Thursday, September 24, 2009

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (animated version, 8 parts)



(Note: This review/summary is from Wikipedia)

The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come” is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan and published in February 1678. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of English literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print.

Plot (First Part)

Christian, an everyman character, is the protagonist of the allegory, which centres itself in his journey from his hometown, the “City of Destruction” (“this world”), to the "Celestial City" (“that which is to come”: Heaven) atop Mt. Zion. Christian finds himself weighed down by a great burden, the knowledge of his sin, which he believed came from his reading “the book in his hand,” (the Bible). This burden, which would cause him to sink into Tophet (hell), is Christian’s acute, immediate concern that impels him to the crisis of what to do for deliverance. Evangelist meets Christian as he is walking out in the fields and directs him to the “Wicket Gate” for deliverance. Since Christian cannot see the “Wicket Gate” in the distance, Evangelist directs him to go to a “shining light,” which Christian thinks he sees. Christian leaves his home, his wife, and children to save himself when his attempt to persuade them to go with him fails. Two men of Destruction City, Obstinate and Pliable, follow Christian to persuade him to return and are unsuccessful. Pliable then decides to accompany Christian on the path, until the two land in the Slough Of Despond—whereupon Pliable extricates himself and goes back to the City; Christian is rescued from the slough by Help, who throws him a rope.

On his way to the Wicket Gate, Christian is diverted by Mr. Worldly Wiseman into seeking deliverance from his burden through the Law, supposedly with the help of a Mr. Legality and his son Civility in the village of Morality, rather than through Christ, allegorically by way of the Wicket Gate. Evangelist meets the wayward Christian where he has stopped before a life-threatening mountain, Mount Sinai, on the way to Legality’s home. Evangelist shows Christian that he had sinned by turning out of his way, but he assures him that he will be welcomed at the Wicket Gate if he should turn around and go there, which Christian does.

At the Wicket Gate begins the “straight and narrow” King’s Highway, and Christian is directed onto it by the gatekeeper Good Will. In the Second Part, Good-will is shown to be Jesus himself. To Christian's query about relief from his burden, Good Will directs him forward to “the place of deliverance.”

Christian makes his way from there to the House of the Interpreter, where he is shown pictures and tableaux that portray or dramatize aspects of the Christian faith and life. Roger Sharrock denotes them “emblems.”

From the House of the Interpreter, Christian finally reaches the “place of deliverance” (allegorically, the cross of Calvary and the open sepulchre of Christ), where the “straps” that bound Christian’s burden to him break, and it rolls away into the open sepulchre. This event happens relatively early in the narrative: the immediate need of Christian at the beginning of the story being quickly remedied. After Christian is relieved of his burden, he is greeted by three shining ones, who give him the greeting of peace, new garments, and a scroll as a passport into the Celestial City — these are allegorical figures indicative of Christian Baptism.

Atop the Hill of Difficulty, Christian makes his first stop for the night at the House Beautiful, which is an allegory of the local Christian congregation. Christian spends three days here, and leaves clothed with armour (Eph. 6:11-18), which stands him in good stead in his battle against Apollyon in the Valley of Humiliation. This battle lasts “over half a day” until Christian manages to wound Apollyon with his two-edged sword (a reference to the Bible, Heb. 4:12). “And with that Apollyon spread his dragon wings and sped away.”

As night falls Christian enters the Valley of the Shadow of Death. When he is in the middle of the valley amidst the gloom and terror he hears the words of the Twenty-third Psalm, spoken possibly by his friend Faithful:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4.)

As he leaves this valley the sun rises on a new day.

Just outside the Valley of the Shadow of Death he meets Faithful, also a former resident of the City of Destruction, who accompanies him to Vanity Fair, where both are arrested and detained because of their disdain for the wares and business of the fair. Faithful is put on trial, and executed as a martyr. Hopeful, a resident of Vanity, takes Faithful’s place to be Christian’s companion for the rest of the way.

Along a rough stretch of road, Christian and Hopeful leave the highway to travel on the easier By-Path Meadow, where a rainstorm forces them to spend the night. In the morning they are captured by Giant Despair, who takes them to his Doubting Castle, where they are imprisoned, beaten and starved. The giant wants them to commit suicide, but they endure the ordeal until Christian realizes that a key he has, called Promise, will open all the doors and gates of Doubting Castle. Using the key, they escape.

The Delectable Mountains form the next stage of Christian and Hopeful’s journey, where the shepherds show them some of the wonders of the place also known as “Immanuel’s Land”.
On the way, Christian and Hopeful meet a lad named Ignorance, who has the vain hope of entering the Celestial City even though he believes in work’s righteousness. A ferryman named Vain Hope ferries Ignorance across the River of Death, only for Ignorance to be turned away from the gates of Celestial City and cast into hell.

Christian and Hopeful make it through the dangerous Enchanted Ground into the Land of Beulah, where they ready themselves to cross the River of Death on foot to Mount Zion and the Celestial City. Christian has a rough time of it, but Hopeful helps him over; and they are welcomed into the Celestial City.

Characters (First Part)

Note: Names of main characters are in capital letters.

• CHRISTIAN, whose name was Graceless at some time before, the protagonist in the First Part, whose journey to the Celestial City is the plot of the story.

• EVANGELIST, the religious man who puts Christian on the path to the Celestial City. He also shows Christian a book, which readers assume to be the Bible.

• Obstinate, one of the two residents of the City of Destruction, who run after Christian when he first sets out, in order to bring him back.

• Pliable, the other of the two, who goes with Christian until both of them fall into the Slough of Despond. Pliable escapes from the slough and returns home.

• Help, Christian’s rescuer from the Slough of Despond.

• MR. WORLDLY WISEMAN, a resident of a place called Carnal Policy, who persuades Christian go out of his way to be helped by a Mr. Legality and then move to the City of Morality.

