Resurrection Sunday Message - The Sign of Jonah

Text:  Jonah 1-2 and Various

In Matthew 12:38-40, Jesus said no sign would be given to that generation except to sign of the prophet Jonah. He was in the fish's belly for 3 days and 3 nights. He told those on board ship that he was the problem, and told them to throw him off the ship. He also submitted to being swallowed by the fish. He did not fight either.

Jesus was not crucified as a result of a violent mob. Scripture tells us He gave His life. All through His ministry, they tried to kill Him, but couldn't. When the time was right, He submitted to the Father's plan to carry our sins to the cross. Like Jonah, it was 3 days and 3 nights before He arose.

What happened between the cross and the resurrection? In order to understand this, we must know what Hell is and isn't.

1)  Gehenna - (Hebrew He-Hinnon) or valley of Hinnon. Matthew 5:22, 29, 30
2)  Hades - (Hebrew sheol) - transliterated in our Bibles and means the unseen. Rev. 20:13-14
3)  Tartarus - the prison of the fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4)

Contrary to popular opinion, Hell is not the Devil's base of operations. He's never been there. He will be consigned to The Bottomless Pit for 1,000 years during the Millennium and end up in the Lake of Fire. He does not rule Hell.

Where is Hell? It's in the center of the earth (Psalms 63:9, Korah - Numbers 16:33). When people are said to be going to Hell, it's always referred to as going down.

At one time, Hell was separated into two compartments. The unbelievers were in the part where they were tormented, while the righteous dead were in a place called, "Abraham's bosom." Jesus brought the believers to heaven when He arose. Some made a stop and were seen in Jerusalem before moving on. Ephesians 4:7-10 says that Jesus led captivity captive. They were in a place of rest before Jesus' death, waiting for the price to be paid for their sins.

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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 AM. Children's Services also begin at 10:00 AM. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!