Traditional Service — “A Sad Relapse!”, Dr. Jonathan Murphy

Good morning. Good morning. >> I'm Christy Mhenny, the family minister >> I'm Christy Mhenny, the family minister >> I'm Christy Mhenny, the family minister here. And this past week, we had here. And this past week, we had here. And this past week, we had approximately 430 kids and 200 approximately 430 kids and 200 approximately 430 kids and 200 volunteers participate in vacation bible volunteers participate in vacation bible volunteers participate in vacation bible school. [applause] [applause] It was an incredibly [applause] It was an incredibly energetic, noisy, fun, creative week energetic, noisy, fun, creative week energetic, noisy, fun, creative week where we played outrageous games. We where we played outrageous games. We where we played outrageous games. We worshiped God with joy and enthusiasm, worshiped God with joy and enthusiasm, worshiped God with joy and enthusiasm, which you'll get to see in a moment. Oh, which you'll get to see in a moment. Oh, which you'll get to see in a moment. Oh, and while I'm talking, can I have the and while I'm talking, can I have the and while I'm talking, can I have the kids come down? Sorry, I almost forgot kids come down? Sorry, I almost forgot kids come down? Sorry, I almost forgot that part. And crafted to our hearts content. We And crafted to our hearts content. We watched hilarious skits and we learned watched hilarious skits and we learned watched hilarious skits and we learned the truth of God's word. the truth of God's word. the truth of God's word. We made new friends and we had fun with We made new friends and we had fun with We made new friends and we had fun with old friends. And we learned what serving old friends. And we learned what serving old friends. And we learned what serving God looks like and how to show grace to God looks like and how to show grace to God looks like and how to show grace to others. It was incredible. others. It was incredible. others. It was incredible. This week, the kids learned about the This week, the kids learned about the This week, the kids learned about the extreme call of Jesus and how he calls extreme call of Jesus and how he calls extreme call of Jesus and how he calls us to himself just as he called Peter to us to himself just as he called Peter to us to himself just as he called Peter to follow him. They learned about the follow him. They learned about the follow him. They learned about the extreme love of Jesus and how he laid extreme love of Jesus and how he laid extreme love of Jesus and how he laid down his life to pay the debt for all of down his life to pay the debt for all of down his life to pay the debt for all of our sin, past, present, and future.

our sin, past, present, and future. our sin, past, present, and future. because of his love for us. We learned because of his love for us. We learned because of his love for us. We learned that Christ's extreme forgiveness that Christ's extreme forgiveness that Christ's extreme forgiveness provided redemption for Peter when he provided redemption for Peter when he provided redemption for Peter when he denied Jesus three times. And it denied Jesus three times. And it denied Jesus three times. And it provides complete redemption for us provides complete redemption for us provides complete redemption for us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the through the sacrifice of Jesus on the through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. And we learn that Jesus wanted cross. And we learn that Jesus wanted cross. And we learn that Jesus wanted Peter to tell the world about Jesus. And Peter to tell the world about Jesus. And Peter to tell the world about Jesus. And he also chooses us to proclaim his he also chooses us to proclaim his he also chooses us to proclaim his extreme message to the world. Our heart extreme message to the world. Our heart extreme message to the world. Our heart and our goal for this week was that and our goal for this week was that and our goal for this week was that lives would change and that children lives would change and that children lives would change and that children would choose to follow Jesus. And so would choose to follow Jesus. And so would choose to follow Jesus. And so right now, we'd like to sing about that right now, we'd like to sing about that right now, we'd like to sing about that for you. We would love for you to stand for you. We would love for you to stand for you. We would love for you to stand up where you are. Those in the blue up where you are. Those in the blue up where you are. Those in the blue shirts were some of our volunteers who shirts were some of our volunteers who shirts were some of our volunteers who were uh with us this week. We're so were uh with us this week. We're so were uh with us this week. We're so grateful for them. Um we'd love for you grateful for them. Um we'd love for you grateful for them. Um we'd love for you guys to all stand up and join us. Get a guys to all stand up and join us. Get a guys to all stand up and join us. Get a taste of VBS and join us in singing and taste of VBS and join us in singing and taste of VBS and join us in singing and following the hand motions. following the hand motions. following the hand motions. Edited follow Jesus. [music] follow Jesus. [music] I have decided to follow Jesus. I I have decided to follow Jesus. I I have decided to follow Jesus. I [music] decided to follow Jesus. No [music] decided to follow Jesus. No [music] decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. I decided turning back. No turning back. I decided turning back. No turning back. I decided to follow Jesus. I have decided [music] to follow Jesus. I have decided [music] to follow Jesus. I have decided [music] to follow Jesus. I have decided to to follow Jesus. I have decided to to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow [music] Jesus. No turning back.

follow [music] Jesus. No turning back. follow [music] Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. No turning back. No turning back. He gives [music] me hope for each new He gives [music] me hope for each new He gives [music] me hope for each new day. I'm going to follow Jesus. day. I'm going to follow Jesus. day. I'm going to follow Jesus. He lights my [music] path all along the He lights my [music] path all along the He lights my [music] path all along the way. I'm going to follow Jesus. [music] way. I'm going to follow Jesus. [music] way. I'm going to follow Jesus. [music] I will go wherever he leads. I'm going I will go wherever he leads. I'm going I will go wherever he leads. I'm going to [music] follow Jesus. to [music] follow Jesus. to [music] follow Jesus. No turning No turning No turning back. >> I have decided [music] to follow Jesus. >> I have decided [music] to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. Decided to follow Jesus. No turning Decided to follow Jesus. No turning Decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. No. No. decided back. No turning back. No. No. decided back. No turning back. No. No. decided [music] [music] [music] to follow Jesus. I have decided to to follow Jesus. I have decided to to follow Jesus. I have decided to [music] follow Jesus. I decided to [music] follow Jesus. I decided to [music] follow Jesus. I decided to follow Jesus. No turning [music] back. follow Jesus. No turning [music] back. follow Jesus. No turning [music] back. No turning back.

No turning back. No turning back. Gives me hope for each new day. I'm Gives me hope for each new day. I'm Gives me hope for each new day. I'm going [music] to follow Jesus. going [music] to follow Jesus. going [music] to follow Jesus. Lights my path all along the way. I'm Lights my path all along the way. I'm Lights my path all along the way. I'm [singing] going to follow [music] Jesus. [singing] going to follow [music] Jesus. [singing] going to follow [music] Jesus. I will go wherever he leads. I'm going I will go wherever he leads. I'm going I will go wherever he leads. I'm going to follow Jesus. [music] >> No turning >> No turning back. >> I have decided to follow [music] Jesus. >> I have decided to follow [music] Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have I have decided to follow Jesus. I have I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. [music] No decided to follow Jesus. [music] No decided to follow Jesus. [music] No turning back. No turning back. turning back. No turning back. turning back. No turning back. decided to follow [music] Jesus. I decided to follow [music] Jesus. I decided to follow [music] Jesus. I decided to follow Jesus. I decided decided to follow Jesus. I decided decided to follow Jesus. I decided [music] [music] [music] to follow Jesus. No turning back. No to follow Jesus. No turning back. No to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. [music] No turning back. turning back. [music] No turning back. turning back. [music] No turning back. >> No turning back. No turning back.

>> No turning back. No turning back. >> No turning back. No turning back. >> No turning back. [music] No turning >> No turning back. [music] No turning >> No turning back. [music] No turning back. Wow. Remain standing, please. Yeah. I'd Wow. Remain standing, please. Yeah. I'd like for those of us who are over 60, like for those of us who are over 60, like for those of us who are over 60, let's practice that turning around right let's practice that turning around right let's practice that turning around right now. Would you do that? Cameras are now. Would you do that? Cameras are now. Would you do that? Cameras are rolling. Yeah. Oh, Christie, thanks to rolling. Yeah. Oh, Christie, thanks to rolling. Yeah. Oh, Christie, thanks to you and your team, can you imagine 450 you and your team, can you imagine 450 you and your team, can you imagine 450 kids here every morning and another 200 kids here every morning and another 200 kids here every morning and another 200 leaders? I describe it like this. Our leaders? I describe it like this. Our leaders? I describe it like this. Our campus this week was like a beehive that campus this week was like a beehive that campus this week was like a beehive that had been poked. You know there are had been poked. You know there are had been poked. You know there are people. All right. Our first chance to people. All right. Our first chance to people. All right. Our first chance to sing is right now. Song is for called sing is right now. Song is for called sing is right now. Song is for called God is for us. And uh the only God is for us. And uh the only God is for us. And uh the only requirement that you you must smile as requirement that you you must smile as requirement that you you must smile as we sing this song. Here we go. We won't feel [singing] the battle.

We won't feel [singing] the battle. [music] Oh, we walk in the night. We [music] Oh, we walk in the night. We [music] Oh, we walk in the night. We will walk [singing] the valley with you will walk [singing] the valley with you will walk [singing] the valley with you by our side. You will go by our side. You will go by our side. You will go [music and singing] before us. You will [music and singing] before us. You will [music and singing] before us. You will lead the way. We have found lead the way. We have found lead the way. We have found [music and singing] a refuge. Only you [music and singing] a refuge. Only you [music and singing] a refuge. Only you can save. can save. can save. Sing with [singing] joy now. Our God is Sing with [singing] joy now. Our God is Sing with [singing] joy now. Our God is for us. [music] for us. [music] for us. [music] The father's [singing] love is a strong The father's [singing] love is a strong The father's [singing] love is a strong and mighty fortress. Raise your voice and mighty fortress. Raise your voice and mighty fortress. Raise your voice now. No one [singing] is gater [music] now. No one [singing] is gater [music] now. No one [singing] is gater [music] against us. Our God is for us. Even when [music and singing] I stumble, Even when [music and singing] I stumble, even when I fall, even when I [singing] even when I fall, even when I [singing] even when I fall, even when I [singing] turn to your love, [music] turn to your love, [music] turn to your love, [music] you will not abandon. You [singing] will you will not abandon. You [singing] will you will not abandon. You [singing] will not forsake. You will give me never not forsake. You will give me never not forsake. You will give me never [music] ending. [music] ending. [music] ending. Sing with joy [singing] now. Our God is Sing with joy [singing] now. Our God is Sing with joy [singing] now. Our God is for us. The father's love for us. The father's love for us. The father's love [music and singing] is a strong and [music and singing] is a strong and [music and singing] is a strong and mighty fores. Raise your voice now. No mighty fores. Raise your voice now. No mighty fores. Raise your voice now. No one is [music] ger.

[bell] [bell] [music] [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> for his >> for his >> for his us [music and singing] who [music] gave his son [singing] to who [music] gave his son [singing] to free us all in his love. [singing] free us all in his love. [singing] free us all in his love. [singing] Either [music] my nor will not [music] be as he who gave his will not [music] be as he who gave his son to free us all [music and singing] [music] [music] [singing] with joy. Our God is for us. [singing] with joy. Our God is for us. [singing] with joy. Our God is for us. The father's love is a strong and mighty our [singing] our [singing] [music] [music] [music] strong and mighty [singing] Well, good morning. Welcome to Stone

Well, good morning. Welcome to Stone Bryer Community Church. If you came here Bryer Community Church. If you came here Bryer Community Church. If you came here during the first hour, you probably felt during the first hour, you probably felt during the first hour, you probably felt that you got baptized by immersion. And that you got baptized by immersion. And that you got baptized by immersion. And when we leave, hopefully it'll only feel when we leave, hopefully it'll only feel when we leave, hopefully it'll only feel like baptism by sprinkling. So, we'll like baptism by sprinkling. So, we'll like baptism by sprinkling. So, we'll see if the weather cooperates with us. see if the weather cooperates with us. see if the weather cooperates with us. Uh, today is also flag day. And it was Uh, today is also flag day. And it was Uh, today is also flag day. And it was great seeing some patriotic uh attire great seeing some patriotic uh attire great seeing some patriotic uh attire out there. You know, our flag represents out there. You know, our flag represents out there. You know, our flag represents freedom. Our flag represents our freedom. Our flag represents our freedom. Our flag represents our national identity. And it's a it's a national identity. And it's a it's a national identity. And it's a it's a message uh that that changes lives. More message uh that that changes lives. More message uh that that changes lives. More important than the flag is the symbol important than the flag is the symbol important than the flag is the symbol that is hanging behind me. The cross that is hanging behind me. The cross that is hanging behind me. The cross represents true freedom. The cross represents true freedom. The cross represents true freedom. The cross represents a message that spans borders, represents a message that spans borders, represents a message that spans borders, crosses people, groups, and brings true crosses people, groups, and brings true crosses people, groups, and brings true freedom and true life wherever it goes. freedom and true life wherever it goes. freedom and true life wherever it goes. And I'm going to be sharing with you a And I'm going to be sharing with you a And I'm going to be sharing with you a little later in the service before our little later in the service before our little later in the service before our prayer time about several groups that prayer time about several groups that prayer time about several groups that will be going and taking that message of will be going and taking that message of will be going and taking that message of the gospel around the world and at the gospel around the world and at the gospel around the world and at summer camps. And it's just wonderful summer camps. And it's just wonderful summer camps. And it's just wonderful that we can represent that message as a that we can represent that message as a that we can represent that message as a church boldly and freely in our country.