• GOODWILL, the keeper of the Wicket Gate through which one enters the “straight and narrow way” (also referred to as “the King's Highway”) to the Celestial City. In the Second Part we find that this character is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.

• Beelzebub, literally “Lord of the Flies”, is one of the devil’s companion archdevils who has erected a fort near the Wicket Gate from which he and his companions can shoot arrows at those who are about to enter the Wicket Gate. He is also the Lord of Vanity Fair. Christian calls him “captain” of the fiend Apollyon.

• THE INTERPRETER, the one who has his House along the way as a rest stop for travellers to check in to see pictures and dioramas to teach them the right way to live the Christian life. He has been identified as the Holy Spirit. He also appears in the Second Part.

• Shining Ones, the messengers and servants of “the Lord of the Hill”, God. They are obviously the holy angels.

• Formalist, one of two travellers on the King’s Highway, who do not come in by the Wicket Gate, but climb over the wall that encloses it, at least from the hill and sepulcre up to the Hill Difficulty. He and his companion Hypocrisy come from the land of Vainglory. He takes one of the two bypaths that avoid the Hill Difficulty, but is lost.

• Hypocrisy, the companion of Formalist. He takes the other of the two bypaths and is also lost.

• Timorous, one of two who try to persuade Christian to go back for fear of the chained lions near the House Beautiful. He is a relative of Mrs. Timorous of the Second Part. His companion is

• Mistrust.

• Watchful, the porter of the House Beautiful. He also appears in the Second Part and receives “a gold angel” coin from Christiana for his kindness and service to her and her companions. “Watchful” is also the name of one of the Delectable Mountains’ shepherds.

• Discretion, one of the maids of the House Beautiful, who decides to allow Christian to stay there.

• Prudence, another of the House Beautiful maidens. She appears in the Second Part.

• Piety, another of the House Beautiful maidens. She appears in the Second Part.

• Charity, another of the House Beautiful maidens. She appears in the Second Part.

• APOLLYON, literally “Destroyer”; the lord of the City of Destruction and one of the devil’s companion archdevils, who tries to force Christian to return to his domain and service. His battle with Christian takes place in the Valley of Humiliation, just below the House Beautiful. He appears as a dragon-like creature with scales and bats’ wings. He takes darts from his body to throw at his opponents.

• Giants “Pope” and “Pagan”, allegories of Roman Catholicism and paganism as persecutors of Protestant Christians. “Pagan” is dead, indicating the end of pagan persecution with Antiquity, and “Pope” is alive but decrepit, indicating the then diminished power and influence of the Roman Catholic pope.

• FAITHFUL, Christian’s friend from the City of Destruction, who is also going on pilgrimage. Christian meets him just after getting through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

• Wanton, a temptress who tries to get Faithful to leave his journey to the Celestial City. She may be the popular resident of the City of Destruction, Madam Wanton, who hosted a house party for friends of Mrs. Timorous.

• Adam the First, “the old man” (representing carnality) who tries to persuade Faithful to leave his journey and come live with his 3 daughters: the Lust of the flesh, the Lust of the eyes, and the Pride of life.

• Moses, the severe, violent avenger (representing the Law, which knows no mercy) who tries to kill Faithful for his momentary weakness in wanting to go with Adam the First out of the way.

• Talkative, a hypocrite known to Christian from the City of Destruction, who lived on Prating Row. He talks fervently of religion, but has no evident works as a result of true salvation.

• Lord Hate-good, the judge who tries Faithful in Vanity Fair.

• Envy, the first witness against Faithful.

• Superstition, the second witness against Faithful.

• Pick-Thank, the third witness against Faithful.

• HOPEFUL, the resident of Vanity Fair, who takes Faithful’s place as Christian’s fellow traveller. The character HOPEFUL poses an inconsistency in that there is a necessity imposed on the pilgrims that they enter the “King’s Highway” by the Wicket Gate. HOPEFUL did not; however, of him we read: “... one died to bear testimony to the truth, and another rises out of his ashes to be a companion with Christian in his pilgrimage”. HOPEFUL assumes FAITHFUL’S place by God’s design. Theologically and allegorically it would follow in that “faith” is trust in God as far as things present are concerned, and “hope”, biblically the same as “faith”, is trust in God as far as things of the future are concerned. HOPEFUL would follow FAITHFUL. The other factor is Vanity Fair's location right on the straight and narrow way. IGNORANCE, in contrast to HOPEFUL, came from the Country of Conceit, that connected to the “King's Highway” by means of a crooked lane. IGNORANCE was told by CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL that he should have entered the highway through the Wicket Gate.

• Mr. By-Ends, a hypocritical pilgrim who perishes in the Hill Lucre silver mine with three of his friends. A “by-end” is a pursuit that is achieved indirectly. In the case of By-Ends and his companions, it is pursuing financial gain through religion.

• Demas, a deceiver, who beckons to pilgrims at the Hill Lucre to come and join in the supposed silver mining going on in it.

• GIANT DESPAIR, the owner of Doubting Castle, where Christians are imprisoned and murdered. He is slain by GREAT-HEART in the Second Part.

• Giantess Diffidence, Despair's wife. She is slain by OLD HONEST in the Second Part.

• Knowledge, one of the shepherds of the Delectable Mountains.

• Experience, another of the Delectable Mountains shepherds.

• Watchful, another of the Delectable Mountains shepherds.

• Sincere, another of the Delectable Mountains shepherds.

