Sunday, August 10, 2008
IS IT TIME TO REFOCUS?
FOCUSING ON GOD!
Jonah 1:1-5
INTRO: Jonah is a little book with a great lesson or should I say lessons. There are several lessons we will learn from Jonah. Today we find signs from Jonah's experience that we use in evaluating our fellowship with God. What are some signs we need to refocus on God?
WHEN WE IGNORE GOD'S WORD (1:1)
God still speaks to His people today.
We ignore it: when we don't like what He says.
When we don't love it as we should.
WHEN WE HARBOR HIDDEN SIN (1:2)
Jonah hated the Assyrians.
Numbers 32:23 says, "Be sure your sin will find you out!"
WHEN WE NEGLECT EVANGELISM
God told Jonah to preach against
Jonah knew God's grace and did not want
As we focus on God, He will lead us in this responsibility.
WHEN WE DECIDE TO DELIBERATELY DISOBEY
Verse 3 starts "But" in NIV. "However" in HCSB
Jonah decided to disobey God. How about us?
WHEN WE RUN FROM GOD
Jonah: ran away from God.
Headed to Tarshish,
To flee from God!
WHEN WE IGNORE GOD'S CORRECTION (4-5)
God sent a storm.
Jonah went to sleep indifferent to what was happening.
Hebrews 12 reminds us that God disciplines His children.
QUESTION: Are there signs in your life that you need to refocus on God? If so, why not now? Remember, I John 1:9 "If we confess our sin He is faithful to forgive."
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---- Adapted from Pastor Jerry Gifford of
