A Great Lesson. A Great Warning. A Great Sign!

You see a nation under God You see a nation under God does flourish. does flourish. does flourish. Always. Always. Always. History proves it. They drifted. History proves it. They drifted. History proves it. They drifted. Somewhere along the way, week in week Somewhere along the way, week in week Somewhere along the way, week in week out, probably quite subtly they drifted. out, probably quite subtly they drifted. out, probably quite subtly they drifted. God was bumped off the top spot of their God was bumped off the top spot of their God was bumped off the top spot of their priority list for home life and for priority list for home life and for priority list for home life and for civic life and so they didn't pass on civic life and so they didn't pass on civic life and so they didn't pass on the faith to the next generation. God's the faith to the next generation. God's the faith to the next generation. God's compassion will give way to God's just compassion will give way to God's just compassion will give way to God's just wrath on a nation that he blessed if wrath on a nation that he blessed if wrath on a nation that he blessed if that nation turns its back on him. that nation turns its back on him. that nation turns its back on him. And we're just one generation away And we're just one generation away And we're just one generation away from relapsing. >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. It is good to see everybody. Welcome. It is good to see everybody. Welcome. It is good to see everybody. Welcome. Thank you for being here. Welcome to Thank you for being here. Welcome to Thank you for being here. Welcome to those who are joining us online. I know those who are joining us online. I know those who are joining us online. I know that I can't see you, but I know you're that I can't see you, but I know you're that I can't see you, but I know you're there. And so thank you for being able there. And so thank you for being able there. And so thank you for being able to avail of that as well and to gather to avail of that as well and to gather to avail of that as well and to gather with God's people here and to sit under with God's people here and to sit under with God's people here and to sit under God's word. Well, we've arrived at the God's word. Well, we've arrived at the God's word. Well, we've arrived at the end of our series on the book of Jonah.

end of our series on the book of Jonah. end of our series on the book of Jonah. And what a story, what a book packed And what a story, what a book packed And what a story, what a book packed with practical lessons for all, young with practical lessons for all, young with practical lessons for all, young and old. You know, some years ago I read and old. You know, some years ago I read and old. You know, some years ago I read a little sort of survey of fourth a little sort of survey of fourth a little sort of survey of fourth graders who were asked what they had graders who were asked what they had graders who were asked what they had learned from the story of Jonah. And learned from the story of Jonah. And learned from the story of Jonah. And little Becky said this, always travel by little Becky said this, always travel by little Becky said this, always travel by air, never by boat. I thought that's so good. That's I thought that's so good. That's practical. practical. practical. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And then there was little Jeff and of >> And then there was little Jeff and of >> And then there was little Jeff and of course he knew that God had ordered the course he knew that God had ordered the course he knew that God had ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach. fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach. fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach. So his life lesson was this, God lets us So his life lesson was this, God lets us So his life lesson was this, God lets us spit guys. spit guys. spit guys. I like that. We can spit now. I like that. We can spit now. I like that. We can spit now. Well, I hope you too have learned uh, Well, I hope you too have learned uh, Well, I hope you too have learned uh, and heard and heard and heard God's voice. God's voice. God's voice. That he has spoken spoken to you. This That he has spoken spoken to you. This That he has spoken spoken to you. This is not just a biographical account of a is not just a biographical account of a is not just a biographical account of a man who lived in the 8th century BC of man who lived in the 8th century BC of man who lived in the 8th century BC of interest to only history buffs. interest to only history buffs. interest to only history buffs. This is the living voice of God This is the living voice of God This is the living voice of God included in the canon of scriptures to included in the canon of scriptures to included in the canon of scriptures to help God's people align themselves to help God's people align themselves to help God's people align themselves to his heart. Jonah is a mirror.

his heart. Jonah is a mirror. his heart. Jonah is a mirror. It's a mirror into which each of us can It's a mirror into which each of us can It's a mirror into which each of us can look and ultimately fix ourselves up a look and ultimately fix ourselves up a look and ultimately fix ourselves up a little bit in the strength of the spirit little bit in the strength of the spirit little bit in the strength of the spirit of God. of God. of God. Now, remember, you've heard a whole Now, remember, you've heard a whole Now, remember, you've heard a whole bunch of stuff as we've navigated bunch of stuff as we've navigated bunch of stuff as we've navigated through this story. You've heard about a through this story. You've heard about a through this story. You've heard about a runaway celebrity preacher who's happily runaway celebrity preacher who's happily runaway celebrity preacher who's happily snoring his head off below deck while in snoring his head off below deck while in snoring his head off below deck while in disobedience to God heading on a cruise disobedience to God heading on a cruise disobedience to God heading on a cruise ship west to sunny Spain when he should ship west to sunny Spain when he should ship west to sunny Spain when he should be heading east to nasty Nineveh. be heading east to nasty Nineveh. be heading east to nasty Nineveh. And you've heard that that God doesn't And you've heard that that God doesn't And you've heard that that God doesn't allow him to get away with it. That God allow him to get away with it. That God allow him to get away with it. That God essentially gets him gobbled up by what essentially gets him gobbled up by what essentially gets him gobbled up by what is nigh a celebrity fish. is nigh a celebrity fish. is nigh a celebrity fish. You've heard that he spent three days You've heard that he spent three days You've heard that he spent three days and three nights in there in a and three nights in there in a and three nights in there in a come-to-Jesus moment that changed his come-to-Jesus moment that changed his come-to-Jesus moment that changed his life. life. life. At least momentarily so. At least momentarily so. At least momentarily so. He moves from Jonah 1.0 to Jonah 2.0. He He moves from Jonah 1.0 to Jonah 2.0. He He moves from Jonah 1.0 to Jonah 2.0. He does obey God and he does go to Nineveh does obey God and he does go to Nineveh does obey God and he does go to Nineveh and you've heard that that that he and you've heard that that that he and you've heard that that that he preaches a a turn-or-burn sermon and preaches a a turn-or-burn sermon and preaches a a turn-or-burn sermon and that and that God ultimately does save that and that God ultimately does save that and that God ultimately does save the nasty Ninevites.

You've heard all of that. You've heard all of that. You've heard that that that Jonah You've heard that that that Jonah You've heard that that that Jonah eventually relapses eventually relapses eventually relapses back into the 1.0 version of himself and back into the 1.0 version of himself and back into the 1.0 version of himself and he gets all grumpy at God huffing at he gets all grumpy at God huffing at he gets all grumpy at God huffing at God's compassion toward those that Jonah God's compassion toward those that Jonah God's compassion toward those that Jonah doesn't like. doesn't like. doesn't like. But you've heard all of that, but you But you've heard all of that, but you But you've heard all of that, but you haven't seen any of that as you've all haven't seen any of that as you've all haven't seen any of that as you've all wanted to see it. So, here we have the wanted to see it. So, here we have the wanted to see it. So, here we have the moment that you've all been waiting for, moment that you've all been waiting for, moment that you've all been waiting for, courtesy of the Stonebrier's archives. courtesy of the Stonebrier's archives. courtesy of the Stonebrier's archives. A one Sunday only cameo appearance of a A one Sunday only cameo appearance of a A one Sunday only cameo appearance of a flannelgraph board. flannelgraph board. flannelgraph board. Yeah, we're high-tech around here. Yeah, we're high-tech around here. Yeah, we're high-tech around here. Oh, we just lost someone. Uh, we need Oh, we just lost someone. Uh, we need Oh, we just lost someone. Uh, we need him back. Look at the size of the storm that God Look at the size of the storm that God sent. sent. sent. Jonah, that's that's one big mega storm. Jonah, that's that's one big mega storm. Jonah, that's that's one big mega storm. And then what else do we have here? Look And then what else do we have here? Look And then what else do we have here? Look at the Look at the sailors. at the Look at the sailors. at the Look at the sailors. I mean, doesn't look like a cruise ship I mean, doesn't look like a cruise ship I mean, doesn't look like a cruise ship on this rendering, but on this rendering, but on this rendering, but they're trying to row themselves to they're trying to row themselves to they're trying to row themselves to salvation, but you remember that's not salvation, but you remember that's not salvation, but you remember that's not possible.

