Embracing Thankfulness and Generosity in Our Mission
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the spirit of thankfulness and the importance of giving, both in our local community and globally. As we reflect on the Thanksgiving season, it's crucial to remember that gratitude should be a constant in our lives, not just a seasonal sentiment. God has blessed us abundantly, and our response should be one of continuous thanksgiving and generosity. We are reminded of the various ways we can connect and support each other within our church community, whether through filling out a connection card, participating in events, or contributing to our ministries.
We also discussed the significance of our upcoming Chest of Joash Sunday, which is a pivotal moment for our Five Smooth Stones project campaign. This is a time for us to prayerfully consider how we can contribute to the future of our church and its mission. Additionally, we celebrated the successful collection and delivery of aid for hurricane victims in North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of being a giving church.
Our focus then shifted to the global mission field, highlighting the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, which supports over 3,500 missionaries worldwide. We are called to support these missionaries, both financially and through prayer, as they spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Today, instead of a traditional sermon, we dedicated our time to prayer, lifting up our missionaries, our church, and those who are lost and in need of the gospel.
We prayed for boldness and opportunities for our missionaries, asking God to open doors and soften hearts. We also prayed for ourselves, that we might be willing to step out of our comfort zones and share the love of Christ with those around us. As we enter the Advent season, let us be reminded of the hope and light that Jesus brings, and let us be eager to share that with the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Continuous Thankfulness: Gratitude should be a constant in our lives, not just during Thanksgiving. Recognizing God's blessings daily encourages a heart of thankfulness and generosity. This mindset transforms our interactions and relationships, allowing us to reflect God's love to others. [08:17]
2. Generosity as a Lifestyle: Being a giving church means more than occasional donations; it's about cultivating a lifestyle of generosity. When we give, we align ourselves with God's heart, who gave His only Son for us. This act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our spiritual lives. [11:06]
3. Supporting Global Missions: Our support for missionaries is crucial in spreading the gospel worldwide. Through prayer and financial contributions, we enable them to reach those who have never heard of Christ. This partnership in mission work is a vital part of our calling as Christians. [12:32]
4. Prayer as a Powerful Tool: Prayer is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal, allowing us to intercede for others and seek God's guidance. By dedicating time to prayer, we align our hearts with God's will and open ourselves to His transformative power. [16:09]
5. Embracing Our Mission: As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing His love and message with the world. This mission requires us to step out of our comfort zones and see others through God's eyes, recognizing their need for the gospel. [17:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:17] - Thanksgiving Reflections
- [09:46] - Chest of Joash Sunday
- [11:06] - Hurricane Relief Efforts
- [12:32] - Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
- [16:09] - Prayer Emphasis Introduction
- [17:44] - Praying for Missionaries
- [19:54] - Interceding for the Lost
- [20:52] - Boldness in Mission
- [22:55] - Advent Season Begins
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
2. 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some ways mentioned in the sermon that we can express thankfulness in our daily lives? [08:17]
2. How did the church contribute to the hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina, and what does this say about the church's commitment to generosity? [11:06]
3. What is the significance of the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, and how does it support global missions? [12:32]
4. During the prayer emphasis, what specific groups or individuals were the focus of the church's prayers? [16:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does continuous thankfulness, as described in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, transform our interactions and relationships with others?
2. In what ways does the concept of generosity as a lifestyle, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 9:7, align with the sermon’s message about being a giving church? [11:06]
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the church's mission to support global missionaries? [12:32]
4. What role does prayer play in aligning our hearts with God's will, and how can it be a powerful tool in our spiritual lives? [16:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate a practice of thankfulness that goes beyond the Thanksgiving season? [08:17]
2. Think about a time when you gave generously. How did it impact your spiritual life and your relationship with God? [11:06]
3. Identify a missionary or mission project you can support through prayer or financial contributions. How can you make this a regular part of your spiritual practice? [12:32]
4. Consider a situation where you felt uncomfortable sharing your faith. What steps can you take to step out of your comfort zone and share the love of Christ with others? [17:44]
5. How can you use prayer to seek guidance and boldness in your personal mission to share the gospel with those around you? [20:52]
6. As we enter the Advent season, what specific actions can you take to share the hope and light of Jesus with your community? [22:55]
7. Reflect on a person in your life who may be in need of the gospel. What is one practical way you can reach out to them this week? [19:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as a Daily Practice
Gratitude is not just a seasonal sentiment but a daily practice that transforms our lives and relationships. Recognizing God's blessings every day encourages a heart of thankfulness and generosity. This mindset allows us to reflect God's love to others, impacting our interactions and relationships positively. By cultivating a spirit of continuous thankfulness, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His transformative power. [08:17]
"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: Think of three specific blessings you received today. How can you express gratitude for these blessings in a way that impacts someone else’s life?