church boldly and freely in our country. church boldly and freely in our country. And so, welcome to Stonebrier where you And so, welcome to Stonebrier where you And so, welcome to Stonebrier where you will hear the message day after day, will hear the message day after day, will hear the message day after day, week after week of the gospel of Jesus week after week of the gospel of Jesus week after week of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are so glad to see all of you Christ. We are so glad to see all of you Christ. We are so glad to see all of you here. To our friends that are online and here. To our friends that are online and here. To our friends that are online and visitors, welcome. We are glad to see visitors, welcome. We are glad to see visitors, welcome. We are glad to see you this morning. Um, right now, why you this morning. Um, right now, why you this morning. Um, right now, why don't we take a few moments, stand up, don't we take a few moments, stand up, don't we take a few moments, stand up, uh, shake off some of that water that uh, shake off some of that water that uh, shake off some of that water that you have on you, and say good morning to you have on you, and say good morning to you have on you, and say good morning to somebody, maybe practice those moves you somebody, maybe practice those moves you somebody, maybe practice those moves you learned just a couple of minutes ago. >> Well, right now, let's uh pay close >> Well, right now, let's uh pay close attention to the screens. We've got one attention to the screens. We've got one attention to the screens. We've got one of our pastors, our pastor of young of our pastors, our pastor of young of our pastors, our pastor of young adults, Joey Dean, that's going to share adults, Joey Dean, that's going to share adults, Joey Dean, that's going to share with us a wonderful opportunity for the with us a wonderful opportunity for the with us a wonderful opportunity for the young adults of our church.

young adults of our church. young adults of our church. >> Hey, young adults. We're heading into >> Hey, young adults. We're heading into >> Hey, young adults. We're heading into something really special [music] this something really special [music] this something really special [music] this summer. The Young Adults Retreat July summer. The Young Adults Retreat July summer. The Young Adults Retreat July 24th through the 26th at Spring Lakes 24th through the 26th at Spring Lakes 24th through the 26th at Spring Lakes Ranch. [music] More [music] than anything, this weekend More [music] than anything, this weekend is about stepping away from the normal is about stepping away from the normal is about stepping away from the normal rhythm of life and making space [music] rhythm of life and making space [music] rhythm of life and making space [music] for what we don't always slow down for what we don't always slow down for what we don't always slow down enough to do. Real connections, deeper enough to do. Real connections, deeper enough to do. Real connections, deeper friendships, and growing in our faith friendships, and growing in our faith friendships, and growing in our faith together. Our theme this year [music] is together. Our theme this year [music] is together. Our theme this year [music] is grow. As scripture encourages us to be grow. As scripture encourages us to be grow. As scripture encourages us to be rooted and built up, strengthened in our rooted and built up, strengthened in our rooted and built up, strengthened in our faith, and overflowing with faith, and overflowing with faith, and overflowing with thankfulness, we'll learn about thankfulness, we'll learn about thankfulness, we'll learn about spiritual [music] growth as we spend spiritual [music] growth as we spend spiritual [music] growth as we spend time in worship and God's word, personal time in worship and God's word, personal time in worship and God's word, personal reflection, [music] and in honest reflection, [music] and in honest reflection, [music] and in honest conversations with one another. And yes, conversations with one another. And yes, conversations with one another. And yes, there'll be plenty of time to relax, to there'll be plenty of time to relax, to there'll be plenty of time to relax, to have fun, and enjoy the weekend. But the have fun, and enjoy the weekend. But the have fun, and enjoy the weekend. But the heart is community and faith. We'd heart is community and faith. We'd heart is community and faith. We'd [music] love for you to be a part of [music] love for you to be a part of [music] love for you to be a part of this amazing weekend. Space is limited, this amazing weekend. Space is limited, this amazing weekend. Space is limited, so sign up today at stonebrier.org/ so sign up today at stonebrier.org/ so sign up today at stonebrier.org/ /events.

On my recent sbatical, Mary and I On my recent sbatical, Mary and I visited my two favorite church buildings visited my two favorite church buildings visited my two favorite church buildings in all the world. St. Peter's Basilica in all the world. St. Peter's Basilica in all the world. St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is the largest church building in Rome is the largest church building in Rome is the largest church building in the world. 60,000 people can stand in the world. 60,000 people can stand in the world. 60,000 people can stand inside that church at the same time. It inside that church at the same time. It inside that church at the same time. It took 120 years to build. Finished in took 120 years to build. Finished in took 120 years to build. Finished in 1622. 1622. 1622. The dome was designed by Michelangelo. The dome was designed by Michelangelo. The dome was designed by Michelangelo. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is the tallest church building in the world. It tallest church building in the world. It tallest church building in the world. It was designed by Antony Gaudy. Started in was designed by Antony Gaudy. Started in was designed by Antony Gaudy. Started in 1883. 1883. 1883. It was just finished last month. And uh It was just finished last month. And uh It was just finished last month. And uh I think I'd fire the building committee I think I'd fire the building committee I think I'd fire the building committee I if that was the case except my church. I if that was the case except my church. I if that was the case except my church. And then it was formally dedicated by And then it was formally dedicated by And then it was formally dedicated by Pope Leo last week. But I want you to Pope Leo last week. But I want you to Pope Leo last week. But I want you to know my favorite place in the world to know my favorite place in the world to know my favorite place in the world to worship Jesus Christ is right here in worship Jesus Christ is right here in worship Jesus Christ is right here in this sanctuary with you. Yeah, it really this sanctuary with you. Yeah, it really this sanctuary with you. Yeah, it really is [applause] because worship is not dependent at all because worship is not dependent at all on the beauty or size of an edifice.

on the beauty or size of an edifice. on the beauty or size of an edifice. Uh it it's all determined by our heart. Uh it it's all determined by our heart. Uh it it's all determined by our heart. The Bible says that we we are temples of The Bible says that we we are temples of The Bible says that we we are temples of the Holy Spirit. So worship comes from the Holy Spirit. So worship comes from the Holy Spirit. So worship comes from our heart. our heart. our heart. And uh this morning we're going to stand And uh this morning we're going to stand And uh this morning we're going to stand and sing a grand hymn of our faith. I and sing a grand hymn of our faith. I and sing a grand hymn of our faith. I invite you to sing it with passion and invite you to sing it with passion and invite you to sing it with passion and joy. joy. joy. Please stand. Heat Heat [music] >> [music]

>> [music] >> I will praise my [music and singing] >> I will praise my [music and singing] >> I will praise my [music and singing] dear redeemer dear redeemer dear redeemer is [music] is [music] is [music] [singing] my [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] s s s and heaven [music] and [singing] hell. and heaven [music] and [singing] hell. and heaven [music] and [singing] hell. Sing oh sing [music and singing] of my Sing oh sing [music and singing] of my Sing oh sing [music and singing] of my redeemer redeemer redeemer with [music and singing] with [music and singing] with [music and singing] his blood he purches his blood he purches his blood he purches me me me on [music and singing] on [music and singing] on [music and singing] the cross he seal my body the cross he seal my body the cross he seal my body [music] the dead me [music] Heat. me [music] Heat. Heat.

[music] [music] Heat here. here. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat here. here. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Great. Completely [music and singing] Completely [music and singing] love. My heart is seen by God [music] love. My heart is seen by God [music] love. My heart is seen by God [music] above. Should [singing] I now run? Dare above. Should [singing] I now run? Dare above. Should [singing] I now run? Dare hide my face when [music] in his eyes hide my face when [music] in his eyes hide my face when [music] in his eyes there is only grace.

Completely [music and singing] Completely [music and singing] free. The shame is gone. free. The shame is gone. free. The shame is gone. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] The highest judge took all my wrongs and The highest judge took all my wrongs and The highest judge took all my wrongs and [music and singing] sent them all his [music and singing] sent them all his [music and singing] sent them all his only son. only son. only son. He bore my sin. [music and singing] He bore my sin. [music and singing] He bore my sin. [music and singing] I love I love I love [music] I [singing] I [singing] might [music] might [music] might [music] [singing] to see his [singing] son when he looks to see his [singing] son when he looks on me. [music] He is. How can it be [music] He is. How can it be [music] that God will set his heart on me? that God will set his heart on me? that God will set his heart on me? [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] words words words I have done. I have done. I have done. I love [music and singing] [music and singing] I [music and singing] [music and singing] to see his son when he looks on me.

>> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> completely saved. The work is done. The >> completely saved. The work is done. The >> completely saved. The work is done. The curse of grave [music and singing] is curse of grave [music and singing] is curse of grave [music and singing] is over. over. over. Oh, in the dark there was a king Oh, in the dark there was a king Oh, in the dark there was a king [singing and music] My My sing [music and singing] is is to see his son. He looks on me.

to see his son. He looks on me. to see his son. He looks on me. [music] Who then will condemn us? No one. For Who then will condemn us? No one. For Christ Jesus died for us and was raised Christ Jesus died for us and was raised Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us. And he is sitting in the to life for us. And he is sitting in the to life for us. And he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand place of honor at God's right hand place of honor at God's right hand pleading for us. pleading for us. pleading for us. >> And I [music] am convinced that nothing >> And I [music] am convinced that nothing >> And I [music] am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. can ever separate us from God's love. can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor [music] life, neither Neither death nor [music] life, neither Neither death nor [music] life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears angels nor demons, neither our fears angels nor demons, neither our fears about today, nor our worries about about today, nor our worries about about today, nor our worries about tomorrow, [music] not even the powers of tomorrow, [music] not even the powers of tomorrow, [music] not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No hell can separate us from God's love. No hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or on the earth power in the sky above or on the earth power in the sky above or on the earth below. Indeed, [music] nothing in all below. Indeed, [music] nothing in all below. Indeed, [music] nothing in all creation can ever be able to separate us creation can ever be able to separate us creation can ever be able to separate us from the love of God [music] that is from the love of God [music] that is from the love of God [music] that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

I love [singing and music] I love [singing and music] you, Lord, and I [singing] and I [singing] lift my voice [music] you, you, [singing] [singing] [singing] oh my soul. Oh, rejoice. oh my soul. Oh, rejoice. oh my soul. Oh, rejoice. [singing] [singing] [singing] Take joy Let [singing] me be a sweet Let [singing] me be a sweet sweet sweet sweet sound sound sound in [singing] your >> Father God, from the deepest parts of >> Father God, from the deepest parts of our soul, we reach out to you now to our soul, we reach out to you now to our soul, we reach out to you now to tell you that we love you dearly.

tell you that we love you dearly. tell you that we love you dearly. We love you because you loved us first. We love you because you loved us first. We love you because you loved us first. But we love you now. The best way we But we love you now. The best way we But we love you now. The best way we know how we commit our lives to you. I know how we commit our lives to you. I know how we commit our lives to you. I pray that every word we say, every pray that every word we say, every pray that every word we say, every thought that we have, every act that we thought that we have, every act that we thought that we have, every act that we do will honor you and remind us that you do will honor you and remind us that you do will honor you and remind us that you are good to us. Pray this in the good are good to us. Pray this in the good are good to us. Pray this in the good and strong name of Jesus. and strong name of Jesus. and strong name of Jesus. Amen. Thank you. Be seated. women's chorus is going to sing an women's chorus is going to sing an anthem titled Oh Love That Will Not Let anthem titled Oh Love That Will Not Let anthem titled Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go. It's a hymn in our hymnbook. It's Me Go. It's a hymn in our hymnbook. It's Me Go. It's a hymn in our hymnbook. It's hymn number 606. hymn number 606. hymn number 606. The lyrics were written by George Mat. The lyrics were written by George Mat. The lyrics were written by George Mat. Let me tell you the backstory of why he Let me tell you the backstory of why he Let me tell you the backstory of why he wrote this song. wrote this song. wrote this song. Mat was born in Glasgow in 1842.

Mat was born in Glasgow in 1842. Mat was born in Glasgow in 1842. He was a brilliant student, graduated He was a brilliant student, graduated He was a brilliant student, graduated the University of Glasgow at age 20. And the University of Glasgow at age 20. And the University of Glasgow at age 20. And that same year, he was engaged to be that same year, he was engaged to be that same year, he was engaged to be married to the love of his life. married to the love of his life. married to the love of his life. But he was soon diagnosed with a But he was soon diagnosed with a But he was soon diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition that would degenerative eye condition that would degenerative eye condition that would inevitably lead to total blindness. inevitably lead to total blindness. inevitably lead to total blindness. The woman he was engaged to broke off The woman he was engaged to broke off The woman he was engaged to broke off the relationship the relationship the relationship because she didn't want to be the wife because she didn't want to be the wife because she didn't want to be the wife of a blind man. of a blind man. of a blind man. Mat was devastated. Mat was devastated. Mat was devastated. In the coming months, his sister moved In the coming months, his sister moved In the coming months, his sister moved into his house into his house into his house and devoted herself to taking care of and devoted herself to taking care of and devoted herself to taking care of him. him. him. When he attended seminary, When he attended seminary, When he attended seminary, his sister also learned Greek and Hebrew his sister also learned Greek and Hebrew his sister also learned Greek and Hebrew so that she could help so that she could help so that she could help her brother learned the language. her brother learned the language. her brother learned the language. But 20 years later, she announced that But 20 years later, she announced that But 20 years later, she announced that she was engaged to be married and that she was engaged to be married and that she was engaged to be married and that she and her future husband were moving she and her future husband were moving she and her future husband were moving to another city.

to another city. to another city. Once again, Mat felt abandoned life and Once again, Mat felt abandoned life and Once again, Mat felt abandoned life and had intense mental and emotional grief had intense mental and emotional grief had intense mental and emotional grief and pain. and pain. and pain. The night before his sister's wedding, The night before his sister's wedding, The night before his sister's wedding, in a dark and isolating moment, he began in a dark and isolating moment, he began in a dark and isolating moment, he began writing a poem. writing a poem. writing a poem. It came to him suddenly. He wrote four It came to him suddenly. He wrote four It came to him suddenly. He wrote four stanzas in five minutes and never had to stanzas in five minutes and never had to stanzas in five minutes and never had to edit what he had written. He would say edit what he had written. He would say edit what he had written. He would say later that I felt like I was taking later that I felt like I was taking later that I felt like I was taking dictation from God as he spoke these dictation from God as he spoke these dictation from God as he spoke these words to me. words to me. words to me. First line of the poem says,"Oh love First line of the poem says,"Oh love First line of the poem says,"Oh love that will not let me go, I rest my worry that will not let me go, I rest my worry that will not let me go, I rest my worry soul in thee." soul in thee." soul in thee." At some point in each of our lives, At some point in each of our lives, At some point in each of our lives, we'll do well to recite these lyrics to we'll do well to recite these lyrics to we'll do well to recite these lyrics to remind ourselves that God will never remind ourselves that God will never remind ourselves that God will never leave us and never forsake us.

