1. Our God Rules the Entire World n Because the Bible was written to show the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, one can falsely conclude that God’s plan and concern was only for Israel. (Gen 12:1-3)

2. Our God Rules the Entire World n Genesis 12:1-3 - Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.“

3. Our God Rules the Entire World n While the Old Testament is a history of Israel to show God’s fulfillment of the nation and land promises, the third promise involves all nations.

4. Our God Rules the Entire World n While the Old Testament is a history of Israel to show God’s fulfillment of the nation and land promises, the third promise involves all nations. n One can see from the New Testament perspective how God was also preparing the nations for the coming of His Son.

5. Our God Rules the Entire World n We see God working righteously to bring down nations after they reach a certain point.

6. Our God Rules the Entire World n Israel could not take the promised land until the people of the land had reached a certain degree of wickedness. (Gen 15:16)

7. Our God Rules the Entire World n Genesis 15:16 - "But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.“

8. Our God Rules the Entire World n Even with Sodom, God has a righteous standard. (Gen 18:23-24, 31-32)

9. Our God Rules the Entire World n Genesis 18:23-24 - And Abraham came near and said, "Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 "Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it?

10. Our God Rules the Entire World n Genesis 18:31-32 - And he said, "Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?" So He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty." 32 Then he said, "Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.“

11. Our God Rules the Entire World n We will learn from the Minor Prophets that God sent prophets to the pagan nations as well.

12. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n He shows them how He works with His people, the nation of Israel.

13. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n He shows them how He works with His people, the nation of Israel. n God wanted the nations to see Israel’s punishment and their return. (Jer 31:10-11)

14. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n Jeremiah 31:10-11 - " Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.' 11 For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, And ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he.

15. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n The righteous nature of God was something that wise Kings and their people would take note of.

16. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n The physical judgments God brought upon Israel would also help the nations understand that God controls the elements. (Ezk 36:30)

17. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n Ezekiel 36:30 - "And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations.

18. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n God’s prophets to Israel often gave messages to other nations.

19. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n Isaiah let the nations know what the God of Israel was like! (Isa 40:15-18)

20. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n Isaiah 40:15-18 - Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing. 16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. 17 All nations before Him are as nothing, And they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.

21. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n 18 To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?

22. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n Moses knew the nations watched closely when He provided Israel victories that they could not have won without God. (Num 24:8-9)

23. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n Numbers 24:8-9 - "God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones And pierce them with his arrows. 9 'He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?' "Blessed is he who blesses you, And cursed is he who curses you.“

24. How does God produce repentance in the pagan nations? n What chance would a pagan nation have to really respond to the message and examples given by God? One of the Minor prophets tell us.

25. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah was a prophet from Galilee in the Northern kingdom of Israel. (Jonah 1:1; 2 Kings 14:25)

26. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah 1:1 - Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

27. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n 2 Kings 14:25 - He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.

28. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jesus recognized the powerful message that Jonah preached. (Mt 12:40)

29. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Matthew 12:40 - "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

30. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n This occurred in during the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (793-753 BC), this was just before the work of Amos and Hosea. (2 Kings 14:27)

31. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n 2 Kings 14:27 - And the LORD did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven; but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

32. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Some have suggested that two famines in this period may have prepared the people to hear Jonah.

33. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Some have suggested that two famines in this period may have prepared the people to hear Jonah. n “The repentance of Nineveh probably occurred in the reign of Ashurdan III (773- 755 BC). Two plagues (765 BC and 759 BC) and a solar eclipse (763) may have prepared the people for Jonah’s message.” - Wilkenson and Boa

34. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah knew some things about the nature of God and the power of His word.

35. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah knew some things about the nature of God and the power of His word. n Jonah knew that God sees the wickedness of Nineveh had reached the point where God would take action. (Jonah 1:2)

36. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah 1:2 2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.“

37. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah also knew that by the very fact God would send a prophet would bring the potential for repentance and forgiveness. (Jonah 4:2)

38. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah 4:2 - So he prayed to the LORD, and said, "Ah, LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.

39. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Why is it that people who never heard the word of God would be more responsive than those who have? (Lk 11:30-32)

40. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Luke 11:30-32 - "For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 "The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

41. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n 32 "The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

42. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah knew of the genuine mercy of God for all men. (Jonah 4:11)

43. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Jonah 4:11 - "And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left -- and much livestock?”

44. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Lessons from Jonah

45. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Lessons from Jonah n We should never put our own sense of justice and national pride above God.

46. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n The word of God is powerful when God is with us! (Isa 55:8-11)

47. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n Isaiah 55:8-11 - " For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

48. The Powerful Message of Jonah to Assyria n 10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

49. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Nahum prophesied just before the destruction of Assyria. (612 BC)

50. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Even though Jonah had earlier succeeded in finding repentance in Nineveh, this generation would not. God’s wrath was imminent. (Nahum 2:1; 3:14, 19).

51. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Nahum 2:1 - He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.

52. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Nahum 3:14-15 - Draw your water for the siege! Fortify your strongholds! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Make strong the brick kiln! 15 There the fire will devour you, The sword will cut you off; It will eat you up like a locust. Make yourself many -- like the locust! Make yourself many -- like the swarming locusts!

53. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Nahum 3:19 - Your injury has no healing, Your wound is severe. All who hear news of you Will clap their hands over you, For upon whom has not your wickedness passed continually?

54. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n We see in this action that Nations will be destroyed like iron to pottery when God’s wrath is revealed. (Ps 2:5-12)

55. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Psalm 2:5-12 - Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: 6 "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." 7 "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

56. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' " 10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

57. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n We learn that no nation or man would ever want to see the wrath of God.

58. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n We learn that no nation or man would ever want to see the wrath of God. n God is not a man will anger like a brief tempest!

59. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n No one will escape the wrath of God. (Nahum 1:7-8; 3:5-7)

60. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Nahum 1:7-8 - The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. 8 But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, And darkness will pursue His enemies.

61. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n Nahum 3:5-7 - " Behold, I am against you," says the LORD of hosts; "I will lift your skirts over your face, I will show the nations your nakedness, And the kingdoms your shame. 6 I will cast abominable filth upon you, Make you vile, And make you a spectacle. 7 It shall come to pass that all who look upon you Will flee from you, and say, 'Nineveh is laid waste! Who will bemoan her?' Where shall I seek comforters for you?“

62. The Final Judgment on Assyria by Nahum n This ought to make us love the grace of God but fear for our nation!

63. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Obadiah was written during a time where a conqueror had overcome Israel.

64. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Obadiah was written during a time where a conqueror had overcome Israel. n Edom was a nation that was a descendant of Esau.

65. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Since Jacob and Esau were brothers, and Jacob had the promises of Abraham, there were certain things God expected of Edom! (Obadiah 1:1, 9-10)

66. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Obadiah 1:1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom (We have heard a report from the LORD, And a messenger has been sent among the nations, saying, "Arise, and let us rise up against her for battle")

67. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Obadiah 1:9-10 9 Then your mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, To the end that everyone from the mountains of Esau May be cut off by slaughter. 10 " For violence against your brother Jacob, Shame shall cover you, And you shall be cut off forever.

68. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Edom had become proud, and did not fear God. (Obadiah 1:1-4; Prov 16:18)

69. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Obadiah 1:1-4 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom (We have heard a report from the LORD, And a messenger has been sent among the nations, saying, "Arise, and let us rise up against her for battle"): 2 "Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You shall be greatly despised.

70. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?' 4 Though you ascend as high as the eagle, And though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down," says the LORD.

71. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Proverbs 16:18 18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

72. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n When any nation thinks they cannot fall, they have become blind.

73. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n When any nation thinks they cannot fall, they have become blind. n When a nation loses its fear of God, then its morals will vanish.

74. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n nation thinks they cannot fall, they have become blind. n When a nation loses its fear of God, then its morals will vanish. n God will hold Edom responsible for celebrating evil and even participating in it. (Obadiah 1:11-16)

75. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n God will hold Edom responsible for celebrating evil and even participating in it. (Obadiah 1:11-16)

76. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Obadiah 1:11-16 - In the day that you stood on the other side -- In the day that strangers carried captive his forces, When foreigners entered his gates And cast lots for Jerusalem -- Even you were as one of them.

77. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n 12 But you should not have gazed on the day of your brother In the day of his captivity; Nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah In the day of their destruction; Nor should you have spoken proudly In the day of distress.

78. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n 13 You should not have entered the gate of My people In the day of their calamity. Indeed, you should not have gazed on their affliction In the day of their calamity, Nor laid hands on their substance In the day of their calamity. 14 You should not have stood at the crossroads To cut off those among them who escaped; Nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained In the day of distress.

79. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n 15 " For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head. 16 For as you drank on my holy mountain, So shall all the nations drink continually; Yes, they shall drink, and swallow, And they shall be as though they had never been.

80. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n We must always be a people of mercy and never should we rejoice in evil.

81. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n God will hold us accountable for our attitudes and our actions!

82. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Questions to Consider:

83. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Questions to Consider: n 1. How do we know that God is involved in every nation?

84. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Questions to Consider: n 1. How do we know that God is involved in every nation? n 2. Discuss how God brought Nineveh to repentance?

85. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n Questions to Consider: n 1. How do we know that God is involved in every nation? n 2. Discuss how God brought Nineveh to repentance? n 3. How can national pride destroy a nation?

86. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n 4. List some characteristics of the wrath of God.

87. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n 4. List some characteristics of the wrath of God. n 5. What does God think about lost people who have no guidance?

88. God’s Judgment on Edom by Obadiah n 4. List some characteristics of the wrath of God. n 5. What does God think about lost people who have no guidance? n 6. How can we be guilty of celebrating over evil to another?