Dear BBC Family,
“It’s impossible to be prideful and (truly) thankful at the same time.” (I do not recall where I originally heard this from but I know that it’s not original with me :-). Thankfulness implies a certain degree of humility. Prideful people are not thankful people. And thankful people are humble.
Thanksgiving Day is less than a weeks away! Can you believe it?
This holiday is a great opportunity for us as believers to be reminded of the MANY things that we have to be thankful for. And we know that our heavenly Father is the One to whom ALL thanks and praise is due (James 1:17)! Let us take this opportunity to remind one another of the innumerable and immeasurable spiritual blessings that belong to us because of Christ (Eph. 1:3-14)!
One of the defining marks of a Christ-like (i.e., spiritually mature) person is that they will be characterized by thankfulness.
As we approach this Thanksgiving may the Lord grant to each of us a more thankful heart. May our hearts be overflowing with gratitude for the abundant spiritual and physical blessings that He has bestowed on us! And may this testimony of thankfulness be a bright light to the unbelieving world around us which is so often characterized by complaining and unthankfulness (see Rom. 1:21 and Phil 2:14-15).
Here are just a few of the passages from the New Testament where the Holy Spirit instructs us regarding the privilege and the solemn duty of thankfulness:
Ephesians 5:1–4(NASB95) —1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;2and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.3But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;4and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
Ephesians 5:15–21(NASB95) —15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,16making the most of your time, because the days are evil.17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Philippians 4:6–7(NASB95) —6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:15–17(NASB95) —15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.17Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18(NASB95) —16Rejoice always;17pray without ceasing;18in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 13:15(NASB95) —15Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
We also would like to remind you of a great opportunity that we have to join together with our brothers and sisters in Christ from other local congregations for an evening of Thanksgiving and praise to our God. Please see the details on that below.
We are thankful to God for all of you!
In Christ alone,
Pastor Matt
Pastor George
Thanksgiving Combined Evening Service-
On Sunday, November 18th we will have a combined Thanks and Praise Evening Service with other local like-minded churches. The service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church located at 416 Wellham Ave., Glen Burnie, MD 21061, at 5:30PM. Everyone is encouraged to attend this service. This will be a great opportunity to fellowship and worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ!
