Revival Through Mercy: Embracing Second Chances
Summary
God is moving in California, and there’s a sense that what many have called a spiritually “dead” place is actually on the verge of a great awakening. The story of Jonah is a powerful reminder that God delights in giving second chances—not just to individuals, but to entire cities and nations. Jonah’s journey shows that even when we run from God, He pursues us with relentless love, prepares a way back for us, and is always ready to hear our prayers, no matter how far we’ve fallen. The heart of God is mercy, not wrath, and He longs for everyone to know Him, not just a select few.
Just as Jonah was sent to Nineveh—a city considered beyond hope—God is calling His people to believe for revival in places others have written off. The “ripeness” of a city or nation for revival isn’t about outward circumstances, but about hearts becoming soft and open to God. When God gets a person right, He can get a city right, and when a city receives God’s word, transformation follows. The story of Jonah also reveals that God uses imperfect, even reluctant, people to bring about His purposes. Jonah’s testimony was only three days old, yet God used him to turn an entire city to repentance.
Water baptism is highlighted as a significant act of obedience and public declaration—a moment when God often does something in hearts that can’t happen anywhere else. It’s not just a tradition, but a spiritual milestone that can break chains and ignite revival in families and communities. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those willing to surrender and say yes to Him, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly.
No matter where you find yourself—running from God, at the bottom, or at the top of your game—God is always one prayer away. He prepares, pursues, and empowers, and He delights in showing mercy. The invitation is open: stop running, start praying, and step into the new chapter God has for you. Revival starts with a surrendered heart, and God is ready to do the impossible in and through anyone who will say yes.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Mercy Outruns Our Rebellion
No matter how far we run or how many wrong turns we take, God’s mercy has more stamina than our rebellion. Jonah’s story is proof that God will pursue us into the depths, not to punish, but to restore and bring us back to our purpose. His patience is not approval of our choices, but an invitation to return and experience His grace. There is no pit so deep that God’s love cannot reach and redeem. [01:06:49]
- God Prepares a Way Before We Even Fail
Before Jonah ever said “no,” God had already prepared a fish to bring him back. God’s foreknowledge doesn’t override our free will, but it does mean He’s always ready with a path to restoration, even before we realize we need it. Our worst decisions don’t catch God off guard; He’s already woven redemption into the story, waiting for our surrender. This is the hope that anchors us, even in our lowest moments. [01:08:45]
- Revival Begins with Softened Hearts
The “ripeness” for revival isn’t about perfect conditions, but about hearts that are soft and open to God. Just as an avocado is only good when it’s soft, so too are people and cities ready for God when their hearts are tender. Hardness—whether from pain, pride, or disappointment—can keep us from God’s best, but when we allow Him to soften us, we become fertile ground for His move. Revival starts with one heart, then spreads to families, cities, and nations. [01:01:51]
- God Delights in Mercy, Not Punishment
Jonah was angry because he knew God would forgive even the most wicked if they turned to Him. God’s default posture is mercy—He delights in not giving us what we deserve, but in offering grace and a new beginning. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof that our debt is paid in full, and that God’s heart is always to restore, not to condemn. Embracing this truth changes how we see ourselves and others, fueling compassion and hope. [01:12:22]
- Obedience Unlocks Miracles and Influence
Jonah’s reluctant obedience still led to the greatest revival in the Old Testament. God doesn’t require perfection, but a willing heart that says yes, even when it’s hard. Water baptism is one act of obedience that often unlocks breakthrough and new authority—not just for the individual, but for their entire household. When we surrender to God’s leading, He empowers us to carry a message that can turn cities and nations back to Him. [01:20:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[35:25] - God’s Move in California
[36:52] - The Power of Water Baptism
[42:41] - Vision for Baptize America
[44:50] - Hearing God’s Voice
[46:42] - Words of Knowledge and Healing
[49:30] - Church Shouldn’t Be Boring
[50:54] - Introduction to Jonah
