Big Idea: Because God has shown us mercy, we are entrusted with a message that calls people to repentance and offers forgiveness. 1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city–a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” 10 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. Jonah 3:1-10 (NIV) The Message We Must Preach Is: 1. Our Sin Separates Us From God “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV) “I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.” Romans 7:21 (NLT) The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) Two Expressions of Sin: • Active rebellion • Passive indifference Man → (separated by a great chasm) ← God 2. Only Jesus Can Bridge The Gap Between God and Humanity “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT) Jesus doesn’t point the way, He is the way Man → ←JESUS→ ← God “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) 3. God Call Us To Repent From Our Sin and Turn To Jesus For Forgiveness Jesus told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47 (NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 (NIV) “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NIV) Where do I personally stand with God today? Who has God already placed in my life that needs to hear this message? Next Right Steps This week, I will: Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for the first time Share this message with one person God brings to mind Invite someone to attend one of our Easter services TALK IT OVER Leader Focus: ✔ Review questions beforehand so you are prepared ✔ Honor your time commitment as a group. ✔ Keep discussion relational, not reactive ✔ Reinforce grace, humility, and unity Welcome & Opening Prayer (2–3 minutes) Invite someone to open in prayer, asking God to help us clearly understand the gospel and courageously live it out. Icebreaker – “Second Chances” (5 minutes) Jonah was given a second chance by God. Can you share (briefly) about a time you were grateful for a second chance—at work, in a relationship, or spiritually? ➡ Transition: God is a God of second chances, not only for us—but for others. Read Jonah 3:1–10 What stands out to you about Jonah’s obedience this time? What stands out about the people’s response? Group Discussion (20–25 minutes) The Message We Must Preach Is: 1. Our Sin Separates Us From God Read Romans 3:23, Romans 7:21 and 2 Peter 3:9 Q1. Why do you think it’s difficult for people today to accept the idea of sin? Q2. The sermon described: • Active rebellion • Passive indifference Which do you think is more common today—and why? ➡ Both lead to separation from God. 2. Only Jesus Can Bridge The Gap Between God and Humanity Read 1 Timothy 2:5–6 and Romans 5:8 Q5. Why does it matter that Jesus is the only mediator between God & humanity? Q6. How does understanding Christ’s sacrifice shape the way we share the gospel—with humility and grace rather than pressure? ➡ We don’t save people—Jesus does. 3. God Call Us To Repent From Our Sin and Turn To Jesus For Forgiveness Read Jonah 3:10. Luke 24:46-47 and John 3:16–17 Q7. What do these verses reveal about God’s desire toward people—even sinful or rebellious people? Q8. Why is it important to remember that God prefers repentance over judgment? ➡ Reflection: We never preach from anger—we preach from compassion. Read Romans 10:9 Q9. Why must faith be a personal response rather than just intellectual agreement or family tradition? Q10. How does knowing this affect how we pray for and talk with people who don’t yet believe? Personal Reflection (5–7 minutes) Quiet reflection, then share if comfortable: Where do I personally stand with God today? Who has God already placed in my life that may need to hear this message? Application & Commitment (5 minutes) This week, I will take one step by: Personally responding to Jesus in faith Sharing this message with one person God brings to mind Inviting someone to attend an Easter service ➡ Which step is God prompting you to take? Close in Prayer