>> Oh love. [singing] >> Oh love. [singing] Oh [music] love. Oh [music] love. Oh [music] love. Oh love Oh love Oh love that will not [music and singing] let that will not [music and singing] let that will not [music and singing] let you go. you go. you go. Oh [music and singing] Lord, Oh [music and singing] Lord, Oh [music and singing] Lord, I rest my weary soul [music] I rest my weary soul [music] I rest my weary soul [music] in thee. I give thee [music and singing] in thee. I give thee [music and singing] in thee. I give thee [music and singing] back back back my own my own my own in my ocean in my ocean in my ocean [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] may richer may richer be. >> Oh joy, >> Oh joy, [singing] oh [music] joy [singing] oh [music] joy [singing] oh [music] joy joy joy joy can see through the [music and singing] can see through the [music and singing] can see through the [music and singing] pain.

Oh, Oh, I can close my heart [singing and music] I can close my heart [singing and music] I can close my heart [singing and music] to thee. to thee. to thee. I chase [music and singing] the rainbow I chase [music and singing] the rainbow I chase [music and singing] the rainbow through the rain and [music and singing] through the rain and [music and singing] through the rain and [music and singing] the pro is not [music and singing] the pro is not [music and singing] the pro is not [music and singing] that shall tearless that shall tearless that shall tearless be. [music] As [singing] for shall As [singing] for shall [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> I rest my weary >> I rest my weary >> I rest my weary soul [music] soul [music] soul [music] in thee.

I [singing] I [singing] give thee [music] life. [music] life. [music] Give me my [singing] own and in my [singing] own and in my [singing] ocean [music] that [music] that [music] shall [singing] tear shall [singing] tear shall [singing] tear still. [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] [singing] that will [singing] not let [music] that will [singing] not let [music] me hold me hold me hold [music] the love [music] the love [music] the love [singing] that will [singing] that will [singing] that will not not not let [music] >> Before we pray this morning, I'd like to

>> Before we pray this morning, I'd like to ask those who are going on one of our ask those who are going on one of our ask those who are going on one of our mission trips this summer to please mission trips this summer to please mission trips this summer to please stand where you are so that we can see stand where you are so that we can see stand where you are so that we can see you and acknowledge you and pray for you and acknowledge you and pray for you and acknowledge you and pray for you. Uh during this time I'm going to you. Uh during this time I'm going to you. Uh during this time I'm going to list for all of us the various trips list for all of us the various trips list for all of us the various trips that we have planned for the summer. that we have planned for the summer. that we have planned for the summer. First of all uh later this month we have First of all uh later this month we have First of all uh later this month we have uh a team going to Romania. So, will uh a team going to Romania. So, will uh a team going to Romania. So, will those going on the Romania trip, if you those going on the Romania trip, if you those going on the Romania trip, if you happen to be here, some may be serving happen to be here, some may be serving happen to be here, some may be serving somewhere else in the church, of course, somewhere else in the church, of course, somewhere else in the church, of course, but if you're going on the Romania trip, but if you're going on the Romania trip, but if you're going on the Romania trip, leaving next week, please stand where leaving next week, please stand where leaving next week, please stand where you are. We also have a team that is you are. We also have a team that is you are. We also have a team that is going to Northern Ireland, leaving going to Northern Ireland, leaving going to Northern Ireland, leaving toward the end of this month on the toward the end of this month on the toward the end of this month on the 27th. If you are part of that team, 27th. If you are part of that team, 27th. If you are part of that team, please stand. And then we have a group please stand. And then we have a group please stand. And then we have a group in July that are going for 10 days to in July that are going for 10 days to in July that are going for 10 days to Poland doing ministry in Poland. So, if Poland doing ministry in Poland. So, if Poland doing ministry in Poland. So, if you're a part of that group, please you're a part of that group, please you're a part of that group, please stand as well. Please remember those stand as well. Please remember those stand as well. Please remember those three teams as they go and fulfill three teams as they go and fulfill three teams as they go and fulfill Christ's great commission to all of us Christ's great commission to all of us Christ's great commission to all of us to go and make disciples to spread the to go and make disciples to spread the to go and make disciples to spread the good news of the gospel. So very good news of the gospel. So very good news of the gospel. So very thankful for these people that are thankful for these people that are thankful for these people that are obeying God's call on their life to do obeying God's call on their life to do obeying God's call on their life to do that this summer.

that this summer. that this summer. Uh would you pray with me now? Uh would you pray with me now? Uh would you pray with me now? Uh, heavenly father, thank you Uh, heavenly father, thank you Uh, heavenly father, thank you that we can be truly free to love you that we can be truly free to love you that we can be truly free to love you and to worship you. and to worship you. and to worship you. That we can be free to pursue our lives That we can be free to pursue our lives That we can be free to pursue our lives in the way that we see fit without in the way that we see fit without in the way that we see fit without restriction restriction restriction to pursue education. Freedom to work. to pursue education. Freedom to work. to pursue education. Freedom to work. Freedom to earn a living. Freedom to Freedom to earn a living. Freedom to Freedom to earn a living. Freedom to have and raise children. Freedom to have and raise children. Freedom to have and raise children. Freedom to gather and worship. freedom to live gather and worship. freedom to live gather and worship. freedom to live openly as followers of Jesus Christ. openly as followers of Jesus Christ. openly as followers of Jesus Christ. Freedom to share the message of the Freedom to share the message of the Freedom to share the message of the gospel. Thank you, Father, that we have gospel. Thank you, Father, that we have gospel. Thank you, Father, that we have such freedom. We don't take it for such freedom. We don't take it for such freedom. We don't take it for granted. And we want to remember today granted. And we want to remember today granted. And we want to remember today just the blessing that that is. Lord, so just the blessing that that is. Lord, so just the blessing that that is. Lord, so much to pray for. We want to pray for much to pray for. We want to pray for much to pray for. We want to pray for all of the families impacted by VBS last all of the families impacted by VBS last all of the families impacted by VBS last week. We pray that if any of those week. We pray that if any of those week. We pray that if any of those children, any of the parents of those children, any of the parents of those children, any of the parents of those children who do not know you, children who do not know you, children who do not know you, that a seed was planted, Father, that that a seed was planted, Father, that that a seed was planted, Father, that they would come to know you through the they would come to know you through the they would come to know you through the ministry, the witness of our church ministry, the witness of our church ministry, the witness of our church family. Father, we want to pray for our family. Father, we want to pray for our family. Father, we want to pray for our missionaries missionaries missionaries who are being sent out. We pray for who are being sent out. We pray for who are being sent out. We pray for them. We pray for the people that they them. We pray for the people that they them. We pray for the people that they minister to, minister to, minister to, Lord, that the gospel would be seen and Lord, that the gospel would be seen and Lord, that the gospel would be seen and heard and understood and that people heard and understood and that people heard and understood and that people around the world would come to faith.

around the world would come to faith. around the world would come to faith. Father, we want to pray for the young Father, we want to pray for the young Father, we want to pray for the young adult retreat. We want to pray for our adult retreat. We want to pray for our adult retreat. We want to pray for our student camps. Father, we pray for our student camps. Father, we pray for our student camps. Father, we pray for our special needs camp that is coming up special needs camp that is coming up special needs camp that is coming up this summer with Johnny and friends. all this summer with Johnny and friends. all this summer with Johnny and friends. all of these opportunities for leaders to of these opportunities for leaders to of these opportunities for leaders to bring the good news and for attendees bring the good news and for attendees bring the good news and for attendees to hear the gospel, to learn about you. to hear the gospel, to learn about you. to hear the gospel, to learn about you. Father, we pray that in all of this Father, we pray that in all of this Father, we pray that in all of this activity this summer that you would be activity this summer that you would be activity this summer that you would be glorified. glorified. glorified. Father, we want to pray for our senior Father, we want to pray for our senior Father, we want to pray for our senior pastor. Thank you again for the call on pastor. Thank you again for the call on pastor. Thank you again for the call on his life to be our pastor his life to be our pastor his life to be our pastor to share your word to share your word to share your word to walk alongside of us as we do life to walk alongside of us as we do life to walk alongside of us as we do life together as followers of Jesus Christ. I together as followers of Jesus Christ. I together as followers of Jesus Christ. I pray for his message this morning. I pray for his message this morning. I pray for his message this morning. I pray that we would be receptive to pray that we would be receptive to pray that we would be receptive to taking up the challenge that he gives us taking up the challenge that he gives us taking up the challenge that he gives us to live out the message. to live out the message. to live out the message. Father, we want to pray for this Father, we want to pray for this Father, we want to pray for this offering this morning that we give. how offering this morning that we give. how offering this morning that we give. how grateful we are that we get to give and grateful we are that we get to give and grateful we are that we get to give and support this ministry at Stonebrier.

support this ministry at Stonebrier. support this ministry at Stonebrier. Just as you generously saved us, Father, Just as you generously saved us, Father, Just as you generously saved us, Father, may we in turn generously worship you may we in turn generously worship you may we in turn generously worship you with our giving now in Jesus name. Amen. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] Thank Thank >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Well, good morning. >> Well, good morning. What a delight it is to worship the Lord What a delight it is to worship the Lord What a delight it is to worship the Lord Jesus Christ with you this morning and Jesus Christ with you this morning and Jesus Christ with you this morning and to do so with everyone, especially the to do so with everyone, especially the to do so with everyone, especially the VBS kids this morning. Wasn't that VBS kids this morning. Wasn't that VBS kids this morning. Wasn't that excellent? They've decided to follow excellent? They've decided to follow excellent? They've decided to follow Jesus. Fantastic. Yeah. Jesus. Fantastic. Yeah. Jesus. Fantastic. Yeah. [applause] [applause] [applause] And I want to publicly thank Christy And I want to publicly thank Christy And I want to publicly thank Christy Mlhenny and her team and the 200 Mlhenny and her team and the 200 Mlhenny and her team and the 200 volunteers that made this week very very volunteers that made this week very very volunteers that made this week very very special. I I I I looked out at the special. I I I I looked out at the special. I I I I looked out at the volunteers and here's what I saw them volunteers and here's what I saw them volunteers and here's what I saw them basically saying, "This is my church basically saying, "This is my church basically saying, "This is my church family and this is my responsibility to family and this is my responsibility to family and this is my responsibility to take the gospel to the next generation."

take the gospel to the next generation." take the gospel to the next generation." And so that fills me with joy. Thank you And so that fills me with joy. Thank you And so that fills me with joy. Thank you so much. And if you're visiting us this so much. And if you're visiting us this so much. And if you're visiting us this morning for the first time and if you morning for the first time and if you morning for the first time and if you have no church to call home, we'd love have no church to call home, we'd love have no church to call home, we'd love you to join us. We're a little weird, you to join us. We're a little weird, you to join us. We're a little weird, but but that's okay. You'll fit right but but that's okay. You'll fit right but but that's okay. You'll fit right in. No offense. in. No offense. in. No offense. Go ahead and turn in your copy of the Go ahead and turn in your copy of the Go ahead and turn in your copy of the scriptures to Jonah chapter 4. Jonah scriptures to Jonah chapter 4. Jonah scriptures to Jonah chapter 4. Jonah chapter 4. chapter 4. chapter 4. We've just exited a beautiful scene in We've just exited a beautiful scene in We've just exited a beautiful scene in chapter 3, the the city revival of chapter 3, the the city revival of chapter 3, the the city revival of Nineveh. An entire metroplex turning to Nineveh. An entire metroplex turning to Nineveh. An entire metroplex turning to God for salvation. And nasty Nvites make God for salvation. And nasty Nvites make God for salvation. And nasty Nvites make a smart decision given the impending a smart decision given the impending a smart decision given the impending doom that's coming their way. They turn doom that's coming their way. They turn doom that's coming their way. They turn to God. They they're smart. They're to God. They they're smart. They're to God. They they're smart. They're they're like Frank. Frank was at home they're like Frank. Frank was at home they're like Frank. Frank was at home with his wife Linda when a thief broke with his wife Linda when a thief broke with his wife Linda when a thief broke into the house and he had a gun and he into the house and he had a gun and he into the house and he had a gun and he threatened them with it and he said to threatened them with it and he said to threatened them with it and he said to to Linda he said before I I do that I to Linda he said before I I do that I to Linda he said before I I do that I need to know your name what's your name need to know your name what's your name need to know your name what's your name woman woman woman and she afraid said well my name is and she afraid said well my name is and she afraid said well my name is Linda and he went ah [groaning] Linda and he went ah [groaning] Linda and he went ah [groaning] that was the name of my mom I can't that was the name of my mom I can't that was the name of my mom I can't shoot you now Linda so he turns to Frank shoot you now Linda so he turns to Frank shoot you now Linda so he turns to Frank and he says Okay, you're up, pal. What's and he says Okay, you're up, pal. What's and he says Okay, you're up, pal. What's your name? And he says, "Oh, it's Frank, your name? And he says, "Oh, it's Frank, your name? And he says, "Oh, it's Frank, but everybody around town calls me but everybody around town calls me but everybody around town calls me Linda, so you can call me Linda."

