Grace that Confronts | 11:00 am | Michael Gossett

>> Hey, good morning Green Acres. I'm so >> Hey, good morning Green Acres. I'm so excited to share with you that we had an excited to share with you that we had an excited to share with you that we had an incredible week at Beach Camp [music] uh incredible week at Beach Camp [music] uh incredible week at Beach Camp [music] uh this last week in Panama City Beach. this last week in Panama City Beach. this last week in Panama City Beach. Around 200 high school students, another Around 200 high school students, another Around 200 high school students, another 75 hundred of our adults and leaders and 75 hundred of our adults and leaders and 75 hundred of our adults and leaders and church staff [music] got to come to church staff [music] got to come to church staff [music] got to come to Panama City Beach and encounter God and Panama City Beach and encounter God and Panama City Beach and encounter God and encounter his glory. We saw students encounter his glory. We saw students encounter his glory. We saw students move from death to life making faith move from death to life making faith move from death to life making faith decisions to follow Jesus, to be decisions to follow Jesus, to be decisions to follow Jesus, to be baptized, uh to repent of things in baptized, uh to repent of things in baptized, uh to repent of things in their life, and overall just discover their life, and overall just discover their life, and overall just discover what it means to follow him. We had a what it means to follow him. We had a what it means to follow him. We had a ton of fun, made lots of memories, ton of fun, made lots of memories, ton of fun, made lots of memories, [music] [music] [music] and we're excited to come home and and we're excited to come home and and we're excited to come home and continue to chase after Jesus and see continue to chase after Jesus and see continue to chase after Jesus and see more lives transformed here in the Tyler more lives transformed here in the Tyler more lives transformed here in the Tyler in East Texas. Hey, and church family, I in East Texas. Hey, and church family, I in East Texas. Hey, and church family, I just want to thank you for praying, for just want to thank you for praying, for just want to thank you for praying, for supporting us. A lot goes into Beach supporting us. A lot goes into Beach supporting us. A lot goes into Beach Camp, but the most important thing that Camp, but the most important thing that Camp, but the most important thing that went into it was your prayers and your went into it was your prayers and your went into it was your prayers and your support. So, I want to thank you for support. So, I want to thank you for support. So, I want to thank you for that, but don't stop praying. This week that, but don't stop praying. This week that, but don't stop praying. This week coming up we have Kids Camp with our coming up we have Kids Camp with our coming up we have Kids Camp with our elementary age, and another week we'll elementary age, and another week we'll elementary age, and another week we'll have Creek Camp with our middle school have Creek Camp with our middle school have Creek Camp with our middle school students. God is on the move in the next students. God is on the move in the next students. God is on the move in the next generation. Keep partnering with us, generation. Keep partnering with us, generation. Keep partnering with us, keep supporting us, and let's see what keep supporting us, and let's see what keep supporting us, and let's see what he has in store.

>> Good morning church family. Would you >> Good morning church family. Would you stand to your feet today? stand to your feet today? stand to your feet today? We have a God who is worthy of all We have a God who is worthy of all We have a God who is worthy of all praise. [music] Stand to your feet praise. [music] Stand to your feet praise. [music] Stand to your feet as we lift up the name of Jesus, the as we lift up the name of Jesus, the as we lift up the name of Jesus, the king of glory, the God of all [music] king of glory, the God of all [music] king of glory, the God of all [music] creation, the first and the last, creation, the first and the last, creation, the first and the last, the great I am, the word of [music] God, the great I am, the word of [music] God, the great I am, the word of [music] God, our gracious and amazing and magnificent our gracious and amazing and magnificent our gracious and amazing and magnificent king. Come on, let's sing. king. Come on, let's sing. king. Come on, let's sing. >> Hold on this heart, oh my soul, oh my >> Hold on this heart, oh my soul, oh my >> Hold on this heart, oh my soul, oh my soul. soul. soul. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Don't give up. >> Don't give up. >> Don't give up. There is hope. There is always [music] There is hope. There is always [music] There is hope. There is always [music] hope. And there [music] is peace in the storm, And there [music] is peace in the storm, in the storm. in the storm. in the storm. No, don't forget He is Lord, He is Lord No, don't forget He is Lord, He is Lord No, don't forget He is Lord, He is Lord of [music] all. of [music] all. of [music] all. Come on, every voice, we sing. There is Come on, every voice, we sing. There is Come on, every voice, we sing. There is a king, come on. a king, come on. a king, come on. Oh, there is a king of glory.

Oh, there is a king of glory. Oh, there is a king of glory. There [music] is a God who saves. There [music] is a God who saves. There [music] is a God who saves. One who is strong and mighty. One who is strong and mighty. One who is strong and mighty. Freedom is in His name. Freedom is in His name. Freedom is in His name. Open the gates [music] of heaven. Open the gates [music] of heaven. Open the gates [music] of heaven. Lift up the shout of praise. Lift up the shout of praise. Lift up the shout of praise. There is [music] a lion roaring. There is [music] a lion roaring. There is [music] a lion roaring. Jesus, the king of glory. So, lift your eyes, stand in awe, stand So, lift your eyes, stand in awe, stand in awe. in awe. in awe. Oh, there Oh, there Oh, there is one, is one, is one, only one only one only one where my help [music] comes from. We lift our eyes to the We lift our eyes to the king, we sing. king, we sing. king, we sing. Oh, there is a king of glory. Oh, there is a king of glory. Oh, there is a king of glory. There is a God who saves. [music] There is a God who saves. [music] There is a God who saves. [music] One who is strong and mighty. One who is strong and mighty. One who is strong and mighty. Freedom is in His name. Freedom is in His name. Freedom is in His name. Open the gates [music] of heaven. Open the gates [music] of heaven. Open the gates [music] of heaven. Lift up the shout of praise. Lift up the shout of praise. Lift up the shout of praise. There is a lion roaring. There is a lion roaring. There is a lion roaring. Jesus, the king of glory.

Jesus, the king of glory. Jesus, the king of glory. All the nations of the earth bow down at All the nations of the earth bow down at All the nations of the earth bow down at the name of Jesus, the sovereign creator the name of Jesus, the sovereign creator the name of Jesus, the sovereign creator over all things. Come on, we sing to His over all things. Come on, we sing to His over all things. Come on, we sing to His name today. name today. name today. Nations [music and singing] bow. Nations [music and singing] bow. Nations [music and singing] bow. Mountains shake Mountains shake Mountains shake at the sound at the sound at the sound of just [music] one name. of just [music] one name. of just [music] one name. Over all, Over all, Over all, Jesus reigns, [music] Jesus reigns, [music] Jesus reigns, [music] I know. I know. I know. Oh, I know. Oh, I know. Oh, I know. We sing. We sing. We sing. Nations [music and singing] bow, Nations [music and singing] bow, Nations [music and singing] bow, mountains shake mountains shake mountains shake at the sound of at the sound of at the sound of just one name. just one name. just one name. Over all, Over all, Over all, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Jesus reigns alone. alone. Listen to this today. Listen to this today. Listen to this today. Psalm chapter 24 says, "Who [music] is Psalm chapter 24 says, "Who [music] is Psalm chapter 24 says, "Who [music] is this King of glory? The Lord, strong this King of glory? The Lord, strong this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in [music] and mighty, the Lord, mighty in [music] and mighty, the Lord, mighty in [music] battle. Lift up your heads, you gates.

battle. Lift up your heads, you gates. battle. Lift up your heads, you gates. Rise up, ancient doors, and the King of Rise up, ancient doors, and the King of Rise up, ancient doors, and the King of glory will come in. [music] Who is he, glory will come in. [music] Who is he, glory will come in. [music] Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord of armies, this King of glory? The Lord of armies, this King of glory? The Lord of armies, he is the King of glory." We sing, he is the King of glory." We sing, he is the King of glory." We sing, There [music] is a King of glory. There [music] is a King of glory. There [music] is a King of glory. There is a God who saves. We sing, One There is a God who saves. We sing, One There is a God who saves. We sing, One who is strong [music] and mighty, who is strong [music] and mighty, who is strong [music] and mighty, freedom is in his name. freedom is in his name. freedom is in his name. Open [music] the gates of heaven. Open [music] the gates of heaven. Open [music] the gates of heaven. Lift up a shout of praise. Lift up a shout of praise. Lift up a shout of praise. There is [music] a lion roaring. There is [music] a lion roaring. There is [music] a lion roaring. Jesus, the King of glory. So, oh, So, oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> there is a lion roaring. >> there is a lion roaring. >> there is a lion roaring. Jesus, the King of glory. Amen. Amen. He rules and reigns today. Well, church, He rules and reigns today. Well, church, He rules and reigns today. Well, church, we have six ty as we witness together. ty as we witness together. >> Hey, good morning, church family. We are >> Hey, good morning, church family. We are >> Hey, good morning, church family. We are super excited about believers' baptism.

super excited about believers' baptism. super excited about believers' baptism. God is on the move at Vacation Bible God is on the move at Vacation Bible God is on the move at Vacation Bible School and at Beach Camp. Man, I love School and at Beach Camp. Man, I love School and at Beach Camp. Man, I love seeing what the Lord is doing in the seeing what the Lord is doing in the seeing what the Lord is doing in the lives of the next generation. This is my lives of the next generation. This is my lives of the next generation. This is my friend, Gunner Zavala. friend, Gunner Zavala. friend, Gunner Zavala. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> We're so excited about his God story. He >> We're so excited about his God story. He >> We're so excited about his God story. He was in this room during Vacation Bible was in this room during Vacation Bible was in this room during Vacation Bible school, there was a gospel presentation school, there was a gospel presentation school, there was a gospel presentation that Pastor Michael brought and he that Pastor Michael brought and he that Pastor Michael brought and he didn't make his decision right here in didn't make his decision right here in didn't make his decision right here in that moment, but he got to the parking that moment, but he got to the parking that moment, but he got to the parking lot and started weighing on that lot and started weighing on that lot and started weighing on that decision. decision. decision. With his mother in the parking lot, With his mother in the parking lot, With his mother in the parking lot, right even before he even left vacation right even before he even left vacation right even before he even left vacation Bible school, he prayed to receive Bible school, he prayed to receive Bible school, he prayed to receive Christ in his life. >> Gunner, >> Gunner, is Jesus your Lord and savior? is Jesus your Lord and savior? is Jesus your Lord and savior? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It gives Chris the greatest privilege >> It gives Chris the greatest privilege >> It gives Chris the greatest privilege enjoyed to baptize you in the name of enjoyed to baptize you in the name of enjoyed to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. You're buried with Christ You're buried with Christ You're buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.

>> Perfect. All right, right there. Now, we >> Perfect. All right, right there. Now, we have Mom. This is Tracy have Mom. This is Tracy have Mom. This is Tracy and her God story is that she gave her and her God story is that she gave her and her God story is that she gave her life to Jesus when she was a child, life to Jesus when she was a child, life to Jesus when she was a child, um but was never baptized. And so, she um but was never baptized. And so, she um but was never baptized. And so, she is a teacher and she has a friend uh who is a teacher and she has a friend uh who is a teacher and she has a friend uh who teaches with her and this is her teaches with her and this is her teaches with her and this is her husband, which is the Willis family. husband, which is the Willis family. husband, which is the Willis family. Upon them inviting them to church, she Upon them inviting them to church, she Upon them inviting them to church, she started coming to Green Acres and she started coming to Green Acres and she started coming to Green Acres and she said, "I also need to be baptized." said, "I also need to be baptized." said, "I also need to be baptized." Tracy, is Jesus your Lord and savior? Tracy, is Jesus your Lord and savior? Tracy, is Jesus your Lord and savior? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It gives us the greatest privilege >> It gives us the greatest privilege >> It gives us the greatest privilege enjoyed to baptize you in the name of enjoyed to baptize you in the name of enjoyed to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You're buried with Christ Spirit. You're buried with Christ Spirit. You're buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. >> Well, hey, good morning, church. Uh we >> Well, hey, good morning, church. Uh we get to celebrate some student baptisms get to celebrate some student baptisms get to celebrate some student baptisms this morning uh for beach camp and man, this morning uh for beach camp and man, this morning uh for beach camp and man, I'm so excited uh that we get to I'm so excited uh that we get to I'm so excited uh that we get to celebrate that together. So, this celebrate that together. So, this celebrate that together. So, this morning uh we have Lilly Holsenbauer and morning uh we have Lilly Holsenbauer and morning uh we have Lilly Holsenbauer and she is an 11th grade she is an 11th grade she is an 11th grade Uh uh and if you're a friend or a family Uh uh and if you're a friend or a family Uh uh and if you're a friend or a family member, yeah.

