No Thanks ???

Out of a true spirit of thankfulness a special day of thanksgiving was observed in the United States in 1621. This has become a cherished tradition for both the U.S.A. and Canada. Originally the day was meant to be a day of special thanksgiving to God for a bounteous harvest. The day was spent by first of all going to church where a few hours were spent in listening to lengthy sermons, followed by a bounteous thanks giving dinner.

Today, of course, the feasting persists, and for the majority of people it is just another "long week-end". If, perhachance, they do attend church they rather pointedly begin looking at their watches if the seromon should gov over fifteen minutes. Thus, in effect, they are saying, "No thanks" to God Who is mindful of their everyday needs.

The Christian has things to be thankful for that are transcendent to material things. The Christian is thankful for the "gift of God, which is eternal life". Romans 6:23. This gift is possible through Jesus Christ. In our modern world there is a mania for "free gifts" with almost every purchase. The costs of these "free gifts" are hidden in the purchase price.

With the gift of salvation there is a hidden cost, but it is not passed on to the receiver of this gift. yes, Jesus paid the price for us. "Ye are bought with a price". I Cor. 6:20; 7:23. The price has been paid so it is truly free. As long as a "free gift" remains in the hands of the giver, it is in his possession. It does not belong to the intended receiver until he actually takes possession of it.

To turn down a valuable gift wth a "No thank you" would be considered the height of folly. Have you accepted this free gift of salvation through Christ? Or are you one of those who are saying "No thanks" to the most precious gift of all? If you will accept Christ as your own personal Saviour right now, then you can have a thanksgiving day every day of your life.

You will thank God for showing you that you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

You will thank Him for providing salvation for it is impossible to save yourself for it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5.

You will thank Him for daily blessings received, both spiritual and temporal, for He makes "all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28.

Youwil lthank Him for the "blessed hope" that you ahve for eternity, for "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." I Cor. 2:9.

Thanksgiving is mentioned in the Old Testament about 45 times. 30 of these are in the Psalms. (Example, Psalm 26:7). Thanksgiving is alos mentioned about 45 times in the New Testament. (Example, Matthew 15:36 and II Cor. 9:15).

We should "offer the sacrifice of praise to God CONTINUALLY, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Heb. 13:15.

We are to be found "Giving thanks always FOR ALL THINGS unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:20.

Daniel gave thanks in the face of sentence of death. Daniel 6:10. Jonah gave thanks from the belly of the fish. Jonah 2:9. Ingratitude is a sin "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boaster, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, UNTHANKFUL, unholy." II Tim. 3:2.

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High." Psalm 92.1.


(Note: this tract is out of print)