Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday evening 11/08/2009.
The Heart of Obedience
Jonah 1:1-3
Introduction:
for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40
What is the book of Jonah about?
This book like the rest of the Bible is about God-His love, patience, glory, longsuffering, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
I. God Speaking (Jonah 1:1)
Jesus Christ is Prophet-Priest-King
II. God Directing (Jonah 1:2)
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
III. God Directing (Jonah 1:2)
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where Shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” Psalm 139:7-12
Practical Implications:
1. What specific commandments in the Word of God has God give to you that you do NOT feel like obeying?
2. We are not the only group of people that God is concerned about. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a global gospel (Acts 1:8)
3. No matter how wicked or separated from God one may be, there is HOPE in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
