Preamble: As we continue to go through this month, instead of harping on what the world is trying to turn this into, I'm going to continue speaking faith, hope, and love. Today's post continues the theme of sharing the love of God through Jesus Christ and what He promises to all those who surrender control of their lives to Him and follow Him as Lord and Savior.
Church 4/29/2023
Offertory scripture:
Psalm 91:1-2
Sermon message:
Thesis: Knowing God’s heart, part 1
To be able to have faith in God and to trust Him, we have to know His heart. Knowing His heart is more powerful than just quoting scripture.
Caveat: sometimes we misjudge God. I.e. we are judging God. Saying things about Him that are not true. This is a problem. We start putting ourselves above God. This is also a problem.
He knew humans would sin. But He also sent Jesus Christ to atone for everyone’s sins and give people a chance to repent of their sins, return to Him, and receive His free gift of salvation.
God is more caring and more loving than anyone you will ever know.
If you are loyal to God, He will protect you. Consider Daniel, Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego.
God cares about the whole world, but He also cares about the individual.
Point #1: God loves those who are [have been] in rebellion to Him.
To be clear: God doesn’t love their rebellion. But He cares for them and wants them to repent and return to Him.
While on the cross, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Jonah 1:1-2
Jonah 1:15-17
Point #2: God gives steps on how to get out of a bad situation.
Jonah prayed when he was in the belly of the large fish.
Jonah 2:1-6
Sometimes when you pray it may at first get worse. Don’t give up because it will eventually get better.
Jonah confessed faith.
Jonah 2:4
Jonah remembered God’s power.
Jonah refused to believe that there was no hope.
Jonah 2:8
He believed in God’s mercy.
If you’ve messed up, believe in God’s mercy.
Jonah gave thanks and recommitted to God.
Recommit to God.
Jonah 2:9
Jonah then popped right out of the big fish.
Jonah 2:10
Just like God was faithful to Daniel, Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego, He was faithful to Jonah.
Jonah 3:1-2
Jonah 3:3-4
Jonah 3:5-8
Respond to God.
Point #3: God’s heart is better than man’s heart.
Jonah was angry that Nineveh repented.
Jonah 4:1-3
God uses a plant to teach Jonah a lesson.
Jonah 4:10-11
God’s heart: he loves you and he loves even those who are rebellious. He wants them to repent and return to Him.
Isaiah 55:7-9
God’s ways are higher than our ways.
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