possible. possible. And then we have our man of the moment And then we have our man of the moment And then we have our man of the moment having a charismatic experience, Jonah having a charismatic experience, Jonah having a charismatic experience, Jonah himself, himself, himself, with arms lifted up. But, my favorite with arms lifted up. But, my favorite with arms lifted up. But, my favorite character of them all, character of them all, character of them all, the great big fish about to gobble him the great big fish about to gobble him the great big fish about to gobble him up. And if you squint your eyes, he up. And if you squint your eyes, he up. And if you squint your eyes, he actually looks like a worm, so he can actually looks like a worm, so he can actually looks like a worm, so he can double up for the worm in chapter 4 that double up for the worm in chapter 4 that double up for the worm in chapter 4 that eats up the plant. So, there you have eats up the plant. So, there you have eats up the plant. So, there you have it. High-tech around here in Stonebriar. it. High-tech around here in Stonebriar. it. High-tech around here in Stonebriar. A flannelgraph board. A flannelgraph board. A flannelgraph board. >> [laughter] >> Just a little bit of fun. >> Just a little bit of fun. Well, today I want to wrap up the the Well, today I want to wrap up the the Well, today I want to wrap up the the series and wrap up the story of Jonah, series and wrap up the story of Jonah, series and wrap up the story of Jonah, and there's still some loose ends that and there's still some loose ends that and there's still some loose ends that we need to to tie off, including we need to to tie off, including we need to to tie off, including downstream from the story of Jonah. And downstream from the story of Jonah. And downstream from the story of Jonah. And I want you to see three things that wrap I want you to see three things that wrap I want you to see three things that wrap it all up. The first is a great lesson. it all up. The first is a great lesson. it all up. The first is a great lesson. There's a great lesson here still for us There's a great lesson here still for us There's a great lesson here still for us moving forward. The second is a great moving forward. The second is a great moving forward. The second is a great warning. There's a fantastic warning warning. There's a fantastic warning warning. There's a fantastic warning that is downstream of the incidents that that is downstream of the incidents that that is downstream of the incidents that God records for us here, and then God records for us here, and then God records for us here, and then ultimately a greater sign than the sign ultimately a greater sign than the sign ultimately a greater sign than the sign of Jonah that Jesus brings to our of Jonah that Jesus brings to our of Jonah that Jesus brings to our attention. So first a great lesson, it's attention. So first a great lesson, it's attention. So first a great lesson, it's a personal lesson. The great lesson is a a personal lesson. The great lesson is a a personal lesson. The great lesson is a personal lesson, which means it's for personal lesson, which means it's for personal lesson, which means it's for you. It's a lesson for you. So back to you. It's a lesson for you. So back to you. It's a lesson for you. So back to Jonah chapter 4. If you head there in Jonah chapter 4. If you head there in Jonah chapter 4. If you head there in your copy of the scriptures, go to the your copy of the scriptures, go to the your copy of the scriptures, go to the last verse, verse 11. In most versions, last verse, verse 11. In most versions, last verse, verse 11. In most versions, it is the last phrase in the verse and it is the last phrase in the verse and it is the last phrase in the verse and rightly so, but some have it at the

rightly so, but some have it at the rightly so, but some have it at the beginning of verse 11. God's final words beginning of verse 11. God's final words beginning of verse 11. God's final words are essentially a question. are essentially a question. are essentially a question. A question for us, not just for Jonah to A question for us, not just for Jonah to A question for us, not just for Jonah to answer. answer. answer. A question that crystallizes the whole A question that crystallizes the whole A question that crystallizes the whole point of the book. This is what this is point of the book. This is what this is point of the book. This is what this is all coming down to. This is the lesson all coming down to. This is the lesson all coming down to. This is the lesson that God wants his people to have. that God wants his people to have. that God wants his people to have. After reading After reading After reading the account of Jonah, God says this. the account of Jonah, God says this. the account of Jonah, God says this. Should I not have compassion? Should I not have compassion? Should I not have compassion? Should I not have concern? Should I not have concern? Should I not have concern? Should I not have pity? Should I not have pity? Should I not have pity? Should my heart not be stirred, my eyes Should my heart not be stirred, my eyes Should my heart not be stirred, my eyes flow toward helping hands flow toward helping hands flow toward helping hands for those who are in distress? Should I for those who are in distress? Should I for those who are in distress? Should I not have compassion? That's the entire not have compassion? That's the entire not have compassion? That's the entire book in one question for you to answer. book in one question for you to answer. book in one question for you to answer. Should I not have compassion, Jonah, on Should I not have compassion, Jonah, on Should I not have compassion, Jonah, on the vast pagan Ninevite culture that the vast pagan Ninevite culture that the vast pagan Ninevite culture that doesn't know their right hand from their doesn't know their right hand from their doesn't know their right hand from their left hand? They don't know right from left hand? They don't know right from left hand? They don't know right from wrong. They're in the dark. Should I not wrong. They're in the dark. Should I not wrong. They're in the dark. Should I not have compassion for them, Jonah? Should have compassion for them, Jonah? Should have compassion for them, Jonah? Should I not have compassion, Jonathan, or or I not have compassion, Jonathan, or or I not have compassion, Jonathan, or or or Becky, or or little Jeff, or or or or Becky, or or little Jeff, or or or or Becky, or or little Jeff, or or or Frank and Linda who we've met along the Frank and Linda who we've met along the Frank and Linda who we've met along the way? Should I not have compassion on way? Should I not have compassion on way? Should I not have compassion on Americanite culture?

Americanite culture? Americanite culture? In Canaanite culture, in Israelite In Canaanite culture, in Israelite In Canaanite culture, in Israelite culture, and Iranianite culture, and culture, and Iranianite culture, and culture, and Iranianite culture, and whateverite culture that's writhing in whateverite culture that's writhing in whateverite culture that's writhing in sin. sin. sin. Despite how much you disapprove of them, Despite how much you disapprove of them, Despite how much you disapprove of them, should I not have compassion? God says. The answer The answer is obvious. is obvious. is obvious. Please have compassion. Please have compassion. Please have compassion. Almighty God, please do have compassion. Almighty God, please do have compassion. Almighty God, please do have compassion. Please have compassion. Please have compassion. Please have compassion. Remember verse 2 in chapter 4, just Remember verse 2 in chapter 4, just Remember verse 2 in chapter 4, just glance right back up there. Jonah makes glance right back up there. Jonah makes glance right back up there. Jonah makes a prayer request to God and and in that a prayer request to God and and in that a prayer request to God and and in that prayer Jonah quotes God's words right prayer Jonah quotes God's words right prayer Jonah quotes God's words right back at God. God's words taken from back at God. God's words taken from back at God. God's words taken from Exodus 34:6 Exodus 34:6 Exodus 34:6 and 7. Seven centuries earlier, God said and 7. Seven centuries earlier, God said and 7. Seven centuries earlier, God said to his people that he is compassionate to his people that he is compassionate to his people that he is compassionate and gracious and slow to anger and and gracious and slow to anger and and gracious and slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness and abounding in loving kindness and abounding in loving kindness and faithfulness, keeping loving kindness faithfulness, keeping loving kindness faithfulness, keeping loving kindness for thousands of generations, who for thousands of generations, who for thousands of generations, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin.

God should be consistent with his God should be consistent with his nature, shouldn't he? nature, shouldn't he? nature, shouldn't he? God is telling Jonah, "Should I not be God is telling Jonah, "Should I not be God is telling Jonah, "Should I not be consistent with who I am, with who I've consistent with who I am, with who I've consistent with who I am, with who I've told you I am for centuries?" We want God's heart stirred within and We want God's heart stirred within and his eyes gushing, flowing out into his eyes gushing, flowing out into his eyes gushing, flowing out into helping hands, right? Not just for us, helping hands, right? Not just for us, helping hands, right? Not just for us, but toward others in distress, toward but toward others in distress, toward but toward others in distress, toward our lost neighborhoods even even with our lost neighborhoods even even with our lost neighborhoods even even with their skewed and annoying anti-God their skewed and annoying anti-God their skewed and annoying anti-God worldviews and lifestyles. worldviews and lifestyles. worldviews and lifestyles. They're in the dark. They're in the dark. They're in the dark. They can't morally discern between their They can't morally discern between their They can't morally discern between their spiritual right and left hands. They spiritual right and left hands. They spiritual right and left hands. They They're in the dark. They're lost. To answer this question of God, God's To answer this question of God, God's question with a question with a question with a No, I I you shouldn't have compassion. No, I I you shouldn't have compassion. No, I I you shouldn't have compassion. You shouldn't have compassion except You shouldn't have compassion except You shouldn't have compassion except toward me and those that are on my list toward me and those that are on my list toward me and those that are on my list of people that I approve of is arrogant.

of people that I approve of is arrogant. of people that I approve of is arrogant. It's hypocritical. It's hypocritical. It's hypocritical. It's an answer from someone who doesn't It's an answer from someone who doesn't It's an answer from someone who doesn't really know God. really know God. really know God. Not fully, not as he's revealed himself Not fully, not as he's revealed himself Not fully, not as he's revealed himself to be. to be. to be. It's someone who in some shape or form It's someone who in some shape or form It's someone who in some shape or form for for some reason has become so for for some reason has become so for for some reason has become so hardened inside of the family of God hardened inside of the family of God hardened inside of the family of God that they've misunderstood or forgotten that they've misunderstood or forgotten that they've misunderstood or forgotten the the gospel. Now, I believe that Jonah was renewed. Now, I believe that Jonah was renewed. I believe that Jonah was transformed. I believe that Jonah was transformed. I believe that Jonah was transformed. I believe that there is a Jonah 3.0. I believe that there is a Jonah 3.0. I believe that there is a Jonah 3.0. He becomes an author. He becomes an author. He becomes an author. And he writes a book. And he writes a book. And he writes a book. And this book, this story, the book of And this book, this story, the book of And this book, this story, the book of Jonah is proof that the prodigal prophet Jonah is proof that the prodigal prophet Jonah is proof that the prodigal prophet finally came home. finally came home. finally came home. The existence of his book inside of the The existence of his book inside of the The existence of his book inside of the canon of scriptures is his answer to canon of scriptures is his answer to canon of scriptures is his answer to that final question that God brought to that final question that God brought to that final question that God brought to his attention, should I not have his attention, should I not have his attention, should I not have compassion?