Linda, so you can call me Linda." Linda, so you can call me Linda." Smart thinking from Frank there. I Smart thinking from Frank there. I Smart thinking from Frank there. I appreciate that. The Ninevites make a appreciate that. The Ninevites make a appreciate that. The Ninevites make a really good decision given what they're really good decision given what they're really good decision given what they're facing. They choose to turn to God for facing. They choose to turn to God for facing. They choose to turn to God for salvation. faced with the truth that salvation. faced with the truth that salvation. faced with the truth that their sin offends God and sin offends their sin offends God and sin offends their sin offends God and sin offends God. And he will judge them for that God. And he will judge them for that God. And he will judge them for that because God must address sin. because God must address sin. because God must address sin. Sin then sin today. Not because God's Sin then sin today. Not because God's Sin then sin today. Not because God's wicked, but because sin's wicked. Sin's wicked, but because sin's wicked. Sin's wicked, but because sin's wicked. Sin's evil. Sin's rebellion. It's an affront evil. Sin's rebellion. It's an affront evil. Sin's rebellion. It's an affront on God. And God is holy. And he will do on God. And God is holy. And he will do on God. And God is holy. And he will do what is right. [snorts] But God is also what is right. [snorts] But God is also what is right. [snorts] But God is also kind. And so we give them 40 days to kind. And so we give them 40 days to kind. And so we give them 40 days to repent to to reach out to him for repent to to reach out to him for repent to to reach out to him for forgiveness. And and the shock of forgiveness. And and the shock of forgiveness. And and the shock of chapter 3 is that they do they do they chapter 3 is that they do they do they chapter 3 is that they do they do they turn to God. The entire city from king turn to God. The entire city from king turn to God. The entire city from king to little Chihuahua. They turn to God to little Chihuahua. They turn to God to little Chihuahua. They turn to God for salvation. They make a smart for salvation. They make a smart for salvation. They make a smart decision. All of them. the atheists, the decision. All of them. the atheists, the decision. All of them. the atheists, the the secularists, the the Satanists, the the secularists, the the Satanists, the the secularists, the the Satanists, the occultists, the ancient Ninevite version occultists, the ancient Ninevite version occultists, the ancient Ninevite version of Baptists and and Methodists, they all of Baptists and and Methodists, they all of Baptists and and Methodists, they all turn to God for salvation.

turn to God for salvation. turn to God for salvation. And so seen in three in chapter three And so seen in three in chapter three And so seen in three in chapter three shows us that that God is willing to shows us that that God is willing to shows us that that God is willing to save even the vilest of human cultures save even the vilest of human cultures save even the vilest of human cultures that has ever existed on the planet if that has ever existed on the planet if that has ever existed on the planet if if they turn to him on his terms. and he still will save that that that and he still will save that that that truth remains. As long as there is truth remains. As long as there is truth remains. As long as there is history to be played out, that remains. history to be played out, that remains. history to be played out, that remains. God will save those who turn to him. God will save those who turn to him. God will save those who turn to him. Now, the story of Jonah could end Now, the story of Jonah could end Now, the story of Jonah could end beautifully right there in chapter 3. beautifully right there in chapter 3. beautifully right there in chapter 3. What an ending that would be. It would What an ending that would be. It would What an ending that would be. It would end on a high. And what a legacy Jonah end on a high. And what a legacy Jonah end on a high. And what a legacy Jonah himself would would leave. himself would would leave. himself would would leave. If the book ends here in chapter 3, If the book ends here in chapter 3, If the book ends here in chapter 3, Jonah goes down in history as probably Jonah goes down in history as probably Jonah goes down in history as probably the most successful prophet in the the most successful prophet in the the most successful prophet in the Bible. Bible. Bible. Jonah would go down in history not just Jonah would go down in history not just Jonah would go down in history not just as a legacy preacher, pastor in Israel as a legacy preacher, pastor in Israel as a legacy preacher, pastor in Israel for decades, but but as the most for decades, but but as the most for decades, but but as the most effective missionary, foreign effective missionary, foreign effective missionary, foreign missionary, the sort of Billy Graham missionary, the sort of Billy Graham missionary, the sort of Billy Graham evangelist of the 8th century BC.

evangelist of the 8th century BC. evangelist of the 8th century BC. But you see, it doesn't end there. But you see, it doesn't end there. But you see, it doesn't end there. There's still another chapter. The story There's still another chapter. The story There's still another chapter. The story doesn't finish with chapter three. Why? doesn't finish with chapter three. Why? doesn't finish with chapter three. Why? Because this story is not just about Because this story is not just about Because this story is not just about God's heart for the lost cultures of God's heart for the lost cultures of God's heart for the lost cultures of society out there. society out there. society out there. This story is also about God's heart for This story is also about God's heart for This story is also about God's heart for correcting his immature people in here correcting his immature people in here correcting his immature people in here inside the family of God. inside the family of God. inside the family of God. you, me, us, you, me, us, you, me, us, the faith family. The climax of this the faith family. The climax of this the faith family. The climax of this story is not God's work in the culture story is not God's work in the culture story is not God's work in the culture alone, but rather God's work to use a alone, but rather God's work to use a alone, but rather God's work to use a modern term in Christians. modern term in Christians. modern term in Christians. God's after Christians. God's after Christians. God's after Christians. So, as we shift to this new scene in So, as we shift to this new scene in So, as we shift to this new scene in chapter 4, we're moving from from a chapter 4, we're moving from from a chapter 4, we're moving from from a public revival in chapter 3 to a private public revival in chapter 3 to a private public revival in chapter 3 to a private chat, a private conversation between God chat, a private conversation between God chat, a private conversation between God and his servant, his child, his and his servant, his child, his and his servant, his child, his celebrity, pastor, preacher, revivalist celebrity, pastor, preacher, revivalist celebrity, pastor, preacher, revivalist Jonah. And as we listen into that Jonah. And as we listen into that Jonah. And as we listen into that conversation, don't forget that this conversation, don't forget that this conversation, don't forget that this isn't recorded for history's sake alone.

isn't recorded for history's sake alone. isn't recorded for history's sake alone. This is recorded to be the living voice This is recorded to be the living voice This is recorded to be the living voice of God for us. of God for us. of God for us. So that we learn from that encounter so So that we learn from that encounter so So that we learn from that encounter so that God flushes out what he wants to that God flushes out what he wants to that God flushes out what he wants to flush out in the life of his people, flush out in the life of his people, flush out in the life of his people, too. So here's what I want to do today. too. So here's what I want to do today. too. So here's what I want to do today. Remember, we're in a new scene. And when Remember, we're in a new scene. And when Remember, we're in a new scene. And when we have a new scene, I bring out our we have a new scene, I bring out our we have a new scene, I bring out our pretend old-fashioned Sunday school pretend old-fashioned Sunday school pretend old-fashioned Sunday school flannelraph board. And it's clear flannelraph board. And it's clear flannelraph board. And it's clear because this is a new scene. And in this because this is a new scene. And in this because this is a new scene. And in this scene, there are two major characters, scene, there are two major characters, scene, there are two major characters, uh, God and Jonah. We're going to look uh, God and Jonah. We're going to look uh, God and Jonah. We're going to look only at Jonah this morning. Character only at Jonah this morning. Character only at Jonah this morning. Character cutout number one on the flannelraphph cutout number one on the flannelraphph cutout number one on the flannelraphph board of your heart is the revivalist board of your heart is the revivalist board of your heart is the revivalist preacher. Jonah, he's the revivalist preacher. Jonah, he's the revivalist preacher. Jonah, he's the revivalist preacher. That's how we just left them preacher. That's how we just left them preacher. That's how we just left them in in Nineveh. in in Nineveh. in in Nineveh. And there are three key areas of his And there are three key areas of his And there are three key areas of his life in chapter 4 that I want you to life in chapter 4 that I want you to life in chapter 4 that I want you to note and and write down and and think note and and write down and and think note and and write down and and think about this week as you study this about this week as you study this about this week as you study this passage yourself in the presence of the passage yourself in the presence of the passage yourself in the presence of the Lord. Lord. Lord. three key issues that we have to note. three key issues that we have to note. three key issues that we have to note. And the first one is this. The And the first one is this. The And the first one is this. The revivalist preacher huffs with God.

revivalist preacher huffs with God. revivalist preacher huffs with God. The revivalist preacher huffs with God. The revivalist preacher huffs with God. The revivalist preacher huffs with God. Jonah gets ticked off with God. God Jonah gets ticked off with God. God Jonah gets ticked off with God. God doesn't behave as this legacy preacher doesn't behave as this legacy preacher doesn't behave as this legacy preacher in Israel for decades and as this in Israel for decades and as this in Israel for decades and as this revivalist in Nineveh revivalist in Nineveh revivalist in Nineveh wants God to behave. wants God to behave. wants God to behave. So he sulks. [snorts] So he sulks. [snorts] So he sulks. [snorts] So he gets in a mood with God. Look at So he gets in a mood with God. Look at So he gets in a mood with God. Look at verse one. verse one. verse one. But it, meaning the salvation that God But it, meaning the salvation that God But it, meaning the salvation that God brought to the city of Nineveh, but it brought to the city of Nineveh, but it brought to the city of Nineveh, but it greatly displeased Jonah and he became greatly displeased Jonah and he became greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry. angry. angry. That's another shock moment here in this That's another shock moment here in this That's another shock moment here in this story. story. story. This literally if you were to translate This literally if you were to translate This literally if you were to translate it sort of literally would be would be it sort of literally would be would be it sort of literally would be would be classified in English as this. It classified in English as this. It classified in English as this. It meaning the the revival was evil to meaning the the revival was evil to meaning the the revival was evil to Jonah a great evil and it burned him up. Jonah a great evil and it burned him up. Jonah a great evil and it burned him up. He call he calls what God did in saving He call he calls what God did in saving He call he calls what God did in saving vile people who didn't deserve to be vile people who didn't deserve to be vile people who didn't deserve to be saved a wrongdoing saved a wrongdoing saved a wrongdoing of God's. It's unjust.

of God's. It's unjust. of God's. It's unjust. I it it's unfair. They don't deserve I it it's unfair. They don't deserve I it it's unfair. They don't deserve compassion. And this isn't just language compassion. And this isn't just language compassion. And this isn't just language of disapproval and displeasure. This is of disapproval and displeasure. This is of disapproval and displeasure. This is language of disgust. I'm disgusted at language of disgust. I'm disgusted at language of disgust. I'm disgusted at the way you have behaved, God, in in the way you have behaved, God, in in the way you have behaved, God, in in managing managing managing salvation. salvation. salvation. There's a play of words that that flows There's a play of words that that flows There's a play of words that that flows through the end of chapter 3 and into through the end of chapter 3 and into through the end of chapter 3 and into the beginning of chapter 4. you know, in the beginning of chapter 4. you know, in the beginning of chapter 4. you know, in in the divisions of the ancient text, in the divisions of the ancient text, in the divisions of the ancient text, there weren't chapter divisions like there weren't chapter divisions like there weren't chapter divisions like from three to four. It's it's a story from three to four. It's it's a story from three to four. It's it's a story that runs and and different scenes are that runs and and different scenes are that runs and and different scenes are woven together literarily. And woven together literarily. And woven together literarily. And literally, the way you weave things literally, the way you weave things literally, the way you weave things together, but move the story or the plot together, but move the story or the plot together, but move the story or the plot along is usually through word plays and along is usually through word plays and along is usually through word plays and thematic plays. And so, we have that thematic plays. And so, we have that thematic plays. And so, we have that here as we exit chapter 3. And as we here as we exit chapter 3. And as we here as we exit chapter 3. And as we move into chapter 4, there's a beautiful move into chapter 4, there's a beautiful move into chapter 4, there's a beautiful sort of weaving of word plays. Let me sort of weaving of word plays. Let me sort of weaving of word plays. Let me classify it or paraphrase it for you in classify it or paraphrase it for you in classify it or paraphrase it for you in English to to highlight it this way.

