Grace that Transforms | Michael Gossett | Jonah 3:1-10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

it is instruction. it is instruction. It is grace and then it is a drawing of It is grace and then it is a drawing of It is grace and then it is a drawing of get rid of godlessness. And this is what he says in verse two of And this is what he says in verse two of Jonah chapter 3. He says, "Go Jonah chapter 3. He says, "Go Jonah chapter 3. He says, "Go as it comes a second time. Go to the as it comes a second time. Go to the as it comes a second time. Go to the great city of Nineveh. great city of Nineveh. great city of Nineveh. Preach the message that I tell you." Preach the message that I tell you." Preach the message that I tell you." And so what does Jonah do now? And so what does Jonah do now? And so what does Jonah do now? Jonah got up and went to Nineveh Jonah got up and went to Nineveh Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord's command. according to the Lord's command. according to the Lord's command. Nineveh was an extremely great city, Nineveh was an extremely great city, Nineveh was an extremely great city, meaning big stature, meaning big stature, meaning big stature, [snorts] three-day walk. [snorts] three-day walk. [snorts] three-day walk. Just giving you an understanding of the Just giving you an understanding of the Just giving you an understanding of the size of this city. And then it says in size of this city. And then it says in size of this city. And then it says in verse four, Jonah set out on the first verse four, Jonah set out on the first verse four, Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and day of his walk in the city and day of his walk in the city and proclaimed proclaimed proclaimed seven words, seven words, seven words, in 40 days Nineveh will be demolished.

in 40 days Nineveh will be demolished. in 40 days Nineveh will be demolished. And notice what Jonah is obeying. Jonah is obeying the word of the Lord. Jonah is obeying the word of the Lord. This is why Jesus says, "If you love me, This is why Jesus says, "If you love me, This is why Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commands." you will keep my commands." you will keep my commands." We do not love Jesus so that he will We do not love Jesus so that he will We do not love Jesus so that he will love us or so that we can love. No. If love us or so that we can love. No. If love us or so that we can love. No. If you love, then you will keep my you love, then you will keep my you love, then you will keep my commands. It is a it is the absolute commands. It is a it is the absolute commands. It is a it is the absolute test of whether or not we are truly in test of whether or not we are truly in test of whether or not we are truly in Christ and loving Christ is going to be Christ and loving Christ is going to be Christ and loving Christ is going to be seen in our obedience to Christ. seen in our obedience to Christ. seen in our obedience to Christ. It is even in the great command It is even in the great command It is even in the great command commission that he says listen go commission that he says listen go commission that he says listen go therefore therefore therefore to all the nations listen go everywhere to all the nations listen go everywhere to all the nations listen go everywhere baptize people in the name of the father baptize people in the name of the father baptize people in the name of the father and son the holy spirit and son the holy spirit and son the holy spirit teaching them to observe or obey all teaching them to observe or obey all teaching them to observe or obey all that I commanded it is this obedience that I commanded it is this obedience that I commanded it is this obedience that is an indicator of a transformed that is an indicator of a transformed that is an indicator of a transformed life in Christ life in Christ life in Christ if you want to know okay have I ever if you want to know okay have I ever if you want to know okay have I ever been saved?

been saved? been saved? If you want to know, have I truly been If you want to know, have I truly been If you want to know, have I truly been regenerated or am I just playing church regenerated or am I just playing church regenerated or am I just playing church games? Look at your life of whether or games? Look at your life of whether or games? Look at your life of whether or not you are obedient to his word. Now, not you are obedient to his word. Now, not you are obedient to his word. Now, does this mean a life of perfection? does this mean a life of perfection? does this mean a life of perfection? No. No. No. What it means is that you will have a What it means is that you will have a What it means is that you will have a life that desires obedience to your life that desires obedience to your life that desires obedience to your Lord. Lord. Lord. Because all of us in this room, we're Because all of us in this room, we're Because all of us in this room, we're all obedient. all obedient. all obedient. You're either obedient to your own flesh You're either obedient to your own flesh You're either obedient to your own flesh or you're obedient to the world's order or you're obedient to the world's order or you're obedient to the world's order or you are obedient to Jesus Christ as or you are obedient to Jesus Christ as or you are obedient to Jesus Christ as king himself. king himself. king himself. It just depends on who's on the throne It just depends on who's on the throne It just depends on who's on the throne of your own heart. Who's on the throne of your own heart. Who's on the throne of your own heart. Who's on the throne of your life? Is it you or is it Jesus? of your life? Is it you or is it Jesus? of your life? Is it you or is it Jesus? Because I'm going to tell you this right Because I'm going to tell you this right Because I'm going to tell you this right now. Jesus doesn't share his throne. now. Jesus doesn't share his throne. now. Jesus doesn't share his throne. He does not. He does not. He does not. He is a jealous God. Why? Because his He is a jealous God. Why? Because his He is a jealous God. Why? Because his holiness demands allegiance.

