The INTRODUCTION: For the Book of Jonah Bible Study. "Insights on the book of Jonah in the age of end times Apocalypse"
JESUS said, Build your House on the Rock, not on sand.
Opening Prayer
Our FATHER in Heaven above, I ask that You bless this work. Please speak to everyone who reads this letter. Speak to their hearts, I pray. Save the lost and encourage the saved. Help us all understand Your word and better see the wonders it holds within. We pray now in JESUS Mighty Name. Amen!
"He has saved me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
And so, I walk in the LORD's presence
as I live here on earth!" Psalm 116:8-9 NLT
Hymn of the Cherubim (Extended)
INTRODUCTION
“The Study will be told Verse by Verse, 48 verses in total, one Letter for the Introduction and another for the conclusion. 50 letters altogether. Each verse will be posted separately. It will be a life-changing journey reflecting on current events that we're experiencing now and how they relate to the book of Jonah. Written for the Unbeliever as an evangelistic message and for the believer as a Faith Builder, living encouragement, a preparation for end-time events now and to come.” Quote from Part #3 of my Christian Testimony
In this Introduction, you will notice many Bible verses. Please read them without passing over any. Not only are the verses used to create continuity between points being made, but most importantly, the verses are used to let the LORD speak to our hearts. The Bible is the word of GOD and is alive and powerful. Our sincere intent and purpose here should be to draw closer to Him as He draws closer to us. Thus, having a real-life encounter with the living GOD of the Bible.
Honestly, studying the Bible is a supernatural experience. We have the Holy Spirit to teach us as we seek to discover and understand what it reveals through continued revelation. Each individual doing this study will have the Holy Spirit speaking to their heart and mind what they need to hear at the proper time. The LORD will talk to each person who reads this Introduction differently because we all have different needs.
"You sent your good Spirit to instruct them, and you did not stop giving them manna from heaven or water for their thirst." Nehemiah 9:20 NLT
I pray we all will begin to know even more how Awesome our GOD is, grow in our faith in Him, and have an increasing assurance that He is here with us to watch over and protect us and lead us through whatever life situations we experience.
As a result, our confidence in the LORD will become stronger. And the Peace that surpasses all understanding will never leave us but will multiply. His plan is to fill us with wisdom, building us up to prepare us for any life circumstance or World event now or in the future that threatens our welfare.
These are Apocalyptic times in which we all find ourselves now. And we are here for a reason at this time in history. It's not by coincidence but by Divine decree. There's never been a better time to grow closer to GOD by studying His word, the Bible, verse by verse.
"So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do." Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT
"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." Hebrews 4:12 NLT
Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT: "The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it."
Book of Jonah overview
The Book of Jonah is a short account of a real-life historical event. It happened around 2,785 years ago now. Since then, it has become popular with children because it tells the story of a giant fish that swallowed a man alive, and three days later, this Monster of the deep vomited him out from his mouth onto dry land. This man was a prophet of GOD named Jonah. He was given an assignment from his GOD to warn of impending judgment on an evil Assyrian city named Nineveh.
They were enemies of Jonah and had been unmerciful and cruel to his people. GOD wanted to pardon them of their sins, allowing them to repent and be saved, but Jonah only wanted judgment to rain down on them. Destroying every last one of them for all the evils they had done. Ultimately, they repented of their sins, and GOD's Mercy triumphed over His judgment as He planned.
"But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD." Jeremiah 9:24 NIV
“Personal observations while doing research for this study for the book of Jonah.”
It was immediately brought to my attention that many people consider the book of Jonah a parable or just a nice story at best, but not based on historical events, and these were said by those claiming to be Christian believers in the GOD of the Bible. Let me set the record straight right now, JESUS said. . .
"For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights." Matthew 12:40 NLT
Inherent: existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. Devoid of error, infallible, without falsehood.
JESUS claimed that the account of Jonah was a historical event, not a parable or an imagined mythical story. By saying it's anything but what He said, they would thus call JESUS a liar. In conclusion, they would say GOD can't keep his book, the Bible, devoid of man's errors, and He’s not absolutely sovereign, or He doesn't have complete control over (ALL) His creation. And as a more tragic consequence, it would not be inherent but filled with mistakes everywhere. Someone with that false persuasion of thinking would certainly miss out on all the Bible's revelations to man and the complete story of Jonah, one of the greatest books with some of the most breathtaking revelations in the Bible. Jesus said.
"I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:46 NIV
We will not see the bigger picture whenever we remain in darkness because of our ignorance and disbelief. This remarkable account has so much more to discover, not just what appears on the surface. To understand the greater depths of our GOD and his glorious plan for Humanity is not a thing anyone would want to miss out on. Let's now see what the GOD who created the Heavens and the earth wants to say to us in His Holy book, which we call the Bible.
Brief History of the Prophet Jonah
2 Kings 14:25 talks about Jonah prophesying in the eighth century BCE before or during the reign of King Jeroboam II.
"Jeroboam II recovered the territories of Israel between Lebo-Hamath and the Dead Sea, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had promised through Jonah, son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-Hepher." 2 Kings 14:25
Jonah was a Jewish Prophet to the 10 northern tribes of Israel and predicted restoring the ancient boundaries. He lived around 785 BC at the time of the Great Assyrian Empire. He came from Gath-Hepher near Nazareth and was a Galilean, just like JESUS. Thus, this is the beginning of the apparent similarities between them, which cannot be denied. We will cover that later in this study together.
What is a Biblical Prophet?
"The "prophet" proclaimed the message given to him, as the "seer" beheld the vision of God. (See Numbers 12:6 Numbers 12:8.) Thus, a prophet was a spokesman for God; he Spake in God's name and by his authority (Exodus 7:1). He is the mouth by which God speaks to men (Jeremiah 1:9; Isaiah 51:16), and hence what the prophet says is not of man but of God (2 Peter 1:20 2 Peter 1:21; Compare Hebrews 3:7; Acts 4:25; 28:25). Prophets were the immediate organs of God for the communication of his mind and will to men (Deuteronomy 18:18 Deuteronomy 18:19). The whole Word of God may in this general sense be spoken of as prophetic, inasmuch as it was written by men who received the revelation they communicated from God, no matter what its nature might be. The foretelling of future events was not a necessary but only an incidental part of the prophetic office. The great task assigned to the prophets whom God raised up among the people was "to correct moral and religious abuses, to proclaim the great moral and religious truths which are connected with the character of God, and which lie at the foundation of his government." Easton’s Bible Dictionary
“But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the LORD?’ If the prophet speaks in the LORD’s name, but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the LORD did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared." Deuteronomy 18:21-22
Jonah prophesied for King Jeroboam II of Israel that the Northern Territories would be recovered, and they were. Now we see the LORD calling Jonah on another assignment, to go to the greatest Assyrian city named Nineveh, and he heard the voice of GOD clearly. Still, as we will discover, Jonah disagreed with what the LORD wanted him to do. The Bible says that Jonah's King, Jeroboam II, did evil.
