THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: The shepherds and ensemble 12-14-25

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: The shepherds and ensemble 12-14-25

INTRODUCTION

Joseph and Mary and the Christmas story.  Their faithfulness and faith are vital characteristics of the cast of Christmas.

According to a British Paper (Romsey Advertiser):

"Christmas shoppers looking for a bargain should be wary of counterfeit goods which flood the market in the run-up to the festive season," the UK Border Agency has warned.

"Fake Ugg Boots, GHD hair straighteners, iPhones and iPads are among the tens of thousands of counterfeit items that have been seized by officers as they have been brought into the country in recent months."

While some people may unwittingly buy counterfeit gifts, many more people celebrate a counterfeit Christmas, celebrating Jesus’ birthday with little thought of Jesus.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The message of Christmas

I. THE SHEPHERDS

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭20 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭20 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A. Wonder

1. Angels

2. Angel army

3. Angel message

B. Wondering

1. “Let’s go see”

2. “What the Lord has told us about”

C. Witness

1. They hurried off.

2. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby.

D. Witnessing

1. They spread the word about this child.

2.  All who heard it were amazed.

E. Worship

1. They returned glorifying and praising God 

2. “For all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

“This is the Christmas Gospel: Jesus, God in flesh, unrobed Himself from His divine essences to be encumbered in sinless human flesh; so that He might: atone, redeem, reconcile, justify, sanctify and glorify sinful humanity. The gift of eternal life is through faith in Christ. Jesus is our Savior, Redeemer, Sanctifier, Justifier, Glorifier, Lord and God!" 

David Tack, December 14, 2010.

II. SIMEON

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A. A promise kept - Simeon sees the Christ child.

B. A blessing given - Simeon blessed them.

C. A prophecy proclaimed - Simeon shares with Jesus’ mother.

1. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel”

2. “and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed”

3. “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

A British businessman is credited with creating the Christmas card in 1843 — as a way to save time. Too busy to write a personal holiday greeting, Henry Cole hired a well-known London artist to design a card he could send to all his acquaintances. Louis Prang, a German immigrant, is said to have brought the Christmas card tradition to America in 1875, printing a card depicting Killarney roses and the words Merry Christmas. In the last few years, Christmas card sales have declined because of the Internet. Thanks to all who carry on the tradition of sending cards.

Davon Huss, Sermon Central, December 20, 2011. 

Most important though is that we continue to the tradition of telling the story of Christmas.

III. ANNA

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A. A prophet

1. Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher

2. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.

3. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

B. The prophecy

*. “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

A Christmas Poem by Aaron Hand

The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords

Came to earth for you and me.

The salvation I could not afford

He paid for on Calvary.

What could I ever give Him

That would thank Him for His Son?

I’ll confess, and turn from my sin

And live in the victory won!

I often lose sight of Jesus,

Because of Santa and Christmas trees.

Jesus Christ is more than enough

To grant me eternity.

He’s the Wonderful Counselor,

The Mighty God, Prince of Peace,

He’s the Everlasting Father,

And to think – He came for me!

He deserves no less than my all,

Though it’s easy to give Him less.

Though born in a humble stall,

God sent me His very best.

- Aaron Hand, 2007

CONCLUSION

The cast of Christmas included the usual characters of Joseph and Mary, but the story also includes the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna. Their faith speaks to us today. They witnessed to the truth of the Christ. The shepherds told about the angels, the scene in Bethlehem, and the Messiah. Simeon proclaimed the outcome of His birth. Anna gave thanks to God connected Jesus to the redemption of Jerusalem.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

S.U.M. It Up! 12-10-25

12-7-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Mary 12-7-25

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Mary 12-7-25

INTRODUCTION

NAME THAT CHRISTMAS CAROL

1. Bleached Yule

2. Castaneous-colored Seed Vesicated in a

Conflagration

3. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors

4. Righteous Darkness

5. Arrival Time 2400 hrs - Weather Cloudless

6. Loyal Followers Advance

7. Far Off in a Feeder

8. Array the Corridor

9. Bantam Male Percussionist

10. Monarchial Triad

11. Nocturnal Noiselessness

12. Jehovah Deactivate Blithe Chevaliers

13. Red Man En Route to Borough

14. Frozen Precipitation Commence

15. Proceed and Enlighten on the Pinnacl

16. The Quadruped with the Vermillion Probiscis

17. Query Regarding Identity of Descendant

18. Delight for this Planet

19. Give Attention to the Melodious Celestial Beings

20. The Dozen Festive 24 Hour Intervals

Answers:

1. White Christmas

2. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

3. All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

4. O Holy Night

5. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

6. O Come, All Ye Faithful

7. Away in a Manger

8. Deck the Hall

9. Little Drummer Boy

10. We Three Kings

11. Silent Night

12. God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen

13. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

14. Let it Snow

15. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

16. Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer

17. What Child is This?

18. Joy to the World

19. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

20. The Twelve Days of Christmas

As one department store advertised in December of 1983 "Make this Christmas one you will not soon forget – charge everything!"