English to to highlight it this way. English to to highlight it this way. This is what's happened at the end of This is what's happened at the end of This is what's happened at the end of three and into four. The Ninevites three and into four. The Ninevites three and into four. The Ninevites repented of evil. So God's burning up repented of evil. So God's burning up repented of evil. So God's burning up inside cooled down and he didn't send inside cooled down and he didn't send inside cooled down and he didn't send them evil. But that was evil in Jonah's them evil. But that was evil in Jonah's them evil. But that was evil in Jonah's eyes, a great evil. So he burned up eyes, a great evil. So he burned up eyes, a great evil. So he burned up inside. inside. inside. That's what's going on here. You're That's what's going on here. You're That's what's going on here. You're supposed to capture the irony. God's supposed to capture the irony. God's supposed to capture the irony. God's burning anger cooled down while God's burning anger cooled down while God's burning anger cooled down while God's servants anger boiled up, was ignited. servants anger boiled up, was ignited. servants anger boiled up, was ignited. All because of what God did in All because of what God did in All because of what God did in salvation. salvation. salvation. Jonah is not in sync with God at all Jonah is not in sync with God at all Jonah is not in sync with God at all here. He disapproves of God's here. He disapproves of God's here. He disapproves of God's stewardship of God's salvation. stewardship of God's salvation. stewardship of God's salvation. Look at verse two. It it gets more Look at verse two. It it gets more Look at verse two. It it gets more intense because Jonah prays about this. intense because Jonah prays about this. intense because Jonah prays about this. It's good to talk to God about anything. It's good to talk to God about anything. It's good to talk to God about anything. Of course, it is. And and to talk to God Of course, it is. And and to talk to God Of course, it is. And and to talk to God openly and honestly. And so, I'll give openly and honestly. And so, I'll give openly and honestly. And so, I'll give Jonah that here. That's that's good. But Jonah that here. That's that's good. But Jonah that here. That's that's good. But this prayer reveals some more about this prayer reveals some more about this prayer reveals some more about what's going on inside of Jonah's heart what's going on inside of Jonah's heart what's going on inside of Jonah's heart and in includes a few prayer requests as and in includes a few prayer requests as and in includes a few prayer requests as well, which is interesting. You see, well, which is interesting. You see, well, which is interesting. You see, what you pray about is always very what you pray about is always very what you pray about is always very revealing of what your heart truly longs revealing of what your heart truly longs revealing of what your heart truly longs for, what your heart wants.

for, what your heart wants. for, what your heart wants. Tell me what you pray about, and I'll Tell me what you pray about, and I'll Tell me what you pray about, and I'll tell you what it is you actually really tell you what it is you actually really tell you what it is you actually really love, what you desire in life. love, what you desire in life. love, what you desire in life. The the the prayer points of your heart The the the prayer points of your heart The the the prayer points of your heart every day are very revealing about what every day are very revealing about what every day are very revealing about what you believe is worth pursuing in life. you believe is worth pursuing in life. you believe is worth pursuing in life. And it's no different with Jonah here. And it's no different with Jonah here. And it's no different with Jonah here. Verse two, he prayed to the Lord and he Verse two, he prayed to the Lord and he Verse two, he prayed to the Lord and he said, "Please, Lord." That please Lord said, "Please, Lord." That please Lord said, "Please, Lord." That please Lord is the beginning of a thought that he is the beginning of a thought that he is the beginning of a thought that he leaves incomplete. leaves incomplete. leaves incomplete. So we don't know what's in his heart So we don't know what's in his heart So we don't know what's in his heart because he doesn't say it. But later on because he doesn't say it. But later on because he doesn't say it. But later on we'll see exactly what's in his heart in we'll see exactly what's in his heart in we'll see exactly what's in his heart in that first prayer request. Please Lord, that first prayer request. Please Lord, that first prayer request. Please Lord, was not this what I said while I was was not this what I said while I was was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore, in still in my own country? Therefore, in still in my own country? Therefore, in order to forall or to sabotage this, I order to forall or to sabotage this, I order to forall or to sabotage this, I fled to Tarsish. For I knew that you're fled to Tarsish. For I knew that you're fled to Tarsish. For I knew that you're a gracious and compassionate God, slow a gracious and compassionate God, slow a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in loving to anger and abundant in loving to anger and abundant in loving kindness, and one who relents concerning kindness, and one who relents concerning kindness, and one who relents concerning calamity. calamity. calamity. Therefore now, oh Lord, please take my Therefore now, oh Lord, please take my Therefore now, oh Lord, please take my life from me, for death is better to me life from me, for death is better to me life from me, for death is better to me than life.

than life. than life. I know what you're like, God, is what I know what you're like, God, is what I know what you're like, God, is what Jonah is saying here. And remember, Jonah is saying here. And remember, Jonah is saying here. And remember, Jonah is a trained uh professional Jonah is a trained uh professional Jonah is a trained uh professional pastor, as it were. He's gone to their pastor, as it were. He's gone to their pastor, as it were. He's gone to their version of ancient Bible school, and version of ancient Bible school, and version of ancient Bible school, and he's been a seasoned pastor in Israel he's been a seasoned pastor in Israel he's been a seasoned pastor in Israel for several decades. And and so he does for several decades. And and so he does for several decades. And and so he does know what God is like. God has been know what God is like. God has been know what God is like. God has been prospering his ministry in Israel for prospering his ministry in Israel for prospering his ministry in Israel for years. God has been prospering the life years. God has been prospering the life years. God has been prospering the life of the Israelites despite their of the Israelites despite their of the Israelites despite their vileeness for years. So Jonah knows that vileeness for years. So Jonah knows that vileeness for years. So Jonah knows that God can be kind. I know what you're God can be kind. I know what you're God can be kind. I know what you're like, God. I've read your book is what like, God. I've read your book is what like, God. I've read your book is what Jonah is saying. I've seen you work over Jonah is saying. I've seen you work over Jonah is saying. I've seen you work over the decades. You're a compassionate, the decades. You're a compassionate, the decades. You're a compassionate, kind God who's willing to forgive. kind God who's willing to forgive. kind God who's willing to forgive. Jonah also admits that he's been trying Jonah also admits that he's been trying Jonah also admits that he's been trying to sabotage God's plans by running. He to sabotage God's plans by running. He to sabotage God's plans by running. He ran because he disapproved of what God ran because he disapproved of what God ran because he disapproved of what God wanted to do with the Ninevites because wanted to do with the Ninevites because wanted to do with the Ninevites because he knows exactly the type of God that he knows exactly the type of God that he knows exactly the type of God that God is. God is. God is. And so there are two prayer requests And so there are two prayer requests And so there are two prayer requests there. The first is at the beginning of there. The first is at the beginning of there. The first is at the beginning of verse two. I mentioned it earlier.

verse two. I mentioned it earlier. verse two. I mentioned it earlier. Please Lord, the one that's left a Please Lord, the one that's left a Please Lord, the one that's left a little bit incomplete. But but if if you little bit incomplete. But but if if you little bit incomplete. But but if if you will allow me, here's what he's saying will allow me, here's what he's saying will allow me, here's what he's saying there. Please Lord, change your mind there. Please Lord, change your mind there. Please Lord, change your mind about Nineveh again. about Nineveh again. about Nineveh again. The second please comes at the very end The second please comes at the very end The second please comes at the very end of that little section in verse three. of that little section in verse three. of that little section in verse three. He says, "Please take my life from me He says, "Please take my life from me He says, "Please take my life from me for death is better to me than life. for death is better to me than life. for death is better to me than life. Please Lord, do to the Ninevites what I Please Lord, do to the Ninevites what I Please Lord, do to the Ninevites what I preached to the Ninevites that in 40 preached to the Ninevites that in 40 preached to the Ninevites that in 40 days they would be overthrown. And days they would be overthrown. And days they would be overthrown. And please, Lord, given you're not willing please, Lord, given you're not willing please, Lord, given you're not willing to do that, take my life. I'd rather die to do that, take my life. I'd rather die to do that, take my life. I'd rather die than live with the Ninevites entering than live with the Ninevites entering than live with the Ninevites entering into the faith family of God. He hates into the faith family of God. He hates into the faith family of God. He hates the non-Israelite. the non-Israelite. the non-Israelite. For him, it's Israelite only in the For him, it's Israelite only in the For him, it's Israelite only in the kingdom of God. He's an Israelite only kingdom of God. He's an Israelite only kingdom of God. He's an Israelite only patriot. That's what Jonah is. patriot. That's what Jonah is. patriot. That's what Jonah is. It's unhealthy patriotism. It's unworthy It's unhealthy patriotism. It's unworthy It's unhealthy patriotism. It's unworthy of a child of God. It's more important of a child of God. It's more important of a child of God. It's more important to him that Israel be the only ones who to him that Israel be the only ones who to him that Israel be the only ones who know God than than other people.

know God than than other people. know God than than other people. Thousands of other people. Thousands of other people. Thousands of other people. Thousands of other souls come to know Thousands of other souls come to know Thousands of other souls come to know God, God, God, the living God. It's it's it's the living God. It's it's it's the living God. It's it's it's ridiculous. ridiculous. ridiculous. And the thing is, there's doses doses of And the thing is, there's doses doses of And the thing is, there's doses doses of that in all of us. That's what's scary. that in all of us. That's what's scary. that in all of us. That's what's scary. large or small, there there's doses of large or small, there there's doses of large or small, there there's doses of disapproval of others in all of us. We disapproval of others in all of us. We disapproval of others in all of us. We find ways to view the world in a way find ways to view the world in a way find ways to view the world in a way that that interprets people through our that that interprets people through our that that interprets people through our desired grids of you belong and you desired grids of you belong and you desired grids of you belong and you don't belong, of you deserve and you don't belong, of you deserve and you don't belong, of you deserve and you don't deserve. And we find ourselves don't deserve. And we find ourselves don't deserve. And we find ourselves always in the middle belonging and always in the middle belonging and always in the middle belonging and deserving. deserving. deserving. You've heard of the pastor who came You've heard of the pastor who came You've heard of the pastor who came across the guy who was about to jump off across the guy who was about to jump off across the guy who was about to jump off the bridge and he said, "Don't do it. the bridge and he said, "Don't do it. the bridge and he said, "Don't do it. Don't do it. And the guy said, "Well, Don't do it. And the guy said, "Well, Don't do it. And the guy said, "Well, nobody loves me." And the pastor said, nobody loves me." And the pastor said, nobody loves me." And the pastor said, "Well, God loves you. God loves you. Do "Well, God loves you. God loves you. Do "Well, God loves you. God loves you. Do you know that God loves you?" And he you know that God loves you?" And he you know that God loves you?" And he said, "Yes, I do know that God loves said, "Yes, I do know that God loves said, "Yes, I do know that God loves me." So the pastor said, "Well, are you me." So the pastor said, "Well, are you me." So the pastor said, "Well, are you a Christian or are you one of these a Christian or are you one of these a Christian or are you one of these followers of another religion?" He says, followers of another religion?" He says, followers of another religion?" He says, "No, I'm a Christian." And the pastor "No, I'm a Christian." And the pastor "No, I'm a Christian." And the pastor said, "Great. I am a Christian, too.

said, "Great. I am a Christian, too. said, "Great. I am a Christian, too. You're a Protestant or you're a You're a Protestant or you're a You're a Protestant or you're a Catholic?" Catholic?" Catholic?" I said, "Well, I'm a Protestant." He I said, "Well, I'm a Protestant." He I said, "Well, I'm a Protestant." He says, "Fantastic. I'm a Protestant, says, "Fantastic. I'm a Protestant, says, "Fantastic. I'm a Protestant, too." What type of Protestant? too." What type of Protestant? too." What type of Protestant? I'm a Baptist. He says, "Oh my goodness, I'm a Baptist. He says, "Oh my goodness, I'm a Baptist. He says, "Oh my goodness, I'm a Baptist, too, but hang on a I'm a Baptist, too, but hang on a I'm a Baptist, too, but hang on a minute. Are you a Northern Baptist? Are minute. Are you a Northern Baptist? Are minute. Are you a Northern Baptist? Are you Southern Baptist?" you Southern Baptist?" you Southern Baptist?" He said, "I'm a Northern Baptist." He He said, "I'm a Northern Baptist." He He said, "I'm a Northern Baptist." He says, "Oh, me, too. Are you a Northern says, "Oh, me, too. Are you a Northern says, "Oh, me, too. Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?" Baptist?" Baptist?" He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative Baptist." Oh my goodness. Fantastic. Me, Baptist." Oh my goodness. Fantastic. Me, Baptist." Oh my goodness. Fantastic. Me, too. But are you a Northern Conservative too. But are you a Northern Conservative too. But are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes region or Baptist Western Great Lakes region or Baptist Western Great Lakes region or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Great Lakes region? Great Lakes region? Great Lakes region? The guy said, "I'm a Northern The guy said, "I'm a Northern The guy said, "I'm a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes region." And the pastor said, "Nice. region." And the pastor said, "Nice. region." And the pastor said, "Nice. Praise God. So am I." Praise God. So am I." Praise God. So am I." But are you a Northern Conservative But are you a Northern Conservative But are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Region Baptist Western Great Lakes Region Baptist Western Great Lakes Region Council of 1879? Council of 1879? Council of 1879? Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Are you a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Region Council of Western Great Lakes Region Council of Western Great Lakes Region Council of 1912? 1912? 1912? He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative He said, "I'm a Northern Conservative Baptist Western Great Lakes Region Baptist Western Great Lakes Region Baptist Western Great Lakes Region Council of 1912."