Day 2: Generosity Beyond Occasional Giving
Generosity is more than just occasional donations; it is a lifestyle that aligns us with God's heart. When we give, we reflect the ultimate act of generosity—God giving His only Son for us. This lifestyle of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our spiritual lives, drawing us closer to God. By embracing generosity as a way of life, we become conduits of God's love and grace in the world. [11:06]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can practice generosity today. How can you give in a way that reflects God’s love and grace?
Day 3: Partnering in Global Missions
Supporting global missions is a crucial part of spreading the gospel worldwide. Through prayer and financial contributions, we enable missionaries to reach those who have never heard of Christ. This partnership in mission work is a vital part of our calling as Christians, allowing us to participate in God's work across the globe. By supporting missionaries, we help fulfill the Great Commission and bring the message of Christ to the ends of the earth. [12:32]
"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how you can support a missionary today, either through prayer or a financial contribution. What specific steps can you take to be more involved in global missions?
Day 4: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to intercede for others and seek God's guidance. By dedicating time to prayer, we align our hearts with God's will and open ourselves to His transformative power. Prayer is not just a ritual but a vital part of our spiritual lives, enabling us to connect with God and seek His direction. Through prayer, we can lift up our missionaries, our church, and those who are lost and in need of the gospel. [16:09]
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to pray for someone in need. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine?
Day 5: Embracing Our Mission
As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing His love and message with the world. This mission requires us to step out of our comfort zones and see others through God's eyes, recognizing their need for the gospel. By embracing our mission, we become vessels of God's love and light, bringing hope to those around us. As we enter the Advent season, let us be reminded of the hope and light that Jesus brings and be eager to share that with the world. [17:44]
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of Christ. How can you step out of your comfort zone to share God’s love with them today?
Quotes
Thankfulness ought to always be flowing out of our hearts. Amen? God has done so much for us, and He's so good to us. We just want to give Him thanks in everything we do. [00:06:56] (10 seconds)
It's good to be able, listen, I'm strong belief that our churches, we need to be giving people. Amen. You say, Pastor, we're always doing this and that and the other. Listen, we understand that you can't do everything. [00:10:53] (12 seconds)
When we give, friends, God just, you know, God blesses because he doesn't want us to just hold on to everything. He wants us to give to others. So we have another opportunity for that. [00:11:11] (11 seconds)
Most gracious heavenly father, Lord, we love you. We thank you for loving us. Lord, when we were not worthy and Lord, I know as, as human beings, that is hard for us to admit, but we are sinners. [00:17:04] (22 seconds)
Yet you sent your son, Jesus to die for us and pay the penalty for our sin on the cross. And so Lord, we are grateful that you, as we could say, the first missionary came to die for us. [00:17:44] (16 seconds)
Lord, I pray that you would impress upon our hearts, Lord, that becoming a Christian is wonderful because we now are going to spend eternity with you, Lord, but you have something more for us. [00:18:16] (12 seconds)
Lord, help us never to forget that. Lord, we lift up those that we come in contact with each and every day. Don't know you. Some whom we do know, our family and friends and neighbors that we maybe know very well or are acquaintances, Lord, but are lost and don't know you as Lord and Savior. [00:19:19] (23 seconds)
Lord, we thank you for calling them out, for sending them. Lord, I pray that you would call out more. To go and share the gospel. Lord, we pray for those who are sharing the gospel as your missionaries all across the world, Lord. [00:20:18] (19 seconds)
Lord, we pray, Lord, I pray, as I was reading this morning, that not that you would necessarily take our missionaries out of harm's way, but that you would give them boldness in harm's way. That you would give them opportunities to share, Lord, that you would put them exactly where they need to be, Lord, to share your gospel with those who need to hear it. [00:21:56] (29 seconds)
Lord, we thank you for that light. We thank you for that hope. We thank you for all you've done for us, Lord. Help us and those who are going forth already, Lord. Lord, to be able to share your word with those who need it. It's in your precious holy name we pray. Amen. [00:22:55] (26 seconds)
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