We are continuing a 6-week sermon series on The Book of Jonah by Eric Mason on RightNow Media. Jonah is one of the twelve minor prophets. The book is small in size but it is power-packed to impact your life.

1. Read Jonah 1:17. What do you notice about this verse? Now read Matthew 12:40. What are some similarities in these passages? Are there other things you have heard or read in the Bible that coincide or compare with these verses? What do you think Jonah’s experience was intended to point us to?

2. Read Jonah 2:1-6. This is a psalm/prayer from Jonah to God. Read each verse separately. What does each verse say about Jonah and what is happening to him?

3. Take a moment and compare the following Psalms to Jonah 2:2-4. Read Psalm 18:6, 31:22, 42:7, 88:6, 120:1. What does this tell you about Jonah and his knowledge of the Bible.

4. How would you react if you were thrown off a ship, drowning in the sea and scooped up into the dark belly of a huge smelly fish? What do you think your thoughts, pleas or acts of repentance might be? Is this too difficult to imagine? Then take a moment and think about how this might relate to a dark time you have had or are experiencing in your life. How did or do you feel and act?

5. Read Romans 8:39. How is this passage relevant to the story of Jonah? How is it relevant in your own life?

6. Pastor Diane shared about “counterfeit spirituality.” How does it apply to Jonah? Has there been a time in your life where you neglected to converse correctly with God?

7. How is God calling you to serve others? In the church? At home? In the workplace? Are you being obedient or ignoring the voice of God?

Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving Lord, I come to you this day offering you thanks and praise, for you are the creator of all humankind. Lord, please help me to be obedient to your calling, give me ears to hear you and a heart that readily allows me to answer with a mighty “yes” to your requests. Lord, you are so patient with me...thank you for never abandoning me and remaining in fellowship with me in all aspects and circumstances of my life. I love you, Lord. Amen.