• IGNORANCE, “a brisk young lad”, who joins the “King's Highway” by way of the “crooked lane” that comes from his native country, called “Conceit.” He follows Christian and Hopeful and on two occasions talks with them. He believes that he will be received into the Celestial City because of his doing good works in accordance with God's will. Jesus Christ is for him only an example not a Savior. Christian and Hopeful try to set him right, but they fail. He gets a ferryman, Vain-Hope, to ferry him across the River of Death rather than cross it on foot as one is supposed to do. When he gets to the gates of the Celestial City, he is asked for a “certificate” needed for entry, which he does not have. The King, then, orders that he be bound and cast into hell.

• The Flatterer, a deceiver who leads Christian and Hopeful out of their way, when they fail to look at the roadmap given them by the Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains.

• Atheist, a mocker of CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL, who goes the opposite way on the “King’s Highway” because he boasts that he knows that God and the Celestial City do not exist.

Watch Parts 1 to 8

The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 1





The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 2





The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 3





The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 4






The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 5





The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 6





The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 7





The Pilgrim’s Progress- Part 8


Monday, September 21, 2009

Old Testament survey (35): Habakkuk

“It is permissible to question what God is doing, although with respect and reverence. Sometimes it is not evident to us what is going on, especially if we are thrown into suffering for a period of time or if it seems our enemies are prospering while we are just barely getting by. The Book of Habakkuk, however, affirms that God is a sovereign, omnipotent God who has all things under control.” (Book of Habakkuk, from gotquestions.org)



O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! (Habakkuk 1:2)

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. (Habakkuk 1:5)

Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. (Habakkuk 1:12)

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:2-4)

But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. (Habakkuk 2:20)

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. (Habakkuk 3:19)

Overview


[1] Habakkuk, from Thru The Bible Radio with Dr. J. Vernon McGee ©, with free downloads Notes & Outlines (PDF), Complete 5-Year Study (MP3)

Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah have a great deal in common. Each one gives a different facet of the dealings of God with mankind. They show how the government of God is integrated into the government of men. They also show God’s dealings with the individual.

Another similarity is the fact that they come from approximately the same time period. In fact, they all could have been contemporaries, and the possibility is that they were. (It is difficult to nail down the specific dates of the prophets—and of many of the other Old Testament books. The reason, of course, is that the exact dates are not important.) At least we know that all three prophets fit into the period between the reigns of kings Josiah and Jehoiakim, which would also be the time of the prophet Jeremiah. The northern kingdom had already gone into captivity, and the southern kingdom was right on the verge of captivity. After Josiah, every king in the southern kingdom was a bad king. Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah all fit into that period of decline.

Although there are similarities, these books also differ from each other. Nahum dealt only with Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nahum showed that God is just, righteous, and a God of love; yet He was absolutely right in judging that city.

Habakkuk approaches the problem from a little different viewpoint. He is a man with questions. He is disturbed about God’s seeming indifference to the inquity of His own people. Habakkuk asks God, “Why don’t You do something?” In our day a great many folk feel as Habakkuk did. They are asking, “Why doesn’t God do something? Why doesn’t He move into the affairs of men and stop the violence and injustice and suffering?”

God answered the question for Habakkuk by informing him that He was preparing a nation, Babylon, to punish Judah and to take her into captivity—unless she changed her ways. Well, if you think Habakkuk had a problem before, you can see that he really had a problem then! Habakkuk asked, “Why will You use Babylon—a nation that is definitely more wicked, more pagan, and more given over to idolatry than Your own people—to punish Judah?” God reveals to Habakkuk that He was not through with Babylon but would judge her also. This is God’s method.

This book is very important in its relationship to the New Testament. It is generally conceded that the three great doctrinal books of the New Testament are Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews, all of which quote from Habakkuk. In fact, Habakkuk 2:4 is the background of their message: “The just shall live by his faith.” So this little book looms upon the horizon of Scripture as being important. Don’t let the brevity of it deceive you. Importance is not determined by how much you say but by what you say. (Read the complete article)
[2] Book of Habakkuk, from gotquestions.org (this website is also available in Afrikaans, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese-Myanmar, Cebuano, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese – Traditional, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Malaysian, Persian-Farsi, Portuguese, Quechua, Sesotho, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese, Zulu, and 70 other languages)
The application to the reader of Habakkuk is that it is permissible to question what God is doing, although with respect and reverence. Sometimes it is not evident to us what is going on, especially if we are thrown into suffering for a period of time or if it seems our enemies are prospering while we are just barely getting by. The Book of Habakkuk, however, affirms that God is a sovereign, omnipotent God who has all things under control. We just need to be still and know He is at work. He is who He says He is and does keep His promises. He will punish the wicked. Even when we cannot see it, He is still on the throne of the universe. We need to stay focused on this: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:19). Enabling us to go on the heights is taking us to the higher places with Him where we are set apart from the world. Sometimes the way we have to go to get us there is through suffering and sorrow, but if we rest in Him and trust Him, we come out where He wants us.
(Read the complete article)
[3] Habakkuk, from Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)
It seems most probable that Habakkuk prophesied in the latter years of Josiah. Of the prophet himself nothing is known. To him the character of Jehovah was revealed in terms of the highest spirituality. He alone of the prophets was more concerned that the holiness of Jehovah should be vindicated than that Israel should escape chastisement. Written just upon the eve of the captivity, Habakkuk was God's testimony to Himself as against both idolatry and pantheism.

The book is in five parts:

1. Habakkuk’s perplexity in view of the sins of Israel and the silence of God, 1:1-4. Historically this was the time of Jehovah's forbearance because of Josiah’s repentance (2 Ki 22:18-20).
2. The answer of Jehovah to the prophet’s perplexity1:5-11.
3. The prophet, thus answered, utters the testimony to Jehovah, 1:12-17; but he will watch for further answers, 2:1.
4. To the watching prophet comes the response of the “vision,” 2:20.
5. All ends in Habakkuk’s sublime Psalm of the Kingdom.

