Thanksgiving forever
The Rev. Don Barb, special to the Gazette
Friday, November 27, 2009
This is a national time of thanksgiving. Every day all year long is thanksgiving for Christians.
“Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:57)
Let’s begin by asking a question: “Are you a New Testament Christian, or an Old Testament Christian?” Have you ever contrasted the book of Leviticus with the book of Acts? Thank offerings were required in the Old Testament. Is Thanksgiving a day or thank offering? Real thanksgiving is not for a day, or a season, but a matter of daily living.
Laws, commandments and honorable behavior should be the goal of a Christian. This is good, but does not save us. Jesus said, “I am come not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
Therein lies the difference between the old and new dispensations. We can’t fulfill the law, but Jesus does for us.
We can’t even keep the Ten Commandments so the law cannot save us, but Jesus can. Christians talk and act as if our faith is in works of righteousness. It’s no wonder people say, “Why should I be a part of a church when I live better than its members.” Both have missed the point.
The true church is for sinners. It is not our works that make us well, but God’s forgiveness. A Christian trusts that God forgives our sins, and does good works out of gratitude because Christ lives in us. Give thanks by doing good works with the help of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:16 is the beginning of our Christian life: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him need not perish, but has everlasting life.” Thanks be to God.
Our faith is based on Jesus Christ, not on our good works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God — not because of works lest any person should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Grace is God’s free gift that enables the Holy Spirit to lead us in everything we do. The Christian does good works because Christ dwells in him or her.
The difference between Christians living according to the Old Testament is that they trust in their past works, whereas New Testament Christians trust in Christ’s forgiveness today and forever. All thanks be unto God! We thank God with our words and deeds. God has created us for this.
Why not really live thanksgiving? Grace (God’s forgiveness) is a free gift. Will you accept and receive it so you can truly be thankful this season and forever? Thanks be unto God who gives us all things!
• “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from the Rev. Don Barb of Olpe United Methodist Church.