[52:19] - Grace, Race, and Mission
[54:48] - Nineveh’s Radical Repentance
[57:40] - The God of the Second Chance
[59:44] - The Ripe Moment for Revival
[01:01:51] - Softened Hearts and Awakening
[01:06:49] - Downward Spiral of Disobedience
[01:08:45] - God Prepares a Way Back
[01:12:22] - God Delights in Mercy
[01:14:37] - No Place Too Low for God’s Grace
[01:19:18] - Stop Running, Start Surrendering
[01:20:03] - The Power of Baptism and Obedience
[01:21:56] - Miracles, Healing, and Surrender
[01:28:10] - Closing Blessing and Prophetic Words
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The God of the Second Chance (Jonah & Revival)
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### Bible Reading
- Jonah 3:1–10
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them... (read the full passage for context)
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### Observation Questions
1. What was Jonah’s message to the people of Nineveh, and how did they respond? (Jonah 3:4–5)
2. According to the sermon, what was unique about the city of Nineveh and its response to Jonah’s preaching? [54:48]
3. How did God respond to the repentance of Nineveh, and what does this reveal about His character? (Jonah 3:10)
4. In the sermon, what reasons did Jonah give for not wanting to go to Nineveh, and how did he feel when God showed mercy to the city? [51:36]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to send Jonah—a reluctant and imperfect prophet—to Nineveh instead of someone more willing or qualified? [01:18:36]
2. The sermon compared Jonah’s journey to a “downward spiral” when he ran from God. What does this suggest about the consequences of ignoring God’s voice in our own lives? [01:06:49]
3. The preacher said, “God’s mercy has more stamina than our rebellion.” What does this mean for people who feel they’ve gone too far or messed up too much? [01:19:18]
4. The sermon highlighted that revival starts with “softened hearts.” What are some signs that a person’s or a community’s heart is becoming soft toward God? [01:01:51]
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### Application Questions
1. The story of Jonah shows that God gives second chances, not just to individuals but to whole cities. Is there an area in your life, family, or community where you need to believe God for a second chance? What would it look like to pray for that? [57:40]
2. Jonah tried to run from God’s calling because it was uncomfortable and costly. Is there something God has been asking you to do that you’ve been avoiding? What’s holding you back, and what would it take to say “yes” to God? [51:36]
3. The sermon used the example of avocados to talk about “ripeness” for revival—how softness, not outward circumstances, is what matters. Is your heart soft or hard toward God right now? What has contributed to that, and how can you invite God to soften your heart? [01:01:51]
4. Water baptism was described as a spiritual milestone that can break chains and ignite revival. If you’ve been baptized, how did that experience impact your faith? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step? [01:20:03]
5. The preacher said, “God is always one prayer away.” When was the last time you reached out to God from a place of need or desperation? What happened, and how did you experience God’s response? [01:14:37]
6. Jonah was upset when God showed mercy to people he didn’t think deserved it. Is there someone in your life you struggle to forgive or believe God could change? How does God’s heart for mercy challenge your perspective? [01:12:22]
7. The sermon emphasized that obedience, even when reluctant, can unlock miracles and influence. What is one small step of obedience you can take this week, even if you don’t feel ready or qualified? [01:20:03]
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Closing Thought:
No matter where you are—running, at the bottom, or at the top—God is inviting you to stop running, start praying, and step into the new chapter He has for you. Revival starts with a surrendered heart. What’s your next “yes” to God?
Devotional
Day 1: God Pursues Us Even When We Run
No matter how far we run or how many wrong turns we take, God’s love relentlessly pursues us. Like Jonah, we may try to escape God’s calling or ignore His voice, but He never gives up on us. Even in our rebellion or brokenness, God orchestrates circumstances to draw us back to Himself, showing that His mercy has more stamina than our resistance. You can run from God, but you can never outrun His love—He is always one prayer away, ready to meet you wherever you are. [01:07:44]
Jonah 1:1-3 (ESV)
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you’ve been running from God’s direction or voice? What would it look like to stop running and surrender that area to Him today?
