Thanks be to God

November 23

Pastor Bob Roberts

I. THANKSGIVING DAY elicits introspection. Governor Bradford had decreed 3 days feasting and celebration which assured the pilgrims a better winter than their first in New England. Nearly half of the colony had died in those first dreadfully cold months in Massachusetts.

The rigors of the winter had now been displaced by the pleasant days of spring and summer. Recognition of divine care and rejoicing for the change of circumstances motivated a public manifestation of festivity and thanksgiving.

A. Our meeting today recalls that feast and has purpose of praising God for His goodness to us.

B. This is right. Common sense and Scripture urge us to acknowledge Him as the giver of every good and perfect gift. ( James 1:17) Ephesians 5:20.

II. GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THINGS

A. He gives us life and breath and all things. Acts 17:25.

1. Life- my trip to Honduras. (Pastor Roberts related his story of flying a small plane in the Honduras, getting lost while flying at night and landing in an adjacent country. He told how miraculously the airport runway lights were turned on so he could see to land safely.

2. Breath- asthmatics, heart patients- victims of cave-ins.

3. All things.

a. Our heritage as a free people.

b. Our heritage as a generous people.

1) Food crises. Private charities as well as governmental agencies have poured literally millions of dollars into needy areas. However, while great numbers of people have suffered abroad, we have enjoyed relative plenty. And now Newsweek reports- “By the most conservative estimates, at least 460 million people are threatened with starvation. Ten million will probably die this year – most of them children under 5 years old.”

2) Isolation is impossible. Thanks to God must be demonstrated.

c. Our heritage as a law-abiding people. Disgraces in high places – people are being called to order- Hansi & the Russian soldiers – American soldiers.

d. Our heritage as a religious people. Jesus’ name is known by all.

III. THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT

2 Corinthians 9:15.

A. We are saved by hope. Romans 8:24.

B. The world at large is without hope.