holiness demands allegiance. holiness demands allegiance. And obedience is our sign that the Lord And obedience is our sign that the Lord And obedience is our sign that the Lord has given us of whether or not you have has given us of whether or not you have has given us of whether or not you have truly been transformed by the grace of truly been transformed by the grace of truly been transformed by the grace of God. And this is what Jonah does. And this is what Jonah does. He just preaches the word. You know, we live in a strange culture You know, we live in a strange culture today. today. today. Strange in the fact that information is Strange in the fact that information is Strange in the fact that information is at everyone's fingertips. at everyone's fingertips. at everyone's fingertips. You can listen to all sorts of things. You can listen to all sorts of things. You can listen to all sorts of things. You can listen to all kinds of messages. You can listen to all kinds of messages. You can listen to all kinds of messages. Listen, if you want to listen to a Listen, if you want to listen to a Listen, if you want to listen to a preacher in California, you can do that. preacher in California, you can do that. preacher in California, you can do that. It's easy. You just get online. If you It's easy. You just get online. If you It's easy. You just get online. If you want to pre listen to a preacher in New want to pre listen to a preacher in New want to pre listen to a preacher in New York City, you can do that. Atlanta, York City, you can do that. Atlanta, York City, you can do that. Atlanta, Georgia. Name your place and you can do Georgia. Name your place and you can do Georgia. Name your place and you can do it. it. it. This information though is sometimes This information though is sometimes This information though is sometimes troubling troubling troubling because in a world that is full of because in a world that is full of because in a world that is full of information, what you see is that we are information, what you see is that we are information, what you see is that we are prone to wonder toward what makes us prone to wonder toward what makes us prone to wonder toward what makes us feel the best.

feel the best. feel the best. I mean, does anybody ever want to come I mean, does anybody ever want to come I mean, does anybody ever want to come into church and be like, "Man, you know, into church and be like, "Man, you know, into church and be like, "Man, you know, it'd be fun today. it'd be fun today. it'd be fun today. It'd be fun if you just kind of kick my It'd be fun if you just kind of kick my It'd be fun if you just kind of kick my teeth in verbally. teeth in verbally. teeth in verbally. Like nobody thinks that. Like nobody thinks that. Like nobody thinks that. Nobody's thinking, "Man, I would love to Nobody's thinking, "Man, I would love to Nobody's thinking, "Man, I would love to be punched right in the mouth right now. be punched right in the mouth right now. be punched right in the mouth right now. All right, just give it to me hard." No, All right, just give it to me hard." No, All right, just give it to me hard." No, nobody's really thinking that. However, nobody's really thinking that. However, nobody's really thinking that. However, it is sometimes what you and I need by it is sometimes what you and I need by it is sometimes what you and I need by God, God, God, man. If we think of getting verbally man. If we think of getting verbally man. If we think of getting verbally punched in the mouth is bad. I mean, at punched in the mouth is bad. I mean, at punched in the mouth is bad. I mean, at least it's not a big fish swallowing us least it's not a big fish swallowing us least it's not a big fish swallowing us up and we have to live inside that belly up and we have to live inside that belly up and we have to live inside that belly for three days. You know what I'm for three days. You know what I'm for three days. You know what I'm saying? Like that's that's tough. But saying? Like that's that's tough. But saying? Like that's that's tough. But what we see over and over again is that what we see over and over again is that what we see over and over again is that listen in in a lot of these YouTube listen in in a lot of these YouTube listen in in a lot of these YouTube culture and this uh look tickle our ears culture and this uh look tickle our ears culture and this uh look tickle our ears culture listen we are prone to wander culture listen we are prone to wander culture listen we are prone to wander toward what makes us feel good about toward what makes us feel good about toward what makes us feel good about ourselves. Let me just tell you that's ourselves. Let me just tell you that's ourselves. Let me just tell you that's not Jesus and that's not the spirit. not Jesus and that's not the spirit. not Jesus and that's not the spirit. I'm telling you right now, you don't I'm telling you right now, you don't I'm telling you right now, you don't want to feel good about where you are as want to feel good about where you are as want to feel good about where you are as you are running from Christ.

