25-1130a Transcript

(1:12) Last Thursday was Thanksgiving, and I was challenged with the need of getting a sermon together here at Toledo Road for last Sunday, (1:24) and I wanted to do a Thanksgiving sermon back then, and I would like to do that same sermon today. (1:32) It’s one that I found on the Internet, and I would like to read it to you, (1:39) and I hope that I can read it in the right way so that you can understand what the thoughts are, (1:47) because I thought that it was an excellent thought, an excellent sermon.

(1:51) It’s not mine, and it’s one that I got off the Internet. (1:57) The main thing is, God created the heavens and the earth. (2:00) God is whom we need to put our focus on.

(2:06) It is He in whom we dwell and have our being. (2:11) When we look at the Old Testament, especially Genesis, the first chapter, (2:16) we see the creation of the world, and we see how God on various days creates this and that, (2:26) and when we look at it, we see that He went through the six days of creation before He created man. (2:36) He was creating man for creating the world to sustain man’s life, and He continues to sustain man’s life, (2:45) and that’s what we want to take a look at and to make sure that we reverence God (2:50) and focus our thoughts on pleasing God, revering Him, honoring Him, and lifting Him up in praise.

(3:02) And so the lesson today is Thanksgiving with sacrifice, honoring God beyond words. (3:10) Now the word sacrifice in this particular case does not mean that we’re going to go out and get a cow, (3:17) or a ram, or any other animal and offer it on an altar and sacrifice it to God. (3:23) The sacrifice that He’s talking about is the sacrifice that we put in our time, our energies, and serving God.

(3:35) And that is sacrifice on our part to do what God wants us to do, and to be pleasing to God. (3:43) So I’d like to, I’m going to be reading it, so it’s very, very small print, (3:50) so I’m going to be basically holding it right here like this, and I’m praying that I do this in good service for you all. (4:09) As children of God, we are called to live a life of gratitude.

(4:16) Gratitude is not just a feeling, but a choice. (4:21) It’s a choice to acknowledge God’s goodness, mercy, and grace in our lives. (4:28) In Psalms 116, verses 12 through 14, it is written, quote, (4:33) What shall I bring unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me? (4:38) I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.

(4:44) I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people. (4:50) Quoted from New King James Version. (4:53) This passage reminds us that we are recipients of God’s abundant blessings, (4:59) and it’s only fitting that we respond with thanksgiving.

(5:06) In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our daily struggles (5:12) and forget the One who makes all possible. (5:18) We often find ourselves asking, What can I get from God? (5:22) Instead of, What can I do for God? (5:26) This mindset shift is crucial in understanding the true essence of thanksgiving. (5:34) As beneficiaries of God’s grace, we must recognize that our lives are not our own, (5:41) but a gift from God.

(5:43) Our talents, abilities, resources, and very essence are all gifts from our Heavenly Father. (5:52) The Bible teaches us that gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. (6:01) When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, (6:04) we open ourselves up to experiencing God’s presence and blessings in our lives.

(6:11) Conversely, ingratitude can lead to a shallow and unfulfilling relationship with God. (6:19) As we explore the concept of thanksgiving with sacrifice, (6:24) let us remember that it’s not just about saying thank you, (6:30) but about demonstrating our gratitude through actions that honor God. (6:36) In this message, we will delve into the importance of thanksgiving, (6:42) the role of sacrifice in thanksgiving, and why we must thank God.

(6:47) We will also examine biblical examples of thanksgiving with sacrifice (6:53) and explore how we can apply these principles in our lives. (6:58) By the end of this message, may we have a deeper understanding (7:02) of what it means to honor God with thanksgiving and sacrifice. (7:09) The Essence of Thanksgiving (7:12) Thanksgiving is more than just a feeling or a word.

(7:16) It’s an attitude that reflects our deep appreciation for God’s presence and work in our lives. (7:26) It’s about recognizing God’s hand in all our successes and victories (7:31) and acknowledging that every good gift comes from Him. (7:37) In Deuteronomy, the eighth chapter, Moses reminds us, the Israelites, quote, (7:43) Beware that you don’t forget the Lord your God.

(7:47) You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get well. (7:56) New King James Version. (7:58) This passage highlights the importance of remembering God’s role in our lives, (8:05) especially when we experience prosperity and success.

(8:09) The Key Aspects of Giving (8:12) 1. Acknowledging God’s Goodness (8:18) Thanksgiving involves recognizing God’s goodness and mercy in our lives. (8:23) It’s about acknowledging that God is the source of all our blessings (8:28) and that His love and care for us are unwavering. (8:33) 2. Reflecting (8:35) Thanksgiving also involves reflecting on God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives.

(8:42) As the Bible says, (8:44) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. (8:48) Psalms 103 (8:50) When we take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness, (8:54) we are reminded of His love and care for us. (8:59) 3. Demonstrating Gratitude Through Actions (9:04) True thanksgiving is not just about words.