member, yeah. member, yeah. Uh Uh Uh if you're a friend or a family member of if you're a friend or a family member of if you're a friend or a family member of these students, I would just encourage these students, I would just encourage these students, I would just encourage you uh to stand up as they get baptized. you uh to stand up as they get baptized. you uh to stand up as they get baptized. So, a little bit about Lilly's story, uh So, a little bit about Lilly's story, uh So, a little bit about Lilly's story, uh she actually gave her life to Christ in she actually gave her life to Christ in she actually gave her life to Christ in sixth grade at a Pine Cove camp, uh but sixth grade at a Pine Cove camp, uh but sixth grade at a Pine Cove camp, uh but it really wasn't until our beach camp it really wasn't until our beach camp it really wasn't until our beach camp this past week that she felt the push to this past week that she felt the push to this past week that she felt the push to follow in obedience through baptism. So, follow in obedience through baptism. So, follow in obedience through baptism. So, with that being said, Lilly, are you with that being said, Lilly, are you with that being said, Lilly, are you here today because Jesus is Lord of your here today because Jesus is Lord of your here today because Jesus is Lord of your life? life? life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession of faith, I get to baptize you in the of faith, I get to baptize you in the of faith, I get to baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and name of the Father, and of the Son, and name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. of the Holy Spirit. of the Holy Spirit. Buried with Christ, Buried with Christ, Buried with Christ, raised to walk in new life. >> [applause] >> [applause] [music] >> All right. >> All right. Yeah, here today we have Caitlyn Foppe Yeah, here today we have Caitlyn Foppe Yeah, here today we have Caitlyn Foppe with us, uh and Caitlyn is a sophomore with us, uh and Caitlyn is a sophomore with us, uh and Caitlyn is a sophomore student. And for her, she had been student. And for her, she had been student. And for her, she had been around the church for a couple of years around the church for a couple of years around the church for a couple of years and for a long time, uh but she had and for a long time, uh but she had and for a long time, uh but she had really never knew who Jesus was. Uh and really never knew who Jesus was. Uh and really never knew who Jesus was. Uh and it was at beach camp this past weekend it was at beach camp this past weekend it was at beach camp this past weekend for her where she found that she needed for her where she found that she needed for her where she found that she needed a savior, and that savior was found in a savior, and that savior was found in a savior, and that savior was found in Jesus. So, Caitlyn, are you here today Jesus. So, Caitlyn, are you here today Jesus. So, Caitlyn, are you here today because Jesus is Lord of your life?

because Jesus is Lord of your life? because Jesus is Lord of your life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession of faith, of faith, of faith, here you go. I get to baptize you in the here you go. I get to baptize you in the here you go. I get to baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and name of the Father, and of the Son, and name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. of the Holy Spirit. of the Holy Spirit. Buried with Christ, Buried with Christ, Buried with Christ, raised to walk in new life. raised to walk in new life. raised to walk in new life. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [applause] >> All right. Awesome, another student >> All right. Awesome, another student baptism. So, this morning we have Cannon baptism. So, this morning we have Cannon baptism. So, this morning we have Cannon Shafer with us this morning, um and Shafer with us this morning, um and Shafer with us this morning, um and Cannon actually put faith in Jesus just Cannon actually put faith in Jesus just Cannon actually put faith in Jesus just about two or three months ago when our about two or three months ago when our about two or three months ago when our camp speaker uh came to speak here at camp speaker uh came to speak here at camp speaker uh came to speak here at Green Acres. But it was at beach camp Green Acres. But it was at beach camp Green Acres. But it was at beach camp for him where he knew that he hadn't for him where he knew that he hadn't for him where he knew that he hadn't followed in obedience. And so with that followed in obedience. And so with that followed in obedience. And so with that being said at beach camp, he he decided being said at beach camp, he he decided being said at beach camp, he he decided to follow in baptism and he wanted to do to follow in baptism and he wanted to do to follow in baptism and he wanted to do that this morning. So with that being that this morning. So with that being that this morning. So with that being said, Cannon, are you here this morning said, Cannon, are you here this morning said, Cannon, are you here this morning because Jesus is Lord of your life? because Jesus is Lord of your life? because Jesus is Lord of your life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession of faith, I get to baptize you in the of faith, I get to baptize you in the of faith, I get to baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and name of the Father and of the Son and name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. You're buried with the Holy Spirit. You're buried with the Holy Spirit. You're buried with Christ, Christ, Christ, raised to walk in new life.

Right there. There you go. Right there. There you go. All right. With us this morning, we have All right. With us this morning, we have All right. With us this morning, we have Say Asano. And Say has a really cool Say Asano. And Say has a really cool Say Asano. And Say has a really cool story. Say for most of his life grew up story. Say for most of his life grew up story. Say for most of his life grew up around the church and grew up kind of around the church and grew up kind of around the church and grew up kind of hearing and knowing about who Jesus was hearing and knowing about who Jesus was hearing and knowing about who Jesus was but never had a relationship with him. but never had a relationship with him. but never had a relationship with him. And it was just at a Pine Cove camp 3 And it was just at a Pine Cove camp 3 And it was just at a Pine Cove camp 3 weeks ago that Say knew that he needed a weeks ago that Say knew that he needed a weeks ago that Say knew that he needed a savior and he gave his life to Christ at savior and he gave his life to Christ at savior and he gave his life to Christ at that camp. So Say, are you here this that camp. So Say, are you here this that camp. So Say, are you here this morning because Jesus is Lord of your morning because Jesus is Lord of your morning because Jesus is Lord of your life? life? life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession >> Well, because of that public profession of faith, it is my joy to baptize you in of faith, it is my joy to baptize you in of faith, it is my joy to baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son the name of the Father and of the Son the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. Buried with Christ, Buried with Christ, Buried with Christ, raised to walk in new life. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Hey, can we just >> Hey, can we just >> Hey, can we just like for real give it up for what God is like for real give it up for what God is like for real give it up for what God is doing in your church? doing in your church? doing in your church? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And listen, >> And listen, >> And listen, you know, people ask, they're like, you know, people ask, they're like, you know, people ask, they're like, "Man, everything is so busy at Green "Man, everything is so busy at Green "Man, everything is so busy at Green Acres in the summer." Okay, well, let me Acres in the summer." Okay, well, let me Acres in the summer." Okay, well, let me just tell you this is why.

just tell you this is why. just tell you this is why. Like like this is why. Like like this is why. Like like this is why. Because we ramp it up in the summer. Because we ramp it up in the summer. Because we ramp it up in the summer. Listen, always throughout the year, Listen, always throughout the year, Listen, always throughout the year, listen, we always uh want to give listen, we always uh want to give listen, we always uh want to give opportunity to evangelize, share the opportunity to evangelize, share the opportunity to evangelize, share the gospel. We give invitations for people gospel. We give invitations for people gospel. We give invitations for people to respond to the gospel every Sunday, to respond to the gospel every Sunday, to respond to the gospel every Sunday, 52 weeks a year, 52 weeks a year, 52 weeks a year, always. Okay, and every event that we do always. Okay, and every event that we do always. Okay, and every event that we do throughout the year is for this purpose, throughout the year is for this purpose, throughout the year is for this purpose, for people to be connected to Jesus and for people to be connected to Jesus and for people to be connected to Jesus and his church so that they can grow in the his church so that they can grow in the his church so that they can grow in the likeness of Jesus and multiply for the likeness of Jesus and multiply for the likeness of Jesus and multiply for the purpose of Jesus and the glory of Jesus. purpose of Jesus and the glory of Jesus. purpose of Jesus and the glory of Jesus. But there is something special But there is something special But there is something special in particular about the summer when we in particular about the summer when we in particular about the summer when we get to launch with VBS where 263 kids get to launch with VBS where 263 kids get to launch with VBS where 263 kids gave their lives to Jesus. And then we gave their lives to Jesus. And then we gave their lives to Jesus. And then we go to beach camp. Anybody, did you have go to beach camp. Anybody, did you have go to beach camp. Anybody, did you have a good time at beach camp? Anybody? a good time at beach camp? Anybody? a good time at beach camp? Anybody? All right, so where students are All right, so where students are All right, so where students are encountering Jesus with hundreds of encountering Jesus with hundreds of encountering Jesus with hundreds of lives being transformed by the gospel of lives being transformed by the gospel of lives being transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and being conformed to his Jesus Christ and being conformed to his Jesus Christ and being conformed to his image over and over again. Next week we image over and over again. Next week we image over and over again. Next week we have kids camp. The week after that we have kids camp. The week after that we have kids camp. The week after that we have have have middle school creek camp. And I'm middle school creek camp. And I'm middle school creek camp. And I'm telling you the reason why we do this is telling you the reason why we do this is telling you the reason why we do this is because there is something special when because there is something special when because there is something special when you can get a kid, a student away from you can get a kid, a student away from you can get a kid, a student away from the normal routine and just be in the the normal routine and just be in the the normal routine and just be in the presence of God that the Lord wakes the presence of God that the Lord wakes the presence of God that the Lord wakes the next generation up. And I'm telling you next generation up. And I'm telling you next generation up. And I'm telling you right now, church, you need to be

right now, church, you need to be right now, church, you need to be encouraged because the next generation encouraged because the next generation encouraged because the next generation has been woken up. Do you agree with has been woken up. Do you agree with has been woken up. Do you agree with that? I mean, it's incredible. Incredible about what God is doing. Incredible about what God is doing. But I'm going to tell you But I'm going to tell you But I'm going to tell you um um um as much as there is happening and the as much as there is happening and the as much as there is happening and the way that God is stirring, way that God is stirring, way that God is stirring, I'm going to tell you I'm going to tell you I'm going to tell you that there is an equal opportunity for that there is an equal opportunity for that there is an equal opportunity for the enemy to step in and distract you. the enemy to step in and distract you. the enemy to step in and distract you. And this is why, I mean, right now, men And this is why, I mean, right now, men And this is why, I mean, right now, men in particular, in particular, in particular, cuz it's not just the next generation cuz it's not just the next generation cuz it's not just the next generation that's being attacked. Listen, I really that's being attacked. Listen, I really that's being attacked. Listen, I really believe that right now that men believe that right now that men believe that right now that men culturally, right here, especially in culturally, right here, especially in culturally, right here, especially in America, are being attacked. Listen, it America, are being attacked. Listen, it America, are being attacked. Listen, it is uh no longer uh cool or whatever to is uh no longer uh cool or whatever to is uh no longer uh cool or whatever to be a biblical man. be a biblical man. be a biblical man. Like you get called out for masculinity. Like you get called out for masculinity. Like you get called out for masculinity. You get called out for for being uh too You get called out for for being uh too You get called out for for being uh too tough or too manly, whatever, listen, tough or too manly, whatever, listen, tough or too manly, whatever, listen, whatever uh people are saying nowadays, whatever uh people are saying nowadays, whatever uh people are saying nowadays, but I'm telling you right now, we don't but I'm telling you right now, we don't but I'm telling you right now, we don't get our understanding of what it means get our understanding of what it means get our understanding of what it means to be a man by the culture. We get it to be a man by the culture. We get it to be a man by the culture. We get it from what God's word says.

from what God's word says. from what God's word says. And right now, that is being attacked And right now, that is being attacked And right now, that is being attacked like never before in the history of like never before in the history of like never before in the history of mankind. mankind. mankind. I really believe that. I really believe that. I really believe that. And so, this is what I want to do, I And so, this is what I want to do, I And so, this is what I want to do, I mean, mean, mean, uh on this Father's Day, uh on this Father's Day, uh on this Father's Day, I want to ask I want to ask I want to ask that all of our guys, all right, no that all of our guys, all right, no that all of our guys, all right, no matter what age you are, matter what age you are, matter what age you are, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> uh boys, men, listen, everybody, I just >> uh boys, men, listen, everybody, I just >> uh boys, men, listen, everybody, I just want to ask you, would you just stand up want to ask you, would you just stand up want to ask you, would you just stand up where you are? Lincoln, you can Lincoln, you can come Lincoln, you can Lincoln, you can come up here and stay with me. up here and stay with me. up here and stay with me. Yeah, that boy. You know, this is what You know, this is what I want to pray over us. I want to pray over us. I want to pray over us. It's Ephesians chapter 6. It's Ephesians chapter 6. It's Ephesians chapter 6. This is This is This is This is what it says. All right.

All right. This is Paul's final words This is Paul's final words This is Paul's final words to the church of Ephesus. to the church of Ephesus. to the church of Ephesus. Finally, Finally, Finally, be strong be strong be strong in the Lord in the Lord in the Lord and in the strength and in the strength and in the strength of his might. of his might. of his might. Put on the whole armor of God Put on the whole armor of God Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against that you may be able to stand against that you may be able to stand against the schemes the schemes the schemes of the devil. of the devil. of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and For we do not wrestle against flesh and For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against blood, but against the rulers, against blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic the authorities, against the cosmic the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, powers over this present darkness, powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in against the spiritual forces of evil in against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be the whole armor of God that you may be the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day. able to withstand in the evil day. able to withstand in the evil day. And having done all, And having done all, And having done all, stand firm. stand firm. stand firm. Look, this is the good news of the Look, this is the good news of the Look, this is the good news of the gospel, men. gospel, men. gospel, men. It is not your strength.

