Sermon Central
-
Lessons For The Church From Jonah
Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Aug 21, 2024 (message contributor)
-
1. Sermon # 1- Go And Make Disciples
Contributed on Aug 21, 2024
This series is a sequel to the series of devotions that were shared with me by spiritual friend Michael Collins and is also found on Sermon Central entitled “The Church Called Jonah.” I hope that these sermons will encourage the church at large.
This is a series that I will be sharing based on the life of Jonah, and the lessons that the church can learn through this book. These messages are the sequel to the series of devotions that were shared with me by spiritual friend Michael Collins and is also found on Sermon Central entitled “The ...read more
-
2. Sermon # 2 - Don't Miss Out On God's Presence
Contributed on Aug 23, 2024
As Jonah fled from the presence of God, he had no idea as to the consequences he would face. We as a church too must be cautious in many ways so that we do no lose out on the awesome presence of God and His Holy Spirit.
We read in Jonah 1:3, “But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. And he went down to Joppa. And he found a ship going to Tarshish. And he paid its fare, and went down into it, in order to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.” (AFV) As we continue ...read more
-
3. Sermon # 3 - Going The Wrong Way
Contributed on Aug 28, 2024
What is God’s purpose for establishing the church? Are we fulfilling this purpose or running in the wrong direction like Jonah did? As a church may we realize our purpose and fulfill it at all cost.
We read in Jonah 1:3, “But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.” (ESV) The word of the Lord we saw in the ...read more
-
4. Sermon # 4 - Seek To Please God
Contributed on Aug 30, 2024
Often we miss out on God’s call for our lives when we disobey the Lord or choose to please people over God. As a church may we not shun our responsibility to proclaim Christ, but stand up boldly to proclaim Christ and the good news of the Gospel.
We read in Jonah 1:4, “Then the LORD sent a great wind over the sea, and a severe storm broke out. It seemed as if the ship were about to break up.” (ISV) As we continue these studies on the life of Jonah, we will be pleasantly surprised to know that there is a lot that we as a church can learn ...read more
-
5. Sermon # 5 - No Fear In Obedience
Contributed on Sep 4, 2024
Jonah chose to disobey God and ended up in a tumultuous storm. Are we walking in obedience to God and His word or are we trying to compromise and please people? Here’s a word of caution from the life of Jonah that if God is against us, there is no one who can save us.
We read in Jonah 1:5, “Then the mariners were afraid,” (ESV) The mariners were filled with dread when they saw that the sea was so tumultuous and beyond their control. They therefore, feared that the ship would be wrecked, their goods destroyed and they would lose their lives in the process. I am ...read more
-
6. Sermon # 6 - No Need To Fear Death
Contributed on Sep 6, 2024
Man’s greatest fear is the fear of death, and that’s what gripped everyone aboard the ship that Jonah travelled. Learn how Jesus gives us hope beyond the grave. Also we as individuals and the church we must wake up to fulfill God's purposes in our life time.
We read in Jonah 1:5, Then the seamen were afraid, and each man cried to his god. (AFV) As we continue this series on how the life of Jonah can be related to the church today, I believe that many of you are blessed through these meditations. The seamen on the ship were filled with dread when the ...read more
-
7. Sermon # 7 - Throw-Off, Rebuild, Unite
Contributed on Sep 11, 2024
The call of God to the church today is to cast off everything that hinders us from reaching our destination, to rebuild the broken altars, and to work towards the unity of the body of Christ. The coming of the Lord is near and the church must be ready to receive the bridegroom.
We read in Jonah 1:5, Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. (ESV) As we continue our study on the life of Jonah and the church, I believe that God is declaring His word to the church of ...read more
-
8. Sermon # 8 - Time To Wake Up
Contributed on Sep 13, 2024
In the midst of a serious storm, Jonah was blissfully asleep unaware of the predicament of his fellow passengers caused by his disobedience. Is it possible that the church too is asleep at a time when we have to wake up to fulfill the Great Commission that Jesus gave us?
We read in Jonah 1:5, “And the mariners were afraid, and cried every one unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to be lightened of them. But Jonah had gone down into the lower part of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.” (Darby) This is the ...read more
-
9. Sermon # 9 - Arise From Your Slumber
Contributed on Sep 18, 2024
Just as Jonah slept through the raging storm there were others in the Bible who also slept for various reasons. Today if the church does not wake up and continues to be in slumber of any sort, we will become easy targets of the evil one.
