A National Awakening

One of the greatest spiritual awakenings One of the greatest spiritual awakenings in the scriptures occurs amongst one of in the scriptures occurs amongst one of in the scriptures occurs amongst one of the vilest cultures that humanity has the vilest cultures that humanity has the vilest cultures that humanity has ever produced. Jonah's lips say he fears ever produced. Jonah's lips say he fears ever produced. Jonah's lips say he fears God, but but his legs are running from God, but but his legs are running from God, but but his legs are running from God. His life doesn't bear testimony to God. His life doesn't bear testimony to God. His life doesn't bear testimony to what he sings in in church. A nation is what he sings in in church. A nation is what he sings in in church. A nation is convicted by truth convicted by truth convicted by truth and can fully repent. Conviction has to and can fully repent. Conviction has to and can fully repent. Conviction has to come. A nation can't bypass conviction. come. A nation can't bypass conviction. come. A nation can't bypass conviction. Without God, we cannot. Without God, we Without God, we cannot. Without God, we Without God, we cannot. Without God, we can't do anything. But in God's can't do anything. But in God's can't do anything. But in God's sovereign choice, without us, the sovereign choice, without us, the sovereign choice, without us, the church, he will not. [music] [music] >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. >> It is good to see you all. Thank you for >> It is good to see you all. Thank you for >> It is good to see you all. Thank you for being with us today. Whether you're in being with us today. Whether you're in being with us today. Whether you're in this room or you're joining us from this room or you're joining us from this room or you're joining us from home, it is a pleasure to to open up home, it is a pleasure to to open up home, it is a pleasure to to open up God's word with you and to celebrate the God's word with you and to celebrate the God's word with you and to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ and and to gather as Lord Jesus Christ and and to gather as Lord Jesus Christ and and to gather as his people to sing his praises. Well, his people to sing his praises. Well, his people to sing his praises. Well, I'm just back from a Celtic Christianity I'm just back from a Celtic Christianity I'm just back from a Celtic Christianity tour, tracing some of God's work through tour, tracing some of God's work through tour, tracing some of God's work through Ireland and Scotland with with a busload Ireland and Scotland with with a busload Ireland and Scotland with with a busload of of of you essentially. And it makes of of of you essentially. And it makes of of of you essentially. And it makes you reflective. It makes you uh you reflective. It makes you uh you reflective. It makes you uh contemplative, right? You you you long contemplative, right? You you you long contemplative, right? You you you long for God to continue to do a work today for God to continue to do a work today for God to continue to do a work today as he has been doing in history in all as he has been doing in history in all as he has been doing in history in all those places. And we drove past a little those places. And we drove past a little those places. And we drove past a little sign in the countryside uh that pointed

sign in the countryside uh that pointed sign in the countryside uh that pointed toward a village called a hogill. toward a village called a hogill. toward a village called a hogill. A hogill, very difficult to pronounce A hogill, very difficult to pronounce A hogill, very difficult to pronounce without sort of choking. without sort of choking. without sort of choking. It's a little village that you've never It's a little village that you've never It's a little village that you've never heard of. It's difficult to find, but heard of. It's difficult to find, but heard of. It's difficult to find, but it's an important little spot. And some it's an important little spot. And some it's an important little spot. And some summers ago, I decided to go to Hog Hill summers ago, I decided to go to Hog Hill summers ago, I decided to go to Hog Hill and and to sit on a little park bench and and to sit on a little park bench and and to sit on a little park bench there in the town square because it had there in the town square because it had there in the town square because it had a significant little role to play in a significant little role to play in a significant little role to play in what God did in my home country 150 what God did in my home country 150 what God did in my home country 150 years ago. years ago. years ago. And that whole region of Northern And that whole region of Northern And that whole region of Northern Ireland, God's spirit did a work in the Ireland, God's spirit did a work in the Ireland, God's spirit did a work in the lives of people, including in a hogkill. lives of people, including in a hogkill. lives of people, including in a hogkill. and it spread right across Northern and it spread right across Northern and it spread right across Northern Ireland and into Scotland when hundreds Ireland and into Scotland when hundreds Ireland and into Scotland when hundreds of thousands of people came to faith in of thousands of people came to faith in of thousands of people came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So I sat there the Lord Jesus Christ. So I sat there the Lord Jesus Christ. So I sat there and I read I read Jonah chapter 3 and I and I read I read Jonah chapter 3 and I and I read I read Jonah chapter 3 and I talked to the Lord and it was very very talked to the Lord and it was very very talked to the Lord and it was very very emotional. Northern Irish society to this day is Northern Irish society to this day is flourishing as a result of what God did flourishing as a result of what God did flourishing as a result of what God did 150 years ago.

150 years ago. 150 years ago. Generations of of people have been Generations of of people have been Generations of of people have been blessed because of God's spirit doing a blessed because of God's spirit doing a blessed because of God's spirit doing a work in the hearts of people. And it work in the hearts of people. And it work in the hearts of people. And it made me think, Lord, would you do that made me think, Lord, would you do that made me think, Lord, would you do that again? again? again? You know, back in those days, there are You know, back in those days, there are You know, back in those days, there are multiple beautiful stories of of of multiple beautiful stories of of of multiple beautiful stories of of of God's spirit at work. I I'm told I read God's spirit at work. I I'm told I read God's spirit at work. I I'm told I read that churches became so packed with that churches became so packed with that churches became so packed with people that there was no room for them. people that there was no room for them. people that there was no room for them. that people had to sit on the aisles on that people had to sit on the aisles on that people had to sit on the aisles on the floor in the aisles and people had the floor in the aisles and people had the floor in the aisles and people had to sit on the steps leading up into the to sit on the steps leading up into the to sit on the steps leading up into the into the platform, the pulpit area and into the platform, the pulpit area and into the platform, the pulpit area and then onto the platform itself. then onto the platform itself. then onto the platform itself. That balconies and churches became so That balconies and churches became so That balconies and churches became so packed that they began to tilt, packed that they began to tilt, packed that they began to tilt, became dangerous that that the preacher became dangerous that that the preacher became dangerous that that the preacher couldn't get up to the stage to preach couldn't get up to the stage to preach couldn't get up to the stage to preach that he he had to crowd surf as it were that he he had to crowd surf as it were that he he had to crowd surf as it were up to the pulpit. up to the pulpit. up to the pulpit. One story that that fascinates me One story that that fascinates me One story that that fascinates me concerns a church where where were it concerns a church where where were it concerns a church where where were it was so packed with people that that they was so packed with people that that they was so packed with people that that they were they were all sort of huddled up were they were all sort of huddled up were they were all sort of huddled up together and and the heat of that group together and and the heat of that group together and and the heat of that group of people and and the breaths of praise of people and and the breaths of praise of people and and the breaths of praise that were rising up from them moved up that were rising up from them moved up that were rising up from them moved up into the high ceilings condensed in the into the high ceilings condensed in the into the high ceilings condensed in the cold air and began to rain back upon cold air and began to rain back upon cold air and began to rain back upon them as they worshiped God. They had to them as they worshiped God. They had to them as they worshiped God. They had to put up their umbrellas.

put up their umbrellas. put up their umbrellas. They had to organize in some churches They had to organize in some churches They had to organize in some churches for there to be a preacher in the church for there to be a preacher in the church for there to be a preacher in the church and a preacher out in the street for the and a preacher out in the street for the and a preacher out in the street for the thousands that couldn't get in to the thousands that couldn't get in to the thousands that couldn't get in to the services. [snorts] Little on down from Hogill, there's a Little on down from Hogill, there's a little town called Brock Shen, also little town called Brock Shen, also little town called Brock Shen, also tough to pronounce. tough to pronounce. tough to pronounce. There's a story of the of the drunkard, There's a story of the of the drunkard, There's a story of the of the drunkard, the old drunkard of Brock Shane who the old drunkard of Brock Shane who the old drunkard of Brock Shane who stood who stood in the open air one day stood who stood in the open air one day stood who stood in the open air one day and and he admitted to those gathered and and he admitted to those gathered and and he admitted to those gathered there to praise God that for 50 years he there to praise God that for 50 years he there to praise God that for 50 years he had led his family into poverty because had led his family into poverty because had led his family into poverty because of his drinking and his loose living. of his drinking and his loose living. of his drinking and his loose living. And then he said this. I was a servant And then he said this. I was a servant And then he said this. I was a servant of the devil for 50 years, of the devil for 50 years, of the devil for 50 years, but I was born again last week but I was born again last week but I was born again last week and I am one week old today. and I am one week old today. and I am one week old today. My heavy and enormous sin is gone. The My heavy and enormous sin is gone. The My heavy and enormous sin is gone. The Lord Jesus took it away.