Council of 1912." Council of 1912." The pastor went, "Ah, The pastor went, "Ah, The pastor went, "Ah, just jump you heretic." I mean, I laugh at that and and I and I I mean, I laugh at that and and I and I scowl at at Jonah, but there there are scowl at at Jonah, but there there are scowl at at Jonah, but there there are doses of disapproval of other people and doses of disapproval of other people and doses of disapproval of other people and what they do and don't deserve in all of what they do and don't deserve in all of what they do and don't deserve in all of us. It's just a little bit more us. It's just a little bit more us. It's just a little bit more flagrantly obvious here in the life of flagrantly obvious here in the life of flagrantly obvious here in the life of Jonah. Jonah. Jonah. So, first take note of this and learn So, first take note of this and learn So, first take note of this and learn from this. Jonah disapproves of God's from this. Jonah disapproves of God's from this. Jonah disapproves of God's stewardship of salvation in the in the stewardship of salvation in the in the stewardship of salvation in the in the world. He's ticked off at the way God world. He's ticked off at the way God world. He's ticked off at the way God behaves. This revivalist takes a huff behaves. This revivalist takes a huff behaves. This revivalist takes a huff with God. He takes a huff with God. And with God. He takes a huff with God. And with God. He takes a huff with God. And don't be too quick to to wag your finger don't be too quick to to wag your finger don't be too quick to to wag your finger in his face. Moodiness with God may be in his face. Moodiness with God may be in his face. Moodiness with God may be more common than we want to admit in our more common than we want to admit in our more common than we want to admit in our own lives. We get moody with God. We own lives. We get moody with God. We own lives. We get moody with God. We take huffs with God. Second thing I want take huffs with God. Second thing I want take huffs with God. Second thing I want you to note about what unfolds here is you to note about what unfolds here is you to note about what unfolds here is this revivalist preacher hopes that God this revivalist preacher hopes that God this revivalist preacher hopes that God will fall into line with him.

will fall into line with him. will fall into line with him. That's his desire here. That God will That's his desire here. That God will That's his desire here. That God will fall into line with me with me. Jonah fall into line with me with me. Jonah fall into line with me with me. Jonah says this is this is his hope that God says this is this is his hope that God says this is this is his hope that God will essentially come to his senses. God will essentially come to his senses. God will essentially come to his senses. God has to come to his senses. God has to has to come to his senses. God has to has to come to his senses. God has to change his mind. God has to punish the change his mind. God has to punish the change his mind. God has to punish the wickedness of the Ninevites after all. wickedness of the Ninevites after all. wickedness of the Ninevites after all. Look at verse five. Jonah hopes his huff Look at verse five. Jonah hopes his huff Look at verse five. Jonah hopes his huff will be some sort of emotional bribe uh will be some sort of emotional bribe uh will be some sort of emotional bribe uh on God and that will persuade God. Then on God and that will persuade God. Then on God and that will persuade God. Then Jonah went out from the city and he sat Jonah went out from the city and he sat Jonah went out from the city and he sat east of it and there he made a shelter east of it and there he made a shelter east of it and there he made a shelter for himself and he sat under it in the for himself and he sat under it in the for himself and he sat under it in the shade until he could see what would shade until he could see what would shade until he could see what would happen in the city. happen in the city. happen in the city. This is a spoiled wee celebrity preacher This is a spoiled wee celebrity preacher This is a spoiled wee celebrity preacher acting like a huffy wee spiritual acting like a huffy wee spiritual acting like a huffy wee spiritual teenager. fingers crossed, hoping that teenager. fingers crossed, hoping that teenager. fingers crossed, hoping that God will answer his popcorn prayer when God will answer his popcorn prayer when God will answer his popcorn prayer when he said, "Please Lord, please Lord." he said, "Please Lord, please Lord." he said, "Please Lord, please Lord." This is what's revealing what was in his This is what's revealing what was in his This is what's revealing what was in his heart with that first prayer request. heart with that first prayer request. heart with that first prayer request. Please Lord, it was, "Please Lord, Please Lord, it was, "Please Lord, Please Lord, it was, "Please Lord, obliterate them." That's why he's obliterate them." That's why he's obliterate them." That's why he's decided to exit the city and sit and decided to exit the city and sit and decided to exit the city and sit and watch and see if God will answer his watch and see if God will answer his watch and see if God will answer his prayer.

prayer. prayer. Please, Lord, change your mind. Please, Lord, change your mind. Please, Lord, change your mind. He knows. Jonah knows Exodus 34. He knows. Jonah knows Exodus 34. He knows. Jonah knows Exodus 34. Remember, he went to Bible college and Remember, he went to Bible college and Remember, he went to Bible college and he's been a pastor all these years. He he's been a pastor all these years. He he's been a pastor all these years. He knows that that God is, as he says here, knows that that God is, as he says here, knows that that God is, as he says here, God is gracious and compassionate. God God is gracious and compassionate. God God is gracious and compassionate. God is a slow to anger and he's abundant in is a slow to anger and he's abundant in is a slow to anger and he's abundant in loving kindness. He is a God who relents loving kindness. He is a God who relents loving kindness. He is a God who relents from sending just calamity. from sending just calamity. from sending just calamity. But but Jonah also knows the rest of But but Jonah also knows the rest of But but Jonah also knows the rest of that well-known passage of scripture in that well-known passage of scripture in that well-known passage of scripture in Exodus 34 concerning God's Exodus 34 concerning God's Exodus 34 concerning God's self-revelation of himself. He knows self-revelation of himself. He knows self-revelation of himself. He knows that that continues this way that God that that continues this way that God that that continues this way that God does not leave the guilty unpunished. does not leave the guilty unpunished. does not leave the guilty unpunished. That God punishes the children and their That God punishes the children and their That God punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents of children for the sin of the parents of children for the sin of the parents of the third and fourth generation. So, so the third and fourth generation. So, so the third and fourth generation. So, so Jonah is praying and Jonah is hoping Jonah is praying and Jonah is hoping Jonah is praying and Jonah is hoping toward that part of God's character and toward that part of God's character and toward that part of God's character and that part of Exodus 34 6 and 7 that part of Exodus 34 6 and 7 that part of Exodus 34 6 and 7 that God would punish the wicked.

that God would punish the wicked. that God would punish the wicked. So he heads out of the city hoping to So he heads out of the city hoping to So he heads out of the city hoping to watch front row God answer his wicked we watch front row God answer his wicked we watch front row God answer his wicked we selfish prayer because after all he selfish prayer because after all he selfish prayer because after all he prayed it right. What is prayer for prayed it right. What is prayer for prayed it right. What is prayer for other than getting God to do what you other than getting God to do what you other than getting God to do what you want? want? want? Jonah doesn't stay in the city Jonah doesn't stay in the city Jonah doesn't stay in the city rejoicing, celebrating rejoicing, celebrating rejoicing, celebrating the revival the revival the revival of the entire metroplex. [snorts] He of the entire metroplex. [snorts] He of the entire metroplex. [snorts] He doesn't stay among the saved. He doesn't stay among the saved. He doesn't stay among the saved. He distances himself from this new faith distances himself from this new faith distances himself from this new faith family, hoping and praying and and family, hoping and praying and and family, hoping and praying and and watching for God to end it. It's so sad. watching for God to end it. It's so sad. watching for God to end it. It's so sad. And what's really really sad to me is And what's really really sad to me is And what's really really sad to me is that that attitude to some extent in that that attitude to some extent in that that attitude to some extent in some dosage some dosage some dosage factor is alive and well in some people factor is alive and well in some people factor is alive and well in some people inside of churches today. I've seen it inside of churches today. I've seen it inside of churches today. I've seen it in Spain. I've seen it in Northern in Spain. I've seen it in Northern in Spain. I've seen it in Northern Ireland. I've seen it in Scotland. And Ireland. I've seen it in Scotland. And Ireland. I've seen it in Scotland. And I've seen it in Texas. I've seen it in Texas. I've seen it in Texas. some people, some believers who who are some people, some believers who who are some people, some believers who who are watching and waiting and praying and watching and waiting and praying and watching and waiting and praying and hoping that things that they don't hoping that things that they don't hoping that things that they don't approve of don't occur, even if God approve of don't occur, even if God approve of don't occur, even if God approves of them.

approves of them. approves of them. They're willing to sabotage God's They're willing to sabotage God's They're willing to sabotage God's purposes in a church purposes in a church purposes in a church if God doesn't line up to what they if God doesn't line up to what they if God doesn't line up to what they want. This mindset, unfortunately, is want. This mindset, unfortunately, is want. This mindset, unfortunately, is alive and well. And we see it alive and alive and well. And we see it alive and alive and well. And we see it alive and well in the life of this pastor, the well in the life of this pastor, the well in the life of this pastor, the revivalist preacher, hoping that God revivalist preacher, hoping that God revivalist preacher, hoping that God will just fall in line, tow the line will just fall in line, tow the line will just fall in line, tow the line with him. Fingers crossed, prayers with him. Fingers crossed, prayers with him. Fingers crossed, prayers raised, hoping that God would you turn raised, hoping that God would you turn raised, hoping that God would you turn on the Ninevites to suit Jonah's on the Ninevites to suit Jonah's on the Ninevites to suit Jonah's personal will. So, so first we see that personal will. So, so first we see that personal will. So, so first we see that Jonah huffs with God. And second, we see Jonah huffs with God. And second, we see Jonah huffs with God. And second, we see that that Jonah hopes God will obey his that that Jonah hopes God will obey his that that Jonah hopes God will obey his will. And third, and and note this will. And third, and and note this will. And third, and and note this again, it's a sad truth. The revivalist again, it's a sad truth. The revivalist again, it's a sad truth. The revivalist preachers heart nurtures deep preachers heart nurtures deep preachers heart nurtures deep immaturity. Don't This is a revivalist preacher. Don't This is a revivalist preacher. This is a seasoned pastor and his heart This is a seasoned pastor and his heart This is a seasoned pastor and his heart nurtures, cultivates host nurtures, cultivates host nurtures, cultivates host deep, deep immaturity and sin. And it's deep, deep immaturity and sin. And it's deep, deep immaturity and sin. And it's shocking. tucked all the way inside of shocking. tucked all the way inside of shocking. tucked all the way inside of his heart, alive and well and thriving.

his heart, alive and well and thriving. his heart, alive and well and thriving. Sin in the heart of a seasoned national Sin in the heart of a seasoned national Sin in the heart of a seasoned national legacy preacher in Israel for decades. legacy preacher in Israel for decades. legacy preacher in Israel for decades. Sin in the heart of one who has recently Sin in the heart of one who has recently Sin in the heart of one who has recently experienced God's undeserved compassion experienced God's undeserved compassion experienced God's undeserved compassion in his own life in a way that in his own life in a way that in his own life in a way that historically speaking nobody else has. historically speaking nobody else has. historically speaking nobody else has. sin in the heart of of one who would go sin in the heart of of one who would go sin in the heart of of one who would go down in the history books of Nineveh and down in the history books of Nineveh and down in the history books of Nineveh and the world as the great evangelist and the world as the great evangelist and the world as the great evangelist and missionary. missionary. missionary. In that heart, there is huge immaturity. In that heart, there is huge immaturity. In that heart, there is huge immaturity. It's really ultimately hypocrisy and It's really ultimately hypocrisy and It's really ultimately hypocrisy and idolatry combined swelling up inside of idolatry combined swelling up inside of idolatry combined swelling up inside of this man of God's heart. That itself this man of God's heart. That itself this man of God's heart. That itself should be a frightful warning to all of should be a frightful warning to all of should be a frightful warning to all of us. [snorts] us. [snorts] us. [snorts] outward godliness in life and success in outward godliness in life and success in outward godliness in life and success in ministry in our eyes as you'd think from ministry in our eyes as you'd think from ministry in our eyes as you'd think from what you read at the end of chapter what you read at the end of chapter what you read at the end of chapter three does not mean that there is three does not mean that there is three does not mean that there is actually inward godliness in that life actually inward godliness in that life actually inward godliness in that life and success in ministry in the eyes of and success in ministry in the eyes of and success in ministry in the eyes of God.

