Lake Murray BC Podcast

Continuing in our Vision & Values series, today we focus on our first core value: Connect. We'll look to Ephesians 2  to find two important truths about the Gospel and understand why Connection is our first value as a church. 

Over the next few weeks, we'll be revisiting our annual series entitled Vision and Values: Who We Are, What We Do, and Why It Matters.  Our culture is captivated by visionary leaders–individuals who seems to have the charisma, intellect, and ability to inspire or change the world. The vision for the local church, however, is not housed in any one pastor or church. It comes to us through the Word of God. We, as Lake Murray Baptist Church, exist to glorify Jesus in our commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

One would think that the city of Ninevah's repentance would be cause for celebration. Jonah, however, doesn’t celebrate—in fact, quite the opposite; he’s furious. What does Jonah’s anger reveal about his heart? How does God respond to Jonah’s anger? What might we learn from the conclusion to this well-known, but often misunderstood OT book?

One prophet enters a city of thousands, preaches the shortest sermon in history and the entire city repents. The effectiveness of Jonah’s preaching in Nineveh is nothing short of miraculous. What might we learn about the nature of God and the relevance of Jonah’s message to our own hearts and lives?

In this passage, we'll focus on Jonah and Ninevah's past disobedience, a present second chance, and a future change.  Specifically, we'll see how these events are representative of our saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

When we think about Jonah, we inevitably think about the fish. Although the fish is only mentioned in two verses, it dominates a large part of the story and our perceptions of Jonah. However, the fish is not the primary character.  It is instead a vehicle for the truth that God shows mercy to Jonah where he deserved judgment. More than that, this event displays God’s power and his sovereignty over all creation.

As we continue in the book of Jonah this morning, we'll see Jonah’s interaction with the sailors on the boat headed to Tarshish. This story displays the  justice and mercy of God at work and reminds us that God uses every circumstance in our lives for our good and for His Glory.

Today we begin our series in Jonah. What is the theme and message of this book? How can a story about a story about a Jewish prophet who lived 2800 years ago be relevant to our time?  In this series, we'll learn what the book of Jonah can teach us about the nature of God, the problem of sin, and our hope for redemption.

As we study this passage, we’ll see the beauty of the gospel, the grace of Jesus in forgiveness, and be empowered to share the faith that we have received.

Do we know what it means to be a follower of Jesus? Are we missing the point? Today, we look at the story of a blind beggar who is a portrait of discipleship.