It is not your strength. It is not your strength. It is not your ability to stand. It is not your ability to stand. It is not your ability to stand. It is not It is not It is not >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your might. It is not your power. It is >> your might. It is not your power. It is >> your might. It is not your power. It is the power of Christ in you. And I just the power of Christ in you. And I just the power of Christ in you. And I just want to encourage us this morning in one want to encourage us this morning in one want to encourage us this morning in one way, men, keep standing firm. way, men, keep standing firm. way, men, keep standing firm. Do not let your guard down. Do not let your guard down. Do not let your guard down. The enemy is prowling. He is at your The enemy is prowling. He is at your The enemy is prowling. He is at your door and my door, and he wants to sneak door and my door, and he wants to sneak door and my door, and he wants to sneak in. He wants to get in. He wants to get in. He wants to get in. He wants to get in. He wants to get in. He wants to get in your heart. He wants to get in your in your heart. He wants to get in your in your heart. He wants to get in your mind. He wants to get in your marriage. mind. He wants to get in your marriage. mind. He wants to get in your marriage. He wants to get in your family. And you He wants to get in your family. And you He wants to get in your family. And you are called to be the lead defender of are called to be the lead defender of are called to be the lead defender of your family, the lead defender of your your family, the lead defender of your your family, the lead defender of your marriage, the lead defender of your marriage, the lead defender of your marriage, the lead defender of your kids, the lead prayer warrior in your kids, the lead prayer warrior in your kids, the lead prayer warrior in your own personal walk with Christ, the lead own personal walk with Christ, the lead own personal walk with Christ, the lead servant in your family, the lead servant in your family, the lead servant in your family, the lead repenter, the lead sacrifice. All of repenter, the lead sacrifice. All of repenter, the lead sacrifice. All of these things, men, this is what you are these things, men, this is what you are these things, men, this is what you are called to do. And do not, listen, grow called to do. And do not, listen, grow called to do. And do not, listen, grow weary in doing good because you will you weary in doing good because you will you weary in doing good because you will you will reap a harvest that is plentiful as will reap a harvest that is plentiful as will reap a harvest that is plentiful as you stand firm in the gospel of Jesus you stand firm in the gospel of Jesus you stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ. And men, I just want us to be Christ. And men, I just want us to be Christ. And men, I just want us to be that kind of man. Amen?

that kind of man. Amen? that kind of man. Amen? Like I want to be that kind of man that Like I want to be that kind of man that Like I want to be that kind of man that is all in for Jesus because the next is all in for Jesus because the next is all in for Jesus because the next generation is going to follow in the way generation is going to follow in the way generation is going to follow in the way that you lead out right now. But fear not, Jesus says. But fear not, Jesus says. For I For I For I am with you. And not only that, can you just take a And not only that, can you just take a moment and just look around this room? moment and just look around this room? moment and just look around this room? Everybody just look around the room. Everybody just look around the room. Everybody just look around the room. Look at the men Look at the men Look at the men standing. Gentlemen, Gentlemen, you are not in this fight by yourself. you are not in this fight by yourself. you are not in this fight by yourself. You have a army of believers You have a army of believers You have a army of believers that want to encourage you, that want to encourage you, that want to encourage you, to edify, to edify, to edify, to hold your arms up when you're tired, to hold your arms up when you're tired, to hold your arms up when you're tired, to keep you planted when you feel like to keep you planted when you feel like to keep you planted when you feel like wandering. Listen, this is the gift of wandering. Listen, this is the gift of wandering. Listen, this is the gift of God's church. So, can I just ask God's church. So, can I just ask God's church. So, can I just ask if you are all in already, if you are all in already, if you are all in already, men, I just want to say, keep going.

men, I just want to say, keep going. men, I just want to say, keep going. But maybe you're in this room, men, But maybe you're in this room, men, But maybe you're in this room, men, and you're just kind of on the edge a and you're just kind of on the edge a and you're just kind of on the edge a little bit. little bit. little bit. Can I just ask of you to press in to Can I just ask of you to press in to Can I just ask of you to press in to your church? your church? your church? Your church needs you Your church needs you Your church needs you because our church needs godly men to because our church needs godly men to because our church needs godly men to lead in kids ministry, student ministry, lead in kids ministry, student ministry, lead in kids ministry, student ministry, adult ministry, all over. We need godly adult ministry, all over. We need godly adult ministry, all over. We need godly men now more than ever. And so, I'm just men now more than ever. And so, I'm just men now more than ever. And so, I'm just going to ask you press in. going to ask you press in. going to ask you press in. And let's be the church that God has And let's be the church that God has And let's be the church that God has called us to be. Let's continue to be called us to be. Let's continue to be called us to be. Let's continue to be the men that God has called us to be. the men that God has called us to be. the men that God has called us to be. Amen. Amen. Amen. Lord Jesus, I'm asking you now, Lord, Lord Jesus, I'm asking you now, Lord, Lord Jesus, I'm asking you now, Lord, that that would be true of our lives. Lord, we're praying in the name of Jesus Lord, we're praying in the name of Jesus that we would not that we would not that we would not rely on our own strength, our own power, rely on our own strength, our own power, rely on our own strength, our own power, our own might, but instead, Lord, that our own might, but instead, Lord, that our own might, but instead, Lord, that we would lean in to your spirit. God, it we would lean in to your spirit. God, it we would lean in to your spirit. God, it is the power of Christ that gives life, is the power of Christ that gives life, is the power of Christ that gives life, sustains life, and keeps us, and guides sustains life, and keeps us, and guides sustains life, and keeps us, and guides us. And so, Lord, we are asking you that us. And so, Lord, we are asking you that us. And so, Lord, we are asking you that that would be true of us.

that would be true of us. that would be true of us. Father, thank you for the men in this Father, thank you for the men in this Father, thank you for the men in this room. Father, thank you for the fathers room. Father, thank you for the fathers room. Father, thank you for the fathers in this room who take serious the call in this room who take serious the call in this room who take serious the call of Christ on their lives. of Christ on their lives. of Christ on their lives. We praise you, God, for that. We praise you, God, for that. We praise you, God, for that. And we ask, Lord, that you would And we ask, Lord, that you would And we ask, Lord, that you would continue to sustain us continue to sustain us continue to sustain us as we pursue you. as we pursue you. as we pursue you. And Father, as we give to you right now, And Father, as we give to you right now, And Father, as we give to you right now, God, would you remind us that God, would you remind us that God, would you remind us that everything we have belongs to you. everything we have belongs to you. everything we have belongs to you. And so, Lord, would you take these And so, Lord, would you take these And so, Lord, would you take these [music] tithes and these offerings, [music] tithes and these offerings, [music] tithes and these offerings, Father, and would you use it for your Father, and would you use it for your Father, and would you use it for your kingdom? kingdom? kingdom? And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. You may be seated. For your mercy [music and singing] never For your mercy [music and singing] never fails me fails me fails me in all my days.

in all my days. in all my days. I've been held [music] in your hands. From the moment that [music] I wake up From the moment that [music] I wake up till I lay [singing] my head, till I lay [singing] my head, till I lay [singing] my head, oh I [music] will sing oh I [music] will sing oh I [music] will sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. [music] >> Come on, we sing. >> Come on, we sing. >> And all my [music and singing] life you >> And all my [music and singing] life you >> And all my [music and singing] life you have been faithful. >> [music] >> [music] >> And all my [singing] life you have been >> And all my [singing] life you have been >> And all my [singing] life you have been so so so >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> so good. With every breath [singing] that I am With every breath [singing] that I am able, oh I [music] will sing oh I [music] will sing of the goodness [singing] of the goodness [singing] of the goodness [singing] of God. You have led me through the fire. You have led me through the fire. [music] [music] [music] In darkest night, In darkest night, In darkest night, you are close [music] you are close [music] you are close [music] like no like no like no other.

I've known you as a [music] father. I've known you as a [music] father. I've known you as I've known you as I've known you as a friend. a friend. a friend. And I And I And I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> have lived >> have lived >> have lived in the goodness in the goodness in the goodness of God. of God. of God. >> Come on, we sing. >> And all my life [music and singing] >> And all my life [music and singing] you have been faithful. And all [music] my life you have been so And all [music] my life you have been so so so so good. [singing] With every breath [music] With every breath [music] that I that I that I am able, oh I will [music] sing oh I will [music] sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. of God. of God. >> [music] >> Cuz your goodness is running after >> Cuz your goodness is running after it's running after >> [music] >> [music] >> Your goodness is running after >> Your goodness is running after >> Your goodness is running after me. It's running after me. With my life laid down, [music] I'm me. With my life laid down, [music] I'm surrendering now. surrendering now. surrendering now. I give you I give you I give you everything.

Cuz your goodness is running [music] Cuz your goodness is running [music] after after after me. It's running me. It's running me. It's running after me. And all my life And all my life >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> you have been >> you have been >> you have been faithful. All my [music and singing] life you have All my [music and singing] life you have been so been so been so so so so good. good. good. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> With every breath [singing] that I am >> With every breath [singing] that I am >> With every breath [singing] that I am able, oh I'm going to sing oh I'm going to sing >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of the goodness [singing] >> of the goodness [singing] >> of the goodness [singing] of God. >> And all my life >> And all my life you have been you have been you have been faithful. faithful. faithful. >> [music] >> And all my life [singing] >> And all my life [singing] you have been so you have been so you have been so >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> so good. With every breath that With every breath that I am I am I am >> [music] >> able, oh I'm going to sing >> able, oh I'm going to sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of God.

Oh I'm going to sing Oh I'm going to sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of God. >> Father, thank you this morning [music] >> Father, thank you this morning [music] that that's true. that that's true. that that's true. Your goodness and your mercy Your goodness and your mercy Your goodness and your mercy follow us all the days of our life. follow us all the days of our life. follow us all the days of our life. Lord, we will dwell in the house of the Lord, we will dwell in the house of the Lord, we will dwell in the house of the Lord all our days of our life. Lord all our days of our life. Lord all our days of our life. So Lord, I pray this morning So Lord, I pray this morning So Lord, I pray this morning as we sung to you, as we've given to as we sung to you, as we've given to as we sung to you, as we've given to you, as we witness baptism, Lord, I pray you, as we witness baptism, Lord, I pray you, as we witness baptism, Lord, I pray that it is a sweet offering before you. that it is a sweet offering before you. that it is a sweet offering before you. We live to honor your name. We live to We live to honor your name. We live to We live to honor your name. We live to worship [music] your name. worship [music] your name. worship [music] your name. What a great privilege it is, Lord, to What a great privilege it is, Lord, to What a great privilege it is, Lord, to see the evidence of your work, the see the evidence of your work, the see the evidence of your work, the evidence of the spirit's power among us evidence of the spirit's power among us evidence of the spirit's power among us right here. right here. right here. We are humbled and we are honored, Lord, We are humbled and we are honored, Lord, We are humbled and we are honored, Lord, to serve to serve to serve the God of all creation. the God of all creation. the God of all creation. Lord, be with us this morning. Lord, be with us this morning. Lord, be with us this morning. We can't do any of this without you, We can't do any of this without you, We can't do any of this without you, Lord. We love you. Lord. We love you. Lord. We love you. We pray all these things in Jesus' We pray all these things in Jesus' We pray all these things in Jesus' [music] name. Amen. You may be seated.

>> Well, if you have your Bible, open with >> Well, if you have your Bible, open with me to Jonah chapter 4 and as we conclude me to Jonah chapter 4 and as we conclude me to Jonah chapter 4 and as we conclude this series in Jonah, this series in Jonah, this series in Jonah, I just want to highlight a couple of I just want to highlight a couple of I just want to highlight a couple of things. I mean, uh things. I mean, uh things. I mean, uh this has been a journey this has been a journey this has been a journey of seeing a first-hand account of seeing a first-hand account of seeing a first-hand account at how relentless at how relentless at how relentless God's grace really is toward us. God's grace really is toward us. God's grace really is toward us. Toward sinners. Toward sinners. Toward sinners. Toward the nations. Toward the nations. Toward the nations. Like, this is a first-hand account of Like, this is a first-hand account of Like, this is a first-hand account of the relentless pursuit of God toward the relentless pursuit of God toward the relentless pursuit of God toward wicked man. wicked man. wicked man. But, if I were being honest with you, I But, if I were being honest with you, I But, if I were being honest with you, I would have probably ended the book of would have probably ended the book of would have probably ended the book of Jonah in chapter 3. Jonah in chapter 3. Jonah in chapter 3. Chapter 3 is the apex. I mean, it is Chapter 3 is the apex. I mean, it is Chapter 3 is the apex. I mean, it is incredible about what happened. Jonah incredible about what happened. Jonah incredible about what happened. Jonah preached in eight words, five in Hebrew, preached in eight words, five in Hebrew, preached in eight words, five in Hebrew, but eight in English, and and everyone but eight in English, and and everyone but eight in English, and and everyone in Nineveh repented and came to the in Nineveh repented and came to the in Nineveh repented and came to the Lord. They turned from their wicked ways Lord. They turned from their wicked ways Lord. They turned from their wicked ways and they turned to the Lord.

and they turned to the Lord. and they turned to the Lord. I mean, it's one of the greatest I mean, it's one of the greatest I mean, it's one of the greatest revivals ever recorded in history, if revivals ever recorded in history, if revivals ever recorded in history, if not the greatest revival, and then you not the greatest revival, and then you not the greatest revival, and then you switch gears completely switch gears completely switch gears completely and just grinding the clutch completely and just grinding the clutch completely and just grinding the clutch completely and when you get into chapter 4. and when you get into chapter 4. and when you get into chapter 4. I mean, it is absolutely absurd. I mean, it is absolutely absurd. I mean, it is absolutely absurd. You know, I would like to think of You know, I would like to think of You know, I would like to think of somebody somebody somebody as myself that I have a pretty high as myself that I have a pretty high as myself that I have a pretty high emotional intelligence. emotional intelligence. emotional intelligence. You all know what emotional intelligence You all know what emotional intelligence You all know what emotional intelligence is? is? is? It's where you can kind of read people It's where you can kind of read people It's where you can kind of read people around you based on either facial around you based on either facial around you based on either facial expressions that are being exposed, but expressions that are being exposed, but expressions that are being exposed, but but primarily of understanding but primarily of understanding but primarily of understanding emotionally where people are around you. emotionally where people are around you. emotionally where people are around you. Before I got married, I thought I was Before I got married, I thought I was Before I got married, I thought I was proficient. And then proficient. And then proficient. And then and then you have to share a home with and then you have to share a home with and then you have to share a home with someone else and when that someone else someone else and when that someone else someone else and when that someone else is is is a girl, listen, your emotional a girl, listen, your emotional a girl, listen, your emotional intelligence is tested.

