Jonah 1:11-16 - This is a transitional segment shifts from the ship into the belly of the fish; and Jonah's time of reflection and his prayer of forgiveness.  This Text is unusual as is the whole book; because Jonah asks to be thrown into the sea during the raging storm.  Also, we see pagans pray to The One True God, while God's prophet simply says: "hurl me in . . ."   No one knows for certain what was going through Jonah's mind when he said that; but he must have expected to die. 

Phillipians 4:8-9 is an extension of verses 4-7 and it is also a continuation of much of what Paul has told us previously.  In a sentence, Paul tells us, in addition to running to God in prayer with our anxiety that we are are to practice the spiritual discipline of purposely looking for God's grace and beauty in all things and in all situations.  This is practical advice on letting our "reasonableness be made known to all."  This is also how we are to "live lives worthy of the Gospel together." This is one way that we can practice the art of rejoicing.

Philippians 4:10-13; Paul gives us one of The Bible's most quoted verses in verse 13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."  Equally important is the verse before: "for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."

Paul says he's learned that, "I am to be content . . ." Notice he doesn't claim to have achieved perfection; but flowing from of his his identity in Christ; he understands how or what he is to be, which is content; in all seasons of life.  Paul could only do this (we can only do this) through our union with Christ.  The only way to be able to "do all things" is to be devoted to God, and seek to please Him with our endeavors and "through" Jesus' strength and power we can and will do all things God has for us to do.

Philippians 4:14-20.  The ESV translation includes the heading "God's Provision" for this entire section just before the; final greeting.  In a sense this section is about resting solely in "God's Provision" yet Paul also shows his gratitude to the Philippians for "Partnering" with him.

 As well as explaining the reason for his existence which he gives us in verse 17.  "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit." Paul, just as any Pastor should is motivated by the love of Jesus to give everything so that he might see people saved and flourish as new creations and to see their Godly fruit grow and spread throughout the world. Lastly, Paul wants us to know, that when we give out of love and devotion that God is pleased with us and God rewards those whom He's pleased with.  Yet, we need to remember that Paul wrote from prison so God's reward may or may not be material blessings in this life.  But God's eternal blessings will infinitely outshine anything we could ever hope or dream of.

Philippians 4:21-23 is the end of the book and final sermon in our Identity in Christ Philippians sermon series. The mood or the big idea from this text is that we are all saints, and family together with God is our father and that we have the very Grace and peace of God dwelling within us.

Matthew 3:1-17 Matthew's is the more familiar account of Jesus' baptism.  Here we see that Jesus willingly goes to the place where sinners have gathered to be washed of the filth of their sins. This shows Jesus as The One who meets us at the very place place of repentance. 

The false gods of religion would have us to summit high mountains; burn incense or perform works in order to try and merit forgiveness.  But with Jesus we see The God Man meet repentant sinners right where they are.  Jesus has arrived, to seek and to save all who repent and seek God's forgiveness.

As we begin The Book Jonah we find that it is far deeper in it's significance than that of a simple "fish story."  The title for our new sermon series is "Sovereign Grace."  Because we see both God's sovereignty over all things in Jonah and we also clearly see God's grace at work.  This Sunday will be an introduction, and we'll be in chapter 1:1-2.  In verses 1-2 we see that God speaks to His prophet and tells him exactly where to go and what to do.

Main themes in Jonah 

1. Prophecy 
2. God is sovereign over all things at all times.
3. God is Gracious in the face of utter disobedience. 
4. God uses preaching to bring people to repentance. 

Jonah 1:3-6.  This segment shows our utter inability to hide from God.  It also highlights God's sovereignty during a season of rebellion.  There are also parallels or connections between Jonah and Jesus: in the Text as well.

Jonah 1:7-10.  In this segment Jonah is forced to deal with God and is compelled to tell the truth by saying: "I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven,
who made the sea and the dry land." Jonah is speaking to a group of pagan sailors whose "gods" were only tribal or regional Gods; instead of The One True God who created and sustains everything.  Jonah also mentions that he fears The Lord; which is the first step to truly understanding God.  Yes God is loving, yes He is merciful and yet He is also all powerful and just.  God is our True and perfect Father; who deserves honor, respect and love.  God is not defined by any of these attributes; rather he defines each of these attributes.