I AM JONAH
Rediscovering God's Grace
in the Story
of the Runaway Prophet
The tale of Jonah is one of the best-known stories of the Bible. But how well do we really know it?
And how should we read it? As a simple children's story? A legend? Just another 'whale of a tale'?
I am Jonah explores this famous biblical story, showing that the book of Jonah is actually a brilliantly written narrative that has been skillfully woven together. As we follow Jonah's story, what we discover is not just a window into Jonah's life, but a mirror into our own. I am Jonah. And so are you. And just like the runaway prophet, we all have much to learn about the grace of God.
ENDORSEMENTS
There is so much of Jonah’s reflection staring back at me as I read this book.
While I may not flee like Jonah did, I have failed to front up with God’s radical grace — too many times.
Brad helps us see the Jonah in all of us. With a solid biblical framework, pastoral sensitively,
and life application, this is a timely word from a timeless book.
Believe me, you will never read the Jonah story in the same way again.
Jonathan Dove, Senior Pastor,
Gracecity Church, Auckland, New Zealand
I’ve been in pastoral ministry for more than 20 years and have preached Jonah twice
and all I can say is, “I wish I had this book sooner!”
I Am Jonah is exceptionally written, digs deeps into the story,
and personalizes the book in a way I haven’t seen before.
This is a must read for anyone approaching the book of Jonah!
Drew Leaver, Lead Pastor,
Northeast Bible Church, San Antonio TX, United States
For a biblical story that is only 4 chapters, Brad opens the narrative up in such a way that one can fully grasp
the cultural context, the motivations of the prophet, and the supernatural descriptions all in one book.
We are invited to self-introspect at the end of every chapter,
and clearly see how we have been like Jonah, and how we can respond positively
to get our attitudes and motivations in line with the will of God and the call of God upon our lives.
Leonard Elisha Skumba, Pastor,
Glad Tidings Fellowship, Harare, Zimbabwe
Brad insightfully shines the spotlight on aspects of Jonah's character
that are perhaps not immediately obvious to the everyday reader.
Once he has us realising how flawed Jonah was, Brad then skilfully shifts the spotlight
onto the parts of our own hearts that also need some work.
Brad's gentle and humble way, though incredibly convicting,
encouraged, inspired, and gently guided me into greater obedience to the Lord.
Jenny Gill, Senior Pastor,
The Street Church, Wellington, New Zealand
If we’re honest, many of us avoid reading the Bible because of the very real fear
that God will use it to confront and change us.
Rather than heeding God’s voice and walking toward him, our natural bent is to run from him.
In I am Jonah Brad serves us by not only highlighting our disposition that, like Jonah’s, is to flee from God,
but he also points us to our gracious God who calls, forgives, and unrelentingly pursues us with grace.
An encouraging and challenging book.
Dr Malcolm Gill, Lead Pastor,
Multicultural Bible Ministry, Sydney, Australia
.
"Most books do a great job speaking to one of these three audiences:
those who long to feel God touch their heart, those who delight when their mind is fully engaged,
and those who hunger for meaningful life-change.
In this book, Brad Carr has done an artful job of weaving together all three of these groups of readers.
I have known Brad for over a decade and have had the honor of sitting under his teaching.
Every time he speaks or writes, he opens the Scriptures with the heart of a pastor and the mind of a scholar.
You can be confident that as you read this book,
God will touch your heart, activate your mind, and transform your life."
From the foreword by Dr. Kevin G. Harney
President and Founder, Organic Outreach International
Senior Pastor, Shoreline Community Church, Monterrey CA
HOW TO ORDER
I Am Jonah is available in either softcover or as an eBook.
The cheapest way to purchase the softcover book
for friends and colleagues in New Zealand is to order directly from us.
The cost from us is NZ$30 plus postage (if applicable).
Just click on the button below to place an order.
Alternatively, both the paperback or eBook can also be purchased immediately
from either Amazon or directly from the publisher, Westbow Press.
Just click on the appropriate button below to be taken directly to their sites.
(Note that for those interested in the purchasing the eBook, the Amazon site is now slightly less expensive).
(For the paperback version, note that the costs on Amazon may be
in US, AUS, or NZ dollars, depending on which Amazon site and currency you have chosen.
The prices on the Westbow site will be in US dollars.
For New Zealand buyers, both Amazon and Westbow can print and ship books from Australia).