Dear family,
Without forgiveness of sin in Christ Jesus, there is no reason or cause to be thankful. In Him alone can we find favor to even utter the name of our creator without expressly receiving his wrath. This is true of common grace, the mercy shown to all created men that the Lord’s longsuffering may be realized as he stores up wrath against the sons of disobedience to be poured out fully on that day. This is especially true of saving grace, that takes a heart of stone and recreates in us a heart of flesh in accordance to God’s good pleasure. This gift of grace exercised upon sinful man without merit, poured out upon us lavishly by the Holy Spirit, convicts us of our sinful ways. Convinced of our sin, we must repent, turning from our sin, hating our sin, and forsaking our sin. As we change our minds and turn from our wicked ways me must turn to Christ Jesus in faith and place our trust in him, that his perfect birth and life, along with his redeeming death, burial, and resurrection is sufficient unto salvation for all who will believe.
As you examine yourself today, evaluating yourself in light of Holy Scripture, be thankful that as you look into the mirror of the word and realize your desperate need for a savior, Christ Jesus is propitiation, substitution, and advocate. This day, along with every other, you have been commissioned, so turn to your left and to your right and from the overflow of a grateful heart preach the Good News that those we love may repent and trust in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Happy Thanksgiving.
To God be the Glory,
David, Stephanie, Emma, Carson, and Charity