Lessons in Providence

God provides a vivid picture of both His mercy and justice in His dealings with the city of Nineveh. In less than one hundred years, that city went from its entire populace turning to God in repentance and faith, to utterly opposing Him in all of His ways. Salvation is never by genetics. And the justice that falls on Nineveh is only a tiny picture of the horrible suffering to come for all who reject God’s Saviour, Jesus Christ.

This begins a two part series on the two books that addressed that ancient nation of Assyria. Nineveh was one of the leading cities of that nation and God did some amazing things in relation to her over the course of one hundred years. He showed mercy, through the prophet Jonah, and justice, through the prophet Nahum. Looking at them together over the course of two weeks will paint a portrait for us of Psalm 85:10, when mercy and justice kiss, never more clearly seen than in the cross of Jesus.

There are times in every Christian’s life when we’re filled with fear and helplessness. These instances can tempt us to unravel, to panic, and to despair. Thankfully, even in the face of the most bewildering and overwhelming situations, God has already instructed us on what to do: We’re to turn our eyes upon the Lord.

As we close out the first half of Romans, we are led to a place of doxology or praise. There is nothing more fitting than to glorify the Lord having seen so much of his remarkable grace and power. Do you love to sing? It ought to be the great joy of every Christian to open their mouth with words of praise to God! Even if our songs are more “joyful noise” than “sweet Psalmist of Israel.”

The Christian life ought to be one of ongoing praise and endless thanksgiving. Yet, we are often thankless. In a timeless response to this inconsistency, Psalm 124 invites the people of God to regularly remember the gospel and constantly consider their salvation in Christ: Without the Lord, we would be totally helpless, but with the Lord, we can overcome the insurmountable!

Romans 9-11 is answering the big question of whether or not God can be trusted. Did He break all His promises to Israel? If so, then how can we be certain He will keep all His promises to us? After all, we are prone to pride, just as that people was. Perhaps understanding the Gospel of grace is what will keep us faithful in the end. It will certainly help us put pride to death, which is a great first step to faithfulness.

It’s easy to say God is trustworthy, but do you really believe it? Do you believe it when everything seems to be going wrong? As we go through the early chapters of the life of Joseph, what will become clear is that even though it doesn’t always look like it, God is always in control; governing all things to accomplish his good purposes.

Last Sunday we answered three questions about Israel that have a direct impact on whether or not we can trust God today. Did Israel hear the Gospel? Yes (18) Did Israel know the Gospel would be embraced by Gentiles? Yes. (19-21) Has God rejected every single person from Israel? No (11:1-6) That takes us to the last two questions that continue to prove we can take God at His word and believe He will keep every last one of His promises to us and to Israel.

Sometimes you do not understand how important something is until it breaks. God made particular promises to the nation of Israel that seem pretty important. If He chooses to break those promises, what might that mean for us… especially our confidence in the promises He has made to us in His Son, Jesus Christ?

As we turn the page on summer and head into a more routine time of church life, it seemed like a good spot to remind us all of what we are striving to be in this world. How is membership in a local church different from a membership at the gym or a big box retailer? And what things in particular should the members of Grace Fellowship Church be re-upping their commitment to do and to be?