you are running from Christ. you are running from Christ. We need to have the truth of Jesus in We need to have the truth of Jesus in We need to have the truth of Jesus in our lives. We need to have the truth of our lives. We need to have the truth of our lives. We need to have the truth of Jesus that is preached over us again and Jesus that is preached over us again and Jesus that is preached over us again and again and again and again. So, let me again and again and again. So, let me again and again and again. So, let me tell you where you sit on Sundays and tell you where you sit on Sundays and tell you where you sit on Sundays and what you listen to Monday through what you listen to Monday through what you listen to Monday through Saturday matters to your life. It is Saturday matters to your life. It is Saturday matters to your life. It is penetrating your heart through your penetrating your heart through your penetrating your heart through your mind. mind. mind. And so it matters. Let me just tell you, And so it matters. Let me just tell you, And so it matters. Let me just tell you, moms, dads, you better be vigilant about moms, dads, you better be vigilant about moms, dads, you better be vigilant about what your kids are listening to. what your kids are listening to. what your kids are listening to. You better be on guard of what you're You better be on guard of what you're You better be on guard of what you're listening to. listening to. listening to. Be careful of what chat GBT tells you. Be careful of what chat GBT tells you. Be careful of what chat GBT tells you. You know why? Because it's not made in You know why? Because it's not made in You know why? Because it's not made in the image of God. the image of God. the image of God. Enough on that. We are called to preach Enough on that. We are called to preach Enough on that. We are called to preach the word. This is the warning from Paul the word. This is the warning from Paul the word. This is the warning from Paul to Timothy, by the way. He says this 2 to Timothy, by the way. He says this 2 to Timothy, by the way. He says this 2 Timothy 4 2-3 says, "Preach the word. Be Timothy 4 2-3 says, "Preach the word. Be Timothy 4 2-3 says, "Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season.

ready in season and out of season. 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." Does that great patience and teaching." Does that great patience and teaching." Does that sound like uh the the the sound like uh the the the sound like uh the the the famous YouTubers of our day that are famous YouTubers of our day that are famous YouTubers of our day that are just kind of all fluff and no meat? just kind of all fluff and no meat? just kind of all fluff and no meat? to rebuke and correct and encourage you. to rebuke and correct and encourage you. to rebuke and correct and encourage you. Encourage us not on the path of Encourage us not on the path of Encourage us not on the path of destruction, but encourage us toward destruction, but encourage us toward destruction, but encourage us toward Christlikkeness because of verse three. Christlikkeness because of verse three. Christlikkeness because of verse three. For the time will come, here we are. For the time will come, here we are. For the time will come, here we are. The time will come when people will not The time will come when people will not The time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine tolerate sound doctrine tolerate sound doctrine but according to their own desires will but according to their own desires will but according to their own desires will multiply teachers for themselves because multiply teachers for themselves because multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want they have an itch to hear what they want they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. to hear. to hear. We all have an itch to hear what we want We all have an itch to hear what we want We all have an itch to hear what we want to hear. It is something we have to to hear. It is something we have to to hear. It is something we have to fight against and live in the word. fight against and live in the word. fight against and live in the word. Charles Spurgeon has a great quote. He Charles Spurgeon has a great quote. He Charles Spurgeon has a great quote. He says, "Read many books, but live in the says, "Read many books, but live in the says, "Read many books, but live in the Bible."