As a whole the Book of Habakkuk raise and answers the question of God’s consistency with Himself in view of permitted evil. The prophet thought that the holiness of God forbade him to go on with evil Israel. The answer of Jehovah announces a Chaldean invasion (Habakkuk 1:6), and a world- wide dispersion (Habakkuk 1:5). But Jehovah is not mere wrath; “He delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18), and introduces into His answers to the perplexed prophet the great promises, ; Micah 1:5; 2:3,4,14,20.
Further study (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] In Wrath Remember Mercy . . . The Just Shall Live By Faith -- Commentary On The Book Of Habakkuk, by Paul G. Apple

[2] An Argument of the Book of Habakkuk, by David Malick (download Word doc)

[3] Habakkuk, by Richard D. Patterson

[4] The Just Shall Live By Faith: The Message of the Book of Habakkuk, by Bob Deffinbaugh

[5] Habakkuk, by Hampton Keathley IV

[6] When God Alone Is Sufficient (Habakkuk 3:16-19), by Jeff Miller (listen to audio; download audio and PowerPoint)

[7] Anchored during Times of Question (Lesson 5), by Kay Daigle

Sermons from Habakkuk (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] How to Endure Racism, by James E Johnson

[2] Ripped from the Headlines, by Kevin Siscoe

[3] Be Faithful, by Donald A. Cosby

[4] Biblical Faith Struggles, by Toby L. Soechting

[5] Habakkuk 1:12-2:3, Making sense, by Michael Urciuoli

[6] God’s Question and Answers Session: Part 2, by Nathan Kuperus

[7] Sermons by Paul Hawkins
[8] Give Guidance in Finding God’s Will, Habakkuk 2:4, by Jacob

[9] The Answer, Habakkuk 2:1–5, by David Madden

For other available sermons, please surf to Sermon / Preaching resources. Sermons are also available from South McGehee Baptist Church, McGehee, Arizona; Central Baptist Church, Lowesville; First Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri; Swift Creek Baptist Church; Word of Life Baptist Church, Pottsville, Philadelphia; Palm Springs Baptist Church, California; South Woods Baptist Church; Grove Baptist Church, Ulster; Dudley Baptist Church, United Kingdom; Independent Fundamental Baptist Sermons, Fundamental Christian Radio Broadcasts, Off-Site Audio Page and The Christian Radio Tuner

Notes: (1) This ministry does not necessarily endorse or share all the views and opinions expressed in the materials, resources or links mentioned in these posts. Please always refer to the Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists when you study these materials. (2) This lesson is part of the projected 300 plus lessons. From time to time, the lessons will be updated, revised, combined, formatted, and edited to comply with the VOA Simplified English word list. Later on, these lessons will be categorized, numbered sequentially, and made available as PDF downloads.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Men’s ministries

Resources from the Man in the Mirror ministry

“This ministry exists
in answer to the prayers of all those wives, mothers, and grandmothers who have for decades been praying for the men in their lives,” says Patrick Morley, Chairman and CEO of this ministry.

A mini-course in ministry to men (Note: Click the graphic to view a Flash movie of Create, Capture, and Sustain model)

A dynamic men’s ministry begins with a clear understanding of your purpose as men in the church. Work with your pastoral and men’s ministry leadership to develop a Biblically-based vision statement for what you want to accomplish in your men’s ministry.

1. A Call to Arms: The Battle for Men's Souls
2. Create, Capture, Sustain: A Model for Ministry to Men
3. Ministry to Men on Purpose
4. Case Studies of Ministry to Men in Local Churches
5. Ten Practical Secrets to Attract and Retain Men

Four key ideas in building a successful men’s ministry

1. A successful men’s ministry will be built on these cornerstones:

The senior pastor’s enthusiastic support, a man passionate about reaching other men, a committed leadership team, and the right strategy.

2. Be purpose driven rather than event driven.

Men want to be a part of something larger than themselves. Often men don’t come to our events because they don’t see any larger purpose. Make sure that every event you schedule clearly serves your overall purpose.

3. Be relationship based rather than task oriented.

Most long-term change takes place in the context of church-based relationships. Events attract men, relationships make them stick. Give men plenty of opportunities for fellowship and conversation. The relationship is the task.

4. Make disciples and pray for workers.

The Bible tells us, “Go and make disciples…baptizing them.” Often we get this confused with, "Go and make workers… browbeating them." Too often we set the agenda for our ministry and then pester men to be involved. Instead, we ought to make disciples and then pray that God leads them to a place of service.

Free e-books from Man in the Mirror

Coming Back to God (106 pages, 318 KB)

Do you know a man who would likely embrace Christianity if someone would carefully answer his lingering questions and honest doubts? Pat has written this book to reach out to such men. Chapters include:

1. The Soul’s Search for Rest - “Why Am I Still So Restless?”
2. The Feeling of Futility - “There Must Be More”
3. The Worldly System - “I Can’t Take It Anymore”
4. The Moral System - “I Can’t Fake It Anymore”
5. The Religious System - “Why Do I Feel Robbed of the Best Years of My Life?”
6. Giving the Christian System Another Look
7. Is the Idea of God Logical?
8. Shouldn’t Science Rule over Theology?
9. Since Life Is So Futile, Why Should I Believe
God Cares about Me Personally?
10. How Can a Man Stake His Entire Life on Believing the Bible

Understanding Your Man in the Mirror (formerly titled “What Husbands Wish Their Wives Knew About Men”, 229 pages, 580 KB); chapters include:

  1. Significance - What Is It That Your Husband Wants?
  2. Obstacles - What’s Troubling Your Husband?
  3. Pressure - Understanding the Pressure Your Husband Feels
  4. Work - Why Men Are Preoccupied with Work
  5. Temptations - The Six Persistent Temptations Men Struggle With
  6. Companionship - What a Husband Needs from His Wife
  7. Physical Intimacy - What Else a Man Needs from His Wife
  8. Communication - What Men Want to Express but Find Difficult
  9. Resolving Conflict - Help Around the House and Other Sore Spots
  10. Appearance - Why a Man Wants His Wife to Look Good
  11. Fathering - Your Husband’s Changing View of Being a Dad
  12. Hard Years - Living with a Difficult Husband
  13. Perspective - Why Your Husband May Not Be As Bad As You Think
  14. Golden Years - Preparing for Winter
How to Survive the Economic Meltdown

Pat’s new book features 35 hard earned spiritual, practical and financial survival strategies based on lessons learned during his own personal financial crisis. Every day for seven long years he woke up not knowing whether or not he would be forced into bankruptcy. By God’s grace, he was able to avoid bankruptcy and not only survive, but experience extraordinary spiritual growth.

About Patrick Morley

After spending the first part of his career in the highly competitive world of real estate development, Patrick has been used throughout the world to help men think more deeply about their lives.

In 1973 Patrick founded Morley Properties, which, for several years, was hailed as one of Florida's 100 largest privately held companies. During this time he was the president or managing partner of 59 companies and partnerships.

In 1989 he wrote The Man in the Mirror, a landmark book that poured from his own search for meaning, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God. With over 3,000,000 copies, this best-selling book has captured the imaginations of hundreds of thousands of men worldwide, and was selected as one of the 100 most influential Christian books of the twentieth century. Five of his 16 books have received critical acclaim.

In 1991, Patrick founded Man in the Mirror which has impacted the lives of 10,000,000 men worldwide, has distributed 8,000,000 books, and last year worked with over 40,000 church leaders to more effectively disciple men. Through his speaking and writing he is a tireless advocate for men, encouraging and inspiring them to change their lives in Christ. Every Friday morning since 1986, Patrick teaches a Bible study to 150 businessmen in Orlando, Florida which is podcast through iTunes and webcast throughout the United States and over 50 countries. He has written over 450 articles to help men and leaders, has appeared on several hundred of radio and television programs, and speaks to men daily through The Man in the Mirror radio program carried on 75 stations nationwide.

Patrick Morley graduated with honors from the University of Central Florida, which selected him to receive its Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1984. He has earned a Ph.D. in Management and completed post-graduate studies at the Harvard Business School and Oxford University, and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary. For sport he races a 1974 Porsche 911. He lives in Winter Park, FL with his wife, Patsy. They have two grown children and two granddaughters.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Old Testament survey (34): Nahum

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)

And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off. (Nahum 1:14-15)

Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard. (Nahum2:13)

There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually? (Nahum3:19)

Overview

[1] Nahum, from Thru The Bible Radio with Dr. J. Vernon McGee ©, with free downloads Notes & Outlines (PDF), Complete 5-Year Study (MP3)

What we do have in the Book of Nahum is a remarkable prophecy, but one which seems very much out–of–date. To begin with, we know very little about Nahum personally, and he has just one theme: the judgment of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. This is all his prophecy is about, and it has already been fulfilled; so how can this book be meaningful to us today? How can it fit into our common and contemporary culture? Does Nahum have a message for us? The remarkable thing about the Word of God is that no matter where we turn we find a message for us. Some is specifically directed to us, but all of it is for us—that is, it has a message for us.

This is the picture that is given of Nineveh, and this is the message of Nahum. A great world power, Assyria, with Nineveh as its capital, had a message from God. They turned to God and served God for a period of time. I do not know how long they served Him, but after 100 to 150 years had gone by, they were right back where they were before. Now God is going to judge them. The question arises: Is He right in doing it? Nahum will say that He is not only right in doing it, but that He is also good when He does it. Some folk think the Book of Nahum should be called “Ho hum”! However, Nahum is a thrilling book to study because it reveals the other side of the attributes of God. God is love, but God is also holy and righteous and good. And God still moves in the lives of nations; therefore, this book speaks right into where we are today. (Read the complete article)
[2] Book of Nahum, from gotquestions.org (this website is also available in Afrikaans, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese-Myanmar, Cebuano, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese – Traditional, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Malaysian, Persian-Farsi, Portuguese, Quechua, Sesotho, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese, Zulu, and 70 other languages)
Nahum did not write this book as a warning or “call to repentance” for the people of Nineveh. God had already sent them the prophet Jonah 150 years earlier with His promise of what would happen if they continued in their evil ways. The people at that time had repented but now lived just as bad if not worse than they did before. The Assyrians had become absolutely brutal in their conquests (hanging the bodies of their victims on poles and putting their skin on the walls of their tents among other atrocities). Now Nahum was telling the people of Judah to not despair because God had pronounced judgment and the Assyrians would soon be getting just what they deserved.

God is patient and slow to anger. He gives every country time to proclaim Him as their Lord. But He is not mocked. Any time a country turns away from Him to serve its own motives, He steps in with judgment. (Read the complete article)
[3] Nahum, from Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)
Nahum prophesied during the reign of Hezekiah, probably about one hundred and fifty years after Jonah. He has but one subject--the destruction of Nineveh. According to Diodorus Siculus, the city was destroyed nearly a century later, precisely as here predicted. The prophecy is one continuous strain which does not yield to analysis. The moral theme is: the holiness of Jehovah which must deal with sin in judgment.
Discussion

[1] The term or expression “wrath of God” occurs in ten verses in the KJV:
“The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen [men] of Israel.” (Psalm 78:31)

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)

“For the wrath of God is Revelationealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18)

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6)

“For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” (Colossians 3:6)

“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:10)

“And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 14:19)

“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” (Revelation 15:1)

“And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” (Revelation 15:7)