“He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam, son of Nebat, had led Israel to commit." 2 Kings 14:24 NLT
King Jeroboam II continued the practice of idolatry as his predecessor did, again leading the LORD's people, the Israelites, into idol worship. For this, he did evil in the sight of the LORD.
Who were the Assyrians?
The Assyrians were an indigenous people native to Assyria. They were known to be very torturous and cruel people towards their captives of war. The religion of the Assyrians was primarily Polytheistic. Meaning that they had a multiple array of different gods they worshiped. But the primary God of the Assyrians was the God Asher, a God of war, and the goddess Ishtar, a goddess of love, protection, and war. Another popular god of the people of Nineveh was Dagon, half-man, half-fish. (List of Mesopotamian deities)
The Assyrian City of Nineveh
The Assyrian city of Nineveh was the Greatest in the World during the time of Jonah and the most wicked for its enormous cruelty, arrogance, and pride. The prophet Nahum described them in this way.
"All because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft." Nahum 3:4 NIV
"Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!" Nahum 3:1 NIV
"(Nineveh) The greatest of the capitals of the ancient Assyrian Empire, which flourished from about 800 to 612 B.C. It was located on the left bank of the Tigris River in northeastern Mesopotamia (Iraq today)" Holman Bible Dictionary.
The spiritual condition of Israel during the time of Prophet Jonah under King Jeroboam II
"He did evil in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit." 2 Kings 14:24 NIV
Although this was a time of peace and prosperity for Israel. They were bankrupt Spiritually through the practice of idolatry. Justice within Israel had, as a result, become corrupted. As noted by Amos the Prophet. Thus, GOD's people provoked the LORD to jealousy by turning their backs on Him by worshipping other gods.
"This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Judah, even for four, I will not relent. Because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed." Amos 2:4
"The LORD is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!" Nahum 1:2 NLT
What is the Holy Bible?
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." Timothy 3:16 NLT
Testament: is a covenant or an agreement. An expression of conviction or proof of something.
The Bible is 66 books with around 40 authors, written during 1500 years of Human History. It is divided into two parts. The New Testament and the Old Testament. The Old Testament is those books (39) written before the birth of JESUS, and the New Testament is those (27) written after JESUS' birth. The Bible was written by men, Inspired by GOD. Thus, the belief in the inerrancy of the Bible, meaning it is without error or fault, free from contradiction, and is accurate in what it declares to be true.
So, is that all it is?
"Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk." Psalm 119:105 CEV
The Bible gives us instructions on how to live a righteous life before the eyes of GOD. It is a road map, directing and keeping us on the path of eternal life, continuously drawing us closer to the LORD. The Bible's teachings better enable us to discern between good and evil. We discover GOD's will for our lives and His plans for our future. It feeds our souls with daily needed Spiritual nourishment, bringing us into a more intimate fellowship with our Creator, thus thoroughly equipping us for every good work. Studying the Bible encourages us, strengthens our faith, fills us with wisdom, builds our defenses against the devil, gives our lives real meaning and purpose, and reinforces our assurance of Salvation by seeking to do GOD's will daily.
"He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV
The Bible is a supernatural book. It's not like any other book on the bookshelf. Its words are alive and life-changing, infinitely Powerful. The Bible says.
"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 NIV
Infinite: Without beginning or ending, Unlimited and boundless with no end
Finite: With beginning and ending, limited, fixed, and restricted by boundaries
Unless a person has GOD's Spirit living and dwelling within them, they cannot fully understand the things of GOD. The Bible contains words written by an Eternal Author. GOD's words have more profound depth than man's. His words are infinite compared to ours, which are finite. For this reason, we need GOD's Spirit to understand things eternal. All those studying the book of Jonah here with me and who have not yet received GOD's Spirit by being Born again, to those people, there is “THE PRAYER” at the end of this study and will be in every study hereafter. This prayer is essential for your Salvation, confessing your sins to GOD, asking for forgiveness, and becoming born again and filled with His Spirit. This will forever help you to better understand the Bible and these teachings more profoundly on a deeper level.
"Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." Psalm 119:89 NIV
The Bible is extraordinary, not ordinary. The depths of its teachings have no end because they're infinite, meaning you could never learn them all in a human lifespan or beyond. Think about this insight now. The Bible is undoubtedly more beautiful than any painting ever painted by man. It is more unique than the most excellent Symphony ever composed by anyone. Unless we see the Bible as a fine-tuned masterpiece of unlimited creative wonder, we will miss out on the richness of its real beauty.
One of my missions in this Bible study is to increase everyone's perspective about the Bible, that it is much more profound, Greater still than anyone could have imagined. I aim to show everyone that the Bible is the most precious gift from GOD in our possession today.
Every word in the Bible. Has been placed in perfect sequence. It is an overlapping tapestry of symbolism, parables, poetry, prophetic proclamations, idioms, Metaphors, historical accounts of events, songs, and stories about people's life experiences, to name a few of its constructs, that make up the bigger picture. Nothing in the Bible is random. Everything has meaning and purpose. (ALL) is planned to create a well-crafted masterpiece.
It’s true GOD really is in (ALL) the details.
Yes, the LORD is concerned about every detail. Looking at the Bible now, it is much easier to understand that GOD didn't design some things to fit together but (ALL) things, controlling every detail of His book. It's complete, precisely like He planned it to be, every word, every individual book within, even the most minor details (ALL) orchestrated to fit together in perfect unison.
Why is it essential to study the Bible now in times of World Apocalypse?
Apocalypse: an event involving destruction or damage on a catastrophic scale. Worldwide unrest and or disaster.
Discernment: Having a heightened awareness of an event, insight, sound judgment, a clear understanding of things, and the ability to separate facts from fiction, truth, or lies.
Studying the Bible now is vital for many reasons. As a living example reflecting on the most recent World Genocidal Event that just happened, I'm talking about the toxic Bioweapon, COVID-19, that was intentionally released on Humanity, followed closely by another toxic Bioweapon, its predecessor called the COVID-19 Vaccine (updated research 10/5/23). These lethal toxins killed at least 24 million people combined and injured over 2 billion people worldwide, undoubtedly the most horrendous Genocidal event in human History, with the number of increasing casualties still happening to this day. The saddest thing about this is that most people didn't even know this wicked event occurred or is still prevailing. Honestly all the injured victims left in the aftermath of this tragedy certainly will never deny its reality.