Bible." Bible." We want to be We want to be We want to be saturated saturated saturated with God's word. This is why we are a with God's word. This is why we are a with God's word. This is why we are a Bible church Bible church Bible church because opinions flee, because opinions flee, because opinions flee, opinions change, opinions change, opinions change, but the word of God remains. but the word of God remains. but the word of God remains. We are living in a day where egos are We are living in a day where egos are We are living in a day where egos are more important, platforms are more more important, platforms are more more important, platforms are more important. And listen, there are important. And listen, there are important. And listen, there are shysters out there who are using the shysters out there who are using the shysters out there who are using the church church church to stand on the church to build their to stand on the church to build their to stand on the church to build their own platforms. own platforms. own platforms. And you and I need to call it what it And you and I need to call it what it And you and I need to call it what it is. It's wicked, is. It's wicked, is. It's wicked, sinful, and we must be aware of it. and we must be aware of it. The Lord has spoken. The Lord has spoken. The Lord has spoken. Therefore, Jonah and a transformed heart Therefore, Jonah and a transformed heart Therefore, Jonah and a transformed heart obeys. obeys. obeys. When you encounter God's grace, you When you encounter God's grace, you When you encounter God's grace, you cannot possibly cannot possibly cannot possibly stay the same. But listen, when you stay the same. But listen, when you stay the same. But listen, when you encounter my opinion, you can go about encounter my opinion, you can go about encounter my opinion, you can go about your way. But when you encounter the your way. But when you encounter the your way. But when you encounter the word of God, it demands a response from word of God, it demands a response from word of God, it demands a response from man.

It's not neutral. It's not neutral. It demands response It demands response It demands response and it produces repentance. and it produces repentance. and it produces repentance. Listen to what he says in verse 5. Says, "Then Says, "Then the people of Nineveh the people of Nineveh the people of Nineveh believed God. They didn't believe what the king was They didn't believe what the king was going to say. going to say. going to say. They didn't believe the rumors. They didn't believe the rumors. They didn't believe the rumors. They believed God. They believed God. They believed God. And not some people, but all the people And not some people, but all the people And not some people, but all the people of Nineveh believed God. This is one of of Nineveh believed God. This is one of of Nineveh believed God. This is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, the greatest, if not the greatest, the greatest, if not the greatest, revivals in all of history. And all revivals in all of history. And all revivals in all of history. And all Jonah did was proclaim seven words. Jonah did was proclaim seven words. Jonah did was proclaim seven words. There was no pathy and good and an There was no pathy and good and an There was no pathy and good and an engaging introduction. engaging introduction. engaging introduction. There was no uh theme that was quoted at There was no uh theme that was quoted at There was no uh theme that was quoted at the beginning in order to maintain your the beginning in order to maintain your the beginning in order to maintain your attention. There are no uh alliterated attention. There are no uh alliterated attention. There are no uh alliterated three points so that you could stay three points so that you could stay three points so that you could stay focused.

focused. focused. There were no illustrative, There were no illustrative, There were no illustrative, demonstrative moments so that the people demonstrative moments so that the people demonstrative moments so that the people would be like, "Wow, this guy is such a would be like, "Wow, this guy is such a would be like, "Wow, this guy is such a great speaker." No. No. Jonah stood up great speaker." No. No. Jonah stood up great speaker." No. No. Jonah stood up and he gave them a warning. In 40 days, and he gave them a warning. In 40 days, and he gave them a warning. In 40 days, you're all going to be dead. The end of the story. Do you know what The end of the story. Do you know what this proves to us? Is that the word of this proves to us? Is that the word of this proves to us? Is that the word of God is sufficient for all things. God is sufficient for all things. God is sufficient for all things. The power of God's word is sufficient The power of God's word is sufficient The power of God's word is sufficient for all things. And I'm just going to be for all things. And I'm just going to be for all things. And I'm just going to be honest with you. You know how many times honest with you. You know how many times honest with you. You know how many times I am just tempted to go back and man I am just tempted to go back and man I am just tempted to go back and man just rewrite things like, man, this just rewrite things like, man, this just rewrite things like, man, this ain't good enough. I got to go back to ain't good enough. I got to go back to ain't good enough. I got to go back to the drawing board. I need something here the drawing board. I need something here the drawing board. I need something here to make this uh stick better. I need to make this uh stick better. I need to make this uh stick better. I need this. And I'm not saying that preachers this. And I'm not saying that preachers this. And I'm not saying that preachers should not work hard. What I am saying should not work hard. What I am saying should not work hard. What I am saying is that we need to trust less in our is that we need to trust less in our is that we need to trust less in our skill set and more in the spirit of God skill set and more in the spirit of God skill set and more in the spirit of God and the power of God's word because he and the power of God's word because he and the power of God's word because he makes this promise in Isaiah 55:11. He makes this promise in Isaiah 55:11. He makes this promise in Isaiah 55:11. He says this, "So my word that comes from says this, "So my word that comes from says this, "So my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, my mouth will not return to me empty, my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please. It but it will accomplish what I please. It but it will accomplish what I please. It will prosper in what I send it to do."

