The Attitude Of Gratitude
ORGAN PRELUDE Ps 100:4 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name."
ANNOUNCEMENTS Next Sunday bring bells to call one another to a time of Advent waiting that is filled with anticipation. These bells will help us to remember to wait with confident hope in Christ, even when it is difficult.
CALL TO WORSHIP
* HYMN # 542 We Plow the Fields and Scatter
*INVOCATION AND LORD'S PRAYER O God, You alone are the creator and sustainer of the universe, and we are so grateful You sent us Christ to lead us and deliver us from evil. We praise Your holy name, Lord. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And, forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever.
*GLORIA PATRI
SCRIPTURE READING II Samuel 23: 1-7
In our Reading David is referred to as the "anointed of God," a term generally applied to the prophets, priests and kings of Israel. When those holding these positions were set apart for their service, they were anointed with holy oil, which conferred God's Spirit. Also, when people would prepare for a banquet or special occasion, they would anoint their faces with oil, much like we use make-up and other cosmetics. The oil would make their face shine and cast a healthy glow. Anointing was also symbolic of gladness and celebration. / As I look at the lives of many Christians, they don't appear very anointed. We are the anointed ones of God. Does the Spirit speak through us (v. 2)? Is there a glow on our face and a song in our hearts? //
OFFERING (1 Chr 16:29 NLT) "Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship him. Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor."
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Almighty and everlasting God, free us from all false allegiances, so that we might fall to our knees and confess that Jesus is our Lord, to the glory of God. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our crucified and risen king.
PRAYER O God, in Your divine wisdom You have always known we really are like sheep, each prone to going one's own way without the guidance of those You have sent to shepherd us. We thank You, Lord, for those shepherds and praise you, Lord, for all those called to lead God's people! Lord, often we have been reluctant to accept and follow those You have called into the role of leadership. Too often, our reluctance has resulted in our encountering snares and stumbling blocks You had intended to lead us around had we listened. Forgive us, Lord, and send us anew those You would have us follow into the work of Your kingdom / your wisdom and guidance are blessings to keep us out of trouble. And your presence brings courage and strength to face today's world. Without you, Lord, we would easily be led astray into the traps of evil. Let us rejoice in God's blessing as those who willingly serve.
* HYMN # 319 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
SCRIPTURE TEXT Revelations 1:4-8 NRSV "John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, {5} and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, {6} and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. {7} Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. {8} "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
SERMON The Attitude Of Gratitude
Loving God and others may be the most important decision one will make in life, but cultivating an attitude of gratitude is the best magnet for other worthy qualities one needs in one's earthly life. Let me explain.
I've learned that one cannot have an lasting attitude in one's life and have it in isolation. Why? Because attitudes love to flock together in families. It is true that, in any given week or month, one experiences a kaleidoscope of feelings, emotions, and attitudes, it is also true that one chooses a key attitude to remain in one's life. Once that decision is made, and an attitude takes residence in your life, its kissin' cousins will come to roost with it. Of that, you can be certain.
You can have an attitude was resentment. What comes with it are other unhealthy qualities/stances: 1) a basic mistrust of life; 2) a desire to get even with others; and 3) a commitment to make things work in my favor, for fear they wouldn't otherwise. Once Jesus Christ moves from being an idea to being our personal Lord and Savior, he brings with him into our heart and life the spiritual antonym of resentment, the attitude of gratitude. Gratitude's kissin' cousins include: 1) a basic trust of life, because of one's growing trust in God; 2) death to the desire to get even and its replacement with a desire to understand, in a Christian way, people's behavior and beliefs; and 3) a new and lasting commitment to move from being manipulative of people and events to seeking and discerning God's hidden purpose and gracious will in and through such matters.
All this serves as a healthy and helpful backdrop to the American theme of Thanksgiving. Historically, we know that our "Thanksgiving" roots go back to the year of 1621 when the surviving Pilgrims, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, gave heartfelt thanks to God for a very helpful harvest. They were very convinced that without God's help and the Indians' partnership, they would never have survived. I think this event, unlike other historic American events, speaks of a special kind of victory, not a military one, but an attitudinal one, one of gratitude over bitterness. And, it attributes the victory, not to a heroic human person, but to the living God and His Son Jesus Christ. // The scripture passage on Jesus' healing of the ten lepers reveals that for at least one former leper, the healing event was more than just skin-deep; his heart and life were converted, the chief evidence being his attitude of gratitude expressed to Jesus.
