Seasonal - Holidays | Christian Ministry Training Blog

“Thanksgiving” in the Bible

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 9 Comments ↓

Thanksgiving in the Bible

The Bible uses the word “thanksgiving” only 25 times (in the NIV), although you will find many other instances with the base word “thank.”

How the Bible Refers to Thanksgiving

Below is a recap of the 25 uses of the word “thanksgiving” with the Scripture references provided:

In the Bible “thanksgiving” is not about a meal with all the trimmings in which we indulge, although there was a “fellowship offering of thanksgiving” (Lev. 7:13,15) in the Old Testament and a “cup of thanksgiving” in the New Testament of Jesus’ blood shed on our behalf. (1 Cor. 10:16)

“Thanksgiving,” in the Bible, is not a holiday celebration, although joyful singing, shouting, and praising God accompanies it. (Ezra 3:11; Neh. 11:17; 12:8; 12:24, 27, 46; Ps. 42:4; 69:30; 95:2; 147:7; Isa. 51:3; Jer. 30:19; Jonah 2:9)

The biblical use of “thanksgiving” is not a once a year occurrence but rather a regular expression of praise to God, a way of life. (Eph. 5:4; Phil. 4:6)

In the Bible “thanksgiving” is not merely sitting around saying what you are thankful for but also being used by God to cause others to overflow in thanksgiving. (1 Cor. 14:16; 2 Cor. 4:15; 9:11)

Nor does the Bible describe “thanksgiving” as mere expressions of thanks for what or who you are glad for but rather is to be made for everyone and everything. (1 Tim. 2:1; 4:3-4)

The Bible does not describe “thanksgiving” as a time to get together with family and friends but even better an opportunity to go into the presence of the Almighty God. (Ps. 95:2; 100:4)

The holiday rendition of “Thanksgiving” has merit but falls short of the biblical use of the word. Let’s remember to give thanks at all times (Eph. 5:20) and in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18). And let’s remember to top the list of that for which we are grateful with Jesus. — “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)

How interesting that the Greek word for “thanksgiving” is “eucharistia” from which we get the word “eucharist” which is used of communion wherein the bread and wine remind us of that indescribable gift.

To help you, or those in your sphere of ministry, reflect on Thanksgiving beyond this once a year, one-day holiday, check out the Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides. (This resource includes guides for thirteen other holidays.)

Freedom Available to All

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

In the United States we celebrate our declaration of independence with picnics, parades, fireworks, and more. We’re glad to live in a free country but not everyone does.

Yet, There is a Freedom Available to All Who Will Receive It

In Christ we can be spiritually set free from the power of sin and death’s hold over us. No matter where we live, no matter what our conditions or circumstances may be, this freedom is something no one can take from us. Wonderful news! John 8:36 says,

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

This is a freedom available to all who will receive it.

Helping People Become Free

Jesus cued us in on how to become free when He said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . . . So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (Jn. 8:32, 36).

Our role, then, is to:

Help those who are not in a personal relationship with God know this freedom by reaching out to them with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Help those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior to learn to live within that freedom. This is part of the role of the Christian Education ministry of the church.

You can use the two-page discipleship guide in the Holiday Reflections resource to help people reflect on what it means to be free in Christ, how to properly use that freedom, and about the even more glorious freedom to come. You’ll find Scripture and questions to guide the reflection. (This resource includes guides for thirteen other holidays. It can be used for personal reflection, with a small group, or distributed to your entire church to take home for personal reflecting.)

Attitude Toward Those Who Do Us Wrong

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 9 Comments ↓

In ministry we will have people who let us down or disappoint us in some way. We might also experience betrayal, false accusations, or other hard-to-take acts against us. How do we react? What is our attitude toward them? How do we treat them?

Jesus’ Attitude in Ministry Toward Those Who Did Him Wrong

As I was reading John 13:1-11 in some personal time with the Lord, I noticed bookends to a well-known story about Jesus.

We often get caught up in the act of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and its lessons on servanthood. We might take note of Peter’s reaction and Jesus’ response. But, how often do we tie in verses 2 and 11, what I am calling the bookends to this story?