Jeff Strite, Sermon Central, December 10, 2002.

The cast of Christmas - Joseph and his faithfulness

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:26-2:7 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭1:26-56‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2:1-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Faith - Mary trusted God.

I.  SHE BELIEVED

Bob Russell, pastor and author, tells a story of how about twenty years ago there was a house near the entrance of his subdivision that kept their Christmas lights burning long after the season was past. They burned through January. Even through the first of February those outside lights burned every night. Finally, about the middle of February, he said, he became a bit critical and said, "If I were too lazy to take my Christmas lights down, I think I’d at least turn them off at night."

But about the middle of March there was a sign outside of their house that explained why they’d left the lights on. It said simply, "Welcome home, Jimmy." Pastor Russell went on to say, “We learned that that family had a son in Vietnam, and they had unashamedly left their Christmas lights on in anticipation of his return. Lights are a symbol of hope."

Robert Russell, author and pastor of Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Overcame fear and confusion

B.  I am the Lord's servant

C.  May your word to me be fulfilled.

There is a seldom noticed yet preciously tender lesson to be found in Mary’s actions immediately following the angel’s visit announcing her role as bearer of the Christ Child. She had been told that her cousin Elizabeth was also experiencing an unusual, though different, visitation of God’s grace: that now late in life, she was in the sixth month of pregnancy with her first child (Luke 1:36).

Now, almost immediately after she has discovered that she, Mary of Nazareth, is about to become the most unique woman in history, notice how beautifully her attention turns from herself to a need where she can serve.

She travels to help Elizabeth, and verse 56 says that Mary stayed with her aged relative and served her until Elizabeth’s baby was delivered.

This could well become our most important Christmas lesson for this year. Mary demonstrates a principle of God’s love in action: “May I be more concerned to assist the fulfillment of what the Lord is doing in another person than I am with what He is doing in me.”

Jack W. Hayford, Celebrate! Daily Devotions for the Spirit-Filled Life, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 1992, page: December 9.

II.  SHE PRAISED GOD

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭46‬-‭55‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.””

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭46‬-‭55‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Anyway  

B.  Humility

C.  Honor

We can get victory over hardships by singing praise to the Lord.

"My mouth is filled with Your praise...all day long." Ps. 71:8 NAS

Roger Bennett, pianist and songwriter died in 2007. Prior to his death he wrote on his website:

Our enemy stalks us exactly the way the Bible describes, as a roaring lion. He hides in the bushes waiting for any sign of weakness. Then he strikes. He didn't strike me physically. He struck a more critical part -- my joy...confidence...and hope. Every thought turned towards heaven bounced back like it was made of brass. Every time I tried to look on the bright side, I ended up imagining a dark future. Then he threw his most effective dart -- doubt. "You call yourself a Christian. What a hypocrite! You're more afraid than ever...more filled with despair. So much for your faith, Mr. Gospel Singer!" I believed every thing he said. I tried everything I knew to pull out of it...I thought if I dozed off it would pass...but the clock seemed to move in slow motion. Sleep was nowhere near. I tried to lose myself in the Bible, but the words blurred and I couldn't make sense of them."

Then Bennett had an epiphany, as he thought about Paul and Silas in prison. "They didn't despair," he wrote: "They sang praises and that became their weapon. One after another...old songs came to me and I sang them to my empty room. It wasn't a great performance, but it may be the most powerful blessing I've received." The Palmist wrote, "My mouth is filled with Your praise...all day long.

Ray Ellis, Sermon Central, November 22, 2010.

III.  SHE FULFILLED HER SERVICE

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Gave birth

B.  Cared for

C.  Did the best she could

When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today.

When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the decorations would become as elaborate as they are today.

It is a long time since 1832, longer still from 353, longer still from that dark night brightened by a special star in which Jesus the king was born. Yet, as we approach December 25 again, it gives us yet another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all the excitement and elaborate decorations and expensive commercialization which surround Christmas today, to consider again the event of Christmas and the person whose birth we celebrate.

James W. Cox, The Minister’s Manual: 1994, San Fransico: Harper Collins, 1993, p. 254.

CONCLUSION

Mary believed the impossible and lived like it. She believed God. She praised God. She fulfilled her service to God.

The Days Before Christmas

Twas the days before Christmas, and all through the Church

The pews are all filling, as everyone perched.

The hands are all shaking, and greetings abound

Soon I’ll go to the pulpit, prepared to expound.

