”A Psalm 100 Thanksgiving” Sunday Morning November 23rd

This sermon calls believers to celebrate a distinctly Christian Thanksgiving by anchoring their hearts in the truths of Psalm 100. The message emphasizes that Christian thanksgiving should be marked by supernatural joy, conscious awareness of God's presence (Coram Deo - before the face of God), and grounded in two foundational truths: that the Lord is God (our Creator, King, and Shepherd) and that the Lord is good (His steadfast love endures forever and His faithfulness extends to all generations). Pastor Joe Fant challenges the congregation to make this Thanksgiving different from secular celebrations by focusing on worship, service with gladness, and anchoring their hearts in biblical truth, especially during difficult seasons when joy may be hard to find.

Key Points:

• A Christian Thanksgiving must be distinctly different from secular celebrations, focused on giving thanks to God specifically
• Psalm 100 provides a formula for Christian thanksgiving centered on joy, God's presence, and truth
• Joy should characterize our thanksgiving through singing (making a joyful noise) and serving with gladness
• We are called to live "Coram Deo" - consciously before the face of God in every moment and action
• True joy and peace come through believing truth, which then affects our affections and actions
• The Lord is God means He is our Creator, King, and Shepherd who has authority over our lives
• Jesus is identified as both the Creator (John 1) and the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep
• The Lord is good, demonstrated through His steadfast love that endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations
• God's faithfulness is passed down from generation to generation, making multi-generational worship significant
• Even in difficult times - loss, estrangement, family tensions - we can find joy by anchoring in these truths

Scripture Reference:

• Psalm 100 (primary text)
• John 15:11
• Philippians 4:4
• Colossians 3:23-24
• Romans 15:13
• John 1:1-3
• John 10:11
• Ezekiel 34
• John 6 (feeding of the 5,000)
• John 13 (new covenant)
• Psalm 139
• Genesis 1:1
• Psalm 16:8
• Genesis 17