will prosper in what I send it to do." will prosper in what I send it to do." Not because of preachers. Not because of preachers. Not because of preachers. Not because of uh crafty and creative uh Not because of uh crafty and creative uh Not because of uh crafty and creative uh uh speakers and Sunday school teachers, uh speakers and Sunday school teachers, uh speakers and Sunday school teachers, connect group leaders, none of that. It connect group leaders, none of that. It connect group leaders, none of that. It is not the power of the people. It is is not the power of the people. It is is not the power of the people. It is the power of God's word. And Jonah has the power of God's word. And Jonah has the power of God's word. And Jonah has come to the conclusion what Nineveh come to the conclusion what Nineveh come to the conclusion what Nineveh needs is the word of God. needs is the word of God. needs is the word of God. What America needs What America needs What America needs is the word of God. is the word of God. is the word of God. What our church needs is the word of What our church needs is the word of What our church needs is the word of God. This is why we are a people and a God. This is why we are a people and a God. This is why we are a people and a church of the word of God. And it will church of the word of God. And it will church of the word of God. And it will not ever change until God calls me home. not ever change until God calls me home. not ever change until God calls me home. Listen, if it's going to change, it's Listen, if it's going to change, it's Listen, if it's going to change, it's going to be over my dead body. I promise going to be over my dead body. I promise going to be over my dead body. I promise you that. you that. you that. Why? Because it is lasting. Why? Because it is lasting. Why? Because it is lasting. It is what Peter says when when he asked It is what Peter says when when he asked It is what Peter says when when he asked the disciples, he's like, "Man, are the disciples, he's like, "Man, are the disciples, he's like, "Man, are y'all going to leave me?"

y'all going to leave me?" y'all going to leave me?" Remember Jesus asked this question as Remember Jesus asked this question as Remember Jesus asked this question as the crowds are leaving? the crowds are leaving? the crowds are leaving? They're like, "Well, I guess Jesus is They're like, "Well, I guess Jesus is They're like, "Well, I guess Jesus is done with his miracles. Let's go done with his miracles. Let's go done with his miracles. Let's go somewhere else. somewhere else. somewhere else. Man, it's not really feeding me anymore. Man, it's not really feeding me anymore. Man, it's not really feeding me anymore. I guess I'm going to try maybe another I guess I'm going to try maybe another I guess I'm going to try maybe another leader down the street." You know, the music wasn't very You know, the music wasn't very emotional for me today. It's just not emotional for me today. It's just not emotional for me today. It's just not that good. I'm going to go try another that good. I'm going to go try another that good. I'm going to go try another group. I'm going to try something else. group. I'm going to try something else. group. I'm going to try something else. And Jesus looks at the real disciples. And Jesus looks at the real disciples. And Jesus looks at the real disciples. He says, "Y'all going to leave me, too?" He says, "Y'all going to leave me, too?" He says, "Y'all going to leave me, too?" Peter says, "Where would we go? Where would we go, Lord? Where would we go, Lord? You have the words of life." And Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. And Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. Whoever eats of me Whoever eats of me Whoever eats of me will never hunger again."

