Grace that Transforms | 11:00 am | Michael Gossett

>> Good morning church family and welcome >> Good morning church family and welcome to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you chose to worship with us whether you're chose to worship with us whether you're chose to worship with us whether you're in person or online. If this is your in person or online. If this is your in person or online. If this is your first time or you've been coming for a first time or you've been coming for a first time or you've been coming for a little bit and haven't gotten connected, little bit and haven't gotten connected, little bit and haven't gotten connected, we would love to meet you and chat with we would love to meet you and chat with we would love to meet you and chat with you. Please do us a favor of texting the you. Please do us a favor of texting the you. Please do us a favor of texting the word connect to 903-525-1100 so that one of our staff members can so that one of our staff members can answer any questions you have and pray answer any questions you have and pray answer any questions you have and pray for any prayer needs that you have. Now listen, as we are headed into Now listen, as we are headed into summer, I want to ask you as a church summer, I want to ask you as a church summer, I want to ask you as a church family to pray for a few things. Our family to pray for a few things. Our family to pray for a few things. Our high school beach camp leaves today. Be high school beach camp leaves today. Be high school beach camp leaves today. Be praying for those high school students praying for those high school students praying for those high school students as they study God's word together. We as they study God's word together. We as they study God's word together. We also have our middle school creek camp also have our middle school creek camp also have our middle school creek camp coming up later this summer and then our coming up later this summer and then our coming up later this summer and then our kids camp. So, please join us in praying kids camp. So, please join us in praying kids camp. So, please join us in praying for these camps as we pour into the next for these camps as we pour into the next for these camps as we pour into the next generation and seek to deepen their generation and seek to deepen their generation and seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Also, be relationship with Jesus. Also, be relationship with Jesus. Also, be praying for the many mission trips going praying for the many mission trips going praying for the many mission trips going out across the world this summer. Thank out across the world this summer. Thank out across the world this summer. Thank you for choosing to pray with us. Now, you for choosing to pray with us. Now, you for choosing to pray with us. Now, while we're talking about Creek Camp, we while we're talking about Creek Camp, we while we're talking about Creek Camp, we still have a few spots available. So, still have a few spots available. So, still have a few spots available. So, make sure you visit jbc.org to get all make sure you visit jbc.org to get all make sure you visit jbc.org to get all of those details.

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

>> Well, good morning church family. So >> Well, good morning church family. So good to see you today. Would you stand good to see you today. Would you stand good to see you today. Would you stand to your feet [music] today? to your feet [music] today? to your feet [music] today? We've come to worship a holy God, the We've come to worship a holy God, the We've come to worship a holy God, the creator of the universe, who has [music] creator of the universe, who has [music] creator of the universe, who has [music] spoken to us, who is worthy of all of spoken to us, who is worthy of all of spoken to us, who is worthy of all of our praise. Let's join our voices our praise. Let's join our voices our praise. Let's join our voices together as we sing together. together as we sing together. together as we sing together. Come on. [music] >> This is where worship starts. >> This is where worship starts. Here in the temple [music] Here in the temple [music] Here in the temple [music] of [singing] my heart, remembering who of [singing] my heart, remembering who of [singing] my heart, remembering who you are [music] you are [music] you are [music] and all you've done. All I have [music] tasted and I've seen, All I have [music] tasted and I've seen, remembering who you are. remembering who you are. remembering who you are. And once again, come on, sing. And once again, come on, sing. And once again, come on, sing. I see [music] I see [music] I see [music] the Lord the Lord the Lord forever [singing] glorified, forever [singing] glorified, forever [singing] glorified, exalted [music] exalted [music] exalted [music] and lifted high. and lifted high. and lifted high. And all of your [music] kingdom in And all of your [music] kingdom in And all of your [music] kingdom in Christ, you are.

Christ, you are. Christ, you are. You are [music] the You are [music] the You are [music] the Lord. deep calling deep inside of me, deep calling deep inside of me, right where I'm meant to be, right where I'm meant to be, right where I'm meant to be, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> here with you. And this is [music] your family, And this is [music] your family, stretching as far stretching as far stretching as far as I as I as I can see, can see, can see, right where I'm meant right where I'm meant right where I'm meant >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to be. >> to be. >> to be. Once again, Once again, Once again, oh, oh, oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I see the Lord >> I see the Lord >> I see the Lord forever glorified, forever glorified, forever glorified, exalted [music] and lifted high. exalted [music] and lifted high. exalted [music] and lifted high. And all of your kingdom in Christ, you And all of your kingdom in Christ, you And all of your kingdom in Christ, you are. are. are. You [music] are the Lord. You [music] are the Lord. You [music] are the Lord. Seated upon the throne, Seated upon the throne, Seated upon the throne, the God who is [music] three in one, the God who is [music] three in one, the God who is [music] three in one, the Father, the Spirit, the Son, you the Father, the Spirit, the Son, you the Father, the Spirit, the Son, you are.

are. are. You are [music] the Lord. Let's sing. Let's sing. You are [music] the Lord. You are [music] the Lord. You are [music] the Lord. Holy, [singing] Holy, [singing] Holy, [singing] you are. you are. you are. You are the Lord. Worthy, [music] Worthy, [music] you are. you are. you are. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are holy. You are holy. You are holy. >> Holy, >> Holy, >> Holy, [music] you are. [music] you are. [music] you are. You are You are You are the Lord. [singing] the Lord. [singing] the Lord. [singing] You are worthy. [music] You are. You are. And I see the Lord. And I see the Lord. And I see the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Be forever glorified. >> Be forever glorified. >> Be forever glorified. He's exalted and He's exalted and He's exalted and lifted high. lifted high. lifted high. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And all of your kingdom in Christ, you >> And all of your kingdom in Christ, you >> And all of your kingdom in Christ, you are. are. are. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You are seated upon your throne.

>> You are seated upon your throne. >> You are seated upon your throne. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You're the God who is three in one. >> You're the God who is three in one. >> You're the God who is three in one. The Father, [music] The Father, [music] The Father, [music] the Spirit, the Son, you are. the Spirit, the Son, you are. the Spirit, the Son, you are. You are You are You are >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the Lord. >> the Lord. >> the Lord. You are holy. You are holy. You are holy. >> [singing] [music] [music] >> You are. >> You are. >> You are. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are the Lord. You are worthy. Worthy, You are worthy. Worthy, You are worthy. Worthy, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you are. >> you are. >> you are. You are You are You are the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> Our God rules and reigns this morning. >> Our God rules and reigns this morning. >> Our God rules and reigns this morning. How many are grateful [music] for that How many are grateful [music] for that How many are grateful [music] for that today? today? today? We worship the creator of all things. We worship the creator of all things. We worship the creator of all things. We rejoice in everything that he's said, We rejoice in everything that he's said, We rejoice in everything that he's said, everything that he's done. Let us lift everything that he's done. Let us lift everything that he's done. Let us lift our voices together as we rejoice in our voices together as we rejoice in our voices together as we rejoice in him. him. him. >> Rejoice [music] in the Lord now and >> Rejoice [music] in the Lord now and >> Rejoice [music] in the Lord now and always. Sing it again, we rejoice. always. Sing it again, we rejoice. always. Sing it again, we rejoice. Delight [music] in the love he has shown Delight [music] in the love he has shown Delight [music] in the love he has shown us. us. us. Gratefully lift up your voice. Gratefully lift up your voice. Gratefully lift up your voice. His gentleness [music and singing] His gentleness [music and singing] His gentleness [music and singing] among us will join our hearts with among us will join our hearts with among us will join our hearts with praise.

praise. praise. We gather [music and singing] in His We gather [music and singing] in His We gather [music and singing] in His goodness, goodness, goodness, a family a family a family of [music and singing] grace. of [music and singing] grace. of [music and singing] grace. With each breath With each breath With each breath He's given, He's given, He's given, praise praise praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> In these times we live >> In these times we live >> In these times we live we will praise we will praise we will praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Throughout [music] every Throughout [music] every Throughout [music] every season season season I I I am [music] sure am [music] sure am [music] sure we have every we have every we have every reason reason reason to [music] praise the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> Rejoice and be anxious for nothing. >> Rejoice and be anxious for nothing. >> Rejoice and be anxious for nothing. [music] [music] [music] Pray for all that you need. Pray for all that you need. Pray for all that you need. Come with a song of thanksgiving. Come with a song of thanksgiving. Come with a song of thanksgiving. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lay your requests at His feet. >> Lay your requests at His feet. >> Lay your requests at His feet. His peace will [music and singing] fall His peace will [music and singing] fall His peace will [music and singing] fall upon us upon us upon us to guard our hearts to guard our hearts to guard our hearts and minds.

and minds. and minds. In Christ [music and singing] who reigns In Christ [music and singing] who reigns In Christ [music and singing] who reigns eternal eternal eternal the shepherd the shepherd the shepherd of our lives. of our lives. of our lives. With each With each With each breath breath breath >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He's given, >> He's given, >> He's given, praise praise praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. In these times [music] In these times [music] In these times [music] we live we live we live we will praise we will praise we will praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Throughout every Throughout every Throughout every >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> season >> season >> season I I I am sure am sure am sure >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> we have >> we have >> we have every [singing] reason every [singing] reason every [singing] reason to praise to praise to praise the Lord. Oh, Oh, we praise You, Lord. We praise the Lord. we praise You, Lord. We praise the Lord. we praise You, Lord. We praise the Lord. >> [music] Rejoice in the Rejoice in the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord now and always. >> Lord now and always. >> Lord now and always. Tell of the good He has done. Tell of the good He has done. Tell of the good He has done. Worship the Lord to remember [music] Worship the Lord to remember [music] Worship the Lord to remember [music] all of the joy that's to come.

all of the joy that's to come. all of the joy that's to come. The hope that burns within. The hope that burns within. The hope that burns within. The dark cannot [music] destroy. The dark cannot [music] destroy. The dark cannot [music] destroy. With praise that's never ending, With praise that's never ending, With praise that's never ending, we say we say we say >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and rejoice. >> and rejoice. >> and rejoice. With each breath With each breath With each breath he's given, he's given, he's given, praise praise praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> In these times >> In these times >> In these times we live in, we live in, we live in, we will praise the we will praise the we will praise the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord >> Lord >> Lord throughout every throughout every throughout every season. season. season. I I I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> am sure >> am sure >> am sure we have every we have every we have every [singing] reason [singing] reason [singing] reason to praise the to praise the to praise the >> [music] >> Lord. We have every >> Lord. We have every reason reason reason to praise the to praise the to praise the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord. Oh, Oh, we praise the we praise the we praise the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord. >> Amen. How many of you are grateful to be >> Amen. How many of you are grateful to be in the house [music] of God today?

in the house [music] of God today? in the house [music] of God today? He's been so good to us. Go and have a He's been so good to us. Go and have a He's been so good to us. Go and have a seat. We have baptisms to witness seat. We have baptisms to witness seat. We have baptisms to witness together. together. together. All right. Good morning, church family. All right. Good morning, church family. All right. Good morning, church family. Here I have my buddy Here I have my buddy Here I have my buddy Aiden Dancy right here with his brother Aiden Dancy right here with his brother Aiden Dancy right here with his brother Andrew. And man, it's an incredible a Andrew. And man, it's an incredible a Andrew. And man, it's an incredible a story of how God has been working in story of how God has been working in story of how God has been working in Aiden's life and and really their entire Aiden's life and and really their entire Aiden's life and and really their entire family along with Andrew, too. And I'm family along with Andrew, too. And I'm family along with Andrew, too. And I'm just so proud of Aiden. I'm so proud of just so proud of Aiden. I'm so proud of just so proud of Aiden. I'm so proud of Andrew Andrew Andrew >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and the way that God is redeeming their >> and the way that God is redeeming their >> and the way that God is redeeming their story. story. story. And Aiden has been saved. And but just a And Aiden has been saved. And but just a And Aiden has been saved. And but just a recently within a few years after his recently within a few years after his recently within a few years after his dad passed away, he was just kind of dad passed away, he was just kind of dad passed away, he was just kind of a little bit lost feeling and didn't a little bit lost feeling and didn't a little bit lost feeling and didn't know what to do next, a little know what to do next, a little know what to do next, a little uncertain. uncertain. uncertain. But he knew that he was saved and he But he knew that he was saved and he But he knew that he was saved and he knew that his next step uh of obedience knew that his next step uh of obedience knew that his next step uh of obedience was to be baptized. And that is what has was to be baptized. And that is what has was to be baptized. And that is what has brought us to this point right here. And brought us to this point right here. And brought us to this point right here. And so, Aiden, so, Aiden, so, Aiden, are you being baptized today because are you being baptized today because are you being baptized today because Jesus is the Lord of your life?

