Jonah
In the Bible, the name "Jonah" derives from the Hebrew word "יונה" (Yonah), which means "dove." This name is significant not only for its literal meaning but also for the symbolic connotations associated with doves, such as peace, innocence, and the Holy Spirit. Jonah is the central figure in the Book of Jonah, one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible.The narrative of Jonah primarily revolves around his mission to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh, a task he initially resists by attempting to flee from God's command. His journey leads him into the belly of a great fish, where he spends three days and three nights—an experience often interpreted as a period of reflection and transformation. Ultimately, Jonah's story highlights themes of obedience, mercy, and God's compassion towards all people, even those considered enemies of Israel. The prophetic message emphasizes that God's grace extends beyond Israel, as seen in Jonah's reluctant acceptance of his mission to Nineveh (Jonah 1-4).
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(Jonah) the Depths of Hell - Part 2
By John Vissers3937:14JON 2:8John Vissers explores the profound themes of grace and salvation in the story of Jonah, emphasizing that true salvation comes from the Lord. He draws parallels between Jonah's experience and the teachings of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians, highlighting that both emphasize salvation by grace through faith. Vissers recounts the transformative experiences of Martin Luther and Augustine, illustrating how God's grace surprises and redeems those who are lost. He encourages believers to recognize their dependence on God's mercy and to respond to His call with faith and good works. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to live out the purpose for which God has saved us.
(Jonah) No Place to Hide
By John Vissers3737:57JON 1:4John Vissers preaches on the story of Jonah, emphasizing that one cannot escape God's presence or purpose, as Jonah attempts to flee from God's command to preach to Nineveh. The sermon illustrates how Jonah's disobedience leads to a storm that endangers others, highlighting the spiritual numbness that can come from running away from God. Vissers draws parallels between Jonah's experience and the modern church's struggle to recognize God's call amidst distractions and challenges. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that God relentlessly pursues His people, and there is no place to hide from His presence. The message encourages self-reflection on our own spiritual awakeness and responsiveness to God's call.
(Jonah) a Wideness in God's Mercy
By John Vissers3533:10JON 4:1John Vissers concludes the series on Jonah by exploring the profound compassion of God as illustrated in Jonah chapter 4. He highlights Jonah's anger at God's mercy towards Nineveh, contrasting it with God's sovereign grace and concern for the lost. Vissers emphasizes that God's compassion is limitless and challenges believers to expand their hearts to reflect God's love for all people. The sermon culminates in the reminder that the ultimate expression of God's mercy is found in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, inviting the congregation to approach the Lord's Supper with faith and repentance.
Jonah and Paul
By Leonard Ravenhill12659:14JON 1:1Leonard Ravenhill contrasts the lives of Jonah and Paul, emphasizing that Jonah prayed only after getting into trouble, while Paul prayed beforehand, demonstrating the importance of being spiritually prepared. Jonah's disobedience led to chaos not only for himself but also for those around him, while Paul's unwavering faith in the midst of storms showcases the power of prayer and trust in God. Ravenhill highlights that both men faced significant challenges, but their responses to those challenges reveal their relationship with God. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to be proactive in their faith, praying before trials rather than waiting until they are in distress.
Jonah 1
By Ian Murray1.0K36:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jonah from the Bible. He highlights the four chapters of Jonah's journey: running from God, returning to God, restarting with God, and becoming resentful towards God. The preacher emphasizes that Jonah had clear instructions from God to deliver a message of condemnation to the people, but Jonah did not want them to be blessed. The preacher contrasts Jonah's message of doom and gloom with the message of the gospel, which is a message of hope and salvation. The preacher urges the audience to recognize the urgency of sharing the good news with those who are on the road to hell.
Jonah-the Man, the Message, the Movement
By Keith Daniel3.1K54:39MAT 6:33ROM 10:12GAL 1:101TH 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and the importance of preaching. He recounts the famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and how it had a profound impact on the listeners. The preacher then discusses the current state of society, where people are rebelling against God's laws and seeking freedom from any moral restraint. He warns that this rebellion will lead to judgment and highlights the need for preachers to proclaim the message of salvation.
Sign of the Prophet Jonah
By Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith2.2K52:03JON 1:1JON 2:6JON 2:10JON 3:5JON 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah from the Bible. Jonah was a Hebrew who feared the Lord and was called by God to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. However, Jonah chose to flee from God's presence and boarded a ship to Tarshish. As a result, a great storm arose, and the sailors cast lots to determine who was responsible for the calamity. The lot fell on Jonah, and he confessed to fleeing from God. Eventually, Jonah was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish. After three days and nights, Jonah repented and prayed to God, and the fish vomited him onto dry land. The preacher emphasizes the importance of staying in the presence of God and not using diversions to avoid fulfilling God's calling.