compassion? compassion? You know, in the 5th century AD, a man You know, in the 5th century AD, a man You know, in the 5th century AD, a man called Augustine, Pastor Augustine, he called Augustine, Pastor Augustine, he called Augustine, Pastor Augustine, he wrote one of the most influential works wrote one of the most influential works wrote one of the most influential works in church history outside of the in church history outside of the in church history outside of the scriptures. scriptures. scriptures. It's called Confessions. It's called Confessions. It's called Confessions. Confessions. It's a brave and honest Confessions. It's a brave and honest Confessions. It's a brave and honest autobiography, warts and all, of his autobiography, warts and all, of his autobiography, warts and all, of his life. life. life. His journey His journey His journey toward God, his journey with God. It's toward God, his journey with God. It's toward God, his journey with God. It's been an absolute blessing to many who been an absolute blessing to many who been an absolute blessing to many who have read it for centuries. have read it for centuries. have read it for centuries. In the 5th century, another pastor also In the 5th century, another pastor also In the 5th century, another pastor also wrote a book called Confession. wrote a book called Confession. wrote a book called Confession. This pastor was called Patrick, Pastor This pastor was called Patrick, Pastor This pastor was called Patrick, Pastor Patrick, St. Patrick. Patrick, St. Patrick. Patrick, St. Patrick. The guy who The guy who The guy who shared the gospel in my homeland. shared the gospel in my homeland. shared the gospel in my homeland. And his book confession it begins with a And his book confession it begins with a And his book confession it begins with a confession. Here's what he says, I confession. Here's what he says, I confession. Here's what he says, I Patrick, a sinner, most rustic, the Patrick, a sinner, most rustic, the Patrick, a sinner, most rustic, the least of all the faithful, and utterly least of all the faithful, and utterly least of all the faithful, and utterly despised by many, and on he goes to talk despised by many, and on he goes to talk despised by many, and on he goes to talk about his ministry and his life with about his ministry and his life with about his ministry and his life with Christ.

Christ. Christ. Well, I I believe that the book of Jonah Well, I I believe that the book of Jonah Well, I I believe that the book of Jonah could easily be titled confession. could easily be titled confession. could easily be titled confession. Confession. That's what it is. Confession. That's what it is. Confession. That's what it is. Now, the the longer subtitle would be, Now, the the longer subtitle would be, Now, the the longer subtitle would be, in my opinion, the ugly yet honest in my opinion, the ugly yet honest in my opinion, the ugly yet honest admission of a Bible believing, church admission of a Bible believing, church admission of a Bible believing, church going, regular tithing, seasoned God going, regular tithing, seasoned God going, regular tithing, seasoned God following pastor coming to his spiritual following pastor coming to his spiritual following pastor coming to his spiritual senses and grasping finally the heart of senses and grasping finally the heart of senses and grasping finally the heart of God. God. God. That's quite the subtitle. That's quite the subtitle. That's quite the subtitle. But it's accurate. But it's accurate. But it's accurate. You know, nobody writes what Jonah wrote You know, nobody writes what Jonah wrote You know, nobody writes what Jonah wrote as an autobiography cuz this is from as an autobiography cuz this is from as an autobiography cuz this is from him. He's the only one who experienced him. He's the only one who experienced him. He's the only one who experienced all of this stuff. Nobody writes that all of this stuff. Nobody writes that all of this stuff. Nobody writes that warts and all unless warts and all unless warts and all unless to say here's my here's my dirty to say here's my here's my dirty to say here's my here's my dirty laundry. Here's here's my shameful way laundry. Here's here's my shameful way laundry. Here's here's my shameful way in which I once walked with God. Please in which I once walked with God. Please in which I once walked with God. Please learn from it. learn from it. learn from it. Please learn from it. You don't write Please learn from it. You don't write Please learn from it. You don't write that unless you were transformed and that unless you were transformed and that unless you were transformed and renewed and began to as the Apostle Paul renewed and began to as the Apostle Paul renewed and began to as the Apostle Paul says, clothe yourself with compassion.

says, clothe yourself with compassion. says, clothe yourself with compassion. I believe ultimately that Jonah lived up I believe ultimately that Jonah lived up I believe ultimately that Jonah lived up to his name. to his name. to his name. I haven't told you this, but I haven't told you this, but I haven't told you this, but >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> you know what his name means? Jonah? >> you know what his name means? Jonah? >> you know what his name means? Jonah? It means dove. It means dove. It means dove. Dove. Who would call a child dove? Dove. Who would call a child dove? Dove. Who would call a child dove? I mean, if you're going to go with the I mean, if you're going to go with the I mean, if you're going to go with the whole bird thing, go with hawk. whole bird thing, go with hawk. whole bird thing, go with hawk. Right? Right? Right? Eagle. Eagle. Eagle. But dove? But dove? But dove? Now, it actually makes sense in Israel Now, it actually makes sense in Israel Now, it actually makes sense in Israel as a boy's name in light of their as a boy's name in light of their as a boy's name in light of their understanding of the scriptures and what understanding of the scriptures and what understanding of the scriptures and what God has done in history. God has done in history. God has done in history. You see, it was a dove You see, it was a dove You see, it was a dove that Noah repeatedly sent out from the that Noah repeatedly sent out from the that Noah repeatedly sent out from the ark when God had flooded the earth. ark when God had flooded the earth. ark when God had flooded the earth. It was a dove that returned with an It was a dove that returned with an It was a dove that returned with an olive branch of hope from God. olive branch of hope from God. olive branch of hope from God. And so the dove becomes And so the dove becomes And so the dove becomes a bit of a hero in Israelite mindset.

a bit of a hero in Israelite mindset. a bit of a hero in Israelite mindset. The dove becomes the symbol of of a The dove becomes the symbol of of a The dove becomes the symbol of of a messenger that speaks hope. messenger that speaks hope. messenger that speaks hope. A messenger that speaks of of hope and A messenger that speaks of of hope and A messenger that speaks of of hope and God's salvation. God's salvation. God's salvation. A messenger of renewal. That's very ironic That's very ironic that that Jonah that that Jonah that that Jonah was called dove. was called dove. was called dove. But he finally lives up to his name, I But he finally lives up to his name, I But he finally lives up to his name, I believe, because he writes an honest believe, because he writes an honest believe, because he writes an honest account of God's compassionate account of God's compassionate account of God's compassionate salvation, not just to the Ninevites, salvation, not just to the Ninevites, salvation, not just to the Ninevites, but to him. but to him. but to him. To Jonah himself. To Jonah himself. To Jonah himself. And I thank God for Jonah's confession. And I thank God for Jonah's confession. And I thank God for Jonah's confession. In many, many ways, it's part of my In many, many ways, it's part of my In many, many ways, it's part of my story, my biography. God has used this story, my biography. God has used this story, my biography. God has used this story over and over again to align my story over and over again to align my story over and over again to align my wandering heart on multiple occasions. wandering heart on multiple occasions. wandering heart on multiple occasions. I told you a few weeks back about my I told you a few weeks back about my I told you a few weeks back about my journey back to the US around 11 or 12 journey back to the US around 11 or 12 journey back to the US around 11 or 12 years ago.

years ago. years ago. I had come here. I had departed to I had come here. I had departed to I had come here. I had departed to pastor in Northern Ireland and pastor in Northern Ireland and pastor in Northern Ireland and and the Lord did a work in my heart to and the Lord did a work in my heart to and the Lord did a work in my heart to bring me back here and I told you that bring me back here and I told you that bring me back here and I told you that that for about 9 months I wrestled with that for about 9 months I wrestled with that for about 9 months I wrestled with God. I was not coming back. God. I was not coming back. God. I was not coming back. I was not coming back. I I I I I was not coming back. I I I I I was not coming back. I I I I I mean, I loved my time here. Unlike I mean, I loved my time here. Unlike I mean, I loved my time here. Unlike Jonah, I didn't hate the American Jonah, I didn't hate the American Jonah, I didn't hate the American accent. accent. accent. I loved the American accent, but but I I loved the American accent, but but I I loved the American accent, but but I was I was I was comfortable. I was at was I was I was comfortable. I was at was I was I was comfortable. I was at home. I I loved the Northern Irish home. I I loved the Northern Irish home. I I loved the Northern Irish accent, too. accent, too. accent, too. And so, for 9 months I wrestled with God And so, for 9 months I wrestled with God And so, for 9 months I wrestled with God as I essentially tried to run to my as I essentially tried to run to my as I essentially tried to run to my Tarshish. But God compassionately broke my will But God compassionately broke my will and aligned me to his will and aligned me to his will >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> using this story. >> using this story. >> using this story. He didn't use a fish. He didn't use a fish. He didn't use a fish. He used a story to gobble me up He used a story to gobble me up He used a story to gobble me up and and align me to his will.

and and align me to his will. and and align me to his will. Well, that had already happened in my Well, that had already happened in my Well, that had already happened in my life in a previous occasion, 15 years life in a previous occasion, 15 years life in a previous occasion, 15 years before that. Now, I don't know if you're before that. Now, I don't know if you're before that. Now, I don't know if you're doing some mental maths, you're doing some mental maths, you're doing some mental maths, you're thinking, "Man, this guy can't be older thinking, "Man, this guy can't be older thinking, "Man, this guy can't be older than 30." than 30." than 30." But I am. But I am. But I am. 15 years earlier than that, I did not 15 years earlier than that, I did not 15 years earlier than that, I did not want to go to seminary to be a pastor. want to go to seminary to be a pastor. want to go to seminary to be a pastor. I certainly was not going to become a I certainly was not going to become a I certainly was not going to become a preacher. What Klein wants to face an execution What Klein wants to face an execution squad week in, week out, I reasoned. I had grown up in the ministry, in a I had grown up in the ministry, in a ministry home. ministry home. ministry home. So, I tried to run to all sorts of So, I tried to run to all sorts of So, I tried to run to all sorts of Tarshishes. Tarshishes. Tarshishes. >> [snorts] >> But God compassionately broke my will >> But God compassionately broke my will and aligned it to his using this story. and aligned it to his using this story. and aligned it to his using this story. The story, not a fish, gobbled me up. Well, once upon a time, just a few years Well, once upon a time, just a few years ago, there was a happy professor called ago, there was a happy professor called ago, there was a happy professor called Dr. Murphy who did not want to become Dr. Murphy who did not want to become Dr. Murphy who did not want to become Chuck Swindoll's successor.