The absence of people being aware of it was a severe lack of Discernment that cost the lives of millions of innocent people worldwide. They were caught off guard because they believed the lies told by Health Institutions, Governments, Propaganda news media, and dishonest people in authority, all Corrupt Narratives spoken to people as the truth. Sadly, they believed those lies and suffered the consequences.
"You are Good and do only good; teach me Your decrees." Psalm 119:68 NLT
Studying the Bible is the only confident way to discern between good and evil. Unless you have a perfect representation of what is good (GOD). Then, you have no actual reference point to decide what evil is. And for this reason, it's imperative to draw closer to GOD and to know Him by studying His word, the Bible.
Studying the Bible leads to good Discernment.
"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Hebrews 5:14 NASB
As you can see in the verse above. Discernment comes to mature people because they have been studying the Bible. It takes practice and constant effort. Currently, almost everything you hear in the Media is highly suspect because it only has a history of propagating false narratives. Their relentless lies are so commonplace that most people can't discern between good and evil anymore, what's true and what is not, and the main problem is, as stated earlier,
"Unless you have a perfect representation of what is good (GOD). Then, you have no reference point to decide what evil is."
Accepting something as accurate needs to be tested first. Just because someone said something is true doesn't mean it is. For example, the Bereans, residents of the city of Berea, were mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Acts. They searched the Scriptures daily to see if Paul and Silas taught the truth when they preached to them. They used their discernment to test everything they were being told to prove if it was true by checking the scriptures for themselves. As a result, when they confirmed those teachings valid, they became believers, even many of the prominent Greek women and men.
Acts 17:10-12 NLT: "That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men."
Another excellent example of the value of discernment is in Paul's first book, to the Thessalonians, at the end of chapter 5. Paul's final words of advice to those people were, he said.
"But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5: 21-22 NLT
It's interesting to notice here. First, the Thessalonians needed to test everything. The testing allowed them to discern between good and evil so they could hold on to the good. Embracing what is true, rejecting what is false, and staying away from every kind of evil must be practiced now more than ever.
"The LORD will test us."
"Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind." Psalm 26:2 NIV
We will also be tested to see whether our intentions are genuine. It's amazing how the LORD works to prepare us to live wisely. As we use discernment to test everything around us, at the same time, the LORD is testing us and perfecting us so we can better discern between good and evil. LORD, we ask, examine our hearts and see if our motives are pure.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns." Psalm 139:23 BSB
"A World Upside Down" What Happens when People don't believe in GOD or use Discernment?
"You are Good and do only good; teach me Your decrees." Psalm 119:68 NLT
Evil increases rapidly when no belief or accountability exists in a morally perfect GOD. The desire to seek GOD and to know Him becomes unimportant, leading to a deprived state of mind where people no longer are concerned if something is true or false, resulting in a distorted reality that leads to not having a valid concept of right and wrong.
Tragically, this condition always replaces GOD with oneself as the standard of righteousness. Consequently, the people become deceived by false wisdom, thinking they are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight but really void of the proper understanding of things, and unknowingly, over time, the World around them turns upside down. Because they have normalized evil and are no longer concerned with right or wrong, a fallen wicked World will always ensue, in which the people begin to call evil good and good evil.
"Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight." Isaiah 5:20-21 NIV
When people start to lose the concept of morality (Right and wrong), they, as a consequence, start calling evil good and good evil, then over time, it becomes routine, all the while thinking that they are doing good when they are actually doing evil.
As we look at our present World, studying the Bible and having good judgment about things becomes more relevant today than ever. We can understand why Mankind has no discernment because it has taken GOD out of the picture and, as a tragic result, can no longer discern between good and evil. By eliminating GOD altogether, Humanity has destroyed the only reference point for good, which is only (GOD.) Without understanding their sinful condition, they will persist in their blindness and eventually suffer the consequences for their actions, being eternally condemned to hell in the final judgment.
"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:12-15 NIV
Please permit me now to say a short prayer for everyone reading this Introduction to the Book of Jonah. I would like to ask GOD to bless everyone with special discernment. Just for these difficult times, we live in today.
"FATHER in Heaven above, thank You for promising to be with us whenever we're gathered in your Name. Thank You for all those who are here now with me reading this prayer. I ask that You bless them all with a unique ability of discernment, to clearly distinguish between good and evil, No longer being fooled by the devil with his lies. Discarding everything false and now moving forward only holding on to the truth, in JESUS Holy Name, I pray. Amen!"
Let's now briefly have a look at GOD's Sovereignty.
The LORD is SOVEREIGN over (ALL)
Sovereignty: Complete, absolute control over everything, ruler of the Universe and all Creation
The LORD sustains (ALL) things. Holds (ALL) creation together. Having made (ALL) things. He causes everything to work together for those called according to His purposes. He knows (ALL) things. He numbers the stars and calls them (ALL) by name. He searches everyone's hearts and knows (ALL) our thoughts.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining (ALL) things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 NIV
“He existed before anything else, and he holds (ALL) creation together.”
1 Colossians 1:17 NIV
“But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom (ALL) things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom (ALL) things were created, and through whom we live.”
1 Corinthians 8:6 NLT
“And we know that (ALL) things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV
“He counts the number of the stars; He calls them (ALL) by name.”
Psalm 147:4 KJV
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches (ALL) hearts and understands (ALL) the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 NKJV
"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and (ALL) his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV
"One GOD and Father of (ALL), who is over (ALL) and through (ALL) and in (ALL). (Born again Christians)." Ephesians 4:6 NIV
What does it mean? GOD is in (ALL) the details. What details?
(Omnipotent): the quality of having unlimited, infinite Power. (Omniscient): the state of having total knowledge, the quality of knowing everything.
“He existed before anything else, and he holds (ALL) creation together.”1 Colossians 1:17 NIV
Yes, GOD is Sovereign, meaning He has absolute control over everything and is the ruler of the Universe and all Creation. GOD is likewise maintaining or sustaining all things that He has created. Nothing would function or be able to exist apart from Him. For example, each planet in our solar system has a unique rotation rate, all moving at different precise speeds because GOD designed them so they would operate in unison. Regarding the earth alone, life would not be possible if the earth was rotating at a different pace. It would undoubtedly be catastrophic without any order and unsuitable for all living things. Without GOD, everything would cease to function, and as a tragic result, the whole universe would spin out of control, become chaotic, dissolve into nothingness, or cease to exist.
