be demolished." Then the people of Nineveh believed God. Then the people of Nineveh believed God. Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in They proclaimed a fast and dressed in They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth from the greatest of them to sackcloth from the greatest of them to sackcloth from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of the least. When word reached the king of the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with off his royal robe, covered himself with off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. sackcloth, and sat in ashes. sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he issued a decree in Nineveh by Then he issued a decree in Nineveh by Then he issued a decree in Nineveh by order of the king and his nobles. No order of the king and his nobles. No order of the king and his nobles. No person or animal, herd of flock is to person or animal, herd of flock is to person or animal, herd of flock is to taste anything at all. They must not eat taste anything at all. They must not eat taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink water.

or drink water. or drink water. Furthermore, both people and animals Furthermore, both people and animals Furthermore, both people and animals must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and everyone must call out earnestly to God. everyone must call out earnestly to God. everyone must call out earnestly to God. Each must turn from his evil ways and Each must turn from his evil ways and Each must turn from his evil ways and from his wrongdoing. Who knows? God may from his wrongdoing. Who knows? God may from his wrongdoing. Who knows? God may turn and relent. turn and relent. turn and relent. He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so that we will not perish. that we will not perish. that we will not perish. God saw their actions that they had God saw their actions that they had God saw their actions that they had turned from their evil ways. So God turned from their evil ways. So God turned from their evil ways. So God relented from the disaster he had relented from the disaster he had relented from the disaster he had threatened them with and he did not do threatened them with and he did not do threatened them with and he did not do it. Heavenly Father, will you help us it. Heavenly Father, will you help us it. Heavenly Father, will you help us to understand this word to understand this word to understand this word in Jonah 3 today? in Jonah 3 today? in Jonah 3 today? God, with all the nuances, with all the God, with all the nuances, with all the God, with all the nuances, with all the details, I pray, Father, that you would details, I pray, Father, that you would details, I pray, Father, that you would just penetrate our hearts with your just penetrate our hearts with your just penetrate our hearts with your truth, truth, truth, God, that we wouldn't hear anything that God, that we wouldn't hear anything that God, that we wouldn't hear anything that is not of you and from you.

is not of you and from you. is not of you and from you. And Lord, we are asking that by your And Lord, we are asking that by your And Lord, we are asking that by your spirit, Lord, that you would open our spirit, Lord, that you would open our spirit, Lord, that you would open our eyes to your truth and then that you eyes to your truth and then that you eyes to your truth and then that you would draw us in because of the truth. would draw us in because of the truth. would draw us in because of the truth. and that you would make us today more and that you would make us today more and that you would make us today more like your son Jesus and because of the like your son Jesus and because of the like your son Jesus and because of the way that your word is applied to us. And way that your word is applied to us. And way that your word is applied to us. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. You may be seated once again. You know, as you get to Jonah chapter 3, You know, as you get to Jonah chapter 3, we really are standing at a major we really are standing at a major we really are standing at a major turning point in the entire story. turning point in the entire story. turning point in the entire story. I mean the opening chapters obviously I mean the opening chapters obviously I mean the opening chapters obviously both uh reveal the depths of human both uh reveal the depths of human both uh reveal the depths of human rebellion and the relentless uh pursuit rebellion and the relentless uh pursuit rebellion and the relentless uh pursuit of divine grace by God himself. In of divine grace by God himself. In of divine grace by God himself. In chapter 1, you see that Jonah receives chapter 1, you see that Jonah receives chapter 1, you see that Jonah receives this clear command from God and then he this clear command from God and then he this clear command from God and then he gets up and goes in the opposite gets up and goes in the opposite gets up and goes in the opposite direction. He goes down to Japa. He goes direction. He goes down to Japa. He goes direction. He goes down to Japa. He goes down into the boat. He goes down into down into the boat. He goes down into down into the boat. He goes down into the inner part of the boat. He goes down the inner part of the boat. He goes down the inner part of the boat. He goes down into the sea. He goes down into the into the sea. He goes down into the into the sea. He goes down into the belly of a fish. I mean, so [snorts] belly of a fish. I mean, so [snorts] belly of a fish. I mean, so [snorts] down, down, down. This is Jonah's idea down, down, down. This is Jonah's idea down, down, down. This is Jonah's idea of escaping the presence of God and of escaping the presence of God and of escaping the presence of God and escaping the voice of God.

escaping the voice of God. escaping the voice of God. Complete rebellion. Complete rebellion. Complete rebellion. He heard it clearly and then went the He heard it clearly and then went the He heard it clearly and then went the opposite direction opposite direction opposite direction as hard and fast as he could. And then as hard and fast as he could. And then as hard and fast as he could. And then in Jonah chapter 2, you have this this in Jonah chapter 2, you have this this in Jonah chapter 2, you have this this rescue mission from God himself. Because rescue mission from God himself. Because rescue mission from God himself. Because as Jonah is sinking deeper and deeper as Jonah is sinking deeper and deeper as Jonah is sinking deeper and deeper and deeper into the sea of his own and deeper into the sea of his own and deeper into the sea of his own rebellion and choices, rebellion and choices, rebellion and choices, man, this is where God takes a fish man, this is where God takes a fish man, this is where God takes a fish or a well or some type of sea monster, or a well or some type of sea monster, or a well or some type of sea monster, okay? And he turns that fish and puts it okay? And he turns that fish and puts it okay? And he turns that fish and puts it at the right spot, at the right time, in at the right spot, at the right time, in at the right spot, at the right time, in the right reason, and it swallows up the right reason, and it swallows up the right reason, and it swallows up Jonah in order to save his life from Jonah in order to save his life from Jonah in order to save his life from drowning. drowning. drowning. And Jonah makes this statement. I'm And Jonah makes this statement. I'm And Jonah makes this statement. I'm going to look back toward the temple of going to look back toward the temple of going to look back toward the temple of God one more time. God one more time. God one more time. The Lord is turning his heart, this The Lord is turning his heart, this The Lord is turning his heart, this rebellious prophet, he's turning his rebellious prophet, he's turning his rebellious prophet, he's turning his heart back toward himself because of heart back toward himself because of heart back toward himself because of this pursuit of grace.

this pursuit of grace. this pursuit of grace. Then Jonah stays there three nights, Then Jonah stays there three nights, Then Jonah stays there three nights, three days. Somehow he is staying alive three days. Somehow he is staying alive three days. Somehow he is staying alive in the belly of this fish [snorts] in the belly of this fish [snorts] in the belly of this fish [snorts] that is really took place. This is a that is really took place. This is a that is really took place. This is a historical account. And then this well historical account. And then this well historical account. And then this well spits him back out on dry land. spits him back out on dry land. spits him back out on dry land. And then we see And then we see And then we see grace appear again. This grace that is not just pursuing but This grace that is not just pursuing but is transformative. Transformative to the degree that Jonah Transformative to the degree that Jonah cannot continue going in the same cannot continue going in the same cannot continue going in the same direction against God's word. direction against God's word. direction against God's word. Now by God's grace he is turning back to Now by God's grace he is turning back to Now by God's grace he is turning back to the Lord and it is all covered. It is the Lord and it is all covered. It is the Lord and it is all covered. It is transcendent of God's grace. transcendent of God's grace. transcendent of God's grace. And you see like these markers of this And you see like these markers of this And you see like these markers of this transformed life. Like what does transformed life. Like what does transformed life. Like what does transformation transformation transformation really mean?