(9:08) It’s about demonstrating our gratitude through actions. (9:12) This can involve giving thanks to God in prayer, (9:17) sharing our testimony with others, (9:19) or showing kindness to those in need. (9:24) The Role of Sacrifice in Thanksgiving (9:27) Sacrifice is an integral part of thanksgiving.

(9:32) It’s a way of demonstrating our gratitude to God through tangible actions. (9:38) In Psalms 50, verse 14, it is written, (9:42) Offer to God thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High. (9:47) KJV (9:49) This passage highlights the importance of backing up our thanksgiving with actions (9:55) that demonstrate our commitment to God.

(9:59) Examples of Sacrificial Thanksgiving (10:02) 1. Giving Offerings (10:05) Giving offerings is a way of demonstrating our gratitude to God. (10:11) As the Bible says, (10:12) Every man according as he prospers in his heart. (10:16) So let him give, not grudgingly or of necessity.

(10:21) For God loveth a cheerful giver. (10:24) 2 Corinthians 9 (10:27) 2. Giving Time and Talents (10:31) Sacrificing our time and talents to serve God and others (10:36) is another way of demonstrating our gratitude. (10:40) As the Bible says, (10:41) We then who are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak (10:47) and not to please ourselves.

(10:50) Romans 15 (10:51) 3. Giving Financially (10:55) Giving financially to support God’s work (10:58) is a form of sacrificial thanksgiving. (11:02) As the Bible says, (11:04) Of this I say, (11:06) He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly (11:09) and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (11:14) 2 Corinthians 9 (11:21) The Benefits of Sacrificial Thanksgiving (11:24) 1. Demonstrates Our Love for God (11:29) Sacrificial Thanksgiving demonstrates our love and commitment to God.

(11:35) 2. Brings Joy and Fulfillment (11:38) Sacrificial Thanksgiving can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives (11:44) as we prioritize God’s will and purposes. (11:48) 3. Honors God (11:50) Sacrificial Thanksgiving honors God (11:54) and acknowledges His sovereignty over our lives. (11:59) So why must we thank God? (12:02) We must thank God for several reasons.

(12:04) God is our source. (12:08) Everything we have, every good gift, and every blessing comes from Him. (12:15) As the Bible says, (12:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights.

(12:24) James 1 verse 19 (12:27) Thanking God acknowledges our dependence on Him (12:32) and recognizes His sovereignty over our lives. (12:36) 2. God Made Us and Sustains Us (12:42) God is our creator and He sustains us every day. (12:47) Psalms 100 verse 3 it is written, (12:50) Know ye that the Lord, He is God.

(12:54) It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves. (12:59) We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (13:04) Thanking God for our existence and sacrifices (13:13) demonstrates our appreciation for His love and care.

(13:19) 3. God Blesses Us (13:23) God blesses us in countless ways, (13:26) often beyond what we can imagine or deserve. (13:31) As the Bible says, (13:33) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His benefits. (13:38) Psalms 103 verse 2 (13:40) Thanking God for His blessings (13:43) shows our gratitude for His goodness and mercy towards us.

(13:49) By thanking God we acknowledge His sovereignty and provision in our lives. (13:56) It demonstrates our appreciation for His love and care. (14:01) It shows our gratitude for His blessings and benefits.

(14:06) And it cultivates a deeper relationship with Him. (14:11) In essence, thanking God is not just a duty, (14:16) it’s a privilege. (14:17) It’s an opportunity to express our love, (14:21) appreciation, and gratitude for all that He has done, (14:26) is doing, and will do in our lives.

(14:31) As we reflect upon that, (14:33) let’s reflect upon what negative effects ingratitude brings about. (14:41) Ingratitude can have severe consequences (14:45) on our spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. (14:52) When we fail to acknowledge and appreciate God’s blessings and goodness in our lives, (14:58) we open ourselves up to a range of negative effects, (15:05) such as spiritual consequences, number one.

(15:10) Spiritual consequences are distancing ourselves from God. (15:16) Ingratitude can lead to a distance from God, (15:20) causing us to lose sight of His presence and work in our lives. (15:27) It can also lead to the loss of faith.

(15:30) Ingratitude can weaken our faith, (15:34) making it challenging to trust God, His sovereignty and provision. (15:41) And it also can bring about spiritual stagnation. (15:46) Ingratitude can hinder our spiritual growth, (15:51) causing us to become stagnant in our walk with God.

(15:56) So what are the emotional consequences? (15:58) Emotional consequences are, number one, bitterness and resentment. (16:05) Ingratitude can lead to bitterness and resentment, (16:09) causing us to focus on what we lack rather than what we have. (16:15) Number two, it brings unhappiness and discontentment.

(16:21) Ingratitude can lead to unhappiness and discontentment, (16:28) causing us to feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied with our lives. (16:36) Number three, it brings up stress and anxiety. (16:41) Ingratitude can lead to stress and anxiety, (16:45) causing us to worry about what we don’t have (16:49) rather than trusting God’s provision.

