Sunday, December 13, 2015

ADVENT 2015: Love Revealed

ADVENT 2015 “REVEALED”
December 13, 2015
“Love Revealed”

Reveal - demonstrate.

Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.‬‬

Revealed by giving.

John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.‬‬

Revealed by paying the price.

I John‬ ‭4:9–10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.‬‬

Revealed by sacrifice.

John‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.‬‬

This proves your worth!

Revealed by covering others.

Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV) Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

Colossians‬ ‭2:13–14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.‬‬

Love is revealed in forgiven people.

Luke‬ ‭7:47‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”‬‬

Love is revealed in forgiving people.

Proverbs‬ ‭17:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.‬‬

1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Prodigal son covered by Father

Do I cover or expose?

Intercede or accuse?

Sunday, December 6, 2015

ADVENT 2015: Peace Revealed

ADVENT 2015 "REVEALED"
December 6, 2015
“Peace Revealed”

ADVENT VIDEO

INTRO We live in unsettled times. We have terrorism increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives. There is unrest in communities across this nation and around the world. Divisions between various segments of the population seem to be growing. Our televisions and personal devices are awash with violence. Everyone is longing for peace. Is there an answer? YES!

As believers we have the answer and it is Jesus Christ and Him alone. There will never be peace until He is recognized as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Peace is not a program, a policy, or a preference. It is a Person and His name is The Lord Jesus Christ!

PEACE VIDEO

Angels proclaimed Him on the night Jesus was born.

Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NKJV‬ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

This night had been prophesied hundreds of years before by the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Look again at verse 7. There is a relationship between God’s government and God’s peace; they both will increase together, in parallel. As one increases, the other increases.

Notice that Jesus is seated on the throne. He is ruling. This is prophesied by other prophets also.

Micah‬ ‭5:2‬ ‭NKJV‬ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Jesus came to rule and when He rules, there is peace.

Today the message of the Angels is often disguised with the deluded trappings of humanism. For instance, some would say that the goal of Jesus was to end all war and bring the nations together in some international kumbaya. Let me remind you what Jesus said:

Matthew‬ ‭10:34‬ ‭NKJV‬ Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Luke‬ ‭12:51‬ ‭NKJV‬ Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Jesus did not come to take sides, He came to take over!

Psalms‬ ‭2:1-12‬ ‭NKJV Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ” Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 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. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

To preach the peace of Jesus without the rule of Jesus is a hurtful thing!.

Jeremiah‬ ‭6:14‬ ‭NKJV‬ They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, peace, peace when there is no peace.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Jeremiah‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭NKJV‬ For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, peace, peace when there is no peace.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Ezekiel‬ ‭13:10‬ ‭NKJV‬ Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, peace when there is no peace; and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Isaiah sums this up in two different places in his prophecy.

Isaiah‬ ‭48:22‬ ‭NKJV‬ There is no peace, says the LORD, for the wicked.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Isaiah‬ ‭57:21‬ ‭NKJV‬ There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

In fact, this is exactly what the Angels proclaimed!  Unfortunately, the language of 17th century England may not have translated the Angels in the best way.

Let’s look at it again.

Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NKJV‬ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Greek and English word order is different and sometimes the entire meaning is changed. This is one place. Every contemporary translations changes the word order to match the Greek construction. Listen to the difference.

Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NASB‬‬ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭MSG‬‬ Glory to God in the heavenly heights, peace to all men and women on earth who please him.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Luke‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭AMP‬ Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I am very reluctant to split hairs over translations, but I believe this is important. The peace of God comes to those who make Him the Lord of their life!

Acts 10:36 (NKJV) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

Philippians 4:9 (NKJV) The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Look at Isaiah 9 again.

Isaiah 9:7 (NKJV) Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Notice what Jesus does when he rules:

1. He brings order.
2. He brings stability.
3. He brings good judgment.
4. He brings justice.

If you had those four things in your life, don't you think have more peace in your life?  Think about it: how can you have peace when your life is unruly, when you have no security, when you don’t make good decisions, and your life is marked by unjust living!