I sat on that park bench in a hogill I sat on that park bench in a hogill very teary and I asked the Lord to do it very teary and I asked the Lord to do it very teary and I asked the Lord to do it again. Would you do it again? Just do again. Would you do it again? Just do again. Would you do it again? Just do that again. that again. that again. Wouldn't that be great? Wouldn't that be great? Wouldn't that be great? our neighborhoods, our cities across our neighborhoods, our cities across our neighborhoods, our cities across this nation turning to Jesus Christ, this nation turning to Jesus Christ, this nation turning to Jesus Christ, not to postmodern Marxistfueled not to postmodern Marxistfueled not to postmodern Marxistfueled secularism, secularism, secularism, not to Islam, as is currently the case, not to Islam, as is currently the case, not to Islam, as is currently the case, but Texas and Oklahoma and Kansas and but Texas and Oklahoma and Kansas and but Texas and Oklahoma and Kansas and Nevada and California Nevada and California Nevada and California and all of the US turning to Jesus and all of the US turning to Jesus and all of the US turning to Jesus Christ in faith. Christ in faith. Christ in faith. Don't you long to see venues like this Don't you long to see venues like this Don't you long to see venues like this so packed with people that that people so packed with people that that people so packed with people that that people are willing to sit on the floor, to sit are willing to sit on the floor, to sit are willing to sit on the floor, to sit under the word of God, to sit on the under the word of God, to sit on the under the word of God, to sit on the pulpit steps pulpit steps pulpit steps where we have to add more services or where we have to add more services or where we have to add more services or plant more churches because people are plant more churches because people are plant more churches because people are coming to Jesus from all of your coming to Jesus from all of your coming to Jesus from all of your neighborhoods and from your family.

neighborhoods and from your family. neighborhoods and from your family. That's that's the kind of headache you That's that's the kind of headache you That's that's the kind of headache you want to give a pastor, want to give a pastor, want to give a pastor, not all the other nonsense. not all the other nonsense. not all the other nonsense. Don't you long to see America Don't you long to see America Don't you long to see America unapologetically and and flagrantly unapologetically and and flagrantly unapologetically and and flagrantly bowing the knee to Jesus Christ again as bowing the knee to Jesus Christ again as bowing the knee to Jesus Christ again as was once the case in this great nation. was once the case in this great nation. was once the case in this great nation. Friends, God wants that. I'm here to Friends, God wants that. I'm here to Friends, God wants that. I'm here to tell you that God wants that, too. It's tell you that God wants that, too. It's tell you that God wants that, too. It's why we're still here. That's his vision why we're still here. That's his vision why we're still here. That's his vision for history. That's his vision for this for history. That's his vision for this for history. That's his vision for this nation. That was his vision in the first nation. That was his vision in the first nation. That was his vision in the first year of this nation. That's his vision year of this nation. That's his vision year of this nation. That's his vision for the 250th birthday of this nation. for the 250th birthday of this nation. for the 250th birthday of this nation. God wants Texas back. God wants Texas back. God wants Texas back. God wants Oklahoma back. God wants God wants Oklahoma back. God wants God wants Oklahoma back. God wants Kansas back. God wants California back. Kansas back. God wants California back. Kansas back. God wants California back. God wants all of America back. God wants God wants all of America back. God wants God wants all of America back. God wants the world back. the world back. the world back. And he has made it possible And he has made it possible And he has made it possible through faith alone in Jesus Christ through faith alone in Jesus Christ through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. alone. alone. And here's the thing. You and I have a And here's the thing. You and I have a And here's the thing. You and I have a role to play in God's vision for the role to play in God's vision for the role to play in God's vision for the world.

world. world. Now, how do I know that? Because it's Now, how do I know that? Because it's Now, how do I know that? Because it's all over his scriptures. all over his scriptures. all over his scriptures. And it's part of the message of the book And it's part of the message of the book And it's part of the message of the book of Jonah. of Jonah. of Jonah. The God who owns salvation The God who owns salvation The God who owns salvation wants to save. wants to save. wants to save. The one who owns it, wants to give it, The one who owns it, wants to give it, The one who owns it, wants to give it, wants to grant it. That hasn't changed. wants to grant it. That hasn't changed. wants to grant it. That hasn't changed. History isn't over. And we read about it History isn't over. And we read about it History isn't over. And we read about it in places like Jonah chapter 3. in places like Jonah chapter 3. in places like Jonah chapter 3. Beautiful chapter in the scriptures. Beautiful chapter in the scriptures. Beautiful chapter in the scriptures. Turn there, please. is Jonah chapter 3. Turn there, please. is Jonah chapter 3. Turn there, please. is Jonah chapter 3. One of the greatest spiritual awakenings One of the greatest spiritual awakenings One of the greatest spiritual awakenings in the scriptures occurs [clears throat] in the scriptures occurs [clears throat] in the scriptures occurs [clears throat] amongst one of the vilest cultures that amongst one of the vilest cultures that amongst one of the vilest cultures that humanity has ever produced. humanity has ever produced. humanity has ever produced. This incident is recorded This incident is recorded This incident is recorded so that we can learn that that no one, so that we can learn that that no one, so that we can learn that that no one, no matter how low in the moral gutter no matter how low in the moral gutter no matter how low in the moral gutter they are, is outside of the reach of the they are, is outside of the reach of the they are, is outside of the reach of the God who wants to save. Now, by way of catchup, because I've Now, by way of catchup, because I've been away, remember that that Jonah been away, remember that that Jonah been away, remember that that Jonah begins with this legacy preacher in begins with this legacy preacher in begins with this legacy preacher in Israel, uh, being called by God to to to Israel, uh, being called by God to to to Israel, uh, being called by God to to to reach the Ninevites, and he goes on the reach the Ninevites, and he goes on the reach the Ninevites, and he goes on the run. He runs from God. And he sleeps run. He runs from God. And he sleeps run. He runs from God. And he sleeps fine in disobedience despite the fine in disobedience despite the fine in disobedience despite the nightmare that his sin is causing to nightmare that his sin is causing to nightmare that his sin is causing to everybody around him. Jonah's lips say everybody around him. Jonah's lips say everybody around him. Jonah's lips say he fears God, but but his legs are he fears God, but but his legs are he fears God, but but his legs are running from God. His life doesn't bear running from God. His life doesn't bear running from God. His life doesn't bear testimony to what he sings in in church, testimony to what he sings in in church, testimony to what he sings in in church, but God brings Jonah back to his

but God brings Jonah back to his but God brings Jonah back to his spiritual senses in chapter 2. He puts spiritual senses in chapter 2. He puts spiritual senses in chapter 2. He puts him on a timeout. He puts him on a him on a timeout. He puts him on a him on a timeout. He puts him on a timeout inside of a fish. timeout inside of a fish. timeout inside of a fish. And God will use even nasty And God will use even nasty And God will use even nasty circumstances to refocus his his circumstances to refocus his his circumstances to refocus his his children because he's a God of children because he's a God of children because he's a God of compassion and he's a God who will not compassion and he's a God who will not compassion and he's a God who will not be mocked. be mocked. be mocked. when Jonah writes uh from inside of the when Jonah writes uh from inside of the when Jonah writes uh from inside of the belly of the fish a thank you card to belly of the fish a thank you card to belly of the fish a thank you card to God. God. God. A beautiful thank you card recognizing A beautiful thank you card recognizing A beautiful thank you card recognizing among many things this that salvation among many things this that salvation among many things this that salvation belongs to the God who is keen to offer belongs to the God who is keen to offer belongs to the God who is keen to offer it to those who do not deserve it. it to those who do not deserve it. it to those who do not deserve it. People like him, People like him, People like him, people like me, people like me, people like me, people like the Ninevites. people like the Ninevites. people like the Ninevites. And so Jonah gets another opportunity to And so Jonah gets another opportunity to And so Jonah gets another opportunity to serve God to to walk on out of that fish serve God to to walk on out of that fish serve God to to walk on out of that fish onto that beach and toward Nineveh to onto that beach and toward Nineveh to onto that beach and toward Nineveh to walk in the path of obedience that comes walk in the path of obedience that comes walk in the path of obedience that comes from faith.

And he's recommissioned to the Nineveite And he's recommissioned to the Nineveite culture uh uh to declare a message from culture uh uh to declare a message from culture uh uh to declare a message from the compassionate God that God wants to the compassionate God that God wants to the compassionate God that God wants to do a work among them. So, this is a do a work among them. So, this is a do a work among them. So, this is a great story with a great storm and a great story with a great storm and a great story with a great storm and a great fish and a great U-turn in this great fish and a great U-turn in this great fish and a great U-turn in this prodigal prophet's life. And now we turn prodigal prophet's life. And now we turn prodigal prophet's life. And now we turn our attention in chapter 3 to a great our attention in chapter 3 to a great our attention in chapter 3 to a great spiritual awakening. And today, all I spiritual awakening. And today, all I spiritual awakening. And today, all I want you to see is what is involved in a want you to see is what is involved in a want you to see is what is involved in a great awakening. Very, very basic and great awakening. Very, very basic and great awakening. Very, very basic and yet very important truth. This isn't yet very important truth. This isn't yet very important truth. This isn't just past history of what God did way just past history of what God did way just past history of what God did way back then in the 8th century BC. This is back then in the 8th century BC. This is back then in the 8th century BC. This is future history of what God is willing to future history of what God is willing to future history of what God is willing to do today. That's why it's in the do today. That's why it's in the do today. That's why it's in the scriptures. scriptures. scriptures. In chapter 3, we essentially have two In chapter 3, we essentially have two In chapter 3, we essentially have two major characters outside of God. A human major characters outside of God. A human major characters outside of God. A human character, Jonah, and a and and a group character, Jonah, and a and and a group character, Jonah, and a and and a group of humans, the Ninevites. We've seen of humans, the Ninevites. We've seen of humans, the Ninevites. We've seen character cutout number one. Remember, character cutout number one. Remember, character cutout number one. Remember, we're using the flannelraphph board we're using the flannelraphph board we're using the flannelraphph board analogy to to to tell and to study this analogy to to to tell and to study this analogy to to to tell and to study this wonderful book. And character cutout wonderful book. And character cutout wonderful book. And character cutout number one was Jonah in this scene.

number one was Jonah in this scene. number one was Jonah in this scene. Jonah, the the restored prophet, the guy Jonah, the the restored prophet, the guy Jonah, the the restored prophet, the guy who's cleaning himself up, getting all who's cleaning himself up, getting all who's cleaning himself up, getting all the seaweed off his hair and and all the the seaweed off his hair and and all the the seaweed off his hair and and all the vomit from his Hawaiian t-shirt. vomit from his Hawaiian t-shirt. vomit from his Hawaiian t-shirt. He's the restored prophet in chapter 3 He's the restored prophet in chapter 3 He's the restored prophet in chapter 3 who finally obeys God. He finally who finally obeys God. He finally who finally obeys God. He finally understands that as a child of God, it's understands that as a child of God, it's understands that as a child of God, it's your responsibility to obey God, your responsibility to obey God, your responsibility to obey God, to show him your allegiance to show him your allegiance to show him your allegiance through the way you align your life to through the way you align your life to through the way you align your life to his purposes. [snorts] This is a great his purposes. [snorts] This is a great his purposes. [snorts] This is a great moment. Jonah's back. He's restored. moment. Jonah's back. He's restored. moment. Jonah's back. He's restored. He's obedient. He's obedient. He's obedient. Character cutout number two in this Character cutout number two in this Character cutout number two in this beautiful scene in Jonah chapter 3 are beautiful scene in Jonah chapter 3 are beautiful scene in Jonah chapter 3 are the nasty Ninevites. the nasty Ninevites. the nasty Ninevites. the nasty Ninevites that Juno wants the nasty Ninevites that Juno wants the nasty Ninevites that Juno wants nothing to do with. nothing to do with. nothing to do with. What a beautiful role they have to play What a beautiful role they have to play What a beautiful role they have to play here. We have some key issues that I here. We have some key issues that I here. We have some key issues that I believe are laid out here on the path of believe are laid out here on the path of believe are laid out here on the path of a national spiritual awakening.

a national spiritual awakening. a national spiritual awakening. A po a path that we want to take today, A po a path that we want to take today, A po a path that we want to take today, right? I want to make three observations right? I want to make three observations right? I want to make three observations as to what's going on there and then as to what's going on there and then as to what's going on there and then send you home with a few thoughts for send you home with a few thoughts for send you home with a few thoughts for you to chew on this week and apply to you to chew on this week and apply to you to chew on this week and apply to your life. So the first observation I is your life. So the first observation I is your life. So the first observation I is this God's word is proclaimed by God's this God's word is proclaimed by God's this God's word is proclaimed by God's servant. servant. servant. God's word is proclaimed by God's God's word is proclaimed by God's God's word is proclaimed by God's servant. God's truth must go into servant. God's truth must go into servant. God's truth must go into society for that society to have any society for that society to have any society for that society to have any opportunity to turn to God. opportunity to turn to God. opportunity to turn to God. Jonah takes truth to the Ninevite Jonah takes truth to the Ninevite Jonah takes truth to the Ninevite culture. He has to go there physically. culture. He has to go there physically. culture. He has to go there physically. Physically show up on their streets to Physically show up on their streets to Physically show up on their streets to tell them what God wants them to hear. tell them what God wants them to hear. tell them what God wants them to hear. That's God's way back then and today. Go That's God's way back then and today. Go That's God's way back then and today. Go there. Tell them. Look at Jonah 3:1. Now there. Tell them. Look at Jonah 3:1. Now there. Tell them. Look at Jonah 3:1. Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the the word of the Lord came to Jonah the the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, "Arise, go to second time, saying, "Arise, go to second time, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to it the proclamation which I am going to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you." So Jonah arose and went to tell you." So Jonah arose and went to tell you." So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the Nineveh according to the word of the Nineveh according to the word of the Lord.

Lord. Lord. We've looked at this already a little We've looked at this already a little We've looked at this already a little bit. God's servant finally obeys. And bit. God's servant finally obeys. And bit. God's servant finally obeys. And when God's servant is walking the path when God's servant is walking the path when God's servant is walking the path of obedience that comes from faith, of obedience that comes from faith, of obedience that comes from faith, when that faith is not disturbed, when that faith is not disturbed, when that faith is not disturbed, sabotaged by by sin in one's life, then sabotaged by by sin in one's life, then sabotaged by by sin in one's life, then he or she, that servant, proclaims he or she, that servant, proclaims he or she, that servant, proclaims truth. truth. truth. Proclaims truth. Proclaims God's message Proclaims truth. Proclaims God's message Proclaims truth. Proclaims God's message as God desires. Jonah takes truth to as God desires. Jonah takes truth to as God desires. Jonah takes truth to Nineveh. Nineveh. Nineveh. And this wasn't an easy call. And this wasn't an easy call. And this wasn't an easy call. This wasn't an easy commissioning. This wasn't an easy commissioning. This wasn't an easy commissioning. It was difficult. It always is It was difficult. It always is It was difficult. It always is difficult. difficult. difficult. Ease level is is is never a determiner Ease level is is is never a determiner Ease level is is is never a determiner of whether you go or don't go, whether of whether you go or don't go, whether of whether you go or don't go, whether you obey or don't obey. you obey or don't obey. you obey or don't obey. Look at verse three again. The second Look at verse three again. The second Look at verse three again. The second half. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly half. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly half. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three days walk. So this great city, a three days walk. So this great city, a three days walk. So this is difficult for Jonah. Difficult for is difficult for Jonah. Difficult for is difficult for Jonah. Difficult for Jonah given the size of this city Jonah given the size of this city Jonah given the size of this city according to this according to this according to this to just get around this this metroplex to just get around this this metroplex to just get around this this metroplex and and all of its suburbs once on foot and and all of its suburbs once on foot and and all of its suburbs once on foot with a short message took three days.

with a short message took three days. with a short message took three days. I I I don't know how he delivered the I I I don't know how he delivered the I I I don't know how he delivered the message. I I assume he spoke it, but he message. I I assume he spoke it, but he message. I I assume he spoke it, but he may also have had a little poster made may also have had a little poster made may also have had a little poster made that he wrapped around his shoulder like that he wrapped around his shoulder like that he wrapped around his shoulder like you see sometime in the streets and and you see sometime in the streets and and you see sometime in the streets and and announced it in written form. I don't announced it in written form. I don't announced it in written form. I don't know. He might have got a little Sharpie know. He might have got a little Sharpie know. He might have got a little Sharpie and a little blank poster and and and and a little blank poster and and and and a little blank poster and and and wrote the message out. It's just five wrote the message out. It's just five wrote the message out. It's just five words in the Hebrew and he presented it words in the Hebrew and he presented it words in the Hebrew and he presented it to people like like we used to get with to people like like we used to get with to people like like we used to get with John 3:16, right? in sporting arenas. John 3:16, right? in sporting arenas. John 3:16, right? in sporting arenas. 40 days in a metroplex that takes 3 days 40 days in a metroplex that takes 3 days 40 days in a metroplex that takes 3 days to to walk around because they don't to to walk around because they don't to to walk around because they don't have ebikes or or public transport would have ebikes or or public transport would have ebikes or or public transport would have been 13 times around Nineveh. have been 13 times around Nineveh. have been 13 times around Nineveh. This is a big city. This is a big call This is a big city. This is a big call This is a big city. This is a big call on his life. It's not easy. But on his life. It's not easy. But on his life. It's not easy. But remember, ease level is never a remember, ease level is never a remember, ease level is never a determiner of whether one goes or does determiner of whether one goes or does determiner of whether one goes or does not go, whether one obeys or does not not go, whether one obeys or does not not go, whether one obeys or does not obey. obey. obey. Difficult for Jonah, too, given the Difficult for Jonah, too, given the Difficult for Jonah, too, given the nastiness of that culture. It's very nastiness of that culture. It's very nastiness of that culture. It's very hard for you and I to understand how hard for you and I to understand how hard for you and I to understand how vile these people were.

vile these people were. vile these people were. I've already told you that the city was I've already told you that the city was I've already told you that the city was great as it relates to all the different great as it relates to all the different great as it relates to all the different spheres of human life for for a society spheres of human life for for a society spheres of human life for for a society back in the 8th century BC. They were back in the 8th century BC. They were back in the 8th century BC. They were pretty sophisticated. pretty sophisticated. pretty sophisticated. But it was also great in depravity. But it was also great in depravity. But it was also great in depravity. Remember hard hearts, violent people, Remember hard hearts, violent people, Remember hard hearts, violent people, arrogant people with no compassion for arrogant people with no compassion for arrogant people with no compassion for or mercy for anyone. When you entered or mercy for anyone. When you entered or mercy for anyone. When you entered into this city, you walked past their into this city, you walked past their into this city, you walked past their propaganda murals which announced to propaganda murals which announced to propaganda murals which announced to you, you better watch your step or you, you better watch your step or you, you better watch your step or you're going to end up having us do to you're going to end up having us do to you're going to end up having us do to you what we did to the guys in these you what we did to the guys in these you what we did to the guys in these pictures. pictures. pictures. You go to the British Museum in London, You go to the British Museum in London, You go to the British Museum in London, you can see those murals. They're very, you can see those murals. They're very, you can see those murals. They're very, very long and graphic. It's propaganda very long and graphic. It's propaganda very long and graphic. It's propaganda intended to put fear into you. intended to put fear into you. intended to put fear into you. Pick the sin and the Ninevites excelled Pick the sin and the Ninevites excelled Pick the sin and the Ninevites excelled in it. Experts in it, designed it. It is in it. Experts in it, designed it. It is in it. Experts in it, designed it. It is believed that that crucifixion actually believed that that crucifixion actually believed that that crucifixion actually is not Roman first. It's Persian is not Roman first. It's Persian is not Roman first. It's Persian Assyrian.

