A Sermon Outlione by Gerald Cowan
1. Thanksgiving
Day is not in the same class as some other religious and
pseudo-religious holidays. But surely nobody
thinks being grateful on one day is enough.
2. A
true gratitude attitude is enhanced by knowledge of our
own history and heritage.
+ Israel learned how to be grateful
to God by remembering their history.
+ We may learn something about
gratitude from the pilgrims. Perhaps we should fast rather
than feast, to enter into their spirit.
3. We
can improve the experience and expression of gratitude.
+ Avoid materialism as the basis for
gratitude.
+ Do not assume material well-being
is evidence of God’s approval.
+ Focusing on the giver and not just
the gift will help us evaluate the gift properly and
receive it properly.
+ What it meant to the giver is more
important than benefit to receivers.
4. Results
of focusing on both the giver and the gift.
+ A sense of obligation – a debt of
gratitude – a desire to reciprocate.
+ The supreme gift of all time was
from God. "For God so loved...that He gave His only
begotten Son."
+ Though Jesus was and is a gift,
the one who agrees to receive him is placed under a great
obligation.
5. Everyone
of us is a debtor.
+ ...To those who prepared the way
and secured for us the freedoms and blessings we now
enjoy.
+ ...To those who work with us now
and are giving to us now.
+ ...To God for His blessings and
gifts, especially for Jesus.
Only when we are grateful and show
it do we have the right to ask for the good things to
continue.
- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola, IL. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com
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