really mean? really mean? What we see is this marker of What we see is this marker of What we see is this marker of transformation is that grace produces transformation is that grace produces transformation is that grace produces obedience. We have to be super careful of this We have to be super careful of this order. order. order. Grace produces obedience. You cannot Grace produces obedience. You cannot Grace produces obedience. You cannot turn this around and say that obedience turn this around and say that obedience turn this around and say that obedience produces grace. produces grace. produces grace. That is antithetical to the gospel of That is antithetical to the gospel of That is antithetical to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. That while we are sinners, that is when That while we are sinners, that is when That while we are sinners, that is when Christ died to us according to Romans Christ died to us according to Romans Christ died to us according to Romans 5'8. 5'8. 5'8. We are all sinners according to Romans We are all sinners according to Romans We are all sinners according to Romans chapter 3. chapter 3. chapter 3. That there is no one who is righteous, That there is no one who is righteous, That there is no one who is righteous, not even one. not even one. not even one. If the Lord were to scan the entire If the Lord were to scan the entire If the Lord were to scan the entire earth, searching each soul as if he earth, searching each soul as if he earth, searching each soul as if he needed to because he already is aware needed to because he already is aware needed to because he already is aware and knows intimately each soul. But if and knows intimately each soul. But if and knows intimately each soul. But if he were to scan, there would be no one he were to scan, there would be no one he were to scan, there would be no one found righteous. And it's no different right here.

And it's no different right here. When we look at the fact that grace is When we look at the fact that grace is When we look at the fact that grace is what is producing, what is producing, what is producing, it is not because Jonah did anything. In it is not because Jonah did anything. In it is not because Jonah did anything. In fact, for all of us, we're in this same fact, for all of us, we're in this same fact, for all of us, we're in this same camp together. When it comes to the camp together. When it comes to the camp together. When it comes to the gospel in the saving grace of God, the gospel in the saving grace of God, the gospel in the saving grace of God, the only thing that you and I bring to the only thing that you and I bring to the only thing that you and I bring to the table is the need for grace. table is the need for grace. table is the need for grace. Because all we bring to the table in our Because all we bring to the table in our Because all we bring to the table in our relationship with God is our sinfulness. relationship with God is our sinfulness. relationship with God is our sinfulness. And therefore, we are just proving our And therefore, we are just proving our And therefore, we are just proving our need as we come to the equation of need as we come to the equation of need as we come to the equation of salvation. salvation. salvation. All we are doing is proving our need for All we are doing is proving our need for All we are doing is proving our need for divine intervention. divine intervention. divine intervention. And this is the story of Jonah. Divine And this is the story of Jonah. Divine And this is the story of Jonah. Divine intervention intervention intervention and turning and graciousness and turning and graciousness and turning and graciousness and pursuit from God. This is why the and pursuit from God. This is why the and pursuit from God. This is why the psalmist writes, "What is a man that God psalmist writes, "What is a man that God psalmist writes, "What is a man that God should be mindful? Why did God not just should be mindful? Why did God not just should be mindful? Why did God not just let his weward prophet who knew the let his weward prophet who knew the let his weward prophet who knew the truth and knew the commands, who was truth and knew the commands, who was truth and knew the commands, who was rebellious and wicked and was going the rebellious and wicked and was going the rebellious and wicked and was going the opposite direction wholeheartedly and opposite direction wholeheartedly and opposite direction wholeheartedly and full steam ahead? Why did God intervene?

full steam ahead? Why did God intervene? full steam ahead? Why did God intervene? It would have made complete sense for It would have made complete sense for It would have made complete sense for God to say, "Go on with your decisions God to say, "Go on with your decisions God to say, "Go on with your decisions enough enough enough and let them sink to the bottom of the and let them sink to the bottom of the and let them sink to the bottom of the sea lifeless." But instead, But instead, by God's grace, by God's grace, by God's grace, the Lord intervened. And it's not just the Lord intervened. And it's not just the Lord intervened. And it's not just for the grace being bestowed on Jonah. for the grace being bestowed on Jonah. for the grace being bestowed on Jonah. It is the grace that is being bestowed It is the grace that is being bestowed It is the grace that is being bestowed on an entire wicked city named Nineveh. on an entire wicked city named Nineveh. on an entire wicked city named Nineveh. This is the grace that we're talking This is the grace that we're talking This is the grace that we're talking about. about. about. But look at what it says. How it begins But look at what it says. How it begins But look at what it says. How it begins in Jonah 3:1. The word of the Lord came in Jonah 3:1. The word of the Lord came in Jonah 3:1. The word of the Lord came to Jonah to Jonah to Jonah a second a second a second time. Have you ever felt like Have you ever felt like that the Lord is done with you?

Have you ever felt like in the back of Have you ever felt like in the back of your mind your mind your mind that there's no way that God can use you that there's no way that God can use you that there's no way that God can use you because of X, Y, or Z? because of X, Y, or Z? because of X, Y, or Z? You know, the Bible is full of people You know, the Bible is full of people You know, the Bible is full of people who in our wicked judgment should have who in our wicked judgment should have who in our wicked judgment should have never been used by God. never been used by God. never been used by God. I mean, think about that. I mean, even I mean, think about that. I mean, even I mean, think about that. I mean, even David himself, who was the runt of his David himself, who was the runt of his David himself, who was the runt of his litter, I mean, not litter as in dogs, litter, I mean, not litter as in dogs, litter, I mean, not litter as in dogs, but like the runt of his siblings. It's but like the runt of his siblings. It's but like the runt of his siblings. It's probably a better way to say it. probably a better way to say it. probably a better way to say it. He was absolutely He was absolutely He was absolutely not the one that you and I on the eye not the one that you and I on the eye not the one that you and I on the eye test would have chosen. I mean, he's too test would have chosen. I mean, he's too test would have chosen. I mean, he's too small. He's there's no way this dude is small. He's there's no way this dude is small. He's there's no way this dude is a warrior. How is he going to lead an a warrior. How is he going to lead an a warrior. How is he going to lead an army? Much less how is he going to lead army? Much less how is he going to lead army? Much less how is he going to lead the entire people of Israel? But it the entire people of Israel? But it the entire people of Israel? But it wasn't about his skill set or his wasn't about his skill set or his wasn't about his skill set or his capability. It was about the anointing capability. It was about the anointing capability. It was about the anointing of God himself. of God himself. of God himself. When you get to Abraham even I mean When you get to Abraham even I mean When you get to Abraham even I mean think about the story of Abraham and think about the story of Abraham and think about the story of Abraham and even after the he receives the word of even after the he receives the word of even after the he receives the word of the Lord and this is what is going to the Lord and this is what is going to the Lord and this is what is going to happen. He is in a covenant relationship happen. He is in a covenant relationship happen. He is in a covenant relationship with God with a promise of a future that with God with a promise of a future that with God with a promise of a future that we cannot even comprehend.