Looking more profoundly at the subatomic level, other forces are interacting at the exact moment, such as small particles, protons, neutrons, and electrons that make up atoms coalescing, creating a unique bond within themselves. And then we have the energy of Gravity and Electromagnetism, the stronger force of the two, all affecting one another simultaneously, to name a few of the components of the unseen world that have a corresponding function.
GOD is self-sufficient, meaning He is not dependent on anything or restricted by what has been created. His existence does not depend on those Universal forces designed by Him. GOD is independent of them because He is eternal. He is above (ALL) things but still is intimately involved in every detail of His Creation to the finest degree.
"He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles." Job 5:9 NLT
In comparison, looking at GOD's plan for Humanity, there is no difference between His complex Universe and His plans. Both are designed to the absolute smallest detail. Both are interacting with each other. Everything has a perfect balance. Nothing is out of place. The LORD wants us to see His plan in everything. Revealing that our lives have a purpose with meaningful, precisely arranged destinies. We will continue expanding upon this topic throughout this study in the letters Following.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
This is the Grandest Symphony ever played, performed, imagined, or created. Are you starting to see the bigger picture now? Do you see it? Is it marvelous to your eyes and mind and wonderful to behold? Is it captivating you with emotion? Is it changing your perspective of the world around you? Is it impacting your life for Good?
"You will guide me with Your plan and afterward receive me to glory." Psalm 73:24 NASB
Thank you, LORD. You are truly an AWESOME GOD!
What's in a name?
Now, let's look at the name Jonah. Names in the Bible have great significance and meaning. They tell us another story that is clearly not seen on the surface until we dig deeper. So, let's dive deeply still.
Getting to know the Prophet, Jonah.
A few word definitions
Foreshadowing: This is an illustration or example of a future event.
Prophecy: a prediction of what will happen in the future
Insight: A deep understanding of something, a recognition of additional facts that complete a story
Messiah (Mashiach) means Deliverer or Savior, "anointed one," chosen one, promised and expected one.
Understanding Biblical Literary Devices in more detail.
Now, let's look at the symbolic meaning of Jonah's name.
Symbolism: to represent ideas and attribute meaning to objects or people.
(4 Examples of symbols)
The Rock: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." PSALM 40:2 NIV
Sheep: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11 NIV
Eagle’s wings: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4 NLT
Milk and Honey: 'I said this so I could keep my promise to your ancestors to give you a land flowing with milk and honey—the land you live in today.'" Then I replied, "Amen, LORD! May it be so." Jeremiah 11:5 NLT
Names in the Bible have powerful symbolic meanings attached to them. The name of the person is supposed to convey who they are. In GOD's bible, people's names reveal the bigger picture, giving a more in-depth sense of the biblical narrative.
A few Names and their meanings:
Amos/Amas: Load, burden
Adam/Adamah: Mankind "Son of the red Earth."
Nahum/Comforter
John/ Yah is Gracious
Jesse/ My Husband, Yah Exists
Jacob/ Supplanter
Joseph/ "he will add."
Jeroboam/Yarav'am: "The people contend."
Jesus/Yeshua: The Lord is Salvation
Jonah/Yonah: Dove
So, Jonah's name means Dove. What does Dove symbolize in the Bible?
Dove: Peace, hope, Holy Spirit, purity, tender affection.
Let's look at a few instances in the Bible now where the Dove was used as a symbol to illustrate a more profound meaning related to an event.
Hope, Peace: "When the Dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth." Genesis 8:11 NIV. Here we have Noah releasing the Dove, and it returns with life, a freshly plucked olive leaf in its mouth. The Dove symbolizes hope and Peace because the world will continue to thrive, and there will be Peace with GOD again. He will never destroy Humanity in like manner.
Innocence, Purity: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as Doves." Matthew 10:16 NIV
LOVE: "I slept, but my heart was awake. Listen! My beloved is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my Dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.” Song of Solomon 5:2 NIV
Holy Spirit, Comforter: "And the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a Dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Luke 3:22 NLT
Does anybody still think this is a coincidence? Are (ALL) these occurrences happening randomly? Remember, with the GOD of the Bible, there is no such thing as random? Accidental or happen-chance. Because the LORD is Sovereign. He has Absolute control over (ALL) He has created, and there is a reason and meaning for (ALL) its existence.
Now, follow me to look at a few Temple sacrifices in that period and see how the burnt offering of the Dove will give more insightful meaning to the name Jonah.
The Mosaic Temple Sacrifices
There were many different sacrifices. All of which were meant to bring the people closer to the LORD. A sacrifice was made as a remission of sins committed against GOD, an act of atonement, and a symbol of their dedication and complete surrender to GOD as part of Jewish worship. Let's look at four Temple sacrifices.
Burnt-offering: "If the offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, you are to offer a Dove or a young pigeon." Leviticus 1:14 NIV
Sin-offering: "Then you must bring to the LORD as the penalty for your sin a female from the flock, either a sheep or a goat. This is a sin offering with which the priest will purify you from your sin, making you right with the LORD. But if you cannot afford to bring a sheep, you may bring to the LORD two turtledoves or two young pigeons as the penalty for your sin. One of the birds will be for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering." Leviticus 5:6-7 NLT
Guilt-offering: "He shall slaughter the lamb for the guilt offering and take some of its blood and put it on the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of their right hand and on the big toe of their right foot." Leviticus 14:25 NIV
Peace-offering: “If you present an animal from the herd as a peace offering to the LORD, it may be a male or a female, but it must have no defects." Leviticus 3:1 NLT
What was the burnt offering? The "Olah," meaning "to go up," was an offering by fire. The offering was wholly burned up so the smoke of the sacrifice could ascend upwards to GOD as a sweet-smelling aroma. If birds were used, only two types of birds could be sacrificed in this offering: a Dove or a young pigeon.
Now, when we look at the name of Jonah. It takes on a much more significant meaning, and we begin to see him differently, not just as an anointed prophet of GOD, but much more. He symbolizes a Dove that could be used as a burnt offering, an "Olah," a sweet-smelling sacrifice to the LORD. Yes, this offering would be wholly consumed, but this time, it wouldn't be by fire but by a Mighty Fish now waiting for our dear Jonah's soon arrival.
But that is not all. There's more. Let's go deeper still.
JESUS said. . . Matthew 12:38-41 NLT "One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.”
But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
“The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now, someone greater than Jonah is here, but you refuse to repent."
These words of JESUS were waiting for just over 800 years to be spoken at the right time.
"A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak." Ecclesiastes 3:7 NLT
Had these teachers of the law understood the revelation that was just revealed, they would have understood the magnificence of GOD's plan throughout the ages leading to this moment. Now, everything that happened to Jonah could be clearly comprehended for the first time. Why was Jonah in the belly of the great fish for three days and nights? What was that miraculous sign all about?
