October 22, 2023
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Second Verse Same as the First

Jonah 3:1-3a
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.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord.

When God repeats a message, we must lean in and listen.

II. Off to the Big City

Jonah 3:3b-4
Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”

III. Small Sermon with a Big Response

Jonah 3:5
And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.

We believe that when God’s Word is presented, it demands a response

Luke 11:32
The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

IV. God is the God of Second Chances

Matthew 16:13-18
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

God is the God of second chances.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I receive God’s mercy as He offers me a second chance.
• I choose to celebrate the change in others rather than criticize.

Deep Dive

1. Read Matthew 16:13-18. How can we relate to Peter’s second chance?
2. Why do we criticize the confessed repentance of some rather than celebrate?
3. Why do we struggle to forgive ourselves if God gives us a second chance?

Springboard

1. Do our actions reflect the sincerity of your faith most of the time?
2. Read James 2:14-26. How do our actions impact our faith?
3. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Do our actions play a role in our salvation?