So, Murphy tried to run and run and run So, Murphy tried to run and run and run to all sorts of Tarshish's again. to all sorts of Tarshish's again. to all sorts of Tarshish's again. But, God compassionately broke But, God compassionately broke But, God compassionately broke my will my will my will and aligned it to his will using this and aligned it to his will using this and aligned it to his will using this story. Gobbled me up. story. Gobbled me up. story. Gobbled me up. Spat me back out where I was supposed to Spat me back out where I was supposed to Spat me back out where I was supposed to be. be. be. Now, I'm not wallowing in self-pity Now, I'm not wallowing in self-pity Now, I'm not wallowing in self-pity here. What I'm What I'm doing is I'm here. What I'm What I'm doing is I'm here. What I'm What I'm doing is I'm confessing confessing confessing that this works. that this works. that this works. The Jonah's confession had a purpose The Jonah's confession had a purpose The Jonah's confession had a purpose that God used to align his people who that God used to align his people who that God used to align his people who read it to God's heart. read it to God's heart. read it to God's heart. God used the story of Jonah, warts and God used the story of Jonah, warts and God used the story of Jonah, warts and all, to guide my life to submit to his all, to guide my life to submit to his all, to guide my life to submit to his sovereign will and to his compassionate sovereign will and to his compassionate sovereign will and to his compassionate will. will. will. So, I actually applaud Jonah. I know So, I actually applaud Jonah. I know So, I actually applaud Jonah. I know I've been quite hard on Jonah. I've been quite hard on Jonah. I've been quite hard on Jonah. But, I applaud Jonah. But, I applaud Jonah. But, I applaud Jonah. I can I can't wait to shake this man's I can I can't wait to shake this man's I can I can't wait to shake this man's hand. I applaud him for his honest confession I applaud him for his honest confession about being upset with God about being upset with God about being upset with God because my heart is often pulled toward because my heart is often pulled toward because my heart is often pulled toward reluctance and self-centeredness and reluctance and self-centeredness and reluctance and self-centeredness and huffiness with God, too.

huffiness with God, too. huffiness with God, too. To pursuing my own little plant idols, To pursuing my own little plant idols, To pursuing my own little plant idols, which is nonsense and ridiculous. which is nonsense and ridiculous. which is nonsense and ridiculous. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So, I'm thankful that Jonah had the guts >> So, I'm thankful that Jonah had the guts >> So, I'm thankful that Jonah had the guts to share his personal diary. to share his personal diary. to share his personal diary. For me, Jonah is not a a client to poke For me, Jonah is not a a client to poke For me, Jonah is not a a client to poke fun at, but an honest brother fun at, but an honest brother fun at, but an honest brother to learn from. So, Jonah's confession, this this book So, Jonah's confession, this this book that we've studied is proof that we've studied is proof that we've studied is proof that that that I believe God renewed this man's life. I believe God renewed this man's life. I believe God renewed this man's life. And so there's a great lesson for you And so there's a great lesson for you And so there's a great lesson for you and for me in it. And it's this, write and for me in it. And it's this, write and for me in it. And it's this, write this down if you're taking notes. This this down if you're taking notes. This this down if you're taking notes. This is a great lesson that spills out from is a great lesson that spills out from is a great lesson that spills out from answering that question at the end of answering that question at the end of answering that question at the end of the book. the book. the book. Renewed Jonah-like Christians Renewed Jonah-like Christians Renewed Jonah-like Christians submit to God's will submit to God's will submit to God's will and share God-like compassion to all. That's That's That's what those who answer the That's what those who answer the That's what those who answer the question at the end of this book do.

question at the end of this book do. question at the end of this book do. The renewed The renewed The renewed Renewed to what? To submit to God's Renewed to what? To submit to God's Renewed to what? To submit to God's will. will. will. To do what? To extend God-like To do what? To extend God-like To do what? To extend God-like compassion to all. All means all. compassion to all. All means all. compassion to all. All means all. To be compassionate. Transformed Jonah-like Christians who Transformed Jonah-like Christians who have sat in a series expositing this have sat in a series expositing this have sat in a series expositing this book, they rise to obey. book, they rise to obey. book, they rise to obey. They rise to obey despite the commission They rise to obey despite the commission They rise to obey despite the commission that God calls them to because they have that God calls them to because they have that God calls them to because they have sensed the compassion of God that sensed the compassion of God that sensed the compassion of God that they've they've witnessed God's heart they've they've witnessed God's heart they've they've witnessed God's heart being stirred, eyes flowing toward being stirred, eyes flowing toward being stirred, eyes flowing toward helping hands, and they want to helping hands, and they want to helping hands, and they want to participate in that. Despite the participate in that. Despite the participate in that. Despite the nastiness of the culture out there and nastiness of the culture out there and nastiness of the culture out there and its moral stench in the nostrils of God. its moral stench in the nostrils of God. its moral stench in the nostrils of God. You know, millions of international You know, millions of international You know, millions of international visitors have been enjoying uh the US visitors have been enjoying uh the US visitors have been enjoying uh the US because of the FIFA World Cup that that because of the FIFA World Cup that that because of the FIFA World Cup that that we're hosting here. Millions and we're hosting here. Millions and we're hosting here. Millions and millions of them.

millions of them. millions of them. Uh and social media is filled with Uh and social media is filled with Uh and social media is filled with stories of them enjoying some of stories of them enjoying some of stories of them enjoying some of America's greatest treasures. America's greatest treasures. America's greatest treasures. Buc-ee's. Buc-ee's. Buc-ee's. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And ranch dressing. Who would have >> And ranch dressing. Who would have >> And ranch dressing. Who would have thought? thought? thought? And free refills. And free refills. And free refills. I- If [laughter] If carnal, selfish, I- If [laughter] If carnal, selfish, I- If [laughter] If carnal, selfish, 1.0, probably 2.0 Jonah was American and 1.0, probably 2.0 Jonah was American and 1.0, probably 2.0 Jonah was American and he was here today, he'd be walking he was here today, he'd be walking he was here today, he'd be walking around huffing saying, "Wait a minute. around huffing saying, "Wait a minute. around huffing saying, "Wait a minute. Why do they get all our free refills? Why do they get all our free refills? Why do they get all our free refills? There [snorts] are free refills." There [snorts] are free refills." There [snorts] are free refills." That's what he'd be doing. That's what he'd be doing. That's what he'd be doing. But renewed, restored, transformed Jonah But renewed, restored, transformed Jonah But renewed, restored, transformed Jonah who confesses his story in this book who confesses his story in this book who confesses his story in this book would be celebrating free refills for would be celebrating free refills for would be celebrating free refills for all. all. all. The blessing of free refills for all. The blessing of free refills for all. The blessing of free refills for all. Those who get his message, those who Those who get his message, those who Those who get his message, those who answer God's question as God wants it answer God's question as God wants it answer God's question as God wants it answered. answered. answered. Submit to God's will.

Submit to God's will. Submit to God's will. And are passionate about sharing in and And are passionate about sharing in and And are passionate about sharing in and channeling out God-like compassion channeling out God-like compassion channeling out God-like compassion toward whoever happens to be around toward whoever happens to be around toward whoever happens to be around them. them. them. So be compassionate. So be compassionate. So be compassionate. Learn the great lesson from Jonah. Learn the great lesson from Jonah. Learn the great lesson from Jonah. So Jonah has a great lesson, a personal So Jonah has a great lesson, a personal So Jonah has a great lesson, a personal lesson for us, but second, I want you to lesson for us, but second, I want you to lesson for us, but second, I want you to hear a great warning. hear a great warning. hear a great warning. There's a great warning, a national There's a great warning, a national There's a great warning, a national warning that flows a little downstream warning that flows a little downstream warning that flows a little downstream from this story that's important to from this story that's important to from this story that's important to bring closure to it. bring closure to it. bring closure to it. The story of Jonah, as you know, of The story of Jonah, as you know, of The story of Jonah, as you know, of course, contains other characters. We've course, contains other characters. We've course, contains other characters. We've just seen some in this beautiful flannel just seen some in this beautiful flannel just seen some in this beautiful flannel graph depiction of the sailors and and graph depiction of the sailors and and graph depiction of the sailors and and the fish. And we didn't see the the fish. And we didn't see the the fish. And we didn't see the Ninevites, but they're great characters Ninevites, but they're great characters Ninevites, but they're great characters in the story. And a good story owes us in the story. And a good story owes us in the story. And a good story owes us closure on its key characters, right? closure on its key characters, right? closure on its key characters, right? We don't actually know what happened to We don't actually know what happened to We don't actually know what happened to some of them. History doesn't record for some of them. History doesn't record for some of them. History doesn't record for us what became of the sailors, for us what became of the sailors, for us what became of the sailors, for example, in chapter 1.

