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Sermon Title: The Power of Gratitude

Scripture Focus:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Introduction: The Missing Ingredient

Many people pray. Some people fast. But not enough people thank.

Gratitude is often the missing ingredient in the life of a believer. It’s easy to overlook it when life is difficult—but gratitude is not just a reaction; it’s a weapon, a perspective, and a path to joy.

I. What Is Gratitude and Why Does It Matter?

Gratitude is a heart posture that says:

• “God, You don’t owe me anything, but You’ve given me everything.”

Illustration:
A little girl once knelt by her bedside and prayed, “God, thank You for my family, my shoes, my toys, and even the broccoli I don’t like—because some kids don’t have food.” Her mother asked, “Why did you thank God for something you don’t like?” She said, “Because God gave it, and He knows what’s best.”

Gratitude shifts the focus from what we lack to what we already have

II. Complaining Costs More Than We Think

Let’s take a biblical look at some who complained:

1. The Israelites (Numbers 11)

• They were miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt.
• God fed them with manna from heaven.
• Yet they cried out for meat, despising God's provision.
• Result: God's anger burned; many died. Complaining delayed and destroyed their destiny.

2. Miriam (Numbers 12)

• Complained about Moses’ leadership and marriage.
• Result: Struck with leprosy.

3. The Ten Spies (Numbers 13–14)

• Focused on giants rather than God’s promise.
• Result: They never entered the Promised Land.

Lesson: Complaining clouds your vision, poisons your faith, and slows your progress

III. The Quiet Strength of the Grateful

Now let’s look at those who had every reason to complain—but chose gratitude:

1. Joseph (Genesis 37–50)

• Betrayed by his brothers.
• Wrongfully accused.
• Forgotten in prison.
• But he never complained. He said: “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

2. Job

• Lost wealth, children, health.
• His wife said, “Curse God and die.”
• Job replied, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” (Job 2:10)

3. Jesus

• Mocked, beaten, crucified.
• Instead of bitterness, He said: “Father, forgive them.”

Illustration:
Corrie ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, once thanked God for the fleas in her barracks because they kept the guards away, which allowed her to teach Bible studies. What others saw as pests, she saw as protection.

IV. What Gratitude Unlocks

• Peace: Philippians 4:6–7 — Peace comes after thanksgiving.
• Access: Psalm 100:4 — “Enter His gates with thanksgiving...”
• Joy: Gratitude multiplies joy.
• Contentment: 1 Timothy 6:6 — “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Short Story:
A man once wrote in his journal: “Bad day. My car broke down. The coffee spilled on my shirt. Boss was upset.” Then he flipped the page and wrote:
“Great day. I have a car. I had coffee. I have a job.”
Same day. Different atti

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Sermon Title: All Things

Text: Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Introduction

Romans 8:28 is one of the most quoted, yet sometimes most misunderstood scriptures in the Bible. It doesn't say everything is good, but that all things work together for good — to them that love God. That means the good, the bad, the ugly, the unfair, the painful, and the joyful — God takes every thread and weaves it into a beautiful purpose.

Let’s dive into this powerful promise and explore the mystery and majesty of “All Things.”

Talking Points

1. God Is in Control of “All Things”

• Nothing catches God by surprise.
• Like a puzzle, individual pieces may look confusing, but together they reveal a complete picture.

Illustration:
A boy was helping his grandfather put together a puzzle. Frustrated, he cried, “This piece doesn’t fit anywhere!” The grandfather smiled and said, “Keep working on it, and you’ll see where it belongs.” Later, the boy placed the strange-looking piece in the perfect spot.
🗝️ Sometimes life feels like that – but God knows where every piece fits.

2. All Things Don’t Always Feel Good

• Some of us are dealing with sickness, loss, betrayal, or struggle.
• The verse doesn't say all things are good — but that God makes them work together for good.

Biblical Example:
Joseph was thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, and falsely accused. But at the end of it all, he could say in Genesis 50:20:

“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

🗝️ God takes what was meant to break you and turns it into something that builds you.

3. All Things Are Working According to God’s Purpose

• “To them that are the called according to His purpose.”
• Your life has divine meaning, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Short Story:
There was a man who lost his job, got sick, and was in a car wreck — all within a few months. But later, he testified:

“That season led me to start my own business, slow down, and return to church. I didn't see it then, but God was working all things together.”

🗝️ Pain can be a platform. Problems can lead to purpose.

4. God Mixes All Things for Good – Like a Master Chef

• A cake’s ingredients by themselves are not tasty — flour, eggs, oil, salt.
• But when mixed, stirred, and baked — it becomes something good.

Illustration:
God is the Master Chef. He takes the bitter (loss), the bland (waiting), the sweet (blessings), and the spicy (trials) — and mixes it all for your good.
🗝️ Even when you don’t understand the recipe, trust the Chef!

5. Love God & Trust His Process

• The promise of Romans 8:28 is conditional — “to them that love God.”
• You may not know what God is doing, but loving Him means you trust Him anyway.

Biblical Example:
Job lost everything, but still declared,

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15)

Closing Application

Tell the congregation:

• Don’t throw in the towel.
• Don’t judge the story too soon.
• Don’t confuse a moment with a final outcome.

Because God is saying:

“I’m not finished yet — I’m still making all things work t

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Title: Working Together Gets the Job Done

Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I. INTRODUCTION: WHY TEAMWORK MATTERS

Start with a relatable image:

Key Statement: God never intended for us to work in isolation. From the beginning, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)

II. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF WORKING TOGETHER

1. Moses and Aaron

• When God called Moses to lead the Israelites, Moses felt inadequate.
• God sent Aaron to assist him (Exodus 4:14-16).
• Result: Together, they confronted Pharaoh and led a nation out of bondage.

2. Nehemiah and the People of Jerusalem

• Nehemiah couldn’t rebuild the walls of Jerusalem by himself.
• Families, priests, and goldsmiths worked side-by-side with him (Nehemiah 3).
• Result: The wall was completed in just 52 days despite opposition!

3. Jesus and the Disciples

• Jesus could have ministered alone, but He chose 12 disciples.
• He sent them out two by two (Mark 6:7).
• After Pentecost, the church grew rapidly because the believers were in one accord (Acts 2:1, 42-47).

III. EXAMPLES OUTSIDE OF THE BIBLE

1. The Tuskegee Airmen

• African American pilots during WWII faced racism and rejection.
• But by working together with their support crews, they flew missions with unmatched excellence and protected bombers with the lowest loss rate.
• Result: They changed the course of history and opened doors for generations.

2. Civil Rights Movement

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a key figure, but he didn’t march alone.
• From pastors to mothers to college students, thousands worked together for justice.
• Result: Laws changed, hearts changed, and a nation was moved.

IV. MODERN-DAY ILLUSTRATION: THE BRIDGE BUILDERS

V. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: HOW TO WORK TOGETHER

1. Recognize Every Person's Value
   (1 Corinthians 12:14-27 — We are one body with many parts)
2. Put the Mission First
   (Philippians 2:2 — Be of the same mind, having the same love)
3. Celebrate Others’ Success
   (Romans 12:15 — Rejoice with those who rejoice)
4. Forgive Quickly and Communicate Openly
   (Ephesians 4:2-3 — Be patient,

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