“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” (Revelation 16:1)
[2] The anger of God, from Torrey’s New Topical Textbook
  • Averted by Christ (Luke 2:11,14; Romans 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:18,19; Ephesians 2:14,17; Colossians 1:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10)
  • Is averted from them that believe (John 3:14-18; Romans 3:25; 5:1)
  • Is averted upon confession of sin and repentance (Job 33:27,28; Psalm 106:43-45; Jeremiah 3:12,13; 18:7,8; 31:18-20; Joel 2:12-14; Luke 15:18-20)
  • Is slow (Psalm 103:8; Isaiah 48:9; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3)
  • Is righteous (Psalm 58:10,11; Lamentations 1:18; Romans 2:6,8; 3:5,6; Revelation 16:6,7)
  • The justice of, not to be questioned (Romans 9:18,20,22)
  • Manifested in terrors (Exodus 14:24; Psalm 76:6-8; Jeremiah 10:10; Lamentations 2:20-22)
  • Manifested in judgments and afflictions (Job 21:17; Psalm 78:49-51; 90:7; Isaiah 9:19; Jeremiah 7:20; Ezekiel 7:19; Hebrews 3:17)
  • Cannot be resisted (Job 9:13; 14:13; Psalm 76:7; Nahum 1:6)
  • Aggravated by continual provocation (Numbers 32:14)
  • Specially reserved for the day of wrath (Zephaniah 1:14-18; Matthew 25:41; Romans 2:5,8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Revelation 6:17; 11:18; 19:15)
Further study (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] When God Is Your Enemy – Commentary On The Book Of Nahum, by Paul G. Apple,

[2] Materials by David Malick
[3] The Book of Nahum, by Greg Herrick (this study also includes a teaching outline at the end; download Word doc)

[4] Nahum, by Richard D. Patterson

[5] The Minor Prophets, by J. Hampton Keathley III

Sermons on Nahum (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] God is Love .. but that’s not all - Living in Light of His Wrath and Love, by Philip G Layton, Gold Country Baptist Church

[2] A Recipe for Thankfulness, by Bruce Goettsche

[3] The Holy Wrath of God, by Richard D. Williams

[4] Sermons by Paul Hawkins
[5] Seeing God In a Summer Storm, by Robert L. Cobb

For other available sermons, please surf to
Sermon / Preaching resources. Sermons are also available from South McGehee Baptist Church, McGehee, Arizona; Central Baptist Church, Lowesville; First Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri; Swift Creek Baptist Church; Word of Life Baptist Church, Pottsville, Philadelphia; Palm Springs Baptist Church, California; South Woods Baptist Church; Grove Baptist Church, Ulster; Dudley Baptist Church, United Kingdom; Independent Fundamental Baptist Sermons, Fundamental Christian Radio Broadcasts, Off-Site Audio Page and The Christian Radio Tuner

Notes: (1) This ministry does not necessarily endorse or share all the views and opinions expressed in the materials, resources or links mentioned in these posts. Please always refer to the Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists when you study these materials. (2) This lesson is part of the projected 300 plus lessons. From time to time, the lessons will be updated, revised, combined, formatted, and edited to comply with the VOA Simplified English word list. Later on, these lessons will be categorized, numbered sequentially, and made available as PDF downloads.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Old Testament survey (33): Micah

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. (Micah 1:2)

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2)

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)

Overview

[1] Micah, from Thru The Bible Radio with Dr. J. Vernon McGee ©, with free downloads Notes & Outlines (PDF), Complete 5-Year Study (MP3)

Micah pronounced judgment on the cities of Israel and on Jerusalem in Judah. These centers influenced the people of the nation. These were the urban problems that sound very much like our present–day problems. Micah condemned violence, corruption, robbery, covetousness, gross materialism, spiritual bankruptcy, and illicit sex. He well could be labeled “the prophet of the city.”

The theme of Micah is very important to understand. Customarily, Micah is considered a prophet of judgment. That seems to be true since in the first three chapters there is a great emphasis on judgment. However, although the first three chapters are denunciatory, the last four chapters are consolatory. His great question is found in one of the loveliest passages of Scripture. “Who is like unto Thee?” that is, unto God. We find that Micah emphasizes that theme as he goes along. In the first thee chapters: Who is like unto God in proclaiming—that is, in witnessing? In chapters 4 and 5: Who is like unto God in prophesying, in consoling? In chapter 6: Who is like unto God in pleading? Finally, in chapter 7: Who is like unto God in pardoning? This is what makes Micah a wonderful little book. The main theme of the book is God’s judgment and redemption—both are there. The key verse, to me, is Micah 7:18 which says, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” (Read the complete article)
[2] Book of Micah, from gotquestions.org (this website is also available in Afrikaans, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese-Myanmar, Cebuano, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese – Traditional, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Malaysian, Persian-Farsi, Portuguese, Quechua, Sesotho, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese, Zulu, and 70 other languages)
Micah 5:2 is a Messianic prophecy quoted by the magi who were searching for the king born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6). Because these kings from the East were familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, they knew that from the tiny village of Bethlehem would come forth the Prince of Peace, the Light of the world. Micah’s message of sin, repentance and restoration finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ who is the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:24-25) and the only way to God (John 14:6). Read the complete article
[3] Micah, from Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)
Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah over Judah, and of Pekahiah, Pekah, and Hoshea over Israel 2 Kings 15:23-30; 17:1-6. He was a prophet in Judah Jeremiah 26:17-19 but the book called by his name chiefly concerns Samaria.