We read in Jonah 1:5-6, And the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it unto them. But Jonah was gone down into the innermost parts of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. So the shipmaster came to ...read more
-
10. Sermon # 10 - United To Fulfill God's Will
Contributed on Sep 20, 2024
God’s call to the church today is that we be united just like the early church so we can experience the powerful working of the Holy Spirit of God. Our prayer to God must be that those who hinder this unity be removed and that we fulfill God’s will in our lives.
We read in Jonah 1:7, Then the men said to each other, "We should throw lots to find out why this is happening to us." So the men threw lots. The lots showed that the troubles came to them because of Jonah. (ERV) As we continue this series of studies on the life of Jonah and the church, ...read more
-
11. Sermon # 11 - Chosen For A Purpose
Contributed on Sep 25, 2024
The life of Jonah teaches us that there is nothing we do is hidden from God. Also, we learn that as a church we must be certain of our identity and our purpose so we can glorify God through all we are and all we do.
We read in Jonah 1:7-8, Then the men said to each other, "We should throw lots to find out why this is happening to us." So the men threw lots. The lots showed that the troubles came to them because of Jonah. Then the men said to Jonah, "It is your fault that this terrible thing is ...read more
-
12. Sermon # 12 - What Is Our Identity?
Contributed on Sep 26, 2024
When Jonah revealed his true identity, the other seafarers must have been astounded. We as a church are called to let the world know that the God we believe and worship is the true and living God, creator of heaven and earth and let’s not miss the opportunity to do so.
We read in Jonah 1:8, Then the men said to Jonah, "It is your fault that this terrible thing is happening to us. Tell us, what have you done? What is your job? Where do you come from? What is your country? Who are your people?" (ERV) The word of God came to Jonah to go to Nineveh, but ...read more
-
13. Sermon # 13 - Why Have You Done This?
Contributed on Oct 1, 2024
When the men on the ship realized that Jonah was the cause for their serious predicament they asked him, ‘Why have you done this?’ May we as children of God not do anything that will dishonor God and be a hindrance to those outside the church.
We read in Jonah 1:10, Then the men were terrified. They knew that he was running away from the LORD, because he had told them. They asked Jonah, "Why have you done this?" (GW) The prophet Jonah who received the word of God to go to Nineveh, disobeyed God, and undertook a voyage on a ...read more
-
14. Sermon # 14 - Stay United, Prayerful And Obedient
Contributed on Oct 3, 2024
Jonah’s disobedience brought untold troubles on all the crew aboard that ship. The church too must be wary of those who are divisive and must strive hard to maintain unity, integrity continuing in prayer and being obedient to God.
We read in Jonah 1:11, Then they said to him, "What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm to us?" For the sea was raging and growing more tempestuous. (AFV) The events that preceded this verse were that the ship on which Jonah voyaged was faced with a severe tempest. The mariners ...read more
-
15. Sermon # 15 - The Gradual Steps Of Backsliding
Contributed on Oct 9, 2024
Jonah walked away from God and landed everyone aboard the ship he travelled in big trouble. Backsliding is a gradual process, but if we repent and turn back to the Lord we can be reconciled and restored to our first love.
We read in Jonah 1:10-12, Then the men were terrified. They knew that he was running away from the LORD, because he had told them. They asked Jonah, "Why have you done this?" The storm was getting worse. So they asked Jonah, "What should we do with you to calm the sea?" He told ...read more
-
16. Sermon # 16 - Hinder No One
Contributed on Oct 11, 2024
Jonah’s disobedience became a hindrance the entire crew of unbelievers aboard that ship. This is a caution to us that as believers we should walk in total obedience to God and not become a stumbling block to those outside the church.
We read in Jonah 1:13, “Instead, the sailors tried to get the ship to shore, rowing with all their might. But the storm was becoming worse and worse, and they got nowhere.” (GNB) As we continue these studies on the life of Jonah, there are many lessons that we can learn from the same. Though Jonah ...read more
-
17. Sermon # 17 - Stop Striving - Start Trusting
Contributed on Oct 16, 2024
While Jonah the prophet of God thought of no one but himself, the mariners who were unbelievers were so concerned about him. The church needs to be filled with those who have compassion for the lost, who depend on entirely on the Lord and lead many into His Kingdom.
We read in Jonah 1:11-14, The storm was getting worse all the time, so the sailors asked him, “What should we do to you to stop the storm?” Jonah answered, “Throw me into the sea, and it will calm down. I know it is my fault that you are caught in this violent storm.” Instead, the sailors tried to ...read more
-
18. Sermon # 18 - Peace-Makers
Contributed on Oct 18, 2024
Jonah’s disobedience to God resulted in total chaos and turmoil for all aboard the ship. God’s call to His children is to be peace-makers wherever we are. The word of God cautions those who cause disunity and discord of serious consequences.
