10/5/14
The Key to Overflowing Gratitude
Psalm 103:1-5, Ephesians 2:8
As believers, Our gratitude should overflow because of the benefits we receive as children of God (Psalm 103:1-2). As a matter of fact, a thankful heart is a defining characteristic of a Godly person because it’s an expression of his indwelling Spirit. In the old testament, our Lord desired gratitude from his people. They didn’t have the written Word, so he used a sacrificial system of Worship to teach them that he was the Holy, Sovereign God and was the source of every good and perfect thing. They learned to express their gratitude by bringing him offerings.
The Key to Overflowing Gratitude
Our thanksgiving begins when we acknowledge that Christ and Christ alone is the Source of our salvation. He chose each one before the foundation of the World (Ephesians 1:4). The faith we have came from him-to believe in him. At the moment we accepted him as Savior, he began to develop the qualities that produce Grateful hearts.
Paul teaches us that we should be thankful because:
We have sealed relationships; The moment we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, We are Sealed unto the day of redemption.
We can Walk with Him; As believers we enter into dynamic relationships with JESUS and continue to grow in Christ likeness.
We are being built up in Him; Salvation is the foundation of the Christian life, but we have the responsibility to build upon it by Studying (II Timothy 2:15).
We can be established in Our Faith; In a world of false religions and teachings we can be grounded in truth of Our faith and recognize deception.
Rev. Jack L. Reed, Pastor