Jonah 1:17-3:3

Bringing the sermon home:

God’s patience is shown in not instantly striking us dead when we sin against Him, and this patience is “meant to lead to repentance” (Rom 2:4). However, this patience is not promised to last another day and may run out at any moment (2 Pet 3:9-10). Mercy is being offered to everyone who still has consciousness, but it must be sought while it can be found, and it must be sought where it can be found: in the one true God, the Lord.

In response to the mercy received by all who call upon the name of the Lord to be saved, may we, “with the voice of thanksgiving” (2:9), vow to live a sacrificial life of worshipful repentance, taking this message of mercy to others in equally desperate need of it.

Do you suppose, O man… that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:3-4)