I spent the whole week trying to hear what God’s saying

Studying, reading, and earnestly praying

The choir has practiced and taken great care

Their singing this morning, for weeks they’ve prepared

We’ve had Christmas sermons of Angels and Wise men

Of Shepherds and mangers, no room at the Inn

I pray that this week, the message will do

The job of moving the folks from the pew

But I must keep it brief. I must watch my time

For at noon I will hear the watches all chime

This is a season so full of distractions

But we know that this world has no satisfaction

If we don’t share the Gospel of Christ

Not just his birth, but His paying our price

If we speak of the manger, but not of the cross

The fullness of Jesus, somehow gets lost

This Christmas season, do Jesus a favor

Make it a season to share Christ the Savior

Anonymous, Sermon Central, December 12, 2002.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

11-30-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Joseph 11-30-25

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Joseph 11-30-25

INTRODUCTION

Growing up in the church, Christmas was a very special time of the year.

Christmas programs - angels, shepherds, wisemen, sheep, the star, the manger, Mary and Joseph, Baby Jesus, dads and moms, grandparents

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”

W.T. Ellis

Matthew 1:1-25 NIV

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. 

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:1-25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

FAITHFULNESS - Faith as an action verb

I.  WHAT JOSEPH DID

Dietriech Bonhoeffer was a pastor and theologian who spoke out against Hitler and the Nazis. As a result he was arrested, imprisoned and then executed just hours before the Allies liberated the concentration camp where he was held. While there, he wrote a series of meditations on Christmas. In one he wrote, "It is not a light thing to God that we celebrate Christmas and do not take it seriously."

Tim Smith, Sermon Central, January 6, 2013.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Faithful to the Law

B.  Faithful to his promise

B.  Faithful to the commands of the angel

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. Pastor Mike was looking at the nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures.

Immediately, Pastor Mike turned towards the church to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus.

Pastor Mike walked up to Jimmy and said, "Well, Jimmy, where did you get the little infant?" Jimmy replied, "I got him from the church."

"And why did you take him?"

With a sheepish smile, Jimmy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it."

http://www.beliefnet.com

II.  WHAT JOSEPH DID NOT

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

David Stern comments, "The Hebrew/Aramaic word for betrothal is "kiddushin," which signifies "sanctification, separation," for example, the setting aside and separating of a particular woman for a particular man. According to Jewish teaching in the Mishna, adultery during the betrothal period is a more serious sin than adultery after marriage." 

Jewish New Testament Commentary, p. 3.

A.  Break his vow - engagement

B.  Allow sex to become the goal

C.  Live according to his desires

D.  Interfere with God's plan

III.  WHAT JOSEPH GAVE

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭25b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And he gave him the name Jesus.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭25b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  A good name - Jesus "God saves"

B.  His life for this child

1.  Claimed Jesus as his own

2.  Loved Jesus and his mother, Mary

3.  Jesus a great example

One person observed that the message of Christmas was not one of convenience but "cost":

* It cost Mary and Joseph the comforts of home to take a long journey to Bethlehem while she was "very" pregnant with her new child.

* It cost the shepherds their comfort by the campfire and the ease of their shepherd's life answering the call to the manger and then the conviction to tell others the good news.

* It cost the wise men a long journey and expensive gifts and changed lives.

ULTIMATELY

* It cost the early Apostles and the early church persecution and sometimes death.

* It cost missionaries of Christ untold suffering and loss to spread the Good News.

* It cost Christian martyrs of all ages their lives for the sake of Christ.

MORE THAN ALL THIS

* It cost God the Father His own Son--He sent His Son to the earth to save men.

* It cost Jesus a life of sacrifice and service--and a cruel and horrible death.

The Christmas message is ultimately one of cost... not convenience.

Jeff Strite, Sermon Central, December 4, 2011.

CONCLUSION

‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

‭‭ James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

What do you need to do in light of your faith?

Not, what do you believe?

Not, what do you think?

Not, how do you feel?

What do you need to do in light of your faith?

Just do it!

“Joseph reminds us that the call of God isn’t always easy or conventional, but it is always right – and God will give us the courage to follow if we’re willing to obey.”

Brian Bill, Senior Pastor, Pontiac Bible Church, Pontiac, IL

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word. You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. If you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now. If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

11-23-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

GIVING THANKS (1 Chronicles 16:34-36 NIV) Give Thanks as our Anthem - November 23, 2025

GIVING THANKS (1 Chronicles 16:34-36 NIV) Give Thanks as our Anthem - November 23, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Giving thanks

Giving thanks in all circumstances

Giving thanks as you enter worship and continue in praise

Giving thanks in all you do and say

Giving thanks as your testimony

Giving thanks as you pray

This Thursday most of us will be able to thank God for a wonderful meal, but sometimes we find ourselves in a tough position.

I read the true story of GIs stationed on Leyte in the Philippines during WW II. Although the region was secure, sometimes the enemy tried to infiltrate their food storage area. One such adversary, dressed in GI clothing, had worked himself into the noontime chow line. But the camp cook spotted him, pulled a pistol from under the serving table and yelled for the MPs to come and arrest the man.