I'm not saying anything bad. I'm not saying anything bad. It's also tested for my wife, okay? Rest It's also tested for my wife, okay? Rest It's also tested for my wife, okay? Rest assured. assured. assured. Emotional intelligence is absolutely Emotional intelligence is absolutely Emotional intelligence is absolutely tested. tested. tested. You have to figure out what You have to figure out what You have to figure out what shrugs mean shrugs mean shrugs mean and what different head nods mean and and what different head nods mean and and what different head nods mean and these empty stares back at you like, these empty stares back at you like, these empty stares back at you like, "What are you doing right now?" Like you "What are you doing right now?" Like you "What are you doing right now?" Like you have to be able to discern what those have to be able to discern what those have to be able to discern what those things mean. And then by God's grace, he things mean. And then by God's grace, he things mean. And then by God's grace, he allowed us to have three allowed us to have three allowed us to have three more girls, okay? And so then we went more girls, okay? And so then we went more girls, okay? And so then we went girl, girl, girl, okay? And then when I girl, girl, girl, okay? And then when I girl, girl, girl, okay? And then when I just started thinking to myself, "Man, just started thinking to myself, "Man, just started thinking to myself, "Man, I'm really smart again. My emotional I'm really smart again. My emotional I'm really smart again. My emotional intelligence is really, really intelligence is really, really intelligence is really, really adequate. And then the girls come along adequate. And then the girls come along adequate. And then the girls come along and then you figure out, "Oh, I don't and then you figure out, "Oh, I don't and then you figure out, "Oh, I don't know anything again." And then so then know anything again." And then so then know anything again." And then so then by God's grace we had by God's grace we had by God's grace we had boy, all right? And Lincoln, he came boy, all right? And Lincoln, he came boy, all right? And Lincoln, he came along and so now he and I just kind of along and so now he and I just kind of along and so now he and I just kind of wander aimlessly around the house just wander aimlessly around the house just wander aimlessly around the house just wondering what our part is in the wondering what our part is in the wondering what our part is in the sorority house in which we live.

Understanding that our emotional Understanding that our emotional intelligence is not helping, but at intelligence is not helping, but at intelligence is not helping, but at times we do understand where and when we times we do understand where and when we times we do understand where and when we are not needed, which is often. But here's the truth about emotional But here's the truth about emotional intelligence. intelligence. intelligence. Emotions are a gift from God. Emotions are a gift from God. Emotions are a gift from God. They really are. They really are. They really are. And all of the fun emotions, the hard And all of the fun emotions, the hard And all of the fun emotions, the hard emotions, emotions, emotions, even bad emotions, all of them are a even bad emotions, all of them are a even bad emotions, all of them are a gift from God. But here is what emotions gift from God. But here is what emotions gift from God. But here is what emotions actually do for us. actually do for us. actually do for us. Emotions are a way Emotions are a way Emotions are a way of indicating where your heart really of indicating where your heart really of indicating where your heart really is. This is what is gracious of the Lord. This is what is gracious of the Lord. That he would give us these indicators That he would give us these indicators That he would give us these indicators to expose and highlight anything inside to expose and highlight anything inside to expose and highlight anything inside of you that is unlike him. of you that is unlike him. of you that is unlike him. Right, that is what the spirit of God is Right, that is what the spirit of God is Right, that is what the spirit of God is doing in your life. If you are a doing in your life. If you are a doing in your life. If you are a follower of Jesus, if you have been follower of Jesus, if you have been follower of Jesus, if you have been saved, meaning that you have been saved, meaning that you have been saved, meaning that you have been regenerated, regenerated, regenerated, that you have placed your faith in that you have placed your faith in that you have placed your faith in Christ himself and he has saved you. If Christ himself and he has saved you. If Christ himself and he has saved you. If that is true of your life, then the that is true of your life, then the that is true of your life, then the spirit of God that resides in you at spirit of God that resides in you at spirit of God that resides in you at that moment of regeneration is in you to that moment of regeneration is in you to that moment of regeneration is in you to help conform you to the image of the son help conform you to the image of the son help conform you to the image of the son through the word of God, okay? So, this through the word of God, okay? So, this through the word of God, okay? So, this is your life. And then, if anything is

is your life. And then, if anything is is your life. And then, if anything is unlike the Father in this conformity to unlike the Father in this conformity to unlike the Father in this conformity to him, him, him, that will be exposed, and that is that will be exposed, and that is that will be exposed, and that is gracious of the Lord because what is gracious of the Lord because what is gracious of the Lord because what is best for you best for you best for you is to be conformed to the image of the is to be conformed to the image of the is to be conformed to the image of the son. son. son. Like, that is good for you. Like, that is good for you. Like, that is good for you. That God would root out sin, that he That God would root out sin, that he That God would root out sin, that he would root out wickedness within us, would root out wickedness within us, would root out wickedness within us, and continue to grow us in the likeness and continue to grow us in the likeness and continue to grow us in the likeness of Christ. This is all God's grace in of Christ. This is all God's grace in of Christ. This is all God's grace in our lives. And then, when something our lives. And then, when something our lives. And then, when something rears itself, you have these emotions rears itself, you have these emotions rears itself, you have these emotions that are attached to it. that are attached to it. that are attached to it. And this is what we see in the life of And this is what we see in the life of And this is what we see in the life of Jonah right here. Jonah right here. Jonah right here. In Jonah chapter 4. In Jonah chapter 4. In Jonah chapter 4. Because here is what we have to know. Because here is what we have to know. Because here is what we have to know. That it is all God's grace in our lives. That it is all God's grace in our lives. That it is all God's grace in our lives. Everything you have is because God is Everything you have is because God is Everything you have is because God is gracious.

gracious. gracious. The fact that you know him is only The fact that you know him is only The fact that you know him is only because God is gracious. because God is gracious. because God is gracious. Because we are breathing and living is Because we are breathing and living is Because we are breathing and living is because God is gracious. because God is gracious. because God is gracious. But, here's what happens as we live, But, here's what happens as we live, But, here's what happens as we live, and as we'll see in the life of Jonah. and as we'll see in the life of Jonah. and as we'll see in the life of Jonah. When we forget When we forget When we forget the grace of God, the grace of God, the grace of God, we will drift from the heart of God. I I I want to say that one more time I I I want to say that one more time because it's going to be a thread because it's going to be a thread because it's going to be a thread throughout all of Jonah chapter 4. When throughout all of Jonah chapter 4. When throughout all of Jonah chapter 4. When we forget the grace of God, we forget the grace of God, we forget the grace of God, we will inevitably we will inevitably we will inevitably drift from the heart of God. drift from the heart of God. drift from the heart of God. I want to see if you recognize that as I want to see if you recognize that as I want to see if you recognize that as we read this together. So, if you are we read this together. So, if you are we read this together. So, if you are willing and able, willing and able, willing and able, would you stand with us as we read God's would you stand with us as we read God's would you stand with us as we read God's word together?

It says, "Jonah was greatly displeased It says, "Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious. and became furious. and became furious. He prayed to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, He prayed to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, He prayed to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, isn't this what I said while I was still isn't this what I said while I was still isn't this what I said while I was still in my own country? in my own country? in my own country? That's why I fled toward Tarshish in the That's why I fled toward Tarshish in the That's why I fled toward Tarshish in the first place. first place. first place. I knew that you are a gracious and I knew that you are a gracious and I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, compassionate God, slow to anger, compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and one who abounding in faithful love, and one who abounding in faithful love, and one who relents from sending disaster. relents from sending disaster. relents from sending disaster. And now, Lord, take my life from me, for And now, Lord, take my life from me, for And now, Lord, take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to it is better for me to die than to it is better for me to die than to live.' live.' live.' The Lord asked, The Lord asked, The Lord asked, 'Is it right for you to be angry?' 'Is it right for you to be angry?' 'Is it right for you to be angry?' Jonah left the city and found a place Jonah left the city and found a place Jonah left the city and found a place east of it. east of it. east of it. He made himself a shelter there and sat He made himself a shelter there and sat He made himself a shelter there and sat in its shade to see what would happen to in its shade to see what would happen to in its shade to see what would happen to the city. the city. the city. Then the Lord God appointed a plant, and Then the Lord God appointed a plant, and Then the Lord God appointed a plant, and it grew over Jonah to provide shade for it grew over Jonah to provide shade for it grew over Jonah to provide shade for his head to rescue him from his trouble. his head to rescue him from his trouble. his head to rescue him from his trouble. Jonah was greatly pre- pleased with the Jonah was greatly pre- pleased with the Jonah was greatly pre- pleased with the plant. plant. plant. When dawn came the next day, God When dawn came the next day, God When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm appointed a worm appointed a worm that attacked the plant, and it that attacked the plant, and it that attacked the plant, and it withered.

withered. withered. As the sun was rising, God appointed a As the sun was rising, God appointed a As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. scorching east wind. scorching east wind. The sun beat down on Jonah's head so The sun beat down on Jonah's head so The sun beat down on Jonah's head so much that he almost fainted, and he much that he almost fainted, and he much that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, "It's better for wanted to die. He said, "It's better for wanted to die. He said, "It's better for me to die than to live." me to die than to live." me to die than to live." Then God asked Jonah, Then God asked Jonah, Then God asked Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about "Is it right for you to be angry about "Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?" the plant?" the plant?" "Yes, it is right," he replied. "I'm "Yes, it is right," he replied. "I'm "Yes, it is right," he replied. "I'm angry enough to die." angry enough to die." angry enough to die." And the Lord said, "You cared about the And the Lord said, "You cared about the And the Lord said, "You cared about the plant, plant, plant, which you did not labor over and did not which you did not labor over and did not which you did not labor over and did not grow. grow. grow. It appeared in the night and perished in It appeared in the night and perished in It appeared in the night and perished in the night. the night. the night. So, may I not care about the great city So, may I not care about the great city So, may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, of Nineveh, of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who which has more than 120,000 people who which has more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between their right cannot distinguish between their right cannot distinguish between their right and their left, as well as many and their left, as well as many and their left, as well as many animals?" animals?" animals?" Heavenly Father, will you please, by Heavenly Father, will you please, by Heavenly Father, will you please, by your grace, your grace, your grace, speak to us now. speak to us now. speak to us now. Father, take your word that is living Father, take your word that is living Father, take your word that is living and active and apply it to our hearts. and active and apply it to our hearts. and active and apply it to our hearts. Father, we have no hope of understanding Father, we have no hope of understanding Father, we have no hope of understanding your word apart from you.

your word apart from you. your word apart from you. We have no hope of We have no hope of We have no hope of living out your word living out your word living out your word apart from you. And so, Lord, we are apart from you. And so, Lord, we are apart from you. And so, Lord, we are asking you to be gracious to us so that asking you to be gracious to us so that asking you to be gracious to us so that those things may be true in us. those things may be true in us. those things may be true in us. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. You can be seated once again. You can be seated once again. You can be seated once again. All right. So, now you understand why I All right. So, now you understand why I All right. So, now you understand why I said earlier I would have ended at said earlier I would have ended at said earlier I would have ended at chapter 3. chapter 3. chapter 3. I mean, chapter 4 gets into this strange I mean, chapter 4 gets into this strange I mean, chapter 4 gets into this strange predicament, and then it ends on a predicament, and then it ends on a predicament, and then it ends on a question that is unanswered in the book. question that is unanswered in the book. question that is unanswered in the book. I mean, technically, I mean, you just I mean, technically, I mean, you just I mean, technically, I mean, you just feel like you're walking around holding feel like you're walking around holding feel like you're walking around holding in a sneeze all day because because this in a sneeze all day because because this in a sneeze all day because because this is how it ends. is how it ends. is how it ends. But there's something interesting about But there's something interesting about But there's something interesting about the questions, the questions, the questions, especially in scripture, especially when especially in scripture, especially when especially in scripture, especially when it is God who is asking them. it is God who is asking them. it is God who is asking them. Listen, when you and I Listen, when you and I Listen, when you and I ask questions, it's because we are ask questions, it's because we are ask questions, it's because we are curious. Or some of us, it's because we curious. Or some of us, it's because we curious. Or some of us, it's because we are suspicious. But most of the time, are suspicious. But most of the time, are suspicious. But most of the time, hopefully, it's because we are curious.

hopefully, it's because we are curious. hopefully, it's because we are curious. Meaning that we want to learn something Meaning that we want to learn something Meaning that we want to learn something around us or learn about something and around us or learn about something and around us or learn about something and so we ask questions. Good teachers ask so we ask questions. Good teachers ask so we ask questions. Good teachers ask questions in order for students to learn questions in order for students to learn questions in order for students to learn and and the teacher will understand in and and the teacher will understand in and and the teacher will understand in the way that they answer it whether or the way that they answer it whether or the way that they answer it whether or not they understand the material at not they understand the material at not they understand the material at hand. That's called the Socratic method hand. That's called the Socratic method hand. That's called the Socratic method method. All right, but but why would God method. All right, but but why would God method. All right, but but why would God ask questions? ask questions? ask questions? God is not God is not God is not trying to acquire information. He trying to acquire information. He trying to acquire information. He already knows it. already knows it. already knows it. He already knows whether or not you know He already knows whether or not you know He already knows whether or not you know it. it. it. The point of the question from the Lord The point of the question from the Lord The point of the question from the Lord is that he wants you to know exactly is that he wants you to know exactly is that he wants you to know exactly what he means. what he means. what he means. So God is doing this through the So God is doing this through the So God is doing this through the questions that he is asking. questions that he is asking. questions that he is asking. He is exposing something. He is exposing something. He is exposing something. In fact, this is the way that God asked In fact, this is the way that God asked In fact, this is the way that God asked questions all throughout scripture questions all throughout scripture questions all throughout scripture beginning in Genesis chapter 3. After beginning in Genesis chapter 3. After beginning in Genesis chapter 3. After sin entered the world, Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, Adam and Eve, they knew they knew they knew from that moment of sin from that moment of sin from that moment of sin that they were exposed.

