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FAMILY NEWSNO WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASS: Thanksgiving is Thursday of this week, and we have people out of town and people who have family coming in for the special Thanksgiving day celebration. All of that means that we will not try to have our usual class this Wednesday night. HOLIDAY FLOAT: We have decided not to participate in the community holiday float this year. In our congregational meeting last Sunday it was pointed out that the Gibsons will be out of town, the church van is incapable of pulling the trailer, and many who rode the float are unable to get out, have family issues, or have moved. We also have some profound medical issues among us that make being able to work on the float to prepare it difficult. Hopefully we can do it next year. SUNDAY NIGHT CLASS BEGINS TONIGHT: We have finished our “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” series with John Cooper for now. We may do the class again as a public outreach or a VBS, but for now we will begin a basic study of how we know God does exist. This vital subject has been a ministry of John Clayton for 53 years in public presentations, and will be our subject starting tonight. TODAY'S LESSON
INTRODUCTION — A real Christian celebration
A. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (John read this poem “Happy Thanksgiving.”)
B. Romans 1:21 — a description of our world A property of the “wicked.” C. Gratitude: “A feeling of thankful appreciation for favors or benefits received without payment or obligation. A warm appreciative response to kindness” (Webster).
I. WE ARE TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO PARENTS.
Not just a telegram thank you (for your business).
A. Ephesians 6:1-3 — Not just to young children.
II. WE ARE TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO CHILDREN.
B. What does “honor” mean? Greek word — worship. “Everything I Own” by David Gates. See THE BACK PAGE below.
A. Genesis 37:3-4 — Israel, Joseph and his brothers.
III. WE ARE TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO OUR MATES.
B. Do we look for things to have gratitude about? C. Colossians 3:21 — Children need gratitude. A. What is needed to keep a marriage functional?
IV. WE MUST SHOW APPRECIATION IN THE CHURCH.
B. Ephesians 5:33 — What are our responsibilities? 1. How many times a day do you tell your wife you love her?
2. Reverence = Attitude of deep respect. A. Paul to Phebe in Romans 16:1-3
V. WE MUST SHOW GRATITUDE TO GOD.
B. Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:16-18 C. Acts 28:10 — Church at Melita to Paul D. Class teachers, Zoom workers, song leaders E. Leaders, workers on the physical property F. Preachers — why is there a shortage? A. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — Why does God want this?
Not because his ego is hurting.
B. See THE BACK PAGE below for Ida Smith poem.C. Obedience is a way of expressing gratitude 1. Nothing we do is because God has needs. 2. What does disobedience say? THE BACK PAGEEVERYTHING I OWN by David Gates You sheltered me from harm, kept me warm kept me warm. You gave my life to me, Set me free, set me free. WHAT DO YOU OWE GOD? by Ida G. Smith What do you owe God you ask? Suppose He sent His bill Our sign by the street!
Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website. www.dowagiaccoc.org |