After it was all over, the soldiers asked the cook how he knew the man wasn’t one of them.

"I figured it wasn’t one of you guys, ’cause he was coming back for seconds." 

Reader’s Digest 5/93, p.46.

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬-‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner: 

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Israel, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob. He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 

He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.” 

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” 

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 

Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 

Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.””

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬-‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Lou Whitmire, a reporter in Mansfield, Ohio, asked the all important question "Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?" to students at Sherman Elementary school. Here are a few of the answers he got:

Jamie Copley, 7, said people celebrate Thanksgiving because it’s the season where everyone joins together.

Christina McGuire, 7, said, "It’s a good month."

Kamozye Bowles, 6, said people celebrate Thanksgiving because "it’s a happy day."

"My granny cooks and it’s good," she said.

Bradley Ernsberger, 6, said he celebrates Thanksgiving because he is thankful for a lot of things. "I’m thankful for my friends, my limo ride for selling the most candy, my Superman costume I got to wear at Halloween and my little pumpkin I got," he said.

Selina McGregor, 6, said she knows why people all get together to celebrate on Thanksgiving Day.

"It’s a wonderful year and a good time to share all that food," she said.

"I love pumpkin pie," she added.

Lou Whitmire, "Students have many takes on Turkey Day," News Journal. Citation: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/news/stories/20031116/localnews/653881.html.

1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 

Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.””

‭‭ 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I.  GIVE THANKS!

William Reid recognized how far our thankfulness falls short. He wrote, "Forgive us, Lord, for shallow thankfulness, For dull content with warmth and sheltered care, For songs of praise for worldly wealthiness, While of your richer gifts we’re unaware" 

Christians Worship, 482:1, "Forgive Us, Lord," ©1965. Renewal 1993 by the Hymn Society, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth TX 76129.

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

‭‭ 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Give thanks to the Lord.

B.  Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

C.  Give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever.

II.  CRY OUT!

You Know You Overdid Thanksgiving When . . .

Doctor tells you your weight would be perfect for a man 12 feet tall.

You are responsible for a slight but measurable shift in the earth’s axis

Paramedics bring in the Jaws of Life to pry you out of the EZ-Boy.

The "Gravy Boat" your wife set out was a real 12’ boat!

You receive a Sumo Wrestler application in your e-mail.

Friday you set off 3 earthquake seismographs on your morning jog.

Pricking your finger for cholesterol screening only yielded gravy.

A guest quotes a Biblical passage from "The Feeding of the 5000."

That rash on your stomach turns out to be steering wheel burn.

Representatives from the Butterball Hall of Fame called twice.

You consider gluttony your patriotic duty.

Your arms are too short to reach the keyboard & delete this.

Indiafunfactory.com

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.””

‭‭ 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Cry out to God.

B.  “Save us God our Savior.”

C.  “Gather us.”

D.  “Deliver us from the nations.”

E.  “Save us, gather us and deliver us . . . that we may give thanks to your holy name.”

F.  “Save us, gather us and deliver us . . . that we may glory in your praise.”

III.  GIVE PRAISE!

In Budapest, a man goes to the rabbi and complains, "Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one small apartment. What can I do?"

The rabbi answers, "Take your goat into the apartment with you." The man is totally upset when he hears this, but the rabbi insists. "Do as I say and come back in a week and thank me."

A week later the man comes back looking more distraught than before. "We cannot stand it," he tells the rabbi. "The goat is filthy. It is so nasty and smelly in our little apartment. We are all miserable!

The rabbi then tells him, "Now, go home and let the goat out. And come back in a week."

So, the man returns to the rabbi a week later, smiling and happy, saying, "Life is beautiful again. We enjoy every minute of life together now that there's no goat -- and only nine people in one apartment!"

George Mikes

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.””

‭‭ 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Eternal praise

B.  “Amen”

C.  “Praise the Lord”

CONCLUSION

We have so many reasons to be thankful. It should not end with our Thanksgiving meal.

‘Twas the night of Thanksgiving, I just couldn’t sleep . . . 

I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned - the dark meat and white

But I fought the temptation with all of my might

Tossing and turning with anticipation

The thought of a snack became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door

And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,

Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,

’Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky

With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.

But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees....

“Happy eating to all! Pass the cranberries, please!”

Bobby Scobey, Sermon Central, Oct 27, 2009.

Give thanks to the Lord! Cry out to God! Praise the Lord!

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭36b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.””

‭‭ 1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭36b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

11-16-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

GIVING THANKS (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV) Give Thanks as You Pray - November 16, 2025

GIVING THANKS (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV) Give Thanks as You Pray - November 16, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Giving thanks

Giving thanks in all circumstances

Giving thanks as you enter worship and continue in praise

Giving thanks in all you do and say

Giving thanks as your testimony

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I.  REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Over a decade ago, Richard Stearns, the president of World Vision, visited a church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, nearly a year after the devastating earthquake. The church's building consisted of a tent made from white tarps and duct tape, pitched in the midst of a sprawling camp for thousands of people still homeless from the earthquake.

