Thanksgiving Beginnings - November 21, 2021

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

Thanksgiving Beginnings
Text: Matthew 19: 29-30
Thesis: Our “Pilgrim Fathers” took time out to thank God for all divine guidance and
blessings.
1. Thanksgiving was celebrated by pilgrims who left their native land in search of
“freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience.” (Governor
William Bradford)
A. Our “Pilgrim Fathers” left houses and lands and families for
spiritual reasons.
* “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well (Matthew 6:33).”
1. The cultural changes in England prohibited them from worshipping God
according to the dictates of their own conscience.
2. Our forefathers demonstrated the Spirit of Christ that empowered them to make extreme sacrifices
in order to serve God.
B. The Holy Spirit can empower you to make sacrifices that will enable you to do the
following:
* Establish a relationship with God
* Cherish your spouse.
* Love your children.
* Transform your house into a home.
* Pray for our nation.
* To be thankful.
C. Our “Pilgrim Fathers” demonstrated undaunted courage in doing God’s will.
2. Thanksgiving began as a religious holiday.
A. The First pilgrims gathered in Church to thank God for his divine
protection and blessing.
1. To be Christ like (Christian) is to be thankful.
2. According to God’s word, failing to thank God is the first step to a downward course.
* “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but
their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21; see 1:22-25
for more).”
3. When we thank God, we build a spiritual hedge of protection around us.
B. When we thank God, we protect ourselves from the following:
* Pride and arrogance.
* A false sense of security.
* Discontentment.