Prophets were set apart to God, but they were not sinless. Jonah illustrates this point perfectly, as his first response to the Lord’s mission to Nineveh was to flee by boat to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Nineveh was located at present-day Mosul, Iraq, and Tarshish could be another name for the port of Tarsseus in Spain or a name for any land on the shores of the Meditteranean Sea that is distant from Israel. Either way, the point is clear: God had commanded Jonah to go one way, and Jonah headed in the opposite direction.  He wanted nothing to do with Nineveh. Jonah 1:3 also says that the prophet was going “away from the presence of the LORD.” 

1. The Prodigal prophet (ch.1) 

2. The Praying prophet (ch.2)  

3. The Preaching and Pouting prophet (ch.3)

This story marks the last of the revivals during the period of the kings of Israel and Judah. Although there had been a number of higher points, the story has been largely one of decline, spiritually, morally, and socially, to the point where God allowed both of these kingdoms to be destroyed.

As we have found on the other occasions, devotion to God rises and falls.

There is very little steady growth. Not only can individuals grow cold, so that a new surge of revival is needed within a generation. But, when one generation experiences revival, the next generation cannot live long, living on the spiritual credit account of the previous generation. Each new generation needs to experience the deep things of God for itself.This story marks the last of the revivals during the period of the kings of Israel and Judah. Although there had been a number of higher points, the story has been largely one of decline, spiritually, morally, and socially, to the point where God allowed both of these kingdoms to be destroyed.

As we have found on the other occasions, devotion to God rises and falls.

Take your time and listen to this Podcast 

There Is One Lord - The word “Lord” means “Lord or Master.” It refers to “one Who exercises headship.” This word reminds is that there is one head of the church, and His name is Jesus. Paul has already exalted the Lord’s position in Eph. 1:18-23. He also mentions it in Col. 1:18. Whether we know it or not, we all serve the same Master. The Pastor, the Deacons, some influential family or person, is not the head of the church. There is a structure of leadership in the local assembly that we would do well to follow. However, the sole Lord over the body of Christ is the Head of that body, the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the infinitely strong bond that was purchased and sealed by the blood and  guaranteed by resurrection. 

1. One Boss - The Lord of All  

2. One Belief - Faith in Christ for Salvation and Sanctification  

3. One Baptism

Take a deep breath and look at the infinite geniusness of God in creation, but let that take you to the infinite geniusness of God in becoming a man. Listen to the exposition of Psalm 8. 

What is the Alpha and the Omega of our lives?

What is the purpose of our lives? 

Are we ready to die well? 

In this sermon, we take a look at the sixteen qualifications that Paul tells Titus to look for and they can be categories in 

1.  The vision I (v.5,9)

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach,

2. The vices to be Denounced

He must not be 

7 For an overseer, as God's steward,

2. The virtues that are Demanded 

3. The vision II (v.5,9) - what the apostle has in mind as the objective of his charge. 

so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

All human beings have a Godward orientation. Everyone is essentially religious. Young or old, poor or rich we are all worshipers. We never neutral. We all filter the experiences of life through a religious grid.

Made in the image of God implies that man is designed with a worship orientation, therefore every human being without exception is either worshipping or serving God or idols.

You either respond to God by faith or they suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

1 The Roots of idol worship

2 The Realities of an idol worshiper

3 The Remedy for an idol worshiper (v.20)

A sermon from the Habakkuk, examining the two key contrasts

1. The Boastful unrighteous (v.4a) 

"But" indicates - The Chasm Contrast (v.4a) between them and 

2. The Believing righteous (v.4b)

Hezekiah carried out reforms to destroy idol worship and restored temple worship. He re-instituted the Passover, and did whatever he could and needed to do to get people back to obeying God’s Word.

We certainly need that in our own culture. How we need reformation in our churches, because so many believers in this era have compromised God’s Word.