(16:54) Relational consequences come from ingratitude also. (17:00) Strained relationships. (17:02) Ingratitude can strain our relationship with others, (17:06) causing them to feel unappreciated and undervalued.

(17:11) It also brings about lack of trust. (17:15) Ingratitude can lead to a lack of trust, (17:18) causing others to question our sincerity and commitment. (17:25) And it also brings about conflict and division.

(17:29) Ingratitude can lead to conflict and division, (17:35) causing us to become critical and judgmental of others. (17:42) Typical examples are Israelites in the wilderness. (17:45) The Israelites, in gratitude towards God, (17:49) led to their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.

(17:54) The ten lepers were another example. (17:58) The nine lepers who failed to return to thank Jesus (18:02) for healing demonstrated ingratitude, (18:07) highlighting the importance of thankfulness. (18:11) How do we overcome ingratitude? (18:14) We can overcome ingratitude by cultivating a heart of gratitude.

(18:21) Make a conscious effort to focus on the good things in our lives. (18:28) Overcoming gratitude, practice thanksgiving. (18:33) Regularly give thanks to God in prayer (18:37) and express gratitude to others.

(18:41) And also, overcoming gratitude can be reflected on God’s faithfulness. (18:48) Remember God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives. (18:54) By overcoming ingratitude and cultivating a heart of gratitude, (18:59) we can express greater joy, peace, and fulfillment in our lives.

(19:06) So in conclusion, (19:09) thanksgiving with sacrifice is a powerful way to honor God (19:14) and demonstrate our gratitude for his blessings in our lives. (19:20) It’s not just about saying thank you, (19:25) but about backing up our words with tangible actions (19:31) that reflect our commitment to God. (19:35) As we cultivate a heart of gratitude and prioritize sacrificial thanksgiving, (19:42) we often open ourselves up to experiencing God’s presence and blessings in our lives.

(19:51) We have a call to action. (19:55) Call to action and application. (19:59) Let us make a conscious effort to incorporate thanksgiving (20:05) with thanksgiving and sacrifice into our daily lives.

(20:10) Let us prioritize giving thanks to God in prayer, (20:15) sharing our testimony with others, (20:18) and showing kindness to those in need. (20:21) Let us also give sacrificially to support God’s work (20:27) and demonstrate our love and commitment to him. (20:33) So, practical steps to be.

(20:38) Give thanks in prayer. (20:41) Take time each day to give thanks to God in prayer, (20:46) acknowledging his blessings and provision in your life, (20:51) and share your testimony. (20:53) Share your testimony with others, (20:56) highlighting God’s faithfulness and provision in your life, (21:01) and give sacrificially.

(21:04) Give sacrificially to support God’s work, (21:08) demonstrating your love and commitment to him. (21:13) I hope that you got a message out of that like I did when I first gave it to you. (21:20) I wanted to give it to you, too.

(21:23) In thinking about God, (21:26) we know that our relationship with God is in God’s initiation. (21:32) He is the one who reaches out to us. (21:37) He does not desire that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

(21:40) And so he’s initiating the effort to reconcile us to him (21:51) and to bring us into his relationship. (21:54) He wants to adopt us as his children, (21:59) and he wants to bless us. (22:01) He wants us to be with him eternally in heaven.

(22:04) So he’s reaching out to us and providing that sacrifice that is necessary (22:08) to bring us into that relationship with God of being sinless. (22:14) Because in order to be righteous, we have to be sinless. (22:17) And in order to be sinless, that sacrifice does not come from ourselves.

(22:22) We cannot achieve it ourselves. (22:26) It has to be given to us, assigned to us. (22:31) And so he’s giving Jesus the opportunity to die for us.

(22:36) He’s giving Jesus the opportunity to reconcile us to him (22:41) through his sacrifice, his offering for our salvation. (22:45) So he’s asking us to become his disciples. (22:50) So as Jesus was getting ready to ascend into heaven (22:53) and to accept the role of being our high priest, (22:57) he went to his disciples and gave them the encouragement to go into all the world.

(23:03) He wanted them to make disciples of us through him. (23:09) So he’s asking them to go into all the world, teaching them, (23:14) making them disciples of him. (23:16) Either believe what they may, you’ll be saved.

(23:19) Either believe what they may, you shall be baptized for their missions or sins. (23:24) They will be reconciled to me. (23:27) But to extend to anyone that needs to respond, (23:31) faithfully to God’s invitation to become a child of his, (23:36) by being baptized for the remission of your sins, (23:38) to rise to the welcoming of life, recognizing that Jesus is our Savior and our high priest.

(23:46) And if there is anyone here that’s necessary, (23:49) we’d like to extend to you the opportunity to do so. (23:51) Together we stand and sing the song of encouragement. (23:54) God’s one sign.