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10 Times we’re UNGRATEFUL

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“And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17)

Jesus gave cleansing to 10 lepers who begged Him for mercy. He commands them to “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them noticed that he was cleansed and turned back to glorify God. He fell on his face and gave thanks. The necessary inference from Jesus’ response is that all 10 were cleansed, but only one returned to give thanks. This also means that Jesus is saying that the other 9 were UNGRATEFUL.

While we can’t know what they were thinking, we can know from scriptures about other people who were UNGRATEFUL to God for the good things He has done. Let’s learn from these negative examples about how to be GRATEFUL to God.

10 Reasons why we’re sometimes UNGRATEFUL.

The blessings are Unconnected in our mind to Jesus. Sometimes we just don’t realize that everything good is from God. Consider Ephraim, “I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.” (Hos 11:3; CF. 2:8; Is 1:3; Dan 5:18)

Perhaps some thought it was Not Enough or it was expected. It reminds me of what God said to David, “And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things” (2Sam 12:8).

Sometimes we give Glory to another. “And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians,” “Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation” (Judges 10:11,14).

Sometimes there’s Resentment on the part of the recipient of God’s blessings. The elder brother had resentment toward his prodigal brother’s return and restoration. “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf” (Luke 15:29-30).

Some disregard any blessings from God because they believe they were Already improving anyway. It reminds me of Pharoah when a plague was lifted. “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said” (Exo 8:15).

There are some that would show gratitude, but are too busy, perhaps Tomorrow. “According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me” (Hos 13:6; cf Deu 6:11).

Some people are just too proud or Egotistical to recognize God’s blessings. Consider the wealthy man in Luke twelve, 13-21; or the Pharisee & the tax collector, “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess,” (Luke 18:9-14); or Israel toward God’s care for them (Jer 2:31).

Sometimes we Fail to know God’s word about the good things He’s done. “They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt” (Psalm 106:21). If we fail to know about Christ, we’ll fail to give thanks to Him for His indescribable gift.

Some of us are just Uncaring about God’s blessings. We take for granted things that come for free. “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10).

Perhaps there are some that just don’t Love God like this sole Samaritan did. “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:15-16). It reminds me of the question Jesus posed to Simon about two debtors, “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most” (Luke 7:36-50)?

We’re commanded to give thanks, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thess 5:18), but it begins with recognition of the Source from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17).

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ in Borger Texas.

30 Days of Thanksgiving pt 2; CONTENTED

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30 days of THANKFULNESS

day 10.

I’m grateful for CHILDREN.

Psalm 127:3-5 KJV

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5] Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

HERE IS OUR LIST OF GRATITUDE SO FAR.

Grace

Rain

Advocate

Transportation

Invocation

The Temple, the church.

Understandable word of God

Debt paid by Christ

Election

HERE IS OUR LIST FOR BEING CONTENTED.

Children

OPEN doors of Opportunity to preach the Gospel

Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

NUPTIALS.

Prov 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

TIME.

Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

EATING & Enjoying company with Family & friends.

Ecc 2:24; 3:13; 1Tim 6:8

1Tim 4:3-4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.

NEEDS being MET.

Phil 4:11-13; Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

TALENTs (ability).

Matt 25:15. Each according to his ability.

EFFORTS (wages according to my effort.) Luke 3:14. 1Cor 7:17; Matt 25:15

DOCTRINE of Christ.

2John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Why are you GRATEFUL?

Lessons from 1Peter 5: ELDERS

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Instructions from a fellow elder.

be Examples. Do as I do. Phil 3:17

not Lording (not) cf. 3John 9-11

not for Dishonest gain 2Peter 2:1-3; 1Tim 5:17

Eagerly (willingly) 1Tim 3:1; 1Cor 9:17.

Readily cf. Rom 1:15 “I am Ready”.

Serve as a shepherd. cf. Chief Shepherd John 13:1-17.

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger Texas.

Lessons from 1Peter 5; SUBMIT

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1Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Younger SUBMIT. [1Peter 5:5; cf 2:13-3:6; Heb 13:7,17; Eph 20; 1Thess 5:12]

Surrender (obey) [Heb 13:17]

Understanding [Heb 13:7]

Blissfully (with joy) [Heb 13:17]

Monetize them. [1Tim 5:17]

Identify w/ their work [Heb 13:7; Col 4:18]

Trust them. [Heb 13:17]

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger Texas.

Lessons from 1Peter 5; a CROWN

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1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

CROWN:

We CAN obtain it. Matt 6:20

We RECEIVE After this life. 1Thess 2:19 

Through OBEDIENCE. 1Cor 9:25

Compared to WINNING a prize. 1Cor 9:24

Can be lost through NEGLECT. Jas 1:12-16 

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger Texas.

