Hidden Sins Surface In Storms
Jonah Chapter 1
Pastor Bart Blair delivers an in-depth sermon on Jonah chapter 1, setting the historical context of Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire around 760 BC. He describes the extreme violence and cruelty of the Assyrians, emphasizing the danger Jonah faced in being called to preach to them. The pastor addresses the debate over whether Jonah is a factual account or a parable, leaning towards it being a true story based on other Biblical references and Jesus' own words.
Blair emphasizes that the story of Jonah is primarily about God's character and power, rather than just about Jonah or the fish. He walks through the chapter, highlighting key moments such as Jonah's attempt to flee to Tarshish, God sending the storm, and Jonah's eventual sacrifice to calm the sea. The pastor draws parallels between Jonah and Jesus, noting the voluntary sacrifice aspect, while also pointing out the crucial differences.
Throughout the sermon, Blair extracts several important lessons:
1. You can't run away from God while reaching for His hand. He explains that we can't expect God's blessings while walking in disobedience.
2. Hidden sins surface in storms. The pastor suggests that God sometimes allows or even causes storms in our lives to bring our sins to light and correct our path.
3. The miracle of changed lives can lead others to faith. He points to the sailors' conversion after witnessing God's power in calming the sea.
4. A wide open door is not always from God. Blair cautions against assuming that easy opportunities are always God's will, encouraging listeners to discern based on whether choices help them become more like Jesus.
5. Our disobedience affects everyone in the boat. The sermon emphasizes the ripple effects of sin and our responsibility to others.
6. Surrender always comes before salvation. Pastor Blair stresses the importance of laying down our own agendas and submitting to Jesus as King.
The pastor concludes by urging the congregation to reflect on these lessons, particularly focusing on areas where they might need to surrender to God's will. He encourages them not to ignore the Holy Spirit's promptings but to take action in aligning their lives with God's purposes.