On November 16, 2022 we sent out an email with a call to give generously. A few days prior we had voted as a congregation to approve the conditional sale of a new church facility at 3311 Centre Street N. This marked a milestone as it had been more than a year in which we had been earnestly praying and seeking a new location that would contain the growing family at Fairview. As I mentioned in that email, we were $1.25 million short of what we needed to finalize the sale without any debt. We knew that the Lord could provide and prayed that the Lord would provide all that was necessary for the sale—and I know some were confident that he would.
Near the end of that email, I quoted from 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 which says, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” From this text, I sought to demonstrate that it is a joy to give and it is a joy to see God receive thanksgiving. That is, it is a joy to be able to supply the needs of the saints, but an even greater result is that many saints will give thanksgiving to God.
As we finalize details and move into a new facility this month, we can confidently give thanks to God for his amazing provision. God provided through people young and old, through gifts large and small, and multiplied our loaves and fish in answer to prayer. God has done this great work. When people ask about the new facility—like the children of Israel asked about the pile of stones by the Jordan—we can say that the Lord God provided this land and this building through his gracious provision. We can say that the Lord showed favor and demonstrated his faithfulness to provide for his people. We can say that this is the Lord’s house, dedicated for gospel use, and the source of an overflow of thanksgiving to him.
We have so much to be thankful to God for. Let me recount some of the ways in which he deserves praise and thanksgiving in this transition:
- In the Lord’s kind providence, we’ll be taking possession of this new facility on the two-year anniversary that our current facility was locked and seized to prevent us gathering in worship. The Lord has reversed the plans of those seeking to close the church and the pressure upon the church became the source of her flourishing. Thanks be to God!
- People around our city, our country, and around the world have heard of God’s people at Fairview and have prayed for the Lord’s protection and the Lord’s blessing. Those prayers have been answered beyond what we could ask or think. Now those in prayer for the church at Fairview will join us in praising God. Thanks be to God!
- The children of our church have prayed regularly and given their money to the Lord for this facility. Their prayers have been heard and God has used their pennies to accomplish his purposes. This will strengthen their faith as they see the faithfulness of our God and the power of prayer. Thanks be to God!
- All those who gave will give thanks to God for allowing them a part in facilitating the advance of the gospel and the worship of the church. Thanks be to God!
Gratitude is a wonderful virtue. It is a virtue that is the source of many other virtues and righteous acts. As we give thanks to God for his wonderful mercy and grace, let us remember to express our gratitude in the following ways:
1. Worship with Reverence and Awe
Hebrews 12:28 says, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”
Worship, reverence and awe is the natural consequence of gratitude toward God.
2. Pray and Give Thanks
Colossians 1:3 says, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.”
Each time we make our requests known to God, let us be a people that give him thanks. In prayer, our attention is brought to the God who is gracious and merciful in providing for his people.
3. Encourage One Another in Word and Song
Colossians 3:16 says, “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.”
We ought to sing and speak to each other about the faithfulness of our God. If we are thankful we will treasure God’s word, speak it and sing it to others.
4. Live Every Moment Serving Christ with Gratitude
Colossians 3:17 says, “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.”
We will be tempted to grumble just like the Israelites when they were led out of Egypt. As we move there will be bumps and wrinkles in the way. Do not lose hope, nor complain, but live with gratitude, patience, and humility.
5. Tell Others What Our Great God Has Done
Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
We must remember and give thanks for the deeds of the Lord and tell them to our children and others. The Lord is on our side and he has delivered us and set us like a light upon a hill.