Day 2: God Prepares a Way Back for Us
Even before we make mistakes or choose the wrong path, God is already preparing a way to bring us back to His purpose. He is not surprised by our failures; instead, He lovingly arranges circumstances, people, and even miracles to guide us home. Just as God prepared a great fish for Jonah, He prepares opportunities for restoration and redemption in our lives, proving that His grace is always ahead of our need. You are never too far gone—God has already made a way for your return. [01:10:39]
Jonah 1:17 (ESV)
And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God made a way for you to come back to Him, even after you made a mistake? How might God be preparing a way for you or someone you love right now?
Day 3: God Delights in Mercy, Not Punishment
God’s heart is to show mercy, not to punish. Even when we or others deserve judgment, God’s desire is to forgive and restore. Jonah struggled with this truth, wanting wrath for Nineveh, but God revealed that He is gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, and He delights in giving second chances to all who turn to Him. [01:12:22]
Jonah 4:1-2 (ESV)
But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”
Reflection: Who in your life do you find it hard to extend mercy to? Ask God to help you see them through His eyes and to delight in showing mercy as He does.
Day 4: Revival Begins with a Softened Heart
When our hearts become soft and responsive to God, revival can break out in our lives, families, and even entire cities. Just as Nineveh responded to Jonah’s message with repentance and faith, God is looking for people who are willing to receive His word and let it transform them. A softened heart is the fertile ground where God’s Spirit moves powerfully, bringing healing, restoration, and awakening. [01:01:51]
Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God inviting you to soften your heart? How can you respond to Him today with openness and faith?
Day 5: Surrender Is the Mark of a True Follower
Belief alone is not enough; true Christianity is marked by surrender to Jesus’ lordship. It’s not just about attending church or agreeing with biblical truths, but about letting Jesus lead every part of your life—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. When you surrender, you open yourself to God’s power, purpose, and the fullness of His Spirit, stepping into the life He has prepared for you. [01:22:45]
Luke 6:46 (ESV)
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
Reflection: What is one specific area where you sense God asking you to surrender more fully to Him? What step can you take today to let Jesus lead in that area?
Quotes
If your life is not good yet, God is not done yet. He'll pull you out of darkness today. I feel like some of you today, your heart's beating out of your chest. You were crying during the music. You would say something like this, there's a good vibe in this room. It's not a good vibe. It's a good God. His name is Jesus. [00:47:48] (18 seconds)
Best part of the story of Jonah is, is it proves that there is nowhere too low that God can't hear you. In chapter two, he prays from the bottom of the ocean, from the inside of a well. Now, you might be in a bad place today, but you are not in the ocean, and you are not in the belly of a well. The God that we serve will hear you at the top, and he'll also hear you cry at the bottom. [01:14:37] (28 seconds)
I actually believe that where sin is, grace abounds even more. And I actually think that we're on the verge of another great awakening. You see, the story of Jonah is about God's word getting a man right. And when God got a man right, he got a city right. And when the city got right, they received the word. And when a region receives God's word, he softens everything. [01:02:25] (26 seconds)
I don't know who you are, but I felt like there's someone running from God today. And you've been running for so long that you're realizing in this moment that you can run from God. You just can't outrun God. His mercy has more stamina than your rebellion. [01:19:18] (16 seconds)
You are one response. You are one word from God. Away from being where God made you to be. That's the best news about Jesus. He's always one prayer away. Some of you, you're closer than you realize. Because God is a God that prepares. [01:11:15] (17 seconds)
Most preachers don't pray for miracles not because God doesn't heal someone. It's because God doesn't heal everyone. But for me, I would rather pray for everybody, even only if one person got healed, than to not pray for anyone at the expense of disappointing somebody. [00:53:54] (16 seconds)
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