In the front row of that church sat six amputees ranging in age from 6 to 60. They were clapping and smiling as they sang song after song and lifted their prayers to God. The worship was full of hope...[and] with thanksgiving to the Lord.

No one was singing louder or praying more fervently than Demosi Louphine, a 32-year-old unemployed single mother of two. During the earthquake, a collapsed building crushed her right arm and left leg. After four days both limbs had to be amputated, but she was leading the choir, standing on her prosthesis and lifting her one hand high in praise to God...

Following the service, Stearns met Demosi and her two daughters, ages eight and ten, who were living in a tent just five feet tall and perhaps eight feet wide. She had lost her job, her home, and two limbs, but she was deeply grateful because God spared her life on January 12th last year (2010)..."He brought me back like Lazarus, giving me the gift of life," says Demosi...[who] believes she survived the devastating quake for two reasons: to raise her girls and to serve her Lord for a few more years.

Richard Stearns comments: "It makes no sense to me as an 'entitled American' who grouses at the smallest inconveniences--a clogged drain or a slow wi-fi connection in my home. Yet here in this place, many people who had lost everything...expressed nothing but praise." Then he continues, "They have so much more to offer me than I to them. I feel pity and sadness for them, but it is they who might better pity me for the shallowness of my own walk with Christ."

Richard Stearns, Suffering and Rejoicing in a Haitian Tent Camp, www.Christianitytoday.com, 1-12-11.

A.  ALWAYS!

B.  Rejoice today

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭118‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

C.  Rejoice, do not despair

"I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle for me. Its a sort of splendid torch which Ive got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

George Bernard Shaw

II.  DO NOT BE ANXIOUS; BUT PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING

What's worse than being trapped behind prison bars? Trying to live while avoiding capture.

Sergei was a Latvian prison convict with ten months left to serve on his seven-year burglary sentence, when he decided to escape. But even after years of freedom, the escapee couldn't relax. 

"Worry over being caught was proving too stressful." He worked several jobs and moved into an apartment with his girlfriend, but Sergei was constantly looking over his shoulder.

In a move that surprised prison officials, Sergei showed up at the minimum-security facility and turned himself in five years after he first escaped.

"Man Picks Jail Over Girlfriend," CBS.news.com (2-22-05); The Christian Science Monitor (3-14-05).

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Don’t be anxious

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith; and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.

George Muller

B.  Present your requests to God

1.  Prayer

2.  Petition

3.  Thanksgiving

C.  The grace of peace

Peace is .... “a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatever sort that is.”

Feinberg, 1960.

III.  OUR STATE OF MIND

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Thanksgiving is a state of mind.

B.  Peace is a state of mind.

Lucinda Norman writes of her experience Christmas shopping at the mall. People had been pushing, elbowing and cutting in front of her all day. During a 10 minute extra 10% off special, one woman grabbed a lace table cloth from her hands, looked her in the eye and said, “Mine!” She yanked it back and won. By 4 pm her mood was belligerent. She met some friends at a mall restaurant and flagged down a server. She barked, “I need a hot tea now!” The waitress snapped back, “I’m not your server. Wait your turn.” Lucinda responded, “Lady, I’ve been waiting my turn all day. Bring me some tea!” But the waitress ignored her. A few moments later, a friend young man came to their tables and said, “I’m Rob, your waiter.” After he took their order, Lucinda watched Rob as he helped the rude waitress with her tray. He greeted the other customers and staff with a smile on his face. In the midst of all of the hurried customers and chaos of the season, he had a polite and unhurried atmosphere of calm. When he refilled her tea, Lucinda noticed a siver ring on his hand made of connected letters spelling Jesus. And then she writes, “From that moment, my attitude changed. This young man’s example had reminded me of the peace that Christ came to bring.” And for the rest of the day, Lucinda enjoyed shopping, opened doors for other and let others in front of her in the checkout line, all in an atmosphere of peace.

Tim Smith, Sermon Central, August 13, 2017.

C.  Peace is a spiritual reality.

1.  Think

2.  Do

"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within."

Peace, Perfect Peace is a hymn whose lyrics were written in August 1875 by Edward H. Bickersteth at the bedside of a dying relative.  He read it to his relative immediately after writing it.

Philippians 4:9b NIV

“And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:9b NIV

I wish I knew who wrote: "Peace with God brings the peace of God. It is a peace that settles our nerves, fills our mind, floods our spirit and, in the midst of the uproar around us, gives us the assurance that everything is all right." I would thank them for reminding me of this deep truth.