God. God. Jonah's life reeks [snorts] Jonah's life reeks [snorts] Jonah's life reeks [snorts] though nobody would ever know it if they though nobody would ever know it if they though nobody would ever know it if they were to just read up until chapter 3. were to just read up until chapter 3. were to just read up until chapter 3. But but God's not okay with that. And But but God's not okay with that. And But but God's not okay with that. And God's going to flush that resident sin God's going to flush that resident sin God's going to flush that resident sin out of his servant with an object out of his servant with an object out of his servant with an object lesson. That's what occurs here. God lesson. That's what occurs here. God lesson. That's what occurs here. God provides Jonah with a personal object provides Jonah with a personal object provides Jonah with a personal object lesson that that captures the lesson that that captures the lesson that that captures the ridiculousness of the heart of his ridiculousness of the heart of his ridiculousness of the heart of his servant here. Look at verse six. servant here. Look at verse six. servant here. Look at verse six. So the Lord God appointed a plant So the Lord God appointed a plant So the Lord God appointed a plant and it grew over grew up over Jonah to and it grew over grew up over Jonah to and it grew over grew up over Jonah to be a shed over his head to deliver him be a shed over his head to deliver him be a shed over his head to deliver him from his discomfort. And Jonah was from his discomfort. And Jonah was from his discomfort. And Jonah was extremely happy about the plant. extremely happy about the plant. extremely happy about the plant. God orders a plant to grow and save God orders a plant to grow and save God orders a plant to grow and save Jonah from his discomfort. To rescue Jonah from his discomfort. To rescue Jonah from his discomfort. To rescue Jonah from his discomfort. salvation for Jonah from his discomfort. salvation for Jonah from his discomfort. salvation for Jonah from his discomfort. Poor Jonah is Jonah from his discomfort. Poor Jonah is Jonah from his discomfort. Poor Jonah is all hot and bothered in his little huff all hot and bothered in his little huff all hot and bothered in his little huff hut that he built because God's not hut that he built because God's not hut that he built because God's not obeying him and he's still hoping to see obeying him and he's still hoping to see obeying him and he's still hoping to see Nineveh burn. Again, don't miss the Nineveh burn. Again, don't miss the Nineveh burn. Again, don't miss the literary irony that's going on here.

literary irony that's going on here. literary irony that's going on here. Jonah is burning with anger within. He's Jonah is burning with anger within. He's Jonah is burning with anger within. He's sitting in the burning sun and he's sitting in the burning sun and he's sitting in the burning sun and he's waiting for Nineveh to burn. And only this we plant And only this we plant brings Jonah such comfort that his mood brings Jonah such comfort that his mood brings Jonah such comfort that his mood shifts temporarily to extreme happiness. shifts temporarily to extreme happiness. shifts temporarily to extreme happiness. Now I am extremely happy cuz I got my Now I am extremely happy cuz I got my Now I am extremely happy cuz I got my plant. plant. plant. I got my little plant, my little I got my little plant, my little I got my little plant, my little comfort. This is the life now guys. comfort. This is the life now guys. comfort. This is the life now guys. God is towing the line. God is getting God is towing the line. God is getting God is towing the line. God is getting in line with me. Look at my in line with me. Look at my in line with me. Look at my circumstances. They've changed. Remember circumstances. They've changed. Remember circumstances. They've changed. Remember chapter one when he walked down to Japa chapter one when he walked down to Japa chapter one when he walked down to Japa to get on the boat to Tarses? The boat to get on the boat to Tarses? The boat to get on the boat to Tarses? The boat was there and in Jonah's mind, the boats was there and in Jonah's mind, the boats was there and in Jonah's mind, the boats there. God must be finally obeying me. there. God must be finally obeying me. there. God must be finally obeying me. Look at my circumstances. They're good. Look at my circumstances. They're good. Look at my circumstances. They're good. There's a little moment of that here. There's a little moment of that here. There's a little moment of that here. God must now be towing the line with me, God must now be towing the line with me, God must now be towing the line with me, obeying me, because look, he's blessing obeying me, because look, he's blessing obeying me, because look, he's blessing me with the comfort of my little plant.

me with the comfort of my little plant. me with the comfort of my little plant. His front row seat to the destruction of His front row seat to the destruction of His front row seat to the destruction of Nineveh that he so desires is now Nineveh that he so desires is now Nineveh that he so desires is now shaded. He's sort of inside of an air shaded. He's sort of inside of an air shaded. He's sort of inside of an air conditioned VIP cabana suite. conditioned VIP cabana suite. conditioned VIP cabana suite. God's obeying him, so he thinks. But God's obeying him, so he thinks. But God's obeying him, so he thinks. But look at verse seven. look at verse seven. look at verse seven. But God appointed a worm. Remember the But God appointed a worm. Remember the But God appointed a worm. Remember the God who is sovereign God who is sovereign God who is sovereign uses his creation providentially to uses his creation providentially to uses his creation providentially to fulfill his purposes. fulfill his purposes. fulfill his purposes. Now God appoints a worm. When dawn came Now God appoints a worm. When dawn came Now God appoints a worm. When dawn came the next day, it attacked the plant and the next day, it attacked the plant and the next day, it attacked the plant and it withered. it withered. it withered. When the sun came up, God appointed a When the sun came up, God appointed a When the sun came up, God appointed a scorching east wind and the sun beat scorching east wind and the sun beat scorching east wind and the sun beat down on Jonah's head so that he became down on Jonah's head so that he became down on Jonah's head so that he became faint. and he begged with all his soul faint. and he begged with all his soul faint. and he begged with all his soul to die, saying, "Death is better to me to die, saying, "Death is better to me to die, saying, "Death is better to me than life." The second time he said that than life." The second time he said that than life." The second time he said that in this chapter, in this chapter, in this chapter, God takes away his comfort. God takes away his comfort. God takes away his comfort. God takes away his new mini God plant God takes away his new mini God plant God takes away his new mini God plant and he orders a hungry little worm to to and he orders a hungry little worm to to and he orders a hungry little worm to to to to kill Jonah's little plant idol.

to to kill Jonah's little plant idol. to to kill Jonah's little plant idol. That's what it's become. Whatever brings That's what it's become. Whatever brings That's what it's become. Whatever brings you satisfaction and comfort in life, you satisfaction and comfort in life, you satisfaction and comfort in life, makes you smile, makes you smile, makes you smile, if it's outside of the will of God is to if it's outside of the will of God is to if it's outside of the will of God is to some extent idolatrous, some extent idolatrous, some extent idolatrous, it's basically a plant idol that Jonah it's basically a plant idol that Jonah it's basically a plant idol that Jonah has here overnight. And God orders the has here overnight. And God orders the has here overnight. And God orders the wind to blast hot air into Jonah's face wind to blast hot air into Jonah's face wind to blast hot air into Jonah's face like a nasty ancient Texas summer hot like a nasty ancient Texas summer hot like a nasty ancient Texas summer hot storm right in his face. It changes his storm right in his face. It changes his storm right in his face. It changes his mood again. Jonah's Jonah's now want mood again. Jonah's Jonah's now want mood again. Jonah's Jonah's now want wanting to die. It's another mood swing wanting to die. It's another mood swing wanting to die. It's another mood swing here. Death is better than life without here. Death is better than life without here. Death is better than life without my wee plant idol that comforts me. my wee plant idol that comforts me. my wee plant idol that comforts me. So he begs God to kill him. I don't want So he begs God to kill him. I don't want So he begs God to kill him. I don't want to live God except when my will is done to live God except when my will is done to live God except when my will is done and when my comfort needs are met, not and when my comfort needs are met, not and when my comfort needs are met, not yours. yours. yours. And he's been so successful in ministry And he's been so successful in ministry And he's been so successful in ministry in the past that that he has become a in the past that that he has become a in the past that that he has become a spoiled wee celebrity preacher.

spoiled wee celebrity preacher. spoiled wee celebrity preacher. But it's ridiculous. And God flushes it But it's ridiculous. And God flushes it But it's ridiculous. And God flushes it out. Look at verses 9 to 11. Climaxing out. Look at verses 9 to 11. Climaxing out. Look at verses 9 to 11. Climaxing the story. We'll come back to it next the story. We'll come back to it next the story. We'll come back to it next week exposing Jonah's hypocrisy as a week exposing Jonah's hypocrisy as a week exposing Jonah's hypocrisy as a child of God. Verse 9. Then God said to child of God. Verse 9. Then God said to child of God. Verse 9. Then God said to Jonah, "Do you have good reason to be Jonah, "Do you have good reason to be Jonah, "Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?" angry about the plant?" angry about the plant?" And Jonah said,"I have good reason to be And Jonah said,"I have good reason to be And Jonah said,"I have good reason to be angry, even unto death." angry, even unto death." angry, even unto death." Then the Lord said, "You had compassion Then the Lord said, "You had compassion Then the Lord said, "You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work on the plant for which you did not work on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, and which you did not cause to grow, and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished which came up overnight and perished which came up overnight and perished overnight. Should I not have compassion overnight. Should I not have compassion overnight. Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which on Nineveh, the great city in which on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who there are more than 120,000 persons who there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their do not know the difference between their do not know the difference between their right hand and their left hand, as well right hand and their left hand, as well right hand and their left hand, as well as many animals. [snorts] as many animals. [snorts] as many animals. [snorts] It ends with a rhetorical question. It ends with a rhetorical question. It ends with a rhetorical question. We'll come back to it next time. At this We'll come back to it next time. At this We'll come back to it next time. At this point, all I need you to see is what point, all I need you to see is what point, all I need you to see is what relates to Jonah himself. God is very relates to Jonah himself. God is very relates to Jonah himself. God is very graciously but very firmly essentially graciously but very firmly essentially graciously but very firmly essentially saying this. Come on Jonah.

saying this. Come on Jonah. saying this. Come on Jonah. Come on Jonah. You're being pathetic. Come on Jonah. You're being pathetic. Come on Jonah. You're being pathetic. You're being pathetic despite your You're being pathetic despite your You're being pathetic despite your ministry resume. Listen to yourself. For ministry resume. Listen to yourself. For ministry resume. Listen to yourself. For you. The good life comes down to your you. The good life comes down to your you. The good life comes down to your personal comfort. For you. The good personal comfort. For you. The good personal comfort. For you. The good ministry life comes down to your will, ministry life comes down to your will, ministry life comes down to your will, not my will being done. You were all not my will being done. You were all not my will being done. You were all delighted about you receiving compassion delighted about you receiving compassion delighted about you receiving compassion and salvation and my blessing all those and salvation and my blessing all those and salvation and my blessing all those decades, including just recently inside decades, including just recently inside decades, including just recently inside of the belly of a fish, of the belly of a fish, of the belly of a fish, but now you're outraged if it's offered but now you're outraged if it's offered but now you're outraged if it's offered to someone that you don't approve of. to someone that you don't approve of. to someone that you don't approve of. It's like you own the salvation that you It's like you own the salvation that you It's like you own the salvation that you said in chapter 2 10 belong to me. said in chapter 2 10 belong to me. said in chapter 2 10 belong to me. It's like you're the one who's clinging It's like you're the one who's clinging It's like you're the one who's clinging to worthless idols like little plants, to worthless idols like little plants, to worthless idols like little plants, which you said in chapter 2, verse 8, which you said in chapter 2, verse 8, which you said in chapter 2, verse 8, one should not do. It's like God is one should not do. It's like God is one should not do. It's like God is telling Jonah to read back over his telling Jonah to read back over his telling Jonah to read back over his previous thank you card. Get real.

Get real. You're a hypocrite, Jonah. You're an You're a hypocrite, Jonah. You're an You're a hypocrite, Jonah. You're an idoltor, Jonah. You're a contradiction, idoltor, Jonah. You're a contradiction, idoltor, Jonah. You're a contradiction, Jonah. even as a bibleelving forgiven Jonah. even as a bibleelving forgiven Jonah. even as a bibleelving forgiven churchgoing church pastoring celebrity churchgoing church pastoring celebrity churchgoing church pastoring celebrity preaching revivalist missionary preaching revivalist missionary preaching revivalist missionary and that's not okay with me. and that's not okay with me. and that's not okay with me. So the revivalist preacher here's heart So the revivalist preacher here's heart So the revivalist preacher here's heart still hosts still hosts still hosts nurtures deep deep immaturity after all nurtures deep deep immaturity after all nurtures deep deep immaturity after all that is not okay in the eyes of God. And that is not okay in the eyes of God. And that is not okay in the eyes of God. And so God's going to flush it all out. so God's going to flush it all out. so God's going to flush it all out. Jonah huffs with God and and Jonah hopes Jonah huffs with God and and Jonah hopes Jonah huffs with God and and Jonah hopes that God will tow the line with him that God will tow the line with him that God will tow the line with him because there are still unsanctified, because there are still unsanctified, because there are still unsanctified, undiscipled areas of sin in his heart undiscipled areas of sin in his heart undiscipled areas of sin in his heart and God's not going to have it. and God's not going to have it. and God's not going to have it. The Apostle Paul helps me understand a The Apostle Paul helps me understand a The Apostle Paul helps me understand a whole bunch of the Old Testament, whole bunch of the Old Testament, whole bunch of the Old Testament, including what I believe is going on including what I believe is going on including what I believe is going on here. here. here. In Philippians 1:6, the Apostle Paul In Philippians 1:6, the Apostle Paul In Philippians 1:6, the Apostle Paul tells other believers that he, that is tells other believers that he, that is tells other believers that he, that is God, who began a work in you will God, who began a work in you will God, who began a work in you will complete it until the day of Christ.

complete it until the day of Christ. complete it until the day of Christ. That those who have been justified by That those who have been justified by That those who have been justified by God, granted salvation, granted a God, granted salvation, granted a God, granted salvation, granted a standing before God, standing before God, standing before God, are not done and dusted. They are are not done and dusted. They are are not done and dusted. They are eternally secure. it. But while they're eternally secure. it. But while they're eternally secure. it. But while they're here, God's going to do a sanctifying here, God's going to do a sanctifying here, God's going to do a sanctifying work in their lives to present them work in their lives to present them work in their lives to present them before Christ mature. before Christ mature. before Christ mature. It's the doctrine of sanctification. It's the doctrine of sanctification. It's the doctrine of sanctification. That's what's happening here in chapter That's what's happening here in chapter That's what's happening here in chapter 4 of Jonah. He who began a good work in 4 of Jonah. He who began a good work in 4 of Jonah. He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of you will complete it until the day of you will complete it until the day of Christ. Christ. Christ. So for those of you who are taking So for those of you who are taking So for those of you who are taking notes, here's what captures character notes, here's what captures character notes, here's what captures character cutout number one in chapter 4 of the cutout number one in chapter 4 of the cutout number one in chapter 4 of the book of Jonah. Write this down. book of Jonah. Write this down. book of Jonah. Write this down. The revivalist preacher The revivalist preacher The revivalist preacher relapses into an unholy obedient life. relapses into an unholy obedient life. relapses into an unholy obedient life. The revivalist preacher The revivalist preacher The revivalist preacher relapses into an unholy obedient life. relapses into an unholy obedient life. relapses into an unholy obedient life. He relapses meaning that he returns to He relapses meaning that he returns to He relapses meaning that he returns to the previous levels of selfcentered the previous levels of selfcentered the previous levels of selfcentered behavior behavior behavior that we saw of him way back in chapter that we saw of him way back in chapter that we saw of him way back in chapter one.

