JONAH
Sermon series
I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me
The book of Jonah isn’t just about a runaway prophet and a big fish, it’s about our struggles with obedience, compassion and God’s mission. Jonah runs from God, faces a storm, is rescued from the depths, delivers God’s message and wrestles with God’s mercy toward those he disliked. It shows that God’s purposes are greater than our preferences and His love reaches beyond our limits.
In this two week series, we’ll see what happens when we run from God’s call, how His mercy draws us back, and how to respond with His heart. Jonah’s story is our story, God still calls, rescues, and stretches His people to love a world in need.
Jonah 1 + 2
Sunday 17th August
God sends Jonah to preach in Nineveh, but he flees by ship in the opposite direction. A divinely sent storm threatens the vessel, and Jonah is thrown overboard to calm the sea. Swallowed by a great fish for three days and nights, he prays to God in gratitude for rescue, and the fish releases him onto dry land.
Published 17th August
Jonah 3 + 4
Sunday 24th August
God again commands Jonah to go to Nineveh, and this time he obeys, warning the city of impending judgment. The people repent, and God spares them, which angers Jonah. He complains to God and waits outside the city, where God uses a plant, a worm, and scorching wind to teach him about compassion and mercy.
Published 24th August