Jesus is the Lord of your life? Jesus is the Lord of your life? It is because of that public profession It is because of that public profession It is because of that public profession of faith that your brother gets to of faith that your brother gets to of faith that your brother gets to baptize you in the name of the Father, baptize you in the name of the Father, baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We're and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We're and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We're buried with Christ in baptism, buried with Christ in baptism, buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life. Yeah. Yeah. Proud of you, dude. Proud of you, dude. Proud of you, dude. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. How about that? Hey, you know what? I How about that? Hey, you know what? I How about that? Hey, you know what? I think that's worth one more applause. think that's worth one more applause. think that's worth one more applause. That's amazing. That is uh unbelievable. Hey, welcome to That is uh unbelievable. Hey, welcome to Green Acres, everybody. Green Acres, everybody. Green Acres, everybody. Glad you're here, balcony. You're my Glad you're here, balcony. You're my Glad you're here, balcony. You're my people. I'm really glad that you're with people. I'm really glad that you're with people. I'm really glad that you're with us today. us today. us today. That's it. Good. I see you. I see you. That's it. Good. I see you. I see you. That's it. Good. I see you. I see you. Listen, everybody in the room, it's good Listen, everybody in the room, it's good Listen, everybody in the room, it's good to be together on a Sunday morning. It's to be together on a Sunday morning. It's to be together on a Sunday morning. It's just good. If you're watching online, just good. If you're watching online, just good. If you're watching online, watching from your home or wherever you watching from your home or wherever you watching from your home or wherever you are, we hope that one day very soon you are, we hope that one day very soon you are, we hope that one day very soon you will join us. And uh let us, as we say will join us. And uh let us, as we say will join us. And uh let us, as we say around here, around here, around here, uh we will uh shake your hand and hug uh we will uh shake your hand and hug uh we will uh shake your hand and hug your neck. Is this thing hot? This is your neck. Is this thing hot? This is your neck. Is this thing hot? This is loud, isn't it? Okay, I'll try to be loud, isn't it? Okay, I'll try to be loud, isn't it? Okay, I'll try to be careful. I'll try to be careful.

careful. I'll try to be careful. careful. I'll try to be careful. All right. Well, I glad you're here. All right. Well, I glad you're here. All right. Well, I glad you're here. Listen, um it is good to be here. We're Listen, um it is good to be here. We're Listen, um it is good to be here. We're glad that you showed up. I have a couple glad that you showed up. I have a couple glad that you showed up. I have a couple things I want I want to make you aware things I want I want to make you aware things I want I want to make you aware of. Uh very important, uh today uh our of. Uh very important, uh today uh our of. Uh very important, uh today uh our students, our high school students, are students, our high school students, are students, our high school students, are going to camp. All right. They're going to camp. All right. They're going to camp. All right. They're they're leaving to camp here. they're leaving to camp here. they're leaving to camp here. That's right. That's right. That's right. Camp. Camp. Camp. And uh listen, camp is it can be very And uh listen, camp is it can be very And uh listen, camp is it can be very special because when you get away and special because when you get away and special because when you get away and you surround yourself with people that you surround yourself with people that you surround yourself with people that love you, that will encourage you in love you, that will encourage you in love you, that will encourage you in your faith, and we have dozens and your faith, and we have dozens and your faith, and we have dozens and dozens of adult leaders who've been dozens of adult leaders who've been dozens of adult leaders who've been trained not just how to share their trained not just how to share their trained not just how to share their faith, but to exhibit it and show it in faith, but to exhibit it and show it in faith, but to exhibit it and show it in the you get away. God does some amazing the you get away. God does some amazing the you get away. God does some amazing things at camp. And so our prayer, if things at camp. And so our prayer, if things at camp. And so our prayer, if you were part of Wednesday night prayer you were part of Wednesday night prayer you were part of Wednesday night prayer gathering, you know that we're praying gathering, you know that we're praying gathering, you know that we're praying by name by name by name for over 300 people for over 300 people for over 300 people who are at camp. We want to continue to who are at camp. We want to continue to who are at camp. We want to continue to do that. And just pray that God moves, do that. And just pray that God moves, do that. And just pray that God moves, he touches the lives of young people at he touches the lives of young people at he touches the lives of young people at camp. And so that's this week. Speaking camp. And so that's this week. Speaking camp. And so that's this week. Speaking of Wednesday night, every Wednesday of Wednesday night, every Wednesday of Wednesday night, every Wednesday night right here in this very room, night right here in this very room, night right here in this very room, you're invited to be a part of we're you're invited to be a part of we're you're invited to be a part of we're calling it a prayer gathering. It's a calling it a prayer gathering. It's a calling it a prayer gathering. It's a very simple time together. It is a time very simple time together. It is a time very simple time together. It is a time for you to come, to unplug, to refocus, for you to come, to unplug, to refocus, for you to come, to unplug, to refocus, and to recharge.

and to recharge. and to recharge. Ask somebody who has been a part of it, Ask somebody who has been a part of it, Ask somebody who has been a part of it, and you will want to be a part of it and you will want to be a part of it and you will want to be a part of it based on what they say. It's just a very based on what they say. It's just a very based on what they say. It's just a very special time together. No one is singled special time together. No one is singled special time together. No one is singled out. You don't have to pray out loud, out. You don't have to pray out loud, out. You don't have to pray out loud, but it is a great opportunity just to but it is a great opportunity just to but it is a great opportunity just to slow down. slow down. slow down. And we all need that. And we just go And we all need that. And we just go And we all need that. And we just go 6:00 to 7:00, unless things get crazy, 6:00 to 7:00, unless things get crazy, 6:00 to 7:00, unless things get crazy, we might go to 7:05. We don't know. we might go to 7:05. We don't know. we might go to 7:05. We don't know. But it's a very special time, and the But it's a very special time, and the But it's a very special time, and the fellowship is sweet, fellowship is sweet, fellowship is sweet, and our time together and our time together and our time together is equally sweet. Hey, listen. is equally sweet. Hey, listen. is equally sweet. Hey, listen. Next Sunday is Father's Day. Right? Next Sunday is Father's Day. Right? Next Sunday is Father's Day. Right? Fathers in the room, wave. Fathers in the room, wave. Fathers in the room, wave. Or or whoop or Or or whoop or Or or whoop or I should have been a lot more masculine I should have been a lot more masculine I should have been a lot more masculine than that. Wave, fellas. Okay. than that. Wave, fellas. Okay. than that. Wave, fellas. Okay. Sorry. I've got to do better next time. Sorry. I've got to do better next time. Sorry. I've got to do better next time. But then the then the the Sunday after But then the then the the Sunday after But then the then the the Sunday after that that that is the 28th, June 28th. And we we're is the 28th, June 28th. And we we're is the 28th, June 28th. And we we're having a big celebrate freedom party on having a big celebrate freedom party on having a big celebrate freedom party on the parking lot over here. There'll be the parking lot over here. There'll be the parking lot over here. There'll be food trucks and games and fun carnival food trucks and games and fun carnival food trucks and games and fun carnival atmosphere, incredible drone show. You atmosphere, incredible drone show. You atmosphere, incredible drone show. You saw the drone show last year, that was saw the drone show last year, that was saw the drone show last year, that was like mind-blowing. Well, this one is like mind-blowing. Well, this one is like mind-blowing. Well, this one is like blowing the mind that's already like blowing the mind that's already like blowing the mind that's already been blown. It's There's going to be been blown. It's There's going to be been blown. It's There's going to be things that you've never seen ever.

things that you've never seen ever. things that you've never seen ever. And uh we want you to come and be a part And uh we want you to come and be a part And uh we want you to come and be a part of it. It's a free event. Uh so, please of it. It's a free event. Uh so, please of it. It's a free event. Uh so, please come. It's a perfect opportunity for you come. It's a perfect opportunity for you come. It's a perfect opportunity for you to bring to bring to bring somebody that just needs fellowship and somebody that just needs fellowship and somebody that just needs fellowship and they need a place to be. We're going to they need a place to be. We're going to they need a place to be. We're going to celebrate not just freedom that we find celebrate not just freedom that we find celebrate not just freedom that we find in our country. Praise God in our country. Praise God in our country. Praise God for freedom in Christ. So, it's going to for freedom in Christ. So, it's going to for freedom in Christ. So, it's going to be a great great time. be a great great time. be a great great time. Sure hope that you're a part of it. Now, Sure hope that you're a part of it. Now, Sure hope that you're a part of it. Now, normally at this time, we pray and we normally at this time, we pray and we normally at this time, we pray and we ask God to bless the offer, which we ask God to bless the offer, which we ask God to bless the offer, which we will. We'll take up our offering in just will. We'll take up our offering in just will. We'll take up our offering in just a moment. a moment. a moment. But, I wanted to do something a little But, I wanted to do something a little But, I wanted to do something a little bit different. Would you close your bit different. Would you close your bit different. Would you close your eyes, bow your heads? eyes, bow your heads? eyes, bow your heads? Because there's a remarkable prayer in Because there's a remarkable prayer in Because there's a remarkable prayer in the New Testament. It's in the book of the New Testament. It's in the book of the New Testament. It's in the book of Ephesians. Ephesians 3 and Paul Ephesians. Ephesians 3 and Paul Ephesians. Ephesians 3 and Paul he prays over believers. Now, I'm no he prays over believers. Now, I'm no he prays over believers. Now, I'm no Paul, obviously. Paul, obviously. Paul, obviously. But, I want to read the prayer [music] But, I want to read the prayer [music] But, I want to read the prayer [music] and pray the prayer and pray the prayer and pray the prayer over you. over you. over you. I'm going to ask God to I'm going to ask God to I'm going to ask God to just strengthen you by his power and just strengthen you by his power and just strengthen you by his power and center you in God's presence and center you in God's presence and center you in God's presence and ground you in Christ's love and that you ground you in Christ's love and that you ground you in Christ's love and that you would be filled with his fullness.

would be filled with his fullness. would be filled with his fullness. That you would be that this wouldn't That you would be that this wouldn't That you would be that this wouldn't just be a normal Sunday morning just be a normal Sunday morning just be a normal Sunday morning where you check a box where you check a box where you check a box and then you go to lunch. and then you go to lunch. and then you go to lunch. But, maybe at the beginning of a summer But, maybe at the beginning of a summer But, maybe at the beginning of a summer in 2026, in 2026, in 2026, you might experience what it means to you might experience what it means to you might experience what it means to [music] be [music] be [music] be a Christian a Christian a Christian all over again. all over again. all over again. So, with your heads bowed and your eyes So, with your heads bowed and your eyes So, with your heads bowed and your eyes closed, let me pray for us. The Bible closed, let me pray for us. The Bible closed, let me pray for us. The Bible says, says, says, "For this reason, I kneel before the "For this reason, I kneel before the "For this reason, I kneel before the Father, Father, Father, from whom every family in heaven and on from whom every family in heaven and on from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. earth is named. earth is named. It says, I pray that he may grant you, It says, I pray that he may grant you, It says, I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, according to the riches of his glory, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your to be strengthened with power in your to be strengthened with power in your inner being inner being inner being through his spirit, through his spirit, through his spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts and that Christ may dwell in your hearts and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. through faith. through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly I pray that you, being rooted and firmly I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able, listen established in love, may be able, listen established in love, may be able, listen to this, to this, to this, to comprehend with all the saints to comprehend with all the saints to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and the width and the what is the length and the width and the what is the length and the width and the height height height >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and the depth of God's love.