we cannot even comprehend. we cannot even comprehend. And yet he lives uh with this kind of And yet he lives uh with this kind of And yet he lives uh with this kind of this lying skill set. He lies about his this lying skill set. He lies about his this lying skill set. He lies about his wife. He he tries to play games. He's wife. He he tries to play games. He's wife. He he tries to play games. He's he's somewhat of a a trickster trying to he's somewhat of a a trickster trying to he's somewhat of a a trickster trying to manipulate and get his way. And yet God manipulate and get his way. And yet God manipulate and get his way. And yet God still used him. God restored him. I still used him. God restored him. I still used him. God restored him. I mean, think about Moses, mean, think about Moses, mean, think about Moses, the murderer. the murderer. the murderer. Moses who stood in the presence of God Moses who stood in the presence of God Moses who stood in the presence of God at this burning bush and and and even at this burning bush and and and even at this burning bush and and and even though it was burning it did not consume though it was burning it did not consume though it was burning it did not consume the bush in Exodus chapter 3 and the the bush in Exodus chapter 3 and the the bush in Exodus chapter 3 and the Lord tells Moses this is what you are Lord tells Moses this is what you are Lord tells Moses this is what you are going to do and immediately instead of going to do and immediately instead of going to do and immediately instead of yes sir God Almighty instead he starts yes sir God Almighty instead he starts yes sir God Almighty instead he starts giving the Lord excuses of why he can't giving the Lord excuses of why he can't giving the Lord excuses of why he can't do what God is calling him to do. I do what God is calling him to do. I do what God is calling him to do. I mean, so if you think about this, like mean, so if you think about this, like mean, so if you think about this, like the Bible is full of people who have the Bible is full of people who have the Bible is full of people who have failed but are [snorts] serve a gracious failed but are [snorts] serve a gracious failed but are [snorts] serve a gracious God who is always willing to give a God who is always willing to give a God who is always willing to give a second chance. This is exactly what you second chance. This is exactly what you second chance. This is exactly what you see with Jonah. The word of the Lord see with Jonah. The word of the Lord see with Jonah. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. Let me just came to Jonah a second time. Let me just came to Jonah a second time. Let me just tell you, tell you, tell you, God is not done with you.

God is not done with you. God is not done with you. Like, he's not done with your life. Like, he's not done with your life. Like, he's not done with your life. He's not done with your story. He's not done with your story. He's not done with your story. And even though you and I have made And even though you and I have made And even though you and I have made mistakes in our past and might make them mistakes in our past and might make them mistakes in our past and might make them in the future, that in our judgment in the future, that in our judgment in the future, that in our judgment should disqualify us from ever being should disqualify us from ever being should disqualify us from ever being used by God. It is his grace that is used by God. It is his grace that is used by God. It is his grace that is bestowed on us. It is his anointing on bestowed on us. It is his anointing on bestowed on us. It is his anointing on your life that he will use you for his your life that he will use you for his your life that he will use you for his glory and to further his kingdom. Why? glory and to further his kingdom. Why? glory and to further his kingdom. Why? Because it's not about you. Because it's not about you. Because it's not about you. It's not about what you have to bring to It's not about what you have to bring to It's not about what you have to bring to the table. It's not about what you have the table. It's not about what you have the table. It's not about what you have to offer. It's not even about what we think. It's not even about what we think. It is about who God is. It is about who God is. It is about who God is. And the God of the universe, this And the God of the universe, this And the God of the universe, this Jehovah Yahweh God, the God of gods and Jehovah Yahweh God, the God of gods and Jehovah Yahweh God, the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the one who is the Lord of lords, the one who is the Lord of lords, the one who is supreme and the one who created all supreme and the one who created all supreme and the one who created all things. This God, he is the one who things. This God, he is the one who things. This God, he is the one who determines how and when you will be determines how and when you will be determines how and when you will be used. He's not looking for the most used. He's not looking for the most used. He's not looking for the most useful. He is looking for the willing.

useful. He is looking for the willing. useful. He is looking for the willing. He is looking for the obedient. He is looking for the obedient. He is looking for the obedient. You see, this grace that produces You see, this grace that produces You see, this grace that produces obedience in us is a result of God's obedience in us is a result of God's obedience in us is a result of God's grace. grace. grace. Because God is gracious, therefore, it Because God is gracious, therefore, it Because God is gracious, therefore, it draws me to a life of obedience. draws me to a life of obedience. draws me to a life of obedience. We are not obedient so that we can gain We are not obedient so that we can gain We are not obedient so that we can gain anything from the Lord. We are not anything from the Lord. We are not anything from the Lord. We are not obedient and then maybe God would would obedient and then maybe God would would obedient and then maybe God would would maintain a favorable sight upon my life. maintain a favorable sight upon my life. maintain a favorable sight upon my life. No, the Lord is gracious and it pulls me No, the Lord is gracious and it pulls me No, the Lord is gracious and it pulls me and draws me toward obedience out of and draws me toward obedience out of and draws me toward obedience out of love. love. love. I mean, this is what Titus 2:es 11-12 I mean, this is what Titus 2:es 11-12 I mean, this is what Titus 2:es 11-12 says. It says, "For the grace of God has says. It says, "For the grace of God has says. It says, "For the grace of God has appeared." appeared." appeared." Okay. Grace has appeared bringing Okay. Grace has appeared bringing Okay. Grace has appeared bringing salvation for all people, instructing us salvation for all people, instructing us salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lust and to deny godlessness and worldly lust and to deny godlessness and worldly lust and to live in a sensible, righteous and to live in a sensible, righteous and to live in a sensible, righteous and godly way in the present age. Do you see godly way in the present age. Do you see godly way in the present age. Do you see what comes first? It is grace and then what comes first? It is grace and then what comes first? It is grace and then it is instruction. It is grace and then it is instruction. It is grace and then it is instruction. It is grace and then it is a drawing of get rid of it is a drawing of get rid of it is a drawing of get rid of godlessness.

And this is what he says in verse two of And this is what he says in verse two of Jonah chapter 3. He says, "Go Jonah chapter 3. He says, "Go Jonah chapter 3. He says, "Go as it comes a second time." Go to the as it comes a second time." Go to the as it comes a second time." Go to the great city of Nineveh. great city of Nineveh. great city of Nineveh. Preach the message that I tell you. Preach the message that I tell you. Preach the message that I tell you. And so what does Jonah do now? And so what does Jonah do now? And so what does Jonah do now? Jonah got up and went to Nineveh Jonah got up and went to Nineveh Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord's command. according to the Lord's command. according to the Lord's command. Nineveh was an extremely great city, Nineveh was an extremely great city, Nineveh was an extremely great city, meaning big stature, meaning big stature, meaning big stature, three-day walk. three-day walk. three-day walk. Just giving you an understanding of the Just giving you an understanding of the Just giving you an understanding of the size of this city. And then it says in size of this city. And then it says in size of this city. And then it says in verse four, Jonah set out on the first verse four, Jonah set out on the first verse four, Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and day of his walk in the city and day of his walk in the city and proclaimed proclaimed proclaimed seven words. seven words. seven words. In 40 days, Nineveh will be demolished. In 40 days, Nineveh will be demolished. In 40 days, Nineveh will be demolished. And notice what Jonah is obeying. Jonah is obeying the word of the Lord. Jonah is obeying the word of the Lord. This is why Jesus says, "If you love me, This is why Jesus says, "If you love me, This is why Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commands."

