This prophetic book has one of the strangest endings in the whole of Scripture. It closes with a question but no answer. Dr. John reminds us that we are the ones who must respond to the question. "Can we celebrate and worship our God who is boundless in compassion?"
Imagine a preacher who is angered by the success of his ministry. That's exactly what happens with Jonah. Dr. John points to Jonah's blind spot. The prophet knew God was merciful, but was upset over those who received it!
Can a nation change? We may see individuals change the course of their life, but what of a whole society? Today Dr. John speaks of the mercy of God which reaches evey corner of Assyria, even to the palace of the king.
To repent is to change. It is a turning from our sins. Dr. John reminds us that repentance is also an expression of hope. It is a turning towards God in the hope of mercy. Today we see a pagan nation like Assyria turn in God's direction.
We expect our spiritual leaders to excel in morals, character and actions. But every leader carries a measure of frailty. Today Dr. John reminds us of Jonah's flaws. That reminder doesn't excuse Jonah's sins, but it points to a central truth. Even flawed prophets cannot halt God's plans.
Prayer is a language of life. It is the common expression of every culture and religion. Today Dr. John focuses on the prayer of Jonah. From watery billows and the depth of a fishy belly, Jonah calls out to God for the first time in this book. Like Jonah, the crisis we experience may be the call we need.
The Old Testament makes it clear - God's heart is for the deliverance of all people, Jew and Gentile. Today Dr. John reminds us that while Jonah kept Assyrians at a distance, God extended His mercy. It would take a watery rescue to make Jonah understand.
Christians are prone to thinking that we hold a monopoly on God's goodness. But God's compassion is infinite. Dr. John points to the contrast of a rebellious prophet and pagan sailors. The sailors recognized God's Hand even before Jonah. Those with no faith foundation made vows and prayer to the one true God.
We read in the news or see on TV, criminals who run or race from the police. Since they rarely escape, why do it? The offenders are moved by guilt. Today Dr. John speaks of Jonah who runs from an omnipresent God. Did he expect to hide? It seems that guilt can move God's prophet as well. We are no different.
We are all in need of God's mercy and are glad to receive it! Today Dr. John reminds us through Jonah, that it is possible to debate with God when He extends mercy to those we consider unworthy of it. Listen as God begins to unfold His boundless compassion for a sinful city and a rebellious prophet.
Faith in God does not reach just to the probable or possible. We do that when exercising trust in one another: but with God, our faith reaches to the impossible. Today Dr. John teaches on the impossible wonder God performed for Abraham. Abraham believed that God would do what He promised. So when we trust God for more than the possible in our lives, we exercise faith like Abraham.
Very early in church history, believers had to recognize what the mark of Christianity was. As the gospel spread beyond the country and culture of israel, the church debated what the identification of God promise was. Dr. John teaches that the mark of the gospel was faith. Faith was and is the sign of God's covenant.
It is one thing to change your own name out of preference. It is another thing to have someone else change our name. Now the change has meaning. God changed Abram's name ro Abraham. Dr. John teaches us today that the new name was a reference point for Abraham. It would always remind him of God's promise.
Bestowing a name upon an infant is an act of promise. It becomes their identity we trust they will grow in to. We want “Faith” to become faithful or “Hunter” to explore the fullness of life. Dr. John teaches today on the names of God revealed to Abraham. The names are promises, not of what God will become, but of who God is.
We rarely have trouble with God's grace. In fact, it is our hope and prayer. God's grace only becomes a problem when it extends to people we think don’t deserve it. Today Dr. John teaches on the favour of God towards Hagar and Ishmael. We expect the blessing of God upon Sarah and Isaac, but God's favour flows beyond our expectations.
All human actions have consequences. We assume that we can predict and control what those will be. But any action outside of the will of God prodiuces effects beyond our control and our wishes. Sin reaps judgement and death.
We are to abandon any confidence in our presumed abilities. Each day we renew our commitment to trust in the promise and power of God. In the tension between Ishmael and Isaac, between what we can do and what God promises - trust the Words of God.