CONCLUSION

Rejoice in the Lord always!  Do not be anxious about anything, but pray.  Thanksgiving and peace are states of mind.  We can be grateful in any situation because of God.  We can be at peace in any situation because of God.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

11-9-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

GIVING THANKS (Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬-‭2‬a ‭NIV‬‬) Give Thanks as Our Testimony - November 9, 2025‬‬‬‬

GIVING THANKS (Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬-‭2‬a ‭NIV‬‬) Give Thanks as Our Testimony - November 9, 2025‬‬‬‬

INTRODUCTION

Giving thanks

“Stand up, on this Thanksgiving Day, stand upon your feet. Believe in man. Soberly and with clear eyes, believe in your own time and place. There is not, and there never has been a better time, or a better place to live in.”

Phillips Brooks, 19th-century American preacher and author

Give thanks in all circumstances, enter worship with thanksgiving and continue with praise, 

Mark Axelrod shared this story in a sermon.

“I have an email that was sent to me a while back. It says that "If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the six million who won’t make it through the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church service without fear of persecution, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than 3 billion people in the world.

If you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.

If you have money in the bank, money in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy."

Marc Axelrod, “What to Do When You Don’t Feel Like Praising God”, 11/15/2009.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬-‭2‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—”

‭‭ Psalm 107‬:‭1‬-‭2‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I.  GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD

‭‭Psalm 7‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”

‭‭ Psalm 7‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  A command

B.  Gratitude

C.  The object of our thanksgiving

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service and where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods when his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The man by the window described the park and the lovely lake outside. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm among the flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

One afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it. The gentleman by the window used very descriptive words to paint a picture for the other man.

After the man by the window died, the other man asked if they would move his bed next to the window. The request was granted and the man’s bed was moved next to the window. The man painfully propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world. He discovered that the window faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse how his former roommate could describe such wonderful sites.

The nurse said the other man was totally blind and could not even see the wall. She went on to say that the blind man had thanked God for replacing his sight with the keen sense of imagination and descriptive words so that he could enlighten the life of people around him. The nurse said the blind man told her God had blessed him with things money could not buy and he gave all the glory and praise to Him.

Bill Butsko, “Give Thanks”, 11/19/2009.

II.  GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER

‭‭Psalm 136‬:‭1‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of Lords: His love endures forever. 

to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 

who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 

who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 

who made the great lights— His love endures forever. 

the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 

the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. 

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. 

and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. 

with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. 

to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. 

and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. 

but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. 

to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. 

to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. 

and killed mighty kings— His love endures forever. 

Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. 

and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever. 

and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. 

an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever. 

He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. 

and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. 

He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”

‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭136‬:‭1‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

On the 3rd day of October, 1789, President George.Washington, at the request of Congress made the following declaration, proclaiming a A National Thanksgiving:

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for upon us. all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

--Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789, G.Washington

A.  Thanks for God’s goodness

B.  Thanks for God’s enduring love

"We Plow The Fields," by Matthias Claudius

We plow the fields, and scatter

The good seed on the land,

But it is fed and watered

By God’s Almighty hand;

He sends the snow in winter,

The warmth to swell the grain,

The breezes and the sunshine,

And soft, refreshing rain.

He only is the Maker

Of all things near and far;

He paints the wayside flower,

He lights the evening star;

The winds and waves obey Him,

By Him the birds are fed;

Much more to us, His children,

He gives our daily bread.

We thank Thee, then, O Father,

For all things bright and good,

The seed-time and the harvest,

Of life, our health, our food.

Accept the gifts we offer

For all Thy Love imparts,

And what Thou most desirest,

Our humble, thankful hearts.

III.  LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD TELL THEIR STORY

A medical missionary in India had found a way to heal people who were going blind. He said that once he’d done this operation on the local people they never said, "Thank you," because that phrase was not in their dialect. Instead, they spoke a word that meant, "I will tell your name."

Wherever they went, they would tell the name of the missionary who had cured their blindness. They had received something so wonderful that they eagerly proclaimed it.

When you and I give thanks we are “telling God’s Name”.

We are declaring that we believe in a God who actively works in our lives.

Jeff Strite, “B Thankful”, 11/22/2009.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.””

‭‭ Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Our opportunity

B.  Our descriptor - “the redeemed”

C.  Our story

In his magnificent little book, "A Faith to Proclaim," James S. Stewart made reference to Paul’s declaration to the Galatians (2:20), "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me..." And Stewart said, "To be thus taken command of, so that our testimony, when we go out to speak of Christ, is not ours at all, but Christ’s self-testimony – this is our vocation and the hope of our ministry."

Psalm ‭9‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

CONCLUSION

Give thanks to the Lord.  Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.  Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

11-2-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

GIVING THANKS (Colossians 3:17 NIV) - November 2, 2025

GIVING THANKS (Colossians 3:17 NIV)  - November 2, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Thanksgiving - football and food

Thanksgiving is approaching. Have you considered how privileged we are here in America?