will never hunger again." will never hunger again." What is that bread right here? right here? This is the bread of life, This is the bread of life, This is the bread of life, Jesus himself. Jesus himself. Jesus himself. And what this does in us because look at And what this does in us because look at And what this does in us because look at look at what what happens as they they look at what what happens as they they look at what what happens as they they hear the word of the Lord immediately hear the word of the Lord immediately hear the word of the Lord immediately they are responding and they are they are responding and they are they are responding and they are repenting. repenting. repenting. Do you see that when when we hear the Do you see that when when we hear the Do you see that when when we hear the word of God it causes us word of God it causes us word of God it causes us to live and posture ourselves in to live and posture ourselves in to live and posture ourselves in repentance. repentance. repentance. Look at what he says in verse eight. Look at what he says in verse eight. Look at what he says in verse eight. says of Jonah 3:8, he says, says of Jonah 3:8, he says, says of Jonah 3:8, he says, "Furthermore, both people and animals "Furthermore, both people and animals "Furthermore, both people and animals must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and must be covered with sackcloth, and everyone must call out earnestly to everyone must call out earnestly to everyone must call out earnestly to God." God." God." You see what has happened to this king? You see what has happened to this king? You see what has happened to this king? This king took off his robe, got off of This king took off his robe, got off of This king took off his robe, got off of his throne, his throne, his throne, covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in covered himself in sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

the king of the most wicked city, the king of the most wicked city, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. He the capital of the Assyrian Empire. He the capital of the Assyrian Empire. He has everything that the earth could has everything that the earth could has everything that the earth could possibly give. And he recognizes in one possibly give. And he recognizes in one possibly give. And he recognizes in one short sermon short sermon short sermon because of the living word of God, because of the living word of God, because of the living word of God, he realizes he realizes he realizes he has nothing. And so he stoops And so he stoops to the lowest form possible to the lowest form possible to the lowest form possible and sits in ashes. And he tells everybody else, he puts And he tells everybody else, he puts this decree out. this decree out. this decree out. Everybody is going to call out to the Everybody is going to call out to the Everybody is going to call out to the God. God. God. Not a God, not your God, the God. Not a God, not your God, the God. Not a God, not your God, the God. Everyone's going to call out to him. No Everyone's going to call out to him. No Everyone's going to call out to him. No one's going to eat. Don't even let your one's going to eat. Don't even let your one's going to eat. Don't even let your animals, man. We're not testing animals, man. We're not testing animals, man. We're not testing anything. The power of God's word sent anything. The power of God's word sent anything. The power of God's word sent them trembling before a holy God them trembling before a holy God them trembling before a holy God and a good trembling.

and a good trembling. and a good trembling. And this is what we see in even of Paul And this is what we see in even of Paul And this is what we see in even of Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:10. It says, "For in 2 Corinthians 7:10. It says, "For in 2 Corinthians 7:10. It says, "For godly grief godly grief godly grief produces a repentance that leads to produces a repentance that leads to produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. salvation without regret. salvation without regret. But worldly grief produces death." What But worldly grief produces death." What But worldly grief produces death." What is happening here is a godly grief. It is happening here is a godly grief. It is happening here is a godly grief. It is what Jesus says in his biatitudes is what Jesus says in his biatitudes is what Jesus says in his biatitudes that blessed are those who will mourn that blessed are those who will mourn that blessed are those who will mourn for they will be comforted. for they will be comforted. for they will be comforted. mourning over the sinfulness of man. It mourning over the sinfulness of man. It mourning over the sinfulness of man. It is what Isaiah saw as soon as he saw the is what Isaiah saw as soon as he saw the is what Isaiah saw as soon as he saw the Lord high and lifted up. Lord high and lifted up. Lord high and lifted up. All he could say is, "Woe is me, for I All he could say is, "Woe is me, for I All he could say is, "Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips. I live and am a man of unclean lips. I live and am a man of unclean lips. I live and dwell among a people of unclean lips." dwell among a people of unclean lips." dwell among a people of unclean lips." Because when you hear the word of God, Because when you hear the word of God, Because when you hear the word of God, you see the Lord, you understand who God you see the Lord, you understand who God you see the Lord, you understand who God is. Immediately, all you can know is is. Immediately, all you can know is is. Immediately, all you can know is your own depravity. your own depravity. your own depravity. And this is giving you an opportunity to And this is giving you an opportunity to And this is giving you an opportunity to respond respond respond because when you repent, this is what because when you repent, this is what because when you repent, this is what happens. You deny yourself in happens. You deny yourself in happens. You deny yourself in repentance. Then you turn away from your repentance. Then you turn away from your repentance. Then you turn away from your sin, away from yourself. And then the sin, away from yourself. And then the sin, away from yourself. And then the third thing is that you would turn third thing is that you would turn third thing is that you would turn toward Christ himself because he is the toward Christ himself because he is the toward Christ himself because he is the only one who can do anything about your only one who can do anything about your only one who can do anything about your plight.