that they were exposed. that they were exposed. Meaning they didn't have any clothes on. Meaning they didn't have any clothes on. Meaning they didn't have any clothes on. In Georgia, we'd say they are naked. All In Georgia, we'd say they are naked. All In Georgia, we'd say they are naked. All right? I mean, that's what they were. right? I mean, that's what they were. right? I mean, that's what they were. But what that really means is that they But what that really means is that they But what that really means is that they were aware of their brokenness. They were aware of their brokenness. They were aware of their brokenness. They were aware of their sinfulness before were aware of their sinfulness before were aware of their sinfulness before God. God. God. And so what did they do? They tried to And so what did they do? They tried to And so what did they do? They tried to hide. hide. hide. Jonah tried to flee instead of going to Jonah tried to flee instead of going to Jonah tried to flee instead of going to Nineveh. He's trying to hide, flee Nineveh. He's trying to hide, flee Nineveh. He's trying to hide, flee [music] the presence of God. That's what [music] the presence of God. That's what [music] the presence of God. That's what brokenness does to us. brokenness does to us. brokenness does to us. Brokenness causes us to hide from God. We're feeling the shame and the guilt. We're feeling the shame and the guilt. We're feeling the weight of of God's We're feeling the weight of of God's We're feeling the weight of of God's holiness that is bearing down on our holiness that is bearing down on our holiness that is bearing down on our sinfulness and wickedness and this is sinfulness and wickedness and this is sinfulness and wickedness and this is an attempt from the enemy to keep you at an attempt from the enemy to keep you at an attempt from the enemy to keep you at bay. bay. bay. You see, the enemy believes it would be You see, the enemy believes it would be You see, the enemy believes it would be best for you to hide from God's presence best for you to hide from God's presence best for you to hide from God's presence in the moment of brokenness.

in the moment of brokenness. in the moment of brokenness. I mean, think about the difference I mean, think about the difference I mean, think about the difference between Peter and Judas. between Peter and Judas. between Peter and Judas. W- Were Were any of the sins worse? W- Were Were any of the sins worse? W- Were Were any of the sins worse? Uh Judas betrayed the Lord. Uh Judas betrayed the Lord. Uh Judas betrayed the Lord. Sold it off for some silver. I mean, Sold it off for some silver. I mean, Sold it off for some silver. I mean, yeah, I get that. Uh but Peter denied yeah, I get that. Uh but Peter denied yeah, I get that. Uh but Peter denied Jesus three times also. Jesus three times also. Jesus three times also. Peter betrayed Peter betrayed Peter betrayed his loyalty to Christ even after Jesus his loyalty to Christ even after Jesus his loyalty to Christ even after Jesus said, "Hey, bro, you're going to do said, "Hey, bro, you're going to do said, "Hey, bro, you're going to do this." He's like, "No, never, Jesus. I this." He's like, "No, never, Jesus. I this." He's like, "No, never, Jesus. I ain't going to do that. I would never do ain't going to do that. I would never do ain't going to do that. I would never do that. Man, I'm strong. I'm following you that. Man, I'm strong. I'm following you that. Man, I'm strong. I'm following you wherever you go. Even if I die, I will wherever you go. Even if I die, I will wherever you go. Even if I die, I will follow you." I mean, Peter is speaking follow you." I mean, Peter is speaking follow you." I mean, Peter is speaking strong. And then, as soon as a little strong. And then, as soon as a little strong. And then, as soon as a little girl comes up to him in the moments of girl comes up to him in the moments of girl comes up to him in the moments of great distress, Jesus is being carried great distress, Jesus is being carried great distress, Jesus is being carried off. off. off. Immediately, he falls and he's like, Immediately, he falls and he's like, Immediately, he falls and he's like, "Man, I don't even know that dude. I "Man, I don't even know that dude. I "Man, I don't even know that dude. I don't know him." don't know him." don't know him." And then again, I I don't know Jesus. And then again, I I don't know Jesus. And then again, I I don't know Jesus. And then again, I don't know him. I'm And then again, I don't know him. I'm And then again, I don't know him. I'm not one of his disciples. No, that's not not one of his disciples. No, that's not not one of his disciples. No, that's not me. You got me mixed up with another me. You got me mixed up with another me. You got me mixed up with another guy.

guy. guy. All right, pretty bad. You see, Judas at the end You see, Judas at the end ran for the shadows to hide. And Jesus, as soon as he heard the voice And Jesus, as soon as he heard the voice of God, ran to Jesus. of God, ran to Jesus. of God, ran to Jesus. See the difference of outcome? See the difference of outcome? See the difference of outcome? One leads to death and destruction, the One leads to death and destruction, the One leads to death and destruction, the other one leads to life. other one leads to life. other one leads to life. I mean, this is what is wanted here from I mean, this is what is wanted here from I mean, this is what is wanted here from the enemy for you to hide. Be like, the enemy for you to hide. Be like, the enemy for you to hide. Be like, "Okay, no, I'm too far gone. Jesus is "Okay, no, I'm too far gone. Jesus is "Okay, no, I'm too far gone. Jesus is done with me. So, I'm just going to done with me. So, I'm just going to done with me. So, I'm just going to hide. I'm going to cover up. I'm going hide. I'm going to cover up. I'm going hide. I'm going to cover up. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that to do everything I can to make sure that to do everything I can to make sure that God doesn't find me. God doesn't find me. God doesn't find me. When the Lord called out to Adam said, When the Lord called out to Adam said, When the Lord called out to Adam said, "Adam, where are you?" Do you think it's "Adam, where are you?" Do you think it's "Adam, where are you?" Do you think it's because the Lord didn't know? Just like sinners cannot flee the Just like sinners cannot flee the judgment of God, judgment of God, judgment of God, the wrath of God, the wrath of God, the wrath of God, the point of the questions the point of the questions the point of the questions is for the Lord to expose our own heart is for the Lord to expose our own heart is for the Lord to expose our own heart before him.

And so, when he asked these two And so, when he asked these two questions of Jonah, questions of Jonah, questions of Jonah, the Lord is, by his grace, confronting the Lord is, by his grace, confronting the Lord is, by his grace, confronting Jonah's heart. Jonah's heart. Jonah's heart. And the first thing that we see God And the first thing that we see God And the first thing that we see God confronting is confronting is confronting is our anger. God's grace God's grace will confront our anger. will confront our anger. will confront our anger. And you may be thinking to yourself, And you may be thinking to yourself, And you may be thinking to yourself, "Well, I'm not very angry." "Well, I'm not very angry." "Well, I'm not very angry." Well, good. Well, good. Well, good. Uh the problem is, you are, okay? We all Uh the problem is, you are, okay? We all Uh the problem is, you are, okay? We all deal with anger. deal with anger. deal with anger. And I'm not talking that you have to And I'm not talking that you have to And I'm not talking that you have to throw things or or pitch a a tantrum or throw things or or pitch a a tantrum or throw things or or pitch a a tantrum or anything like that. That's not what I'm anything like that. That's not what I'm anything like that. That's not what I'm saying. That the That the depth of your saying. That the That the depth of your saying. That the That the depth of your tantrum is not an indication of whether tantrum is not an indication of whether tantrum is not an indication of whether or not you deal with anger. The point is or not you deal with anger. The point is or not you deal with anger. The point is is that we are all um human and we are is that we are all um human and we are is that we are all um human and we are all sinners in need of God's grace, and all sinners in need of God's grace, and all sinners in need of God's grace, and we all deal with anger. we all deal with anger. we all deal with anger. We harbor bitterness. We harbor bitterness. We harbor bitterness. And in the moments of anger, we either And in the moments of anger, we either And in the moments of anger, we either let it out or we stuff it down, let it out or we stuff it down, let it out or we stuff it down, pretending as if it is not there.

pretending as if it is not there. pretending as if it is not there. But this is Jonah's anger. But this is Jonah's anger. But this is Jonah's anger. In In In Jonah chapter 4, verse 1, I'll just want Jonah chapter 4, verse 1, I'll just want Jonah chapter 4, verse 1, I'll just want to read it again. It says, "Jonah was to read it again. It says, "Jonah was to read it again. It says, "Jonah was greatly displeased greatly displeased greatly displeased and became furious. and became furious. and became furious. This is a really good word for it. This is a really good word for it. This is a really good word for it. This is a good translation because it This is a good translation because it This is a good translation because it it's more than just anger, right? It's it's more than just anger, right? It's it's more than just anger, right? It's you can be angry, you can be angry, you can be angry, you can be upset, you can be upset, you can be upset, or you can be furious. In fact, the Hebrew word is kind of like In fact, the Hebrew word is kind of like an onomatopoeia, rah. an onomatopoeia, rah. an onomatopoeia, rah. It's It's rage. It's It's rage. It's It's rage. It means that Jonah It means that Jonah It means that Jonah was equating what God did for Nineveh was equating what God did for Nineveh was equating what God did for Nineveh as evil. as evil. as evil. Like that's that's the depth of this Like that's that's the depth of this Like that's that's the depth of this anger that Jonah is talking about right anger that Jonah is talking about right anger that Jonah is talking about right here. He was greatly displeased and was here. He was greatly displeased and was here. He was greatly displeased and was furious.

furious. furious. And what does he do? He prays. And what does he do? He prays. And what does he do? He prays. Seems odd. Seems odd. Seems odd. But this is what he says uh in verse But this is what he says uh in verse But this is what he says uh in verse two. He prayed to the Lord, "Please, two. He prayed to the Lord, "Please, two. He prayed to the Lord, "Please, Lord, isn't this what I said while I was Lord, isn't this what I said while I was Lord, isn't this what I said while I was still in my own country? still in my own country? still in my own country? Remember, he's a patriot. He loves his Remember, he's a patriot. He loves his Remember, he's a patriot. He loves his country. country. country. While I was in my own country, Lord, While I was in my own country, Lord, While I was in my own country, Lord, that's why I fled toward Tarshish in the that's why I fled toward Tarshish in the that's why I fled toward Tarshish in the first place." first place." first place." And then he starts praying truth here. And then he starts praying truth here. And then he starts praying truth here. He says, He says, He says, "I knew that you are a gracious "I knew that you are a gracious "I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, and compassionate God, and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in faithful slow to anger, abounding in faithful slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, love, love, and one who relents from sending and one who relents from sending and one who relents from sending disaster. Like Jonah knew what was happening. Like Jonah knew what was happening. Remember, we said that in week one. Remember, we said that in week one. Remember, we said that in week one. Jonah's not fleeing to Tarshish because Jonah's not fleeing to Tarshish because Jonah's not fleeing to Tarshish because he's scared of the Ninevites. He is ac- he's scared of the Ninevites. He is ac- he's scared of the Ninevites. He is ac- actually concerned knowing that God is actually concerned knowing that God is actually concerned knowing that God is going to save Nineveh.

going to save Nineveh. going to save Nineveh. And in his mind, he is now elevated And in his mind, he is now elevated And in his mind, he is now elevated himself from prophet to judge of all himself from prophet to judge of all himself from prophet to judge of all things, declaring, "Listen, the things, declaring, "Listen, the things, declaring, "Listen, the Ninevites don't deserve your grace." Ninevites don't deserve your grace." Ninevites don't deserve your grace." And he is furious about it. And he is furious about it. And he is furious about it. I mean, do you remember in Luke chapter I mean, do you remember in Luke chapter I mean, do you remember in Luke chapter 15 of the prodigal son? of the prodigal son? He the the prodigal son, listen, the the He the the prodigal son, listen, the the He the the prodigal son, listen, the the younger brother asked for his younger brother asked for his younger brother asked for his inheritance from his father, and the inheritance from his father, and the inheritance from his father, and the father gives it to him, and basically father gives it to him, and basically father gives it to him, and basically what this means is that the younger what this means is that the younger what this means is that the younger brother was like, "Hey Dad, you're dead brother was like, "Hey Dad, you're dead brother was like, "Hey Dad, you're dead to me. All I want is my money, and and to me. All I want is my money, and and to me. All I want is my money, and and listen, and I hope to never see you listen, and I hope to never see you listen, and I hope to never see you again. Happy Father's Day, right?" And again. Happy Father's Day, right?" And again. Happy Father's Day, right?" And and then he takes off and then he takes off and then he takes off with all of his inheritance, with all of his inheritance, with all of his inheritance, older brother behind, father behind, the older brother behind, father behind, the older brother behind, father behind, the all of it, man. He just cut ties with all of it, man. He just cut ties with all of it, man. He just cut ties with everybody, said, "You're dead to me. I'm everybody, said, "You're dead to me. I'm everybody, said, "You're dead to me. I'm doing my own thing." And then he finds doing my own thing." And then he finds doing my own thing." And then he finds himself at the end of himself, in himself at the end of himself, in himself at the end of himself, in complete despair, broken, in a pigsty, complete despair, broken, in a pigsty, complete despair, broken, in a pigsty, uh eating slop, whatever it is, right?

uh eating slop, whatever it is, right? uh eating slop, whatever it is, right? And then he figures out, man, I have And then he figures out, man, I have And then he figures out, man, I have really messed up. really messed up. really messed up. His eyes were opened. His eyes were opened. His eyes were opened. And he comes back to beg mercy from his And he comes back to beg mercy from his And he comes back to beg mercy from his dad. And and to just ask his dad, "Maybe dad. And and to just ask his dad, "Maybe dad. And and to just ask his dad, "Maybe maybe I could just be my dad's servant. maybe I could just be my dad's servant. maybe I could just be my dad's servant. Maybe I can do that. Maybe he'll just Maybe I can do that. Maybe he'll just Maybe I can do that. Maybe he'll just let me be his servant so that I could let me be his servant so that I could let me be his servant so that I could have a place to live and eat." have a place to live and eat." have a place to live and eat." His father sees him from a long way off. His father sees him from a long way off. His father sees him from a long way off. His father runs to him. His father runs to him. His father runs to him. Cloths him. Cloths him. Cloths him. And they have a feast. And they have a feast. And they have a feast. They kill a fattened calf They kill a fattened calf They kill a fattened calf and celebrate. The father says, "My son, and celebrate. The father says, "My son, and celebrate. The father says, "My son, who I thought was dead, who I thought was dead, who I thought was dead, is alive." is alive." is alive." Everyone is celebrating Everyone is celebrating Everyone is celebrating except for one person. In fact, this is what it says in verse In fact, this is what it says in verse 28.