Statistically, 3,000 Calories are consumed by the average person at Thanksgiving dinner. 45 million turkeys will be eaten this Thanksgiving. 50 million pumpkin pies are eaten at Thanksgiving, 40 million green bean casseroles are made. And 72 million of cans of Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce purchased each year.

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/surprising-thanksgiving-day-food-facts-2414008.html.

First message, give thanks in all circumstances

A Sunday School teacher asked her class what they were thankful for. A little girl said "I’m thankful for my bedroom. My younger brothers have to share a room. But I get to have a room all for myself! I thank God for my bedroom!"

Next, a little boy said, "I’m thankful for my puppy. I got him as a present for my birthday, and I play with him every day. I thank God for my puppy."

Another boy thought for a moment and said “I’m thankful for my glasses." My glasses.” The teacher was surprised. She said "Why are you thankful for your glasses?" He said, “Because they keep the boys from hitting me and they keep the girls from kissing me!”

Marc Axelrod, What to Do When You Don’t Feel Like Praising God, 11/15/2009.

Last week, enter with thanksgiving and continue with praise 

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I.  EVERYTHING WE SAY AND DO MATTERS

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

‭‭ Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Everything

B.  Speech

C.  Action

II.  DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

One Thanksgiving season a family was seated around their table, looking at the annual holiday bird. From the oldest to the youngest, they were to express their praise. When they came to the 5-year-old in the family, he began by looking at the turkey and expressing his thanks to the turkey, saying although he had not tasted it he knew it would be good. After that rather novel expression of thanksgiving, he began with a more predictable line of credits, thanking his mother for cooking the turkey and his father for buying the turkey. But then he went beyond that. He joined together a whole hidden multitude of benefactors, linking them with cause and effect.

He said, "I thank you for the checker at the grocery store who checked out the turkey. I thank you for the grocery store people who put it on the shelf. I thank you for the farmer who made it fat. I thank you for the man who made the feed. I thank you for those who brought the turkey to the store."

Using his Columbo-like little mind, he traced the turkey all the way from its origin to his plate. And then at the end he solemnly said "Did I leave anybody out?"

His 2-year-older brother, embarrassed by all those proceedings, said, "God."

Solemnly and without being flustered at all, the 5-year-old said, "I was about to get to him."

Well, isn’t that the question about which we ought to think at Thanksgiving time? Are we really going to get to him this Thanksgiving?

Joel Gregory, "The Unlikely Thanker," Preaching Today, Tape No. 110.

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

‭‭ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  All

B.  All speech in the name of the Lord

C.  All action in the name of the Lord

III.  AS WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD WE SHOULD BE GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER THROUGH HIM

The pastor at the downtown men’s shelter was ready to begin the Thanksgiving service. Everyone was ready for him to begin and finish since the service was before the meal.

After a few hymns were sung, it was time for the pastor’s Thanksgiving sermon. This year he had decided to begin by asking the men what they were thankful for. He knew that it was a little risky, but he thought it would be good for everyone to express their thankfulness.

When he asked the question, there was dead silence. No one was willing to share. He knew then that it was a bad choice. Just as he was about to move on to his message, Charlie stood up. He said, “I am thankful for the 7 Wonders.” The pastor looked a little confused. He wasn’t sure what Charlie was referring to. Thoughts of the Grand Canyon and the Great Wall of China came to his mind.

The pastor asked, “Which 7 Wonders, Charlie? Charlie responded, “You know, pastor, the 7 Wonders of God.” The pastor still had no idea what Charlie was talking about, but he nodded as if he did. He said, “Yes, Charlie, the 7 Wonders of God. Why don’t you share those with us.”

Charlie began. “Well first you have the Wonder of God’s Mercy. He doesn’t give us what we deserve when we rebel and sin against Him. Then, to everyone's surprise, Charlie quoted Psalm 145:8. “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.”

The pastor said, “Yes Charlie, thank God for His mercy.

Charlie continued. “Then there’s the Wonder of God’s Love.” That’s when Charlie quoted John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

The pastor was amazed. “What is number 3 Charlie?" Charlie replied, "Well, that’s the wonder of God’s Forgiveness. That’s in 1 John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

By this time the pastor was standing in awe of what he was witnessing.

Charlie continued. “Well, number 4 is the Wonder of God’s Forgetfulness. I haven’t figured that one out yet. If God knows everything, how can He forget? But the Bible says in Hebrews 8:12. “For I will forgive them of their sins and will remember their sins no more.”

By this time the pastor had taken a seat up on the platform wondering what number 5 is going to be. Then Charlie said, “Number 5 is the Wonder of God’s Provision. That’s what you do for us here at the shelter.” Then he quoted Philippians 4:19. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Charlie looked at the pastor as if to ask, “Do you want me to go on?” The pastor motioned for Charlie to continue.