At last, they could clearly understand that Jonah was a type or illustration of the Messiah, a foreshadowing of what would come later, what needed to take place next in GOD's perfect plan of Redemption for His chosen people and also for all Humanity, that JESUS would need to die a sacrificial death, taking upon himself the sins of all Humanity, as a perfect, unblemished Lamb and then be raised to life again on the third day.
Isaiah 53:10-12 NLT "But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands.
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels."
A few people who were Types or illustrations of JESUS in the Old Testament
Typology: Symbol that something that represents something else.
Illustration: an example that helps make something better understood. To assist in explaining a concept.
(4 Examples of types or illustrations)
Adam: Romans 5:14 NASB "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the violation committed by Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come."
Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15 NLT "Moses continued, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him."
King David: Jeremiah 23:5 NLT "For the time is coming," says the LORD, "when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land."
Melchizedek: Hebrews 5:10 NLT "And God designated Him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek."
The coming Messiah, the King of Kings, is coming!
Now, let's briefly discover and review how the LORD spoke to His people through the prophets about their coming Messiah.
Messiah (Mashiach) means Deliverer or Savior, "anointed one," chosen one, promised and expected one.
Messages from GOD to His prophets about the coming Messiah, before Jonah and after him
It was prophesied in the very beginning that Jesus would bruise the head of the serpent (Satan) Genesis 3:15. The Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah, Genesis 49:10, from the genetic line of King David, Jeremiah 23:5-6, and His Kingdom would be an eternal one that would last forever 2 Samuel 7:12-13. He would be born in Bethlehem, Micah 5:2. JESUS would be the suffering Messiah, Isaiah 53:1-12, that would be lifted up, Numbers 29:9, and his hands and his feet would be pierced, Psalm 22:16, He would be resurrected, come back to live again and live forever Matthew 12:38-41. (365 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ)
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:17 NIV
Complete Biblical Timeline of the Old Testament
The LORD had been speaking to His people through the prophets about the coming Messiah for a long time in many different ways, as we have seen already. And now He will continue showing his people another sign of the Messiah's coming. The LORD is about to call His prophet Jonah to go to the great Assyrian city of Nineveh, enemies of Israel, and announce judgment if they don't change their ways. GOD has seen how wicked these people are. They are unmerciful and cruel and will have 40 days to repent from their wickedness, or the LORD will execute His righteous judgment upon them by destroying them. The people of Nineveh would repent but, once again, fall back into their original evil condition. And GOD would return with a Mighty Vengeance and Justifiably destroy them around 200 years later.
"The LORD is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage.
He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!
The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet." Nahum 1:2-3 NLT
The LORD speaks to us through His word, the Bible.
For this section, I tried to let the Bible just speak for itself without interrupting what is being told by the LORD in His word.
GOD plans for Nineveh and Israel were (ALL) made before the foundation of the world, and nothing can change them.
"But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever. His intentions can never be shaken." Psalm 33:11 NLT
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
GOD’s Perfect Plan outlined in more detail. A plan for all Humanity.
All the LORD's plans for his creation were made long before he made anything " before the foundation of the world." Nothing can change those plans. Jonah has a mission, and his destiny has already been absolutely determined. It is not a random destiny ordered as a general overview of his life but one designed to every infinitesimal detail. There's nothing anyone can do to change what will happen next.
"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." Isaiah 46:10 NIV
The LORD has a plan for Nineveh and Israel. Why did the LORD call Jonah to go to Nineveh? And how does this affect GOD's people, Israel?
The Lord is getting ready to call His prophet, Jonah. He will have an assignment from GOD to preach against the people of the great City of Nineveh because of their wickedness. They are a maliciously cruel people and are notorious enemies of Israel. We need to ask now why the LORD is sending Jonah. Is it only just to save the Ninevites from His righteous Judgment? or are there other reasons why? Let's now look at the many motives for GOD's actions. The first one is that GOD is merciful and is not willing for any to perish.
The LORD's glory (Goodness) and Mercy will be on display.
"And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have Mercy on whom I will have Mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." Exodus 33:19 NIV
"Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:23 NIV
“Who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?” Job 34:19 NIV
GOD's act of Mercy towards the evil city of Nineveh will be an open display to the world that He is willing to save the lost. He loves all people everywhere without partiality, showing no favoritism to one over the other. He will openly show the people of Nineveh there is no sin, too large or small, that won't be forgiven if people repent and turn away from their wickedness.
But simultaneously, the LORD is a Holy Righteous GOD and will judge sin severely if repentance is not forthcoming. His incomparable Holiness will also be displayed because of His declaration of impending judgments against evil. All this will be made known through his prophet Jonah.
The fact that the LORD is the only true GOD, and no other gods exist but Him alone, will be openly declared to the world.
"But the LORD is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! The whole earth trembles at his anger. The nations cannot stand up to his wrath." Jeremiah 10:10 NLT
"This is what the LORD says Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last. There is no other God." Isaiah 44:6 NLT
"Then people all over the earth will know that the LORD alone is God and there is no other." 1 Kings 8:60 NLT
“You alone are the LORD. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6 NLT
In distinct contrast to all man-made gods everywhere, the LORD is the Almighty Creator of the universe and all it contains. He is not a construct of man's imagination, invented as a person in a story of myth and legend. The LORD is the eternal GOD, without beginning or end, who rules and reigns from a Throne in Heaven, worshiped by angels and honored above all things. He is the LORD GOD Almighty, the only true GOD and everlasting King.
"The gods of the nations are made of silver and gold.
They are formed by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak,
and eyes but cannot see.
They have ears but cannot hear.
They are not even able to breathe.
May all who made them and who trust in them,
become like the idols they have made!" Psalm 135:15-18 GNT
The LORD's power will be displayed in that He can save anyone absolutely.
"This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand, and my righteousness will soon be revealed." Isaiah 56:1 NIV
"I, Yes, I am the LORD,
and there is no other Savior.
First, I predicted your rescue,
then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world.
No foreign god has ever done this.
You are witnesses that I am the only GOD,
says the LORD.
From eternity to eternity, I am GOD.
No one can snatch anyone out of my hand.
No one can undo what I have done.” Isaiah 43:11-13 NLT
GOD’s Sovereignty will be on display for all to see so they can come to know Him and believe He has absolute control over everything He has made. (ALL) creation.
"But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth." Psalm 11:4 NLT
"The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all [the universe]." Psalm 103:19 AB
"They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God." Romans 1:19-20 NLT
GOD will fulfill his plans. Nothing can stop Him.