>> and the depth of God's love. >> and the depth of God's love. And to know Christ's love that surpasses And to know Christ's love that surpasses And to know Christ's love that surpasses knowledge knowledge knowledge so that you may be filled so that you may be filled so that you may be filled with all the fullness with all the fullness with all the fullness of God. Heavenly Father, I I echo that of God. Heavenly Father, I I echo that of God. Heavenly Father, I I echo that and pray and pray and pray the men and women in this room. the men and women in this room. the men and women in this room. For some of us, we once walked closely For some of us, we once walked closely For some of us, we once walked closely with you. with you. with you. Would you let us go there again? Would you let us go there again? Would you let us go there again? For some of us, we once found joy in our For some of us, we once found joy in our For some of us, we once found joy in our faith. Would you faith. Would you faith. Would you get rid of all of the distractions that get rid of all of the distractions that get rid of all of the distractions that have robbed us of that that we've have robbed us of that that we've have robbed us of that that we've allowed to? allowed to? allowed to? Father, would you allow us to walk in Father, would you allow us to walk in Father, would you allow us to walk in the fullness the fullness the fullness of being a child of yours? of being a child of yours? of being a child of yours? Father, for those who hear this morning Father, for those who hear this morning Father, for those who hear this morning that that that may not know you, I pray this morning may not know you, I pray this morning may not know you, I pray this morning would be the day of salvation for them, would be the day of salvation for them, would be the day of salvation for them, that they would give their lives fully that they would give their lives fully that they would give their lives fully to you. to you. to you. And that we might walk with them And that we might walk with them And that we might walk with them together together together moving forward. moving forward. moving forward. So, Father, take these gifts, these So, Father, take these gifts, these So, Father, take these gifts, these tithes, these offerings, [music] tithes, these offerings, [music] tithes, these offerings, [music] the generosity of your people, the generosity of your people, the generosity of your people, and use them to your glory and your and use them to your glory and your and use them to your glory and your honor honor honor as we go closer to you.

as we go closer to you. as we go closer to you. And I pray those things in Jesus' name. And I pray those things in Jesus' name. And I pray those things in Jesus' name. And everybody said, And everybody said, And everybody said, amen. >> I have seen my father's >> I have seen my father's [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] glory glory glory revealed in Jesus Christ. revealed in Jesus Christ. revealed in Jesus Christ. And the more [music] that I behold him, And the more [music] that I behold him, And the more [music] that I behold him, the more he satisfies the more he satisfies the more he satisfies when I gaze upon his beauty, when I gaze upon his beauty, when I gaze upon his beauty, when I see him as [music] I should, when I see him as [music] I should, when I see him as [music] I should, [singing] [singing] [singing] then my eyes are lifted upward [music] then my eyes are lifted upward [music] then my eyes are lifted upward [music] for his glory and my good. for his glory and my good. for his glory and my good. >> Let's stand and sing this [music] >> Let's stand and sing this [music] >> Let's stand and sing this [music] together, church. together, church. together, church. Let's join our voices. Let's join our voices. Let's join our voices. >> There is hope in [singing] every trial, >> There is hope in [singing] every trial, >> There is hope in [singing] every trial, for I can trust [music] the Lord.

for I can trust [music] the Lord. for I can trust [music] the Lord. [singing] [singing] [singing] He will turn my heart towards him He will turn my heart towards him He will turn my heart towards him and help me [music and singing] bear the and help me [music and singing] bear the and help me [music and singing] bear the thorn. thorn. thorn. So, in faith I follow Jesus [singing] So, in faith I follow Jesus [singing] So, in faith I follow Jesus [singing] on the road not understood, on the road not understood, on the road not understood, for I know that he for I know that he for I know that he is working for his glory [music] is working for his glory [music] is working for his glory [music] and my good. >> [music] >> [music] >> To our God be [singing] the glory, to >> To our God be [singing] the glory, to >> To our God be [singing] the glory, to our God our God our God be [music] praised. He alone, be [music] praised. He alone, be [music] praised. He alone, the name [music and singing] above all the name [music and singing] above all the name [music and singing] above all names. I will boast ever only in [music] the I will boast ever only in [music] the Lord Lord Lord >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> my God, for I know >> my God, for I know >> my God, for I know his [music] glory is my his [music] glory is my his [music] glory is my good. See the open arms [music] of Jesus See the open arms [music] of Jesus upon the cross that day.

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

Would I gladly be made Would I gladly be made [music and singing] nothing [music and singing] nothing [music and singing] nothing that Christ would be made more? that Christ would be made more? that Christ would be made more? Would [music] I seek the only kingdom Would [music] I seek the only kingdom Would [music] I seek the only kingdom that far outweighs [music] them all? that far outweighs [music] them all? that far outweighs [music] them all? >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I will stand before my Father >> I will stand before my Father >> I will stand before my Father where the faithful [music] saints have where the faithful [music] saints have where the faithful [music] saints have stood. stood. stood. And with joy my heart shall praise Him And with joy my heart shall praise Him And with joy my heart shall praise Him for His glory [music] for His glory [music] for His glory [music] and my good. and my good. and my good. And with joy my heart [music] shall And with joy my heart [music] shall And with joy my heart [music] shall praise Him praise Him praise Him for His glory and my good. for His glory and my good. for His glory and my good. >> [music] >> His glory >> His glory is my good. is my good. is my good. To our God be the glory. To our God be To our God be the glory. To our God be To our God be the glory. To our God be praised. He praised. He praised. He >> [music] >> alone, >> alone, >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> the >> the >> the name above name above name above all names. I will [music] boast I will [music] boast ever ever ever only in the only in the only in the Lord Lord Lord my God. my God. my God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> For >> For >> For I know I know I know His glory His glory His glory is my good.

>> [music] >> [music] >> To our God be the glory. To our God be >> To our God be the glory. To our God be >> To our God be the glory. To our God be praised. He [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Oh, your glory is my God. >> Oh, your glory is my God. >> Oh, your glory is my God. We live [music] for your glory, Lord. We live [music] for your glory, Lord. We live [music] for your glory, Lord. Oh, it's your glory, Lord. Oh, it's your glory, Lord. Oh, it's your glory, Lord. It's your glory, Lord. It's your glory, Lord. It's your glory, Lord. We build our lives. Sing this together, church family. Sing this together, church family. I will build my life I will build my life I will build my life upon your love.

upon your love. upon your love. It is It is It is a firm foundation, [music] a firm foundation, [music] a firm foundation, [music] and I will put my trust in and I will put my trust in and I will put my trust in [music and singing] you [music and singing] you [music and singing] you alone, alone, alone, and I will not I will build my [music] and I will not I will build my [music] and I will not I will build my [music] life life life I will Come on declare that today. I will Come on declare that today. I will Come on declare that today. On your love. On your love. On your love. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Your love. >> Your love. >> Your love. Cuz it is a Cuz it is a Cuz it is a >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Yes, we know it >> Yes, we know it >> Yes, we know it >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I will [singing] put my [music] all >> And I will [singing] put my [music] all >> And I will [singing] put my [music] all my trust my trust my trust You alone, and I You alone, and I You alone, and I >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> will [music] >> will [music] >> will [music] not not not be shaken. be shaken. be shaken. We will not be shaken. There's only one name under heaven by There's only one name under heaven by which we are saved. It's the name of which we are saved. It's the name of which we are saved. It's the name of Jesus. Amen. Let's sing it out today.

He's worthy [music] of every [singing] He's worthy [music] of every [singing] song we could ever sing. And he's worthy [music] of all the And he's worthy [music] of all the praise we could ever bring. He's worthy of every breath [music] we He's worthy of every breath [music] we could ever breathe. We live for you. could ever breathe. We live for you. could ever breathe. We live for you. Oh, we live for you. Oh, we live for you. Oh, we live for you. We sing the name of Jesus. We sing the name of Jesus. We sing the name of Jesus. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] the name above every other every other the name above every other every other the name above every other every other name. [music] name. [music] name. [music] Jesus, the only one who could ever save. Jesus, the only one who could ever save. Jesus, the only one who could ever save. You're worthy. You're worthy. You're worthy. Worthy [music] of every breath we could Worthy [music] of every breath we could Worthy [music] of every breath we could ever breathe. We live for you. ever breathe. We live for you. ever breathe. We live for you. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Oh, we live Come on with your voices and >> Oh, we live Come on with your voices and >> Oh, we live Come on with your voices and hands raised. Sing holy. hands raised. Sing holy. hands raised. Sing holy. >> You [music] are holy. >> You [music] are holy. >> You [music] are holy. There is no one [singing] like [music] There is no one [singing] like [music] There is no one [singing] like [music] you. There is none beside you. you. There is none beside you. you. There is none beside you. Open [music] Open [music] Open [music] up my eyes [singing] up my eyes [singing] up my eyes [singing] in wonder.

in wonder. in wonder. And show me who [music] you are and fill And show me who [music] you are and fill And show me who [music] you are and fill me me me with your heart and lead with your heart and lead with your heart and lead me me me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in your love to those >> in your love to those >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> around me. >> There's no other name but the name of >> There's no other name but the name of Jesus. We sing. >> Jesus, the name above every other name. >> Jesus, the name above every other name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There's only one name. >> There's only one name. >> There's only one name. >> Jesus, the only one who [music] could >> Jesus, the only one who [music] could >> Jesus, the only one who [music] could ever save. ever save. ever save. >> And he's worthy. >> And he's worthy. >> And he's worthy. >> Worthy of every breath [music] we could >> Worthy of every breath [music] we could >> Worthy of every breath [music] we could ever breathe. ever breathe. ever breathe. We live for you. We live for you. We live for you. Oh, we live for you. Oh, we live for you. Oh, we live for you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, you are holy. >> Oh, you are holy. >> Oh, you are holy. Holy, Holy, Holy, there is no one like [music] you. there is no one like [music] you. there is no one like [music] you. And there is none beside you. And there is none beside you. And there is none beside you. Open up [music and singing] my eyes Open up [music and singing] my eyes Open up [music and singing] my eyes in wonder.

in wonder. in wonder. Oh Lord, show me Oh Lord, show me Oh Lord, show me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who you >> who you >> who you are and fill me. are and fill me. are and fill me. Show me with your heart and lead me Show me with your heart and lead me Show me with your heart and lead me in your love [music] in your love [music] in your love [music] to hold me to hold me to hold me around around around me. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> I will build [music and singing] my life >> I will build [music and singing] my life >> I will build [music and singing] my life upon your love. upon your love. upon your love. It It It >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> is >> is >> is a firm We declare today. Come on. a firm We declare today. Come on. a firm We declare today. Come on. I will put [music and singing] my all of I will put [music and singing] my all of I will put [music and singing] my all of my trust [singing] [singing] >> Come on, we sing. >> Come on, we sing. >> Come on, we sing. I will build. I will build. I will build. >> I will build my >> I will build my >> I will build my life life life >> [music] >> Oh [music] Lord, >> Oh [music] Lord, and I will put my trust my trust in you in you in you >> [music] >> You are holy.

>> You are holy. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You are holy, >> You are holy, >> You are holy, there is there is there is no one like you. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> There is none beside you. Open [music] up my eyes Open [music] up my eyes in wonder. in wonder. in wonder. Oh Lord, would you Oh Lord, would you Oh Lord, would you show me show me show me who you are and [music] fill me who you are and [music] fill me who you are and [music] fill me with your heart and lead me with your heart and lead me with your heart and lead me in your love to hold me in your love to hold me in your love to hold me >> [music] >> Lead me in your love. >> Lead me in your love. Lord, lead me in your love. Cuz you are holy. Cuz you are holy. There is no one like [singing] There is no one like [singing] There is no one like [singing] you. you. you. There is none beside we sing. There is none beside we sing. There is none beside we sing. Open up [music] my eyes Open up [music] my eyes Open up [music] my eyes >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> and >> and >> and show me, Lord. Show me who you are show me, Lord. Show me who you are show me, Lord. Show me who you are >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> and fill me >> and fill me >> and fill me with your heart and lead me with your heart and lead me with your heart and lead me in There's no one like [music] the Lord.

in There's no one like [music] the Lord. in There's no one like [music] the Lord. He is holy. You are holy. [singing] He is holy. You are holy. [singing] He is holy. You are holy. [singing] There is [music] no one >> [music] >> [music] >> Open up [singing] my eyes Oh, Lord, show me Oh, Lord, show me who you are and fill [singing] me who you are and fill [singing] me who you are and fill [singing] me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> with your heart in your love to those in your love to those [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] around. around. around. How many of you are grateful for the How many of you are grateful for the How many of you are grateful for the sure foundation we have in his love sure foundation we have in his love sure foundation we have in his love today? Oh, Father, thank you. Thank you, Oh, Father, thank you. Thank you, Father, for your great and steadfast Father, for your great and steadfast Father, for your great and steadfast anchoring love anchoring love anchoring love that helps us and causes us to stand that helps us and causes us to stand that helps us and causes us to stand secure today. secure today. secure today. Father, we worship you as Father, Father, we worship you as Father, Father, we worship you as Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the triune the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the triune the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the triune God. God. God. You do everything for your glory You do everything for your glory You do everything for your glory and for our good.