That is repentance. That is repentance. and that you are trusting by faith as I and that you are trusting by faith as I and that you are trusting by faith as I turn to Jesus by faith. I am trusting turn to Jesus by faith. I am trusting turn to Jesus by faith. I am trusting that you will wash me clean as you that you will wash me clean as you that you will wash me clean as you promise. promise. promise. But what this does is it creates a But what this does is it creates a But what this does is it creates a dependence in us. dependence in us. dependence in us. Grace produces this dependence. Grace produces this dependence. Grace produces this dependence. I mean this is what we see. This is what I mean this is what we see. This is what I mean this is what we see. This is what makes this passage so powerful is that makes this passage so powerful is that makes this passage so powerful is that even after all these things are taking even after all these things are taking even after all these things are taking place. Re repentance is being done. And place. Re repentance is being done. And place. Re repentance is being done. And then he they ask this question in verse then he they ask this question in verse then he they ask this question in verse 9. He says who knows 9. He says who knows 9. He says who knows God may turn and relent. Who knows? Who knows? It doesn't mean that they are not It doesn't mean that they are not It doesn't mean that they are not trusting. What it means as they ask this trusting. What it means as they ask this trusting. What it means as they ask this question of who knows what they are question of who knows what they are question of who knows what they are doing is they are placing their lives at doing is they are placing their lives at doing is they are placing their lives at the hand of God himself. the hand of God himself. the hand of God himself. Lord I commit myself to you.

Lord I commit myself to you. Lord I commit myself to you. Do what you should do. Do what you should do. Do what you should do. Maybe God will relent. You know we get Maybe God will relent. You know we get Maybe God will relent. You know we get caught up in this caught up in this caught up in this right here in verse nine. sight. right here in verse nine. sight. right here in verse nine. sight. God may turn and relent. God may turn and relent. God may turn and relent. He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so He may turn from his burning anger so that we will not perish. that we will not perish. that we will not perish. What is interesting about that is that What is interesting about that is that What is interesting about that is that we we we think to ourselves, okay, well we we we think to ourselves, okay, well we we we think to ourselves, okay, well man, God God changed his mind. man, God God changed his mind. man, God God changed his mind. Like God changed his direction. Like God changed his direction. Like God changed his direction. He changed his purpose. He changed He changed his purpose. He changed He changed his purpose. He changed whatever. whatever. whatever. And none of those things are true And none of those things are true And none of those things are true because the Bible teaches us that God is because the Bible teaches us that God is because the Bible teaches us that God is immutable. Meaning he is unchanging. God immutable. Meaning he is unchanging. God immutable. Meaning he is unchanging. God is the same yesterday, today, and is the same yesterday, today, and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. forever. forever. God does not change. He does not change God does not change. He does not change God does not change. He does not change his standard. his standard. his standard. He does not change the requirements for He does not change the requirements for He does not change the requirements for entrance into his kingdom. He doesn't entrance into his kingdom. He doesn't entrance into his kingdom. He doesn't fluff on the rules. He does not act in fluff on the rules. He does not act in fluff on the rules. He does not act in an unjust way.

