Sunday, November 30, 2025
Saturday, November 29, 2025
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.
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Saturday, November 22, 2025
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.
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025
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.
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Saturday, November 8, 2025
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.
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Saturday, November 1, 2025
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.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025
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.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Saturday, October 18, 2025
GIVING THANKS (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Give Thanks in All Circumstances - October 19, 2025
GIVING THANKS (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Give Thanks in All Circumstances - October 19, 2025
INTRODUCTION
Thanksgiving - football and food
“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”
Erma Bombeck
The Associated Press, New York, carried this short piece on the first Thanksgiving:
"This time of year, classrooms across the United States are filled with tales of the first Thanksgiving feast. But children might not be getting the whole story, says Kenneth C. Davis, author of the 1990 best-seller "Don’t Know Much About History."
In "Don’t Know Much About the Pilgrims," Davis sheds new light on the Pilgrims’ voyage and their lives in the New World:
- The Pilgrims would not have identified themselves as such -- they were known as "saints" or "First Comers," and they made up only about half of the passengers on the Mayflower. The rest were members of the Church of England who sought property and were called "Strangers."
- The Pilgrims thought it was dangerous to wash their bodies and did not change clothes or bathe during the 66-day journey aboard the Mayflower.
- Children aboard the Mayflower stayed below deck, out of the sailors’ way, most of the time. After the boat landed, though, one young boy nearly blew up the ship while his father was out exploring by setting off firecrackers and firing a musket.
- A true "thanksgiving" for the Pilgrims would have involved fasting and prayer. What is now called the first Thanksgiving was actually a harvest festival in 1621. Wild turkey was served at the three-day feast, along with ducks, geese, cod, salmon, lobster, mussels, eels and clams.
Shedding light on Thanksgiving THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, NEW YORK. The Olympian, Olympia Washington. Wednesday, November 19, 2003. http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20031119/living/152982.shtml.
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
I. REJOICE ALWAYS
A retiree in Florida phones his daughter in New Jersey and says, “Honey, I have bad news for you. Your mother and I have decided that 52 years of marriage is enough. We’re calling it quits and getting a divorce.”
His daughter yells, “Are you crazy? What the heck are you saying? We're not going to let you do that!”
The father says, “No, we’ve had enough. We’re getting tired of the same old routine and looking at each other every day. I don’t want to talk about it, so call your brother in Detroit and let him know.” And the Father hangs up on his daughter.
Panic sticken, the daughter phones her brother and drops the bomb about their Mom and Dad.
“No way, no WAY!” shouts the brother. “This will NOT happen! Stay by the phone. I’ll talk to them and handle this. I''ll call you back as soon as possible!"
The brother phones his father and says, “Dad, Sis just told me you’re getting a divorce. That’s CRAZY! No way we’re gonna let this happen to you and Mom. We’re both booking planes tonight and flying down there to Florida in the morning to sort this out. Listen, don’t do anything till we get there and you hear me out! Promise me, Dad. Don’t do ANYTHING!”
The old man agreed. He turned his cell phone off with a smile and then said to his wife, “Ok, It’s all arranged, Sweetheart. The kids will be here tomorrow for Thanksgiving and, best of all, they’re buying their own plane tickets!”
Dr. Larry Petton, Sermon Central, November 18, 2021.
Philippians 4:4 NIV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 NIV
A. Rejoice
B. Joy
C. Always
“Gratitude produces deep, abiding joy because we know that God is working in us, even through difficulties.”
Charles Stanley
II. PRAY CONTINUALLY
Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an angry old bull who wanted them out of his pasture. Instantly, they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit and it was soon apparent that they wouldn't make it.
Terrified, one man shouted to the other, "Put up a prayer right now, John! That bull is about to catch up to us!
But John answered right back, "I can't. I've never made a public prayer in my entire life!"
"But you must!" yelled his companion. "The bull is catching up to us. Just use a prayer you have heard before!"
"All right," panted John, "I'll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table at Thanksgiving: 'O Lord in Heaven, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful. Amen!'"
Dr. Larry Petton, Sermon Central, November 15, 2023.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
A. Pray
B. Prayerfulness
C. Continually
“When we choose thankful prayer over wallowing in anxiety and worry, we are demonstrating an unwavering trust in God.”