you will keep my commands." you will keep my commands." We do not love Jesus so that he will We do not love Jesus so that he will We do not love Jesus so that he will love us or so that we can love. No. If love us or so that we can love. No. If love us or so that we can love. No. If you love, then you will keep my you love, then you will keep my you love, then you will keep my commands. It is a it is the absolute commands. It is a it is the absolute commands. It is a it is the absolute test of whether or not we are truly in test of whether or not we are truly in test of whether or not we are truly in Christ and loving Christ is going to be Christ and loving Christ is going to be Christ and loving Christ is going to be seen in our obedience to Christ. seen in our obedience to Christ. seen in our obedience to Christ. It is even in the great command It is even in the great command It is even in the great command commission that he says listen go commission that he says listen go commission that he says listen go therefore therefore therefore to all the nations listen go everywhere to all the nations listen go everywhere to all the nations listen go everywhere baptize people in the name of the father baptize people in the name of the father baptize people in the name of the father and son the holy spirit and son the holy spirit and son the holy spirit teaching them to observe or obey all teaching them to observe or obey all teaching them to observe or obey all that I commanded it is this obedience that I commanded it is this obedience that I commanded it is this obedience that is an indicator of a transformed that is an indicator of a transformed that is an indicator of a transformed life in Christ life in Christ life in Christ if you want to know okay Have I ever if you want to know okay Have I ever if you want to know okay Have I ever been saved? been saved? been saved? If you want to know, have I truly been If you want to know, have I truly been If you want to know, have I truly been regenerated or am I just playing church regenerated or am I just playing church regenerated or am I just playing church games, look at your life of whether or games, look at your life of whether or games, look at your life of whether or not you are obedient to his word. Now, not you are obedient to his word. Now, not you are obedient to his word. Now, does this mean a life of perfection?

does this mean a life of perfection? does this mean a life of perfection? No. No. No. What it means is that you will have a What it means is that you will have a What it means is that you will have a life that desires obedience to your life that desires obedience to your life that desires obedience to your Lord. Lord. Lord. Because all of us in this room, we're Because all of us in this room, we're Because all of us in this room, we're all obedient. all obedient. all obedient. You're either obedient to your own flesh You're either obedient to your own flesh You're either obedient to your own flesh or you're obedient to the world's order or you're obedient to the world's order or you're obedient to the world's order or you are obedient to Jesus Christ as or you are obedient to Jesus Christ as or you are obedient to Jesus Christ as king himself. king himself. king himself. It just depends on who's on the throne It just depends on who's on the throne It just depends on who's on the throne of your own heart. Who's on the throne of your own heart. Who's on the throne of your own heart. Who's on the throne of your life? Is it you or is it Jesus? of your life? Is it you or is it Jesus? of your life? Is it you or is it Jesus? Because I'm going to tell you this right Because I'm going to tell you this right Because I'm going to tell you this right now. Jesus doesn't share his throne. now. Jesus doesn't share his throne. now. Jesus doesn't share his throne. He does not. He does not. He does not. He is a jealous God. Why? Because his He is a jealous God. Why? Because his He is a jealous God. Why? Because his holiness demands allegiance. holiness demands allegiance. holiness demands allegiance. And obedience is our sign that the Lord And obedience is our sign that the Lord And obedience is our sign that the Lord has given us of whether or not you have has given us of whether or not you have has given us of whether or not you have truly been transformed by the grace of truly been transformed by the grace of truly been transformed by the grace of God.

And this is what Jonah does. And this is what Jonah does. He just preaches the word. You know, we live in a strange culture You know, we live in a strange culture today. today. today. Strange in the fact that information is Strange in the fact that information is Strange in the fact that information is at everyone's fingertips. at everyone's fingertips. at everyone's fingertips. You can listen to all sorts of things. You can listen to all sorts of things. You can listen to all sorts of things. You can listen to all kinds of messages. You can listen to all kinds of messages. You can listen to all kinds of messages. Listen, if you want to listen to a Listen, if you want to listen to a Listen, if you want to listen to a preacher in California, you can do that. preacher in California, you can do that. preacher in California, you can do that. It's easy. You just get online. If you It's easy. You just get online. If you It's easy. You just get online. If you want to pre listen to a preacher in New want to pre listen to a preacher in New want to pre listen to a preacher in New York City, you can do that. Atlanta, York City, you can do that. Atlanta, York City, you can do that. Atlanta, Georgia, name your place and you can do Georgia, name your place and you can do Georgia, name your place and you can do it. it. it. This information though is sometimes This information though is sometimes This information though is sometimes troubling troubling troubling because in a world that is full of because in a world that is full of because in a world that is full of information, what you see is that we are information, what you see is that we are information, what you see is that we are prone to wonder toward what makes us prone to wonder toward what makes us prone to wonder toward what makes us feel the best. feel the best. feel the best. I mean, does anybody ever want to come I mean, does anybody ever want to come I mean, does anybody ever want to come into church and be like, "Man, you know, into church and be like, "Man, you know, into church and be like, "Man, you know, it'd be fun today." it'd be fun today." it'd be fun today." It'd be fun if you just kind of kick my It'd be fun if you just kind of kick my It'd be fun if you just kind of kick my teeth in verbally.

teeth in verbally. teeth in verbally. Like, nobody thinks that. Like, nobody thinks that. Like, nobody thinks that. Nobody's thinking, "Man, I would love to Nobody's thinking, "Man, I would love to Nobody's thinking, "Man, I would love to be punched right in the mouth right now. be punched right in the mouth right now. be punched right in the mouth right now. All right, just give it to me hard." No, All right, just give it to me hard." No, All right, just give it to me hard." No, nobody's really thinking that. However, nobody's really thinking that. However, nobody's really thinking that. However, it is sometimes what you and I need by it is sometimes what you and I need by it is sometimes what you and I need by God. God. God. Man, if we think of getting verbally Man, if we think of getting verbally Man, if we think of getting verbally punched in the mouth is bad. I mean, at punched in the mouth is bad. I mean, at punched in the mouth is bad. I mean, at least it's not a big fish swallowing us least it's not a big fish swallowing us least it's not a big fish swallowing us up and we have to live inside that belly up and we have to live inside that belly up and we have to live inside that belly for three days. You know what I'm for three days. You know what I'm for three days. You know what I'm saying? Like that's that's tough. But saying? Like that's that's tough. But saying? Like that's that's tough. But what we see over and over again is that what we see over and over again is that what we see over and over again is that listen, in in a lot of these YouTube listen, in in a lot of these YouTube listen, in in a lot of these YouTube culture and this uh look, tickle our culture and this uh look, tickle our culture and this uh look, tickle our ears culture, listen, we are prone to ears culture, listen, we are prone to ears culture, listen, we are prone to wonder toward what makes us feel good wonder toward what makes us feel good wonder toward what makes us feel good about ourselves. Let me just tell you about ourselves. Let me just tell you about ourselves. Let me just tell you that's not Jesus and that's not the that's not Jesus and that's not the that's not Jesus and that's not the spirit. spirit. spirit. I'm telling you right now, you don't I'm telling you right now, you don't I'm telling you right now, you don't want to feel good about where you are as want to feel good about where you are as want to feel good about where you are as you are running from Christ. you are running from Christ. you are running from Christ. We need to have the truth of Jesus in We need to have the truth of Jesus in We need to have the truth of Jesus in our lives. We need to have the truth of our lives. We need to have the truth of our lives. We need to have the truth of Jesus that is preached over us again and Jesus that is preached over us again and Jesus that is preached over us again and again and again and again. So let me again and again and again. So let me again and again and again. So let me tell you where you sit on Sundays and tell you where you sit on Sundays and tell you where you sit on Sundays and what you listen to Monday through what you listen to Monday through what you listen to Monday through Saturday matters to your life. It is Saturday matters to your life. It is Saturday matters to your life. It is penetrating your heart through your penetrating your heart through your penetrating your heart through your mind.

