Embracing Gratitude and Communion: A Thanksgiving Reflection
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of gratitude and communion as we prepare for Thanksgiving. We began by reflecting on the Apostle Paul's words in Colossians, which remind us of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. This sacrifice is the foundation of our thankfulness, as it offers us redemption and life eternal. As we approach Thanksgiving, it's crucial to remember that gratitude should not be confined to a single day but should be a lifestyle rooted in the recognition of God's grace and mercy.
We delved into the sacred act of communion, emphasizing its role as a reminder of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Communion is not merely a ritual; it is an invitation to partake in the feast of God's love and grace. It calls us to remember the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, which were given for our redemption. This act of remembrance is not just about looking back but also about looking forward with hope to Christ's return.
We also discussed the importance of examining our hearts before partaking in communion. This self-examination ensures that we approach the Lord's table with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging the immense cost of our salvation. Communion is a time to unite as a body of believers, celebrating the love and mercy that God has shown us.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let us focus on the foundation of our thankfulness: the risen Savior. In a world that often distracts us with comparisons and entitlements, we are reminded that true gratitude stems from recognizing the grace that God has extended to us. Let us embrace our place at God's table, not because of our worthiness, but because of His gracious invitation.
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude as a Lifestyle: True gratitude is not limited to a single day but is a lifestyle rooted in the recognition of God's grace and mercy. It is a response to the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which offers us redemption and life eternal. [14:11]
- Communion as a Sacred Act: Communion is more than a ritual; it is an invitation to partake in the feast of God's love and grace. It calls us to remember the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, which were given for our redemption. This act of remembrance is both a reflection on the past and a hopeful anticipation of Christ's return. [44:06]
- Self-Examination Before Communion: Before partaking in communion, we must examine our hearts to ensure we approach the Lord's table with reverence and gratitude. This self-examination acknowledges the immense cost of our salvation and prepares us to receive God's grace with a thankful heart. [35:21]
- Embracing Our Place at God's Table: We are invited to God's table not because of our worthiness, but because of His gracious invitation. This invitation calls us to respond with humility, gratitude, and action, embracing the grace that God has extended to us. [52:16]
- Proclaiming the Promises of Christ's Return: Communion is a proclamation of our faith in a risen Savior and a reminder of the hope we have in His return. It is a celebration of the love and mercy that God has shown us, and a call to live with anticipation of the future fulfillment of His promises. [56:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[14:11] - Foundation of Thankfulness
[25:13] - Table of Grace Series
[29:11] - Appetizers of Abundance
[31:59] - Communion Explained
[33:46] - The Last Supper
[35:21] - Self-Examination
[37:43] - Passover and New Covenant
[40:17] - Symbolism of Bread and Wine
[42:40] - Reverence in Communion
[44:06] - Communion as a Sacred Act
[45:29] - Remembering the Sacrifice
[48:35] - Embracing Our Place
[52:16] - Invitation to God's Table
[56:04] - Proclaiming Christ's Return
[59:09] - Preparing for Communion
[01:02:20] - Altar Call and Reflection
[01:10:08] - Anticipation of Christ's Return
[01:21:51] - Closing and Thanksgiving Wishes
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 2:13-15
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Colossians 2:13-15 say about the state of humanity before and after Christ's sacrifice? How does this passage describe the transformation that occurs through Christ? [14:11]
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, what is God's will for us in all circumstances? How does this relate to the theme of gratitude discussed in the sermon? [25:13]
3. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, what instructions does Paul give regarding the Lord's Supper? What are the consequences of partaking in an unworthy manner? [35:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of communion as more than just a ritual? What does it invite believers to remember and anticipate? [44:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of gratitude as a lifestyle, as mentioned in the sermon, challenge the common perception of Thanksgiving as a one-day event? [25:13]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of self-examination before communion? How might this practice impact a believer's relationship with God and others? [35:21]
3. How does the sermon explain the invitation to God's table as an act of grace rather than a reflection of personal worthiness? What implications does this have for how believers view themselves and others? [52:16]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to proclaim the promises of Christ's return through the act of communion? How does this shape the way they live their daily lives? [56:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine beyond the Thanksgiving holiday? What specific practices can help you maintain a thankful heart? [25:13]
2. Before participating in communion, what steps can you take to examine your heart and ensure you approach the Lord's table with reverence and gratitude? How might this practice change your experience of communion? [35:21]
3. Consider the distractions and comparisons in your life that may hinder your gratitude. What practical steps can you take to focus on God's grace and mercy instead of worldly entitlements? [29:11]
4. How can you embrace your place at God's table, recognizing it as a gracious invitation rather than something earned? In what ways can this perspective influence your interactions with others? [52:16]
5. Think about the hope of Christ's return. How can you live in anticipation of this promise, and what actions can you take to proclaim this hope to those around you? [56:04]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with entitlement. How can you shift your mindset to one of gratitude and humility, acknowledging God's grace in that area? [29:11]
7. Reflect on a recent experience where you felt unworthy of God's love. How can the message of communion as a sacred act of grace help you embrace God's invitation to His table? [44:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as a Transformative Lifestyle
Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it is a transformative lifestyle that reshapes our perspective and aligns us with God's grace and mercy. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, emphasizes the power of Christ's sacrifice as the foundation of our thankfulness. This sacrifice offers redemption and eternal life, inviting us to live in a state of perpetual gratitude. As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded that gratitude should not be confined to a single day but should permeate every aspect of our lives. By recognizing the grace and mercy extended to us, we can cultivate a heart of thankfulness that transcends circumstances and reflects the transformative power of Christ's love. [14:11]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to maintain gratitude. How can you intentionally cultivate thankfulness in that area today?
