Spirit and Truth Discernment: THANKSGIVING DAY

As November rolls around there is much talk about Thanksgiving and all the activities surrounding it. As Christians we need to test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and that would include such days.

In looking at history we see the pilgrims coming to America to escape persecution from England and as most of us know, they went through many trials getting established on foreign soil. Indians helped them learn to plant, harvest and store food for which they were grateful and from that came a day that they simply gave thanks to God for the bounty they received.

The government later established it as a recognized day called Thanksgiving. There is some question as to the exact theology of the different pilgrim groups as well as what basis the government stood on in proclaiming God but the core of the celebration was a simple meal and within that, giving thanks to God, the Creator.

We personally do nothing extra special on that day as to us it is the same as every other day and we give thanks to God all day, every day. We don’t consider this day a biblical holiday to be kept. Our doors are open to anyone, anytime to come share a meal with us, not just particular days of the year. If someone wants to visit on that day we will set a plate for them and along with physical food, they will surely receive spiritual food…the gospel and Word of God as that is our main focus.

Sadly in this country, a day which started out as a simple day of gratitude has turned into a drinking, gluttony, sports fest with commercialism and materialism plastered all about it.

(Cyber Monday/Black Friday shopping days).

This day (like any other) is a great time to witness and point to the Creator of the universe for which we should give thanks, BUT we warn true followers of Christ to beware when partaking of the festivities with unbelievers as they will likely be trying to include you in on the carnality that is normally in their life and even more so on such days as this. It’s well known that over eating/football/ materialism is the craze on Thanksgiving and so we would encourage you to read our post about whether believers should be partaking of such worldly activities.

CAN HOLY SAINTS ENJOY THE WORLD'S CARNAL OFFERINGS? (Click here to read)

We also encourage you to beware as alcohol and party drinks flow freely and although drinking is not a sin, drunkenness is. Oftentimes when those particular activities are going on there is also vulgarity, crude and coarse jesting etc that we would encourage you to aware of and avoid. To those who do claim Christ, Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the world and James 1:27 tells us to be un-spotted from the world. While it is always good to be thankful to God; in all things it must be done in a way that is consistent with His Holy character and nature for His glory, not man's carnal way.

If your going to preach the gospel at a holiday event by all means go and preach the truth. If your are going to be part of it, you best reconsider if you desire to be holy unto God. 1 Peter 1;15

Moving past man's celebration of this day; we would like to share with you some scripture verses on giving thanks. Read and meditate on those as they will help you stand strong in this wicked world where satan reigns. (2 Cor 4:4)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Psalms 107:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for his mercy endureth forever.
Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Psalms 106:1 - Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 105:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Colossians 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 4:2 - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Focusing on these verses will take us far from the over eating, shopping madness and the football frivolity; right into the heart and mind of Christ were His true people are to remain always.
(2 Cor 10:5)

Here is a article on verses about thanksgiving:

http://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/2016/08/being-thankful-and-content-in-christian.html

Give thanks to God in everything and see the gospel to eternal life below!

Let us know if we can help you in any way.

May God be praised!

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Here is the biblical gospel:

http://www.dontperish.com/the-gospel.html

Here is a 10 point biblical test:

http://www.dontperish.com/10-point-biblical-test.html

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