Be Thankful - Remember! Why Do We Do What We Do

Be Thankful

Today we honor those who have fallen in service to America. The gave their lives so that we remain a free nation.

Be thankful by Living a Life of Peace

As members of One Body

Called (summoned) to peace

Be thankful and Let the Gospel (message) dwell (inhabit) richly (great material possessions).

Teach (impart) and Admonish (warn or counsel in terms of behavior).

Wisdom (Rational) in accordance to the peace of Christ!

through, Psalms (Religious nature praising God), hymns , songs from the Spirit (characterized by the Holy Spirit)

Singing to God with gratitude (with thanks, appreciation to God).

Be thankful and Give thanks to the Father

Just Do It!

Whatever you do (4 Greek words transalated) - singular - neutral -

Whether (added in English) in word (Communication) or deed (the cause of action).

Do it all in the name of the Lord

God knows, that we easily forget. In fact, he established a way for us to constantly be reminded of our need to trust him. He chose to remind us through teaching House humility and through exposing our pride.

Where there is prosperity God says forgetfulness will follow. In for 11 a warning is given to us from God not to forget whenever prosperity comps.

Be Thankful

America is a country that has been moving into apathy. It is no longer going in the direction of being a self-serving nation; it has become a self-serving nation. Even when tragedy and violence hit American schools, many people seemed to take it in stride. People pop into the devastation of life from the distance of their living rooms, and then pop out and return to their daily routine.

9/11 – These numbers will forever be stuck in my head. I still remember the pictures of the planes flying repeatedly into the Twin Towers. Although the pictures were real and destruction terrifying, it took most of the day before the significance of the destruction really connected.

American ships were reported to have been moving into position against a wicked and murderous dictator and his men. Even though 911 and Afghanistan were still fresh in my memory, the possibility of war seemed distant.

Sacrifice, how quickly it is forgotten.

Today we are celebrating the Memorial Day. As I did some research, on the original purpose for Memorial Day, I found out that Memorial Day and Labor Day marble can holidays for many people that marked the beginning and the end of the summer holidays in the United States. Traditionally these have become times for celebration and for family outings.

Originally Memorial Day was known as decoration Day. It was a time set aside to honor the nation's civil war dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. During the first celebration of decoration Day General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National cemetery after which 5000 participants help to decorate the graves of more than 20,000 union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

Today Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. It is also customary for the President or Vice President to give a speech honoring the to the contributions of the dead and a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

As a thought of the contrast between celebrating a holiday for the purpose of getting together with family and remembering the men and women who gave their lives for freedom, I reminded once again how it easily we forget. The

Forgetting is not something new to man. In fact, God is not surprised that we do forget so easily. Please turn with me to Deuteronomy Chapter 8% 11 to 90. Here we will find how died responded to our natural inclination to forget.

Memorial Day and Labor Day are bookend holidays, marking the beginning and end of the summer holidays in the United States. These three-day weekends traditionally are times for celebration and family outings.

Memorial Day was not established to be a bookend holiday.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30,1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Why do we forget so easily?

God knows it is in our nature to forget and become proud. is a warning from God to all of us, and a testimony to our natural tendencies to quickly forget. Would you turn there and follow along with me please.

"1Beware that you do not aforget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; 12 otherwise, awhen you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, 14 then your heart will become 1proud and you will aforget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of 2slavery. 15 "He led you through athe great and terrible wilderness, with its bfiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He cbrought water for you out of the rock of flint. 16 "In the wilderness He fed you manna awhich your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might btest you, to do good for you 1in the end. 17 "Otherwise, ayou may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' 18 "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for ait is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 "It shall come about if you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, aI testify against you today that you will surely perish.

A proud heart is a forgetful heart. What did their pride lead them to forget?

How God led them safelyHow He provided waterHow He provided food How He did this so they would be humble and tested for their own good in the end.

What did God want Israel to remember?

Add a picture:

He is the giver of power to make wealthso He may back up (confirm) His covenant with their fathers.

Remember the D.C. shootings. They said this guy will get sloppy. It is in our nature.

Routine sacrifices reminds us of our sin.

For the Law, since it has only aa shadow of bthe good things to come and not the very 1form of things, 2can cnever, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, dmake perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had aconsciousness of sins? 3 But ain 1those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4 For it is aimpossible for the bblood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

It is a shadow of the good things to come. It is can never make perfect those who draw near.Yet, the shadow does have its benefit. The shadow reminds us of our sins.

The Old Testament Levitical System never was intended to save men. Its blood sacrifice paid the price which sin demands and opened the door for the sinner enter into a faith centered relationship with God.

God made a New Covenant that was ratified through the perfect sacrifice.

5 Therefore, awhen He comes into the world, He says, "bSACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT cA BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; 6 aIN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE. 7 "aTHEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN bTHE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'" 8 After saying above, "aSACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND bWHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices cFOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE in them" (which are offered according to the Law), 9 then He 1said, "aBEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second. 10 By 1this will we have been asanctified through bthe offering of cthe body of Jesus Christ donce for all. 11 Every priest stands daily ministering and aoffering time after time the same sacrifices, which bcan never take away sins; 12 but He, having offered one sacrifice afor 1sins bfor all time, cSAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, 13 waiting from that time onward aUNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. 14 For by one offering He has aperfected bfor all time those who are 1sanctified. 15 And athe Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, 16 "aTHIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM," He then says, 17 "aAND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."