Assyrian. Assyrian. This was an ISIS type people, right? In This was an ISIS type people, right? In This was an ISIS type people, right? In in ISIS type territory back then. Very in ISIS type territory back then. Very in ISIS type territory back then. Very violent. So it was not easy for Jonah to violent. So it was not easy for Jonah to violent. So it was not easy for Jonah to go there. When you begin to understand go there. When you begin to understand go there. When you begin to understand who the Ninevites were, you begin to who the Ninevites were, you begin to who the Ninevites were, you begin to understand a little bit about why Jonah understand a little bit about why Jonah understand a little bit about why Jonah ran. ran. ran. Not easy to go there, but ease level Not easy to go there, but ease level Not easy to go there, but ease level isn't a determiner of whether one goes isn't a determiner of whether one goes isn't a determiner of whether one goes or does not go, whether one obeys or or does not go, whether one obeys or or does not go, whether one obeys or whether one does not obey. whether one does not obey. whether one does not obey. This was a tough assignment, but God did This was a tough assignment, but God did This was a tough assignment, but God did assign him to it. God did commission assign him to it. God did commission assign him to it. God did commission him. And so Jonah went and he proclaimed him. And so Jonah went and he proclaimed him. And so Jonah went and he proclaimed God's word in obedience. Look at verse God's word in obedience. Look at verse God's word in obedience. Look at verse four. Then Jonah began to go through the four. Then Jonah began to go through the four. Then Jonah began to go through the city. One day's walk and he cried out city. One day's walk and he cried out city. One day's walk and he cried out and he said, "Oort days and Nineveh will and he said, "Oort days and Nineveh will and he said, "Oort days and Nineveh will be overthrown." be overthrown." be overthrown." 40 days and Nineveh will be overthrown. 40 days and Nineveh will be overthrown. 40 days and Nineveh will be overthrown. I told you that the number 40 in the I told you that the number 40 in the I told you that the number 40 in the scriptures often speaks of a time period scriptures often speaks of a time period scriptures often speaks of a time period for proper testing from God.

for proper testing from God. for proper testing from God. A a set time period where where God is A a set time period where where God is A a set time period where where God is testing an individual and watching that testing an individual and watching that testing an individual and watching that individual to see how they respond individual to see how they respond individual to see how they respond inside of that 40 time period. It's not inside of that 40 time period. It's not inside of that 40 time period. It's not always days. Sometimes it's years. Like always days. Sometimes it's years. Like always days. Sometimes it's years. Like the Israelites, the first generation of the Israelites, the first generation of the Israelites, the first generation of Israelites who exited out of Egypt, they Israelites who exited out of Egypt, they Israelites who exited out of Egypt, they end up in the desert in the wilderness end up in the desert in the wilderness end up in the desert in the wilderness for 40 years being what? Tested by God. for 40 years being what? Tested by God. for 40 years being what? Tested by God. God's watching them. God is going to see God's watching them. God is going to see God's watching them. God is going to see whether these people are going to align whether these people are going to align whether these people are going to align their lives to his purposes. And of their lives to his purposes. And of their lives to his purposes. And of course, we know that the first course, we know that the first course, we know that the first generation of Israelites failed generation of Israelites failed generation of Israelites failed miserably. Saul, King Saul, is under 40 days of Saul, King Saul, is under 40 days of taunting from Goliath. Why? Because God taunting from Goliath. Why? Because God taunting from Goliath. Why? Because God is testing Saul, watching him to see how is testing Saul, watching him to see how is testing Saul, watching him to see how he will respond, to see whether Saul he will respond, to see whether Saul he will respond, to see whether Saul will turn to God. Will he whether he will turn to God. Will he whether he will turn to God. Will he whether he will trust God will trust God will trust God in the face of what seems to be a in the face of what seems to be a in the face of what seems to be a mightier army.

mightier army. mightier army. It's why Jesus is sent by the spirit of It's why Jesus is sent by the spirit of It's why Jesus is sent by the spirit of God into the wilderness to be tested for God into the wilderness to be tested for God into the wilderness to be tested for 40 days. 40 days. 40 days. In his humanity, In his humanity, In his humanity, Jesus is being tested to see if he will Jesus is being tested to see if he will Jesus is being tested to see if he will submit to the will of God despite submit to the will of God despite submit to the will of God despite alternative options alternative options alternative options to see whether in his humanity he will to see whether in his humanity he will to see whether in his humanity he will be qualified to be you and my be qualified to be you and my be qualified to be you and my representative. [snorts] And he representative. [snorts] And he representative. [snorts] And he succeeds. succeeds. succeeds. He obeys He obeys He obeys despite what Satan throws at him. despite what Satan throws at him. despite what Satan throws at him. So 40 days and Nineveh will be So 40 days and Nineveh will be So 40 days and Nineveh will be overthrown, will be destroyed. It's a overthrown, will be destroyed. It's a overthrown, will be destroyed. It's a period of testing. What are you going to period of testing. What are you going to period of testing. What are you going to do, Nineveh? In light of that truth do, Nineveh? In light of that truth do, Nineveh? In light of that truth that's coming your way. And the sermon that's coming your way. And the sermon that's coming your way. And the sermon reads like judgment, right? Overthrown reads like judgment, right? Overthrown reads like judgment, right? Overthrown or destroyed is military language. It's or destroyed is military language. It's or destroyed is military language. It's used of military destruction in the Old used of military destruction in the Old used of military destruction in the Old Testament scriptures, but it's also a Testament scriptures, but it's also a Testament scriptures, but it's also a word that's used of direct divine word that's used of direct divine word that's used of direct divine intervention, direct divine judgment, intervention, direct divine judgment, intervention, direct divine judgment, for example, in the incident of Sodom for example, in the incident of Sodom for example, in the incident of Sodom and Gomorrah in in the book of Genesis.

and Gomorrah in in the book of Genesis. and Gomorrah in in the book of Genesis. Either way, the message is you're done Either way, the message is you're done Either way, the message is you're done in 40 days. in 40 days. in 40 days. But built into that message is an But built into that message is an But built into that message is an implied condition. implied condition. implied condition. Built into that message is an Built into that message is an Built into that message is an invitation. invitation. invitation. There's a period of time so that the There's a period of time so that the There's a period of time so that the people respond so that they avert God's people respond so that they avert God's people respond so that they avert God's judgment as it were. judgment as it were. judgment as it were. This is how God works. He gives people This is how God works. He gives people This is how God works. He gives people an opportunity to avert what he has said an opportunity to avert what he has said an opportunity to avert what he has said he's going to do to them if they don't he's going to do to them if they don't he's going to do to them if they don't change their ways. In fact, I the book change their ways. In fact, I the book change their ways. In fact, I the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah has a of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah has a of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah has a a conversation with God. Jeremiah comes a conversation with God. Jeremiah comes a conversation with God. Jeremiah comes a little after Jonah, but it's the same a little after Jonah, but it's the same a little after Jonah, but it's the same God. And here's what God says to God. And here's what God says to God. And here's what God says to Jeremiah. He says this. There are times, Jeremiah. He says this. There are times, Jeremiah. He says this. There are times, Jeremiah, when I, that's God, threaten Jeremiah, when I, that's God, threaten Jeremiah, when I, that's God, threaten to uproot, tear down, and destroy a to uproot, tear down, and destroy a to uproot, tear down, and destroy a nation or a kingdom. But nation or a kingdom. But nation or a kingdom. But if that nation I threatened stops doing if that nation I threatened stops doing if that nation I threatened stops doing wrong, I will cancel the destruction I wrong, I will cancel the destruction I wrong, I will cancel the destruction I intended to do to it.

intended to do to it. intended to do to it. And there are times, Jeremiah, when I And there are times, Jeremiah, when I And there are times, Jeremiah, when I promise to build up and establish a promise to build up and establish a promise to build up and establish a nation or a kingdom, but if that nation nation or a kingdom, but if that nation nation or a kingdom, but if that nation does what displeases me and does not does what displeases me and does not does what displeases me and does not obey me, then I will cancel the good I obey me, then I will cancel the good I obey me, then I will cancel the good I promise to do that. promise to do that. promise to do that. What God is essentially saying is, I can What God is essentially saying is, I can What God is essentially saying is, I can do whatever I want. do whatever I want. do whatever I want. I can do whatever I want. That that's I can do whatever I want. That that's I can do whatever I want. That that's that's up to God. Of course, he can. He that's up to God. Of course, he can. He that's up to God. Of course, he can. He tells them what he will do. But built tells them what he will do. But built tells them what he will do. But built into that is the opportunity for him not into that is the opportunity for him not into that is the opportunity for him not to do that. If they respond, to do that. If they respond, to do that. If they respond, if they take the grace of 40 days of if they take the grace of 40 days of if they take the grace of 40 days of testing and turn testing and turn testing and turn our role, friends, like like Jonah's our role, friends, like like Jonah's our role, friends, like like Jonah's role here in God's purposes is simply to role here in God's purposes is simply to role here in God's purposes is simply to go to go into society and make sure that go to go into society and make sure that go to go into society and make sure that that society knows God's truth, God's that society knows God's truth, God's that society knows God's truth, God's message. message. message. That's an important part of of the That's an important part of of the That's an important part of of the pathway to national spiritual awakening.