Instead, what we see here is a Instead, what we see here is a consistency consistency consistency from who God is from beginning of from who God is from beginning of from who God is from beginning of scripture all the way to the end is scripture all the way to the end is scripture all the way to the end is telling this one story about the telling this one story about the telling this one story about the gracious pursuit of God himself that gracious pursuit of God himself that gracious pursuit of God himself that although he is unchanging that he makes although he is unchanging that he makes although he is unchanging that he makes a way. So when you look at the a way. So when you look at the a way. So when you look at the Ninevites, when you look at Jonah, God Ninevites, when you look at Jonah, God Ninevites, when you look at Jonah, God did not change, but the position of the did not change, but the position of the did not change, but the position of the people certainly did. people certainly did. people certainly did. And this And this And this is grace. is grace. is grace. This is grace in your life. This is grace in your life. This is grace in your life. When you come to Jesus, God's not When you come to Jesus, God's not When you come to Jesus, God's not changing his mind. changing his mind. changing his mind. When you come to Jesus, he didn't change When you come to Jesus, he didn't change When you come to Jesus, he didn't change the standard so that maybe you can fit the standard so that maybe you can fit the standard so that maybe you can fit in and get in somehow by the skin of in and get in somehow by the skin of in and get in somehow by the skin of your teeth. That's not how the kingdom your teeth. That's not how the kingdom your teeth. That's not how the kingdom works. You are an enemy of God before works. You are an enemy of God before works. You are an enemy of God before Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You are children of wrath before Jesus.

You are children of wrath before Jesus. You are children of wrath before Jesus. This is what Paul says in Ephesians very This is what Paul says in Ephesians very This is what Paul says in Ephesians very clearly. We see this that you and the clearly. We see this that you and the clearly. We see this that you and the way that you once walked in darkness way that you once walked in darkness way that you once walked in darkness that you are enemies of God. We are that you are enemies of God. We are that you are enemies of God. We are enemies of God. And then something enemies of God. And then something enemies of God. And then something changed and it wasn't God. It wasn't changed and it wasn't God. It wasn't changed and it wasn't God. It wasn't Jesus. It wasn't the spirit. Nothing Jesus. It wasn't the spirit. Nothing Jesus. It wasn't the spirit. Nothing changed except that our position before changed except that our position before changed except that our position before God has changed. Instead of being God has changed. Instead of being God has changed. Instead of being children of wrath, now we are children children of wrath, now we are children children of wrath, now we are children of grace. Instead of being children in of grace. Instead of being children in of grace. Instead of being children in darkness, now we are children in the darkness, now we are children in the darkness, now we are children in the light. And this is all because of the light. And this is all because of the light. And this is all because of the grace of God in your life. And here is grace of God in your life. And here is grace of God in your life. And here is the grace that is extended to every the grace that is extended to every the grace that is extended to every single person who would hear the words single person who would hear the words single person who would hear the words of God. If you come to Jesus and you of God. If you come to Jesus and you of God. If you come to Jesus and you repent and you place your life in the repent and you place your life in the repent and you place your life in the hands of a loving and gracious God, he hands of a loving and gracious God, he hands of a loving and gracious God, he will relent against you, he will put you will relent against you, he will put you will relent against you, he will put you in a position of grace to receive his in a position of grace to receive his in a position of grace to receive his mercy so that you can have life mercy so that you can have life mercy so that you can have life everlasting. There is no other way.

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

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

we are asking you in the name of Jesus. we are asking you in the name of Jesus. That you would do that today, Father, That you would do that today, Father, That you would do that today, Father, for those who do not know you, God, that for those who do not know you, God, that for those who do not know you, God, that you would call them by name right now. you would call them by name right now. you would call them by name right now. And Father, draw them into yourself. And God, for those who've been walking And God, for those who've been walking with you for a long time, I pray, God, with you for a long time, I pray, God, with you for a long time, I pray, God, that your transforming grace would that your transforming grace would that your transforming grace would continue to pursue them. that we would continue to pursue them. that we would continue to pursue them. that we would walk in your likeness. walk in your likeness. walk in your likeness. And so, Father, help us to do that. It's And so, Father, help us to do that. It's And so, Father, help us to do that. It's in the name of Jesus we pray.