Micah falls into three prophetic strains, each beginning, “Hear”:

1. Micah 1:1-2:13
2. Micah 3:1-5:15
3. Micah 6:1-7:20

The events recorded Micah cover a period of 40 years (Ussher).
Discussion

Click here[1] New Testament references to Micah
  • Matthew 2:6; John 7:42 (Micah 5:2)
  • Matthew 10:21, 35-36 (Micah 7:6)
  • Luke 1:72-73 (Micah 7:20)
[2] Prophecies of the Messiah in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament
  • Woman’s seed: Genesis 3:15, fulfilled in Luke 2:4-11 and Galatians 4:4
  • Offspring (seed) of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: Genesis 17:19 and Numbers 24:17, fulfilled in Luke 3:34 and Matthew 1:2
  • Will be born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 fulfilled in Matthew 2:1-6 and Luke 2:1-20
  • Will be born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14 fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38
  • Will be a prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15-19, fulfilled in John 7:40
  • Triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Zechariah 9:9, fulfilled in Matthew 21:1-9 and John 12:12-16
  • Will be rejected by His own people: Isaiah 53:1, 3 and Psalm 118:22, fulfilled in Matthew 26:3-4, John 12:37-43 and Acts 4:1-12
  • Will be betrayed by one of His followers: Psalm 41:9, fulfilled in Matthew 26:14-16; 47-50, and Luke 22:19-23
  • Will be tried and condemned: Isaiah 53:8, fulfilled in Luke 23:1-25 and Matthew 27:1-2
  • Will be silent before His accusers: Isaiah 53:7, fulfilled in Matthew 27:12-14, Mark 15:3-4 and Luke 23:8-10
  • Will be struck and spat on by His enemies: Isaiah 50:6, fulfilled in Matthew 26:67, 27:30 and Mark 14:65
  • Will be mocked and insulted: Psalm 22:7-8, fulfilled in Matthew 27:39-44 and Luke 23:11, 35
  • Will die by crucifixion: Psalm 22:14-17, fulfilled in Matthew 27:31 and Mark 15:20, 25
  • Will suffer with criminals and pray for His enemies: Isaiah 53:12, fulfilled in Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27-28 and Luke 23:32-34
  • Will be given vinegar and gall: Psalm 69:21, fulfilled in Matthew 27:34 and John 19:28-30
  • People will cast lots for the Messiah’s garments: Psalm 22:18, fulfilled in Matthew 27:35 and John 19:23-24
  • Messiah’s bones will not be broken: Exodus 12:46, fulfilled in John 19:31-36
  • Messiah will die as a sacrifice for sin: Isaiah 53:5-12, fulfilled in John 1:29 and 11:49-52, Acts 10:43 and 13:38-39
  • Will be raised from the dead: Psalm 16:10, fulfilled in Matthew 28:1-10 and Acts 2:22-32
  • Messiah is now at God’s right hand: Psalm 110:1, fulfilled in Mark 16:19 and Luke 24:50-51
[3] Bible verses on mercy:
2 Samuel 22:26; Psalm 18:25; 37:25-26; 85:10; Proverbs 3:3-4; 11:17; 12:10; 14:21-22, 31; 20:28; 21:21; Hosea 4:1; 12:6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:7; 23:23; Luke 6:36; Romans 12:8; Colossians 3:12-13; James 2:13
[4] Bible verses on humility:
Deuteronomy 9:4-29; 15:15; 32:7; Job 5:11; 22:29; 25:5-6; Psalms 9:12; 10:17; 22:6, 26; 25:9; 37:11; 69:32; 86:1; 131:1-2; 138:6; 147:6; Proverbs 3:34; 10:8; 11:2; 12:15; 15:33; 16:19; 18:12; 22:4; 25:6-7; 27:2; 29:23; 30:32; Ecclesiastes 5:2; Isaiah 29:19; 51:1; 57:15; 66:2; Jeremiah 45:5; Ezekiel 16:63; Micah 6:8; Zephaniah 3:11,12; Matthew 5:3; 11:29; 18:2-4; 20:26-27; 23:12; Mark 9:33-37; 10:43-44; Luke 1:52; 9:46-48; 10:21; 14:10-11; 17:10; 18:13-14; 22:24-27; John 13:14-16; Romans 11:18, 20, 25; 12:3, 10, 16; 1 Corinthians 1:28-29; 2:1-3; 3:18; 10:12; 13:4; 2 Corinthians 11:30; 12:5-12; Galatians 5:26; 6:14; Ephesians 4:2; 5:21; Philemon 2:3-11; Colossians 3:12; James 1:9-10, 19; 3:1; 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:3, 5-6
Further study (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Present Judgment / Future Deliverance – Commentary On The Book Of Micah, by Paul G. Apple

[2] Materials by David Malick
[3] Micah, by Hampton Keathley IV

Sermons on Micah (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Micah’s Message for to-day, by Charles H. Spurgeon

[2] Sermons by Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church
[3] “Micah And His Mercenary Minister”, by David Legge

[4] Prince of Peace Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2, from South McGehee Baptist Church, McGehee AR

[5] Sermons from Central Baptist Church – Lowesville
[6] Jesus Before Bethlehem Micah 5:2, from Word of Life Baptist Church, Pottsville PA

[7] Micah 1, by Paul Hawkins

[8] Micah 5:1–4, by Craig Friedley

[9] Micah 5_2 O Little Town of Bethlehem, by David A Estep



For other available sermons, please surf to Sermon / Preaching resources. Sermons are also available from South McGehee Baptist Church, McGehee, Arizona; Central Baptist Church, Lowesville; First Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri; Swift Creek Baptist Church; Word of Life Baptist Church, Pottsville, Philadelphia; Palm Springs Baptist Church, California; South Woods Baptist Church; Grove Baptist Church, Ulster; Dudley Baptist Church, United Kingdom; Independent Fundamental Baptist Sermons, Fundamental Christian Radio Broadcasts, Off-Site Audio Page and The Christian Radio Tuner

