The sermon explored Jonah's shocking response to Nineveh's repentance—not joy, but anger. Despite becoming the most successful evangelist in history with just five words, Jonah was furious that God extended mercy to people outside his nation. His self-absorption led him to build a shelter and wait, hoping God would still destroy the city. Through the parable of the plant, God exposed Jonah's misplaced priorities: he cared more about his personal shade than 120,000 innocent children in Nineveh. This story serves as a prophetic warning about God's Plan A (blessing His people to reach the nations) versus Plan B (discipline for self-centered disobedience). The implications for our spiritual life are clear: we must choose whether we will embrace God's heart for all people or become absorbed in our own comfort and preferences.

Takeaways:

1) God's mercy extends beyond our comfort zones and preferences. The same character God revealed to Moses—merciful, gracious, slow to anger—He displays toward all people, not just those we think deserve it.

2) Self-absorption is nauseating to God. When we care more about our personal conveniences than about eternal souls, we mirror Jonah's sinful nationalism and miss our calling as missionaries to the world.

3) We are writing our own ending to Jonah's story. Each day we choose between Plan A (being blessed to bless others) or Plan B (self-indulgence leading to discipline). The choice is ours: blessing or curse—you decide.

As we move forward, let us examine our hearts honestly. Are we distracted by our own "leafy plants"—the trinkets and comforts that ultimately do not matter? Or will we follow Jesus' example by pouring out our lives for the world? May we choose to be a church that embraces God's heart for all nations.

In "A Rhythm of Gospel Movement," based on Acts 13:13-52, the sermon explores how Paul and Barnabas exemplify the progression of the gospel message as they move beyond familiar territories into new challenges. It highlights four rhythms of gospel movement: being moved outward from comfort, learning to listen before speaking, gaining boldness through the gospel's victory, and being freed from the fear of rejection. The message encourages believers to embrace these rhythms in their own lives, stepping beyond comfort zones, building trust through listening, speaking boldly of Christ’s victory, and leaving outcomes to God. Ultimately, it calls the congregation to take actionable steps of faith and obedience in sharing the gospel.

Pastor Brian discusses Acts 13, highlighting the transition from Peter's ministry to Paul's missionary journeys. He emphasizes the importance of a worshiping heart, spirit-filled obedience, and a visible witness in the church's mission. Brian notes that Paul, formerly Saul, was commissioned by the Holy Spirit at Antioch to embark on his first missionary journey. He underscores the significance of a grounded local church in spreading the gospel, using diverse yet unified leaders. Brian also introduces the concept of designing a "dream disciple" for their church, focusing on key characteristics like worship, fasting, and spirit-led obedience.

This sermon explores Jonah chapter 2, revealing how God's miraculous intervention in Jonah's life represents a "sweet-smelling miracle" of salvation. Rather than focusing on the unpleasant physical circumstances of Jonah in the fish's belly, the message emphasizes the profound spiritual transformation that occurred. The sermon demonstrates how Jonah's experience prophesies God's saving plan for Israel, Nineveh, and ultimately the entire world through Jesus Christ. It challenges believers to recognize that God's sovereignty extends to every detail of our lives, and that salvation belongs to the Lord alone. The message concludes by encouraging Christians to see gospel opportunities with those who may appear undesirable as the "sweet scent of salvation" rather than judging by outward appearances.

When persecution scattered the early believers, God used it to plant seeds in new soil. In Acts 11:19–30, ordinary Christians took extraordinary steps—sharing the gospel beyond their comfort zones, forming the first multicultural church, and giving generously to those in need. This passage reminds us that when God’s people take His grace beyond familiar boundaries, He builds a church that is unified, generous, and known by Christ’s name.

In this message Pastor Brian (of FBC Byram) explores the pivotal moment recorded in Acts 11:1-18 when the early church said “yes” to God’s inclusive, grace-filled mission for all peoples. We’ll look at how the Jerusalem believers responded to the gentile mission, how fear & tradition were confronted by the Spirit, and what it means today for us…especially as a church with many seasoned saints and young families alike.

In this powerful exploration of the book of Jonah, we're challenged to examine our own spiritual lives through the lens of this reluctant prophet. Jonah's story isn't just a tale of a man swallowed by a fish - it's a profound metaphor for our own struggles with obedience and God's relentless love. We see how Jonah, like Israel and often ourselves, can be devout on the outside but rebellious within. This narrative pushes us to consider: Are we substituting comfort for calling? Tradition for transformation? Entertainment for engagement? As we reflect on Jonah's journey, we're reminded that God's power to save extends beyond our imagination. Even in our disobedience, God can use us to further His kingdom. The sailors' conversion highlights how a small act of sharing our faith can have tremendous impact. Let's be challenged to wake up from our spiritual slumber and be the 'salt and light' God has called us to be in our communities.

The Assyrians were notoriously brutal, which is why Nineveh was called “the city of blood.” Jonah did not refuse God’s call because he was afraid, but because he hated the Assyrians and did not want them spared, especially with his northern hometown likely first in their path. His recent success as a national hero made it harder to embrace a costly new assignment. He also viewed Nineveh only as wicked enemies, not as people God might save, mirroring our own blind spots toward groups we resist loving. Jonah resisted by going elsewhere, heading for Tarshish instead of staying put, a picture of how our busy plans can crowd out obedience. Scripture shows that God’s plans are wiser and more fruitful than ours, and Jonah’s story reinforces that truth. The book invites us to examine our successes, prejudices, and busyness, and to say yes to God rather than repeat Jonah’s no.