mind. mind. And so it matters. Let me just tell you, And so it matters. Let me just tell you, And so it matters. Let me just tell you, moms, dads, you better be vigilant about moms, dads, you better be vigilant about moms, dads, you better be vigilant about what your kids are listening to. what your kids are listening to. what your kids are listening to. You better be on guard of what you're You better be on guard of what you're You better be on guard of what you're listening to. listening to. listening to. Be careful of what chat GBT tells you. Be careful of what chat GBT tells you. Be careful of what chat GBT tells you. You know why? Because it's not made in You know why? Because it's not made in You know why? Because it's not made in the image of God. the image of God. the image of God. Enough on that. We are called to preach Enough on that. We are called to preach Enough on that. We are called to preach the word. This is the warning from Paul the word. This is the warning from Paul the word. This is the warning from Paul to Timothy, by the way. to Timothy, by the way. to Timothy, by the way. He says this 2 Timothy 4 2-3 says, He says this 2 Timothy 4 2-3 says, He says this 2 Timothy 4 2-3 says, "Preach the word, be ready in season and "Preach the word, be ready in season and "Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season. Correct, rebuke, and out of season. Correct, rebuke, and out of season. Correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and encourage with great patience and encourage with great patience and teaching." Does that sound like uh the teaching." Does that sound like uh the teaching." Does that sound like uh the the the famous YouTubers of our day that the the famous YouTubers of our day that the the famous YouTubers of our day that are just kind of all fluff and no meat are just kind of all fluff and no meat are just kind of all fluff and no meat to rebuke and correct to rebuke and correct to rebuke and correct and encourage you, encourage us not on and encourage you, encourage us not on and encourage you, encourage us not on the path of destruction, but encourage the path of destruction, but encourage the path of destruction, but encourage us toward Christlikkeness because of us toward Christlikkeness because of us toward Christlikkeness because of verse three. For the time will come, verse three. For the time will come, verse three. For the time will come, here we are, here we are, here we are, the time will come, when people will not the time will come, when people will not the time will come, when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, tolerate sound doctrine, tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will but according to their own desires, will but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because multiply teachers for themselves because multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want they have an itch to hear what they want they have an itch to hear what they want to hear.

to hear. to hear. We all have an itch to hear what we want We all have an itch to hear what we want We all have an itch to hear what we want to hear. It is something we have to to hear. It is something we have to to hear. It is something we have to fight against and live in the word. fight against and live in the word. fight against and live in the word. Charles Spurgeon has a great quote. He Charles Spurgeon has a great quote. He Charles Spurgeon has a great quote. He says, "Read many books but live in the says, "Read many books but live in the says, "Read many books but live in the Bible." Bible." Bible." We want to be We want to be We want to be saturated saturated saturated with God's word. This is why we are a with God's word. This is why we are a with God's word. This is why we are a Bible church Bible church Bible church because opinions flee. because opinions flee. because opinions flee. Opinions change. Opinions change. Opinions change. But the word of God remains. But the word of God remains. But the word of God remains. We are living in a day where egos are We are living in a day where egos are We are living in a day where egos are more important, platforms are more more important, platforms are more more important, platforms are more important. And listen, there are important. And listen, there are important. And listen, there are shysters out there who are using the shysters out there who are using the shysters out there who are using the church church church to stand on the church to build their to stand on the church to build their to stand on the church to build their own platforms. own platforms. own platforms. And you and I need to call it what it And you and I need to call it what it And you and I need to call it what it is. It's wicked, is. It's wicked, is. It's wicked, sinful, and we must be aware of it.

and we must be aware of it. The Lord has spoken. The Lord has spoken. The Lord has spoken. Therefore, Jonah and a transformed heart Therefore, Jonah and a transformed heart Therefore, Jonah and a transformed heart obeys. obeys. obeys. When you encounter God's grace, you When you encounter God's grace, you When you encounter God's grace, you cannot possibly cannot possibly cannot possibly stay the same. But listen, when you stay the same. But listen, when you stay the same. But listen, when you encounter my opinion, you can go about encounter my opinion, you can go about encounter my opinion, you can go about your way. But when you encounter the your way. But when you encounter the your way. But when you encounter the word of God, it demands a response from word of God, it demands a response from word of God, it demands a response from man. man. man. It's not neutral. It's not neutral. It's not neutral. It demands response It demands response It demands response and it produces repentance. and it produces repentance. and it produces repentance. Listen to what he says in verse five. says, "Then says, "Then the people of Nineveh the people of Nineveh the people of Nineveh believed God. They didn't believe what the king was They didn't believe what the king was going to say.

going to say. going to say. They didn't believe the rumors. They didn't believe the rumors. They didn't believe the rumors. They believed God. They believed God. They believed God. And not some people, but all the people And not some people, but all the people And not some people, but all the people of Nineveh believed God. This is one of of Nineveh believed God. This is one of of Nineveh believed God. This is one of the greatest, if not the greatest the greatest, if not the greatest the greatest, if not the greatest revivals in all of history. And all revivals in all of history. And all revivals in all of history. And all Jonah did was proclaim seven words. Jonah did was proclaim seven words. Jonah did was proclaim seven words. There was no pathy and good and engaging There was no pathy and good and engaging There was no pathy and good and engaging introduction. introduction. introduction. There was no uh theme that was quoted at There was no uh theme that was quoted at There was no uh theme that was quoted at the beginning in order to maintain your the beginning in order to maintain your the beginning in order to maintain your attention. There are no uh alliterated attention. There are no uh alliterated attention. There are no uh alliterated three points so that you could stay three points so that you could stay three points so that you could stay focused. focused. focused. There were no illustrative demonstrative There were no illustrative demonstrative There were no illustrative demonstrative moments so that the people would be moments so that the people would be moments so that the people would be like, "Wow, this guy is such a great like, "Wow, this guy is such a great like, "Wow, this guy is such a great speaker." No. No. Jonah stood up and he speaker." No. No. Jonah stood up and he speaker." No. No. Jonah stood up and he gave them a warning. In 40 days, you're gave them a warning. In 40 days, you're gave them a warning. In 40 days, you're all going to be dead. The end of the story. Do you know what The end of the story. Do you know what this proves to us? is that the word of this proves to us? is that the word of this proves to us? is that the word of God is sufficient for all things.

