Jesus makes it clear that murder is not just an external action.

The sin begins in our hearts as unrighteous anger and harsh words and insults.

Our calling is to be reconciled to our brothers and sisters.  Reconciliation is both necessary and urgent!

This message introduces a series on Jesus teaching in the Sermon on the Mount where he begins each teaching with a variation of:  "You have heard it was said .... but I say ..."

In this introduction we see Jesus' relationship with the Law and the Prophets.  We also see that though we're saved by grace, Jesus calls his followers to a life of "radical righteousness."

We all struggle; we all wonder sometimes if God is listening.

David encourages us in Psalm 28 to be honest with the Lord and keep calling out.

He also gives us encouragement to keep meeting together for corporate worship.

The Story of Jonah reveals God's great mercy to at least three people or groups of people:

Jonah, the sailors, and the Ninevites.

God's mercy is related to his grace and patience and all three flow out of God's goodness and love.

Mercy is not just what God possesses; it is who God is.

God has mercy on all in a general way by providing food to eat and air to breathe.  But God provides special mercy in Jesus!

We see from the story of the revival of Ninevah that several things are present when revival takes place:

The Word of God is preached.

People believe God's Word and believe in God who gave His Word.

Action accompanies that belief - particularly the act of repentance.

Prayer

Could a great fish possibly swallow a human?  Is the story real?

The opening of the message seeks briefly to explain the answer to both questions is: "Yes!"

This message then turns to focus on the characteristics of Jonah's prayer:

1. Honest

2. Repentant

3. Thankful

This introductory message considers why Jonah ran.  Was the call too difficult?  Was it too dangerous?  Or was there another reason?

Then the message looks at how the sovereign will of God played out in Jonah's life.

"God will do whatever God needs to do to fulfill His sovereign will in our lives!"

This message is a review or summation of some of the key points of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church's 45th General Assembly.

We seek to build on a firm foundation of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone.

And as we build on that foundation we focus on Faith, Family, and Future.

This message is a paraphrasing of what our Youth learned at their mission camp with Mfuge in Ridgecrest, NC.

It is about walking in the light of Jesus and owning our Faith.

It is a reminder that Jesus is the Source of Faith.

We are called to help Spark Faith in others.

We must Fuel our Faith.

And we are called to Shine the light of Faith.