Training In Thankfulness

Christ Church - OK

Training In Thankfulness

November 24, 2024 • Casey Donnelly • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Pastor Casey preached to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, pulling from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. In addition, he asked, if we are barely grateful during the “good times,” what will we be like during the “tough times?” Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and be thankful!

The Advent of Love

December 15, 2024 • Chad Graham • Ephesians 2:1–7, 1 John 4:7–9, Romans 8:31–39, Psalm 36:5–7, Isaiah 54:10

Pastor Chad’s message during the third week of Advent focused on sacrificial love, inspired by God’s love for humanity. He emphasized: 1. God’s Love: Agapē love is self-giving and eternal. God demonstrated this by sending Jesus to bring us from spiritual death to life (Ephesians 2:1-7). 2. Living Sacrificially: True love involves caring deeply for others and being willing to sacrifice for their well-being. 3. Past, Present, and Future: God’s love has always been evident, is active today, and will never fail us (Romans 8:31-39). Nothing can separate us from it. 4. Call to Action: We are encouraged to reflect on how we can show sacrificial love during Advent and beyond, holding ourselves accountable to live it out. This message serves as a reminder to love as God does—generously, sacrificially, and unconditionally.

The Advent of Peace

December 8, 2024 • Chad Graham • Ephesians 2:12–22

In the second week of Advent, Pastor Chad shared a powerful message about peace. He explained how Jesus brings us peace by breaking down barriers and bringing us closer to God and each other. Using Ephesians 2:12-22, he showed how Christ’s sacrifice unites us and helps us live in harmony with others. Pastor Chad encouraged us to seek peace daily—with God, our families, our church, and our community—as we look forward to the lasting peace Jesus promises.

The Advent of Hope

December 1, 2024 • Chad Graham • Isaiah 8:17, Jeremiah 29:10–14, Leviticus 23:4–8, Leviticus 23:6

Pastor Chad opened Advent with an inspiring sermon centered on the theme of hope. He reminded us that biblical hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises. Drawing from Jeremiah 29 and Isaiah 25, he showed how God’s faithfulness in the past assures us of his plans for our future. Pastor Chad emphasized that hope shapes the way we wait, transforming uncertainty into anticipation. He encouraged us to anchor our lives in the hope of Christ, looking back to his work on the cross and forward to the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan.