( Titus 3: 5- 9, Ephesians 2: 9, 1 Corinthians 1:29-31, Acts 1: 15-26)
Many of the people we regard as the worst sinners around us may have repented if they had come across the same message of the gospel that saved us. Many may have turned from their sinful ways if they have had in their lives the kind of intercessors we have, who cried to heaven for our sake (day and night). They might have forsaken wickedness and the work of darkness if they have been under the same emphasis of the truth that led us to soberness and repentance.
The Bible says it is not by works lest any man should glory in himself. “That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). The salvation we have was not given to us by our works and not because we are blameless but we received this by the love, grace and mercy of the Lord.
These reasons and more (as the Holy Spirit will be granting us) open our understanding to why we must return all the glory to our heavenly Father and Lord for the salvation of our souls. The Bible says “God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5: 8)”.
Beloved, please let us bear this in mind, that we are giving thanks but not in the manner the Pharisee portrayed in Luke 18: 11. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector”. We are however, giving thanks because Jesus saved us, we that were once wretched sinners (saved with love into the kingdom of God). This is not for us to portray how more righteous we are than other people. It is not for us to start taking note of those works we think qualified us for this free gift of God’s grace (bought with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ ). It is however a time we remember the lost and unsaved, crying to the Lord for the salvation of their souls.
Hence, we are giving thanks that a place is secured for us in the Father’s kingdom and no longer in hell (the place of eternal horror and terror). If we receive all blessings and still end in hell we would be the same with an investment which results in loss and liquidation. God forbids!
We are giving thanks to Jesus for grace made available to us in Him, in that we are still standing on the Solid Rock of Ages. We are thanking Him for His love that has kept us from falling from grace.
We are giving thanks because our place and treasure (Acts 1:15 – 26) in the Father’s kingdom will not be giving to another person.
We are rejoicing for the work of steadfastness and faithfulness that the Holy Spirit is doing in us. We are thanking the Holy Spirit for preparing, keeping and making us fit for Father’s use.
Oh Lord God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in unity, as Your church, Your body and Your bride, we praise You for Your free salvation given to us! May we be profitable and fruitful before You in all grace, in Jesus gracious name.
Prayer Points
1) Lord Jesus, thank You for the work of salvation You are doing in Your church(flock).
2) Lord Jesus, we thank You for keeping us firm, deep-rooted and steadfast in You.
3)Oh Lord, we thank You for Your love, mercy and grace in our lives and in the church, in Jesus name.
4) Holy Spirit, fill us with Your Spirit of righteousness, making us fit for Your will and use, in Jesus name.
5) Concerning the lost and the unsaved in Your flock and in the world, Holy Spirit do the work of genuine repentance in them, in the mighty name of Jesus.