God is sufficient for all things. God is sufficient for all things. The power of God's word is sufficient The power of God's word is sufficient The power of God's word is sufficient for all things. And I'm just going to be for all things. And I'm just going to be for all things. And I'm just going to be honest with you. You know how many times honest with you. You know how many times honest with you. You know how many times I am just tempted to go back and man I am just tempted to go back and man I am just tempted to go back and man just rewrite things like, man, this just rewrite things like, man, this just rewrite things like, man, this ain't good enough. I got to go back to ain't good enough. I got to go back to ain't good enough. I got to go back to the drawing board. I need something here the drawing board. I need something here the drawing board. I need something here to make this uh stick better. I need to make this uh stick better. I need to make this uh stick better. I need this. And I'm not saying that preachers this. And I'm not saying that preachers this. And I'm not saying that preachers should not work hard. What I am saying should not work hard. What I am saying should not work hard. What I am saying is that we need to trust less in our is that we need to trust less in our is that we need to trust less in our skill set and more in the spirit of God skill set and more in the spirit of God skill set and more in the spirit of God and the power of God's word because he and the power of God's word because he and the power of God's word because he makes this promise in Isaiah 55:11. He makes this promise in Isaiah 55:11. He makes this promise in Isaiah 55:11. He says this, "So my word that comes from says this, "So my word that comes from says this, "So my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, my mouth will not return to me empty, my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please. It but it will accomplish what I please. It but it will accomplish what I please. It will prosper in what I send it to do." will prosper in what I send it to do." will prosper in what I send it to do." Not because of preachers. Not because of preachers. Not because of preachers. Not because of uh crafty and creative uh Not because of uh crafty and creative uh Not because of uh crafty and creative uh uh speakers and Sunday school teachers, uh speakers and Sunday school teachers, uh speakers and Sunday school teachers, connect group leaders, none of that. It connect group leaders, none of that. It connect group leaders, none of that. It is not the power of the people. It is is not the power of the people. It is is not the power of the people. It is the power of God's word. And Jonah has the power of God's word. And Jonah has the power of God's word. And Jonah has come to the conclusion what Nineveh come to the conclusion what Nineveh come to the conclusion what Nineveh needs is the word of God.

needs is the word of God. needs is the word of God. What America needs What America needs What America needs is the word of God. is the word of God. is the word of God. What our church needs is the word of What our church needs is the word of What our church needs is the word of God. This is why we are a people and a God. This is why we are a people and a God. This is why we are a people and a church of the word of God. And it will church of the word of God. And it will church of the word of God. And it will not ever change until God calls me home. not ever change until God calls me home. not ever change until God calls me home. Listen, if it's going to change, it's Listen, if it's going to change, it's Listen, if it's going to change, it's going to be over my dead body. I promise going to be over my dead body. I promise going to be over my dead body. I promise you that. you that. you that. Why? Because it is lasting. Why? Because it is lasting. Why? Because it is lasting. It is what Peter says when when he asked It is what Peter says when when he asked It is what Peter says when when he asked the disciples, he's like, "Man, are the disciples, he's like, "Man, are the disciples, he's like, "Man, are y'all going to leave me?" y'all going to leave me?" y'all going to leave me?" Remember Jesus asked this question as Remember Jesus asked this question as Remember Jesus asked this question as the crowds are leaving? the crowds are leaving? the crowds are leaving? Well, I guess Jesus is done with his Well, I guess Jesus is done with his Well, I guess Jesus is done with his miracles. Let's go somewhere else. miracles. Let's go somewhere else. miracles. Let's go somewhere else. Man, it's not really feeding me anymore. Man, it's not really feeding me anymore. Man, it's not really feeding me anymore. I guess I'm going to try maybe another I guess I'm going to try maybe another I guess I'm going to try maybe another leader down the street. You know, the music wasn't very You know, the music wasn't very emotional for me today. It's just not emotional for me today. It's just not emotional for me today. It's just not that good. I'm going to go try another that good. I'm going to go try another that good. I'm going to go try another group. I'm going to try something else.

group. I'm going to try something else. group. I'm going to try something else. And Jesus looks at the real disciples. And Jesus looks at the real disciples. And Jesus looks at the real disciples. He says, "Y'all going to leave me, too?" He says, "Y'all going to leave me, too?" He says, "Y'all going to leave me, too?" Peter says, "Where would we go? Where would we go, Lord? Where would we go, Lord? You have the words of life." And Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. And Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. Whoever eats of me Whoever eats of me Whoever eats of me will never hunger again." will never hunger again." will never hunger again." What is that bread right here? right here? This is the bread of life, This is the bread of life, This is the bread of life, Jesus himself. Jesus himself. Jesus himself. And what this does in us because look at And what this does in us because look at And what this does in us because look at look at what what happens as they they look at what what happens as they they look at what what happens as they they hear the word of the Lord immediately hear the word of the Lord immediately hear the word of the Lord immediately they are responding and they are they are responding and they are they are responding and they are repenting.

repenting. repenting. Do you see that when when we hear the Do you see that when when we hear the Do you see that when when we hear the word of God it causes us word of God it causes us word of God it causes us to live and posture ourselves in to live and posture ourselves in to live and posture ourselves in repentance. repentance. repentance. Look at what he says in verse eight. He Look at what he says in verse eight. He Look at what he says in verse eight. He says of Jonah 3:8, he says, says of Jonah 3:8, he says, says of Jonah 3:8, he says, "Furthermore, both people and animals "Furthermore, both people and animals "Furthermore, both people and animals must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and everyone must call out earnestly to everyone must call out earnestly to everyone must call out earnestly to God." God." God." You see what has happened to this king? You see what has happened to this king? You see what has happened to this king? This king took off his robe, got off of This king took off his robe, got off of This king took off his robe, got off of his throne, his throne, his throne, covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in ashes. the king of the most wicked city, the king of the most wicked city, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. He the capital of the Assyrian Empire. He the capital of the Assyrian Empire. He has everything that the earth could has everything that the earth could has everything that the earth could possibly give. And he recognizes in one possibly give. And he recognizes in one possibly give. And he recognizes in one short sermon short sermon short sermon because of the living word of God, because of the living word of God, because of the living word of God, he realizes he realizes he realizes he has nothing.

And so he stoops And so he stoops to the lowest form possible to the lowest form possible to the lowest form possible and sits in ashes. And he tells everybody else, he puts And he tells everybody else, he puts this decree out. this decree out. this decree out. Everybody is going to call out to the Everybody is going to call out to the Everybody is going to call out to the God. God. God. Not a God, not your God, the God. Not a God, not your God, the God. Not a God, not your God, the God. Everyone's going to call out to him. No Everyone's going to call out to him. No Everyone's going to call out to him. No one's going to eat. Don't even let your one's going to eat. Don't even let your one's going to eat. Don't even let your animals, man. We're not testing animals, man. We're not testing animals, man. We're not testing anything. The power of God's word sent anything. The power of God's word sent anything. The power of God's word sent them trembling before a holy God them trembling before a holy God them trembling before a holy God and a good trembling. and a good trembling. and a good trembling. And this is what we see in even of Paul And this is what we see in even of Paul And this is what we see in even of Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:10. It says, "For in 2 Corinthians 7:10. It says, "For in 2 Corinthians 7:10. It says, "For godly grief godly grief godly grief produces a repentance that leads to produces a repentance that leads to produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. salvation without regret. salvation without regret. But worldly grief produces death." What But worldly grief produces death." What But worldly grief produces death." What is happening here is a godly grief. It is happening here is a godly grief. It is happening here is a godly grief. It is what Jesus says in his biatitudes is what Jesus says in his biatitudes is what Jesus says in his biatitudes that blessed are those who will mourn that blessed are those who will mourn that blessed are those who will mourn for they will be comforted.