“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you." Job 42:2 NLT
"And said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You." 2 Chronicles 20:6 BSB
The LORD's example of an act of repentance by the Ninevites will be displayed for Israel to see.
"I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." John 13:15 NLT
The LORD will use the actions of the people of Nineveh, their acts of repentance, as a visible display to show the people of Israel what they should also do as an act of humility because they had fallen into sin. They had provoked GOD to jealousy through their idolatry, the act of worshipping other gods. Instead of drawing closer to GOD, Israel had turned away from Him because they had forgotten what the LORD taught them through their prophet Moses, that there is only one GOD, the LORD, and they should love and worship him only alone.
The SHEMA: A confession of faith in the only one true GOD of Israel
"Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6;4-9 NLT
The LORD is calling His people to come back to Him.
"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow." Psalm 25:4 NLT
This example of repentance was meant to persuade His people to repent for their sins, just like the Ninevites would do. The LORD always gives us examples of what we should do, leading and guiding us and actively drawing us to Him because of His great Love for us all.
“O Israel,” says the LORD,
If you wanted to return to me, you could.
You could throw away your detestable idols
and stray away no more.
Then, when you swear by my name, saying,
As surely as the LORD lives,
you could do so
with truth, justice, and righteousness.
Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world,
and all people would come and praise my name.” Jeremiah 4:1-2 NLT
The Conclusion to this Introduction
Now, we have a better understanding of what comes next. We have been learning about the LORD's prophet, Jonah, "the Dove," and will get to know him in the upcoming studies. Also, we have been introduced to the LORD's Sovereignty, and we will talk about that much more throughout our study together. We've been introduced to the Assyrians and have a deeper understanding of the meaning of people's names and, types and analogies.
We've learned how GOD has spoken to Israel through His prophets about their coming Messiah since the beginning and how the LORD has progressively revealed His plan of Salvation for all mankind until this point in history. Now comes Jonah on the scene, and the LORD will again openly display another revelation of His plan for Humanity. A plan made before the Creation of the world. Now it's time for the LORD to call Jonah His prophet.
Are you ready, Jonah? Because GOD has a plan for you, which is not something you could have ever imagined.
How has this Introduction to the book of Jonah impacted us for the good?
"These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." 1Corinthians 2:10 NIV.
I hope and pray this Introduction and the following studies will all be a life-transforming experience for everyone participating, encouraging us in our walk with the LORD. This Introduction reminded me of GOD's plan for Humanity and how great it is to know that there is a secure future ahead of us. That it is more wonderful than we could have ever imagined.
There is hope for a better tomorrow. We all need to make sure, as GOD's family, that we all arrive together and continue to reach out to those who don't know the LORD, sincerely desiring to leave no one behind. And speaking to all those who have yet received JESUS as their LORD and Savior, by becoming born again. Say "The prayer" which follows, call out to the LORD, today is the day of your Salvation, now is the time. This is a fallen world that we live in. And none of us are perfect. We have all wandered away and turned against the LORD. Not one of us is good.
"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6 NLT
But what makes the difference now is we are no longer wandering astray with our backs against GOD. Now, we understand that JESUS took all our sins upon himself, and because of that, we have the opportunity to receive everlasting life and real hope.
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3 NIV
It’s true GOD really is in (ALL) the details.
One thing that should be clear from this Introduction to the book of Jonah is that GOD has control over (ALL) His creation, not just superficially but intimately. It should be evident that He is in the details, which go much deeper than we ever imagined or could ever understand completely. GOD's plans for His creation have already been planned in absolute detail "(ALL)" everything determined before He made anything.
Nothing is happening randomly or out of order, and nothing can change His plans because they are perfect, meaning there is no better way but His. Knowing this should reassure us that we are in Good Hands, secure and safe no matter what happens. He has promised to keep us and hold on to us all tightly. Never letting us go.
"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10 NIV
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." John 10:28 NIV
GOD’s plans for us were created long ago.
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
According to His great plans, the LORD has placed us here at this time in history. It's not a reward for good things done, but by His Grace and Mercy, we now look up in His direction and confidently believe in a better future. We are GOD's masterpiece, planned long ago, and our future is secure. So, let's now abide under the shadow of His wings and study the Bible together, becoming wiser by the moment as the LORD leads.
"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91:4 NLT
Drawing closer to the LORD as He draws closer to us.
"The LORD is close to all who call on Him,
yes, to all who call on Him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear Him.
He hears their cries for help and rescues them." Psalm 145:18-19 NLT
Staying close to the LORD needs to be a part of our daily routine, not letting the noise and distraction of this chaotic world draw our attention away from Him and His presence in our lives.
The simplest things will continue to make the most significant difference and have the greatest importance. Reading the Bible, listening to good Christian music, taking a walk-in nature, watching the sunset, listening to the birds, the sound of the wind, and waves crashing on the Shoreline. Simple moments like these allow us to commune with GOD, apart from distraction. So, when the storms come, we will be focused on the LORD to lead us through the turmoil.
"Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 ASV
Closing Prayer for this Introduction
“Our FATHER in Heaven above. Thank You for all Your Blessings. Fill us all with Your wisdom and help us to do what's right in Your sight. Help us to honor You with our words and our deeds. Forgive us of our sins, we ask. Renew in us a heart of gratitude for the mercy You have bestowed upon us through Your plan of Salvation that has saved our souls and given us hope. Fill us with courage to persevere in the face of any storm that would come our way, always reminding us that You will always be by our sides. Keep us now in Your Mighty Hands, we ask. In JESUS Holy Name, we pray, Amen.”
A brief summary of what happens next.
"Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." Psalm 119:89 NIV
The following letter will continue our journey together in the book of Jonah, verse one (1:1). This will be a powerful verse (1:1). Few words are spoken, but each contains a mountain of information to be discovered. The depths of the Bible are endless. Because these words are eternal for the cause of an infinite Author. In the following letter, we will discuss who this Great Author in the Heavens above is and His calling for each of us.
“World in CHAOS”
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1 KJB.
There is no better time to reach out to GOD in Prayer. If you have not asked GOD for His Mercy yet to forgive you of all your sins, being born again, and getting a new life with real hope for a better tomorrow, do not waste any more time. Today's the day to make that decision. I am writing this right before I post this letter (10/13/23).
There's an urgency now with all the present turmoil in the world. Russia fighting in the Ukraine, Israel at war with Hamas, and other countries discussing getting involved. Now, actual threats of terrorism are being voiced here in the United States to occur at any time. Our borders have been deliberately left wide open by a corrupt Government, allowing terrorists and criminals from all over the world to enter unaccounted. There's never been this type of instability in the U.S. in my lifetime, 66 years now. The world is in chaos. And it will only get worse from this point forward.