(Jonah) No Place to Hide - Part 2
By John Vissers2439:18JON 1:11John Vissers explores the story of Jonah, emphasizing the theme of personal responsibility and the consequences of running from God's call. Jonah's admission of guilt leads to a turning point where he acknowledges that his actions have caused turmoil for others, ultimately becoming a vessel of salvation for the sailors. The sermon highlights the grace of God, which pursues Jonah even in his rebellion, culminating in his miraculous preservation by the great fish. Vissers draws parallels between Jonah's experience and the redemptive work of Christ, illustrating the principle of substitution and the transformative power of acknowledging one's sin. The message encourages listeners to confront their own flight from God and embrace His grace.
(Jonah) a City on Fire
By John Vissers3538:21JON 3:5John Vissers preaches on Jonah 3, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and repentance as demonstrated by the people of Nineveh. He illustrates how the entire city, from the king to the commoners, responded to Jonah's message of impending judgment with genuine belief in God and a collective act of repentance. Vissers highlights that true revival is marked by a deep, communal change in the moral fabric of society, driven by the Holy Spirit's work in people's hearts. He calls for prayer and action to seek a similar revival in contemporary cities, particularly in Toronto, urging believers to trust in God's mercy and the potential for urban renewal through faith. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's compassion and the importance of turning to Him for healing and transformation.
(Jonah) the Depths of Hell - Part 3
By John Vissers3138:54JON 3:1John Vissers emphasizes the theme of second chances in the story of Jonah, illustrating how God renews Jonah's commission after his initial disobedience. Jonah, having faced the consequences of running from God, is given another opportunity to fulfill his calling to preach to Nineveh. The sermon draws parallels between Jonah's experience and our own struggles with obedience, highlighting that God is always ready to extend grace and mercy, even when we stumble. Vissers encourages listeners to recognize that the Christian journey is filled with challenges, but God's persistent call invites us back into His service. Ultimately, the message is one of hope, reminding us that the game is only half over, and we can always return to God for a fresh start.
(Jonah) Sour Grapes
By John Vissers2939:06JON 4:1John Vissers explores Jonah's profound disappointment with God after the repentance of Nineveh, highlighting Jonah's anger and resentment towards God's mercy. Despite being a prophet who experienced God's grace, Jonah struggles with the reality that God chose to spare the Ninevites, leading him to question God's fairness and withdraw from his mission. Vissers emphasizes the contrast between Jonah's self-centeredness and God's compassion, urging listeners to reflect on their own responses to God's unexpected actions. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace God's grace and celebrate His mercy rather than succumbing to bitterness and disappointment.
(Jonah) the Depths of Hell
By John Vissers3736:03JON 1:17John Vissers preaches on Jonah's experience in the depths of despair, emphasizing how Jonah faced imminent death and judgment but found salvation through God's mercy. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the phrase 'but the Lord,' illustrating how God intervenes in our darkest moments. Jonah's prayer from inside the fish serves as a model for acknowledging our crises and recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Vissers draws parallels between Jonah's experience and the broader theme of salvation, encouraging believers to trust in God's grace even in dire circumstances. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and thanksgiving for God's deliverance, reminding us that salvation comes from the Lord.
The Training of a Disciple - Jonah - Iii
By Alan Redpath37746:51MAT 6:33JHN 3:1HEB 5:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah from the Bible. He discusses the different stages of Jonah's journey as a disciple, starting with his rebellion and ending with his recommissioning by God. The preacher uses the analogy of a plane taking off to illustrate how Jonah's recommissioning represents the power of the gospel to overcome obstacles. He emphasizes the importance of Christians being signs from heaven, living lives that demand an explanation and reflect God's grace.
(Jonah) the Prophet Who Ran
By John Vissers4139:39JON 1:1John Vissers explores the story of Jonah, emphasizing the prophet's initial refusal to obey God's command to preach to Nineveh, a city he despised. Jonah's flight to Tarshish symbolizes a deeper struggle with prejudice and the challenge of accepting God's mercy for all, including those we may consider undeserving. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and compassion, urging listeners to confront their own biases and the call to share the gospel with everyone, regardless of their background. Ultimately, Vissers reminds us that God's grace is available to all, and we cannot escape His call.