pathway to national spiritual awakening. pathway to national spiritual awakening. It cannot happen without truth being It cannot happen without truth being It cannot happen without truth being proclaimed proclaimed proclaimed to your neighbors to your neighbors to your neighbors across all of our cities, over all our across all of our cities, over all our across all of our cities, over all our states, and across all the land by us, states, and across all the land by us, states, and across all the land by us, his servants. [snorts] his servants. [snorts] his servants. [snorts] Secondly, a very important path or part Secondly, a very important path or part Secondly, a very important path or part of the path is evident here too in this of the path is evident here too in this of the path is evident here too in this little scene and I've articulated it little scene and I've articulated it little scene and I've articulated it this way. A nation is convicted by truth this way. A nation is convicted by truth this way. A nation is convicted by truth and can fully repent. Conviction has to and can fully repent. Conviction has to and can fully repent. Conviction has to come. A nation can't bypass conviction. come. A nation can't bypass conviction. come. A nation can't bypass conviction. Can't bypass conviction. A nation is Can't bypass conviction. A nation is Can't bypass conviction. A nation is convicted by truth when that truth is convicted by truth when that truth is convicted by truth when that truth is presented to that nation. and as a presented to that nation. and as a presented to that nation. and as a result has the opportunity to repent. result has the opportunity to repent. result has the opportunity to repent. Full conviction must come Full conviction must come Full conviction must come when exposed to truth. Recognizing sin when exposed to truth. Recognizing sin when exposed to truth. Recognizing sin as sin. Recognizing wrongdoing a as the as sin. Recognizing wrongdoing a as the as sin. Recognizing wrongdoing a as the rebellion that it is is essential. It's rebellion that it is is essential. It's rebellion that it is is essential. It's a must component of anyone or any a must component of anyone or any a must component of anyone or any society really turning back to God. You society really turning back to God. You society really turning back to God. You can't be saved unless you recognize can't be saved unless you recognize can't be saved unless you recognize you're lost.

And any word I in in And any word I in in the mouth of God's servants in the hands the mouth of God's servants in the hands the mouth of God's servants in the hands of the Holy Spirit is able to be used by of the Holy Spirit is able to be used by of the Holy Spirit is able to be used by God to convict a people to turn back to God to convict a people to turn back to God to convict a people to turn back to him. Even a short message like the one him. Even a short message like the one him. Even a short message like the one Jonah delivers here, Jonah delivers here, Jonah delivers here, 40 days 40 days 40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed. God can and Nineveh will be destroyed. God can and Nineveh will be destroyed. God can take that and change a nation. take that and change a nation. take that and change a nation. I mentioned the awakening that occurred I mentioned the awakening that occurred I mentioned the awakening that occurred in Northern Ireland in the late 1800s, in Northern Ireland in the late 1800s, in Northern Ireland in the late 1800s, but but take the great awakening in but but take the great awakening in but but take the great awakening in colonial America here a few centuries colonial America here a few centuries colonial America here a few centuries back. Men like like George Whitfield, back. Men like like George Whitfield, back. Men like like George Whitfield, men like like Jonathan Edwards who men like like Jonathan Edwards who men like like Jonathan Edwards who confronted people with sin with sin with confronted people with sin with sin with confronted people with sin with sin with wrongdoing. wrongdoing. wrongdoing. The message from God was that you're The message from God was that you're The message from God was that you're lost in sin. that that resounded loud lost in sin. that that resounded loud lost in sin. that that resounded loud and clear on these shores many centuries and clear on these shores many centuries and clear on these shores many centuries ago. They didn't edit God's message. ago. They didn't edit God's message. ago. They didn't edit God's message. They didn't scrub it clean to make it They didn't scrub it clean to make it They didn't scrub it clean to make it more seeker sensitive and appealing to more seeker sensitive and appealing to more seeker sensitive and appealing to the to the ears of their audience. There the to the ears of their audience. There the to the ears of their audience. There was no ear tickling, just raw truth, was no ear tickling, just raw truth, was no ear tickling, just raw truth, even if it's uncomfortable.

even if it's uncomfortable. even if it's uncomfortable. God used that to what? To convict people God used that to what? To convict people God used that to what? To convict people of their need to turn to God, of their need to turn to God, of their need to turn to God, of their lostness. In fact, America's of their lostness. In fact, America's of their lostness. In fact, America's most famous sermon, historically most famous sermon, historically most famous sermon, historically speaking, was preached by America's most speaking, was preached by America's most speaking, was preached by America's most famous preacher, Jonathan Edwards, and famous preacher, Jonathan Edwards, and famous preacher, Jonathan Edwards, and it was a turn or burn message. it was a turn or burn message. it was a turn or burn message. It's entitled Sinners in the Hands of an It's entitled Sinners in the Hands of an It's entitled Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Angry God. Angry God. And people shrieked in the congregation, And people shrieked in the congregation, And people shrieked in the congregation, cried out as he preached it for God to cried out as he preached it for God to cried out as he preached it for God to save them. He wasn't being cruel. He was save them. He wasn't being cruel. He was save them. He wasn't being cruel. He was being kind. being kind. being kind. It was an invitation to repent. It was an invitation to repent. It was an invitation to repent. Repentance, it cannot be bypassed if you Repentance, it cannot be bypassed if you Repentance, it cannot be bypassed if you want life with God God's way. It was an want life with God God's way. It was an want life with God God's way. It was an invitation for people to turn invitation for people to turn invitation for people to turn to turn to Jesus with with full to turn to Jesus with with full to turn to Jesus with with full confession of sin confession of sin confession of sin in order to receive forgiveness in order to receive forgiveness in order to receive forgiveness by faith. When the Ninevites heard by faith. When the Ninevites heard by faith. When the Ninevites heard Jonah's turn or burn message here, look Jonah's turn or burn message here, look Jonah's turn or burn message here, look what happened. Verse 5.

what happened. Verse 5. what happened. Verse 5. Verse 5 gives us the summary of their Verse 5 gives us the summary of their Verse 5 gives us the summary of their response. Verses 6-9 then just peels response. Verses 6-9 then just peels response. Verses 6-9 then just peels that open for us a little bit more with that open for us a little bit more with that open for us a little bit more with detail. Verse 5 is is one of my favorite detail. Verse 5 is is one of my favorite detail. Verse 5 is is one of my favorite verses in this story. One of the great verses in this story. One of the great verses in this story. One of the great verses in the Bible. Then the people of verses in the Bible. Then the people of verses in the Bible. Then the people of Nineveh Nineveh Nineveh believed in God. The nasty Ninevites believed in God. The nasty Ninevites believed in God. The nasty Ninevites believed in God. That's remarkable. This believed in God. That's remarkable. This believed in God. That's remarkable. This is their a hogill moment. is their a hogill moment. is their a hogill moment. What did they do? They called a fast and What did they do? They called a fast and What did they do? They called a fast and they put on sackcloth from the greatest they put on sackcloth from the greatest they put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. to the least of them. to the least of them. They believed. They believed. They believed. That's faith. That's faith. That's faith. Then they behaved. That's obedience that Then they behaved. That's obedience that Then they behaved. That's obedience that comes from faith. comes from faith. comes from faith. Verses 6 to9 just fills that response Verses 6 to9 just fills that response Verses 6 to9 just fills that response out, as I said, with a little bit more out, as I said, with a little bit more out, as I said, with a little bit more detailed. detailed. detailed. Look at verse 6. When the word reached Look at verse 6. When the word reached Look at verse 6. When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his the king of Nineveh, he arose from his the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne. He laid aside his robe from him, throne. He laid aside his robe from him, throne. He laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth, and he covered himself with sackcloth, and he covered himself with sackcloth, and he sat on the ashes.

sat on the ashes. sat on the ashes. Basically, the king who we know from Basically, the king who we know from Basically, the king who we know from historical records is probably Asher Dan historical records is probably Asher Dan historical records is probably Asher Dan III III III personally expresses his turning to God personally expresses his turning to God personally expresses his turning to God in what would have been a culturally in what would have been a culturally in what would have been a culturally significant manner of expressing that. significant manner of expressing that. significant manner of expressing that. He he tears his robes and he sits He he tears his robes and he sits He he tears his robes and he sits wearing sackloth on top of ashes. wearing sackloth on top of ashes. wearing sackloth on top of ashes. Then he sends out an ancient tweet. Then he sends out an ancient tweet. Then he sends out an ancient tweet. Verse 7, he issued a proclamation Verse 7, he issued a proclamation Verse 7, he issued a proclamation and it said this in Nineveh by the and it said this in Nineveh by the and it said this in Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles. Do decree of the king and his nobles. Do decree of the king and his nobles. Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste anything. Do not let them eat or drink anything. Do not let them eat or drink anything. Do not let them eat or drink water. Both man and beast must be water. Both man and beast must be water. Both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth. And let men call covered with sackcloth. And let men call covered with sackcloth. And let men call on God earnestly, that each may turn on God earnestly, that each may turn on God earnestly, that each may turn from his wicked way and from the from his wicked way and from the from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. Who violence which is in his hands. Who violence which is in his hands. Who knows?

