Running from the Lord | Jonah 1
April 23 2023 · 32 min
by Bijan Mirtolooi
Summary
Commencing a four-part sermon series reflecting on the book of Jonah, we explore how despite Jonah's own prejudices and failings, God is relentless in pursuing him. Because even as the prophet runs, the Lord sends Jonah severe mercies in the form of a great wind, pagan sailors, and a huge fish, all designed to bring Jonah back to God.
Wondrous Grace | Jonah 2
April 30 2023 · 32 min
by Bijan Mirtolooi
Summary
‘There is no sin so great that Christ’s grace is not greater still’. ThoughJonah deserved judgment, God gave him mercy. God’s never-endinglove comes to Jonah in the provision of a great fish, which savesJonah’s life and brings him back to the pathway of obedience. Whilstin the fish’s belly, Jonah experiences the reality of faith and prayer ina new way. The final line of his prayer reveals the heart of the gospel:‘Salvation comes from the Lord’ (2v9).
Lessons on Repentance | Jonah 3
May 7 2023 · 32 min
by Bijan Mirtolooi
Summary
Here in Jonah 3 we see three kinds of ‘repentance’. Jonah (even if begrudgingly) fulfils God’s call to preach in Nineveh. The Ninevites repented at Jonah’s preaching. And God ‘relents’ from destroying the city. Here in this chapter, we learn something important about repentance, and how repentance is always first and foremost a fruit of God’s work in a person’s (or a community’s) life (cf 2 Timothy2v25).