1. "Running From God" (Jonah 1:1-17)

Bridge Community Fellowship Sunday 08-24-25 Worship Service Week #1 “Running from God” (Jonah 1:1–17) Big Idea for This Week: When Jonah runs from God’s call, he discovers that rebellion only leads to regret, but God’s grace is waiting even in the storm. Sermon Outline: 1. God Calls (1–2) – God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh with His message of mercy. 2. Jonah Runs (3) – Jonah rebels, saying “No” when God says “Go.” 3. God Pursues (4–10) – God lovingly pursues Jonah through a storm. 4. Jonah Surrenders (11–17) – Jonah acknowledges his rebellion and yields to God’s will. Application Questions for Study and Discussion: • What stood out to you most in Jonah 1:1–17? • Why do you think Jonah ran from God’s call instead of obeying? What does Jonah’s running teach us about human rebellion against God? Where are you tempted to say “NO” when God says “GO”? • What “boats” are available in your life right now that make running from God easy? • How do the sailors respond to Jonah’s disobedience, and what does that reveal about God’s mission? • How have you experienced God’s pursuit when you’ve run from Him in the past? • What does surrender to God look like for you this week? Recommended Resources for Further Study: Books & Commentaries: The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy by Timothy Keller, Man Overboard! The Story of Jonah by Sinclair B. Ferguson, Jonah: Grace for Sinners and Saints by Iain M. Duguid, Jonah: Navigating a God-Centered Life by Colin Smith Articles & Studies: “Jonah: The Reluctant Missionary” on The Gospel Coalition, “Jonah and the Mission of God” on Desiring God and the BibleProject video: Jonah Overview (great for groups/families/kids) Sermons: Timothy Keller’s Jonah and the City, Alistair Begg’s Jonah: Man on the Run, John Piper’s The Mercy of God is Not Limited to Israel, and Matt Chandler’s The Depths of God’s Mercy.