While one could argue that Thanksgiving began with the church, in that it was celebrated by our spiritual fathers who came to these shores, it has become more of a family holiday. Families always have much for which to give thanks. So too does the church. It would be wise of the church to take the good habit of a day devoted to giving thanks and apply it to the gifts He has given the church.
What gifts? Paul writes,
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4: 11, 12).
It is a good sign that we are not grateful as we ought to be that when we read this text we are prone to jumping right to cessationist vs. continuationist debates. Not here, not today. While everyone agrees we do not have apostles in the exact same sense as the early church had, and nearly everyone would agree we do not have prophets in exactly the same way either, we still have much to give thanks. We are failing if we rush by the text to get to the debate.
First, we give thanks for the apostles and prophets in the Bible. They still speak to us today. We have, because of God’s working through them, God’s Word. That is surely something worthy of our gratitude, as it reveals not just the gifts but the Giver, the Redeemer of our souls.
Second, we give thanks for evangelists. This could certainly include those who are simply faithful to share the gospel, those whose ministry is principally evangelistic, anyone that God uses to bring the Word which gives life. Every Father’s son of us was once outside the kingdom. Faith comes by hearing, and someone spoke the words of life into our lives. If you haven’t, and you know who that person was in your life, maybe take the occasion this week to thank him or her. All of us, however, can thank the One who put that person in our lives.
Third, we can give thanks for our pastors and teachers. Pastor Appreciation Month was October, and it might have escaped your radar. But gratitude is always in style, and every pastor and teacher can benefit from words of encouragement. They (we) want to know that we have been a blessing in people’s lives. Giving thanks lifts spirits, fuels fidelity and blesses the one blessing you.
Fourth, give thanks not only for these gifts but for the work of the ministry that is the fruit of these gifts. The gifts of the Lord redound to more gifts. Those who have served you in time of need, who have blessed you with an encouraging word, give them thanks.
Which reminds me, I am grateful for all who invest the time to visit this site, to read my pieces, to tune in to our Bible study, who worship with us, who listen to the podcast. Simply listening is a gift. Feedback is the icing on the cake. Thank you, and may God bless you this holiday season.
This is the twenty-second installment of an ongoing series of pieces here on the nature and calling of the church. Stay tuned for more. Remember also that we at Sovereign Grace Fellowship meet this Sunday December 1 at 10:30 AM at our new location, at our beautiful farm at 112811 Garman Road, Spencerville, IN. Please come join us.