Sermon Notes for Sunday Morning by Joan Ferrand

Pastor Ernie titled his message this morning, “ Thankful for God .” Why am I thankful for God? In case you have trouble thinking of a reason, consider his topical outline on the back of the bulletin.

I . I Am Thankful for God because - He is There.

A) As early as the 1930's some people said that, “God is dead,” and that was why things were so bad. Not true, God is still here, real and active in our lives. Some rational arguments for the existence of God follow.

1.     Cosmological Argument - Adequate Cause. Because of the complexity of the universe, the oceans, the sky, existence of man etc. require us to think it had to get here somehow. A big bang doesn't put things together, a big bang blows things apart.

2. Teleological Argument - Detailed Designer. Complexity of design is seen in every created thing.

3. Ontological Argument - Most Perfect Being. Man has an innate knowledge of God. The inherent idea that God exists causes one to reason He is the Creator.

4. Anthropological Argument - Self-conscious Moral Being.

B) Scripture on God's Existence.

1. Genesis 1, “In the beginning God…” John 1:1, ”In the beginning was the Word, …”

2. Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He hath made everything…the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”

3. Psalm 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”

4. Romans 1: 18-20

II . I Am Thankful for God because - He Cares.

A) Romans 8:26-39 - Even in the vastness of the universe, or multitudes of people, He cares about each individual. We are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made,' created to give Him glory. What's more, ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God.' He cared so much, that He sent His Son to die for us, and intercede on our behalf.

B) Mark 4:35-41 - The disciples were with Jesus in a boat. While Jesus slept, a great storm came causing the disciples great fear. They cried out to Jesus. He calmed the storm and took them safely to the other side. Remember Jesus is ‘in the boat with us.' Colossians 1:27, ”Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

III . I Am Thankful for God because - He Can Make a Difference .

A) Romans 11:33-36, “…how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways…”

B) John 14:15-27- He has given us the Comforter, promises to be with us, love us, give us peace etc.

IV. I Am Thankful for God because - He has my future in His hand .

A) Romans 8:18, “…the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

B) John 14:1-4- Jesus is preparing a place for us. I Peter 1:4, “…reserved in heaven for you.”

C) I Thessalonians 4:13-18- dead or alive, we're reassured that God will take us home to be with Him. Psalm 23 promises God's comfort and provision for us.

Pastor stated, “The great heroes of the faith went through many dark times. What set them apart was their relationship with God and their willingness to follow no matter how dark the valley.” The arm of flesh and political alliances may fail, but God never fails. Whatever the difficulties we face, He's there, He cares, He makes a difference, and best of all He promises a bright future for those who are in Christ. I am thankful. How about you?