November Divine Service theme

With thanksgiving

How does each sermon connect to this theme?

As we continue in our Season of Thanksgiving, we also continue with our theme - With thanksgiving. Once again, we can turn to Psalm 100 to frame our sermons in this month. The last verse reads: “For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”

These attributes of God are experienced by us today, but as they proclaim, will become a deeper reality in the future - everlasting, and enduring to all generations. The messages of our sermons have a similar characteristic in that they point to something for today and also focus us on something for our eternal future.

November 2, our Service for the Departed, explores Jesus’ discourse in chapter 10 of John on being a shepherd. We are His sheep; we hear and follow Jesus, and are secure in our relationship with and salvation in Him. November 9 examines the eschatological parable of the sheep and goats, encouraging us to practice active love today.

November 16 expounds on our doctrine by explaining the two returns of Christ and how we can live in readiness, between the promise of His return and the prayer in Revelation - “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

On November 23, we will celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday - please use the separately attached DSG and Study Guide written for this holy day. Our verse from Colossians prompts us to practice gratitude in word and deed, not only in this season but in every aspect of life. (Congregations in other countries will use the DSG and Study Guide titled - Walk in newness.)

The November midweek assures that we can accept His calling and judgment, because God is an impartial and true judge. Finally, November 30 brings us to the first Sunday of Advent - a season of anticipation and light, which the sermon will address from Isaiah 60. Jesus Christ has come in the incarnation, and will come again - we await His coming!