and for our good. and for our good. Whether we can see it or not, Lord, we Whether we can see it or not, Lord, we Whether we can see it or not, Lord, we choose today to trust in you alone choose today to trust in you alone choose today to trust in you alone and stand on your everlasting love. and stand on your everlasting love. and stand on your everlasting love. We know that we are secure in your word We know that we are secure in your word We know that we are secure in your word that will never return void. that will never return void. that will never return void. It is infallible. It is perfect. It is infallible. It is perfect. It is infallible. It is perfect. Help us trust it even more today as we Help us trust it even more today as we Help us trust it even more today as we hear from you from your word. hear from you from your word. hear from you from your word. We long to be changed by you. We long to We long to be changed by you. We long to We long to be changed by you. We long to know you more. know you more. know you more. Would you reveal sin? Would you reveal sin? Would you reveal sin? Would you encourage us? Would you do Would you encourage us? Would you do Would you encourage us? Would you do your work, Holy Spirit, for your glory? your work, Holy Spirit, for your glory? your work, Holy Spirit, for your glory? In Jesus' name, we all pray. Everybody In Jesus' name, we all pray. Everybody In Jesus' name, we all pray. Everybody said, amen. You may be seated. >> Well, good morning. I hope you >> Well, good morning. I hope you are doing well and you have made it are doing well and you have made it are doing well and you have made it through the rain to get here. Job well through the rain to get here. Job well through the rain to get here. Job well done. All right, good job. If you have done. All right, good job. If you have done. All right, good job. If you have your Bibles, open with me to Jonah your Bibles, open with me to Jonah your Bibles, open with me to Jonah chapter 3. Did y'all know it was chapter 3. Did y'all know it was chapter 3. Did y'all know it was raining?

raining? raining? Cuz some of you are looking at me funny. Cuz some of you are looking at me funny. Cuz some of you are looking at me funny. Uh Uh Uh yeah, it's fine. Yeah, you have your yeah, it's fine. Yeah, you have your yeah, it's fine. Yeah, you have your umbrella. Thank you. All right, Jonah umbrella. Thank you. All right, Jonah umbrella. Thank you. All right, Jonah chapter 3. You know, as I was studying, chapter 3. You know, as I was studying, chapter 3. You know, as I was studying, just kind of praying through this just kind of praying through this just kind of praying through this passage passage passage this week, you know, something just kept this week, you know, something just kept this week, you know, something just kept coming up in my mind. Uh can people coming up in my mind. Uh can people coming up in my mind. Uh can people really change? really change? really change? Don't answer it Don't answer it Don't answer it out loud. out loud. out loud. In your mind. In your mind. In your mind. Can people really change? A lot of us, Can people really change? A lot of us, Can people really change? A lot of us, we would say absolutely we would say absolutely we would say absolutely yes. People can change. But what about yes. People can change. But what about yes. People can change. But what about the people that you've kind of written the people that you've kind of written the people that you've kind of written off? What about the family member that you've What about the family member that you've given a lot given a lot given a lot of rope and you've really given them a of rope and you've really given them a of rope and you've really given them a lot of freedom and you've really tried lot of freedom and you've really tried lot of freedom and you've really tried even to minister to them, share the hope even to minister to them, share the hope even to minister to them, share the hope of the gospel with them, and they just of the gospel with them, and they just of the gospel with them, and they just continue to going to go down the wrong continue to going to go down the wrong continue to going to go down the wrong path. I mean, this is a reality for a path. I mean, this is a reality for a path. I mean, this is a reality for a lot of people. And so, we think to lot of people. And so, we think to lot of people. And so, we think to ourselves, yes, people can change, and ourselves, yes, people can change, and ourselves, yes, people can change, and we are interested in that we are interested in that we are interested in that as people but then on the other side of as people but then on the other side of as people but then on the other side of the spectrum we have this skepticism the spectrum we have this skepticism the spectrum we have this skepticism that also tries to reign supreme in our that also tries to reign supreme in our that also tries to reign supreme in our mind when we think about people around mind when we think about people around mind when we think about people around us.

us. us. Especially Especially Especially those who are closest to us. those who are closest to us. those who are closest to us. And so when you think about this you're And so when you think about this you're And so when you think about this you're like yeah, people can change like yeah, people can change like yeah, people can change theoretically but can they change theoretically but can they change theoretically but can they change practically? Because here's the truth. Because here's the truth. Every single one of us we have a Nineveh Every single one of us we have a Nineveh Every single one of us we have a Nineveh that we are called to to a degree. that we are called to to a degree. that we are called to to a degree. I don't want to be unfaithful and I don't want to be unfaithful and I don't want to be unfaithful and overstretch this but what I'm talking overstretch this but what I'm talking overstretch this but what I'm talking about is in the same way that Jonah has about is in the same way that Jonah has about is in the same way that Jonah has written off these people as if they written off these people as if they written off these people as if they don't deserve the grace of God you and I don't deserve the grace of God you and I don't deserve the grace of God you and I struggle in the same way. struggle in the same way. struggle in the same way. It's almost like this us versus them It's almost like this us versus them It's almost like this us versus them mentality. mentality. mentality. And this is the way that our culture And this is the way that our culture And this is the way that our culture works by the way everything works on works by the way everything works on works by the way everything works on polarizing paradigms. polarizing paradigms. polarizing paradigms. Have you ever thought about that? Have you ever thought about that? Have you ever thought about that? Everything in our culture is so Everything in our culture is so Everything in our culture is so polarizing to a degree. You cannot polarizing to a degree. You cannot polarizing to a degree. You cannot disagree anymore and those who are on disagree anymore and those who are on disagree anymore and those who are on this side of the block there is this side of the block there is this side of the block there is absolutely no way that those on the absolutely no way that those on the absolutely no way that those on the other side of the block will ever change other side of the block will ever change other side of the block will ever change and so we're just going to scream at and so we're just going to scream at and so we're just going to scream at each other until something breaks. I each other until something breaks. I each other until something breaks. I mean that is where we are at as a mean that is where we are at as a mean that is where we are at as a culture.

culture. culture. But as followers of Jesus But as followers of Jesus But as followers of Jesus we are not constructing we are not constructing we are not constructing change with change with change with human wisdom human wisdom human wisdom nor logical arguments. nor logical arguments. nor logical arguments. This is what we're going to see in Jonah This is what we're going to see in Jonah This is what we're going to see in Jonah chapter 3 that there is something else chapter 3 that there is something else chapter 3 that there is something else that is causing change and it's not this that is causing change and it's not this that is causing change and it's not this type of change that is behavioral. type of change that is behavioral. type of change that is behavioral. Okay, behavioral modification is only Okay, behavioral modification is only Okay, behavioral modification is only going to impress people who are far from going to impress people who are far from going to impress people who are far from you. But we require something different you. But we require something different you. But we require something different as followers of Jesus. as followers of Jesus. as followers of Jesus. And it's not about what people perceive And it's not about what people perceive And it's not about what people perceive of you. And so I'm going to control the of you. And so I'm going to control the of you. And so I'm going to control the narrative in the way that I behave. narrative in the way that I behave. narrative in the way that I behave. There's something else that the gospel There's something else that the gospel There's something else that the gospel does, and that is transformation. See, transformation is different. See, transformation is different. Transformation doesn't work outwardly Transformation doesn't work outwardly Transformation doesn't work outwardly and then hopefully inwardly.

and then hopefully inwardly. and then hopefully inwardly. Transformation Transformation Transformation is the Ezekiel 36 model that it is a is the Ezekiel 36 model that it is a is the Ezekiel 36 model that it is a change inwardly and then is expressed change inwardly and then is expressed change inwardly and then is expressed outwardly. outwardly. outwardly. By the way, this is the baptism that we By the way, this is the baptism that we By the way, this is the baptism that we just saw. just saw. just saw. Baptism does not save you. Baptism does Baptism does not save you. Baptism does Baptism does not save you. Baptism does not change you. not change you. not change you. Baptism is a declaration outwardly of Baptism is a declaration outwardly of Baptism is a declaration outwardly of what has already happened inwardly. what has already happened inwardly. what has already happened inwardly. You who are regenerated, the next step You who are regenerated, the next step You who are regenerated, the next step of obedience is this outward expression of obedience is this outward expression of obedience is this outward expression of your faith of your faith of your faith called baptism. But transformation But transformation works the inside and then moves works the inside and then moves works the inside and then moves outwardly. outwardly. outwardly. See, this is really at the heart of what See, this is really at the heart of what See, this is really at the heart of what is happening in Jonah chapter 3. is happening in Jonah chapter 3. is happening in Jonah chapter 3. And it is all because of God's grace. And it is all because of God's grace. And it is all because of God's grace. See, that has been the theme across this See, that has been the theme across this See, that has been the theme across this entire book thus far.

entire book thus far. entire book thus far. Is that it is all about the relentless Is that it is all about the relentless Is that it is all about the relentless pursuit of God's grace toward wicked pursuit of God's grace toward wicked pursuit of God's grace toward wicked man. man. man. And here you see how this grace And here you see how this grace And here you see how this grace even transforms. even transforms. even transforms. Because this is what Because this is what Because this is what we're going to see in this passage today we're going to see in this passage today we're going to see in this passage today that that no one that that no one that that no one no one no one no one encounters the grace of God encounters the grace of God encounters the grace of God and stays the same. And let me say it in this way also. And let me say it in this way also. Every encounter with God's grace in his Every encounter with God's grace in his Every encounter with God's grace in his word word word demands demands demands a response. Like you cannot just hear God's word Like you cannot just hear God's word and then go about your business, which and then go about your business, which and then go about your business, which by the way is a response.

But God's word demands a response. But God's word demands a response. And the question for And the question for And the question for us to consider today, okay, how am I us to consider today, okay, how am I us to consider today, okay, how am I going to respond to God's grace? going to respond to God's grace? going to respond to God's grace? Like that's the question. How am I going Like that's the question. How am I going Like that's the question. How am I going to respond to God's grace? Not how will to respond to God's grace? Not how will to respond to God's grace? Not how will my wife or how will my husband or how my wife or how will my husband or how my wife or how will my husband or how will my kids or how will my neighbor, will my kids or how will my neighbor, will my kids or how will my neighbor, how will my co-worker? No, first and how will my co-worker? No, first and how will my co-worker? No, first and foremost, right here, how am I going to foremost, right here, how am I going to foremost, right here, how am I going to respond to God's grace? respond to God's grace? respond to God's grace? Because it does require a response. Because it does require a response. Because it does require a response. So if you're willing and able, would you So if you're willing and able, would you So if you're willing and able, would you stand with me as we read Jonah chapter 3 stand with me as we read Jonah chapter 3 stand with me as we read Jonah chapter 3 together? And this is what it says in verse 1. It And this is what it says in verse 1. It says, "The word of the Lord came to says, "The word of the Lord came to says, "The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.