example, in chapter 1. example, in chapter 1. We actually don't know what became of We actually don't know what became of We actually don't know what became of this great fish. this great fish. this great fish. I'm pretty sure he's not Moby Dick, even I'm pretty sure he's not Moby Dick, even I'm pretty sure he's not Moby Dick, even though some people try and say that he though some people try and say that he though some people try and say that he is. is. is. We we got closure on the plant. We we got closure on the plant. We we got closure on the plant. He got munched up, but we don't know He got munched up, but we don't know He got munched up, but we don't know what happened to the to the worm. We what happened to the to the worm. We what happened to the to the worm. We don't know if a big bird swooped in to don't know if a big bird swooped in to don't know if a big bird swooped in to enjoy munching on the him the next enjoy munching on the him the next enjoy munching on the him the next morning. morning. morning. But what about the Ninevites? But what about the Ninevites? But what about the Ninevites? They're a key group in this story. What They're a key group in this story. What They're a key group in this story. What What about the Ninevites? What about What about the Ninevites? What about What about the Ninevites? What about this city-nation that experienced the this city-nation that experienced the this city-nation that experienced the compassion of God unto salvation? What compassion of God unto salvation? What compassion of God unto salvation? What happened to them? Well, God does tell us about them. Well, God does tell us about them. And he tells us And he tells us And he tells us as a warning. as a warning. as a warning. A national warning. A national warning. A national warning. Let me show you. Turn to the book of Let me show you. Turn to the book of Let me show you. Turn to the book of Nahum. Nahum. Nahum. The book of Nahum. There's Jonah, Micah, The book of Nahum. There's Jonah, Micah, The book of Nahum. There's Jonah, Micah, Nahum. Don't panic. It's just one out Nahum. Don't panic. It's just one out Nahum. Don't panic. It's just one out from Jonah. Head right in your Bibles.

Nahum pops on the scene about a century Nahum pops on the scene about a century after Jonah. after Jonah. after Jonah. And he has the ministry that Jonah And he has the ministry that Jonah And he has the ministry that Jonah wanted all along. wanted all along. wanted all along. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Nahum gets >> Nahum gets >> Nahum gets the desired ministry assignment that the desired ministry assignment that the desired ministry assignment that Jonah wanted to the Ninevites. Jonah wanted to the Ninevites. Jonah wanted to the Ninevites. He's not a celebrity pastor like Jonah. He's not a celebrity pastor like Jonah. He's not a celebrity pastor like Jonah. We know very very little of him. But We know very very little of him. But We know very very little of him. But what we learn from history and what we what we learn from history and what we what we learn from history and what we learn from what is in his book is learn from what is in his book is learn from what is in his book is extremely important and please make the extremely important and please make the extremely important and please make the connection. connection. connection. Those Ninevites Those Ninevites Those Ninevites in chapter 3 in chapter 3 in chapter 3 become a a blessed nation under God. become a a blessed nation under God. become a a blessed nation under God. They were so blessed as a nation under They were so blessed as a nation under They were so blessed as a nation under God that that they actually rise to God that that they actually rise to God that that they actually rise to become one of the most prosperous become one of the most prosperous become one of the most prosperous societies in the ancient Near East. societies in the ancient Near East. societies in the ancient Near East. Nineveh itself becomes the capital of a Nineveh itself becomes the capital of a Nineveh itself becomes the capital of a renewed Assyrian world superpower at the renewed Assyrian world superpower at the renewed Assyrian world superpower at the time. The 8th century BC equivalent of time. The 8th century BC equivalent of time. The 8th century BC equivalent of the United States of America today.

You see a nation under God You see a nation under God does flourish. does flourish. does flourish. Always. Always. Always. History proves it. A nation that puts History proves it. A nation that puts History proves it. A nation that puts itself under God itself under God itself under God flourishes. flourishes. flourishes. But what did what did God's blessing and But what did what did God's blessing and But what did what did God's blessing and prosperity do to the Ninevites? prosperity do to the Ninevites? prosperity do to the Ninevites? Well, it it did to them what it did to Well, it it did to them what it did to Well, it it did to them what it did to Israel. They the Ninevites allowed Israel. They the Ninevites allowed Israel. They the Ninevites allowed blessing and prosperity to distract them blessing and prosperity to distract them blessing and prosperity to distract them away from God. away from God. away from God. They magically turned it into little They magically turned it into little They magically turned it into little plants. They stopped walking with God with the They stopped walking with God with the passion that we see at the at the end of passion that we see at the at the end of passion that we see at the at the end of chapter 3. They drifted. Somewhere along the way, They drifted. Somewhere along the way, week in week out, week in week out, week in week out, probably quite subtly they drifted. probably quite subtly they drifted. probably quite subtly they drifted. I don't know. They stopped perhaps I don't know. They stopped perhaps I don't know. They stopped perhaps meeting or giving or serving in their meeting or giving or serving in their meeting or giving or serving in their form of ancient churchy type gatherings form of ancient churchy type gatherings form of ancient churchy type gatherings like ours.

like ours. like ours. They stopped sitting under the word of They stopped sitting under the word of They stopped sitting under the word of God. God. God. Put themselves alongside of the word of Put themselves alongside of the word of Put themselves alongside of the word of God as an authority figures on their God as an authority figures on their God as an authority figures on their life and ultimately above the word of life and ultimately above the word of life and ultimately above the word of God as to how to do life. God was bumped God as to how to do life. God was bumped God as to how to do life. God was bumped off the top spot of their priority list off the top spot of their priority list off the top spot of their priority list for home life and for civic life. And for home life and for civic life. And for home life and for civic life. And so, they didn't pass on the faith to the so, they didn't pass on the faith to the so, they didn't pass on the faith to the next generation. next generation. next generation. That's what they did. That's what they did. That's what they did. The next generation that pops up after The next generation that pops up after The next generation that pops up after this lot relapses back into this lot relapses back into this lot relapses back into nasty nasty ways. They resurrected all their false gods They resurrected all their false gods including Ishtar, the the the fish including Ishtar, the the the fish including Ishtar, the the the fish goddess. goddess. goddess. And in inside of their God prosperity, And in inside of their God prosperity, And in inside of their God prosperity, they got thirsty for more plant idol they got thirsty for more plant idol they got thirsty for more plant idol type stuff. And so they began to plunder type stuff. And so they began to plunder type stuff. And so they began to plunder the nations around them to get more and the nations around them to get more and the nations around them to get more and more and more.

more and more. more and more. And in fact, God uses them in their And in fact, God uses them in their And in fact, God uses them in their wickedness to bring just judgment down wickedness to bring just judgment down wickedness to bring just judgment down upon the northern kingdom of Israel in upon the northern kingdom of Israel in upon the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. The northern kingdom of Israel 722 BC. The northern kingdom of Israel 722 BC. The northern kingdom of Israel that God had so prospered and yet they that God had so prospered and yet they that God had so prospered and yet they had remained in their wickedness, had remained in their wickedness, had remained in their wickedness, does actually move from being the does actually move from being the does actually move from being the recipients of God's compassion to being recipients of God's compassion to being recipients of God's compassion to being the recipients of God's judgment. And the recipients of God's judgment. And the recipients of God's judgment. And God's judgment is carried out through God's judgment is carried out through God's judgment is carried out through the next generation of Ninevites. The the next generation of Ninevites. The the next generation of Ninevites. The Israelites are taken into exile in 722 Israelites are taken into exile in 722 Israelites are taken into exile in 722 BC and we never hear from them again. BC and we never hear from them again. BC and we never hear from them again. It's the southern kingdom of Judah that It's the southern kingdom of Judah that It's the southern kingdom of Judah that remains. remains. remains. The phase of God's compassion upon his The phase of God's compassion upon his The phase of God's compassion upon his people gives way to God's just wrath people gives way to God's just wrath people gives way to God's just wrath upon his wicked people. upon his wicked people. upon his wicked people. And that's what ends up happening to the And that's what ends up happening to the And that's what ends up happening to the Ninevites, too. Ninevites, too. Ninevites, too. As we see in the book of Nahum. As we see in the book of Nahum. As we see in the book of Nahum. By 612 BC, Nineveh is destroyed. By 612 BC, Nineveh is destroyed. By 612 BC, Nineveh is destroyed. The Assyrian Empire collapses. It gets The Assyrian Empire collapses. It gets The Assyrian Empire collapses. It gets swallowed up by another nation that God swallowed up by another nation that God swallowed up by another nation that God uses to bring his just judgment upon uses to bring his just judgment upon uses to bring his just judgment upon them.

them. them. You know them as the Babylonians. You know them as the Babylonians. You know them as the Babylonians. Which kicks off a whole series of other Which kicks off a whole series of other Which kicks off a whole series of other prophets. prophets. prophets. Habakkuk, how could you use them Habakkuk, how could you use them Habakkuk, how could you use them to punish these guys? Look at Nahum chapter 1 verse 3. Just Look at Nahum chapter 1 verse 3. Just one key verse of many that's there that one key verse of many that's there that one key verse of many that's there that gives you the reason for the wrath of gives you the reason for the wrath of gives you the reason for the wrath of God being poured out in judgment upon God being poured out in judgment upon God being poured out in judgment upon the next generation of the next generation of the next generation of Ninevites. Ninevites. Ninevites. Verse three, Verse three, Verse three, the Lord is slow to anger the Lord is slow to anger the Lord is slow to anger and great in power, but and great in power, but and great in power, but the Lord will by no means leave the the Lord will by no means leave the the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. Now, I'm not sure if you picked up on Now, I'm not sure if you picked up on what Nahum is doing right there, what Nahum is doing right there, what Nahum is doing right there, but he's doing exactly what Jonah did in but he's doing exactly what Jonah did in but he's doing exactly what Jonah did in chapter four. He's quoting God. chapter four. He's quoting God. chapter four. He's quoting God. He's looking back seven centuries He's looking back seven centuries He's looking back seven centuries earlier earlier earlier to Exodus chapter 34:6-7.

