January 21, 2024
January 21 — 11 AM Worship
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
= = =
This week we reflect upon Jonah 3:1–5 and 3:10 to prepare our hearts for worship. God commissioned Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh. But Jonah was not at all pleased. Nineveh was often Israel's oppressor. A patriotic Jew like Jonah had no love in his heart for Nineveh. Thus when God commissioned Jonah to preach to his enemies, Jonah ran. Well, we all know this story. In chapter 3 we see the chastised prophet preaching, but quite possibly doing the very minimum with a begrudging heart. "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" The people of Nineveh repented, and God relented his judgment. But Jonah was angry! Jonah would have been happier if God's word fell unheeded and Nineveh perished in judgment.
How could Jonah serve the Lord and begrudge his grace to sinners? What Jonah failed to see was how deeply he himself was in need of God's grace. And not seeing his own need for mercy, the good news of grace insulted his patriotic and religious sensibilities. But how sweet is God's grace to sinners like you and I? In the book of Jonah we meet a God who longs to save sinners, who answers repentance with forgiveness. Let us celebrate and delight in God's grace! It is truly good news beyond compare!
Next we turn to Mark 1:14–20. There our Lord says, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." God's longing to save sinners became incarnate. In Jesus we see both a God who longs to save, and a prophet greater than Jonah, who did not run away from those who hated him, but ran to them with grace and love in his heart. Jonah was merely swallowed up by a great fish. Jesus was swallowed up by death. Jonah begrudged God's mercy to sinners. Jesus rejoices over us. Thus we have hope. Jesus will hear our repentance and will forgive. Not begrudgingly. But gladly!
= = =
Growth Resources
12 for 24: Please see the full list of 2024 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.
January 2024: We are reading "A Little Book on the Christian Life" by John Calvin.
This Week: We encourage you to make use of:
- We encourage you to make use of 12 for 24 and read 12 books that will help us grow.
- Past sermons are available on our church webpage: gracefallbrook.church/sermons.
Upcoming Events and Notices
January 21 (Lord's Day): We will resume Sunday School lessons. "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" Ch. 23 "Covenant." Also January 28.
January 24 (Wednesday 6:30 PM): Please join us as we study James 4:13–17. Zoom Meeting ID: 882 4255 0244.
Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).