We read in Jonah 1:15, “And they lifted Jonah up and threw him out into the sea; and the sea ceased from its raging.” (AFV) The background to this verse is that a sea-voyage which commenced peacefully, with the hopes of a tranquil journey, was suddenly confronted with a furious and violent storm. ...read more
-
19. Sermon # 19 - God Gives Us Hope
Contributed on Oct 23, 2024
As Jonah was thrown into the sea it seemed all was over, but God had prepared a big fish to keep Jonah safe. In all those seemingly hopeless times, God is in control and let’s keep in mind that God’s grace and His justice always go hand in hand.
We read in Jonah 1:15, “And they lifted Jonah up and threw him out into the sea; and the sea ceased from its raging.” (AFV) As we continue our studies on the life of Jonah and its relevance to the church, many have been blessed and we thank God for these good testimonies. God instructed Jonah to ...read more
-
20. Sermon # 20 - A Repentant Heart
Contributed on Oct 25, 2024
Jonah was brought to the depths and after being battered in the belly of a big fish, Jonah repented and turned back to God. Rebellion is detrimental to us and only those who repent and get back to God can fulfill His purposes for their lives.
For this study and meditation we will read, Jonah 1:17, “When Jonah fell into the sea, the LORD chose a very big fish to swallow Jonah. He was in the stomach of the fish for three days and three nights.” (ERV) When Jonah disobeyed God, and voyaged in the opposite direction to the place God bid him ...read more
-
21. Sermon # 21 - Cry Out To God
Contributed on Oct 30, 2024
As Jonah travailed in the belly of the fish he called out to God knowing that only God could help him. In the midst of all the trials, difficulties and challenges that come our way do we call out to God? Here’s what happens when we do so.
We read in Jonah 2:1-2, “From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God: When I was in trouble, LORD, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer.” (CEV) Jonah called out to the Lord his God from inside the ...read more
-
22. Sermon # 22 - Longing For God's Presence
Contributed on Nov 1, 2024
As Jonah languished in the belly of the fish, he cried out to God and sought His presence. As believers of the new covenant we have the promise of the presence of the Holy Spirit of God every moment of our lives. May we learn to value God’s presence and live in obedience to His word.
We read in Jonah 2:4,"Then I thought, 'I have been banished from your sight. Will I ever see your holy temple again?' (GW) After Jonah was swallowed by the big fish that God prepared, Jonah spent three turbulent days and nights in the belly of that fish. At the end of those three ...read more
-
23. Sermon # 23 - The Blessings Of Obedience
Contributed on Nov 5, 2024
When disobedient Jonah repented and agreed to obey God, his life was spared to bless an entire city. The blessings of God on those who choose to be obedient to His word is beyond human understanding, and they also become a great blessing to many.
We read in Jonah 2:10, And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. (ESV) When the fish obeyed If I were to rephrase the above mentioned verse this is how I would say it, ‘An obedient fish vomited a disobedient prophet out on the dry land’. Jonah disobeyed God, and ...read more
-
24. Sermon # 24 - God Gives Many Chances
Contributed on Nov 6, 2024
Though Jonah disobeyed and ran from God, the Lord gave him a second chance. No one is too bad or too far gone to return back to the loving Lord who alone can change and transform a sinner into a saint, and use such a one to fulfill His mighty purposes.
We read in Jonah 3:1, “Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying,” (ESV) God had called Jonah to accomplish a huge task. Jonah chose to disobey, and undertook a voyage which the Lord disrupted by sending a mighty tempest. As the ship was tossed about in the midst of the ...read more
-
25. Sermon # 25- Arise And Go
Contributed on Nov 14, 2024
Once the fish had vomited Jonah out, God’s call came to the prophet to arise and go to Nineveh and preach to the people. God’s call to the church is to take the good news of the gospel to those outside. May we too arise and go to fulfill the great commission of Jesus.
We read in Jonah 3:1-2, Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.”(ESV) These are the words of God to Jonah after the fish vomited him out onto the shore. We are not sure in what ...read more
-
26. Sermon # 26 - Be Grateful - Don't Grumble
Contributed on Nov 15, 2024
Jonah’s disobedience and rebellion stemmed from an ungrateful heart. The Israelites too had to wander in the wilderness because of their constant grumbling and lack of thankfulness. Let’s learn to set aside all grumbling and replace it with a thankful heart.
We read in Jonah 3:1-3, “Then the LORD spoke his word to Jonah a second time. He said, "Leave at once for the important city, Nineveh. Announce to the people the message I have given you." Jonah immediately went to Nineveh as the LORD told him. Nineveh was a very large city. It took three ...read more