Tuesday

Tuesday Fellowship meeting: 19 Nov 2024
11am in Plaza Hall.

How the Christian can face the challenges of every situation with
Quietness within her heart and great Peace!

---

“Christmas Begins With Christ”
Celebrate with us on 10 Dec 2024 at 11am in Plaza Hall.
Rev Lim Jen Huat
Buffet Lunch: $20 per person | Closing Date: 3 Dec 2024
Registration: Text your name to 9178 9338 or 9484 6652.

---

God and His Runaway Prophet
(Lessons from Jonah)

Jonah (“dove”) son of Amittai, was from Gath-hepher, a town located two miles from Nazareth. He prophesied during the reign of King Jeroboam II, of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Jonah was a historical person mentioned by Jesus, who said that he would spend three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (during his death and resurrection), as Jonah did in the belly of the great fish. Jesus also believed in Nineveh’s conversion by Jonah’s preaching. (Matt 12:39-42)

Assyria was a brutal, ruthless enemy of Israel which eventually conquered Israel in 722BC.

The Book of Jonah is about:

1. Jonah’s Commission and His Runaway Response ( Jonah 1,2 )
2. Jonah’s Reluctant Fulfillment of His Mission and its Result ( Jonah 3,4 )

 

1. God called Jonah to the great city of Nineveh, which would soon be the capital of the Assyrian Empire, to warn them of his judgment for their wickedness. Instead, Jonah boarded a ship for Tarshish (southern Spain) in the opposite direction from Nineveh which was to the east. But God sent a great wind and whipped up a storm which threatened the lives of the sailors as well. They cried to their gods and cast lots which identified Jonah as the cause of their troubles. Jonah confessed that he was running away from the Lord. He told them to throw him overboard to calm the sea. The sailors sought forgiveness from Jonah’s God before they did so, and the sea was calmed! The sailors worshiped God and vowed to serve Him! Meanwhile, God provided a “great fish” (not necessarily a “whale”!) to swallow Jonah, keeping him inside for three days and three nights. Jonah prayed to God from inside the fish and the Lord commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land.

2. God reiterated his call to Jonah a second time, and Jonah obeyed this time. He proclaimed God’s warning: “40 days from now, Nineveh will be destroyed.” The Ninevites believed God and repented, from the greatest (including the king) to the least. Together with their animals, they fasted and put on sackcloth. They called on God and turned from their evil and violent ways. God saw their genuine repentance and decided not to destroy them. Jonah was angry that Israel’s cruel enemies were spared. He asked God to take his life. He made a shelter for himself and sat under it, outside the city, to see what would happen. God provided him a vine to give him shade and comfort. The next day, God provided a worm which chewed the vine and it withered. God then provided a scorching east wind, so Jonah was seated under the blazing sun, wishing for death. God chided him for being angry over the loss of the vine. God then told him that He was concerned for the great city of Nineveh, which had more than 120,000 infants who could not tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well.

NB:

1. 1. God’s Grace, Mercy and Salvation is offered to all peoples/nations and all Creation. (including the “least deserving”/”difficult” people in our homes/workplaces/church/society, people of other races, denominations, social status, backgrounds...).
   2. God rules Sovereign over all Creation. He controls nature (eg winds, storms at sea, great fishes, plants, worms ... )
   3. God’s role for Israel, is to be a blessing to the world/Gentile nations as well.
   4. God’s will and purposes will prevail.
   5. God’s people should obey His call, instructions and teaching when He reveals His will/commandments, whether general, through the Bible or specific to an individual.
   6. God can use even the most unlikely situations, to bring salvation to repentant sinners. (eg. sailors, casting of lots to identify Jonah)
   7. God sees, hears, knows, and is actively involved in world events and individual lives.
   8. God hears our prayers – even from the most unlikely places! (eg. stomach of a fish)
   9. God is patient and gives “second chances”. (eg. Jonah)
   10. God can make a fish swallow a man and spit him on dry land!

---

Q1: Are you as forgiving and merciful as your God? (Love God, seek Him and His Spirit’s enabling.)

Q2: Are you obeying Him, with regards to His revealed will and commandments/teachings in the Bible?

Q3. Would you be willing to pray for and share the Good News with those who have offended you most?

---

Food For Reflection: 

“When God saw what they did and
how they turned from their evil ways,
He had compassion and did not bring upon them
the destruction he had threatened.”
He lives with you and will be in you.”

Jonah 3:10

---

 

Saturday

 

WSCS Bible Study (Sat) Group
Next Meeting:
23 Nov 2024 at 2.00pm (online)

Study of Book of Nehemiah (Last Lesson)

The WSCS Bible Study (Sat) Group “meets” on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.

We study Holy Scripture to know God better, and gain a better understanding of His work in the world and His ways. In the process, we encourage one another along our personal pilgrimage.

We welcome ladies of all ages! (online)