Jonah a second time. Jonah a second time. Get up, go to the great city of Nineveh Get up, go to the great city of Nineveh Get up, go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you." and preach the message that I tell you." and preach the message that I tell you." Jonah got up, went to Nineveh according Jonah got up, went to Nineveh according Jonah got up, went to Nineveh according to the Lord's command. to the Lord's command. to the Lord's command. Now, Nineveh was an extremely great Now, Nineveh was an extremely great Now, Nineveh was an extremely great city, city, city, a 3-day walk. a 3-day walk. a 3-day walk. Jonah set out on the first day of his Jonah set out on the first day of his Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, walk in the city and proclaimed, walk in the city and proclaimed, "In 40 days, "In 40 days, "In 40 days, Nineveh will be demolished." Nineveh will be demolished." Nineveh will be demolished." Then the people of Nineveh believed God. Then the people of Nineveh believed God. Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in They proclaimed a fast and dressed in They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth from the greatest of them to sackcloth from the greatest of them to sackcloth from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of the least. When word reached the king of the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with off his royal robe, covered himself with off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. sackcloth, and sat in ashes. sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he issued a decree in Nineveh, "By Then he issued a decree in Nineveh, "By Then he issued a decree in Nineveh, "By order of the king and his nobles, no order of the king and his nobles, no order of the king and his nobles, no person or animal, herd or flock, is to person or animal, herd or flock, is to person or animal, herd or flock, is to taste anything at all. They must not eat taste anything at all. They must not eat taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink water. or drink water. or drink water. Furthermore, both people and animals Furthermore, both people and animals Furthermore, both people and animals must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and everyone must call out earnestly to God.

everyone must call out earnestly to God. everyone must call out earnestly to God. Each must turn from his evil ways and Each must turn from his evil ways and Each must turn from his evil ways and from his wrongdoing. from his wrongdoing. from his wrongdoing. Who knows? Who knows? Who knows? God may turn and relent. God may turn and relent. God may turn and relent. He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so that we will not perish." that we will not perish." that we will not perish." God saw their actions, God saw their actions, God saw their actions, that they had turned from their evil that they had turned from their evil that they had turned from their evil ways. ways. ways. So, God relented from the disaster he So, God relented from the disaster he So, God relented from the disaster he had threatened them with, and he did not had threatened them with, and he did not had threatened them with, and he did not do it. do it. do it. Let's pray. God, will you help us Let's pray. God, will you help us Let's pray. God, will you help us to clearly understand your word? I pray, God, that today would not just I pray, God, that today would not just be be be another Sunday for us another Sunday for us another Sunday for us to sit through the hearing of your word to sit through the hearing of your word to sit through the hearing of your word and remain untouched or unchanged. and remain untouched or unchanged. and remain untouched or unchanged. God, we know that every time you reveal God, we know that every time you reveal God, we know that every time you reveal yourself, it is because you are yourself, it is because you are yourself, it is because you are gracious. gracious. gracious. And we're asking you, God, to be And we're asking you, God, to be And we're asking you, God, to be gracious today to us. We are desperate gracious today to us. We are desperate gracious today to us. We are desperate for your word.

for your word. for your word. Not man's wisdom. Not man's wisdom. Not man's wisdom. For your word. And so, Father, would you For your word. And so, Father, would you For your word. And so, Father, would you make your word make your word make your word powerfully powerfully powerfully applicable to our lives today? applicable to our lives today? applicable to our lives today? 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 may be seated once again. You may be seated once again. You may be seated once again. You know, as you arrive You know, as you arrive You know, as you arrive at Jonah chapter 3, at Jonah chapter 3, at Jonah chapter 3, I mean, we really are standing at a I mean, we really are standing at a I mean, we really are standing at a major turning point in this book. If you major turning point in this book. If you major turning point in this book. If you think about what is happening, remember think about what is happening, remember think about what is happening, remember in Jonah chapter 1, the word of the Lord in Jonah chapter 1, the word of the Lord in Jonah chapter 1, the word of the Lord came to Jonah. came to Jonah. came to Jonah. He got up He got up He got up after receiving the command, he got up after receiving the command, he got up after receiving the command, he got up and he went the opposite direction as and he went the opposite direction as and he went the opposite direction as hard as he possibly could. hard as he possibly could. hard as he possibly could. Here is a prophet from God running in Here is a prophet from God running in Here is a prophet from God running in the wrong direction, went down to Joppa, the wrong direction, went down to Joppa, the wrong direction, went down to Joppa, went down to the boat, went down to the went down to the boat, went down to the went down to the boat, went down to the inner part of the boat, went down into inner part of the boat, went down into inner part of the boat, went down into the sea, went down into the belly of a the sea, went down into the belly of a the sea, went down into the belly of a fish until that fish in chapter 2, after fish until that fish in chapter 2, after fish until that fish in chapter 2, after prayer, after God softening and turning prayer, after God softening and turning prayer, after God softening and turning Jonah's heart back to himself, now has Jonah's heart back to himself, now has Jonah's heart back to himself, now has vomited him out onto dry land.

vomited him out onto dry land. vomited him out onto dry land. I mean, this prophet I mean, this prophet I mean, this prophet was running in the most rebellious way. was running in the most rebellious way. was running in the most rebellious way. And his purpose of running was clear. He And his purpose of running was clear. He And his purpose of running was clear. He wanted to get away from the presence of wanted to get away from the presence of wanted to get away from the presence of God and the people of God and any place God and the people of God and any place God and the people of God and any place of God. of God. of God. And so, he was going the opposite And so, he was going the opposite And so, he was going the opposite direction. direction. direction. As fast and as hard as he could. And As fast and as hard as he could. And As fast and as hard as he could. And then, by God's grace, after he was then, by God's grace, after he was then, by God's grace, after he was thrown overboard, and as he is looking thrown overboard, and as he is looking thrown overboard, and as he is looking up and seeing the sea surround him, up and seeing the sea surround him, up and seeing the sea surround him, which is the depth of his consequences which is the depth of his consequences which is the depth of his consequences of his choices, his rebellion, his sin, of his choices, his rebellion, his sin, of his choices, his rebellion, his sin, and that as it is overwhelming him, God and that as it is overwhelming him, God and that as it is overwhelming him, God by his grace sends this fish to swallow by his grace sends this fish to swallow by his grace sends this fish to swallow him up and keep him alive for three him up and keep him alive for three him up and keep him alive for three nights and three days. nights and three days. nights and three days. Like this is the grace of God because if Like this is the grace of God because if Like this is the grace of God because if you and I were being honest, and you you and I were being honest, and you you and I were being honest, and you hear people about this all the time that hear people about this all the time that hear people about this all the time that like the problem of suffering and the like the problem of suffering and the like the problem of suffering and the greatest apologists of our day still greatest apologists of our day still greatest apologists of our day still struggle with the idea of this problem struggle with the idea of this problem struggle with the idea of this problem of suffering.

of suffering. of suffering. And explaining it to someone who who is And explaining it to someone who who is And explaining it to someone who who is obstinate or stiff-necked toward God, obstinate or stiff-necked toward God, obstinate or stiff-necked toward God, it is problematic trying to explain the it is problematic trying to explain the it is problematic trying to explain the problem of suffering. How can a good God problem of suffering. How can a good God problem of suffering. How can a good God allow suffering to exist? allow suffering to exist? allow suffering to exist? It is a problem. It is a problem. It is a problem. But in this, But in this, But in this, you see how God's grace through all of you see how God's grace through all of you see how God's grace through all of tragedy and trial, tragedy and trial, tragedy and trial, even suffering, you see how God's grace even suffering, you see how God's grace even suffering, you see how God's grace comes through on the other side. comes through on the other side. comes through on the other side. And here's how Jonah helps us in this. And here's how Jonah helps us in this. And here's how Jonah helps us in this. Jonah, if if you and I were God because Jonah, if if you and I were God because Jonah, if if you and I were God because here is how we would answer with the here is how we would answer with the here is how we would answer with the problem of God. This is how the atheist problem of God. This is how the atheist problem of God. This is how the atheist would answer. If I were God, I would would answer. If I were God, I would would answer. If I were God, I would intervene in their suffering. intervene in their suffering. intervene in their suffering. In the same way, if you and I were God, In the same way, if you and I were God, In the same way, if you and I were God, praise the Lord that we are not, but if praise the Lord that we are not, but if praise the Lord that we are not, but if you and I in our own human judgment, you and I in our own human judgment, you and I in our own human judgment, it would have been completely fine and it would have been completely fine and it would have been completely fine and justifiable to allow Jonah to just sink justifiable to allow Jonah to just sink justifiable to allow Jonah to just sink to the bottom of the ocean with no to the bottom of the ocean with no to the bottom of the ocean with no intervention at all. But here is God's intervention at all. But here is God's intervention at all. But here is God's grace on display that he would send that grace on display that he would send that grace on display that he would send that fish to swallow Jonah up and save his fish to swallow Jonah up and save his fish to swallow Jonah up and save his life. Jonah is in the middle of this life. Jonah is in the middle of this life. Jonah is in the middle of this transformative moment, and then he is transformative moment, and then he is transformative moment, and then he is vomited onto dry land.

And then we see the product of And then we see the product of transformation. transformation. transformation. And here it is for you and I. How do you And here it is for you and I. How do you And here it is for you and I. How do you know if you have been transformed by the know if you have been transformed by the know if you have been transformed by the grace of God? grace of God? grace of God? Like how can you rest in the assurance Like how can you rest in the assurance Like how can you rest in the assurance of your salvation knowing that you have of your salvation knowing that you have of your salvation knowing that you have been transformed by the grace of God? been transformed by the grace of God? been transformed by the grace of God? How do you know if you are saved? How do you know if you are saved? How do you know if you are saved? Well, Well, Well, we can look at indicators in our lives we can look at indicators in our lives we can look at indicators in our lives as it is given to us in Jonah chapter 3. as it is given to us in Jonah chapter 3. as it is given to us in Jonah chapter 3. The first indicator that we see is that The first indicator that we see is that The first indicator that we see is that grace produces obedience. Jonah was obstinate. Jonah was obstinate. He was disobedient. He was disobedient. He was disobedient. Now he has this Now he has this Now he has this transformative moment, transformative moment, transformative moment, and then it says in verse 1, it says the and then it says in verse 1, it says the and then it says in verse 1, it says the word of the Lord came to Jonah word of the Lord came to Jonah word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.

a second time. a second time. I think this is worthy of pause. How many times do you think in your life How many times do you think in your life [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] I've gone too far. I've gone too far. I've gone too far. God is done with me. How many times have you thought How many times have you thought in your own life I don't have the skill set for this or I don't have the skill set for this or that. God can't use me in this way. that. God can't use me in this way. that. God can't use me in this way. I don't know the the like this person I don't know the the like this person I don't know the the like this person does. God can't use me in this way. does. God can't use me in this way. does. God can't use me in this way. You don't know the brokenness of my You don't know the brokenness of my You don't know the brokenness of my family or my marriage. God can't use me family or my marriage. God can't use me family or my marriage. God can't use me in this way. You don't know that my my in this way. You don't know that my my in this way. You don't know that my my children are wayward and they're not children are wayward and they're not children are wayward and they're not following the Lord. God can't possibly following the Lord. God can't possibly following the Lord. God can't possibly use me in this way. Listen, God is a God use me in this way. Listen, God is a God use me in this way. Listen, God is a God of second chances, always. This first verse This first verse gives us indication gives us indication gives us indication and affirmation that God is gracious.

and affirmation that God is gracious. and affirmation that God is gracious. He came to Jonah the second time. He came to Jonah the second time. He came to Jonah the second time. Did not change his message, by the way. Did not change his message, by the way. Did not change his message, by the way. He says, "Jonah, He says, "Jonah, He says, "Jonah, get up get up get up and go to Nineveh." Jonah may have been thinking to himself, Jonah may have been thinking to himself, "Well, if I'm on land if I'm on land and I don't do this, maybe the Lord's and I don't do this, maybe the Lord's and I don't do this, maybe the Lord's going to send a big bird to eat me." I I going to send a big bird to eat me." I I going to send a big bird to eat me." I I mean, you don't know. mean, you don't know. mean, you don't know. He could be a little shy. Here's what we do know. Here's what we do know. Jonah was now quick Jonah was now quick Jonah was now quick to obey the commands of God. This is good. This is good. Because as soon as the Lord says to him, Because as soon as the Lord says to him, Because as soon as the Lord says to him, he says, he says, he says, "Listen, you're going to go, get up, go "Listen, you're going to go, get up, go "Listen, you're going to go, get up, go to the great city of Nineveh and preach to the great city of Nineveh and preach to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you."

the message that I tell you." the message that I tell you." All right, so All right, so All right, so before Jonah gets up, look, grace has before Jonah gets up, look, grace has before Jonah gets up, look, grace has already been working in his heart. already been working in his heart. already been working in his heart. Because listen, the order here is very Because listen, the order here is very Because listen, the order here is very important for us to consider. important for us to consider. important for us to consider. Grace produces obedience. Obedience does Grace produces obedience. Obedience does Grace produces obedience. Obedience does not produce grace. not produce grace. not produce grace. Do you see how we can sometimes flip Do you see how we can sometimes flip Do you see how we can sometimes flip this backwards? this backwards? this backwards? As if we are generating grace from God As if we are generating grace from God As if we are generating grace from God on our behalf and toward ourselves. on our behalf and toward ourselves. on our behalf and toward ourselves. Listen, Galatians really refutes this Listen, Galatians really refutes this Listen, Galatians really refutes this idea for us. idea for us. idea for us. There is nothing that you can do to earn There is nothing that you can do to earn There is nothing that you can do to earn favor before God. favor before God. favor before God. There's nothing you can do to earn There's nothing you can do to earn There's nothing you can do to earn grace. grace. grace. If you could, it would no longer be If you could, it would no longer be If you could, it would no longer be grace. If you deserved something, then grace. If you deserved something, then grace. If you deserved something, then it would no longer be gracious of the it would no longer be gracious of the it would no longer be gracious of the Lord. Instead, it is the undeserving and Lord. Instead, it is the undeserving and Lord. Instead, it is the undeserving and then in that then in that then in that Romans 5:8 says, "Remember that while we Romans 5:8 says, "Remember that while we Romans 5:8 says, "Remember that while we were sinners, Christ died for us." That were sinners, Christ died for us." That were sinners, Christ died for us." That is grace.

