Although we may prefer to focus on God's love, mercy, and grace, God's justice is also a key part of His character. After Jonah is spit up onto the beach at the end of chapter two, God calls him once again to go to Nineveh and share the message He gives him. This time Jonah does so and the entire city repents and humbles themselves before God. It's important for us to recognize that God was planning to wipe out the city of Nineveh because of their evil. God is just and when he sees evil and chaos happening to His good creation, He will act in order to bring justice. However, God is also merciful and when the people of Nineveh humble themselves and turn from their evil He is also willing to forgive them and not destroy the city.

Although we may prefer to focus on God's love, mercy, and grace, God's justice is also a key part of His character. After Jonah is spit up onto the beach at the end of chapter two, God calls him once again to go to Nineveh and share the message He gives him. This time Jonah does so and the entire city repents and humbles themselves before God. It's important for us to recognize that God was planning to wipe out the city of Nineveh because of their evil. God is just and when he sees evil and chaos happening to His good creation, He will act in order to bring justice. However, God is also merciful and when the people of Nineveh humble themselves and turn from their evil He is also willing to forgive them and not destroy the city. 

At some point everyone who claims to be a Christian has to answer these questions. Unfortunately, in many situations it's assumed that you already believe the Bible and trust it before you've even committed to follow Christ. This assumption can make it difficult to feel comfortable questioning what the Bible is or if it's trustworthy. Lead pastor Russell Schultz joins this episode to help talk through the most pressing topics around what the Bible is and if we can trust it. 

When you find yourself "in the belly of the fish" what kind of prayers do you pray? Chapter two of the book of Jonah focuses on Jonah's prayer for salvation in the stomach of a great fish. It's often been debated what kind of fish swallowed Jonah but the value of the fish in the story is that it brings Jonah back in line with God's will. The story of Jonah makes two truths about God very clear; God may occasionally allow or cause things that bring you hardship in order to save you and even on your worst day, God is with you.

When you find yourself "in the belly of the fish" what kind of prayers do you pray? Chapter two of the book of Jonah focuses on Jonah's prayer for salvation in the stomach of a great fish. It's often been debated what kind of fish swallowed Jonah but the value of the fish in the story is that it brings Jonah back in line with God's will. The story of Jonah makes two truths about God very clear; God may occasionally allow or cause things that bring you hardship in order to save you and even on your worst day, God is with you. 

Crazy, Stupid, Love is a comedic story of broken relationships and attempts for redemption. Sound like another story you know? The Bible also tells a story of a significant relationship that is broken and a history of people trying to find a way to redeem their brokenness. We discuss each of the main relationships and the way that they relate to biblical characters and stories with a few laughs along the way. 

The book of Jonah is an interesting story that is about so much more than just a giant fish. Ultimately, Jonah is story of a rebellious prophet that hates that God wants to rescue his enemies. As readers, the book of Jonah is a mirror into our lives and the nation of Israel. God gave the responsibility of being a blessing to the nations to the Israelites and to us and what have we done with that task? As we see Jonah's shortcomings, we are challenged to consider our own actions and how Jonah may be a cautionary tale to us and an encouragement to fulfill the things God has asked of us.

The book of Jonah is an interesting story that is about so much more than just a giant fish. Ultimately, Jonah is story of a rebellious prophet that hates that God wants to rescue his enemies. As readers, the book of Jonah is a mirror into our lives and the nation of Israel. God gave the responsibility of being a blessing to the nations to the Israelites and to us and what have we done with that task? As we see Jonah's shortcomings, we are challenged to consider our own actions and how Jonah may be a cautionary tale to us and an encouragement to fulfill the things God has asked of us. 

Redemption, salvation, and evangelism are all found in a movie about lions? The Lion King is full of wonderful music, funny lines, and... gospel parallels! Sarah Ikerd is back this week to help break down this Disney classic. Spoiler alert, Simba might not be who you think he is...

Do you ever notice some days it's just easier to praise God? Have you ever noticed some days it's more difficult to praise God? Everyone who has been following Jesus for any length of time knows that there are days when each of these are true. The reality is that regardless of our circumstances, God is still worthy of our praise! The final five chapters of the book of Psalms focus on praising God and why He is worthy of our praise. Whether you feel like praising God and it's easy to see all of His goodness, or you need a prayer to preach God's goodness to yourself, Psalm 146 is a great place to start.