one. one. He's looped right back round to chapter He's looped right back round to chapter He's looped right back round to chapter 1:es 1:3. He's relapsed. He's not 1:es 1:3. He's relapsed. He's not 1:es 1:3. He's relapsed. He's not physically running from God. He did go physically running from God. He did go physically running from God. He did go to Nineveh, but he is spiritually to Nineveh, but he is spiritually to Nineveh, but he is spiritually running from God. His heart is still running from God. His heart is still running from God. His heart is still weward. weward. weward. He's there, but he's not in it. He's there, but he's not in it. He's there, but he's not in it. So, that's what I'm calling unholy So, that's what I'm calling unholy So, that's what I'm calling unholy obedience. What's unholy obedience? It's obedience. What's unholy obedience? It's obedience. What's unholy obedience? It's doing the right thing, but not motivated doing the right thing, but not motivated doing the right thing, but not motivated the right way. Obeying but obeying the right way. Obeying but obeying the right way. Obeying but obeying wrongly. Obeying wrongly. Anyone who wrongly. Obeying wrongly. Anyone who wrongly. Obeying wrongly. Anyone who grew up doing chores as a kid knows grew up doing chores as a kid knows grew up doing chores as a kid knows exactly what unholy obedience is. exactly what unholy obedience is. exactly what unholy obedience is. You're doing it, but you're not doing You're doing it, but you're not doing You're doing it, but you're not doing it. it. it. Jonah relapsed back into a selfish way Jonah relapsed back into a selfish way Jonah relapsed back into a selfish way of walking with God. He's unholy in his of walking with God. He's unholy in his of walking with God. He's unholy in his obedience. He's a moody missionary. He's obedience. He's a moody missionary. He's obedience. He's a moody missionary. He's a pouting preacher. He's a selfish a pouting preacher. He's a selfish a pouting preacher. He's a selfish servant of God. servant of God. servant of God. So yes, this book teaches us that God So yes, this book teaches us that God So yes, this book teaches us that God wants to do a work in the culture out wants to do a work in the culture out wants to do a work in the culture out there. He loves the society that there. He loves the society that there. He loves the society that flagrantly is rebelling against him and flagrantly is rebelling against him and flagrantly is rebelling against him and he wants to give them an opportunity to he wants to give them an opportunity to he wants to give them an opportunity to turn and to receive his salvation. But turn and to receive his salvation. But turn and to receive his salvation. But this book is also this book is also this book is also about completing his work that he has about completing his work that he has about completing his work that he has begun in the life of his people.

It's also about what you and I would It's also about what you and I would call Christians, [snorts] call Christians, [snorts] call Christians, [snorts] sanctification. sanctification. sanctification. So, allow me to pass on to you two So, allow me to pass on to you two So, allow me to pass on to you two applicational thoughts that I want you applicational thoughts that I want you applicational thoughts that I want you to take home and chat about privately to take home and chat about privately to take home and chat about privately with God this week. Talk to him about with God this week. Talk to him about with God this week. Talk to him about this. Number one, this. Number one, this. Number one, don't huff when God doesn't obey you. don't huff when God doesn't obey you. don't huff when God doesn't obey you. Chew on that this week. Chew on that this week. Chew on that this week. Don't huff when God doesn't obey you. Don't huff when God doesn't obey you. Don't huff when God doesn't obey you. Don't get all hot and bothered when God Don't get all hot and bothered when God Don't get all hot and bothered when God doesn't align himself to your will and doesn't align himself to your will and doesn't align himself to your will and your hopes and your desires for your your hopes and your desires for your your hopes and your desires for your life, for your career, for your church. life, for your career, for your church. life, for your career, for your church. Don't be moody with God. That's Don't be moody with God. That's Don't be moody with God. That's diva-like Christian behavior. Don't be a diva-like Christian behavior. Don't be a diva-like Christian behavior. Don't be a Christian diva. Christian diva. Christian diva. It's an entitled attitude that we all It's an entitled attitude that we all It's an entitled attitude that we all easily relapse into if we're not easily relapse into if we're not easily relapse into if we're not careful. This isn't just a Jonah careful. This isn't just a Jonah careful. This isn't just a Jonah problem. problem. problem. This is a human heart problem. And if a This is a human heart problem. And if a This is a human heart problem. And if a seasoned successful celebrity preacher seasoned successful celebrity preacher seasoned successful celebrity preacher had such struggles, it's a struggle had such struggles, it's a struggle had such struggles, it's a struggle that's potentially within us all. So ask that's potentially within us all. So ask that's potentially within us all. So ask yourself some revealing questions this yourself some revealing questions this yourself some revealing questions this week as you chat with God.

week as you chat with God. week as you chat with God. Ask yourself this. How do I react when Ask yourself this. How do I react when Ask yourself this. How do I react when God doesn't do what I want? God doesn't do what I want? God doesn't do what I want? How do I react when God doesn't do what How do I react when God doesn't do what How do I react when God doesn't do what I want? How do I respond when God I want? How do I respond when God I want? How do I respond when God doesn't align himself to my expectations doesn't align himself to my expectations doesn't align himself to my expectations and my prayer requests or what I want and my prayer requests or what I want and my prayer requests or what I want him to do in my life, in my culture, in him to do in my life, in my culture, in him to do in my life, in my culture, in my family, in my church. Ask yourself whether you disapprove of Ask yourself whether you disapprove of what God does what God does what God does despite your will. despite your will. despite your will. Ask yourself if your life is displaying Ask yourself if your life is displaying Ask yourself if your life is displaying obedience in faith or obedience in obedience in faith or obedience in obedience in faith or obedience in huffs. huffs. huffs. unholy obedience, unholy obedience, unholy obedience, obeying wrongly. obeying wrongly. obeying wrongly. These are serious heart issues that need These are serious heart issues that need These are serious heart issues that need flushed out. So, heed the warning from flushed out. So, heed the warning from flushed out. So, heed the warning from the life of Jonah in chapter 4. Don't the life of Jonah in chapter 4. Don't the life of Jonah in chapter 4. Don't get all hot and bothered when God get all hot and bothered when God get all hot and bothered when God doesn't do what you want. Don't huff doesn't do what you want. Don't huff doesn't do what you want. Don't huff when God doesn't obey you.

when God doesn't obey you. when God doesn't obey you. The second thing I'd love you to chew on The second thing I'd love you to chew on The second thing I'd love you to chew on as you reflect on what you heard this as you reflect on what you heard this as you reflect on what you heard this morning from Jonah chapter 4 is this. morning from Jonah chapter 4 is this. morning from Jonah chapter 4 is this. Let go of worthless plants for happiness Let go of worthless plants for happiness Let go of worthless plants for happiness in life. in life. in life. Let go of worthless plants for happiness Let go of worthless plants for happiness Let go of worthless plants for happiness in life. Don't find your happiness and in life. Don't find your happiness and in life. Don't find your happiness and your good mood in that which brings you your good mood in that which brings you your good mood in that which brings you comfort and pleasure if it's outside of comfort and pleasure if it's outside of comfort and pleasure if it's outside of the will of God. There's nothing wrong the will of God. There's nothing wrong the will of God. There's nothing wrong with comfort and pleasure at all. But if with comfort and pleasure at all. But if with comfort and pleasure at all. But if it's disordered, if it's wrongly ranked it's disordered, if it's wrongly ranked it's disordered, if it's wrongly ranked in your heart, if it's what you live for in your heart, if it's what you live for in your heart, if it's what you live for for satisfaction and f and fulfillment, for satisfaction and f and fulfillment, for satisfaction and f and fulfillment, then we've moved into the arena of then we've moved into the arena of then we've moved into the arena of Christianized idolatry. Just like Jonah, Christianized idolatry. Just like Jonah, Christianized idolatry. Just like Jonah, Jonah like plants in our lives for Jonah like plants in our lives for Jonah like plants in our lives for extreme happiness. [snorts] extreme happiness. [snorts] extreme happiness. [snorts] The head of God's will, that's a The head of God's will, that's a The head of God's will, that's a problem. So ask yourself this week these problem. So ask yourself this week these problem. So ask yourself this week these questions. What are the Jonahike plants questions. What are the Jonahike plants questions. What are the Jonahike plants in my life?

in my life? in my life? What's the stuff that that I daydream What's the stuff that that I daydream What's the stuff that that I daydream about that is not God? What's the stuff about that is not God? What's the stuff about that is not God? What's the stuff that I align my life toward for that I align my life toward for that I align my life toward for fulfillment in life that's not pursuing fulfillment in life that's not pursuing fulfillment in life that's not pursuing God's will for my life? Is it more God's will for my life? Is it more God's will for my life? Is it more money? Is it more pleasure? Is it more money? Is it more pleasure? Is it more money? Is it more pleasure? Is it more recognition? Is it more status, more recognition? Is it more status, more recognition? Is it more status, more achievement, more influence, more I achievement, more influence, more I achievement, more influence, more I don't know, more shoes, more gadgets, don't know, more shoes, more gadgets, don't know, more shoes, more gadgets, more friendships, a cleaner house, more friendships, a cleaner house, more friendships, a cleaner house, better behave kids, a better golf game? better behave kids, a better golf game? better behave kids, a better golf game? I don't know what you worship in your I don't know what you worship in your I don't know what you worship in your heart ahead of God regularly. There's nothing inherently wrong with There's nothing inherently wrong with having more money and more pleasure and having more money and more pleasure and having more money and more pleasure and more recognition and more influence and more recognition and more influence and more recognition and more influence and and more shoes. I guess if it's rightly and more shoes. I guess if it's rightly and more shoes. I guess if it's rightly ordered in your heart, if you're not ordered in your heart, if you're not ordered in your heart, if you're not pursuing those things because it shifts pursuing those things because it shifts pursuing those things because it shifts your mood, makes you like Jonah, your mood, makes you like Jonah, your mood, makes you like Jonah, extremely happy, and that's the only extremely happy, and that's the only extremely happy, and that's the only thing that makes me extremely happy. thing that makes me extremely happy. thing that makes me extremely happy. If it is, then it's become idolatrous If it is, then it's become idolatrous If it is, then it's become idolatrous and you're living like a hypocrite.

They can become They can become like little Christian nized idols that like little Christian nized idols that like little Christian nized idols that you carry around in your pocket and you you carry around in your pocket and you you carry around in your pocket and you polish and you sort of prayed toward and polish and you sort of prayed toward and polish and you sort of prayed toward and hold as if for good Christian luck. hold as if for good Christian luck. hold as if for good Christian luck. And God will not hesitate for a moment And God will not hesitate for a moment And God will not hesitate for a moment to send some sort of worm to eat that up to send some sort of worm to eat that up to send some sort of worm to eat that up because he who began a good work in you because he who began a good work in you because he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus will complete it until the day of Jesus will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. So, so don't finger wag and and Christ. So, so don't finger wag and and Christ. So, so don't finger wag and and ridicule Jonah for throwing a tantrum ridicule Jonah for throwing a tantrum ridicule Jonah for throwing a tantrum when he loses his precious little plant when he loses his precious little plant when he loses his precious little plant idol. idol. idol. It's time to learn from his behavior and It's time to learn from his behavior and It's time to learn from his behavior and to make sure that you you do some to make sure that you you do some to make sure that you you do some gardening in your own heart this week to gardening in your own heart this week to gardening in your own heart this week to uproot whatever worthless plants you're uproot whatever worthless plants you're uproot whatever worthless plants you're looking to for happiness looking to for happiness looking to for happiness if they lie before if they lie before if they lie before the will of God. the will of God. the will of God. Friends, our time is up. Friends, our time is up. Friends, our time is up. Let me leave you with these psalmists Let me leave you with these psalmists Let me leave you with these psalmists words as our closing prayer before we words as our closing prayer before we words as our closing prayer before we stand and sing.

stand and sing. stand and sing. Search me, Search me, Search me, oh God. oh God. oh God. Know my heart. Know my heart. Know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there is any offensive way in And see if there is any offensive way in And see if there is any offensive way in me. me. me. and lead me in the way everlasting and lead me in the way everlasting and lead me in the way everlasting in Jesus' name. in Jesus' name. in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you, pastor, for teaching us >> Amen. Thank you, pastor, for teaching us >> Amen. Thank you, pastor, for teaching us the word of God. Would you stand, the word of God. Would you stand, the word of God. Would you stand, please, and we'll sing our closing song please, and we'll sing our closing song please, and we'll sing our closing song together. I have decided I have decided [music] to follow Jesus. [music] to follow Jesus. [music] to follow Jesus. I have decided I have decided I have decided to follow [music and singing] Jesus. to follow [music and singing] Jesus. to follow [music and singing] Jesus. I have decided I have decided I have decided to follow [music] Jesus. to follow [music] Jesus. to follow [music] Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. No turning back. No [music] turning back. Thank you for No [music] turning back. Thank you for No [music] turning back. Thank you for being here today. Have a good afternoon.

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