is grace. is grace. That is the gracious act of God. Grace That is the gracious act of God. Grace That is the gracious act of God. Grace produces obedience. This is why that is produces obedience. This is why that is produces obedience. This is why that is important because you and I cannot live important because you and I cannot live important because you and I cannot live our lives as followers of Jesus our lives as followers of Jesus our lives as followers of Jesus pretending as if you are manufacturing pretending as if you are manufacturing pretending as if you are manufacturing your relationship with God by keeping your relationship with God by keeping your relationship with God by keeping the law. the law. the law. Do you remember how the Lord was so Do you remember how the Lord was so Do you remember how the Lord was so clear with the Pharisees? You cannot clear with the Pharisees? You cannot clear with the Pharisees? You cannot satisfy the wrath of God. You cannot satisfy the wrath of God. You cannot satisfy the wrath of God. You cannot gain a relationship with God. You cannot gain a relationship with God. You cannot gain a relationship with God. You cannot save yourself in your own morality or save yourself in your own morality or save yourself in your own morality or keeping every letter of the law. Why? keeping every letter of the law. Why? keeping every letter of the law. Why? Because if you break one portion, you Because if you break one portion, you Because if you break one portion, you break it all and your life is ruined. break it all and your life is ruined. break it all and your life is ruined. Your life cannot be dependent on your Your life cannot be dependent on your Your life cannot be dependent on your obedience obedience obedience to Christ. to Christ. to Christ. Grace Grace Grace produces obedience. What that means is produces obedience. What that means is produces obedience. What that means is that when you encounter the grace of that when you encounter the grace of that when you encounter the grace of God, by his grace, you do not remain the God, by his grace, you do not remain the God, by his grace, you do not remain the same. same. same. Because when you encounter the grace of Because when you encounter the grace of Because when you encounter the grace of God, it has this drawing mechanism God, it has this drawing mechanism God, it has this drawing mechanism toward Christ himself.

toward Christ himself. toward Christ himself. And it draws us toward obedience, not in And it draws us toward obedience, not in And it draws us toward obedience, not in order to gain anything, but because we order to gain anything, but because we order to gain anything, but because we have already gained everything in Christ have already gained everything in Christ have already gained everything in Christ Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Therefore, be careful Therefore, be careful Therefore, be careful with the order of operations there. with the order of operations there. with the order of operations there. Grace produces Grace produces Grace produces obedience. obedience. obedience. It's exactly what we see in Paul's It's exactly what we see in Paul's It's exactly what we see in Paul's letter letter letter to Titus. to Titus. to Titus. In Titus chapter 2 verses 11 through 12, In Titus chapter 2 verses 11 through 12, In Titus chapter 2 verses 11 through 12, it makes this order clear. it makes this order clear. it makes this order clear. Because it says this in in Titus chapter Because it says this in in Titus chapter Because it says this in in Titus chapter 2, it says, "For the grace of God has 2, it says, "For the grace of God has 2, it says, "For the grace of God has appeared appeared appeared step one step one step one bringing salvation for all people bringing salvation for all people bringing salvation for all people instructing us to deny godlessness and instructing us to deny godlessness and instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present righteous, and godly way in the present righteous, and godly way in the present present age. Living in Christ's likeness present age. Living in Christ's likeness present age. Living in Christ's likeness in in a sensible way, in a godly way, in in a sensible way, in a godly way, in in a sensible way, in a godly way, comes after grace has appeared. So, it comes after grace has appeared. So, it comes after grace has appeared. So, it is the appearing of grace, it is the is the appearing of grace, it is the is the appearing of grace, it is the salvation from grace that now produces salvation from grace that now produces salvation from grace that now produces obedience in us. This is the way that we obedience in us. This is the way that we obedience in us. This is the way that we see throughout scripture. And this is see throughout scripture. And this is see throughout scripture. And this is what Jonah does. Okay, so he has what Jonah does. Okay, so he has what Jonah does. Okay, so he has experienced and encountered the grace of experienced and encountered the grace of experienced and encountered the grace of God, now he is ready to obey quickly God, now he is ready to obey quickly God, now he is ready to obey quickly the word of God. And listen to what he

the word of God. And listen to what he the word of God. And listen to what he obeys. Listen, when he says obeys. Listen, when he says obeys. Listen, when he says in verse 3, it says, "Jonah got up in verse 3, it says, "Jonah got up in verse 3, it says, "Jonah got up and went to Nineveh and went to Nineveh and went to Nineveh according to the Lord's command." Not according to how he felt. Not according to how he felt. Not according to, "Okay, I am now Not according to, "Okay, I am now Not according to, "Okay, I am now comfortable comfortable comfortable and I feel like God has earned the right and I feel like God has earned the right and I feel like God has earned the right for me to follow him." for me to follow him." for me to follow him." None of those things are true. None of those things are true. None of those things are true. He went according to the Lord's command. He went according to the Lord's command. He went according to the Lord's command. So, you and I, listen, we do not just So, you and I, listen, we do not just So, you and I, listen, we do not just obey whatever seems right to us. obey whatever seems right to us. obey whatever seems right to us. We do not obey whatever seems fair to We do not obey whatever seems fair to We do not obey whatever seems fair to us. us. us. We do not obey what the latest trends We do not obey what the latest trends We do not obey what the latest trends are culturally. We don't obey whatever are culturally. We don't obey whatever are culturally. We don't obey whatever seems to be most popular. You and I, seems to be most popular. You and I, seems to be most popular. You and I, what we are called to do is obey the what we are called to do is obey the what we are called to do is obey the word of the Lord. We are to obey the word of the Lord. We are to obey the word of the Lord. We are to obey the commands of God. Jonah makes that clear.

commands of God. Jonah makes that clear. commands of God. Jonah makes that clear. All throughout the New Testament, by the All throughout the New Testament, by the All throughout the New Testament, by the way, it makes that clear that this is way, it makes that clear that this is way, it makes that clear that this is what Jesus even talked about when he was what Jesus even talked about when he was what Jesus even talked about when he was warning his disciples in Matthew chapter warning his disciples in Matthew chapter warning his disciples in Matthew chapter 7. When he says, "You can live two 7. When he says, "You can live two 7. When he says, "You can live two lives." That's it. lives." That's it. lives." That's it. There are two ways to live. There are two ways to live. There are two ways to live. You will either build your life You will either build your life You will either build your life in the sand, in the sand, in the sand, or you will build your life on the rock, or you will build your life on the rock, or you will build your life on the rock, which is the message, the word of Christ which is the message, the word of Christ which is the message, the word of Christ himself. himself. himself. This is why we are a Bible church. This is why we are a Bible church. This is why we are a Bible church. Because the Bible is not a guide. Because the Bible is not a guide. Because the Bible is not a guide. The Bible is the way of life. The Bible is the way of life. The Bible is the way of life. It is not something that we go to when It is not something that we go to when It is not something that we go to when we feel as if we have nowhere else to we feel as if we have nowhere else to we feel as if we have nowhere else to go. The scripture that we have, the go. The scripture that we have, the go. The scripture that we have, the Bible, is God's holy, infallible, Bible, is God's holy, infallible, Bible, is God's holy, infallible, inerrant word of God. And we do not bend inerrant word of God. And we do not bend inerrant word of God. And we do not bend God's word to us to satisfy us. We bend God's word to us to satisfy us. We bend God's word to us to satisfy us. We bend ourselves by God's grace to whatever ourselves by God's grace to whatever ourselves by God's grace to whatever God's word says.

God's word says. God's word says. This is how you live obedient. Thus This is how you live obedient. Thus This is how you live obedient. Thus saith the Lord, and thus goeth my way. saith the Lord, and thus goeth my way. saith the Lord, and thus goeth my way. That is how we live. That is how we live. That is how we live. And the Bible is sufficient And the Bible is sufficient And the Bible is sufficient for everything in life. for everything in life. for everything in life. Not just for centuries ago, but for Not just for centuries ago, but for Not just for centuries ago, but for every century and into the future. Why? every century and into the future. Why? every century and into the future. Why? Because the word of the Lord is Because the word of the Lord is Because the word of the Lord is everlasting. everlasting. everlasting. When everything else fades, it is God's When everything else fades, it is God's When everything else fades, it is God's word that is everlasting. word that is everlasting. word that is everlasting. This is why Paul tells Timothy a This is why Paul tells Timothy a This is why Paul tells Timothy a warning. In 2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 2 and 3. In 2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 2 and 3. This is what I pray all the time over my This is what I pray all the time over my This is what I pray all the time over my own heart and my own life. own heart and my own life. own heart and my own life. It says, "Preach the word." Don't preach opinions. Nobody cares.

Don't preach opinions. Nobody cares. Don't preach trends. They're going to Don't preach trends. They're going to Don't preach trends. They're going to change. Don't pre- preach the latest uh Don't pre- preach the latest uh advances in psychology. advances in psychology. advances in psychology. Preach the word. Preach the word. Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. Be ready in season and out of season. Be ready in season and out of season. Correct, rebuke, and encourage with Correct, rebuke, and encourage with Correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching. great patience and teaching. great patience and teaching. For the time will come For the time will come For the time will come and maybe it already has and maybe it already has and maybe it already has when people will not tolerate sound when people will not tolerate sound when people will not tolerate sound doctrine. doctrine. doctrine. But according to their own desires, will But according to their own desires, will But according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because multiply teachers for themselves because multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want they have an itch to hear what they want they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. Listen, every single one of us, to hear. Listen, every single one of us, to hear. Listen, every single one of us, we are tempted to drift in this we are tempted to drift in this we are tempted to drift in this direction. You know why? Because nobody direction. You know why? Because nobody direction. You know why? Because nobody woke up this morning and said, "You know woke up this morning and said, "You know woke up this morning and said, "You know what would be fun? Let me go to church what would be fun? Let me go to church what would be fun? Let me go to church and get my teeth kicked in. You know, and get my teeth kicked in. You know, and get my teeth kicked in. You know, what that would be super fun today." what that would be super fun today." what that would be super fun today." No, we drift No, we drift No, we drift to whatever makes us feel good.

to whatever makes us feel good. to whatever makes us feel good. We drift to preachers who think that who We drift to preachers who think that who We drift to preachers who think that who tell us that everything's okay. You just tell us that everything's okay. You just tell us that everything's okay. You just live your life. Man, you do you. And live your life. Man, you do you. And live your life. Man, you do you. And listen, who are we to say that you can't listen, who are we to say that you can't listen, who are we to say that you can't live that way? Who are we to say that live that way? Who are we to say that live that way? Who are we to say that you can't do that? I'm just a sinner you can't do that? I'm just a sinner you can't do that? I'm just a sinner just like you, and praise be to God, just like you, and praise be to God, just like you, and praise be to God, that is true. But, it's not about what I that is true. But, it's not about what I that is true. But, it's not about what I have to say, it is what God's word says, have to say, it is what God's word says, have to say, it is what God's word says, and that is how we bend our lives. That and that is how we bend our lives. That and that is how we bend our lives. That is how we live our lives, not according is how we live our lives, not according is how we live our lives, not according to whatever makes us feel good, whatever to whatever makes us feel good, whatever to whatever makes us feel good, whatever is comfortable. Listen, all of that's is comfortable. Listen, all of that's is comfortable. Listen, all of that's going to fade away. It is the word of going to fade away. It is the word of going to fade away. It is the word of God, and guess what? The word of God is God, and guess what? The word of God is God, and guess what? The word of God is life. Do you remember with Jesus and the life. Do you remember with Jesus and the life. Do you remember with Jesus and the disciples as the crowds are fleeing? disciples as the crowds are fleeing? disciples as the crowds are fleeing? They are leaving. They are leaving. They are leaving. Because Jesus is saying some pretty Because Jesus is saying some pretty Because Jesus is saying some pretty radical things. He's talking about radical things. He's talking about radical things. He's talking about blood, and he's talking about things blood, and he's talking about things blood, and he's talking about things that like people are not understanding, that like people are not understanding, that like people are not understanding, and his disciples are like, "Whoa, hey and his disciples are like, "Whoa, hey and his disciples are like, "Whoa, hey Jesus, maybe we could be a little more Jesus, maybe we could be a little more Jesus, maybe we could be a little more seeker-friendly here.

seeker-friendly here. seeker-friendly here. Maybe we could Maybe we could Maybe we could kind of help the culture kind of help the culture kind of help the culture understand your word better, Jesus." understand your word better, Jesus." understand your word better, Jesus." But, then Jesus looks at him, and he's But, then Jesus looks at him, and he's But, then Jesus looks at him, and he's like, like, like, "Y'all going to leave, too?" You hear what I'm saying? Are y'all You hear what I'm saying? Are y'all going to leave, too? And he says to Jesus, "Where And he says to Jesus, "Where could we possibly could we possibly could we possibly go? go? go? Jesus, you Jesus, you Jesus, you have the words of life." Right now, Right now, our church, our church, our church, our culture, our culture, our culture, your children, your children, your children, and your grandchildren, they are being and your grandchildren, they are being and your grandchildren, they are being discipled by plenty of voices.