The Bible predicted it long ago. I could say so much more about this and plan to do so. As I write, I keep thinking that I might be unable to finish the following letter. Maybe the time has already run out for me to say more, so if you haven't called out to the LORD yet, please keep reading. The Prayer is next. The LORD is calling out to you now.
Zach Williams Shares His Testimony - Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater/ Listen to this. It’s powerful!
"Hear what God says: "When the time came for me to show you favor, I heard you; when the day arrived for me to save you, I helped you." Listen! This is the hour to receive God's favor; today is the day to be saved!" 2 Corinthians 6:2 GNT
Hymn of the Cherubim (Extended) Play this music now as you read this part.
“THE PRAYER”
Now is the time to pray, to ask GOD to hear from heaven above as we call out to Him together right here. The most important moment of your life has arrived in this uncommon instant. It's when your life takes on a whole new meaning. It can be the first time you have understood everything, every question ever pondered, having them answered, seeing things not just from the outside looking in but from the inside looking out. Everything that has happened and will happen will make complete and absolute sense to you. JESUS said 2000 years ago, and it's still true today you must be born-again.
"So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again." John 3:7
Come now, let us Reason together.
What does this mean? Everybody was born the same way the first time physically. We didn't get to choose that moment in time. It just happened beyond our control. But another birth needs to take place. This time we get to make that choice. We get to decide. Now I have a question, if you say no instead of yes, why? If I told you, you would receive the most precious gift of all ages, priceless, worth more than all the riches you could ever acquire in this life, and still that wouldn't even come close to what GOD wants to give you now, and it is free for the asking.
Would you still say no? Some might say. Yeah, maybe someday, while others feel these are just a bunch of made-up stories passed down year after year, fairy tales at best, too good to be true, nothing is free. Some then might even say I'm a good person. I've never sinned or done anything wrong.
And others say I've got so many sins that nothing or anyone could ever get rid of them. Even if someone could forgive me, you say, I still wouldn't feel forgiven in the end. Maybe you are afraid. Fear has got ahold of you and won't let go. I'm not sure about anything you say, there are so many choices in life, and I still need time to make them all. I'm not ready for this.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 NLT
The Difference Between "Hell" and "The Lake of Fire"
I need to tell you something very serious. GOD wants to give you eternal life. And he respects your choice. He will not force you to do anything that you don’t want to do. But you must understand something now. If you reject eternal life, you will receive eternal death. That means the difference between a Christian and somebody who rejects GOD's provision for sin is this. When Christians die, they leave all their sins behind because the Bible says God will remove their sins as far as the East is from the West, and they will go to heaven for all eternity to live with GOD.
"He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." Psalm 103:12 NLT
But those who reject GOD's Great Salvation will take all their sins with them at death, stand before GOD, and be judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books at the final Judgment, and the consequences will be (eternal torment.)
"I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before GOD’s Throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books." Revelation 20:12 NLT
We can either choose eternal life or eternal judgment. The choice is ours. There are only two ways that a person, after reading this letter, can leave. Eternally SAVED, forgiven of their sins with a new life in Christ, previously saved, saved now, or the one who says my way is better than GOD's and will leave this letter unsaved. The saved or the unsaved is all there will be.
Listen to me now. Are you listening? How will you ever know what's on the other side if you never go there? How can you tell if the water is warm unless you reach out and touch it?
"Turn to the LORD!
He can still be found.
Call out to GOD! He is near."
Isaiah 55:6-13 CEV
If you are sincere and ready to call out to GOD, acknowledging that you're a sinner and are ready to ask GOD for forgiveness, asking Him for a new life, then let us pray together now.
"If you openly declare that JESUS is LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." Romans 10:9-10 NLT
"JESUS loved you then, He still loves you now, and forever will He love you!"
My Personal testimony. GOD saved me and gave me a new life.
Please repeat this prayer after me.
“GOD, I'm ready to call out to You now and ask You to hear me from heaven above. This is my simple prayer to You, GOD. I've been doing everything my way, but now I'm asking you to give me a new life to do things as you want. GOD, I know I'm a Sinner. I'm asking for forgiveness for all my sins. I'm asking you to help me to turn from my sins and follow you from this moment forward. JESUS, I believe You died for me, and You rose again and are here right now. I want to be born again, made new, and filled with Your Spirit. Thank you, GOD, for Your mercy that saved a Sinner like me.”
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT.
"Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like GOD—truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT
PSALM 51 (50) IN ARAMAIC (language of Jesus)
Message to New Believers
JESUS said, "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32 NLT
If you said yes to that prayer with me, calling out to GOD. Now tell everyone about what happened to you and there are some things you need to do to start your journey with JESUS. You need to find a good Church and get involved with other believers. It's called Christian fellowship. Christianity is a family of many. It's not an army of one.
In this unique family, we are all supernaturally connected together through GOD. We encourage, support, and build up each other with confidence. It's a powerful union unlike anything else in this world. It continuously strengthens us and keeps us on the path of eternal life. It's essential for a healthy Christian life. Become a subscriber to the newsletter for free. And join in on the upcoming Bible study in the Book of Jonah. As we journey through one of the most precious books in the Bible together.
Get a Bible and start reading. You have now embarked on an amazing new life, more incredible than ever imagined. A life filled with miracles. The most incredible adventure ever has just started. You said yes to JESUS. I'm saying yes too. May God bless you.
"In the same way, there is joy in the presence of GOD’S angels when even one sinner repents." Luke 15:10 NLT
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 BSB.
Leave a comment, and tell everybody what happened? Tell how JESUS changed your life and speak up. Now is the time. "One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!" Acts 18:9 NLT
Play music, MIQEDEM - DODI LI / HEBREW SONG (SONG OF SONGS 2:16, 3:3)
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Leave a comment, and tell everybody what happened? Tell how JESUS changed your life and speak up. Now is the time. "One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!" Acts 18:9 NLT
CHURCH FINDER:
CHRISTIAN VIDEOS:
Greg and Cathe Laurie on the Jesus Revolution: Their love story and a New Jesus Revival
CHRISTIAN BOOKS: TESTIMONIES
Jesus Revolution: How God Transformed an Unlikely Generation and How He Can Do It Again Today by Pastor Greg Laurie, Ellen Vaughn
Pastor Raul Ries, Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, Ca. “His Testimony”
Pastor Jeff Johnson Calvary Chapel Downey, Ca. Sound Doctrine; OnePlace
Pastor Chuck Smith Calvary Chapel Distinctives
FOXE’S BOOK OF MARTYRS / JOHN FOXE
The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom
A Confession/ Leo Tolstoy
The Chronicles of Narnia/ C.S. Lewis
The Space Trilogy/ C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters/ C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce/ C.S. Lewis
'A Grief Observed'/ C.S. Lewis
Goodreads / BOOKS/ Testimonies
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS: BOOKS
C.S Lewis / Mere Christianity
Blue letter Bible John Macarthur
Norman L Geisler / I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist.