Charlie said, “Well number 6 is actually two put together. That’s the Wonder of God’s Presence and Peace. The Bible says in Philippians 4:6, “The Lord is Near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation with prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Then Charlie looked at the pastor and said, “Well, everybody knows number 7.” Charlie paused. Looked around the room. No one responded. Even the pastor wasn’t sure where Charlie was going with the last Wonder of God.

That’s when Charlie looked up and quoted 1 Corinthians 2:9. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Charlie's 7th Wonder of God was Heaven.

Charlie sat down. The pastor stood and moved toward the pulpit. He looked at the sermon he had prepared and knew that Charlie’s message was all they needed to hear. He closed his Bible, asked everyone to stand, and prayed. “God we are thankful for all your blessings today. We thank you especially for Charlie. Amen.”

Perry Hancock, Sermon Central, November 22, 2022.

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭ 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Give thanks in all of our speech

B.  Give thanks in all our action

CONCLUSION

Everything we do and say should be done in the name of the Lord giving thanks to God through Jesus Christ.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

10-26-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

GIVING THANKS (Psalm 100:4 NIV) - October 26, 2025

GIVING THANKS (Psalm 100:4 NIV)  - October 26, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Give thanks

It was Thanksgiving season in the nursing home. The small resident population was gathered about their humble Thanksgiving table, and the director asked each in turn to express one thing for which they were thankful. Thanks were expressed for a home in which to stay, families, etc. One little old lady in her turn said, ’I thank the Lord for two perfectly good teeth, one in my upper jaw and one in my lower jaw that match so that I can chew my food.’

Evie Megginson, Sermon Central, October 31, 2003.

Who would like to give thanks right now? Please step to the mic, state your name, and share your thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving - football and food

Last week, Give Thanks in All Circumstances

There is a connection between thanksgiving and praise.

A lady purchased a parrot whose previous owner had taught him profanity and decided that she would reform him. The parrot learned a number of Christian words and Bible verses to replace the cuss words. However, the owner caught him cussing one day and grabbed him and said, "I'll teach you to never talk that way again!" So she put him in the deep freeze and slammed the door.

A few minutes later, the owner took the parrot out of the freezer and asked, "Have you learned your lesson now?" The little bird shivered and replied, "Yes', Ma'm."

After a couple of months, the lesson was forgotten and the little parrot was caught saying cuss words again. The owner returned him to the freezer and left him in there for a long time. The little parrot almost froze to death. The owner took the bird back to his cage to let him thaw out. When he began to move a little bit, she asked him again, "Did you learn your lesson this time, buster?"

The parrot said, "Yes, Ma'm, I sure did!" Then he just sat there in the cage quietly for a few more minutes shivering and thinking about what just happened to him. Then, the parrot looked at his owner and said, "Ma'm, may I ask you a serious question?" The owner answered, "Yes, you may."

The parrot thought for a moment and then said, "I thought I knew all of the bad words there were in the world . . . but just what exactly did that turkey in the freezer say?"

Dr. Larry Petton, Sermon Central, November 20, 2019.

Praise is the response of thankfulness.

Psalm 100:4 NIV

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.". 

Psalm 100:4 NIV

I.  ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING

A little boy offered up a Thanksgiving Day prayer for the family and prayed: "Dear God, this is Jimmy. Thank you for Thanksgiving and Christmas and all of the holidays. Thank you for the turkey and dressing and Mom and Dad and even for my little sister, even though some times she can be a pain. Thank you for books and TV and game boy. Thank you for loving us. Oh, yeah. And take care of yourself, God. Because without you, we’re sunk. Amen."

Joel Vicente, Sermon Central, December 27, 2003.

A. Go to God

B. Thankful worship

‭‭Psalm ‭50‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

““Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.””

‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭50‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

C. Thanksgiving

II.  ENTER HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE

“In experience, thanksgiving and praise weave themselves in and out of one another and become part of an organic whole.” 

Richard Foster

‭‭Psalm ‭96‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.”

‭‭ Psalm ‭96‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Praise from the beginning

B.  Movement from gate to courts

C.  Movement from thanksgiving to song

III.  GIVE THANKS TO HIM AND PRAISE HIS NAME

‭‭Psalm ‭34‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

‭‭ Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV ‬‬‬‬‬

“Praise his name” from Psalm 100:4 NIV is “bless his name"‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  God’s blessing upon us

B.  Our blessing to God

C.  Kneeling before Him

1.  Acknowledge God

2.  Honor God

The Masai tribe in West Africa have an unusual way of saying "thank you." Translators tell us that when the Masai express thanks, they bow, put their forehead on the ground and say, "My head is in the dirt." When members of another African tribe want to express thanks, they sit for a long time in front of the hut of the person who did the favor and literally say, "I sit on the ground before you." Those Africans understand well what Thanksgiving is and why it is different for us: at its core, thanksgiving is an act of humility."

Ajai Prakash, “Thankful Worship”, 11/19/2009.

CONCLUSION

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.