As a child in Sunday School we learned about Jonah, tossed overboard by fellow sailors during a storm, and then swallowed by a whale, where he spent three days before being spit up.  This is a classic story of what happens to one who is called on by God and decides to ignore Him.  Have you ever "made a deal" with God, promising "if He would do this I will do that"?  In today's message Pastor Don reveals what God provides.  He concludes with "What do you think is the greatest waste of natural resource?"  Well - do you?

Message Outline -

Introduction:

The message from God is clear. Jonah knew exactly what God wanted him to do.

Jonah does the exact opposite.

#I         The question is why, did Jonah not obey God?

a.       He feared or respected the Assyrians more than he did God.

b.      He had bitterness toward the Assyrians.

c.       Guard your heart against bitterness Hebrews 12:15

d.      John 3:16

e.       Bitterness can be rooted in an unforgiving  heart.

#II        What this bitterness cost.

a.       Jonah 1:4

b.      Sleep can be an escape.

c.       It can be an excuse not to serve God.

#III      Jonah 2: His prayer and negotiation.

a.       Have you ever promised God something?

b.      The world rapidly forgets promises to God when the pain is gone.

c.       What d we learn from Vs. 10?

#IV      The power of the preached word.

a.       The power is in the message from God, not the messenger.

b.      The message is short, ”Forty more days and Nineveh will be destroyed.”

c.       Every believer is some unbelievers chance to become a believe. Romans 1:14-16

d.      Ron Hutchcraft said, “If you know the gospel you owe the gospel.”

#V       Jonah is a book of God’s providing.

a.       God provided (a great fish )

b.      God provided (the answer to Jonah’s prayer)

c.       God provided (salvation)

d.      God provided (a message)

e.       God provided ( a messenger)

f.        God provided (comfort)

g.       God provided ( a worm)

h.       God provided ( a scorching hot wind)

i.         God provided.

Conclusion:

What do you think is the greatest waste of natural resource?

Gods people dieing without using their time, talents, and finances for the work of God’s kingdom.