www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

Jonah: a fascinating historic record•Only one know to survive being fish vomit•Powerful preaching – Gentile city repented•Resented God’s grace

Directly connected to Christ, Mt. 12:38-41•Jonah­In belly of fish 3 days/nights­Brought out­Preached­People repented

Directly connected to Christ, Mt. 12:38-41•Jesus­In heart of earth 3 days/nights­Resurrected­Preached – apostles­People repented

God called Jonah to preach, Jon. 1:1, 2•We are called by the word, Rom. 12:1•To go a certain Way, Acts 19:23; 2 Pt. 2:2, 21­To live righteously, Titus 2:11-13­To expose sin, Lk. 24:46, 47

He refused to go the right way, Jon. 1:2, 3•Free will to resist, Acts 7:51•Went opposite direction•Obstinate­Refuse to submit to husband, 1 Pt. 3:1­Refuse to obey parents, Eph. 6:1­Refuse to obey the gospel, Acts 24:25

He suffered the consequences, Jon. 1:4•He brought the trouble, Jon. 1:7, 9, 10•Our troubles often due to our sins­Financial: materialism, Jas. 5:1-3­Health: sinful habits, Prov. 23:29-35­Marital: selfishness, 1 Pt. 3:7­Family: laziness, lack of training, Eph. 6:4

He suffered the consequences, Jon. 1:4•Others suffered too, Jon. 1:5­Family: cost money, worry­Friends: in same “boat,” reputation­Church: credibility, effectiveness

He suffered the consequences, Jon. 1:4•His “sacrifice” required to calm the sea,Jon. 1:12, 15, 17­Think the answer is to run harder­Get nowhere­Stop running­Accept full consequences

Jonah bottomed out, Jon. 2:1•Like the prodigal son, Lk. 15:14-17•Like us­No money­No home­No friends­No marriage

He repented in the fish’s belly, Jon. 2:2-9•Found hope, Jon. 2:2, 4•God is willing to help, 2 Pt. 3:9•Way out may not be pleasant, Jon. 2:10

Same command given again, Jon. 3:1, 2•God’s will did not change­Same after rebellion as before­Sin does not start negotiations

Same command given again, Jon. 3:1, 2•He obeyed, Jon. 3:3, 4­Shows true repentance­Change of behavior required,Acts 26:19, 20

Jonah was angry with God, Jon. 4:1-4•Nineveh the enemy•Would rather die than help them•Like the older son, Lk. 15:25-32

Jonah was angry with God, Jon. 4:1-4•Our anger, “They don’t deserve it!”­He betrayed me­She lied to me­He hurt my daughter / brother / friend

Jonah was focused on the insignificant,Jon. 4:5-11•Comfort in the plant­Our focus on the next episode of XYZ­Intense interest in sports­Which college will my child get into

Jonah was focused on the insignificant,Jon. 4:5-11•Disregard for the innocent­Not helping spouse be a better Christian­Not raising children in the Lord­Not leading others to the Lord

Where are YOU?•On shore: called by word or providence•On the boat in the storm•In the belly of the fish•Vomited on the beach•Doing God’s will