Romans‬ ‭14:17‬ ‭NKJV‬ for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Peace is more than a good feeling. The Hebrew word is Shalom. It means completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace. The Greek word means peace, quietness, and rest. Anybody need some of that today?

So how do we get peace? Let me give you some steps.  

1. Realize Jesus came to give you peace.

John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Ephesians 2:14 (NKJV) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

Ephesians 2:17 (NKJV) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

Colossians 1:20 (NKJV) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

2. Make Jesus the Lord of your life.

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Ephesians‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Roman Road

3. Let Jesus speak peace to every area of your life by submitting to His rule in your life.

World: John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Circumstances: Mark‬ ‭4:39‬ ‭NKJV‬ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Fear: Luke‬ ‭24:36‬ ‭NKJV‬ Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Doubt: John‬ ‭20:26‬ ‭NKJV‬ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Mind: Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Worry; Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Heart: Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Body: Mark‬ ‭5:34‬ ‭NKJV‬ And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Where there is no peace, Jesus is not ruling!

Want peace in your life? Let Jesus rule!

Want peace in your home… marriage… children…  job…?

4. Be a peacemaker.

Matthew‬ ‭5:9‬ ‭NKJV‬ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

John‬ ‭20:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

James‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NKJV‬ Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

You see brothers and sisters, there is coming a day when all will be peaceful. Listen to the prophet Micah:

Micah‬ ‭4:1-5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion (the Church) the law shall go forth, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, And rebuke strong nations afar off; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore. But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken. For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the LORD our God Forever and ever.‬‬


BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

Romans‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭NKJV‬ And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

II Thessalonians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬


Twila Paris: Prince Of Peace

There is no hope for a world that denies you
Firmly believing a lie
Hiding their hearts while their minds analyze you,
Cleverly choosing to die

Maker of all, we kneel interceding
Fighting for your will
Father of light
Your children are pleading still

Chorus:
Prince of Peace, come and reign
Set Your feet on the mountaintop again
Take Your throne, Rightful Lord
Prince of Peace, come and reign forevermore

There is no peace for a new generation
Living and growing in fear
There is no home in a Godless nation
Take your authority here

Maker of all, we kneel interceding
Fighting for Your will
Father of light
Your children are pleading still

Chorus:
Prince of Peace, come and reign
Set Your feet on the mountaintop again
Take Your throne, Rightful Lord
Prince of Peace, come and reign forevermore

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done

Chorus:
Prince of Peace, come and reign
Set Your feet on the mountaintop again
Take Your throne, Rightful Lord
Prince of Peace, come and reign forevermore

Prince of Peace, come and reign forevermore

Sunday, November 29, 2015

ADVENT 2015: Hope Revealed

ADVENT 2015
November 29, 2015
“Hope Revealed”


ADVENT WORSHIP VIDEO

Advent is about anticipation and preparation. Israel anticipated His coming and prepared for it. The Church anticipates His Second Coming and prepares for it.

The First Advent was prophesied for hundreds of years. The Second Advent has been prophesied for hundreds of years.

The First Advent spoke hope of a light coming into a dark and oppressive world. The Second Advent speaks hope of a light that will conquer all darkness as the  King takes His Throne!

The Advent speaks hope of deliverance from oppression and bondage. As Jesus came as light to the world, may he come to you personally as the light of life to deliver you from any darkness or bondage or disease or addiction or bitterness! Reach out to Him. Anticipate His moving; prepare for His deliverance. God will come and make a way!

The first Sunday of Advent is about hope.

HOPE VIDEO

Our theme this year is “Revealed”. Today: “Hope Revealed”

Man can live 40 days without food, 4 days without water, 4 minutes without air, but cannot live 4 seconds without hope.

Hope is so powerful because it allows us to endure the suffering of the present moment.

Romans 8:18–21 (NKJV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Hope is such a powerful thing that repressive governments all try to do away with religion to take away their hope!  Marx called it the 'opium of the people'!  As long as people had hope they would not revolt; they would persevere under the circumstances looking forward to the future life in heaven!