God dealt a deathblow to sin and death through the Perfect sacrifice of Christ.

18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. 19 Therefore, brethren, since we ahave confidence to benter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by aa new and living way which He inaugurated for us through bthe veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have aa great priest bover the house of God, 22 let us adraw near with a 1sincere heart in bfull assurance of faith, having our hearts csprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies dwashed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the aconfession of our bhope without wavering, for cHe who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how ato stimulate one another to love and bgood deeds, 25 not forsaking our own aassembling together, as is the habit of some, but bencouraging one another; and all the more as you see cthe day drawing near.

You and I are a living memorial to God through Christ. Sin is constantly a part of us. If I were to ask who here is not proud, the minute they raised their hand the would condemn themselves.

19 And when He had taken some bread and agiven thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is apoured out for you is the bnew covenant in My blood.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death auntil He comes.

How quickly we forget the significance of sacrifice.

The problem of forgetting is rooted in pride

We forget because we are proud

God wants to humble us for our good

Sacrifice is a constant reminder of our sin

God uses sin to remind us of Him

God’s perfect sacrifice gives us a new sinless life

Paid for sin

Power to save

Live a new life

The many sacrifices that surround us are reminders of our pride and sin against God. He has provided us with the perfect sacrifice, a sacrifice that removes the consequence of sin and freely gives us eternal life. Sacrifice will always be around as long as there is sin and pride, but it doesn’t have to be wasted. It can remind us of our need for God, how depraved we are, and how we are called to live the new life in Christ. Be Thankful

Colossians 3:15–17 NIV

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-

There is a theme and a command!

Command: Do it all the name of the Lord Jesus

Command: Do it all the name of the Lord Jesus

Topic: Whatever you do, whether in word and deed

Topic: Whatever you do, whether in word and deed

- Let Peace Rule!

Be thankful by letting the peace of Christ Rule

We are to be thankful ss members of One Body

Thankfulness calls (summoned) us to peace!

Live a Life of Peace

Colossians 3:15 NIV

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

- Let Peace Rule!

Be thankful by letting the peace of Christ Rule

We are to be thankful ss members of One Body

Thankfulness calls (summoned) us to peace!

The world longs for peace! Even those who are waging war are motivated by some level of peace. Whether it’s freedom from tyranny or dominating others the peace is involved.

However, the peace we long for can only come through Christ. We are mandated as believers to “Let the peace of Christ rule)

The Peace of Christ is tranquility ⇔ peace n. — the absence of mental stress or anxiety; especially that results from a proper recognition of salvation’s worth.

tranquility ⇔ peace n. — the absence of mental stress or anxiety; especially that results from a proper recognition of salvation’s worth.

Rule or to Govern: to factor decisively v. — to be the factor determining an outcome (as if arbitrating).

The peace of Christ is

Some don’t know the way of peace!

- “ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.”

Salvation gives us the capacity for peace

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (, NIV)

The mind governed by the Spirit

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (, NIV)

Kingdom life is defined by PEACE

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (, NIV)

The peace found in Christ Jesus is to be our motivation

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (, NIV)

Peace is a fruit of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” (, NIV)

God’s Peace provided protection

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (, NIV)

Reconciliation and peace are united

“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (, NIV)

Peace is connected to having a pure heart

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (, NIV)

Called to have peace as a member of one body!

Be thankful

This is a command - be grateful - this comes from a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.

Let the Message (Gospel) Dwell Richly

Colossians 3:17 NIV

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Colossians 3:16 NIV

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Be thankful and Let the Gospel (message) dwell (inhabit) richly (great material possessions).

Teach (impart) and Admonish (warn or counsel in terms of behavior).

Ending

Wisdom (Rational) in accordance to the peace of Christ!

through, Psalms (Religious nature praising God), hymns , songs from the Spirit (characterized by the Holy Spirit)

Singing to God with gratitude (with thanks, appreciation to God).

The Message: gospel ⇔ word n. — the content of what is preached about the good news of Jesus’ way of salvation (or the impending divine dominion and its king, Jesus).

to dwell v. — to inhabit or live in; be an inhabitant of.

Richly (Distinctly)

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (, NIV)

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (, NIV)

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,” (, NIV)

“the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel” (, NIV)

Give Thanks to the Father

Colossians 3:17 NIV

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians

Be thankful and Give thanks to the Father

Whatever you do (4 Greek words transalated) - singular - neutral -

Whether (added in English) in word (Communication) or deed (the cause of action).

Do it all in the name of the Lord

Whatever

Whether

Do it in the Name

Name = nature ⇔ name n. — a person’s attributes, nature, and very self understood as summarily comprehended in the person’s name.

nature ⇔ name n. — a person’s attributes, nature, and very self understood as summarily comprehended in the person’s name.

Ending

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 thess 5:23