November 25, 2017 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "What Do You Say?" by Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Adrian Pressley

Children’s Feature: Joelle Reuer

Baptism: Ashley Joseph and Krizelle Baraero

Scripture Reading: “Give Thanks to the Lord” read by Harrison Mace and Tiana Campbell

Sermon Notes:

A bit of frost in the air. (SoCal “frost,” that is!) Leaves turn yellow and red. (Insofar as that happens in SoCal!) Rain in the forecast. (Maybe . . . ?) Turkey on the table. (That is pronounced TO-FURKEY!) Thursday and Friday off from work. (Hopefully!) Food, family, friends. Thanksgiving! I love this time of year. Of any holiday of the year, it is the holiday that turns our thoughts unavoidably outward—that is, if we allow its true meaning to sink in. It is a time of year that reminds us of the importance of taking the time to say thank you. In fact, gratitude has been called “the mature emotion.” It has been underlined as an evidence of Christian character. Notice what Patricia Ennis said: “One of the most evident signs of genuine godliness is a sincere display of appreciation towards your heavenly Father.” It is also a biblical mandate. So, the invitation at this time of year is simple: say thank you! Say thank you to your parents, for the fact that you are here! Say thank you to your boss for his/her support for you at work. Say thank you to your employees, for all they do to make your place of work what it is. Say thank you to public servants, to police officers, to teachers, physicians, and dentists. Say thank you to servers at restaurants and attendants on flights. Say thank you to friends who make life worth living. Say thank you to family members who support you during tough times. And, most of all, say thank you to God. Thank God for life, for love, for liberty. Thank God for creation and redemption. Thank God for forgiveness, for new life, for the new world to come. Thank God for Jesus! And, finally, allow me this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful privilege my family and I enjoy of pastoral ministry at Loma Linda University Church. You are the best! Thank you. Randy Roberts Senior pastor