Lessons from 1Peter 5; SATAN

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unscriptural portrait of Satan; this what people who don’t read the bible think he looks like cf. 2Cor 11:14

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Some truths about SATAN.

SUBJECT TO GOD. Mark 5; Job 1

ANGEL OF LIGHT. 2Cor 11:14

TAKES AWAY THE WORD. Mark 4:15; 2Thess 2:11-12; Eph 2:2

ACCUSER. Rev 9:11; Abaddon. Adversary, 1Pet 5:8

NEVER QUITS. 2Cor 11:14; 1Pet 5:8

9 Reasons for GRATITUDE

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Are you grateful? As THANKSGIVING approaches, we’re reminded to be thankful. Have you tried to make a list of reasons to be grateful? May I suggest a 30 day challenge of being thankful. Here is my list for the first 9 days of November.

30 days of Thanksgiving.

What are you thankful for?

I’ll start…

Day 1

God’s Grace.

Titus 2:11-12 KJV

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Day 2.

I’m grateful for Rain.

Matthew 5:45 KJV

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

day 3.

I’m grateful for the ADVOCATE, Christ Jesus, who makes ATONEMENT.

1 John 2:1-5 KJV

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. [3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

day 4.

I’m grateful for TRANSPORTATION so we’re able to GO and peach the gospel.

Mark 16:15-16 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

day 5.

I’m grateful for INVOCATION (prayer).

1 John 5:14-15 KJV

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (cf John 9:31)

day 6.

I’m grateful for THE TEMPLE of God, His body, the church.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJ21

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, and ye are that temple. (1Peter 2:5)

day 7.

I’m grateful for the UNDERSTANDABLE Word of God.

Ephesians 3:3-4 KJ21

how by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words, [4] whereby when ye read this, ye may understand my knowledge of the mystery of Christ),

(cf. John 20:30-31; Rom 10:17)

day 8.

I’m grateful for my DEBT to God being paid by Christ, the Propitiation for my sins.

1 John 2:2-4 KJV

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. [3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Propitiation= 2434 hilasmós – properly, propitiation; an offering to appease (satisfy) an angry, offended party. 2434 (hilasmós) is only used twice (1Jn 2:2, 4:10) – both times of Christ’s atoning blood that appeases God’s wrath.

day 9.

I’m grateful for the ELECTION of the saints.

2 Peter 1:10 KJV

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and ELECTION sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Biblical ELECTION is God choosing those who seek Him and obey the Gospel. (Heb 5:8-9; 2Thess 1:7-8). Biblical Election is NOT God randomly choosing individuals to be lost or saved.

He gave His Son to bring the means of salvation to any who will obey Him.

Why are you GRATEFUL?

How do we scripturally give God GLORY?

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GLORY meaning.

  1. To make GORGEOUS, GREAT. Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
  2. LEADING above and beyond everyone and everything.
    1. John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. (KJV)
    1. Re 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
    1. Hear ye Him.
    1. Mt 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  3. ORIGINAL, before everything. John 17:5; Col 1:17 used of Christ.
    1. Outstanding, above, before, first.
      1. Joh 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
  4. Rejoice. & REQUEST.  1Cor 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
    1. 2Co 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
    1. Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
    1. 2Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
    1. REQUEST wishing. 2Cor 13:7; Jas 5:16
      1. Ac 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
      1. 2Co 13:7 ¶ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil;
      1. Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
      1. 3Jo 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
  5. YIELD to submit and die to Glorify God. (this point is key, Luke 6:46)
    1. 1Pe 4:11-16 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
      1. PAUL’S CHANGED LIFE. Ga 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.CF., those that don’t put God first. Ro 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
      Joh 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.YOU LOVE. 1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:YOUR SUBMISSION TO THE GOSPEL. 2Cor 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
    1. YOU WERE BOUGHT, 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

To give God GLORY is more than just boasting and praising Him.

GIVE HIM Praise, honor, & Preeminence in our lives. Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

LOVE Him above everyone and everything else. Matt 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

OBEY His commands. Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (2Cor 9:13)

REJOICE only in Him and not in ourselves. 1Cor 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. 2Cor 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

YIELD to His word, His commands, His doctrine, and be willing to die for preaching it, keeping it, and living it.

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ o Franklin & Juniper st in Borger, Texas.

How to spiritually DRESS

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How to DRESS as a Saint.

Decency & Demure (meek & lowly). Psalm 149:4; 1Peter 3:3-4; 1Tim 2:9-10

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Righteousness. Psalm 139:9; Job 29:14

Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Earnest Zeal. Rev 3:14-19

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Submission. 1Peter 3:1-7

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Salvation. Gal 3:27; Psalm 132:16; Matt 22:11

I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.