Priscilla Shirer
III. GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Here is a list of things housewives are most thankful for:
"For automatic dishwashers because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after-dinner snacks.
For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals.
For children who put away their things & clean up after themselves. They’re such a joy you hate to see them go home to their own parents
For teenagers because they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.
For Smoke alarms because they let you know when the turkey’s done."
Melvin Newland, Minister, Central Christian Church, Brownsville, Tx.
Ephesians 5:19b-20 NIV
“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19b-20 NIV
A. Thanksgiving
B. Grateful
C. In all circumstances
CONCLUSION
“Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honour and praise for His goodness.”
Robert Casper Lintner
Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.
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.
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Friday, October 10, 2025
5 THINGS: Love Yourself - October 12, 2025
5 THINGS: Love Yourself - October 12, 2025
INTRODUCTION
Do you have good neighbors? Are you a good neighbor?
Can you name some famous neighbors?
*Mr. Rogers Neighborhood in his sweater and sneakers … “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood … won’t you be my neighbor?”
*Dennis the Menace … “Helloooo Mr. Wilson!”
*Ricky & Lucy Ricardo … Fred & Ethel Mertz.
*Tim “the Tool Man” Taylor … Wilson.
Have you ever had trouble with a neighbor?
The story of the Good Samaritan is about neighbors, and it has all the elements of a movie: violence … crime … racial discrimination … hatred … neglect … unconcern … love … mercy.
Who says the Bible isn’t relevant to the modern world?
Ray Scott, “The Good Samaritan”, Sermon Central, October 26, 2004.
In this sermon series, I will be sharing with you thoughts on these issues.
The love of God - September 14, 2025
Love according to the Word - September 21, 2025
Love in the Kingdom - September 28, 2025
Love and righteousness - October 5, 2025
Love yourself - October 12, 2025
In Timothy Keller’s book, King’s Cross, he tells this story.
John Sommerville currently teaches history at the University of Florida. He has been carrying out an exercise with his students for years. He challenges his students with the following thought experiment.
Imagine that you see a little old lady coming down the street at night and she is carrying a great big purse. It suddenly occurs to you that she very little and frail and it would be incredibly easy just to knock her over and grab the purse. But you don’t. Why not?
There are only two possible answers. The answer of "shame and honour" culture is that you don’t do it because it would make you despicable person unworthy of respect. It would dishonor your family or tribe. People would despise you for picking on the weak. It would not be a strong thing to do and it is critical that strength be respected. That approach, the professor says, is self regarding. You are thinking almost entirely of yourself and your tribe. You are thinking only of honour and reputation.
The second option is that you would imagine how painful it would be to be mugged and how hard it would be for the woman if she depended on the money in her purse and it was taken from her. You ask youself, if I mug her, what will happen to her and what will happen to the people who depend on her. All else being equal you want her to have a good life that is safe, so you don’t do it. This is called the "regards for others" ethic which is utterly different from the "shame and honour" culture.
Professor Sommerville would ask his class, "All right, how many of you would take the purse and why not." No one would take the purse, and the reason almost totally is the regards for others ethic.
Then he would point out that they had choosen the Christian way of life.
The ethical system that dominated the world before Jesus was the "shame and honour" ethic and it did not work out for the poor very well.
The world is critical of the church but in the end we all want more of the other first ethic that Jesus is teaching here. In fact, most of us would say that the reason the world is a mess is because we have stopped putting others first. We have made all kinds of expections to treating people like Jesus taught here. We have fallen back into the shame and honour ethic and it is not working.
Don Berry-Graham, Sermon Central, January 24, 2012.
Matthew 22:34-40 NIV
“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.””
Matthew 22:34-40 NIV
Love your neighbor as yourself.
I. GOD LOVES US
A. God demonstrates His love through Jesus.
John 3:16 NIV
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
Romans 5:8 NIV
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 NIV
B. God loves us in our imperfection.
Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV
1 John 4:10 NIV
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:10 NIV
II. WE MUST LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR
Josh Hunt tells this story.