Which do Americans as a whole abound with the most: gratitude or entitlement? I've discovered over the years that genuine, abiding gratitude inspires a spirit and practice of generosity in a person toward others. Americans tend to be generous to themselves and to their immediate families, but they assume they should be on the receiving, not the giving, end of everything and everybody else. We have very little tithing in churches; people give with great calculation more than they give out of great gratitude. /// This scriptural, as well as our historic American, theme of thanksgiving is one we should cherish with a renewed depth of commitment. The Revelation is a letter, written to the seven churches in Asia (not the continent but the Roman province) these churches are named in verse 11--Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Letters delivered to these seven could easily circulate in the surrounding areas and since every letter had to be hand-written, each letter would need to be sent where it would reach the greatest number of people. Another possibility is John's preference for the number seven. It occurs 54 times in Revelation. Seven candle sticks(1:12), seven stars (1:16), seven lamps (4:5), seven seals (5:1), seven horns and seven eyes (5:6), seven thunders (10:3) seven angels, plagues and bowls (15:6,7,8). Seven was regarded as the perfect number because in Jewish thought it stands for completeness. It has been suggested that when John wrote to seven churches, he wrote to the whole church. It is also possible that John chose these seven churches because he had special authority in them. These may have been "HIS" churches, and by speaking to them he sent a message first to those who knew and loved him best, and then through them to every church in every generation.
These seven churches contained typical or representative qualities of both obedience and disobedience that are a constant reminder throughout every age to all churches.
As John writes to the whole church through these seven churches he sends God's grace and peace. Even this greeting is inclusive: using the Greek word (charis)for grace, and the Hebrew word (shalom) for peace.
Many hesitate to witness about their faith in Christ because they don’t feel the change in their lives has been spectacular enough. But you qualify as a witness for Jesus because of what he has done for you, not because of what you have done for him. Christ demonstrated his great love by setting us free from our sins through his death on the cross (“freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us”), guaranteeing us a place in his Kingdom, and making us priests to administer God’s love to others. The fact that the all-powerful God has offered eternal life to you is nothing short of spectacular.
Revelation 1:5-7
Jesus is portrayed as the all-powerful King, victorious in battle, glorious in peace. He is not just a humble earthly teacher, he is the glorious God. When you read John’s description of the vision, keep in mind that his words are not just good advice; they are truth from the King of kings. Don’t just read his words for their interesting and amazing portrayal of the future. Let the truth about Christ penetrate your life, deepen your faith in him, and strengthen your commitment to follow him no matter what the cost.
Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Lord God is the beginning and the end. God the Father is the eternal Lord and Ruler of the past, present, and future (see also 4:8; Isaiah 44:6; 48:12-15). Without him you have nothing that is eternal, nothing that can change your life, nothing that can save you from sin. Is the Lord your reason for living, “the Alpha and the Omega” of your life? Honor the one who is the beginning and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power
Thanksgiving 1997
First Reading: Joel 2:21-27 (Joel 2:21-27 NLT) "Don't be afraid, my people! Be glad now and rejoice because the LORD has done great things. {22} Don't be afraid, you animals of the field! The pastures will soon be green. The trees will again be filled with luscious fruit; fig trees and grapevines will flourish once more. {23} Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the LORD your God! For the rains he sends are an expression of his grace. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. {24} The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil. {25} The LORD says, "I will give you back what you lost to the stripping locusts, the cutting locusts, the swarming locusts, and the hopping locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. {26} Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the LORD your God, who does these miracles for you. {27} Then you will know that I am here among my people of Israel and that I alone am the LORD your God.
Responsive Reading:
Leader: Come, let us give thanks for the wonderful blessings of God!
People: For the Lord provided for our food, the sunshine, and the air.
Leader: The Lord has provided for our families and for our children.
People: The Lord our God is great and wonderful and worthy of our praise.
Leader: Then let our hearts be joined in praise and thanksgiving to God!
O God, You have provided for us in ways far beyond what we deserve and we are so very grateful. Help us to be wise enough to use Your blessings to bring honor to Your Holy Name. we lift our voices in thanksgiving for all that you have given to us:///// Lord, sometimes we consider all the wonderful things You have done in our lives and we begin to think we might even be good enough to deserve Your love. But sometimes we have allowed ourselves to think we have accomplished what we have in our lives by our own efforts and without Your help. Forgive us, Lord, and help us celebrate Your love. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Second Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 NLT "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. {2} Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. {3} This is good and pleases God our Savior, {4} for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. {5} For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. {6} He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time. {7} And I have been chosen--this is the absolute truth--as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles about faith and truth."
Responsive Reading:
Leader: Let us give thanks for the wonderful blessing of Christ our Lord.
People: For we were lost and wandering in sin yet Jesus reclaimed our lives.
Leader: Let us keep praying for the leadership of all the nations of the world.
People: And let us remember also those who lead our communities and churches.
Leader: For God is great and merciful and worthy of our heartfelt praise.
O God, we are so grateful that You walk with those who serve as our leaders and that Christ is our mediator who has taken our sin and washed it as white as snow. / Lord, sometimes as we have grown accustomed to our place in the kingdom of God, we have been tempted to take Your role as the mediator for our sins for granted. Forgive us, O Christ, and help us to remember that in the eyes of God all sin is unacceptable and that without Your mediation we would not be welcome before Your throne. In Christ ...Amen.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:25-33 NLT ""So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? {26} Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. {27} Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. {28} "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, {29} yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. {30} And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! {31} "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. {32} Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, {33} and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."
Responsive Reading:
Leader: Come, let us give thanks for the wonderful love of Christ!
