Thanksgiving on SermonAudio

In Matthew 11:25–30, following a statement of judgement, Jesus offers a prayer and a message of comfort. Rev. Bill Fennema preaches a prayer of thanksgiving, Jesus is the only way to the Father, Jesus calls people to come to Him, and choose the kingdom of life.

This sermon introduces a study of 1 Corinthians by highlighting the severe moral and spiritual decay of the Corinthian church, which was situated in a notoriously immoral city. Despite the congregation's numerous failures and divisions, the preacher emphasizes that Paul begins his letter with thanksgiving for God's grace rather than criticism. The central message asserts that believers are sanctified by their position in Christ, not by their perfect behavior, urging Christians to reject a critical spirit. Instead of writing off broken people or churches, believers are called to recognize God's ongoing work and actively participate in His redemptive plan. Ultimately, the sermon challenges the audience to surrender themselves to God's grace, trusting that He can accomplish remarkable things through imperfect vessels.

Please send Correspondence and Contributions to: The Lighthouse, P.O. Box 1317, Baxley, Georgia 31515 or Email us at: [email protected] Lighthouse Radio Bible Study Lesson #2272 Primary Scripture Reference: Isaiah 61:8-11 (KJV) Additional Passages: Isaiah 11:1-4 Isaiah 59:14-15 Hebrews 8:10-12 Isaiah 11:9 Romans 5:6-8 Key Points from the Lesson: How much joy is the right amount? How much praise and thanksgiving is just the right amount to offer God for clothing us in salvation? Do we express conspicuous joy? Do others notice the difference that the work of Christ has made in you?

Since we were guilty law breakers before a holy God, yet redeemed by grace through faith in Christ, we should be thankful, living a life of spirit filled gratitude that informs and motivates all we do.

Pastor Jeff Hollis continued Paul's practical instructions in Colossians by reminding us that a life centered on Christ is marked by both faithful prayer and faithful witness. As we continue steadfastly in prayer with thankful hearts, we are reminded that our strength, perseverance, and hope come from abiding in Jesus—not ourselves. From that place of dependence, we are sent to live wisely among those who do not yet know Christ, speaking with grace, truth, and humility while making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel. Ultimately, the Christian life is one of "breathing in" God's presence through prayer and thanksgiving, then "breathing out" His love through gracious words and faithful witness, trusting that God alone brings about lasting transformation.

We should offer up thanksgiving and prayers for the Saints and churches who are in destress or facing some difficulty. Those threatened with false doctrine or are facing internal troubles because of unruly members. Some, because of some unscriptural prejudices, won't fellowship with other of the saints.

In the opening movements of the Epistle to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul provides a greeting that transcends mere social convention. Galatians 1:3—"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"—functions as a "front-loaded" theological summary of the entire letter. While Paul typically includes lengthy, warm periods of thanksgiving (the eucharistia) in letters such as those to the Philippians or Philemon, he notably omits such pleasantries here. Instead, he adopts a sharp, urgent tone necessitated by a crisis of legalism. In the immediate context of verses 1–2, Paul aggressively defends his apostolic commission, asserting it is "not from men nor through man," but derived from a divine source. This sets the stage for verse 3, which acts as a strategic bridge between Paul's apostolic authority and the sacrificial work of Christ detailed in verse 4. To understand the Galatian controversy, one must first deconstruct the specific components of this programmatic blessing, recognizing that Paul is already defining the gospel before the argument even begins.

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor." Not a coin tossed at a stoplight, but a heart that goes and becomes the answer to somebody's prayer. The Lord remembers that man, delivers him in time of trouble, and will not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

The doctrine of scripture directs the response of the people of God. The church is the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. How we respond to Him is important. The church glorifies the Lord, and also gives a home for believers to live their lives in love and thanksgiving to God. A beautiful community of service.