Christian Apologetics: By- Norman L. Geisler
The Big Book of Christian Apologetics: An A-to-Z Guide Norman L. Geisler
Dr. Josh Mcdowell / The Evidence that Demands a Verdict
William Lane Craig / On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics/ William Lang Craig
Lee Strobel / The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
J. Warner Wallace / Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels
Good Christian Apologetics Books
The coming UFO Deception
UFO The Coming Great Deception – LA Marzulli – Dr. Tenpenny (drtenpenny.com)
UFO Disclosure coming invasion.
HIDDEN HISTORY: UFOS, ANCIENT PORTALS, GIANTS, ALIEN GODS AND THE END TIMES | TOM HORN
Aliens and the End Times Deception
UFOs are Demons.
What the Bible Says about UFOs
L.A. Marzulli: UFO Disclosure - Full -Length Film
Former Navy Officer tells the truth about the “Tic Tac” UFO.
SHOCKING TESTIMONY: Former Navy Pilot Describes Infamous 2004 'Tic Tac' UFO Experience
UFO hearing: Eyewitnesses describe encounters with "non-human" entities to Congress | FULL VIDEO
Dr. Hugh Ross— Little Green Men
Hugh Ross Responds to Latest Congressional Hearing on UFOs
MUSIC: that brings new life and Hope:
I Speak Jesus | Because of the Times 2022 - ft. Charity Gayle & POA Worship
Casting Crowns - Praise You in This Storm (Live from YouTube Space New York)
Amazing New Hebrew Worship with English Subtitles Music Video from Israel!
DANCE WITH ME/GLORY COME DOWN: JEWISH & GENTILE artists worshipping Jesus from a rooftop in Jerusalem.
WOW! Amazing New Hebrew Worship with English Subtitles Music Video from Israel!
Raise a Hallelujah - Sean Feucht - Let us Worship - Washington, D.C.
Phil Wickham - Battle Belongs
Phil Wickham - I Believe
Phil Wickham - This Is Our God (Acoustic)
Leeland & Charity Gayle - You're Not Done (Official Music Video)
Lauren Daigle - "Come Alive (Dry Bones) (Live at the Centric Worship Retreat)
Zach Williams - Far Too Good to A Man Like Me
Zach Williams - Lookin' for You
Zach Williams - I Got You
Reckless Love (by Cory Asbury) Worship Mob live + spontaneous worship.
Venture 11: Defender, Surrounded/Battles, Lean Back, & Spontaneous | Worship Mob live + spontaneous.
HABITATION (LIVE ACOUSTIC) | Micah & Abby Mahoney | HEARTCRY OF DAVID
YOUR LOVE IS FIERCE | OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO (Israel + UK Collaboration) {Judean Desert in Israel} Heart-cry of David.
Nothing More Beautiful: UK Acoustic Sessions Heart-cry of David.
VICTORIOUS | NEW SINGLE (Israel + United Kingdom Collaboration) Heart-cry of David.
DANCE WITH ME/GLORY COME DOWN: JEWISH & GENTILE artists worshipping Jesus from rooftop in Jerusalem Heart-cry of David.
SACRED MUSIC FOR THE HEALING OF PEOPLES (in Gethsemane) Harpa Dei.
YESHUA: 1.000× the Name of Jesus (sung in Hebrew) Harpa Dei
PSALM 51 (50) IN ARAMAIC (language of Jesus) Harpa Dei
Come Lord Jesus, Maranatha (sung in various languages) Harpa Dei
Messianic Jewish Christian music in Hebrew.
Great is the Lord | Gadol Adonai
Praise to Our God 5 Concert - La Shamaim (Unto Heaven)
Praise to Our God 5 Concert - Ashuv Eleicha (Coming Back to You)
SATISFY ME WITH YOUR FULLNESS
Praise to Our God 5 Concert - Hineh Lo Yanum (Behold He Who Keeps Israel)
Praise to Our God 5 Concert - Lechu Nerannena LeAdonai (Let us sing to the Lord)
Praise to Our God 5 Concert - Ata Kadosh (You Are Holy)
Praises Of Israel - Halev Poretz (The Heart Bursts Forth) [Live]
Praises Of Israel - Lev Tahor (A Pure Heart)
Praises Of Israel - Hu Asher (He Who Did Not Spare)
Chokreni | Sheli & Dariel Myers | CC For English
MIQEDEM - DODI LI
MIQEDEM - Psalm 23 (Live in Studio)
MIQEDEM - BARCHI NAFSHI
MIQEDEM - BEELOHIM
MIQEDEM - SHIR CHADASH
MIQEDEM- HARPU
Hymn of the Cherubim (Extended)
Another closing Prayer
Lion of Judah | WARFARE sound | Sound of Shofar
When I finished this newsletter and felt I had said everything in my heart and mind, I prayed to GOD and asked for His blessing on these writings. Suddenly this scripture and verses came to me. It's for everyone who will read this work. GOD bless you all!
"Turn to the LORD!
He can still be found.
Call out to GOD! He is near.
Give up your evil ways
and your evil thoughts.
Return to the LORD our GOD.
He will be merciful
and forgive your sins.
The LORD says:
“My thoughts and my ways
are not like yours.
Just as the heavens
are higher than the earth,
my thoughts and my ways
are higher than yours.
“Rain and snow fall from the sky.
But they don't return
without watering the earth
that produces seeds to plant
and grain to eat.
That's how it is with my words.
They don't return to me
without doing everything
I send them to do.”
When you are set free,
you will celebrate
and travel home in peace.
Mountains and hills will sing
as you pass by,
and trees will clap.
Cypress and myrtle trees
will grow in fields
once covered by thorns.
And then those trees will stand
as a lasting witness
to the glory of the LORD."
Isaiah 55:6-13 CEV
Hey Josh, it's so great to hear from you. Yeah, I totally understand what you're saying. Check out this verse in the Bible. It's the Gospel of John 1:1. How would you interpret it? Let me know. Thank you.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 NIV
Very detailed and well written. Do you think you could break this up into a number of readings? Take and split it up into 10.maybe. Maybe make it in a larger font. It’s too good to be ignored. The Bible is His story. A love story. Thanks for taking the time to write.