Category Archives: Culture

2023 – The True Story of Thanksgiving by By Pastor David Mathis

Come Thanksgiving Day each year, many of us give the nod to Pilgrims and Indians and talk of making ready for a harsh first winter in the New World.

But for the Christian, the deepest roots of our thanksgiving go back to the Old World, way back before the Pilgrims, to a story as old as creation, with a two-millennia-old climax. It’s a story that keeps going right on into the present and gives meaning to our little lives, even when we’re a half a globe removed from history’s ground zero at a place called Golgotha.

You could call it the true story of Thanksgiving — or you could call it the Christian gospel viewed through the lens of that, often undervalued virtue, known as “gratitude.” It opens up a few Biblical texts we otherwise may be prone to downplay. Here’s the true story of thanksgiving in four stages.

Created for Thanksgiving

God created humanity for gratitude. You exist to give honor and thanks to God.

Firstly, God created humanity for gratitude. We exist to appreciate God. He created us to honor him by giving him thanks. Appreciating both who God is and his actions for us — in creating us and sustaining our lives — is fundamental to proper human life in God’s created world.

The apostle Paul gives us this glimpse of the place of appreciation in the created order as he describes in Romans 1 what’s gone wrong with the world:

”Although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:21)

Part of what the first man and woman were created to do was honor God by being thankful. And part of what we exist to do is honor God by being thankful — and thus the numerous Biblical commands enjoining gratitude.  Humanity was created to appreciate God. But as we’ve already seen from Romans 1, ingratitude wasn’t far away.

Fallen from Thanksgiving

Secondly, we all have failed miserably in appreciating God as we should. In her book on gratitude, Ann Voskamp gives memorable expression to the failure of the first man and woman — and the devil before them — to rightly experience and express gratitude:  From all of our beginnings, we keep reliving the Garden story. Satan, he wanted more. More power, more glory. Ultimately, in his essence, Satan is an ingrate. And he sinks his venom into the heart of Eden. Satan’s sin becomes the first sin of all humanity: the sin of ingratitude. Adam and Eve are, simply, painfully ungrateful for what God gave. Isn’t that the catalyst of all my sin?

Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren’t satisfied in God and what He gives. We hunger for something more, something other. (One Thousand Gifts, 15)

Satan the ingrate spawns thanklessness in Adam and Eve, who pass it along to all of us. Both before our conversion and after, we are thankless people. This is so painfully true.

Our fall was, and has always been, that we aren’t satisfied in God and what He gives. We hunger for something more.

And we not only fail to be thankful like we ought, but we also fail to get the balance right between physical and spiritual. Two obstacles often stand in our way to God-exalting gratitude. You could call them “hyper-spirituality” and “hyper-physicality.”

Perhaps hyper-physicality is all too well known in 21st-century Western society at large. Materialists are so unaware of spiritual reality that even when there is gratitude for the physical, the spiritual is neglected, if not outright rejected. We can be thankful for the temporal, even while we couldn’t care less about the eternal.

But hyper-spirituality is often particularly dangerous among the so-called “spiritual” types, even in the church. We can be prone to mute God’s physical goodness to us out of fear that appreciation for such would somehow detract from our thanksgiving for spiritual blessings.

In our sin, we fail again and again to get the proportions right. Only with divine redemption are we able to grow toward a balance that goes something like this: Christians are thankful for all God’s gifts, especially his eternal gifts, and especially the surpassing value of knowing his Son (Philippians 3:8), the Spirit-become-physical.

Redeemed by Thanksgiving

Third, God himself, in the person of his Son, Jesus, entered into our thankless world, lived in flawless appreciation of his Father, and died on our behalf for our chronic ingratitude. It is Jesus, the God-man, who has manifested the perfect life of thankfulness. If you’ve ever tracked the texts where Jesus gives his Father thanks, you’ll know it’s quite an impressive list.

Matthew 11:25 [also Luke 10:21]: “At that time [note the context of unrepentant and unthankful “cities where most of His mighty works had been done,” verse 20]  Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will.’”

John 11:41: “ . . they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard me.’” [Jesus then raises Lazarus from the dead.]

Matthew 15:36 [also Mark 8:6]: Jesus “took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples . . . ” [See also John 6:11 and John 6:23 which refer to the location as “the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.”]

Luke 22:17–20 [also Matthew 26:27 and Mark 14:23]: “He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He said, ‘Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ And He took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” [And so following Jesus’s pattern, Paul in Acts 27:35 “took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all He broke it . . . ”]

  1. Corinthians 11:23–24: Our “Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it . . . ”

Jesus is not only God himself but also the quintessentially thankful human. The God-man not only died to forgive our failures in giving God the thanks He is due, but also lived the perfect life of thankfulness on our behalf toward His Father.

