We Need a Thanksgiving

Follow Along with the Message

"Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death" (Proverbs 11:4).

Story 1--Pilgrims

     September, 1620.  112 believers on a ship to a new world.  Harsh first winter.  57 of them died.

     November, 1621.  Governor proclaims a "thanksgiving."

     God is good and deserves our praise.  He calls us to build a new world. 

     "He was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10).

     We need a THANKSGIVING

Story 2--Prophet/Pastor James and the City of Jerusalem

50. A.D. (20 years after the resurrection of Christ and Pentecost.)

     Wealthy city (at least, for some).  Proud.  Self-willed.

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who have been sent to her.  How often I have wanted to gather your children but you have not been willing.  Behold, your house is being left to you desolate" (Matthew 23:37).   Destruction of city in 70 A.D.

"For the Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning against everyone who is proud and lofty and against everyone who is lifted up, that he may be abased. . .The pride of man will be humbled and the loftiness of men will be abased; and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day" (Isaiah 1:12, 17).

"And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of wrath has come, and who is able to stand' " (Revelation 6:16-17).

"Who understands the power of your Your anger and Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?"(Psalm 90:11).

     In the last days--v. 3

     Your gold and silver have rusted--v. 3.  (resources unused)

You condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you--v. 5.  Not yet, He doesn't.

     Come, NOW!--v. 1.

     We need a REVIVAL

"The Master has called us in life's early morning, with spirits as fresh as the dew on the sod, we turn from the world, with its smiles and its scorning, to cast in our lot with the people of God.  The Master has called us, His sons and His daughters, we plead for His blessing and trust in His love, and through the green pasture, beside the still

          waters, He'll lead us at last to the kingdom above" (Sarah Doudney).

Story 3--Jesus and Zaccheus

     Luke 19

"Zaccheus didn't invite Jesus into his heart.  Jesus invited himself into Zaccheus' home" (Tim Keller).

     Declaration of Independence from money.

     "A son of Abraham."

     We need a HOMECOMING.

___________________________

Tomorrow?