I stepped outside my hotel room yesterday and saw a thin elderly woman taking small steps in a circle. She seemed to be mumbling. Our eyes connected. She said, "They left me here and I don't know where they have gone. I don't know what room I am in."
I held out my hand. She grabbed mine. I said, "Let's walk down to the office and see what we can find out." As we walked into the office, an elderly man was walking out. He began to gently scold her, "I told you to stay in the van. You were supposed to be in the van. What are you doing out here?" He thanked me and then explained that she had Alzheimer's.
Was she my responsibility? Was it my moral obligation to stop and help her? She wasn't my mother. Would I have been sinning to just get in my car and drive off?
I wouldn't want to live in a world like that, would you? I see in this passage the dream of a heavenly Father whose children are reasonable and kind and simply do unto others as we would have done unto us. You can't make enough rules to work for every situation. Just be reasonable. Just be kind.
Just be decent. Just follow the golden rule.
Josh Hunt, Sermon Central, April 16, 2012.
A. Loving our neighbor is part of the royal law.
James 2:8-11 NIV
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.”
James 2:8-11 NIV
B. The whole law rests on this ideal.
Galatians 5:13-15 NIV
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Galatians 5:13-15 NIV
1 John 4:19-21 NIV
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
1 John 4:19-21 NIV
III. WE MUST LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR AS OURSELF
A. We are not what we once were.
Galatians 2:20 NIV
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 NIV
B. We are lovable because of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
C. We fear because we lack love.
1 John 4:18 NIV
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18 NIV
CONCLUSION
Romans 12:9-20 NIV
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.””
Romans 12:9-20 NIV
I have heard some say that we should do good to those who do us harm to bring pain and sorrow upon them (“heap burning coals on his head”). We are not to “repay anyone evil for evil.” This passage reminds us that vengeance is God’s, not ours. What are we to make of this “heaping of burning coals” then? We are to place the burning coals of love upon those who wrong us. Not so that we get back at them, but that they might get right with God.
A preacher named Mark Opperman tells this story.
Someone in Elgin, IL, once had a neighbor named Jack. Jack was a tough man. He worked hard, he drank hard, he fought hard, and he was harsh and gruff in his manner. Most people were afraid of Jack.
But this one neighbor got brave and said hello to him over the fence one day. He started a conversation with him, which was pretty one-sided at first. However, every chance he got, the neighbor started talking to Jack, and even went over and visited him in his house. He would sometimes bring him a fresh loaf of homemade bread that his wife had made, or a batch of cookies. He just tried to be neighborly and share the good things he had with him.
One day the neighbor, who was a Christ-follower, brought up the subject of heaven. He asked Jack if he believed in heaven. At first Jack said he didn’t want to talk about religion, and that was the end of the conversation. But a couple years later, Jack’s son was killed in a boating accident. The neighbor came over to tell Jack how sorry he was about the loss of his son. Overcome with grief, Jack just broke down and cried like a baby in front of his neighbor. The neighbor didn’t know what to do, so he just put a hand on his shoulder and let him cry.
Eventually, Jack started talking. He said that his son was the only child he had, and that he felt like he had failed him as a father. His son had tried to talk to him before about God and religion, but Jack told him religion was for people who were weak and who needed something to make them feel good about themselves.
So Jack asked his neighbor, "Do you think my boy is in heaven right now?" The neighbor replied, "If he was trusting in Jesus for forgiveness and was living His life for God, then he is certainly in heaven right now." Jack thought about that for a moment and said, "I hope he sees his mother there." The neighbor said, "Jack, there is no reason why he cannot see his father there too."
A few months later, Jack came over to his neighbor’s house and said, "I’m ready!" "Ready for what?" asked the neighbor. "I’m ready to get right with God," Jack said. They talked and the neighbor was able to lead him into a relationship with Jesus.
This neighbor had been praying for Jack for over three years. You can imagine his joy when he finally saw the answer to his prayers.
Mark Opperman, "The Joy of the Harvest" 1/12/2009, Sermon Central, February 10, 2009.
Only when we understand how much God loves us will we take seriously how much God loves our neighbor.
God loves you. God wants you to love your neighbor. God wants us to love your neighbor as yourself
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.