Where God disclosed to his people what Where God disclosed to his people what he is like. he is like. he is like. Nahum is telling Nahum is telling Nahum is telling us, the Israelites, the Ninevites, that us, the Israelites, the Ninevites, that us, the Israelites, the Ninevites, that that God's compassion, that God's compassion, that God's compassion, Exodus 34:6, which was Jonah's ministry, Exodus 34:6, which was Jonah's ministry, Exodus 34:6, which was Jonah's ministry, is about to give way to God's just is about to give way to God's just is about to give way to God's just judgment on wickedness, judgment on wickedness, judgment on wickedness, Exodus 34:7, Exodus 34:7, Exodus 34:7, Nahum's ministry. Nahum's ministry. Nahum's ministry. The God is slow to anger. God is patient The God is slow to anger. God is patient The God is slow to anger. God is patient because God is compassionate. because God is compassionate. because God is compassionate. But there comes a point when God will by But there comes a point when God will by But there comes a point when God will by no means leave the guilty no means leave the guilty no means leave the guilty unpunished, Exodus 34:7. unpunished, Exodus 34:7. unpunished, Exodus 34:7. God turns against Nineveh God turns against Nineveh God turns against Nineveh because Nineveh turned away from God. because Nineveh turned away from God. because Nineveh turned away from God. Look at chapter two, verse 13 of Nahum. Look at chapter two, verse 13 of Nahum. Look at chapter two, verse 13 of Nahum. You I fought all week making sure we You I fought all week making sure we You I fought all week making sure we don't start a new series in Nahum as we don't start a new series in Nahum as we don't start a new series in Nahum as we wrap up a series in Jonah. wrap up a series in Jonah. wrap up a series in Jonah. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Look what God says through Nahum in >> Look what God says through Nahum in >> Look what God says through Nahum in verse 13. He repeats it again in chapter verse 13. He repeats it again in chapter verse 13. He repeats it again in chapter three, verse five. God says, "I am three, verse five. God says, "I am three, verse five. God says, "I am against you."

Imagine hearing those words. Imagine hearing those words. "I am against you," declares the Lord "I am against you," declares the Lord "I am against you," declares the Lord of heaven's armies. of heaven's armies. of heaven's armies. So So, what happened to the Ninevites is So So, what happened to the Ninevites is So So, what happened to the Ninevites is a great warning for us. a great warning for us. a great warning for us. A national warning for America. A national warning for America. A national warning for America. A national warning for any nation that A national warning for any nation that A national warning for any nation that has been prospered under God in the has been prospered under God in the has been prospered under God in the past, like my own motherland, the United past, like my own motherland, the United past, like my own motherland, the United Kingdom. The warning is this, the sovereign God The warning is this, the sovereign God of compassion of compassion of compassion is also the sovereign God of wrath. is also the sovereign God of wrath. is also the sovereign God of wrath. Just wrath. Just wrath. Just wrath. The sovereign God of compassion is also The sovereign God of compassion is also The sovereign God of compassion is also the sovereign God of wrath. So, heed the the sovereign God of wrath. So, heed the the sovereign God of wrath. So, heed the warning of the Ninevites. God is compassionate, but God also has God is compassionate, but God also has integrity. He will be just. He will be integrity. He will be just. He will be integrity. He will be just. He will be wrathful against wickedness. That's not wrathful against wickedness. That's not wrathful against wickedness. That's not new news.

God's compassion will give way to God's God's compassion will give way to God's just wrath on a nation that he blessed just wrath on a nation that he blessed just wrath on a nation that he blessed if that nation turns its back on him. if that nation turns its back on him. if that nation turns its back on him. A nation under God will always flourish, A nation under God will always flourish, A nation under God will always flourish, but but but he will by no means leave the guilty he will by no means leave the guilty he will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. unpunished. unpunished. And we're just one generation away And we're just one generation away And we're just one generation away from relapsing. from relapsing. from relapsing. It's why It's why I passionately believe It's why It's why I passionately believe It's why It's why I passionately believe that that that healthy, focused, that that that healthy, focused, that that that healthy, focused, mobilized local churches serving the mobilized local churches serving the mobilized local churches serving the next generation help their nation. next generation help their nation. next generation help their nation. It's a duty to the next generation so It's a duty to the next generation so It's a duty to the next generation so that the next generation doesn't run that the next generation doesn't run that the next generation doesn't run smack into the wrath of God. Nations rise and nations fall depending Nations rise and nations fall depending upon their positioning in their walk upon their positioning in their walk upon their positioning in their walk with God. Study history. with God. Study history. with God. Study history. It's a well-trodden path. Heed the It's a well-trodden path. Heed the It's a well-trodden path. Heed the Ninevite warning. Ninevite warning. Ninevite warning. The best thing for our nation is a The best thing for our nation is a The best thing for our nation is a mobilized healthy church.

mobilized healthy church. mobilized healthy church. Stepping into the responsibilities for Stepping into the responsibilities for Stepping into the responsibilities for the next generation, not drifting. the next generation, not drifting. the next generation, not drifting. Not Not Not subtly week in week out subtly week in week out subtly week in week out dialing down dialing down dialing down their passion for God. So, we've heard a great personal lesson So, we've heard a great personal lesson from Jonah himself and a great national from Jonah himself and a great national from Jonah himself and a great national warning from the Ninevites just warning from the Ninevites just warning from the Ninevites just downstream from Jonah. Let me talk to downstream from Jonah. Let me talk to downstream from Jonah. Let me talk to you about a greater sign. you about a greater sign. you about a greater sign. A greater sign in history than Jonah's A greater sign in history than Jonah's A greater sign in history than Jonah's sign. It's a global sign. A global sign sign. It's a global sign. A global sign sign. It's a global sign. A global sign for the entire world, according to for the entire world, according to for the entire world, according to Jesus. So, turn to the book of Matthew, Jesus. So, turn to the book of Matthew, Jesus. So, turn to the book of Matthew, the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12. the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12. the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12. Matthew chapter 12 verse 38. There are Matthew chapter 12 verse 38. There are Matthew chapter 12 verse 38. There are some correspondences in the New some correspondences in the New some correspondences in the New Testament to the story of Jonah. At some Testament to the story of Jonah. At some Testament to the story of Jonah. At some point, read Acts 27 where the Apostle point, read Acts 27 where the Apostle point, read Acts 27 where the Apostle Paul also heads west on a ship and Paul also heads west on a ship and Paul also heads west on a ship and encounters a sea storm and it seems that encounters a sea storm and it seems that encounters a sea storm and it seems that that narrative is told with an eye on that narrative is told with an eye on that narrative is told with an eye on Jonah chapter 1.

Jonah chapter 1. Jonah chapter 1. Study that for yourselves at home. There Study that for yourselves at home. There Study that for yourselves at home. There are correspondences, but but the most are correspondences, but but the most are correspondences, but but the most important link between the Jonah story important link between the Jonah story important link between the Jonah story and the New Testament is the one that and the New Testament is the one that and the New Testament is the one that Jesus makes. And so, we can't leave a Jesus makes. And so, we can't leave a Jesus makes. And so, we can't leave a series on Jonah without hearing Jesus series on Jonah without hearing Jesus series on Jonah without hearing Jesus out on Jonah. out on Jonah. out on Jonah. Did you know that Jonah is the only Did you know that Jonah is the only Did you know that Jonah is the only prophet in the Old Testament that comes prophet in the Old Testament that comes prophet in the Old Testament that comes from the same neighborhood that Jesus from the same neighborhood that Jesus from the same neighborhood that Jesus grew up in Nazareth. grew up in Nazareth. grew up in Nazareth. Gath-hepher, which is where he's from, Gath-hepher, which is where he's from, Gath-hepher, which is where he's from, is just a few miles from Nazareth. Jonah also is the only prophet that Jonah also is the only prophet that Jesus makes a direct ministry Jesus makes a direct ministry Jesus makes a direct ministry correspondence with. correspondence with. correspondence with. So, let me read to you what what Jesus So, let me read to you what what Jesus So, let me read to you what what Jesus says. Matthew chapter 12 verse 38. Then says. Matthew chapter 12 verse 38. Then says. Matthew chapter 12 verse 38. Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of some of the Pharisees and teachers of some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, that's to Jesus, the law said to him, that's to Jesus, the law said to him, that's to Jesus, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from "Teacher, we want to see a sign from "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." you." you." And he, that is Jesus, answered, "A And he, that is Jesus, answered, "A And he, that is Jesus, answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks wicked and adulterous generation asks wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, for a sign, for a sign, but none will be given it except but none will be given it except but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

the sign of the prophet Jonah. the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights in For as Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights in For as Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the son of the belly of a huge fish, so the son of the belly of a huge fish, so the son of man will be 3 days and 3 nights in the man will be 3 days and 3 nights in the man will be 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth." heart of the earth." heart of the earth." The men of Nineveh The men of Nineveh The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this will stand up at the judgment with this will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they generation and condemn it, for they generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah. repented at the preaching of Jonah. repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now is something greater than Jonah And now is something greater than Jonah And now is something greater than Jonah is here. is here. is here. Something greater than Jonah is here. A Something greater than Jonah is here. A Something greater than Jonah is here. A greater sign than Jonah is here. Now, greater sign than Jonah is here. Now, greater sign than Jonah is here. Now, there's a lot there, but let me just there's a lot there, but let me just there's a lot there, but let me just zoom in on that for time's sake. zoom in on that for time's sake. zoom in on that for time's sake. The religious leaders in Jesus' day The religious leaders in Jesus' day The religious leaders in Jesus' day asked for a sign, and and they want a asked for a sign, and and they want a asked for a sign, and and they want a sign on their terms. sign on their terms. sign on their terms. They want a sign on their terms. I mean, They want a sign on their terms. I mean, They want a sign on their terms. I mean, they've seen the signs. They've seen the they've seen the signs. They've seen the they've seen the signs. They've seen the blind see, the lame walk, the the hungry blind see, the lame walk, the the hungry blind see, the lame walk, the the hungry be fed, the demon-possessed be liberated be fed, the demon-possessed be liberated be fed, the demon-possessed be liberated from their oppression. They've seen all from their oppression. They've seen all from their oppression. They've seen all that. They've seen miraculous signs.

