Today's sermon is about blessings and thankfulness. Also, we will conduct a real blessing through marriage vows. With Thanksgiving coming this week, I want to remind us of the blessings for which we need to give thanks every day. Humans are selfish by nature. Psalm 100 tells us to make a joyful shout to the Lord, to serve Him with gladness (not grumbling), to come into His presence singing, to know that the Lord is God, and to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Verse 5 tells us the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth is forever. Marriage can be a blessing when we remember to be thankful for the little things that brought two people together.

Colossians 1:3-5 Pour syrup on waffles and it stays in the little square compartments. Pour syrup on pancakes and it goes all over the pancakes and the plate. Sometimes we live our Christian faith in compartments (kind of like the waffles).

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

We have a problem when we drift away from God (v.13). Just look at the things that are happening in today's world. Abortion, violence, and drugs are everywhere. There is a remedy if we are willing to pay the price (v.14). God's people must respond, remove our pride, and repent. God will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, heal our land, and send revival. When God says "Seek my face" He is offering redemption.

Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus uses the words "salt" and "light" to tell Christ-followers what they need to be for the world. Old sayings like, "Salt of the earth" and "Worth the salt" are words that describe the importance of something. He uses the word "light" to let us know that the world is a dark place and needs the "light of Jesus Christ" to make the world a better place. YOU are the "salt" and JESUS is the light. He is the battery that keeps our light shining! Listen to these words from the Bible and understand how they help you know how to become a better example of the Christian faith.

Matthew 5:10-12 The Persecution and Reward Beatitudes

Why Is Everybody Always Picking On Me? How do we make peace in a world that doesn't accept us? Persecution is a promise for Christians, but it is also a gift. It comes in 3 forms: physical attack, verbal insults, and false accusations. Persecution can bring peace. I will give you several Biblical examples of the peace that we can find through our Christian faith.

Matthew 5:9 Living the Good Life #8

What is Peace? This Beatitude tells us that peacemakers are blessed and are the children of God. Today we discuss what peace is, what types of "peace makers" are in the world, and what steps we can take to be true peace makers. As Christ followers we are called to be peace makers. The Bible is full of references to peace. While it may not be easy, we need to learn how God can help us make peace.

Living the Good Life #7 Matthew 5:8

Continuing with our Beatitudes study, our hearts are purified through faith. We have to cleanse the inside first. Compare yourself to Jesus. In this lesson, we learn five types of purity and nine action steps that we can take to become more pure like Jesus. What is your reward? If you are seeking God with a pure heart, you will see God.

Living the Good Life #6 Matthew 5:7

We are still studying the Beatitudes. Showing mercy can forgive a debt or help the downtrodden, but can mainly give hope to the hopeless. There are four dimensions of mercy; 1) notice the need, 2) emotionally feel the need, 3) make a motion to do something, 4) show devotion the one in need). To receive mercy you must first show mercy. What can you do to show mercy? Remember Jesus, focus on Jesus, ask Jesus to help you, and pray to have the eyes, ears, and heart of Jesus. Can you be quick to show mercy, or do you quickly judge others? Something to think about!

Our sermon today is given by our 78th Homecoming Guest Rev. Joe Carpenter and focuses on Colossians 1:15-23. Jesus is all you need for salvation. Today's sermon gives us 7 attributes of Jesus.

JESUS IS . . . 1) God, 2) Sovereign, 3) Creator, 4) Sustainer, 5) Head of the Church, 6) Lord, and 7) Savior. We were made in God's image. Jesus is God and He laid down His life for us.

Matthew 5:6 What Are You Hungry For?

(Continuing our lessons on the Beatitudes)

When we talk about "daily bread" we are NOT referring to food in our belly. We are talking about the daily bread of God's Word for which our souls should hunger and thirst. A Christ-like lifestyle changes us from the inside out. We no longer seek the praise of others, but rather seek God's approval. While true righteousness can result in persecution, the reward can fill your soul with satisfaction.