28. 28. It says, "Then he became angry It says, "Then he became angry It says, "Then he became angry and didn't want to go in." Talking about and didn't want to go in." Talking about and didn't want to go in." Talking about the party, the party, the party, the celebration. He became angry. Then he goes on in verses 28 and 29 Then he goes on in verses 28 and 29 or 29 30. He says this, he says, "Look, or 29 30. He says this, he says, "Look, or 29 30. He says this, he says, "Look, I have been slaving many years for you." I have been slaving many years for you." I have been slaving many years for you." This is the older brother to the father. This is the older brother to the father. This is the older brother to the father. "I've been slaving many years for you, "I've been slaving many years for you, "I've been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your order and I have never disobeyed your order and I have never disobeyed your order your orders. your orders. your orders. Yet you never gave me a goat Yet you never gave me a goat Yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my so that I could celebrate with my so that I could celebrate with my friends." You hear the anger in this? Then he goes You hear the anger in this? Then he goes on, "But when this son of yours on, "But when this son of yours on, "But when this son of yours You notice he doesn't say, "But when my You notice he doesn't say, "But when my You notice he doesn't say, "But when my brother." brother." brother." No, he doesn't call him his brother. He No, he doesn't call him his brother. He No, he doesn't call him his brother. He said, "When this son of yours." said, "When this son of yours." said, "When this son of yours." Right? This is what Katie says when our Right? This is what Katie says when our Right? This is what Katie says when our kids are in trouble. This son of yours, kids are in trouble. This son of yours, kids are in trouble. This son of yours, this daughter of yours, they're they this daughter of yours, they're they this daughter of yours, they're they have messed up again. That's your That's have messed up again. That's your That's have messed up again. That's your That's your side of the family, Michael, right?

who has devoured your assets with who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, prostitutes, prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for you slaughtered the fattened calf for you slaughtered the fattened calf for him. The older brother just cannot The older brother just cannot comprehend. Jonah is the only one, like the older Jonah is the only one, like the older brother, who is not celebrating the fact brother, who is not celebrating the fact brother, who is not celebrating the fact that everyone in the city of Nineveh that everyone in the city of Nineveh that everyone in the city of Nineveh turned from their wicked ways and turned from their wicked ways and turned from their wicked ways and responded to God. And the only one who is not celebrating And the only one who is not celebrating in Luke 15 is the older brother. And in Luke 15 is the older brother. And in Luke 15 is the older brother. And here is how this works because this is here is how this works because this is here is how this works because this is where you and I suffer in the same way. where you and I suffer in the same way. where you and I suffer in the same way. We pretend We pretend We pretend that people deserve judgment and we do that people deserve judgment and we do that people deserve judgment and we do not. And I want to explain this to you And I want to explain this to you because because because in the brother's eyes, you know what he in the brother's eyes, you know what he in the brother's eyes, you know what he says? He's like, "Man, I've I've been says? He's like, "Man, I've I've been says? He's like, "Man, I've I've been faithful. faithful. faithful. You didn't do anything for me. Where's You didn't do anything for me. Where's You didn't do anything for me. Where's my party?"

It has everything to do with what you It has everything to do with what you bring to the table. bring to the table. bring to the table. Jonah is looking at Nineveh in the same Jonah is looking at Nineveh in the same Jonah is looking at Nineveh in the same way. God, why would you give them this way. God, why would you give them this way. God, why would you give them this grace? I am the one who is your prophet. grace? I am the one who is your prophet. grace? I am the one who is your prophet. I'm the one who has been walking with I'm the one who has been walking with I'm the one who has been walking with you. Yeah, I mean, yeah, I was fleeing you. Yeah, I mean, yeah, I was fleeing you. Yeah, I mean, yeah, I was fleeing to Tarshish and all that, but I mean, to Tarshish and all that, but I mean, to Tarshish and all that, but I mean, I'm still your prophet. It's like this It's like this sense of entitlement. sense of entitlement. sense of entitlement. It's like this understanding that there It's like this understanding that there It's like this understanding that there are categories of sinners, that there are categories of sinners, that there are categories of sinners, that there are sinners who understand that listen, are sinners who understand that listen, are sinners who understand that listen, we are all born into sin. Psalm 51 makes we are all born into sin. Psalm 51 makes we are all born into sin. Psalm 51 makes that clear. In my mother's womb, right? that clear. In my mother's womb, right? that clear. In my mother's womb, right? You were conceived in sin. That's what You were conceived in sin. That's what You were conceived in sin. That's what that means, that you're born in sin. that means, that you're born in sin. that means, that you're born in sin. Your nature is sin. Your nature is sin. Your nature is sin. And we agree with that. We agree with And we agree with that. We agree with And we agree with that. We agree with the doctrine of sin, that that we are the doctrine of sin, that that we are the doctrine of sin, that that we are all sinners in need of God's grace. But all sinners in need of God's grace. But all sinners in need of God's grace. But then there are bad sinners. then there are bad sinners. then there are bad sinners. There are sinners There are sinners There are sinners and then there are sinners. and then there are sinners. and then there are sinners. Like Like Like those homeboys with a testimony, right?

those homeboys with a testimony, right? those homeboys with a testimony, right? And they got tattoos to match their And they got tattoos to match their And they got tattoos to match their testimony. testimony. testimony. And they're a blurry cuz they got their And they're a blurry cuz they got their And they're a blurry cuz they got their tattoos in prison. tattoos in prison. tattoos in prison. Like that's how we categorize people. Like that's how we categorize people. Like that's how we categorize people. So, like there are sinners and then So, like there are sinners and then So, like there are sinners and then there are real sinners. And then we get angry And then we get angry about the grace of God that is being about the grace of God that is being about the grace of God that is being bestowed. bestowed. bestowed. And here is what I mean by that, okay? And here is what I mean by that, okay? And here is what I mean by that, okay? So, if you have this much sin in your So, if you have this much sin in your So, if you have this much sin in your life, life, life, then you require that much grace. then you require that much grace. then you require that much grace. Okay? Okay? Okay? But and and this is what the older But and and this is what the older But and and this is what the older brother is struggling with. This is what brother is struggling with. This is what brother is struggling with. This is what Jonah is struggling with. Okay, but now Jonah is struggling with. Okay, but now Jonah is struggling with. Okay, but now look at Nineveh's sin. look at Nineveh's sin. look at Nineveh's sin. This is how wicked they are, God. And This is how wicked they are, God. And This is how wicked they are, God. And then the older brother, look at the then the older brother, look at the then the older brother, look at the younger brother. Father Father, I've younger brother. Father Father, I've younger brother. Father Father, I've been faithful to you this whole time and been faithful to you this whole time and been faithful to you this whole time and you've never thrown me a party. All you've never thrown me a party. All you've never thrown me a party. All right, look at his sin. He took right, look at his sin. He took right, look at his sin. He took everything you had that was that was uh everything you had that was that was uh everything you had that was that was uh his inheritance and he just devoured it his inheritance and he just devoured it his inheritance and he just devoured it on stupid things and yet you still cover on stupid things and yet you still cover on stupid things and yet you still cover him with this much grace. You see, we him with this much grace. You see, we him with this much grace. You see, we have equated the depth of sin with the have equated the depth of sin with the have equated the depth of sin with the amount of grace bestowed and it's amount of grace bestowed and it's amount of grace bestowed and it's because we have a faulty understanding because we have a faulty understanding because we have a faulty understanding of sin.

of sin. of sin. We believe that we did not require that We believe that we did not require that We believe that we did not require that much grace, but them out there, man, much grace, but them out there, man, much grace, but them out there, man, they require a lot of grace. God, how they require a lot of grace. God, how they require a lot of grace. God, how dare you bless them in that way and not dare you bless them in that way and not dare you bless them in that way and not me? I've been faithful. me? I've been faithful. me? I've been faithful. Why isn't it my family is suffering? Why isn't it my family is suffering? Why isn't it my family is suffering? We've been faithful to you. We've been faithful to you. We've been faithful to you. Why did you do this to my life? Why did Why did you do this to my life? Why did Why did you do this to my life? Why did I lose my job? I was using it for your I lose my job? I was using it for your I lose my job? I was using it for your glory. glory. glory. Why am I not financially blessed? I Why am I not financially blessed? I Why am I not financially blessed? I tithe. I give to you, God. tithe. I give to you, God. tithe. I give to you, God. And now we start equating as if we have And now we start equating as if we have And now we start equating as if we have anything to do with the reception of anything to do with the reception of anything to do with the reception of God's grace. Do you see the danger here? God's grace. Do you see the danger here? God's grace. Do you see the danger here? And you and I must remember that we are And you and I must remember that we are And you and I must remember that we are all in sin, that we were all dead in our all in sin, that we were all dead in our all in sin, that we were all dead in our trespasses and sin in the way in the trespasses and sin in the way in the trespasses and sin in the way in the which once walked. But God, who is rich which once walked. But God, who is rich which once walked. But God, who is rich in mercy, bestowed upon us his grace. He in mercy, bestowed upon us his grace. He in mercy, bestowed upon us his grace. He atoned for our sin, and this is the atoned for our sin, and this is the atoned for our sin, and this is the reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You and I don't have varying levels of You and I don't have varying levels of You and I don't have varying levels of sin. You and I are all dead in our sin, sin. You and I are all dead in our sin, sin. You and I are all dead in our sin, every single one of us. Therefore, we every single one of us. Therefore, we every single one of us. Therefore, we are all desperate for the grace of God.

are all desperate for the grace of God. are all desperate for the grace of God. We cannot look down on somebody else who We cannot look down on somebody else who We cannot look down on somebody else who is who is receiving or not receiving is who is receiving or not receiving is who is receiving or not receiving grace. It is not our ability to be able grace. It is not our ability to be able grace. It is not our ability to be able to judge others who are more depraved. to judge others who are more depraved. to judge others who are more depraved. We are all depraved and in need of God's We are all depraved and in need of God's We are all depraved and in need of God's gracious and merciful hand. gracious and merciful hand. gracious and merciful hand. And the danger is for us to believe for And the danger is for us to believe for And the danger is for us to believe for a second that we didn't a second that we didn't a second that we didn't need that much grace to be saved. need that much grace to be saved. need that much grace to be saved. If we believe for a moment that it did If we believe for a moment that it did If we believe for a moment that it did not require much grace to save us not require much grace to save us not require much grace to save us because we're pretty good people, because we're pretty good people, because we're pretty good people, you have completely misunderstood the you have completely misunderstood the you have completely misunderstood the gospel of Jesus Christ. And as soon as that happens, you know And as soon as that happens, you know what? Our priorities really get messed up. Our priorities really get messed up. This is what grace confronts next is our This is what grace confronts next is our This is what grace confronts next is our priorities. priorities. priorities. Look at what he says in verse 5 because Look at what he says in verse 5 because Look at what he says in verse 5 because verse 4 ended in this way, "Is it right verse 4 ended in this way, "Is it right verse 4 ended in this way, "Is it right for you to be angry?" Do you know what for you to be angry?" Do you know what for you to be angry?" Do you know what Jonah does?

