A THANKSGIVING INVITATION
Text - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Introduction
On November 26th we are going to observe a very special holiday called Thanksgiving. It is perhaps one of the most Biblical holidays we celebrate here in America.
On this day we will be cooking, baking and mixing. Most of us put a lot of effort into the meal we will be eating. In fact, in comparison to other countries, we will eat like kings on this day.
There will be a turkey baked to a golden brown. There will be mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, bread dressing, corn bread dressing, vegetables, biscuits, cranberries, pumpkin pies, apple pies, mince pies and many other different kinds of food on the table.
After all the cooking is done and everything is placed on the table, an invitation will be given to come and eat.
At this time there will most likely be a stampede and everyone will come running to the table, ready to fill their stomachs with the food that has been prepared for us.
When that call or invitation is given I dare say that there will not be one single person who will refuse to come to the table and eat. If someone does, there is likely something very wrong with them.
In this same way, God has provided for all of mankind, something that is much better that any kind of food or Thanksgiving dinner.
Not only has God provided it, but He also invites everyone to “Come.”
Isaiah 55:1 The Lord says, "All you who are thirsty, come and drink. Those of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (NCV)
What is it that God has provided for us. What does He invite us to come and receive?
Is it something to eat? Yes, in a way you could say that it is because we are told that it is the Bread of Life.
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
Is it something you can drink? You could say it is, because it is called the Water of Life.
Is it some kind of desert? Yes, you could call it something like that, because it is sweeter than anything you have ever tasted.
Yet, even though God invites all of us to come and receive what He has prepared, many people still refuse to accept His invitation.
What is it that God has provided? What does He invite you to come and receive?
God has provided forgiveness for your sins, freedom from your guilt, salvation from hell and an eternity with Him in heaven!
Can you think of anything better than that?
This morning I would like us to consider four aspects of God’s invitation to come to Him.