for they will be comforted. for they will be comforted. mourning over the sinfulness of man. It mourning over the sinfulness of man. It mourning over the sinfulness of man. It is what Isaiah saw as soon as he saw the is what Isaiah saw as soon as he saw the is what Isaiah saw as soon as he saw the Lord high and lifted up. Lord high and lifted up. Lord high and lifted up. All he could say is, "Woe is me, for I All he could say is, "Woe is me, for I All he could say is, "Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips. I live and am a man of unclean lips. I live and am a man of unclean lips. I live and dwell among a people of unclean lips." dwell among a people of unclean lips." dwell among a people of unclean lips." Because when you hear the word of God, Because when you hear the word of God, Because when you hear the word of God, you see the Lord, you understand who God you see the Lord, you understand who God you see the Lord, you understand who God is. Immediately, all you can know is is. Immediately, all you can know is is. Immediately, all you can know is your own depravity. your own depravity. your own depravity. And this is giving you an opportunity to And this is giving you an opportunity to And this is giving you an opportunity to respond respond respond because when you repent, this is what because when you repent, this is what because when you repent, this is what happens. You deny yourself in happens. You deny yourself in happens. You deny yourself in repentance. Then you turn away from your repentance. Then you turn away from your repentance. Then you turn away from your sin, away from yourself. And then the sin, away from yourself. And then the sin, away from yourself. And then the third thing is that you would turn third thing is that you would turn third thing is that you would turn toward Christ himself because he is the toward Christ himself because he is the toward Christ himself because he is the only one who can do anything about your only one who can do anything about your only one who can do anything about your plight. That is repentance. That is repentance. and that you are trusting by faith as I and that you are trusting by faith as I and that you are trusting by faith as I turn to Jesus by faith. I am trusting turn to Jesus by faith. I am trusting turn to Jesus by faith. I am trusting that you will wash me clean as you that you will wash me clean as you that you will wash me clean as you promise.

promise. promise. But what this does is it creates a But what this does is it creates a But what this does is it creates a dependence in us. dependence in us. dependence in us. Grace produces this dependence. Grace produces this dependence. Grace produces this dependence. I mean this is what we see. This is what I mean this is what we see. This is what I mean this is what we see. This is what makes this passage so powerful is that makes this passage so powerful is that makes this passage so powerful is that even after all these things are taking even after all these things are taking even after all these things are taking place. Re repentance is being done. And place. Re repentance is being done. And place. Re repentance is being done. And then he the they ask this question in then he the they ask this question in then he the they ask this question in verse n he says who knows verse n he says who knows verse n he says who knows God may turn and relent. Who knows? Who knows? It doesn't mean that they are not It doesn't mean that they are not It doesn't mean that they are not trusting. What it means as they ask this trusting. What it means as they ask this trusting. What it means as they ask this question of who knows what they are question of who knows what they are question of who knows what they are doing is they are placing their lives at doing is they are placing their lives at doing is they are placing their lives at the hand of God himself. the hand of God himself. the hand of God himself. Lord I commit myself to you. Lord I commit myself to you. Lord I commit myself to you. Do what you should do. Do what you should do. Do what you should do. Maybe God will relent. You know we get Maybe God will relent. You know we get Maybe God will relent. You know we get caught up in this caught up in this caught up in this right here in verse nine. It's like right here in verse nine. It's like right here in verse nine. It's like God may turn and relent.

God may turn and relent. God may turn and relent. He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so that we will not perish. that we will not perish. that we will not perish. What is interesting about that is that What is interesting about that is that What is interesting about that is that we we we think to ourselves, okay, well we we we think to ourselves, okay, well we we we think to ourselves, okay, well man, God God changed his mind. man, God God changed his mind. man, God God changed his mind. Like God changed his direction. Like God changed his direction. Like God changed his direction. He changed his purpose. He changed He changed his purpose. He changed He changed his purpose. He changed whatever. whatever. whatever. And none of those things are true And none of those things are true And none of those things are true because the Bible teaches us that God is because the Bible teaches us that God is because the Bible teaches us that God is immutable. Meaning he is unchanging. God immutable. Meaning he is unchanging. God immutable. Meaning he is unchanging. God is the same yesterday, today, and is the same yesterday, today, and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. forever. forever. God does not change. He does not change God does not change. He does not change God does not change. He does not change his standard. his standard. his standard. He does not change the requirements for He does not change the requirements for He does not change the requirements for entrance into his kingdom. He doesn't entrance into his kingdom. He doesn't entrance into his kingdom. He doesn't fluff on the rules. He does not act in fluff on the rules. He does not act in fluff on the rules. He does not act in an unjust way. Instead, what we see here is a Instead, what we see here is a consistency consistency consistency from who God is from beginning of from who God is from beginning of from who God is from beginning of scripture all the way to the end is scripture all the way to the end is scripture all the way to the end is telling this one story about the telling this one story about the telling this one story about the gracious pursuit of God himself that gracious pursuit of God himself that gracious pursuit of God himself that although he is unchanging that he makes although he is unchanging that he makes although he is unchanging that he makes a way. So when you look at the a way. So when you look at the a way. So when you look at the Ninevites, when you look at Jonah, God Ninevites, when you look at Jonah, God Ninevites, when you look at Jonah, God did not change, but the position of the did not change, but the position of the did not change, but the position of the people certainly did.

people certainly did. people certainly did. And this And this And this is grace. is grace. is grace. This is grace in your life. This is grace in your life. This is grace in your life. When you come to Jesus, God's not When you come to Jesus, God's not When you come to Jesus, God's not changing his mind. changing his mind. changing his mind. When you come to Jesus, he didn't change When you come to Jesus, he didn't change When you come to Jesus, he didn't change the standard so that maybe you can fit the standard so that maybe you can fit the standard so that maybe you can fit in and get in somehow by the skin of in and get in somehow by the skin of in and get in somehow by the skin of your teeth. That's not how the kingdom your teeth. That's not how the kingdom your teeth. That's not how the kingdom works. You are an enemy of God before works. You are an enemy of God before works. You are an enemy of God before Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You are children of wrath before Jesus. You are children of wrath before Jesus. You are children of wrath before Jesus. This is what Paul says in Ephesians very This is what Paul says in Ephesians very This is what Paul says in Ephesians very clearly. We see this that you and the clearly. We see this that you and the clearly. We see this that you and the way that you once walked in darkness way that you once walked in darkness way that you once walked in darkness that you are enemies of God. We are that you are enemies of God. We are that you are enemies of God. We are enemies of God. And then something enemies of God. And then something enemies of God. And then something changed. And it wasn't God. It wasn't changed. And it wasn't God. It wasn't changed. And it wasn't God. It wasn't Jesus. It wasn't the spirit. Nothing Jesus. It wasn't the spirit. Nothing Jesus. It wasn't the spirit. Nothing changed except that our position before changed except that our position before changed except that our position before God has changed. Instead of being God has changed. Instead of being God has changed. Instead of being children of wrath, now we are children children of wrath, now we are children children of wrath, now we are children of grace. Instead of being children in of grace. Instead of being children in of grace. Instead of being children in darkness, now we are children in the darkness, now we are children in the darkness, now we are children in the light. And this is all because of the light. And this is all because of the light. And this is all because of the grace of God in your life. And here is grace of God in your life. And here is grace of God in your life. And here is the grace that is extended to every the grace that is extended to every the grace that is extended to every single person who would hear the words single person who would hear the words single person who would hear the words of God. If you come to Jesus and you of God. If you come to Jesus and you of God. If you come to Jesus and you repent and you place your life in the repent and you place your life in the repent and you place your life in the hands of a loving and gracious God, he hands of a loving and gracious God, he hands of a loving and gracious God, he will relent against you, he will put you will relent against you, he will put you will relent against you, he will put you in a position of grace to receive his