He literally turns around and walks off He literally turns around and walks off at the question. at the question. at the question. "Is it right for you to be angry?" "Is it right for you to be angry?" "Is it right for you to be angry?" Verse 5, Jonah left the city. It says he made himself a shelter. It says he made himself a shelter. He sat in its shade He sat in its shade He sat in its shade to see what would happen to the city. to see what would happen to the city. to see what would happen to the city. Do you see, this is what happens Do you see, this is what happens Do you see, this is what happens when we are angry because it's really a when we are angry because it's really a when we are angry because it's really a a problem of our priorities, too. a problem of our priorities, too. a problem of our priorities, too. Because whatever you prioritize most is Because whatever you prioritize most is Because whatever you prioritize most is what you desire most and it is what you what you desire most and it is what you what you desire most and it is what you live for. live for. live for. And then, as soon as everything else And then, as soon as everything else And then, as soon as everything else does not function around you to serve does not function around you to serve does not function around you to serve that priority, that is when you get that priority, that is when you get that priority, that is when you get angry. That is when I get angry. angry. That is when I get angry. angry. That is when I get angry. All right, look, this I was tested All right, look, this I was tested All right, look, this I was tested trying to get back from uh beach camp trying to get back from uh beach camp trying to get back from uh beach camp with our high school students and with our high school students and with our high school students and apparently there were some storms, apparently there were some storms, apparently there were some storms, whatever. People can't fly in storms, I whatever. People can't fly in storms, I whatever. People can't fly in storms, I don't know. Um and so all the flights don't know. Um and so all the flights don't know. Um and so all the flights were canceled.

were canceled. were canceled. So, I'm sitting in the airport So, I'm sitting in the airport So, I'm sitting in the airport uh trying to figure out how am I going uh trying to figure out how am I going uh trying to figure out how am I going to get home to get home to get home before Sunday morning at 9:30. All before Sunday morning at 9:30. All before Sunday morning at 9:30. All right, that's the deadline, okay? How am right, that's the deadline, okay? How am right, that's the deadline, okay? How am I going to get home? There are no uh no I going to get home? There are no uh no I going to get home? There are no uh no flights, nothing. Everything is flights, nothing. Everything is flights, nothing. Everything is canceled. And you know what I felt my canceled. And you know what I felt my canceled. And you know what I felt my heart doing? I felt my heart turning toward I felt my heart turning toward bitterness. bitterness. bitterness. And I wasn't like blaming God, but it And I wasn't like blaming God, but it And I wasn't like blaming God, but it it's there. it's there. it's there. Because Because Because I need to get home. I need to do this and this is what an I need to do this and this is what an inconvenience for me. And then Reagan, who was my travel buddy And then Reagan, who was my travel buddy this last week, you know what she said this last week, you know what she said this last week, you know what she said to me? to me? to me? She's like, you know what, maybe the the She's like, you know what, maybe the the She's like, you know what, maybe the the Lord is just testing us. She said, maybe the Lord is just trying She said, maybe the Lord is just trying to teach us something.

Because I've been studying this passage Because I've been studying this passage of Jonah. of Jonah. of Jonah. And I've been thinking to myself, man, And I've been thinking to myself, man, And I've been thinking to myself, man, what a Jonah is. And then the Lord made it so crystal And then the Lord made it so crystal clear. Like Like those are the things that God should those are the things that God should those are the things that God should confront in our hearts. Jonah prays Jonah prays twice twice twice from the belly of a fish because he's from the belly of a fish because he's from the belly of a fish because he's uncomfortable. uncomfortable. uncomfortable. And then he prays again because he's And then he prays again because he's And then he prays again because he's uncomfortable again. in verse six, then the Lord God in verse six, then the Lord God appointed a plant.

appointed a plant. appointed a plant. And it grew over Jonah to provide shade And it grew over Jonah to provide shade And it grew over Jonah to provide shade for his head to rescue him from his for his head to rescue him from his for his head to rescue him from his trouble. Jonah was greatly pleased with trouble. Jonah was greatly pleased with trouble. Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant. Okay, well the plant. Okay, well the plant. Okay, well great job, Jonah. You are finally happy. You realize this is the only time in You realize this is the only time in this chapter. this chapter. this chapter. And the only time in the book of Jonah And the only time in the book of Jonah And the only time in the book of Jonah that he was pleased with anything. Because Jonah's priorities Because Jonah's priorities have become centered on what makes Jonah have become centered on what makes Jonah have become centered on what makes Jonah most comfortable. And as soon as he is inconvenienced, And as soon as he is inconvenienced, he's upset again. Oh, I should die. he's upset again. Oh, I should die. he's upset again. Oh, I should die. It would be better for me to to die than It would be better for me to to die than It would be better for me to to die than to live under these conditions, Lord. And we may not say those things out And we may not say those things out loud, but we certainly have that heart loud, but we certainly have that heart loud, but we certainly have that heart at times that we are just so displeased at times that we are just so displeased at times that we are just so displeased with what God has provided and given.

with what God has provided and given. with what God has provided and given. And then the Lord asked a second time, And then the Lord asked a second time, And then the Lord asked a second time, is it right for you to be angry about is it right for you to be angry about is it right for you to be angry about this plant? Jonah, did you even plant this plant? Jonah, did you even plant this plant? Jonah, did you even plant that plant? that plant? that plant? Jonah, did you make it grow? Did you provide the shade for yourself? Did you provide the shade for yourself? And the answer is obviously no. And the answer is obviously no. And the answer is obviously no. But here's where you and I have our But here's where you and I have our But here's where you and I have our priorities tested. Is that when we are priorities tested. Is that when we are priorities tested. Is that when we are inconvenienced? Did you know that Jesus inconvenienced? Did you know that Jesus inconvenienced? Did you know that Jesus says that we are to seek first the says that we are to seek first the says that we are to seek first the kingdom of God. Not when it's kingdom of God. Not when it's kingdom of God. Not when it's comfortable, not when it's convenient, comfortable, not when it's convenient, comfortable, not when it's convenient, not when you feel like it, not when you not when you feel like it, not when you not when you feel like it, not when you have time, not when you feel like that have time, not when you feel like that have time, not when you feel like that everybody's going to be okay with you everybody's going to be okay with you everybody's going to be okay with you and you're not going to stir up strife and you're not going to stir up strife and you're not going to stir up strife or or trouble, and as long as it's not or or trouble, and as long as it's not or or trouble, and as long as it's not in front of my family because they get in front of my family because they get in front of my family because they get weird about religion and politics and weird about religion and politics and weird about religion and politics and all this nonsense. No, Jesus says seek all this nonsense. No, Jesus says seek all this nonsense. No, Jesus says seek first the kingdom of God. Point. The first the kingdom of God. Point. The first the kingdom of God. Point. The end. end. end. And all these things will be added unto And all these things will be added unto And all these things will be added unto you. What he's talking about is all of you. What he's talking about is all of you. What he's talking about is all of the goodness of God, all of the blessing the goodness of God, all of the blessing the goodness of God, all of the blessing of God. Not not prosperity of this of God. Not not prosperity of this of God. Not not prosperity of this earth, not the wealth of this earth, but earth, not the wealth of this earth, but earth, not the wealth of this earth, but but I'm telling you all of the goodness but I'm telling you all of the goodness but I'm telling you all of the goodness of God that this will be added unto you.

of God that this will be added unto you. of God that this will be added unto you. He says, seek first the kingdom of God. He says, seek first the kingdom of God. He says, seek first the kingdom of God. Why? Why? Why? Because then he follows up in Matthew Because then he follows up in Matthew Because then he follows up in Matthew chapter 6 verse 21 where he says, "For chapter 6 verse 21 where he says, "For chapter 6 verse 21 where he says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart where your treasure is, there your heart where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Because Jesus knows this will be also." Because Jesus knows this will be also." Because Jesus knows this is how your heart works. Whatever you is how your heart works. Whatever you is how your heart works. Whatever you desire most is going to be your priority desire most is going to be your priority desire most is going to be your priority in life. And whatever is priority is in life. And whatever is priority is in life. And whatever is priority is going to be what your heart pursues and going to be what your heart pursues and going to be what your heart pursues and there it will be. There it will be there it will be. There it will be there it will be. There it will be consumed. There it will be taken over. consumed. There it will be taken over. consumed. There it will be taken over. And then all the things of God, guess And then all the things of God, guess And then all the things of God, guess what? Will just continue to decrease in what? Will just continue to decrease in what? Will just continue to decrease in the background in your life. But by the background in your life. But by the background in your life. But by God's grace, he would wake you up and God's grace, he would wake you up and God's grace, he would wake you up and show you and confront you with where show you and confront you with where show you and confront you with where your heart really is. So that you may, your heart really is. So that you may, your heart really is. So that you may, instead of going on the path of instead of going on the path of instead of going on the path of destruction, go on the path of life destruction, go on the path of life destruction, go on the path of life according to John 10:10. He says, "I according to John 10:10. He says, "I according to John 10:10. He says, "I have come to give you life and give it have come to give you life and give it have come to give you life and give it abundantly." And yet, we continue to abundantly." And yet, we continue to abundantly." And yet, we continue to choose a life of darkness and death. And choose a life of darkness and death. And choose a life of darkness and death. And Jesus is saying, "No, no, no, listen.

Jesus is saying, "No, no, no, listen. Jesus is saying, "No, no, no, listen. Seek the kingdom of God. Seek the kingdom of God. Seek the kingdom of God. And everything else is going to work And everything else is going to work And everything else is going to work out." Jonah Jonah had a desire had a desire had a desire that was greater than any other desire that was greater than any other desire that was greater than any other desire in his life. in his life. in his life. And it was Jonah. His greatest desire was him. His greatest desire was him. His comfort. And we do the same thing And we do the same thing so often. We make everything about We make everything about me, me, me, myself, and I. And yet, the Lord is calling us And yet, the Lord is calling us to him. Where do you spend your time?

Where do you spend your time? And where do you spend your money? And where do you spend your money? And where do you spend your money? And God will expose your priority. And God will expose your priority. And God will expose your priority. He will expose your desire. But the The of life is seeking first the But the The of life is seeking first the kingdom of God. kingdom of God. kingdom of God. Because when our priorities get Because when our priorities get Because when our priorities get messed up, you know what happens is we messed up, you know what happens is we messed up, you know what happens is we start to lack compassion. start to lack compassion. start to lack compassion. This is what I mean by that. This is what I mean by that. This is what I mean by that. He He says in Jonah chapter 4 verse 10, He He says in Jonah chapter 4 verse 10, He He says in Jonah chapter 4 verse 10, this is what he says. He says, this is what he says. He says, this is what he says. He says, "You cared about the plant. "You cared about the plant. "You cared about the plant. You did nothing for, Jonah. You cared You did nothing for, Jonah. You cared You did nothing for, Jonah. You cared about that plant. about that plant. about that plant. You didn't even plant it. You didn't You didn't even plant it. You didn't You didn't even plant it. You didn't even nurture it to grow. And it perished in the same way that it And it perished in the same way that it appeared." appeared." appeared." And then he says in verse 11, He says, "So, may I not care He says, "So, may I not care about the great city of Nineveh, about the great city of Nineveh, about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 which has more than 120,000 which has more than 120,000 people who cannot distinguish between people who cannot distinguish between people who cannot distinguish between right right right and left, as well as many animals?"

Do you see what God is confronting here? Do you see what God is confronting here? Jonah, you care Jonah, you care Jonah, you care about this plant that has no life. about this plant that has no life. about this plant that has no life. Has no eternal value. Has no eternal value. Has no eternal value. And yet you neglect the these people of And yet you neglect the these people of And yet you neglect the these people of 120,000 120,000 120,000 that they do not know the name of the that they do not know the name of the that they do not know the name of the Lord. And that is for us. And that is for us. You see, because when you forget the You see, because when you forget the You see, because when you forget the grace of God in your life, you start to grace of God in your life, you start to grace of God in your life, you start to drift from the heart of God. And one of drift from the heart of God. And one of drift from the heart of God. And one of the greatest indicators of drifting from the greatest indicators of drifting from the greatest indicators of drifting from the heart of God is that you do not care the heart of God is that you do not care the heart of God is that you do not care about the lost. I don't care about the lost when my I don't care about the lost when my heart is drifting from the mission of heart is drifting from the mission of heart is drifting from the mission of God. Look at what Jonah did. Do you know God. Look at what Jonah did. Do you know God. Look at what Jonah did. Do you know what he did in verse five when it says what he did in verse five when it says what he did in verse five when it says that he left the city and made a that he left the city and made a that he left the city and made a shelter? He removed himself from the shelter? He removed himself from the shelter? He removed himself from the mission. mission. mission. He removed himself from where God was He removed himself from where God was He removed himself from where God was working.

working. working. And he's done with it. He's like, all And he's done with it. He's like, all And he's done with it. He's like, all right, look, just Nineveh can be on right, look, just Nineveh can be on right, look, just Nineveh can be on their own. I'm going to camp out right their own. I'm going to camp out right their own. I'm going to camp out right here. I'm going to be on the fringe of here. I'm going to be on the fringe of here. I'm going to be on the fringe of the mission of God. How many of us, man, the mission of God. How many of us, man, the mission of God. How many of us, man, we camp out on the fringe of the things we camp out on the fringe of the things we camp out on the fringe of the things of God and then we just kind of grab our of God and then we just kind of grab our of God and then we just kind of grab our popcorn and we just eat our popcorn popcorn and we just eat our popcorn popcorn and we just eat our popcorn watching the mission of God take place watching the mission of God take place watching the mission of God take place instead of participating. We're just instead of participating. We're just instead of participating. We're just passive in it in our makeshift shelter passive in it in our makeshift shelter passive in it in our makeshift shelter pretending as if everything is okay and pretending as if everything is okay and pretending as if everything is okay and at the moment that you are at the moment that you are at the moment that you are inconvenienced or I am inconvenienced or inconvenienced or I am inconvenienced or inconvenienced or I am inconvenienced or my comfort is at stake and then all of my comfort is at stake and then all of my comfort is at stake and then all of the sudden we get angry because our the sudden we get angry because our the sudden we get angry because our priorities have been tested and now we priorities have been tested and now we priorities have been tested and now we have no compassion for people who are have no compassion for people who are have no compassion for people who are perishing around us. And in the same perishing around us. And in the same perishing around us. And in the same question, guess what the Lord could be question, guess what the Lord could be question, guess what the Lord could be asking us today. Green Acres, do you not asking us today. Green Acres, do you not asking us today. Green Acres, do you not care about the 120,000 of people in care about the 120,000 of people in care about the 120,000 of people in Tyler who are dying and going to hell? Tyler who are dying and going to hell? Tyler who are dying and going to hell? Do you not care about those around you? Do you not care about those around you? Do you not care about those around you? It is because, church, we have forgotten It is because, church, we have forgotten It is because, church, we have forgotten about the grace of God in our own lives about the grace of God in our own lives about the grace of God in our own lives and when we forget the grace of God, we and when we forget the grace of God, we and when we forget the grace of God, we will drift further and further and will drift further and further and will drift further and further and further away from the heart of God. But further away from the heart of God. But further away from the heart of God. But I'm telling you right now, listen, when I'm telling you right now, listen, when I'm telling you right now, listen, when we remember the grace of God we remember the grace of God we remember the grace of God and when we are aligned with the heart and when we are aligned with the heart and when we are aligned with the heart of God, it affects everything about you.