knows? knows? God may turn and relent and withdraw his God may turn and relent and withdraw his God may turn and relent and withdraw his burning anger so that we will not burning anger so that we will not burning anger so that we will not perish. This response is every preacher's dream This response is every preacher's dream response response response that those who are spiritually snoring that those who are spiritually snoring that those who are spiritually snoring before him would wake up and respond. before him would wake up and respond. before him would wake up and respond. Here we have the personal repentance of Here we have the personal repentance of Here we have the personal repentance of the king followed by the call for the king followed by the call for the king followed by the call for national repentance top to bottom. national repentance top to bottom. national repentance top to bottom. So that the entire culture can can So that the entire culture can can So that the entire culture can can physically show God externally through physically show God externally through physically show God externally through their behavior the extent of the turning their behavior the extent of the turning their behavior the extent of the turning and the depth of the sorrow in their and the depth of the sorrow in their and the depth of the sorrow in their hearts. hearts. hearts. He calls for even donkeys and cows and He calls for even donkeys and cows and He calls for even donkeys and cows and goats and I don't know their chihuahua goats and I don't know their chihuahua goats and I don't know their chihuahua to express repentance too. Let's get to express repentance too. Let's get to express repentance too. Let's get even our animals fasting so that the even our animals fasting so that the even our animals fasting so that the rumbling of their little hungry tummies rumbling of their little hungry tummies rumbling of their little hungry tummies will add to the noise that is raised up will add to the noise that is raised up will add to the noise that is raised up to the heavens as a cry before God that to the heavens as a cry before God that to the heavens as a cry before God that says, "Forgive us.

says, "Forgive us. says, "Forgive us. Forgive us. Forgive us. Forgive us. We're sorry. We turn to you. We believe. We're sorry. We turn to you. We believe. We're sorry. We turn to you. We believe. So all turn to God. Greatest to the So all turn to God. Greatest to the So all turn to God. Greatest to the least. This is a great awakening of the least. This is a great awakening of the least. This is a great awakening of the most vilest of people and cultures that most vilest of people and cultures that most vilest of people and cultures that has ever walked the planet. has ever walked the planet. has ever walked the planet. That has happened. That has happened. That has happened. But don't miss the basics. The spiritual But don't miss the basics. The spiritual But don't miss the basics. The spiritual awakening occurred across that culture awakening occurred across that culture awakening occurred across that culture because God's man finally obeyed and because God's man finally obeyed and because God's man finally obeyed and went where God told him to go and spoke went where God told him to go and spoke went where God told him to go and spoke God's truth into that culture on some God's truth into that culture on some God's truth into that culture on some street corner for 40 days. street corner for 40 days. street corner for 40 days. Just over a month Just over a month Just over a month is what can happen when God's people is what can happen when God's people is what can happen when God's people just do what God calls them to do. just do what God calls them to do. just do what God calls them to do. When we reach out into our neighborhoods When we reach out into our neighborhoods When we reach out into our neighborhoods with truth, when we extend to them with truth, when we extend to them with truth, when we extend to them kindness, the opportunity to repent, to kindness, the opportunity to repent, to kindness, the opportunity to repent, to turn to God, when we do that, God might turn to God, when we do that, God might turn to God, when we do that, God might save.

save. save. God might actually save. I love verse God might actually save. I love verse God might actually save. I love verse five. five. five. The people of Nineveh believed God. The people of Nineveh believed God. The people of Nineveh believed God. I read that with my prayer that the I read that with my prayer that the I read that with my prayer that the people of the USA would believe God. people of the USA would believe God. people of the USA would believe God. I want to live toward verse five. I want to live toward verse five. I want to live toward verse five. I want us to live toward verse five. I I want us to live toward verse five. I I want us to live toward verse five. I want you to live toward verse five this want you to live toward verse five this want you to live toward verse five this week. Third key observation on this week. Third key observation on this week. Third key observation on this revival path is this. God relents from revival path is this. God relents from revival path is this. God relents from deserved deserved deserved national judgment. God's willing to do national judgment. God's willing to do national judgment. God's willing to do that. God is willing to relent from what that. God is willing to relent from what that. God is willing to relent from what we deserve, from giving us judgment, we deserve, from giving us judgment, we deserve, from giving us judgment, national judgment. God is willing to not national judgment. God is willing to not national judgment. God is willing to not do what he said he would do if he sees a do what he said he would do if he sees a do what he said he would do if he sees a true genuine turn. true genuine turn. true genuine turn. Look at verse 10. Look at verse 10. Look at verse 10. Another favorite verse really. When God Another favorite verse really. When God Another favorite verse really. When God saw their deeds saw their deeds saw their deeds that they turned from their wicked way, that they turned from their wicked way, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the then God relented concerning the then God relented concerning the calamity which he had declared he would calamity which he had declared he would calamity which he had declared he would bring upon them. And he did not do it.

bring upon them. And he did not do it. bring upon them. And he did not do it. God did watch those 40 days. God did watch those 40 days. God did watch those 40 days. God watched. He saw what they did those God watched. He saw what they did those God watched. He saw what they did those 40 days of testing. He observed their 40 days of testing. He observed their 40 days of testing. He observed their behavior. He interpreted rightly their behavior. He interpreted rightly their behavior. He interpreted rightly their behavior as an expression of their behavior as an expression of their behavior as an expression of their heart. Your behavior is always an heart. Your behavior is always an heart. Your behavior is always an expression of your heart. Show me your expression of your heart. Show me your expression of your heart. Show me your living and I'll tell you what you truly living and I'll tell you what you truly living and I'll tell you what you truly believe. Here we have proof of their belief. God Here we have proof of their belief. God saw the extent of it. Their faith turn. saw the extent of it. Their faith turn. saw the extent of it. Their faith turn. Even their goats and donkeys and Even their goats and donkeys and Even their goats and donkeys and Chihuahua are involved. Chihuahua are involved. Chihuahua are involved. God's attentive. God is still attentive. God's attentive. God is still attentive. God's attentive. God is still attentive. God is looking for just a sniff of an God is looking for just a sniff of an God is looking for just a sniff of an opportunity to be kind and to be opportunity to be kind and to be opportunity to be kind and to be compassionate and to extend the compassionate and to extend the compassionate and to extend the salvation that belongs to him to anyone salvation that belongs to him to anyone salvation that belongs to him to anyone who would turn to him in faith. who would turn to him in faith. who would turn to him in faith. Remember in chapter 1 when Jonah was Remember in chapter 1 when Jonah was Remember in chapter 1 when Jonah was called to go to Nineveh it God said to called to go to Nineveh it God said to called to go to Nineveh it God said to Junah because their wickedness has come Junah because their wickedness has come Junah because their wickedness has come up before me and and the language there up before me and and the language there up before me and and the language there is essentially that that they stink.

is essentially that that they stink. is essentially that that they stink. They smell. They smell so bad that it's They smell. They smell so bad that it's They smell. They smell so bad that it's a horrible waft that has come up into my a horrible waft that has come up into my a horrible waft that has come up into my face. face. face. The language here kind of speaks of of The language here kind of speaks of of The language here kind of speaks of of the noise that's coming up before God the noise that's coming up before God the noise that's coming up before God now into his ears. now into his ears. now into his ears. The beautiful sound of repentance of The beautiful sound of repentance of The beautiful sound of repentance of people crying out to God in faith. people crying out to God in faith. people crying out to God in faith. So God relented. So God relented. So God relented. The word here conotes compassion. And The word here conotes compassion. And The word here conotes compassion. And God took compassion on them. God took compassion on them. God took compassion on them. God doesn't just give a a prodigal God doesn't just give a a prodigal God doesn't just give a a prodigal prophet a second chance to get back with prophet a second chance to get back with prophet a second chance to get back with God. God gives the vilest of people an God. God gives the vilest of people an God. God gives the vilest of people an opportunity to get right with God before opportunity to get right with God before opportunity to get right with God before it's too late if they take the it's too late if they take the it's too late if they take the opportunity that's given to them. And opportunity that's given to them. And opportunity that's given to them. And they did they did they did because salvation belongs to God. And because salvation belongs to God. And because salvation belongs to God. And and truly turning to him is the pathway and truly turning to him is the pathway and truly turning to him is the pathway to receiving it. He wants to offer it. to receiving it. He wants to offer it. to receiving it. He wants to offer it. And that's still true.