that. They've seen miraculous signs. that. They've seen miraculous signs. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> But it doesn't satisfy them because they >> But it doesn't satisfy them because they >> But it doesn't satisfy them because they don't trust Jesus. They want a sign on don't trust Jesus. They want a sign on don't trust Jesus. They want a sign on their terms. their terms. their terms. And they really all they want to do is And they really all they want to do is And they really all they want to do is really discredit Jesus, sort of have a really discredit Jesus, sort of have a really discredit Jesus, sort of have a gotcha moment with Jesus. gotcha moment with Jesus. gotcha moment with Jesus. They believe that Jesus is actually They believe that Jesus is actually They believe that Jesus is actually satanic. satanic. satanic. If you run your eye up the chapter If you run your eye up the chapter If you run your eye up the chapter around verse 23, 24, it makes it quite around verse 23, 24, it makes it quite around verse 23, 24, it makes it quite clear that they believe that Jesus is clear that they believe that Jesus is clear that they believe that Jesus is satanic. For them, God has to prove satanic. For them, God has to prove satanic. For them, God has to prove himself on their terms. himself on their terms. himself on their terms. They stand over God as it were, not They stand over God as it were, not They stand over God as it were, not under God. So So Jesus calls them out on under God. So So Jesus calls them out on under God. So So Jesus calls them out on it cuz he reads hearts. it cuz he reads hearts. it cuz he reads hearts. And Jesus refers to them as a spiritual And Jesus refers to them as a spiritual And Jesus refers to them as a spiritual adulterers. Basically, you're a bunch of adulterers. Basically, you're a bunch of adulterers. Basically, you're a bunch of religious cheaters on God. You don't religious cheaters on God. You don't religious cheaters on God. You don't trust God. You cheat on God. trust God. You cheat on God. trust God. You cheat on God. But you look religious. But you look religious. But you look religious. But it then says that they will get one But it then says that they will get one But it then says that they will get one irrefutable sign in their lifetime. irrefutable sign in their lifetime. irrefutable sign in their lifetime. And all the generations that come after And all the generations that come after And all the generations that come after them will also witness this irrefutable them will also witness this irrefutable them will also witness this irrefutable greater sign than Jonas.

greater sign than Jonas. greater sign than Jonas. It's a global sign. It's a global sign. It's a global sign. It's greater than the sign of Jonas' It's greater than the sign of Jonas' It's greater than the sign of Jonas' ministry experienced to the Ninevites. ministry experienced to the Ninevites. ministry experienced to the Ninevites. Yes, Jonah was in the belly of the fish Yes, Jonah was in the belly of the fish Yes, Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights. And that's for 3 days and 3 nights. And that's for 3 days and 3 nights. And that's quite a miracle in his ministry path to quite a miracle in his ministry path to quite a miracle in his ministry path to preaching repentance to the to the preaching repentance to the to the preaching repentance to the to the Ninevites. And they believed, they Ninevites. And they believed, they Ninevites. And they believed, they repented. They turned. But Jesus, too, he says is going to be But Jesus, too, he says is going to be swallowed up. swallowed up. swallowed up. And he's going to be spat back up, too. And he's going to be spat back up, too. And he's going to be spat back up, too. Not from the belly of a fish, but from Not from the belly of a fish, but from Not from the belly of a fish, but from the heart of the earth. the heart of the earth. the heart of the earth. From the tomb. From the grave. 3 days From the tomb. From the grave. 3 days From the tomb. From the grave. 3 days and 3 nights in death. Now, remember and 3 nights in death. Now, remember and 3 nights in death. Now, remember from way back, that time period was from way back, that time period was from way back, that time period was understood in the ancient world of understood in the ancient world of understood in the ancient world of speaking of of justice running its speaking of of justice running its speaking of of justice running its course rightly, course rightly, course rightly, but tempered with compassion. but tempered with compassion. but tempered with compassion. Justice running its course rightly, but Justice running its course rightly, but Justice running its course rightly, but tempered with compassionate compassion.

tempered with compassionate compassion. tempered with compassionate compassion. Just punishment seasoned with Just punishment seasoned with Just punishment seasoned with compassion. compassion. compassion. Now, we know in light of what comes Now, we know in light of what comes Now, we know in light of what comes after that, that Jesus is clearly after that, that Jesus is clearly after that, that Jesus is clearly talking about his coming, death, burial, talking about his coming, death, burial, talking about his coming, death, burial, and resurrection. and resurrection. and resurrection. That's the greater sign than Jonah. That's the greater sign than Jonah. That's the greater sign than Jonah. That's the something greater than than That's the something greater than than That's the something greater than than Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. His death, burial, and resurrection is His death, burial, and resurrection is His death, burial, and resurrection is the just punishment or the just payment the just punishment or the just payment the just punishment or the just payment for sin. He takes upon himself the wrath for sin. He takes upon himself the wrath for sin. He takes upon himself the wrath of God for our sin, not for his sin. He of God for our sin, not for his sin. He of God for our sin, not for his sin. He was without sin. was without sin. was without sin. But but justice, it's running its course But but justice, it's running its course But but justice, it's running its course with integrity, rightly. with integrity, rightly. with integrity, rightly. Wrath is being poured out Wrath is being poured out Wrath is being poured out on sin. God is being just. on sin. God is being just. on sin. God is being just. But his death, burial, and resurrection But his death, burial, and resurrection But his death, burial, and resurrection is also the greatest act of compassion is also the greatest act of compassion is also the greatest act of compassion from God that humanity has ever from God that humanity has ever from God that humanity has ever experienced. God provides the only just way to defeat God provides the only just way to defeat sin, to appease the the the righteous sin, to appease the the the righteous sin, to appease the the the righteous wrath of God, to satisfy God's justice wrath of God, to satisfy God's justice wrath of God, to satisfy God's justice system that opens up a way for system that opens up a way for system that opens up a way for forgiveness, and that grants forgiveness, and that grants forgiveness, and that grants justification or a right standing before justification or a right standing before justification or a right standing before God, making eternal life possible again.

This is what the Apostle Paul, I This is what the Apostle Paul, I believe, means in in Romans chapter 3 believe, means in in Romans chapter 3 believe, means in in Romans chapter 3 verse 26. verse 26. verse 26. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Saying that in the death, burial, and >> Saying that in the death, burial, and >> Saying that in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, God is just. resurrection of Jesus, God is just. resurrection of Jesus, God is just. God does not break his justice. Wrath God does not break his justice. Wrath God does not break his justice. Wrath comes upon sin. But comes upon sin. But comes upon sin. But >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> in being just, God is able to justify. >> in being just, God is able to justify. >> in being just, God is able to justify. God is able to grant a not guilty God is able to grant a not guilty God is able to grant a not guilty verdict on those who are guilty but have verdict on those who are guilty but have verdict on those who are guilty but have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That's compassion. compassion. compassion. A just and a justifying God. In Jesus' A just and a justifying God. In Jesus' A just and a justifying God. In Jesus' generation, those wicked false religious generation, those wicked false religious generation, those wicked false religious leaders and all the generations since leaders and all the generations since leaders and all the generations since have lived in light of the greater sign have lived in light of the greater sign have lived in light of the greater sign than Jonas. Three days and three nights than Jonas. Three days and three nights than Jonas. Three days and three nights in the fish. in the fish. in the fish. We we live in light of the death, We we live in light of the death, We we live in light of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus burial, and resurrection of Jesus burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, here's my my third and final point So, here's my my third and final point on this greater global sign than Jonas.

on this greater global sign than Jonas. on this greater global sign than Jonas. The sovereign compassionate just God. The sovereign compassionate just God. The sovereign compassionate just God. We've learned all of that from Jonah. We've learned all of that from Jonah. We've learned all of that from Jonah. The sovereign compassionate just God The sovereign compassionate just God The sovereign compassionate just God offers salvation to all who believe. offers salvation to all who believe. offers salvation to all who believe. Why? Because of the death, burial, and Why? Because of the death, burial, and Why? Because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. resurrection of Jesus Christ. resurrection of Jesus Christ. That's what Jesus is saying to those That's what Jesus is saying to those That's what Jesus is saying to those religious leaders. religious leaders. religious leaders. But they don't deserve a sign, but But they don't deserve a sign, but But they don't deserve a sign, but they're going to get one. And they're they're going to get one. And they're they're going to get one. And they're going to have to do something with that going to have to do something with that going to have to do something with that greater sign greater sign greater sign than Jonas. than Jonas. than Jonas. They're going to have to do something They're going to have to do something They're going to have to do something with the death, burial, and resurrection with the death, burial, and resurrection with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And And what they're of Jesus Christ. And And what they're of Jesus Christ. And And what they're supposed to do with it is believe. supposed to do with it is believe. supposed to do with it is believe. It's a just believe. The sovereign It's a just believe. The sovereign It's a just believe. The sovereign compassionate just God offers salvation compassionate just God offers salvation compassionate just God offers salvation on his terms because he's accomplished on his terms because he's accomplished on his terms because he's accomplished it through the death, burial, and it through the death, burial, and it through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We just resurrection of Jesus Christ. We just resurrection of Jesus Christ. We just believe. believe. believe. It's available to those who would It's available to those who would It's available to those who would believe. I don't know if you're a believe. I don't know if you're a believe. I don't know if you're a Ninevite.