of God, it affects everything about you. of God, it affects everything about you. It affects the way that you spend your It affects the way that you spend your It affects the way that you spend your time. It affects the way you give. It time. It affects the way you give. It time. It affects the way you give. It affects the way that you you deal with affects the way that you you deal with affects the way that you you deal with your spouse and you love your spouse and your spouse and you love your spouse and your spouse and you love your spouse and serve your spouse and and you serve your serve your spouse and and you serve your serve your spouse and and you serve your family and you love your family. And I'm family and you love your family. And I'm family and you love your family. And I'm going to tell you right now that all of going to tell you right now that all of going to tell you right now that all of these things are clear in God's word. these things are clear in God's word. these things are clear in God's word. And the question for us, are we going to And the question for us, are we going to And the question for us, are we going to be like Jonah? be like Jonah? be like Jonah? Like I am so often. Like I am so often. Like I am so often. Are we going to die to that Are we going to die to that Are we going to die to that and live for Christ? and live for Christ? and live for Christ? Do you realize that this is the gift of Do you realize that this is the gift of Do you realize that this is the gift of the Lord's Supper? You know, Jesus didn't say, "Hey, do You know, Jesus didn't say, "Hey, do this and this is going to like mystically and this is going to like mystically give you power." No, Jesus says, "Do this No, Jesus says, "Do this in remembrance in remembrance in remembrance of me." of me." of me." Because when we remember the grace of Because when we remember the grace of Because when we remember the grace of God, God, God, it aligns us with the heart of God it aligns us with the heart of God it aligns us with the heart of God so that you and I could continue forward so that you and I could continue forward so that you and I could continue forward in the mission of God.

in the mission of God. in the mission of God. Will you just bow your head and close Will you just bow your head and close Will you just bow your head and close your eyes with me as we prepare your eyes with me as we prepare your eyes with me as we prepare for the Lord's Supper together? Some of you right now, you recognize you Some of you right now, you recognize you are Jonah. are Jonah. are Jonah. Like you recognize that you've been Like you recognize that you've been Like you recognize that you've been living, living, living, running, maybe on the fringe, not all in running, maybe on the fringe, not all in running, maybe on the fringe, not all in on the mission, whatever that is. Let on the mission, whatever that is. Let on the mission, whatever that is. Let today be the day of repentance. Let today be the day of repentance. Let today be the day of repentance. Let today be the day of you saying, "God, I today be the day of you saying, "God, I today be the day of you saying, "God, I am all in with you. Whatever it costs am all in with you. Whatever it costs am all in with you. Whatever it costs me, whatever it takes, me, whatever it takes, me, whatever it takes, Lord, I just want you." Lord, I just want you." Lord, I just want you." Let that be your prayer today. Let that be your prayer today. Let that be your prayer today. Others of you, you have never Others of you, you have never Others of you, you have never experienced the grace of God. And I'm experienced the grace of God. And I'm experienced the grace of God. And I'm just going to ask you, let today be the just going to ask you, let today be the just going to ask you, let today be the day of salvation. That you understand day of salvation. That you understand day of salvation. That you understand you are in desperate need of God's grace you are in desperate need of God's grace you are in desperate need of God's grace just like Jonah, just like the just like Jonah, just like the just like Jonah, just like the Ninevites, just like the sailors, and Ninevites, just like the sailors, and Ninevites, just like the sailors, and just like me. just like me. just like me. You can pray right now to receive You can pray right now to receive You can pray right now to receive salvation from the Lord. You just pray, salvation from the Lord. You just pray, salvation from the Lord. You just pray, "God, I need you to save me."

I am yours. I am yours. Heavenly Father, let that be our prayer Heavenly Father, let that be our prayer Heavenly Father, let that be our prayer today. today. today. God, that we are turning from our ways. We're We're turning away from our own We're We're turning away from our own desires, our own priorities, Father, our desires, our own priorities, Father, our desires, our own priorities, Father, our own habits. Whatever that may be, own habits. Whatever that may be, own habits. Whatever that may be, Father, we are all in with you. Father, we are all in with you. Father, we are all in with you. Father, let that be true of us today. No Father, let that be true of us today. No Father, let that be true of us today. No more fleeing, no more running, more fleeing, no more running, more fleeing, no more running, but all in, Jesus. but all in, Jesus. but all in, Jesus. And it's in your name we pray. Amen. >> In the [music] darkness, we were waiting >> In the [music] darkness, we were waiting without hope, without hope, without hope, without [singing] light, without [singing] light, without [singing] light, till from heaven you came [music] till from heaven you came [music] till from heaven you came [music] running. There was [singing] mercy in running. There was [singing] mercy in running. There was [singing] mercy in your eyes.

your eyes. your eyes. To fulfill the law and To fulfill the law and To fulfill the law and [music and singing] prophets, to a [music and singing] prophets, to a [music and singing] prophets, to a virgin came the word virgin came the word virgin came the word from a throne of endless from a throne of endless from a throne of endless >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> glory >> glory >> glory to to to a cradle a cradle a cradle in the in the in the dirt. praise the praise the Son, Son, Son, praise [music] the praise [music] the praise [music] the Spirit, Spirit, Spirit, three three three in one. in one. in one. God of praise [music] praise [music] [singing] forever [singing] forever [singing] forever to the king to the king to the king of kings. of kings. of kings. >> [music] >> To reveal [music] the kingdom coming >> To reveal [music] the kingdom coming and to reconcile the [singing] and to reconcile the [singing] and to reconcile the [singing] lost, lost, lost, to redeem [music] to redeem [music] to redeem [music] the whole the whole the whole creation, you did not creation, you did not creation, you did not despise [singing and music] the cross.

despise [singing and music] the cross. despise [singing and music] the cross. For For For even in your suffering, even in your suffering, even in your suffering, you sought to you sought to you sought to the [music and singing] other the [music and singing] other the [music and singing] other side, side, side, knowing this was our salvation. knowing this was our salvation. knowing this was our salvation. Jesus, for our sake you died. >> Oh, we praise the [music] name of the >> Oh, we praise the [music] name of the Lord. >> Praise [music] the >> Praise [music] the Father, Father, Father, praise the praise the praise the Son, Son, Son, and praise and praise and praise >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the Spirit, >> the Spirit, >> the Spirit, three three three >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in one. >> in one. >> in one. And And And >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> God of >> God of >> God of glory, glory, glory, majesty, oh praise forever oh praise forever to the king to the king to the king >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of kings. >> of kings. >> of kings. >> Oh, we sing >> Oh, we sing >> Oh, we sing >> Praise the >> Praise the >> Praise the Father, Father, Father, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> praise the >> praise the >> praise the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Son, >> Son, >> Son, and praise and praise and praise the Spirit, the Spirit, the Spirit, three three three in one.

in one. in one. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And >> And >> And God of glory, God of glory, God of glory, majesty, oh praise forever [music] oh praise forever [music] to the to the to the king king king of kings. >> The ever the giver of every good and >> The ever the giver of every good and perfect gift, our creator God, from your perfect gift, our creator God, from your perfect gift, our creator God, from your place and your seat, let's just sing place and your seat, let's just sing place and your seat, let's just sing that again today as a church family. that again today as a church family. that again today as a church family. Praise the Father, praise the Son and Praise the Father, praise the Son and Praise the Father, praise the Son and the Spirit we sing. the Spirit we sing. the Spirit we sing. >> Praise [singing] the Father, >> Praise [singing] the Father, >> Praise [singing] the Father, and praise the Son we sing. Praise the and praise the Son we sing. Praise the and praise the Son we sing. Praise the Spirit, Spirit, Spirit, three three three >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> in one. >> in one. >> in one. Oh, God of Oh, God of Oh, God of glory, [singing] glory, [singing] glory, [singing] majesty. majesty. majesty. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Sing praise forever [singing] >> Sing praise forever [singing] >> Sing praise forever [singing] to [music] the King to [music] the King to [music] the King of kings. >> And on the night that Jesus was >> And on the night that Jesus was betrayed, he gathered with his disciples betrayed, he gathered with his disciples betrayed, he gathered with his disciples in the upper room.

in the upper room. in the upper room. And he took the bread, he blessed it. And he took the bread, he blessed it. And he took the bread, he blessed it. He broke it, passed it around to his He broke it, passed it around to his He broke it, passed it around to his disciples. He said, "This is my body. disciples. He said, "This is my body. disciples. He said, "This is my body. It is broken for you. It is broken for you. It is broken for you. As often as you eat of it, As often as you eat of it, As often as you eat of it, do so [music] in remembrance of me." In the same way, he took the cup that In the same way, he took the cup that was red with the fruit of the vine. was red with the fruit of the vine. was red with the fruit of the vine. And he told his disciples, he said, And he told his disciples, he said, And he told his disciples, he said, "This is my "This is my "This is my blood that was poured out, spilled out blood that was poured out, spilled out blood that was poured out, spilled out for you, this new covenant, [music] for you, this new covenant, [music] for you, this new covenant, [music] the atonement of your sins." the atonement of your sins." the atonement of your sins." He said, "As often as you drink of it, He said, "As often as you drink of it, He said, "As often as you drink of it, do so in remembrance [music] do so in remembrance [music] do so in remembrance [music] of me." Lord Jesus, thank you Lord Jesus, thank you for the symbol for the symbol for the symbol of your broken body and your spilled of your broken body and your spilled of your broken body and your spilled blood on our behalf.

blood on our behalf. blood on our behalf. I pray, Father, that today it will I pray, Father, that today it will I pray, Father, that today it will remind us remind us remind us of your great grace. Father, thank you of your great grace. Father, thank you of your great grace. Father, thank you for the book of Jonah that reminds us for the book of Jonah that reminds us for the book of Jonah that reminds us and teaches us about your relentless and teaches us about your relentless and teaches us about your relentless grace, Father, that pursues us even in grace, Father, that pursues us even in grace, Father, that pursues us even in our own sin and our own wickedness, God. our own sin and our own wickedness, God. our own sin and our own wickedness, God. It is your grace. It is your grace. It is your grace. God, let it overwhelm us today. God, let it overwhelm us today. God, let it overwhelm us today. Let it conform us to the image of your Let it conform us to the image of your Let it conform us to the image of your son, God, that it would cause [music] us son, God, that it would cause [music] us son, God, that it would cause [music] us to live for you all the more. to live for you all the more. to live for you all the more. Father, thank you that you poured out Father, thank you that you poured out Father, thank you that you poured out your blood so that we may have life your blood so that we may have life your blood so that we may have life everlasting. And so, Father, today we everlasting. And so, Father, today we everlasting. And so, Father, today we praise [music] praise [music] praise [music] you and every day we praise you, Father, you and every day we praise you, Father, you and every day we praise you, Father, because you alone are worthy of our because you alone are worthy of our because you alone are worthy of our worship, Father. You alone are worthy of worship, Father. You alone are worthy of worship, Father. You alone are worthy of our praise. [music] And so, today we our praise. [music] And so, today we our praise. [music] And so, today we worship the King of kings and the Lord worship the King of kings and the Lord worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the savior of the earth, the of lords, the savior of the earth, the of lords, the savior of the earth, the savior of mankind. [music] savior of mankind. [music] savior of mankind. [music] And so, Father, there is no name other And so, Father, there is no name other And so, Father, there is no name other than Jesus by which we can be saved. So, than Jesus by which we can be saved. So, than Jesus by which we can be saved. So, today today today >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> we lift up the name of Jesus Christ. And >> we lift up the name of Jesus Christ. And >> we lift up the name of Jesus Christ. And it's in your name we pray. [music] Amen.

it's in your name we pray. [music] Amen. it's in your name we pray. [music] Amen. >> Come on, would you stand and sing? We're >> Come on, would you stand and sing? We're >> Come on, would you stand and sing? We're going to sing this one last time going to sing this one last time going to sing this one last time as the church of Almighty God. [music] as the church of Almighty God. [music] as the church of Almighty God. [music] Come on, we sing praise the Father. Come on, we sing praise the Father. Come on, we sing praise the Father. We lift it up. [music] [music] >> Amen. He's worthy of it all. >> Amen. He's worthy of it all. >> Amen. He's worthy of it all. God bless you, church family. We love God bless you, church family. We love God bless you, church family. We love dismissed.