Coming to God is an exchange of what we could never do, for what He has done. He did it all and we are invited to believe. And so we learn to surrender to Christ by faith, trusting in His power and His power alone.
The most high God gives to Abram an image he will never forget. It is an emblem of assurance on which to found his faith. God signs a contract that He will keep His word.
Can God be trusted? If you are a Christian, you feel obligated to answer "Yes." But don't ask the question intellectually. Examine the practical, experiencial faith of the heart in your daily routine. Are we trusting God moment by moment? He is worthy of our faith.
It's been suggested that we learn who we truly are by losing. But winning will also reveal our default nature. Dr. John teaches today about Abraham's response after a victorius battle. He honours Melchizadek but refuses to honour the King of Sodom. Listen and understand the difference.
Doing what is right is especially challenging when we think we might benefit by doing what is wrong. Today Dr. John teaches that when Lot was captured in battle, it wouldn't be the worst thing for Abraham's flocks and pastures. Pressed between what is right or what is beneficial, what would Abraham do?
Self defence is more than a physical response. We also defend our reputations, time, possessions and perceived rights. If any of these are infringed upon, we fight for our rights. Dr. John holds Abraham before us as a peacemaker. Abraham trusted in God's protection and provision. What about you?
Seeing the unseen promises of God leaves us living at peace as far as it is possible.
Throughout our spiritual journey, we often weave around obstacles of our own making. Abraham is on a pilgrimage to the land of promise - but he gets sidetracked in Egypt. Today Dr. John teaches that our lack of faith in God's promises leads to problems we try to fix on our own. We don't need man-made solutions to man-made problems. We need the grace of God.
Abraham was a pilgrim looking for a city whose founder and maker is God. So we, like our father in the faith, are sojourners on this earth. We can trust the leading of God to take us all the way home to dwell with our Lord forever.
It's been quoted that, "no man is a fool who gives up what he cannot hold, to gain what he cannot lose." In the promises that come to us in Christ, we have lost nothing and gained everything.
Abraham is a story of belief in God - but it is a sacrificial faith. The gospel is free, but invites us to consider the cost. So like Abraham, let us count on God and His promises as more precious than any thing of this world.
Genesis is more than the beginning of time and space. It holds the beginning of faith's story, as exemplified by Abraham. The story of Abraham is at the front of the Scriptures and sets the stage for the entire Bible.
Abraham is spoken of as the "father of faith." He does not generate faith but is a template for all of us. Therefore, one can never fully understand Abraham without seeing him not only encountering the gospel, but encountering Jesus Himself.
Many enjoy sitting around a campfire. It is warm and comforting. It's an entirely different experience to face a raging forest fire. It is justly frightening. Today Dr. John speaks of Israel frightened by the God they follow. His glory and power were overwhelming. It is a necessary reminder that God cannot be confined for our comfort or pleasure. To see Him as He is leads to a fear of sinning. Fear that leads to life.
Relationships function in a context of trust. That's true in family and society. Today Dr. John looks at the last three comandments. Trust should guard our possessions. Do not steal. Our words to each other must be trustworthy. Do not lie. Respect for one another means we do not covet. The Ten Commandments of God speak to our actions and heart intent.
Holiness is to guide and shape our relationships; in family, society and marriage. Today Dr. John speaks of the 5th, 6th and 7th commandments. To honour our parents, the life of our neighbour and our marital commitments - these daily obligations are reflections of the righteousness of God. Obedience is a loving response to the values of the life God has created.
Righteousness speaks to the large matters of life, but also to that which seems small. Today Dr. John teaches on the 3rd and 4th commandments. We will see that the way we speak of God and treat the Lord's Day are matters of righteousness. Our speech and use of time reflect God's Holiness. They are matters of holiness for us as well.
Today Dr. John begins to teach on the Decaloge - the Ten Commandments. At the very start, we learn of the exclusive primacy of worshipping God and the manner of worship obliged to Him. The first two commands are grounded in this biblical truth - God has made us; we do not fashion God.