And that's still true. And that's still true. When any nation repents, when any nation When any nation repents, when any nation When any nation repents, when any nation truly turns to God, God relents from truly turns to God, God relents from truly turns to God, God relents from sending judgment upon that nation. And sending judgment upon that nation. And sending judgment upon that nation. And the opposite occurs. God blesses them. the opposite occurs. God blesses them. the opposite occurs. God blesses them. God saves. God saves. God saves. So that's character cutout number two. So that's character cutout number two. So that's character cutout number two. In this great scene of Jonah chapter 3, In this great scene of Jonah chapter 3, In this great scene of Jonah chapter 3, the nasty Ninevites turn to God for the nasty Ninevites turn to God for the nasty Ninevites turn to God for salvation. It's as simple as that. salvation. It's as simple as that. salvation. It's as simple as that. The nasty Ninevites, who would have The nasty Ninevites, who would have The nasty Ninevites, who would have thought that they would ever become part thought that they would ever become part thought that they would ever become part of the people of God. of the people of God. of the people of God. And they do because they turn to God. And they do because they turn to God. And they do because they turn to God. And when they turn to God, they receive And when they turn to God, they receive And when they turn to God, they receive God's salvation. They become like like God's salvation. They become like like God's salvation. They become like like the sailors that we read about in the sailors that we read about in the sailors that we read about in chapter 1. Who would have thought? chapter 1. Who would have thought? chapter 1. Who would have thought? I remember the image of this little I remember the image of this little I remember the image of this little character cutout group on the flannel character cutout group on the flannel character cutout group on the flannel graph board of my little Sunday school graph board of my little Sunday school graph board of my little Sunday school class in Spain many years ago.

class in Spain many years ago. class in Spain many years ago. A whole crowd of them smiling with their A whole crowd of them smiling with their A whole crowd of them smiling with their little hands raised up to God in praise. little hands raised up to God in praise. little hands raised up to God in praise. It's a beautiful little memory. It's It's a beautiful little memory. It's It's a beautiful little memory. It's what can happen what can happen what can happen to anyone and to any nation who truly to anyone and to any nation who truly to anyone and to any nation who truly turns to God in faith. turns to God in faith. turns to God in faith. So, back to the [snorts] question, what So, back to the [snorts] question, what So, back to the [snorts] question, what would be involved in another great would be involved in another great would be involved in another great awakening across our land? awakening across our land? awakening across our land? We don't have a formula here that We don't have a formula here that We don't have a formula here that guarantees this will occur. That's up to guarantees this will occur. That's up to guarantees this will occur. That's up to God. But, but we do have some issues God. But, but we do have some issues God. But, but we do have some issues laid out here that I want you to take to laid out here that I want you to take to laid out here that I want you to take to the bank. Two issues that I don't want the bank. Two issues that I don't want the bank. Two issues that I don't want you to forget. I want you to find a park you to forget. I want you to find a park you to forget. I want you to find a park bench somewhere in your neighborhood and bench somewhere in your neighborhood and bench somewhere in your neighborhood and maybe sit there this week in your maybe sit there this week in your maybe sit there this week in your neighborhood and think about these two neighborhood and think about these two neighborhood and think about these two truths. Chew on them for a while. The truths. Chew on them for a while. The truths. Chew on them for a while. The first one is this. Spiritual revival is first one is this. Spiritual revival is first one is this. Spiritual revival is of God. And God desires to revive. of God. And God desires to revive. of God. And God desires to revive. God desires to revive. Spiritual revival God desires to revive. Spiritual revival God desires to revive. Spiritual revival in that neighborhood, in our cities, in in that neighborhood, in our cities, in in that neighborhood, in our cities, in our state of Texas, even in California, our state of Texas, even in California, our state of Texas, even in California, across the whole of the United States, across the whole of the United States, across the whole of the United States, is possible. God wants to do that.

is possible. God wants to do that. is possible. God wants to do that. Revival is his doing. Yes, he wants to Revival is his doing. Yes, he wants to Revival is his doing. Yes, he wants to save. But too many Christians live as save. But too many Christians live as save. But too many Christians live as though that's something that God used to though that's something that God used to though that's something that God used to do. God doesn't do that anymore. do. God doesn't do that anymore. do. God doesn't do that anymore. That's what other generations That's what other generations That's what other generations experienced. experienced. experienced. And I'm here to tell you that he does And I'm here to tell you that he does And I'm here to tell you that he does still do that. And he wants to still do still do that. And he wants to still do still do that. And he wants to still do that. that. that. He's the one who called Jonah. He's the He's the one who called Jonah. He's the He's the one who called Jonah. He's the one who went after Jonah when he was one who went after Jonah when he was one who went after Jonah when he was rebellious. He's the one who sent the rebellious. He's the one who sent the rebellious. He's the one who sent the storm to Jonah to get him. He's the one storm to Jonah to get him. He's the one storm to Jonah to get him. He's the one who sent the fish to swallow him up and who sent the fish to swallow him up and who sent the fish to swallow him up and then to spit him back out onto the then to spit him back out onto the then to spit him back out onto the beach. He [snorts] even wrote Jonah's beach. He [snorts] even wrote Jonah's beach. He [snorts] even wrote Jonah's sermon to deliver to the Ninevites. Why? sermon to deliver to the Ninevites. Why? sermon to deliver to the Ninevites. Why? Because he wants to save the Ninevites. Because he wants to save the Ninevites. Because he wants to save the Ninevites. God wants to save. Salvation is his and God wants to save. Salvation is his and God wants to save. Salvation is his and he wants to grant it to those who would he wants to grant it to those who would he wants to grant it to those who would believe. believe. believe. God doesn't just want stories of God doesn't just want stories of God doesn't just want stories of Ninevites coming to Christ and and and Ninevites coming to Christ and and and Ninevites coming to Christ and and and the people of a hogill 150 years filling the people of a hogill 150 years filling the people of a hogill 150 years filling the churches coming to Christ and and the churches coming to Christ and and the churches coming to Christ and and drunkards of Brockshane coming to drunkards of Brockshane coming to drunkards of Brockshane coming to Christ. There's still history to be Christ. There's still history to be Christ. There's still history to be told.

told. told. He wants new 21st century stories right He wants new 21st century stories right He wants new 21st century stories right here of the work that he can do in a here of the work that he can do in a here of the work that he can do in a life and among a people. life and among a people. life and among a people. I can't guarantee that we'll get indoor I can't guarantee that we'll get indoor I can't guarantee that we'll get indoor rain. rain. rain. But whatever the stories are of God's But whatever the stories are of God's But whatever the stories are of God's involved, they will be remarkable involved, they will be remarkable involved, they will be remarkable and they can be a testament that that we and they can be a testament that that we and they can be a testament that that we can pass on to the next generation so can pass on to the next generation so can pass on to the next generation so that they learn to walk with God, too. that they learn to walk with God, too. that they learn to walk with God, too. The awakening of a nation is of God and The awakening of a nation is of God and The awakening of a nation is of God and he desires to save. Don't ever forget he desires to save. Don't ever forget he desires to save. Don't ever forget that. Don't ever forget that God wants that. Don't ever forget that God wants that. Don't ever forget that God wants to save your neighborhood. to save your neighborhood. to save your neighborhood. God wants to save a hogill. God wants to God wants to save a hogill. God wants to God wants to save a hogill. God wants to save DFW. God wants to save the 469 kids save DFW. God wants to save the 469 kids save DFW. God wants to save the 469 kids who are coming to this church this week who are coming to this church this week who are coming to this church this week and their cousins and their moms and and their cousins and their moms and and their cousins and their moms and dads and their neighbors. dads and their neighbors. dads and their neighbors. Salvation is still available. It's not Salvation is still available. It's not Salvation is still available. It's not just a story of God's past work. It's just a story of God's past work. It's just a story of God's past work. It's the story of God still willing to do. So the story of God still willing to do. So the story of God still willing to do. So don't read Jonah chapter 3 as a don't read Jonah chapter 3 as a don't read Jonah chapter 3 as a historical record of God's past historical record of God's past historical record of God's past activities.

activities. activities. read it as God's statement of future read it as God's statement of future read it as God's statement of future intent intent intent that America's best days with God can that America's best days with God can that America's best days with God can still be in the future if America walks still be in the future if America walks still be in the future if America walks with God. with God. with God. But that but that can only happen if the But that but that can only happen if the But that but that can only happen if the church lives toward that truth. church lives toward that truth. church lives toward that truth. Spiritual revival is of God and God Spiritual revival is of God and God Spiritual revival is of God and God desires to revive to save to awaken a desires to revive to save to awaken a desires to revive to save to awaken a people. people. people. Now, while we can't conjure up a revival Now, while we can't conjure up a revival Now, while we can't conjure up a revival ourselves, that is of God, he in his ourselves, that is of God, he in his ourselves, that is of God, he in his divine divine divine will and mystery has chosen has chosen will and mystery has chosen has chosen will and mystery has chosen has chosen to operate through you, to operate through you, to operate through you, through me, through me, through me, and through us. and through us. and through us. There's a massive responsibility that There's a massive responsibility that There's a massive responsibility that lies on your shoulders as it relates to lies on your shoulders as it relates to lies on your shoulders as it relates to what happens out there in the society. what happens out there in the society. what happens out there in the society. God chose to use Jonah. God wanted Jonah God chose to use Jonah. God wanted Jonah God chose to use Jonah. God wanted Jonah to show up on the streets of Nineveh and to show up on the streets of Nineveh and to show up on the streets of Nineveh and to walk those neighborhoods and to speak to walk those neighborhoods and to speak to walk those neighborhoods and to speak real words.

real words. real words. So thought number two as you drive in So thought number two as you drive in So thought number two as you drive in and out of your neighborhood this week and out of your neighborhood this week and out of your neighborhood this week or sit in a park bench and pray is this. or sit in a park bench and pray is this. or sit in a park bench and pray is this. Don't forget it. In the revival of a Don't forget it. In the revival of a Don't forget it. In the revival of a nation, God involves you in your nation, God involves you in your nation, God involves you in your neighborhood. neighborhood. neighborhood. In the revival of a nation, God involves In the revival of a nation, God involves In the revival of a nation, God involves you in your neighborhood. you in your neighborhood. you in your neighborhood. It doesn't depend on you, It doesn't depend on you, It doesn't depend on you, but what God wants to do in your street but what God wants to do in your street but what God wants to do in your street involves you by his sovereign choice. involves you by his sovereign choice. involves you by his sovereign choice. I love how St. Augustine in in the fifth I love how St. Augustine in in the fifth I love how St. Augustine in in the fifth century or so said it. He said this, century or so said it. He said this, century or so said it. He said this, "Without God, we cannot, "Without God, we cannot, "Without God, we cannot, but without us, he will not." but without us, he will not." but without us, he will not." That's very well said if you think about That's very well said if you think about That's very well said if you think about it. Without God, we cannot. Without God, it. Without God, we cannot. Without God, it. Without God, we cannot. Without God, we can't do anything. But in God's we can't do anything. But in God's we can't do anything. But in God's sovereign choice, without us, the sovereign choice, without us, the sovereign choice, without us, the church, he will not. He will not. church, he will not. He will not. church, he will not. He will not. God has chosen to reach your God has chosen to reach your God has chosen to reach your neighborhood through the believers in neighborhood through the believers in neighborhood through the believers in that neighborhood.

