Series Summary
The Bible encourages us to give thanks over and over, calling us to be people of gratitude and thanksgiving. This November, we will explore how gratitude deepens our relationship with God and transforms our lives. Each week, we’ll examine Scripture’s call to live in thankfulness, beginning with Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians to "give thanks in all circumstances." From cultivating a habit of gratitude to trusting God’s provision even in times of uncertainty, this series highlights the many ways that thankfulness shifts our perspective. Philippians 4 teaches us to replace worry with prayerful thanksgiving, recognizing God's provision, while Colossians 1 reminds us to give thanks for the greatest gift of all—our salvation.
As we walk through these passages this month, we’ll see how gratitude fuels our worship and service to God and others. Hebrews and Psalms show how entering God’s presence with thanksgiving brings peace and joy into our lives, helping us live with a heart oriented toward God. By the end of this series, we’ll see gratitude not just as a response to blessings but as a powerful foundation for all aspects of our faith. Embracing a thankful heart allows us to experience God’s love, deepen our worship, and live in closer fellowship with Him!
Sermon Summary
To kick off this series, we first turn our attention to Paul’s command to "give thanks in all circumstances," found in 1 Thessalonians 5. Gratitude is more than just a feeling; it's a discipline and a way of living that brings us closer to God. Even in trials, giving thanks redirects our focus from problems to God's provision.
In this first look at gratitude, we are encouraged to practice thankfulness as a reflection of trust in God’s sovereignty, no matter what life brings. The example that provides to others around us can be powerful and transformative!