Thrive Harbor

Why is the world broken? The Bible's account of the fall of humanity shows that the reason is far more complex than just simple rule-breaking. At the root of all our broken relationships—with others, the world, and ourselves—is the collapse of right relationship with God.

Scripture passages cited in this message include Genesis 2:16-17.

Most stories begin by introducing the plot and chief characters—and the Bible is no exception! Scripture begins by revealing God as the main character, who creates a world of goodness, beauty, and relationship. In giving us a glimpse of life before the Fall, the opening act of the Bible offers a tantalizing picture of God’s original design for humanity and for the world, untouched by the ravages of sin.

The last chapter of Jonah is the heart of the book. Using contrasts, irony, and even humor, this final act of the drama reveals that even after all Jonah has been through, he still hasn't come to grips with the grace of God—a God who continues to woo and pursue him despite his hardness of heart.

Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Jonah 1:3; 3:4, 10; Matthew 23:37; Luke 19:42; Exodus 34:6-7; and Romans 2:4.

When Jonah obeys God, revival breaks out in Nineveh, offering an ironic case study of the ingredients in spiritual renewal.

Scripture passages cited in this message include Matthew 10:19-20; Acts 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10; and 1 Thessalonians 1:9.

What does it take to get unstuck? Swallowed by a fish and surrounded by his failure, Jonah cries out to the Lord in a stirring prayer, shedding light on how God can lift us from the pit of our sin and suffering.

Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Psalms 3:8; 18:6; 31:22; and 42:7.

When Jonah tried to abandon God, God refused to abandon Him. In the mystery of His mercy, the Lord rescued Jonah and used him despite his disobedience, proving that you can never outrun the grace of God.

Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1-3, 8; and Matthew 12:39-41.

Trusting God is the bread and butter of following Jesus. One person who understood trust well was Abraham, who once was asked by God to do something that seemed absolutely crazy—and he obeyed! How? According to Genesis 22, it all had to do with the faithfulness of God. 

Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Psalm 66:10-12; John 15:2; 1 Peter 1:7; Genesis 12:1; 22:1-18; and Hebrews 11:17-19.

How do you really follow Jesus? Answer: Not alone. God's design is for the whole body of Christ to work together, so that it can grow and become more like Jesus. Ephesians 4 shows us three ingredients of what that process involves: unity, diversity, and maturity.

The gospel is woven into the Bible from beginning to end. Drawing on key stories from Scripture, Tim Cedarland, Thrive's director emeritus, shows how God's "big picture" is all about the gospel.

How would you break down the gospel for a friend who'd never heard it? Jake Chambers, pastor of Local Church, offers one way to do just that, using nothing more than pen and paper.