Listen, God wants to make America his Listen, God wants to make America his again. I have no doubt about it. again. I have no doubt about it. again. I have no doubt about it. We're all worried about what we see We're all worried about what we see We're all worried about what we see happening in our society around us. I'm happening in our society around us. I'm happening in our society around us. I'm aware of what's happening. I'm aware aware of what's happening. I'm aware aware of what's happening. I'm aware that Islam is on the rise. that Islam is on the rise. that Islam is on the rise. I've seen it eat up my mother country. I've seen it eat up my mother country. I've seen it eat up my mother country. I'm aware that that postmodern I'm aware that that postmodern I'm aware that that postmodern Marxistfueled Marxistfueled Marxistfueled secularism is on the rise, too. Listen, secularism is on the rise, too. Listen, secularism is on the rise, too. Listen, USA was playing soccer yesterday against USA was playing soccer yesterday against USA was playing soccer yesterday against uh Germany uh Germany uh Germany and USA were the ones that had on their and USA were the ones that had on their and USA were the ones that had on their t-shirts the rainbow colors. t-shirts the rainbow colors. t-shirts the rainbow colors. This country, how how did how did the USA become how how did how did the USA become Ninevehike Ninevehike Ninevehike in their vileeness toward God? in their vileeness toward God? in their vileeness toward God? And while we do our best as responsible And while we do our best as responsible And while we do our best as responsible citizens to to petition our elected citizens to to petition our elected citizens to to petition our elected leaders, as we should, to to do leaders, as we should, to to do leaders, as we should, to to do something about it, we must not forget something about it, we must not forget something about it, we must not forget that we petition and we obey God first.

that we petition and we obey God first. that we petition and we obey God first. That secularism and Islam is no match to That secularism and Islam is no match to That secularism and Islam is no match to God. God. God. and that he will do something about it. and that he will do something about it. and that he will do something about it. If if if If if if If if if his people, you who are called by his his people, you who are called by his his people, you who are called by his name, would humble your humble name, would humble your humble name, would humble your humble yourselves and pray and seek him and yourselves and pray and seek him and yourselves and pray and seek him and turn from your wicked ways. turn from your wicked ways. turn from your wicked ways. basically his people would do what God basically his people would do what God basically his people would do what God wants us to do as a local church to just wants us to do as a local church to just wants us to do as a local church to just be salt be salt be salt to season society with that which to season society with that which to season society with that which preserves society to just be light preserves society to just be light preserves society to just be light to shine a little brighter in your to shine a little brighter in your to shine a little brighter in your neighborhood than anything else that neighborhood than anything else that neighborhood than anything else that could possibly vive for your neighbor's could possibly vive for your neighbor's could possibly vive for your neighbor's attention attention attention to proclaim the truth. to proclaim the truth. to proclaim the truth. The return of a nation to God is not The return of a nation to God is not The return of a nation to God is not just about good laws. It's about local just about good laws. It's about local just about good laws. It's about local churches across this land gathering churches across this land gathering churches across this land gathering together, serving together, reaching out together, serving together, reaching out together, serving together, reaching out to 469 kids at VBS's together.

to 469 kids at VBS's together. to 469 kids at VBS's together. When the local church is healthy in a When the local church is healthy in a When the local church is healthy in a community, that community will flourish community, that community will flourish community, that community will flourish under God. I have no doubt about it. under God. I have no doubt about it. under God. I have no doubt about it. and will maybe even do so for and will maybe even do so for and will maybe even do so for generations generations generations beyond that bright generation that beyond that bright generation that beyond that bright generation that reached it. It's happened many many reached it. It's happened many many reached it. It's happened many many times before. It's it's how God works. times before. It's it's how God works. times before. It's it's how God works. Without God, we cannot. But without us, Without God, we cannot. But without us, Without God, we cannot. But without us, he will not. God wants you involved. he will not. God wants you involved. he will not. God wants you involved. So, here's a little practical thing I So, here's a little practical thing I So, here's a little practical thing I want you to do. I want you to extend want you to do. I want you to extend want you to do. I want you to extend your index finger. I want you to poke your index finger. I want you to poke your index finger. I want you to poke somebody with it. somebody with it. somebody with it. And if you felt a little poke, take that And if you felt a little poke, take that And if you felt a little poke, take that as God's call for your personal as God's call for your personal as God's call for your personal involvement this week in what he wants involvement this week in what he wants involvement this week in what he wants to do. If you were poked, you were to do. If you were poked, you were to do. If you were poked, you were called. As one revivalist pastor said over a As one revivalist pastor said over a century ago, he said this, "It is the century ago, he said this, "It is the century ago, he said this, "It is the Holy Spirit who convicts, Holy Spirit who convicts, Holy Spirit who convicts, but he allows us to rub him in." but he allows us to rub him in." but he allows us to rub him in." It's true. God wants us to participate It's true. God wants us to participate It's true. God wants us to participate in what he's doing in the world. And the in what he's doing in the world. And the in what he's doing in the world. And the revival of a nation is God's work. But revival of a nation is God's work. But revival of a nation is God's work. But revival flows as God's work is revived revival flows as God's work is revived revival flows as God's work is revived and restored in Jonahike people in the and restored in Jonahike people in the and restored in Jonahike people in the people of God serving together as a people of God serving together as a people of God serving together as a spiritually awakened local church in a spiritually awakened local church in a spiritually awakened local church in a neighborhood. and our neighborhoods and neighborhood. and our neighborhoods and neighborhood. and our neighborhoods and our cities around here deserve healthy our cities around here deserve healthy our cities around here deserve healthy local churches active in representing

local churches active in representing local churches active in representing the Lord Jesus Christ. And when they the Lord Jesus Christ. And when they the Lord Jesus Christ. And when they are, God will do it again. are, God will do it again. are, God will do it again. My prayer is that God will do it again. My prayer is that God will do it again. My prayer is that God will do it again. God wants to do it again. God wants to do it again. God wants to do it again. Jonah 3 is really the Old Testament Jonah 3 is really the Old Testament Jonah 3 is really the Old Testament version of John 3:16. You know, version of John 3:16. You know, version of John 3:16. You know, that's all it is. For God so loved the that's all it is. For God so loved the that's all it is. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son world that he gave his only begotten son world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever that whoever that whoever whoever even the vilest of people whoever even the vilest of people whoever even the vilest of people whoever would believe in him shall not whoever would believe in him shall not whoever would believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. perish but have everlasting life. perish but have everlasting life. Let's live toward what God wants us to Let's live toward what God wants us to Let's live toward what God wants us to do. Let's let's update chapter 3:5 to do. Let's let's update chapter 3:5 to do. Let's let's update chapter 3:5 to our purposes today and read it this way our purposes today and read it this way our purposes today and read it this way as our aspiration of what could occur as our aspiration of what could occur as our aspiration of what could occur here in the years ahead. And the people here in the years ahead. And the people here in the years ahead. And the people of the USA in its 250th year believed of the USA in its 250th year believed of the USA in its 250th year believed God. God. God. Aim at that.

Aim at that. Aim at that. What a great target to hit. Let me pray What a great target to hit. Let me pray What a great target to hit. Let me pray and then let's just stand and leave in and then let's just stand and leave in and then let's just stand and leave in song. And heavenly father, we thank you song. And heavenly father, we thank you song. And heavenly father, we thank you for your word again. for your word again. for your word again. We thank you for the opportunity to sit We thank you for the opportunity to sit We thank you for the opportunity to sit under it, to come together despite the under it, to come together despite the under it, to come together despite the weather outside and be comfortable weather outside and be comfortable weather outside and be comfortable and to be challenged and to be challenged and to be challenged and to be free to go out into our and to be free to go out into our and to be free to go out into our neighborhoods and represent Jesus neighborhoods and represent Jesus neighborhoods and represent Jesus Christ, the only hope available to them. Christ, the only hope available to them. Christ, the only hope available to them. Help us to do that this week in Jesus' Help us to do that this week in Jesus' Help us to do that this week in Jesus' name. Amen.