Day 2: Communion as an Invitation to God's Feast
Communion is not merely a ritual; it is a sacred invitation to partake in the feast of God's love and grace. This act of remembrance calls us to reflect on the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, given for our redemption. It is both a reflection on the past and a hopeful anticipation of Christ's return. As we gather at the Lord's table, we are reminded of the immense cost of our salvation and the boundless love that God has shown us. Communion invites us to unite as a body of believers, celebrating the grace that has been extended to us and proclaiming our faith in a risen Savior. [44:06]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: How does participating in communion deepen your understanding of God's love and grace? What steps can you take to approach the Lord's table with a more profound sense of reverence and gratitude?
Day 3: The Heart's Preparation for Communion
Before partaking in communion, it is essential to examine our hearts to ensure we approach the Lord's table with reverence and gratitude. This self-examination acknowledges the immense cost of our salvation and prepares us to receive God's grace with a thankful heart. By reflecting on our thoughts, actions, and attitudes, we can identify areas where we need to seek forgiveness and realign ourselves with God's will. This process of introspection not only deepens our relationship with God but also strengthens our unity as a community of believers, united in our shared faith and commitment to living out the gospel. [35:21]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific attitudes or actions do you need to bring before God in prayer before your next communion? How can you cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude in preparation for this sacred act?
Day 4: Embracing Our Place at God's Table
We are invited to God's table not because of our worthiness, but because of His gracious invitation. This invitation calls us to respond with humility, gratitude, and action, embracing the grace that God has extended to us. In a world that often distracts us with comparisons and entitlements, we are reminded that our place at God's table is a gift, not a right. By embracing this truth, we can live with a sense of purpose and gratitude, recognizing that our worth is found in God's love and grace. This understanding empowers us to extend the same love and grace to others, reflecting the heart of Christ in our interactions and relationships. [52:16]
"Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" (Luke 14:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively embrace your place at God's table in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to extend God's love and grace to those around you?
Day 5: Proclaiming the Promises of Christ's Return
Communion is a proclamation of our faith in a risen Savior and a reminder of the hope we have in His return. It is a celebration of the love and mercy that God has shown us and a call to live with anticipation of the future fulfillment of His promises. As we partake in communion, we are reminded that our faith is not just about looking back at what Christ has done but also looking forward to His return. This hope shapes our lives, encouraging us to live with purpose and urgency, sharing the gospel and embodying the love of Christ in all that we do. [56:04]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live with a greater sense of anticipation for Christ's return? How does this hope influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?
Quotes
"Gratitude will always shape your attitude. When you come in here with the mullet grubs, a complaining heart, upset about everything, with that heart of entitlement that we talked about, can I tell you something? You have already hamstrung your worship." [00:47:13] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Communion is more than a ritual. It is more than just something that we check a box that we have done. It's an invite to partake in the feast of God's love, his grace, and redemption." [00:44:06] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Let our thanksgiving always be centered on Christ, remembering the things that he did in our past with a hope for what he says he is going to do in the future." [01:21:51] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Please don't let excuses keep you from embracing God's grace. Please don't let the excuses of the things that you buy of this world that you need to go see become an excuse to miss out on this great meal." [00:52:16] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Communion helps us remember the sacrifice. When we do this, we are remembering the sacrifice." [00:45:29] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Communion commands us to proclaim the promises of Jesus' return. You remember the story after Jesus' resurrection from the grave? It's one of my favorite stories. I actually preached a series on this called The Seven-Mile Miracle, and it was the seven miles on the road to Emmaus." [00:53:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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