You have YouTube preachers. You have YouTube preachers. You have podcasts. You have podcasts. You have podcasts. You have best-selling books. You have best-selling books. You have best-selling books. And everything in between that is And everything in between that is And everything in between that is attempting to disciple all of us. attempting to disciple all of us. attempting to disciple all of us. And let me just give you a fair warning, And let me just give you a fair warning, And let me just give you a fair warning, not all of it is good. Be careful of what you are listening to Be careful of what you are listening to and what you allow your kids and your and what you allow your kids and your and what you allow your kids and your children, your your grandchildren to children, your your grandchildren to children, your your grandchildren to listen to because listen to me, it is listen to because listen to me, it is listen to because listen to me, it is influencing right here. It's not just influencing right here. It's not just influencing right here. It's not just influencing our minds and our ears, it influencing our minds and our ears, it influencing our minds and our ears, it is penetrating our hearts. And so we is penetrating our hearts. And so we is penetrating our hearts. And so we must be vigilant that we are people of must be vigilant that we are people of must be vigilant that we are people of the word, not what is most popular and the word, not what is most popular and the word, not what is most popular and what is best-selling because I'm telling what is best-selling because I'm telling what is best-selling because I'm telling you those things are not a good criteria you those things are not a good criteria you those things are not a good criteria of how we live our lives. Instead, we of how we live our lives. Instead, we of how we live our lives. Instead, we study God's word. We die on that hill. study God's word. We die on that hill. study God's word. We die on that hill. Because that is the words of life.

Because that is the words of life. Because that is the words of life. And that is exactly what Jonah preached. And that is exactly what Jonah preached. And that is exactly what Jonah preached. Seven words. Seven words. Seven words. That's all it took. That's all it took. That's all it took. Seven words. Seven words. Seven words. And grace And grace And grace started producing started producing started producing repentance. Maybe one of the shortest sermons Maybe one of the shortest sermons recorded in history. I'm a little more mouthy, I guess. I'm a little more mouthy, I guess. But seven words. That's what Jonah preached. That's what Jonah preached. And it says this in verse 5. Then the people of Nineveh Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They didn't believe their neighbor. They didn't believe their neighbor. They didn't believe some random They didn't believe some random They didn't believe some random podcaster.

podcaster. podcaster. They didn't believe some random They didn't believe some random They didn't believe some random best-selling book. No, they believed best-selling book. No, they believed best-selling book. No, they believed God. God. God. You see, this is the power of God's You see, this is the power of God's You see, this is the power of God's word. word. word. It's exactly what is promised in Isaiah It's exactly what is promised in Isaiah It's exactly what is promised in Isaiah chapter 55 verse 11 that says, "So my chapter 55 verse 11 that says, "So my chapter 55 verse 11 that says, "So my word that comes from my mouth will not word that comes from my mouth will not word that comes from my mouth will not return return return void or empty." void or empty." void or empty." But it will accomplish what I please, But it will accomplish what I please, But it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper in what I send it to and it will prosper in what I send it to and it will prosper in what I send it to do. You see, throughout scripture, do. You see, throughout scripture, do. You see, throughout scripture, listen, this is the pattern that we see. listen, this is the pattern that we see. listen, this is the pattern that we see. God speaks and lives are changed. God speaks and lives are changed. God speaks and lives are changed. Church, this is why we must never lose Church, this is why we must never lose Church, this is why we must never lose confidence in the word of God. This is confidence in the word of God. This is confidence in the word of God. This is why we are a people of God's word. This why we are a people of God's word. This why we are a people of God's word. This is why we are a church of God's word is why we are a church of God's word is why we are a church of God's word because there is no other way that we because there is no other way that we because there is no other way that we would know the revelation of God would know the revelation of God would know the revelation of God himself. We would not know how to be himself. We would not know how to be himself. We would not know how to be saved apart from God's word. We would saved apart from God's word. We would saved apart from God's word. We would not know how to live apart from God's not know how to live apart from God's not know how to live apart from God's word. And what I love about this sermon word. And what I love about this sermon word. And what I love about this sermon is it had nothing to do with Jonah's is it had nothing to do with Jonah's is it had nothing to do with Jonah's ability.

ability. ability. There was no illustration at the There was no illustration at the There was no illustration at the beginning. There was no statement of the beginning. There was no statement of the beginning. There was no statement of the central idea of the text. There was no central idea of the text. There was no central idea of the text. There was no background given to you. There were no background given to you. There were no background given to you. There were no points that were alliterated and were points that were alliterated and were points that were alliterated and were nice and pretty. There were no nice and pretty. There were no nice and pretty. There were no cross-references. It was just the word cross-references. It was just the word cross-references. It was just the word of God going forth to a people who were of God going forth to a people who were of God going forth to a people who were headed toward hell. And now God, by his headed toward hell. And now God, by his headed toward hell. And now God, by his grace, intervened by opening their eyes grace, intervened by opening their eyes grace, intervened by opening their eyes to his word. This is the gracious act of to his word. This is the gracious act of to his word. This is the gracious act of God, and the entire city is saved. Not by human wisdom, Not by human wisdom, but by God's power. but by God's power. but by God's power. Not by strength, not by might, Not by strength, not by might, Not by strength, not by might, by thy spirit, by thy spirit, by thy spirit, saith the Lord. saith the Lord. saith the Lord. That is what is happening in Nineveh. Why Why is Why Why is my heart not changing?

Why is my family not changing? Why is my Why is my family not changing? Why is my marriage not changing? Why is the nation marriage not changing? Why is the nation marriage not changing? Why is the nation not changing? Why is East Texas, the not changing? Why is East Texas, the not changing? Why is East Texas, the city of Tyler, why is it not changing? We have to ask ourselves, are we We have to ask ourselves, are we properly lifting up, displaying, and properly lifting up, displaying, and properly lifting up, displaying, and preaching the word of God? preaching the word of God? preaching the word of God? Because that is not a Sunday morning Because that is not a Sunday morning Because that is not a Sunday morning only only only task. task. task. It is a Monday It is a Monday It is a Monday through Saturday task as well. And there's nothing else that is going And there's nothing else that is going to transform a city, a family, a nation, to transform a city, a family, a nation, to transform a city, a family, a nation, a marriage, or your own heart. Nothing a marriage, or your own heart. Nothing a marriage, or your own heart. Nothing else will transform it apart from the else will transform it apart from the else will transform it apart from the power of God's word. power of God's word. power of God's word. His word is living and active. His word His word is living and active. His word His word is living and active. His word is sharper than any two-edged sword. His is sharper than any two-edged sword. His is sharper than any two-edged sword. His word will will separate bone and marrow. word will will separate bone and marrow. word will will separate bone and marrow. His word is what will actually give His word is what will actually give His word is what will actually give life.

life. life. And this is what he says, the king And this is what he says, the king And this is what he says, the king in verses in verses in verses 6 through 7, listen, uh the king comes 6 through 7, listen, uh the king comes 6 through 7, listen, uh the king comes back and back and back and he goes off of the throne. he goes off of the throne. he goes off of the throne. He takes off his robe. He takes off his robe. He takes off his robe. He declares that this is what we are He declares that this is what we are He declares that this is what we are going to do. We are going to cry out going to do. We are going to cry out going to do. We are going to cry out earnestly to God. Not just some random earnestly to God. Not just some random earnestly to God. Not just some random God, not your God, not some little God. God, not your God, not some little God. God, not your God, not some little God. No, Jehovah, Yahweh, we are going to cry No, Jehovah, Yahweh, we are going to cry No, Jehovah, Yahweh, we are going to cry out earnestly to him. And this is the out earnestly to him. And this is the out earnestly to him. And this is the process of repentance. What we see in process of repentance. What we see in process of repentance. What we see in this king, because what he does is he this king, because what he does is he this king, because what he does is he humbles himself humbles himself humbles himself at the at the at the hearing of God's word. hearing of God's word. hearing of God's word. Listen, there is nothing more humbling Listen, there is nothing more humbling Listen, there is nothing more humbling and picture-wise of a king getting off and picture-wise of a king getting off and picture-wise of a king getting off the throne, taking off his royal robe, taking off his royal robe, putting on a sackcloth and sitting in putting on a sackcloth and sitting in putting on a sackcloth and sitting in ashes. This is a moment of humility and ashes. This is a moment of humility and ashes. This is a moment of humility and desperation.

desperation. desperation. It is the step toward mourning your own It is the step toward mourning your own It is the step toward mourning your own sin sin sin and mourning the sin of a nation as and mourning the sin of a nation as and mourning the sin of a nation as Jesus says, "Blessed are those who Jesus says, "Blessed are those who Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn, mourn, mourn, because you will be comforted." This is because you will be comforted." This is because you will be comforted." This is what Jesus is talking about. This what Jesus is talking about. This what Jesus is talking about. This picture right here is that we would picture right here is that we would picture right here is that we would mourn our sin and the sin of the people mourn our sin and the sin of the people mourn our sin and the sin of the people around us so that it would lead this around us so that it would lead this around us so that it would lead this godly grief to repentance, as Paul says. godly grief to repentance, as Paul says. godly grief to repentance, as Paul says. And so, here are the steps of repentance And so, here are the steps of repentance And so, here are the steps of repentance that you would humble yourselves. This that you would humble yourselves. This that you would humble yourselves. This is deny yourself, and then you would is deny yourself, and then you would is deny yourself, and then you would turn away from yourself, away from your turn away from yourself, away from your turn away from yourself, away from your evil and wicked ways, but then evil and wicked ways, but then evil and wicked ways, but then don't stop there. You're turning toward don't stop there. You're turning toward don't stop there. You're turning toward Christ himself. Christ himself. Christ himself. And it is by faith that you're trusting And it is by faith that you're trusting And it is by faith that you're trusting in this moment, as I turn to you, Jesus, in this moment, as I turn to you, Jesus, in this moment, as I turn to you, Jesus, that you will do exactly what you say in that you will do exactly what you say in that you will do exactly what you say in 1 John 1:9. 1 John 1:9. 1 John 1:9. That he is faithful and just That he is faithful and just That he is faithful and just and will cleanse you of all and will cleanse you of all and will cleanse you of all unrighteousness. That is the step of unrighteousness. That is the step of unrighteousness. That is the step of faith. Lord, I am trusting that you're faith. Lord, I am trusting that you're faith. Lord, I am trusting that you're going to cleanse me from all going to cleanse me from all going to cleanse me from all unrighteousness, not some of my unrighteousness, not some of my unrighteousness, not some of my unrighteousness, not most of it, but unrighteousness, not most of it, but unrighteousness, not most of it, but instead all of it. And so here is my instead all of it. And so here is my instead all of it. And so here is my step of faith. I'm going to turn away.

step of faith. I'm going to turn away. step of faith. I'm going to turn away. I'm leaving this world behind. I'm I'm leaving this world behind. I'm I'm leaving this world behind. I'm leaving my life behind. The old is gone leaving my life behind. The old is gone leaving my life behind. The old is gone and the new has come. Ezekiel 36, that and the new has come. Ezekiel 36, that and the new has come. Ezekiel 36, that you would have a heart of flesh instead you would have a heart of flesh instead you would have a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone, that this inner of a heart of stone, that this inner of a heart of stone, that this inner transformative change that is happening transformative change that is happening transformative change that is happening is now by faith I'm placing my life in is now by faith I'm placing my life in is now by faith I'm placing my life in your hands. And this leads you to a life your hands. And this leads you to a life your hands. And this leads you to a life of dependence of dependence of dependence that only grace can produce. Here Here is what the king says. He may turn from his burning anger He may turn from his burning anger so that we will not perish." See, this is not the king See, this is not the king questioning the goodness of God, questioning the goodness of God, questioning the goodness of God, not questioning the word of God. This is not questioning the word of God. This is not questioning the word of God. This is the king the king the king understanding his own plight before a understanding his own plight before a understanding his own plight before a holy and righteous God because he knows holy and righteous God because he knows holy and righteous God because he knows he doesn't deserve God's grace.