The word "glory" seems too small. The five letters can't convey the vast power and overwhelming presence of God. In grace, God veils His being through nature and ultimately in Jesus. Today Dr. John speaks of a time when God lifted the curtain, just a little. Even with that, Israel was struck by fear and awe. The glory of God's presence is His to grant and is received only under His conditions.
To be chosen is a privilege. It speaks of honour but is not void of responsibility. Even a chosen beauty queen has a calling to fulfill! Today Dr. John speaks of the unique place of Israel - chosen of God. But that act of God's grace compels a response from Israel. Today, as chosen people, what is God calling us to be and do?
Traffic laws make bad drivers better and regulate those with bad intent. Few would want to drive on roads with no rules. Moses was teaching and enforcing the regulations of God - and he was being overwhelmed. Dr. John points to the wise counsel of Jethro that ensures the welfare of Moses and the people. Simply put - good laws need good leaders.
Most families are a mixture of believers and non-believers. So a spouse may be instrumental in the conversion of their spouse. So too, parents are instrumental for their children. Today Dr. John teaches of the conversion to faith of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. As daunting as it may seem, family is often the seed bed of faith.
Fortunate are those who have never experienced war. But for those that have, the first battle would be unforgettable. Dr. John teaches on Israel's first military engagement. A nation used to slavery would have to learn how to fight for their freedom. The first lesson was clear. Israel could not trust in their might, numbers or experience. The battle is the Lord's to win.
Israel's wilderness journey was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. The repeated evidences of God's care were peaks, impossible to deny. But the complaints and grumblings were lowpoints of trust. Today Dr. John teaches of a thirsty nation turning against Moses and challenging God Himself. They dared God and tested Him out of anger and doubt. By grace, God reveals Himself mighty and merciful, but He need never prove Himself to any man.
Israel's work ethic was shaped by Egyptian slavery. A day off was unimagined. Now God was going to teach them to rest. In today's sermon, we see God use manna as a tool of instruction. He would provide food for Israel every morning, except the Sabbath. The people would learn to take a Sabbath rest and suffer no loss. God was their sustenance and they were supplied through their obedience. Lessons still true for us today.
Hoarding is the practice of clinging to things now in case we need them for the future. While it may seem wise when it comes to food pantries or bank accounts, it won’t work for faith. In today's message, Dr. John teaches on daily trust. Israel was to learn that yesterday's confidence can't be stored for tomorrow's need. We live by faith and have to do it every day.
If we forget the past, we impoverish the present and erode the foundation for our future. In today's message, Dr. John teaches that the anthem of Israel not only recalls the victory of the Red Sea, but points to what God will do for His people. A song of the present, which points to the future by remembering the past.
After crossing the Red Sea in God's victory, Israel was taught a song. It was a song of praise and celebration written by Moses. In this message, Dr. John presents the lyric as an anthem for Israel. It is a song that not only reminds them of God's power, but shapes their identity as God's people.
Too many think of faith like a driver's license. They have passed the test and answered all the questions right - and now they head out to drive on their own. Today Dr. John reminds us that the way we entered this spiritual life is the way we must live it.
We live in a day when many pulpits hesitate to talk about sin. Should we then be surprised that repentance is forgotten as well? In today's message Dr. John teaches on genuine repentance as an essentail part of saving faith. We will find three qualities that accompany true repentance.
Personal conversion is the work of God. It is His to do and only He can do it. But as it is personal conversion, it requires a personal response. Today Dr. John will teach that faith is our response to God's work. Faith is believing, trusting and surrendering to the person and work of Jesus.
If I go to the doctor or hospital, there are obvious markers the doctor looks for to evaluate the presence and quality of life. Pulse, blood pressure and respiration are some of the first signs of life. In today's message, Dr. John offers us seven signs to look to for the presence and quality of spiritual life within us. It's time to take our soul's pulse.
In this first message on recognizing our personal conversion, Dr. John speaks to a simple test. If our spiritual state is the result of our best intentions, efforts and abilities, then all we have is the best we can do. Conversion is a work of God. What He does is genuine and eternal.
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