Sermon Tone Analysis

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Introduction

In American culture the time of year that is upon us causes us to pause and remember our blessings.

It is a time of family gatherings, football games (losses many times for us LIons fans) and wonderful memories.

Most of us have lived in this country for our entire life and although we may not feel “wealthy”, we are beyond blessed.

If we were to take a survey of the entire globe we would quickly realize the standard of living and the freedoms we enjoy are unmatched.

They are unique to our geographic location as well as our historic position.

Of course these circumstances could change and in many ways they are changing.

The America that once was is in many ways, no longer.

Transition

The main focal point of the message this morning is not the decline of our country and it’s values, values that were once centered on the Bible; The theme of the message this morning is…regardless of the decline in our circumstances we have much to be thankful for.

God has and is good… all the time!

Thankfulness is not just a theme of the season, it’s a common theme in all of the Bible.

The Psalmist reminds us “it is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD...” certainly he is worthy of our thanks.

Transition

I. We need to thank Him for his Salvation

It seems so basic that we don’t need to mention our salvation but we would be amiss if we failed to remind ourselves of God’s gift to us in the form of his sacrifice on Calvary.

Countless millions are trusting in religion to save them - baptism, church membership, financial giving

But the truth that Salvation can only be attained through Christ is enough to thank him for all eternity

Salvation is a gift - one cannot earn a gift

Illustration: The zeal of the young lady at the camp fire at Pastor Nail’s home- witnessing to her JW co-worker

II.

We need to thank him for his Sovereignty

We often feel as though things are out of control - but God is always in control

A. He is sovereign in his creation

B. He is sovereign in his control

Illustration - Jeff Bezoz now worth 100B - Man recently asked me if I was worried that certain men had so much money and control.

Acts

“...determined the times before appointed, and the bounds (boundaries) of their habitation...”

III.

We need to thank him for his Supply

God is concerned with our physical, spiritual & emotional needs

A. His supply for our emotional needs

Definition: INFIRMITY, noun inferm'ity.

[Latin infirmitas.]

1.

An unsound or unhealthy state of the body; weakness; feebleness.

Old age is subject to infirmities.

2. Weakness of mind; failing; fault; foible.

B. His supply for our physical needs

Even in the wilderness through the disobedience of Israel- God provide manna from heaven, A cloud by day and fire by night

C. His supply for our spiritual needs

physical provision is not sufficient for the child of God -

When Satan tempted the Lord he pointed to earthly provision - physical means - but the Lord rebuked him

Conclusion

Praise is so important that we are commanded to do it so our children can observe:

Review:

We need to thank him for his Salvation

We need to thank him for his Sovereignty

We need to thank him for his Supply