he doesn't deserve God's grace. he doesn't deserve God's grace. Who knows? Who knows? Who knows? He might relent. And then the beauty of the gospel And then the beauty of the gospel is seen in verse 10. is seen in verse 10. is seen in verse 10. In this moment of dependence because the In this moment of dependence because the In this moment of dependence because the king is saying, "We have to just place king is saying, "We have to just place king is saying, "We have to just place our lives in this hand. our lives in this hand. our lives in this hand. Who knows what's going to happen? Who knows what's going to happen? Who knows what's going to happen? Listen, we but but this is where we need Listen, we but but this is where we need Listen, we but but this is where we need to be. We need to cry out to God. We to be. We need to cry out to God. We to be. We need to cry out to God. We need to place our lives in his hand. need to place our lives in his hand. need to place our lives in his hand. This is the step of dependence. This is the step of dependence. This is the step of dependence. And then verse 10 And then verse 10 And then verse 10 says this. says this. says this. Verse 10 says, Verse 10 says, Verse 10 says, God saw their actions God saw their actions God saw their actions that they had turned from their evil that they had turned from their evil that they had turned from their evil ways. ways. ways. So, God relented So, God relented So, God relented from the disaster he had threatened them from the disaster he had threatened them from the disaster he had threatened them with with with and he did not do it. and he did not do it. and he did not do it. This This This is the great mystery of the goodness of God of the goodness of God and the grace being bestowed on sinners.

and the grace being bestowed on sinners. and the grace being bestowed on sinners. People look at this and they're like, man, I'm so glad that God changed his man, I'm so glad that God changed his mind. mind. mind. But that is untrue. But that is untrue. But that is untrue. Some people look and say, well, maybe Some people look and say, well, maybe Some people look and say, well, maybe God's purpose changed. Maybe maybe he God's purpose changed. Maybe maybe he God's purpose changed. Maybe maybe he just figured out that maybe God was just figured out that maybe God was just figured out that maybe God was being too harsh. None of those things is true. None of those things is true. Here's what is happening. Here's what is happening. Here's what is happening. When we read that God relented, When we read that God relented, When we read that God relented, God did not change. God cannot change. God did not change. God cannot change. God did not change. God cannot change. He is immutable meaning that he is the He is immutable meaning that he is the He is immutable meaning that he is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. same yesterday, today, and forevermore. same yesterday, today, and forevermore. But here is where the grace of God comes But here is where the grace of God comes But here is where the grace of God comes in. in. in. It is not that the person of God It is not that the person of God It is not that the person of God changed. It is the position of man that changed. It is the position of man that changed. It is the position of man that changed. changed. changed. Because here is what happens when you Because here is what happens when you Because here is what happens when you encounter the grace of God and you encounter the grace of God and you encounter the grace of God and you surrender your life to Jesus, this is surrender your life to Jesus, this is surrender your life to Jesus, this is what happens according to Ephesians what happens according to Ephesians what happens according to Ephesians chapter 2. Your position currently chapter 2. Your position currently chapter 2. Your position currently before Christ is that you are lost in before Christ is that you are lost in before Christ is that you are lost in darkness, wicked, and sinful, and have darkness, wicked, and sinful, and have darkness, wicked, and sinful, and have no hope for eternal life. That is your no hope for eternal life. That is your no hope for eternal life. That is your position. And then, here comes the position. And then, here comes the position. And then, here comes the intervention of God's grace, and he intervention of God's grace, and he intervention of God's grace, and he opens your eyes to his truth, the opens your eyes to his truth, the opens your eyes to his truth, the understanding of your dependence on him, understanding of your dependence on him, understanding of your dependence on him, your need for him. You repent, and you your need for him. You repent, and you your need for him. You repent, and you turn, and by faith you trust in Jesus turn, and by faith you trust in Jesus turn, and by faith you trust in Jesus Christ. It is at that moment that your Christ. It is at that moment that your Christ. It is at that moment that your position goes from darkness to light,

position goes from darkness to light, position goes from darkness to light, from death to life, from children of from death to life, from children of from death to life, from children of wrath to children of God's love and wrath to children of God's love and wrath to children of God's love and favor and grace and blessing and mercy. favor and grace and blessing and mercy. favor and grace and blessing and mercy. Praise be to God. He does not change, Praise be to God. He does not change, Praise be to God. He does not change, but he looks at you with grace and but he looks at you with grace and but he looks at you with grace and allows your position because of the allows your position because of the allows your position because of the cross of Jesus Christ that he took your cross of Jesus Christ that he took your cross of Jesus Christ that he took your place. He took my place. And now, place. He took my place. And now, place. He took my place. And now, because Jesus took the position of because Jesus took the position of because Jesus took the position of sinner and took on your sin and my sin, sinner and took on your sin and my sin, sinner and took on your sin and my sin, now you and I by faith can take on the now you and I by faith can take on the now you and I by faith can take on the position of being children in God's position of being children in God's position of being children in God's family. Thank you, Jesus, for this grace family. Thank you, Jesus, for this grace family. Thank you, Jesus, for this grace that we do not deserve. that we do not deserve. that we do not deserve. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ This is the gospel of Jesus Christ This is the gospel of Jesus Christ because Jesus says because Jesus says because Jesus says Jesus says this Jesus says this Jesus says this in Matthew in Matthew in Matthew chapter 12, verse 41. chapter 12, verse 41. chapter 12, verse 41. Jesus makes his statement, he says, "The Jesus makes his statement, he says, "The Jesus makes his statement, he says, "The men of Nineveh will stand up at the men of Nineveh will stand up at the men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and judgment with this generation and judgment with this generation and condemn it condemn it condemn it because they repented at Jonah's because they repented at Jonah's because they repented at Jonah's preaching.

And look, something greater And look, something greater than Jonah is here." You You have now have now have now encountered encountered encountered the word the word the word of grace. Is it to keep on going? Is that your Is it to keep on going? Is that your response? response? response? Is it to pretend like you don't need Is it to pretend like you don't need Is it to pretend like you don't need God's grace? Is that your response? God's grace? Is that your response? God's grace? Is that your response? Is it to hope that maybe I'll have Is it to hope that maybe I'll have Is it to hope that maybe I'll have another chance tomorrow? Is that your another chance tomorrow? Is that your another chance tomorrow? Is that your response? Let today be the day that your response Let today be the day that your response is very simple. is very simple. is very simple. It is surrender. It is by faith, Jesus, I am putting my It is by faith, Jesus, I am putting my life life life in your hands. Take me and keep me. Take me and keep me. Heavenly Father, will you help us to do Heavenly Father, will you help us to do Heavenly Father, will you help us to do just that?

just that? just that? God, that we would God, that we would God, that we would not just hear your word and go on about not just hear your word and go on about not just hear your word and go on about our day, but rather we would hear the our day, but rather we would hear the our day, but rather we would hear the warning. warning. warning. God, we would hear the love. We would God, we would hear the love. We would God, we would hear the love. We would hear the grace. That in the midst of this warning of That in the midst of this warning of judgment judgment judgment and coming wrath is this and coming wrath is this and coming wrath is this way way way of coming to you by faith of coming to you by faith of coming to you by faith through the blood of Jesus Christ. And through the blood of Jesus Christ. And through the blood of Jesus Christ. And so, Father, I'm praying for those so, Father, I'm praying for those so, Father, I'm praying for those individuals in this room right now. They individuals in this room right now. They individuals in this room right now. They have never trusted in you truly. have never trusted in you truly. have never trusted in you truly. They're just living a church life. They're just living a church life. They're just living a church life. They're playing the church game. Pretending like everything's okay, but I Pretending like everything's okay, but I pray that today would be the day, Lord, pray that today would be the day, Lord, pray that today would be the day, Lord, that you open their eyes to your truth. that you open their eyes to your truth. that you open their eyes to your truth. And that you would draw them into And that you would draw them into And that you would draw them into yourself for salvation. yourself for salvation. yourself for salvation. Father, I pray for those who have been Father, I pray for those who have been Father, I pray for those who have been walking with you for a long time.

walking with you for a long time. walking with you for a long time. Father, that we have just kind of God, would you wake us up by your grace God, would you wake us up by your grace today? today? today? And Lord, I pray that you would turn us And Lord, I pray that you would turn us And Lord, I pray that you would turn us towards yourself and that we would towards yourself and that we would towards yourself and that we would live for you. live for you. live for you. 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. As you look up, will you stand up with As you look up, will you stand up with As you look up, will you stand up with us us us as we sing together one more time? And I as we sing together one more time? And I as we sing together one more time? And I want to make an want to make an want to make an just invitation to you. just invitation to you. just invitation to you. If you know that you need to be saved If you know that you need to be saved If you know that you need to be saved and you need to take that step of faith, and you need to take that step of faith, and you need to take that step of faith, we want to help you do that. Come right we want to help you do that. Come right we want to help you do that. Come right outside these doors at our connection outside these doors at our connection outside these doors at our connection suite and I would love to help you take suite and I would love to help you take suite and I would love to help you take that next step of faith. Maybe you need that next step of faith. Maybe you need that next step of faith. Maybe you need to be baptized like we just saw Aiden. to be baptized like we just saw Aiden. to be baptized like we just saw Aiden. All right, maybe that's your story. Man, All right, maybe that's your story. Man, All right, maybe that's your story. Man, I need to be baptized. Listen, we want I need to be baptized. Listen, we want I need to be baptized. Listen, we want to help you do just that. Maybe you need to help you do just that. Maybe you need to help you do just that. Maybe you need a join our church family. You've been a join our church family. You've been a join our church family. You've been walking in isolation. You've been trying walking in isolation. You've been trying walking in isolation. You've been trying to do it on your own, but you need the to do it on your own, but you need the to do it on your own, but you need the people of God. Come and join our church people of God. Come and join our church people of God. Come and join our church family today. And let's worship [music] family today. And let's worship [music] family today. And let's worship [music] together.

together. together. Let's sing as we respond church. Let's Let's sing as we respond church. Let's Let's sing as we respond church. Let's sing this out together. >> Would I gladly be made nothing [music] >> Would I gladly be made nothing [music] if Christ would be made more? if Christ would be made more? if Christ would be made more? Would I seek [music and singing] the Would I seek [music and singing] the Would I seek [music and singing] the only kingdom only kingdom only kingdom that far outweighs them all? that far outweighs them all? that far outweighs them all? I will stand before my Father I will stand before my Father I will stand before my Father where the faithful [music] saints have where the faithful [music] saints have where the faithful [music] saints have stood. stood. stood. And with joy my heart shall praise And with joy my heart shall praise And with joy my heart shall praise [music] Him for His glory and my good. [music] Him for His glory and my good. [music] Him for His glory and my good. And with joy [music] And with joy [music] And with joy [music] my heart shall praise Him for His glory my heart shall praise Him for His glory my heart shall praise Him for His glory and my good. and my good. and my good. >> Lift our voice. To our God be the glory. >> Lift our voice. To our God be the glory. >> Lift our voice. To our God be the glory. We sing. Come on. We sing. Come on. We sing. Come on. >> To [music] our God >> To [music] our God >> To [music] our God be the glory. To [singing] our God be the glory. To [singing] our God be the glory. To [singing] our God be praise. [music] be praise. [music] be praise. [music] He alone He alone He alone the the the name above name above name above all names. I will boast I will boast ever ever ever only in only in only in the Lord the Lord the Lord my God my God my God for [music] for [music] for [music] I know I know I know His glory His glory His glory is my is my is my >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> guide.

>> guide. >> guide. Yes, [music] I know Yes, [music] I know Yes, [music] I know His glory is my [music] guide. His glory is my [music] guide. His glory is my [music] guide. >> Amen. It is so good to gather together >> Amen. It is so good to gather together >> Amen. It is so good to gather together to praise the Lord. Thank you for being to praise the Lord. Thank you for being to praise the Lord. Thank you for being here. Wednesday night is prayer [music] here. Wednesday night is prayer [music] here. Wednesday night is prayer [music] gathering. We'd love to see you there. gathering. We'd love to see you there. gathering. We'd love to see you there. You are dismissed church family. We love You are dismissed church family. We love You are dismissed church family. We love you.