Date: 11/20/22

Sermon Title: Always give thanks for everything to God

Context: Ephesians 5:19-20

(Ep 5:19) Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

(Ep 5:20) Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Preaching Note  

Today is Thanksgiving. Give thanks to the Lord. Today’s scripture, Ephesian delivers the meaning of gratitude. Paul says, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” This is the reason why we gather at church. At church, we praise the Lord and pray for each other, together.

Two years ago, because of the pandemic, we could not gather at church. Although the pandemic is not over yet, today, we are here together to give thanks to the Lord. This time and this moment are so grateful. God helps people from challenges, like pandemics. In the history of the world which is written by the Bible, people gave thanks to the Lord, while overcoming the challenge.  

When Puritans came to America, while overcoming challenges with the help of Native Americans, they thanked the Lord. According to Deuteronomy, when the Israelites were in the wilderness, they gave thanks to the Lord, after harvest. Also, God has commanded people to be with one another. If marginalized people are around you, please invite them and welcome them.

Today’s Thanksgiving, there is one more message for us. In verse 20, Paul says “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Not giving thanks. Always, always giving thanks to the Lord. Always giving thanks is not easy. As a human, sometimes, we feel anxiety, anger, and disappointment. However, beyond human identity, we have the identity of Christians. As Christians, with faith, if we overcome challenges that occur in disappointment, we can always give thanks to the Lord, every day. This is a believer, who has sincere faith.

God knows which is a sincere heart, or not. Through today’s Thanksgiving worship service, God is receiving our sincere hearts for giving thanks. While receiving our hearts, God is enjoying this moment. Let us give thanks to the Lord. Let us share gratitude. Like the teaching of Paul, let us think about the meaning of always giving thanks, not giving thanks. If there is disappointment and sadness in your heart, let us fill each other's hearts with gratitude. This is the reason why we should gather. Through each other's gratitude, I hope you have a bountiful thanksgiving week.