in a position of grace to receive his in a position of grace to receive his mercy so that you can have life mercy so that you can have life mercy so that you can have life everlasting. There is no other way. everlasting. There is no other way. everlasting. There is no other way. This is it. This is it. This is it. And Jesus has given you an opportunity And Jesus has given you an opportunity And Jesus has given you an opportunity to respond. Not show up on Sundays pretending like Not show up on Sundays pretending like everything's okay. everything's okay. everything's okay. Not trying to give your way into heaven. Not trying to give your way into heaven. Not trying to give your way into heaven. Not trying to do good things in order to Not trying to do good things in order to Not trying to do good things in order to get to heaven. Your morality will not get to heaven. Your morality will not get to heaven. Your morality will not save you. save you. save you. Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the and the life, and no one comes to the and the life, and no one comes to the father except through me." And Jesus who father except through me." And Jesus who father except through me." And Jesus who is the way has made a way so that you no is the way has made a way so that you no is the way has made a way so that you no matter how much you have screwed up in matter how much you have screwed up in matter how much you have screwed up in the past because I have too. But no the past because I have too. But no the past because I have too. But no matter what your past has stained you matter what your past has stained you matter what your past has stained you with, Jesus according to first John 1:9 with, Jesus according to first John 1:9 with, Jesus according to first John 1:9 says that he is faithful and just and says that he is faithful and just and says that he is faithful and just and will cleanse you of all unrighteousness.

Not some of it, not most of it, all Not some of it, not most of it, all unrighteousness. When you come to Jesus unrighteousness. When you come to Jesus unrighteousness. When you come to Jesus now, you belong to him. You belong to now, you belong to him. You belong to now, you belong to him. You belong to his family. And he takes your sin as far as the east And he takes your sin as far as the east is from the west. And he accomplished is from the west. And he accomplished is from the west. And he accomplished that on the cross for you. that on the cross for you. that on the cross for you. Maybe that's what we need Maybe that's what we need Maybe that's what we need to just rest to just rest to just rest in the salvation of Christ. in the salvation of Christ. in the salvation of Christ. For some of us in this room, you have For some of us in this room, you have For some of us in this room, you have never trusted in Jesus. And now is that never trusted in Jesus. And now is that never trusted in Jesus. And now is that time for you to respond. time for you to respond. time for you to respond. Heavenly Father, will you help us to do Heavenly Father, will you help us to do Heavenly Father, will you help us to do that? that? that? God, will you help us to not trust in God, will you help us to not trust in God, will you help us to not trust in our ways? God, that we would not trust our ways? God, that we would not trust our ways? God, that we would not trust in in in trying to change our behaviors, trying trying to change our behaviors, trying trying to change our behaviors, trying to change our circumstances around us, to change our circumstances around us, to change our circumstances around us, God, that we're we're so concentrated on God, that we're we're so concentrated on God, that we're we're so concentrated on external change, Father. But what we external change, Father. But what we external change, Father. But what we need is your inner transformation. And need is your inner transformation. And need is your inner transformation. And we are asking you in the name of Jesus.

we are asking you in the name of Jesus. we are asking you in the name of Jesus. That you would do that today, Father, That you would do that today, Father, That you would do that today, Father, for those who do not know you, God, that for those who do not know you, God, that for those who do not know you, God, that you would call them by name right now. you would call them by name right now. you would call them by name right now. And Father, draw them into yourself. And God, for those who've been walking And God, for those who've been walking with you for a long time, I pray, God, with you for a long time, I pray, God, with you for a long time, I pray, God, that your transforming grace would that your transforming grace would that your transforming grace would continue to pursue them, that we would continue to pursue them, that we would continue to pursue them, that we would walk in your likeness. walk in your likeness. walk in your likeness. And so, Father, help us to do that. It's And so, Father, help us to do that. It's And so, Father, help us to do that. It's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you look up, will you stand up with us? you look up, will you stand up with us? you look up, will you stand up with us? And I want to invite you right now. And I want to invite you right now. And I want to invite you right now. Listen, Listen, Listen, no more running. no more running. no more running. that's you this morning and you know I that's you this morning and you know I that's you this morning and you know I need to give my life to Jesus and stop need to give my life to Jesus and stop need to give my life to Jesus and stop running. Listen, I want to meet with you running. Listen, I want to meet with you running. Listen, I want to meet with you right outside these doors at our right outside these doors at our right outside these doors at our connection suite. I would love to talk connection suite. I would love to talk connection suite. I would love to talk with you. I'd love to meet with you with you. I'd love to meet with you with you. I'd love to meet with you right there and pray with you. right there and pray with you. right there and pray with you. But others of you, maybe you just need But others of you, maybe you just need But others of you, maybe you just need to join our church. Maybe you need to to join our church. Maybe you need to to join our church. Maybe you need to take a step of faith in whatever that take a step of faith in whatever that take a step of faith in whatever that is. And we would love to help you, walk is. And we would love to help you, walk is. And we would love to help you, walk with you, pray with you any way we can.

with you, pray with you any way we can. with you, pray with you any way we can. Let's worship together. Let's worship together. Let's worship together. As we respond this morning, let's sing As we respond this morning, let's sing As we respond this morning, let's sing this together. To God be the glory. this together. To God be the glory. this together. To God be the glory. >> Would I gladly be [music] nothing >> Would I gladly be [music] nothing >> Would I gladly be [music] nothing that Christ would be made more? that Christ would be made more? that Christ would be made more? Would I seek the only kingom [music] Would I seek the only kingom [music] Would I seek the only kingom [music] that far outweighs them all? that far outweighs them all? that far outweighs them all? I will [music] stand before my father I will [music] stand before my father I will [music] stand before my father [singing] [singing] [singing] where the faithful saints have stood and where the faithful saints have stood and where the faithful saints have stood and with joy my [music] heart shall praise with joy my [music] heart shall praise with joy my [music] heart shall praise him for his glory and my good [singing] him for his glory and my good [singing] him for his glory and my good [singing] and with joy my heart shall [music] and with joy my heart shall [music] and with joy my heart shall [music] praise him for his glory and my good praise him for his glory and my good praise him for his glory and my good we sing to our God be the glory [music] we sing to our God be the glory [music] we sing to our God be the glory [music] we lift our voice to our God be the we lift our voice to our God be the we lift our voice to our God be the glory To our God [music] glory To our God [music] glory To our God [music] we praise he alone. we praise he alone. we praise he alone. The name above [music and singing] all The name above [music and singing] all The name above [music and singing] all names.

names. names. I will boast ever only in the Lord my I will boast ever only in the Lord my I will boast ever only in the Lord my [music and singing] God. For I know [music and singing] God. For I know [music and singing] God. For I know his glory is my [music] his glory is my [music] his glory is my [music] good. good. good. Yes, I know his glory is my Yes, I know his glory is my Yes, I know his glory is my [music and singing] God. [music and singing] God. [music and singing] God. >> Amen. Church family, so good to worship >> Amen. Church family, so good to worship >> Amen. Church family, so good to worship with you today. God bless you today. We with you today. God bless you today. We with you today. God bless you today. We love you. We'll see you this Wednesday love you. We'll see you this Wednesday love you. We'll see you this Wednesday for prayer gathering. You are dismissed.