Notes: (1) This ministry does not necessarily endorse or share all the views and opinions expressed in the materials, resources or links mentioned in these posts. Please always refer to the Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists when you study these materials. (2) This lesson is part of the projected 300 plus lessons. From time to time, the lessons will be updated, revised, combined, formatted, and edited to comply with the VOA Simplified English word list. Later on, these lessons will be categorized, numbered sequentially, and made available as PDF downloads.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Old Testament survey (32): Jonah

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. (Jonah 1:3)

Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the bellyg of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17)

And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. (Jonah 2:2)

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. (Jonah 2:9)

And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:10)

Overview

[1] Jonah, from Thru The Bible Radio with Dr. J. Vernon McGee ©, with free downloads Notes & Outlines (PDF), Complete 5-Year Study (MP3)

Jonah is the book of the Bible which perhaps has been criticized more than any other. Unfortunately, many Christians thoughtlessly cast aspersions upon this important book in the canon of Scripture without realizing that they are playing into the hands of the critics and innocently becoming the dupes of the skeptics. You hear even Christians say, when they hear a tall story, “My, that’s a Jonah!” What they really mean is that it is something that is hard, or maybe even impossible, to believe.

In dealing with any book of the Bible, we need to distinguish between what Dr. G. Campbell Morgan calls the essentials and the incidentals. The incidentals in the Book of Jonah are the fish, the gourd, the east wind, the boat, and even the city of Nineveh. The essentials here are Jehovah and Jonah—God and man—that is what the book is all about. (Read the complete article)
[2] Book of Jonah, from gotquestions.org (this website is also available in Afrikaans, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese-Myanmar, Cebuano, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese – Traditional, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Malaysian, Persian-Farsi, Portuguese, Quechua, Sesotho, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese, Zulu, and 70 other languages)
Jonah’s fear and pride cause him to run from God. He does not wish to go to Nineveh to preach repentance to the people, as God has commanded, because he feels they are his enemies, and he is convinced that God will not carry out his threat to destroy the city. Instead he boards a ship for Tarshish, which is in the opposite direction. Soon a raging storm causes the crew to cast lots and determine that Jonah is the problem. They throw him overboard, and he is swallowed by a great fish. In its belly for 3 days and 3 nights, Jonah repents of his sin to God, and the fish vomits him up on dry land (we wonder what took him so long to repent). Jonah then makes the 500-mile trip to Nineveh and leads the city in a great revival. But the prophet is displeased (actually pouts) instead of being thankful when Nineveh repents. Jonah learns his lesson, however, when God uses a wind, a gourd and a worm to teach him that He is merciful. (Read the complete article)
[3] Jonah, from Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)
The historical character of the man Jonah is vouched for by Jesus Christ Matthew 12:39-41 as also that his preservation in the great fish was a “sign” or type of the Lord's own entombment and resurrection. Both are miraculous and both are equally credible. 2 Kings 14:25 records the fulfilment of a prophecy by Jonah. The man himself was a bigoted Jew, unwilling to testify to a Gentile city, and angry that God had spared it. Typically he foreshadows the nation of Israel out of its own land; a trouble to the Gentiles, yet witnessing to them; cast out by them, but miraculously preserved; in their future deepest distress calling upon Jehovah-Saviour, and finding deliverance, and then becoming missionaries to the Gentiles. Zechariah 8:7-23.

He typifies Christ as the Sent One, raised from the dead, and carrying salvation to the Gentiles. The chapter divisions indicate the analysis of Jonah.
Further study (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment -- Commentary On The Book Of Jonah, by Paul G. Apple

[2] Resources by David Malick
[3] Jonah, by Hampton Keathley IV

[4] Jonah: The Prodigal Prophet, by Bob Deffinbaugh (download Word Doc)
[5] Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale?

[6] Jonah and the Great Fish

Sermons on Jonah (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Into the Sea, by Kim Alexander

[2] The Strangest Thanksgiving Ever Jonah 2, by Ronald E. George Jr., Fayetteville Baptist Church, Fayetteville, WV

[3] Something Greater than Jonah is Here Jonah 1:17, South McGehee Baptist Church, McGehee AR

[4] Sermons Prepared by James McCullen, First Baptist Church, Mountain View MO
[5] Sermons by Rev. Chris Harbin, Central Baptist Church – Lowesville
[6] When God Speaks, by Phillip W. Mansfield

[7] Get Your Chores Done, by Mike Crews

[8] The Reluctant Prophet 1st sermon, by Joel Arndt

[9] Jonah: The Unwilling Messenger, by Paul Elledge

[10] God’s Counter Moves, by David Lemming

[11] “Up From the Deep”, by Bryan Smith

[12] Jonah’s Spiral Downward, by Jim Julian

[13] Jonah’s Lesson, by Scott Hergert

[14] Call Stories, by John Fimple

For other available sermons, please surf to Sermon / Preaching resources. Sermons are also available from South McGehee Baptist Church, McGehee, Arizona; Central Baptist Church, Lowesville; First Baptist Church, Mountain View, Missouri; Swift Creek Baptist Church; Word of Life Baptist Church, Pottsville, Philadelphia; Palm Springs Baptist Church, California; South Woods Baptist Church; Grove Baptist Church, Ulster; Dudley Baptist Church, United Kingdom; Independent Fundamental Baptist Sermons, Fundamental Christian Radio Broadcasts, Off-Site Audio Page and The Christian Radio Tuner

Notes: (1) This ministry does not necessarily endorse or share all the views and opinions expressed in the materials, resources or links mentioned in these posts. Please always refer to the Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists when you study these materials. (2) This lesson is part of the projected 300 plus lessons. From time to time, the lessons will be updated, revised, combined, formatted, and edited to comply with the VOA Simplified English word list. Later on, these lessons will be categorized, numbered sequentially, and made available as PDF downloads.