This week at East Brainerd Baptist Church, David Baalbergen continues our series through the book of Jonah with a message titled “Check Your Heart.”

Jonah chapter 4 reveals something uncomfortable but deeply human — that even the prophet of God can misunderstand grace. While Nineveh and God both turned from their “ra” (evil or calamity), Jonah picked it back up, becoming angry that God would show mercy to people who didn’t deserve it.

In this message, Pastor David draws connections between Jonah, the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, and the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Each of them obeyed outwardly but withheld their hearts from God. Each believed that grace could be earned — and each grew bitter when God’s mercy was freely given to others.

Through Scripture and the Gospel, we’re challenged to look inward:

Do we trust in our good works more than God’s grace?

Are we uncomfortable with grace because it means surrendering control?

Do we obey God for love — or for leverage?

At the heart of this message is a call to see grace for what it truly is — a gift that can’t be earned, bought, or bargained for. Jesus Christ, the Greater Jonah, took our sin upon Himself, bore our punishment on the cross, and rose again so that those who believe in Him might live.

As we come to the Lord’s Table, Pastor David invites us to let this be a time of reflection and repentance — a time to let God check our hearts and remind us that “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9)

🕊️ Scripture References:

Jonah 4:1 | Matthew 12:38–41 | Luke 15:11–32

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