Sermon Notes:

"IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU"

I THESSALONIANS 5:18
THANKSGIVING, 2006

INTRODUCTION
The American day of Thanksgiving is one of prayer & thanks to Almighty God for His blessings: Uberty, Freedom as well as the material blessings we all enjoy as Americans. These are Blessings that come from the Hand of Almighty God. But what does it mean for a Christian to be Thankful?

St. Paul says in our text that we are to rejoice always; pray without ceasing and in everything giVe thanks. He is speaking about our prayer lives reflecting a general
attitude toward life. Our prayer life is to reflect the general attitude of thankfulness.

I. IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS .
The truly thankful heart is one that always give thanks, no matter life's circumstances. Notice that St. Paul does not say "FOR everything give thanks, but IN everything..."

II. WHY SHOULD WE GIVE THANKS?
This is God's will concerning you. The book of Psalms lists dozens of reasons to be thankful and grateful. Giving thanks IN everything means 2 things for us today:
1) We give thanks because God wants us to give thanks.
2) We give thanks because it is God's will for us. God is creating in
us a joyful, rejoicing people. Think about the Blessings of God that you enjoy daily.

III. HOW TO GIVE THANKS
In 3 simple words, Paul says we are give thanks "In Christ Jesus." We must have a personal faith in Jesus Christ in order to be thankful people.

Are you a joyful and thankful Christian tonight? Are you giving thanks. IN all of life's circumstances?