THANK GOD TO BLESS HIM

November 1, 2020

Luther changed the world forever.  By asking Europe to consider how a person makes it to heaven – through faith in Christ rather than through works prescribed by the church – he introduced concepts that led to individual salvation and the possibility of democracy.  But he was not only a great theologian, reformer, Bible translator and political leader.  He was a marvelous vocalist, flautist and composer.  He wrote,

Next to the Word of God the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.  It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts and spirits.  A person who does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God does not deserve to be called human; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of donkeys and the grunting of hogs. 

Luther’s greatest hymn was composed right after the Diet (Meeting) of Speyer in which German barons protested the abuses of the Catholic Church, thus earning the name “Protestants.”  It states,

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
 

Our helper he amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.

…

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
 

Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God’s own choosing.
 

Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus it is he –
 

Lord Sabaoth his name,
From age to age the same,
 

And he must win the battle.

This song was composed in thanksgiving as a blessing to God.  This month I’m preaching on “Thank God.”  Sunday I’m preaching on “Thank God to Bless Him” from Psalm 103.  I’ll talk about 1) “Thank God by Blessing God” (verses 1-5), 2) “Thank God by Recognizing Who He Is” (verses 6-14), 3) “Thank God by Comparing Him to Man” (verses 15-18) and 4) “Thank God with Creation” (verses 19-22).  The best thing we can do is bless God, and one of the greatest ways to do that is to thank him continually.

Don’t forget to move your clocks back Saturday night.  You get an extra hour to get ready for Sunday School!  This is a good week to invite your friends!  That will bless God!

Love,

Jim Meek

El Camino Baptist Church

Facebook Link:

https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/live/

Online Giving Link

https://www.elcaminobaptist.org/donate