Freed for Thanksgiving

Christians are thankful for all God’s gifts, especially for His eternal gifts.

Finally, by faith in Jesus, we are redeemed from ingratitude and its just, eternal penalty in hell, and freed to enjoy the pleasure of being doubly thankful for God’s favor toward us — not only as His creatures, but also as His redeemed.

It is fitting for a creature to be in a continuous posture of gratitude toward his Creator. And it is even more fitting for a redeemed rebel to be in an ongoing posture of gratitude toward his Redeemer. The kind of life that flows from such amazing grace is the life of continual thankfulness. This is the kind of life in which the born-again Christian is being continually renewed; progressively being made more like Jesus. 

THE APOSTLE PAUL ENCOURAGES CHRISTIANS TO HAVE LIVES CHARACTERIZED BY THANKSGIVING

Colossians 1:11–12: May you be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Colossians 2:6–7: “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Colossians 3:15–17:“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Ephesians 5:20: “ . . . giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

  1. Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Only in Jesus, are we able to become the kind of persistently thankful people God created us to be and fulfill the human destiny of thanksgiving. For the Christian, with both feet standing firmly in the Good News of Jesus, there are possibilities for a true Thanksgiving which we otherwise would never know.  By David Mathis @desiringGod.org

From Steve and R.K.’s Corner

This article by Pastor David Mathis was published in the 2019 Thanksgiving issue of The Bridge Report, the reason being that I had for some time been reflecting on the alarmingly shifting negative tone in the discourse between people in our public square. The right to free speech was being used as an excuse to engage in personal attacks on others with different points of view. Restraints had been cast off in the back and forth dialogues, especially in social media, which has become the virtual reality by which many measure their lives and values, resulting in divided families, broken friendships, destroyed reputation and livelihoods.

Realizing the focus of this article, Thanksgiving, a concept almost forgotten, is far more relevant to the growing intensity of our culture war today than then, I decided to reprint the total article.  Those of us who belong to Jesus Christ are the counter culture, and as such, should demonstrate a different attitude. Let us pause in the midst of our busy lives, meditate on these Scriptures as we count our blessings, and openly give thanks to God for all His marvelous gifts… even life itself!

Would you consider, as an act of Thanksgiving, sending an extra gift toward our Harvesters abroad who labor to bring His Love and Light to those who have not yet heard the Good News!   THANKS!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

     

 

THE GREAT COMMISSION RESET—By Paul Cowley

I have the unique opportunity to travel between North America and East Africa quite often. Ministry responsibilities require my presence on two continents. They are separated not only by distance, but also by culture. North America being historically a Western Judeo Christian culture. East Africa lies at the frontier of traditionally Eastern Oriental cultures. As missionaries, much of our advance training was focused on Cross-Cultural Adaptation. Knowledge and skills for Immersion, Infiltration and Impact. It’s one thing to “Go!” It’s quite another to be fruitful…especially if you find yourself in a Spiritually Hostile Culture.

“Westerners”, whether Christian or not, carry vestiges of a Christian heritage and worldview. What we assume as “basics” (i.e. human rights, rule of law, the intrinsic value of human life) are rare exceptions in historically Eastern cultures. This is not a disparagement. This is a bona fide anthropological and sociological fact. It has everything to do with the pervasive impact of Christ and Christianity on mankind. Where Christ is foundational, mankind thrives. Where He and the Gospel are absent from culture, mankind suffers under incredible bondage, oppression and corruption. This is true Historically, and Currently.

There was a time when the Christian missionaries launched from their cultural heritage of Spiritual Abundance (in Christ) to minister in faraway Eastern cultures in Spiritual Bondage. Thousands devoted their lives to be “Ambassadors of Christ.” With noble, righteous and holy aims: reaching the unreached, setting the captives free…making disciples of Christ in all nations. Countless missionaries endured the shock and awe of living in cultures untouched by Christianity. Seeped in idolatry, licentiousness, carnality and oppression. The Word of God explains “Why?”…

“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the Wicked one.” 1 JOHN 5:19

The “Wicked one” continues his “sway” to this day. And seems to be doing a yeoman’s job of it. The Enemy of our souls has his foot on the accelerator. Down to the floor. The whole world is in an uproar today. Not just boisterous little identity groups…but entire nations. Indeed, even whole cultures. The Signs of the Times indicate a new season of unparalleled spiritual degression, cultural suicide and fashionable Paganism. Boston hosts “Satancon 2023”. Palm Springs boasts “Coachella”. Colorado churches provide Ayahuasca drug retreats. Wall Street sponsors Pride parades. As missionaries, we see the Signs of the Times quite starkly. It’s a new “shock and awe” of Cultural Dissonance for us…but in Reverse! Let me explain…

While in East Africa, I encounter pervasive Spiritual Curiosity and Sincerity amongst the locals. I can comfortably converse about “things of God” with everyone I encounter. Whether from the elite, privileged political class…or from the destitute urban slums, I can engage them, evangelize them, invite them, intrigue them….in things of Christ. Even pray with them. The prevailing culture is one of great Spiritual Interest… and Respectful Discourse. There is an ever-expanding Cultural foundation of Christ- like behavior, norms and attitudes.

It is an increasingly recognizable culture to me as a “Westerner”. If I ask someone if I can pray with them, I will never be denied. It is not mere  courtesy to the foreigner. Nor some vestige of post- colonial deference. Our Pastors and Ministry Leaders receive the same reaction. These are the hallmarks of a society not only “touched” by Christ and Christian culture…they have largely embraced it…and made it their own.

Counterpoint: from the time I enter the airports in Europe and head back to North America, I experience Cultural Dissonance… in Reverse. Whether in mannerisms, clothing, conversation or interests, the prevailing theme is one of carnality, licentiousness, spiritual Apathy at best…and increasingly anti-Christian. I courteously engage in light conversation with people as I travel. All goes quite well. Until the point when they ask what I do for a living. Or I pull out my Bible to read. From that point forward, almost without fail, the discourse ends…never to be picked up again. From fellow passengers to ticket agents, immigration officials to storekeepers, the prevailing culture is one that I instinctively recognize. Afterall, it’s my calling to work cross culturally. What is it? In one word: Paganism.

The “West”  is a post-Christian society. It is NOT “becoming” post-Christian. It is Here and it is Now! On the other hand, large swaths of the “East” are now bastions of fundamental Christian culture.

Case in point: the ongoing disintegration of main-line Christian denominations in the West. (Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc). are in all sorts of theological turmoil over fundamental principles. Who has drawn the line in the sand? The churches in Africa and Asia! Who has stepped “over the line” into apostasy and heresy? The churches in the West! It is the bishops of Africa that are most vocal about the need to “return to our roots” as God-fearing Christians. By failing to recognize this  epic Reversal, we are apt to continue on as before…and become increasingly irrational, ineffective and irrelevant in our own society and culture! Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for much the same…

Jesus…said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the Signs of the Times.” MATTHEW 16:2

Where do we go from here? What are we to do? First, recognize (like Dorothy) that “we’re not in Oz anymore.” We all live in a new, foreign and increasingly hostile culture. With that in mind, we’d do well to begin ministering like missionaries in hostile cultures.  Not expecting easy reaping, but rather hard-core sowing. Planting the first seeds of Christ and Christianity. We call them “Pioneers.” There’s much to be said here. More than I can fit into this brief. But a few basic “Do’s and Don’ts” of Basic Pioneer Missions Training might prompt some prayerful consideration…

  1. Don’t be the Christian caricature. Remove the Christian T-shirt, yard signs and bumper stickers.
  2. Don’t be Rude: crashing the Pride parade, blocking the downtown sidewalk on a Friday night, criticizing unbeliever’s lifestyles or beliefs. Do that as a missionary in a hostile country, and you’ll be thrown on the next plane.
  3. Don’t complain about Working among unbelievers. Missionaries pray for opportunities to find secular jobs in pagan cultures. It’s the most effective place to engage others.
  4. Don’t be a day-trader in Christianese rhetoric. Speak their “language”. Stop the Bold Font All Caps Red Letter KJV with unbelievers. Use the vernacular (but not the vulgar).
  5. Spend most of your time with Unbelievers. Be Sincere. Don’t befriend someone just to save them.
  6. Serve outside the Church tribe. Wash the Unbeliever’s feet. And don’t broadcast it.  
  7. Start with Outcasts whom no one wants to deal with.
  8. Be an Example. They’re looking for the fraud. Don’t be one.
  9. Infiltrate Individuals, not causes,
  10. Be prepared to Suffer… God will allow it… because that is when they watch you the most!

 The world is in the midst of “The Great Reset.”  We need to make a Reset, as well. The Signs of the Times dictate as much.  It’s high time we Reset our Great Commission approach:
Pioneers in a hostile culture. Infiltrators behind enemy lines..in our own land!