Ninevite. Ninevite. I don't know if you're a Canaanite. I I don't know if you're a Canaanite. I I don't know if you're a Canaanite. I don't know if you're some form of don't know if you're some form of don't know if you're some form of paganite. I know you're all paganite. I know you're all paganite. I know you're all Americanites. Americanites. Americanites. And I know you're all humanites. God doesn't have to prove himself to you God doesn't have to prove himself to you on your terms. You don't stand over God, on your terms. You don't stand over God, on your terms. You don't stand over God, and yet God gives you the greatest sign and yet God gives you the greatest sign and yet God gives you the greatest sign that is available inside of human that is available inside of human that is available inside of human history, global and transhistorical act history, global and transhistorical act history, global and transhistorical act of God, the death, burial, and of God, the death, burial, and of God, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just believe. Because of what God has done, life with Because of what God has done, life with God is available again. God is available again. God is available again. Again, life with God was available at Again, life with God was available at Again, life with God was available at the start. We just rejected it, but life the start. We just rejected it, but life the start. We just rejected it, but life with God is available again for with God is available again for with God is available again for spiritual adulterers and cheaters. spiritual adulterers and cheaters. spiritual adulterers and cheaters. But on God's terms. But on God's terms. But on God's terms. God will take you back if you believe. God will take you back if you believe. God will take you back if you believe. You put yourself under and not above You put yourself under and not above You put yourself under and not above God. God. God. If you simply tell him that you're know If you simply tell him that you're know If you simply tell him that you're know you're a spiritual cheater, and that you you're a spiritual cheater, and that you you're a spiritual cheater, and that you want his forgiveness, and that you want his forgiveness, and that you want his forgiveness, and that you believe that it's only available through believe that it's only available through believe that it's only available through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the son faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the son faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God, in light of his death, burial, of God, in light of his death, burial, of God, in light of his death, burial, and resurrection.

and resurrection. and resurrection. Just believe. Friends, that's Friends, that's that's Jonah's confession. that's Jonah's confession. that's Jonah's confession. What a book. What a book. What a book. I hope it sticks with you the rest of I hope it sticks with you the rest of I hope it sticks with you the rest of your days, and that you've learned more your days, and that you've learned more your days, and that you've learned more than little Jeff did with his hey God than little Jeff did with his hey God than little Jeff did with his hey God lets us all spit, guys. I started our series way back telling I started our series way back telling you about a Scottish missionary called you about a Scottish missionary called you about a Scottish missionary called Dr. David Livingstone. Dr. David Livingstone. Dr. David Livingstone. I want to very briefly return to him. I want to very briefly return to him. I want to very briefly return to him. You know, Psalm 121, You know, Psalm 121, You know, Psalm 121, I lift up my eyes to the hills, where I lift up my eyes to the hills, where I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes does my help come from? My help comes does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, was was a key verse in from the Lord, was was a key verse in from the Lord, was was a key verse in his life that comforted him all those his life that comforted him all those his life that comforted him all those decades and decades in deep African decades and decades in deep African decades and decades in deep African jungles. jungles. jungles. But there was another key verse in his But there was another key verse in his But there was another key verse in his life, Matthew 28. life, Matthew 28. life, Matthew 28. Go make disciples of all nations. Go make disciples of all nations. Go make disciples of all nations. Jesus commissioning to us, very similar, Jesus commissioning to us, very similar, Jesus commissioning to us, very similar, the New Testament version of God's the New Testament version of God's the New Testament version of God's commissioning to Jonah. Go make commissioning to Jonah. Go make commissioning to Jonah. Go make disciples.

disciples. disciples. Baptizing them in the name of the Baptizing them in the name of the Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to what? To obey Teaching them to what? To obey Teaching them to what? To obey all that I have commanded you. all that I have commanded you. all that I have commanded you. Obedience that comes from faith. Obedience that comes from faith. Obedience that comes from faith. And then a beautiful promise at the end, And then a beautiful promise at the end, And then a beautiful promise at the end, and lo, I will be with you always and lo, I will be with you always and lo, I will be with you always to the end of the age. That's what to the end of the age. That's what to the end of the age. That's what That's what drove That's what drove That's what drove David Livingstone all those decades in David Livingstone all those decades in David Livingstone all those decades in deep, deep Africa. deep, deep Africa. deep, deep Africa. In fact, he died alone in Africa. In fact, he died alone in Africa. In fact, he died alone in Africa. Deep in the jungle, he was found dead on Deep in the jungle, he was found dead on Deep in the jungle, he was found dead on his knees by his bed in his tent with his knees by his bed in his tent with his knees by his bed in his tent with his Bible open to Matthew 28, his life his Bible open to Matthew 28, his life his Bible open to Matthew 28, his life verse. verse. verse. So listen, So listen, So listen, my friends, my friends, my friends, Bible-believing, church-going, Bible-believing, church-going, Bible-believing, church-going, regular-tithing, Jesus-following regular-tithing, Jesus-following regular-tithing, Jesus-following Christians, Christians, Christians, God still says to you, "Should I not God still says to you, "Should I not God still says to you, "Should I not have compassion?"

There's a Ninevite culture out there There's a Ninevite culture out there that you've been commissioned by Christ that you've been commissioned by Christ that you've been commissioned by Christ to reach. to reach. to reach. There's no doubt about that. There's no doubt about that. There's no doubt about that. Now, you might you might want to Now, you might you might want to Now, you might you might want to ignore that, ignore that, ignore that, but there's no doubt about that. There's but there's no doubt about that. There's but there's no doubt about that. There's a Ninevite culture out there that you've a Ninevite culture out there that you've a Ninevite culture out there that you've been commissioned by Christ to reach, been commissioned by Christ to reach, been commissioned by Christ to reach, and to reach them with what? With and to reach them with what? With and to reach them with what? With God-like compassion. God-like compassion. God-like compassion. Can you imagine what God can do with Can you imagine what God can do with Can you imagine what God can do with millions of millions of mobilized, millions of millions of mobilized, millions of millions of mobilized, compassionate Christians in our nation? compassionate Christians in our nation? compassionate Christians in our nation? Forget this book. Forget this book. Forget this book. The 21st century could be the best The 21st century could be the best The 21st century could be the best century in world history. It could be. century in world history. It could be. century in world history. It could be. Right on the heels of history's worst Right on the heels of history's worst Right on the heels of history's worst century, the 20th century. century, the 20th century. century, the 20th century. That can happen again if That can happen again if That can happen again if this nation comes right back under God this nation comes right back under God this nation comes right back under God where it belongs. So, it's time for you to live up to your So, it's time for you to live up to your name, Christian. name, Christian. name, Christian. Right? We're all God's doves in our Right? We're all God's doves in our Right? We're all God's doves in our We're all God's messengers of hope We're all God's messengers of hope We're all God's messengers of hope and God's salvation.

and God's salvation. and God's salvation. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen to that. Let me pray for us and Amen to that. Let me pray for us and Amen to that. Let me pray for us and then we're going to stand and sing. then we're going to stand and sing. then we're going to stand and sing. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Heavenly Father, we thank you for your goodness. goodness. goodness. We thank you for We thank you for We thank you for helping Jonah write helping Jonah write helping Jonah write his story of his walk with you. his story of his walk with you. his story of his walk with you. I As I said earlier, I applaud his I As I said earlier, I applaud his I As I said earlier, I applaud his courage. courage. courage. I thank you for using this book so many I thank you for using this book so many I thank you for using this book so many times in my life times in my life times in my life so that I can adjust and align my heart so that I can adjust and align my heart so that I can adjust and align my heart to your heart. to your heart. to your heart. Lord, I pray that that will be the Lord, I pray that that will be the Lord, I pray that that will be the experience of every single person who experience of every single person who experience of every single person who has sat under the exposition of your has sat under the exposition of your has sat under the exposition of your word in the story of Jonah. word in the story of Jonah. word in the story of Jonah. That their hearts would be good soil That their hearts would be good soil That their hearts would be good soil that receives the word and produces that receives the word and produces that receives the word and produces fruit and that that fruit impacts this fruit and that that fruit impacts this fruit and that that fruit impacts this society. society. society. Lifting high the name of Jesus Christ. Lifting high the name of Jesus Christ. Lifting high the name of Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.