The Bird of Mercy

The Summit Church

The Bird of Mercy

October 29, 2023 • Bryan Loritts • Jonah 4

The book of Jonah ends in a curious manner, with a surprising cliffhanger of a question posed to Jonah. And while we are left wondering what Jonah will do, the real question for us becomes what we will do with God's invitation to extend mercy to our enemies. As we wrap up our series through the book of Jonah, Pastor Bryan walks us through chapter 4, detailing reasons why it is often so hard for us to show mercy, and how we can ultimately grow in mercy. The next move is ours—will it be one toward mercy or toward anger and bitterness?

Extensions of Mercy, Take Two

October 15, 2023 • Bryan Loritts • Jonah 3

It can be tempting to think that we've messed things up beyond repair, that surely God must be done with us this time. In this week's message from Jonah 3, Pastor Bryan explores the beautiful truth that we serve a God who delights in giving second chances, because he is rich in mercy. And it is precisely this mercy and kindness—not guilt or condemnation—that leads us to repentance.

The Pit of Mercy

October 8, 2023 • Bryan Loritts • Jonah 1:17—2:10

Chances are, you'll never be swallowed by a giant fish—but you may find yourself in a pit of despair, feeling as though there is no way out. In this week's message from Jonah 2, Pastor Bryan reveals the perhaps counterintuitive truth that there are blessings to be found in the pit. Indeed, God is able to use these experiences that are often unpleasant or even downright painful to make us still more fruitful members of his kingdom. The question, then, is how we will respond to God's steadfast love that is with us even in the deepest, darkest pit.

Extensions of Mercy

October 1, 2023 • Bryan Loritts • Jonah 1

Why do we often struggle to show mercy to others? Perhaps, we think, the other person doesn't really deserve to be shown mercy—after all, they have offended us deeply. How could we possibly be expected to forgive them? As we begin our series through the book of Jonah, this week's message from Pastor Bryan shows us from Jonah 1 how it is impossible to become people who extend God's mercy without first comprehending the depths of our own sin. Only when we understand how much God has forgiven us can we offer that same forgiveness to others.