People: For nothing happens in our day of which the Lord is unaware.
Leader: In our goings and our comings the Lord knows our every move.
People: And our needs and our wants are known completely by our Lord.
Leader: Then let us rest assured in the arms of our loving and merciful God.
Almighty and merciful God, only You are able to know all of our needs and wants and those things that are necessary to keep us safe. We thank You, Lord, for this past year of life You have given us./////Lord, so often as we have been confronted with major activities or family developments we have been tempted to lose our faith that You could possibly understand all that is going on in our lives or provide for our needs. Somehow, Lord, we even manage to forget You are the Creator God whose power is totally limitless. Forgive us, Lord, and draw us close to You. In Christ we pray. Amen.
If we do as the Lord says and "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," we will inherit the true treasure and possess everything else that we require as well. If we possess God's kingdom, we have everything. That is the first and foremost reason to give thanks to God.
* HYMN # 35 To God Be the Glory
*BENEDICTION (Rev 1:4-6 NLT) Grace and peace from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come. All praise to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. {6} He has made us his kingdom and his priests who serve before God his Father. Give to him everlasting glory! He rules forever and ever! Amen!"
ORGAN POSTLUDE
Jesus' Ultimate Coming Just as the first coming of Jesus Christ was according to prophecy, so the final coming of Christ is to be by divine promise and prediction. The earliest Christians expected Christ's coming immediately (1 Thess. 4). This must be the expectation of the churches in every age (Rev. 1-3). It was the same Jesus who ascended who will return (Acts 1). His return heralds the end and brings an end to the struggle of good and evil, the battle between the kingdoms of this world which must become the kingdom of our God and of His Christ (Rev. 11:15). In the meanwhile His followers must work to eat (2 Thess. 3). His followers must go and tell; His followers must unite the hope of eschatology and the life of ethics in a fashion that will share the gospel with all the world (Matt. 28:19-20). The time of His final coming is not a Christian's primary concern (Acts 1:5-6). Natural calamities, man-made tragedies, and great suffering will precede His coming (Matt. 13; Matt. 24-25). All of these will find His people faithful, even as He is to His promise--found faithful even as God was to God's promises in sending this Child of promise to the world.
Though differing in form from the "I am" sayings, the references to the one "who is and who was and who is to come" (Rev. 1:4,8; 4:8; compare 11:17; 16:5) are similar in thought. In a context of intense hardship that called into question God's sovereignty, the writer of Revelation reaffirmed Israel's faith in the "I am" who is the subject of history and not its victim.
ALPHA AND OMEGA are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are used in Revelation to describe God or Christ (Rev. 1:8,17; 21:6; 22:13.) "Alpha and omega" refers to God's sovereignty and eternal nature. God and Christ are "the beginning and the end, the first and last." (Rev. 22:13). Thus they control all history and all humans of all generations.
Topic: Sin Subtopic: Exposure of Title: Now White is White?
A minister said that once he had a small white Highland terrier which he kept spotlessly clean by frequent washing, brushing, and powdering. One night a winter storm dropped a fresh blanket of snow on the countryside, and the next morning the whole world seemed to glisten under the splendor of the morning sun. As the clergyman stood gazing out his window, he saw a drab-looking dog walk across the snow. He wondered whose it was -- then suddenly realized it was his own well-groomed terrier! It was as clean as always, but against that dazzling background it appeared dirty.
In much the same way, our corrupt nature is clearly revealed when our lives are measured by the absolute standard of Divine holiness. The Bible says that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." We make a favorable impression when compared with other men, but none of us can stand up against the pure whiteness of the character of Christ. Rev 1:5
Lesson 2: Revelation 1:1-8 he says that those who hear are blessed. God's word has the power to change lives. he states that those who keep God's word are blessed. The real blessing that comes from God's word occurs when we obey it. King of love (v. 5). In the salutation, Jesus is described as "him who loves us." The emphasis is on the present tense. His love is shown by freeing us from our sins. Thus, the present experience of God's love comes from the cross "by his blood." On this "Christ the King" day, we celebrate the King of love. The coming king (v. 7). Though Jesus came to earth in humility, he will come again, cloaked in power and glory. Many people refuse to see or serve the king of love, who reigns from the cross. However, someday ALL eyes will see our king as he comes in power and glory. This will be a glorious sight for those who believe but a fearsome sight for those who have rejected his reign (pierced him). What is truth? (v. 38). Pilate was no idealist. He was into politics, a civil servant of Rome. His reply reveals his cynicism concerning the reality of absolute truth. For Pilate and for millions of contemporary folks, the idea of objective truth is laughable. They believe that truth is invented by those who have the power to do so. There's very much of a contemporary flavor to Pilate's remark: "What is truth?" According to gurus of our age, truth is defined by our own thoughts and feelings. What is truth for you is not necessarily truth for me and vice versa. Jesus' claim that he was born to bear witness to the truth was incomprehensible to Pilate. We are called by Christ to witness to the truth as he did (v. 37), the truth of human sin and God's salvation.