Romans 8:24-25 NASB For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

The Bible talks about many different types of hope: living hope, blessed hope, good hope, better hope, sure and steadfast hope, one of the three great virtues, hope of glory.

Israel always hoped for the coming of the Messiah, the Deliverer, the Redeemer.

The hope was seen in Abraham... in Moses... in the Judges... in the Kings... in Ezra and Nehemiah...

They were still looking for Him when Jesus came...

Luke 2:25-32 NKJV And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Luke 2:36-38 NKJV Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 24:21a NKJV But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.

Israel had a hope but the Gentiles had no hope.

Ephesians 2:12 (NKJV) that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Some of you feel that way today: no hope, God doesn't see, or worse, He doesn't care!

Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near?

Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

Ephesians 2:13 NKJV But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye” to the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—is it anything to Him? Does He see?

Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

Romans 15:12–13 (NKJV) And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The cornerstone of hope is faith!

Hebrews 11:1 NASB Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith gives expression to hope.

Romans 4:18,21 NKJV who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”... and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
Hebrews 6:17-20 NKJV Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Our hope is a trident anchor that is steadfast and sure!

In times like these you need a Savior; in times like these you need an anchor; be very sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus,
Yes, He's the One;
This Rock is Jesus,
The only One!
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

Lamentations 3:20-26 NKJV My soul still remembers And bows down within me. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.

ACTION POINTS

1.  Don’t give up your hope!

1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV) Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

2.  Help others find hope

Romans 5:5 NKJV Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

3.  Focus on the future hope

Titus 2:13 (NKJV) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,


INVITATION SONG





Sunday, November 22, 2015

FOR THIS REASON

FOR THIS REASON
Thanksgiving Sunday, November 22, 2015

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) For this reason we also thank God without ceasing,

Paul is thanking God for the way the people at Thessalonica had received the Word.  I also am thankful for the way you have received the words that I have shared with you over these past 13 years.  Let’s take a few moments today and just be thankful.

Thankfulness — “attitude of gratitude” for the blessings we have received.

A. Thankfulness is:

1.  A Path to His Presence - Psalm 95:2 (NKJV) Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Psalm 100:4 (NKJV) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

2.  Spiritual Sacrifice - Psalm 116:17 (NKJV) I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

3.  Without Ceasing - Ephesians 1:16 (NKJV) I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayer

4.  In Christ’s Name - Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV) giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5.  Spontaneous - Philippians 1:3 (NKJV) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

6.  A Path to Peace - Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

7.  God’s Will - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

8.  Duty - 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

B. We thank God for:

1.  Goodness and Mercy - Psalm 107:1 (NKJV) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

2. His Works - Psalm 107:8 (NKJV) Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

3.  Wisdom - Daniel 2:23 (NKJV) “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”

4.  Food - 1 Timothy 4:4 (NKJV) For every creature of God is good (for food), and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

5.  Answered Prayer - John 11:41 (NKJV) Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

6.  Lord’s Supper - 1 Corinthians 11:24 (NKJV) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

7.  Victory - 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

8.  Salvation - 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

9.  Converts - 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NKJV) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

C.  We show thankfulness:

By praise and worship - Psalm 147:7 (NKJV) Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,

On Earth - Luke 17:12–19 (NKJV) Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

In Heaven - Revelation 7:11–12 (NKJV) All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

D. We practice thankfulness by:

Psalm 140:13 (NKJV) Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.

1.  Who do we thank?                      God    
2.  When do we thank?                    Always     
3.  Where do we thank?                   Everywhere, in everything     
4.  How do we thank?                      Without ceasing     
5.  Why do we thank?                      Because…  


This is where you come in. Our ushers are going to pass out sticky notes and pens. I want you to write down the one thing you are the most grateful for this past year. After you are finished we are going to all go to the foyer and stick them all over the windows! Then I want you all to take some time and just go around and look at all the things your brothers and sisters are thankful for. May this encourage and motivate us all!