October 29, 2023
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. The Truth Humbles the High and Mighty

Jonah 3:6
The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

II. The Truth Goes Forth By His Testimony

Jonah 3:7-8a
And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God.

The sincerity of our faith will always be revealed by our actions.

III. The Truth Leads All to Call to God for Mercy and to Repent of Their Evil

Jonah 3:8b-9
Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”

2 Chronicles 7:13-15
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I commit to pray daily for God to start a revival in me.
• I confess my actions don’t reflect the sincerity of my faith.

Deep Dive

1. Have you ever experienced genuine revival in a church? What about in your life?
2. Read 2 Chronicles 7:13-15. What are the key ingredients to revival?
3. Spend time praying with others for God to revive your heart and our church.

Springboards

1. Compare Numbers 23:19 and Jonah 3:10. Does the Bible contradict itself?
2. Can God change His mind? If He does, what does this mean?
3. How has God forgiven you and relented from the punishment you deserved?