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. …

For he (Jesus) knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

I believe these verses are significantly placed in the context of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him but He washed His feet anyway. He humbled Himself in this act of service not only for those who would ultimately remain faithful and true to Him, some of whom would die as martyrs for Jesus, but also for the one who would betray Him.

I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching:

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Lk. 6:27-28)

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. (Lk. 6:32-33)

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Lk. 6:35-36)

Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus extended grace to His enemies, saying “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).

Jesus, “for the joy set before him endured the cross.” “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:2-3)

Jesus knew there was a bigger picture and committed Himself to the Father to take care of Him which is why He could serve the one he knew would betray Him.

Aren’t you glad we don’t usually know in advance when someone will do us wrong? We would probably have an even greater struggle with our attitude toward them. Not Jesus! He still did good. He maintained perspective.

If you find maintaining perspective difficult, perhaps the 40 Day Challenge to Maintaining a Healthy Perspective will help. These are pillars of truth you need to cling to in order to maintain a good attitude toward those who do you wrong. (Feel free to copy the 40 Day Challenge page from the link above for your own use or to give to others who might be helped by it. Be sure check out the discussion guide which also includes the challenge.)

Prepare for the Holidays: A Time to Reach Out to Others

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Happy Holidays - A Time to Reach Out

The holidays are a good time to reach out to people. Though outreach efforts should extend throughout the entire year, the holidays do present unique opportunities. According to Ephesians 5:15-16 we act wisely when we make “the most of every opportunity.”

When It Comes to Holiday Outreach, Who Needs Us to Reach Out?

Reach Out to The Unsaved: A Good Time to Share the Good News

Prepare for people to visit your church who rarely attend church and do not have have a personal relationship with the Lord. They could be unsaved family or friends of regular attendees. They could be people who respond to an advertisement to a special program at your church. Make sure the Gospel message is clearly presented. Extend a warm welcome and invitation to return. Develop some form of follow-up that is unobtrusive yet shows you care.

Christmas Outreach Ideas and Resources

Reach Out to Those Who Struggle: A Good Time to Show the Love of Christ

Prepare to serve one another. As you approach the holidays, both Thanksgiving and Christmas, remember that there are those in your midst who can’t be with family and are lonely. 1 Peter 4:9 says we should offer hospitality to one another. Make sure these people aren’t left alone. Others who have lost loved ones frequently find the holidays to be a depressing time. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 says we should comfort one another. Some people may be unemployed or in financial distress and need a helping hand. Galatians 5:13 says we should serve one another, part of which may be helping to supply their needs. Finally, there are those who are suffering extraordinary stress at this time due to overtaxed schedules, increased demands at work, or any variety of reasons. James 5:16 says we should pray for one another. Let’s not get so self-absorbed over the holidays that we forget to show the love of Christ to others. Build margins of time into your schedule so you can be available.

Helps for People Who Hurt During the Holidays (scroll down in About tab on that page)

Reach Out to Children: A Good Time to Set Understanding

Prepare your children for understanding the real meaning behind the holidays. Getting gifts quickly tops their list of why they like the holidays. Help them focus their attention on Jesus who came to give, not to take. Help them see Jesus who came to serve and not to be served. Realize, however, that a few well-spoken words during the season will have minimal impact if they are not backed up throughout the year.

Ideas and Resources for Teaching Children about Thanksgiving

Ideas and Resources for Teaching Children about Christmas

Reach Out to Ministry Leaders, Teachers, & Other Workers: A Good Time to Say Thank You

Prepare to show appreciation to those who labor among you. The holidays can be especially busy for people in ministry. This can therefore be a good time of the year to encourage them, to let teachers, leaders, and other workers know they are valued. Remember, however, that they need affirmation and appreciation throughout the year as well.

Helps for People in Ministry During the Holidays

Reach Out to All Believers: A Good Time for Discipleship

Prepare to use the holidays to disciple your group. Holidays present unique opportunities for discipleship. We can use these celebrations as a springboard for delving into related spiritual truths.

Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides

Prepare for the Holidays: Dealing with the Effects

Posted on November 15, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Effects of the Holidays on The Heart

How easy it is in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to neglect or become distracted in our walk with the Lord. We can get so consumed with meal planning and preparation, decorating, parties, shopping, church activities, and the like that it preoccupies our thought life, builds anxieties within us, leads to stress, and pulls us from normal routines.

Prepare your heart. Before you get in the throes of it all, make a plan for how you will keep on track. Commit now to keeping Him first, to making time for Him regardless of how busy you get. Take time to read Matthew 6:33-34. What will you do to nurture your walk with God?

Article: So Much of … Everything but Jesus Over the Holidays

Prepare your people. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts us to spur one another on to love and good deeds. The holidays are no exception for exercising the “one another” passages of Scripture. You could help by using a curriculum over the holidays intended to keep us focused. Click on the titles below to read more about two published by Ministry Tools Resource Center for adult classes.

Curriculum: Christmas Reminders
Curriculum: May Jesus Help Our Christmas

Prepare your ministry efforts. The holidays present unique windows of opportunity to impact people’s lives that you might not otherwise have. Consider ways you can make the most of these opportunities (Col. 4:5). Think of how to pull people’s thoughts about the holidays onto related truths from God’s Word in your preaching and teaching. You might focus on an upcoming holiday in your small groups or Bible classes distributing a discussion guide that makes that transition. Or, send home a guide for the entire church body to do on their own. The following resource can help you with that.

Resource: Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides

Prepare for the Effects on Church Life

Prepare yourself as a teacher or ministry leader. Be ready for the effects of the holidays on people. Remember that people need you to be there for them, not just physically but relationally as well. During the holidays it is easy to get distracted and self-absorbed and neglect important relationships. Remember the effects of holidays on attendance, giving, and other areas. Be prepared for it but don’t get discouraged. Make the most of the season.

Article: Holidays and the Church
Worksheet: Intruders in the Classroom: Holidays & Other Special Events

Let’s Be Sensitive on Mother’s and Father’s Day

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Ministry Tools Resource Center

Mothers & Fathers The scene repeats itself at churches across the land. It’s Mother’s Day or Father’s Day and the service revolves around this parent. Certainly we do well to honor or celebrate mothers and fathers but let’s be sensitive.

Sitting among your congregation will be men and women who:

never had children

can’t have children and ache because of it

lost a child to death

hope to yet have children

Sitting among your congregation will be people, young and old, who grieve or struggle because they:

lost their mother or father to death, some even recently

never knew their mother or father

were abused or neglected by a mother or father

are estranged from a mother or father

I know of many people who stay home on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day because of the way the church handles this holiday. It’s too painful. It isn’t relevant. — How sad that they don’t feel like they’ll get anything out of gathering with the Body that day. How sad that they don’t trust us to be sensitive enough to their situations. How sad that they don’t seek comfort on this hurtful day among the Body of Christ but rather feel the need to retreat.

How to be Sensitive on Mother’s and Father’s Day

We can start by thinking through:

how much emphasis is placed on it
how things are worded
how we single out people … careful not to make one look superior to the other
how gifts are distributed
how obvious we make it that some in your midst are not mothers or fathers

We need to be careful at the same time that we are not being fake in our representation or obvious in our inclusion of people in these different situations.

The way to avoid that is to have a year-round environment …

where people in all statuses and situations of life feel accepted and like they belong.

where individuals’ life stages are acknowledged and needs are met but yet they are not segregated from the whole.

It’s called body life … unity … true fellowship … where we can meet with all of our differences and be better because of it.

In this kind of environment you will have more of a tendency to simply be sensitive and not have to guard yourself on holidays like Mother’s and Father’s Day. You will come across genuine because you are. If this kind of environment isn’t built throughout the year, special emphasis on certain segments can make others feel like they aren’t important or that their pain will be ignored.

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Resource that Includes Thoughts on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day:

Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides

(This resource includes guides on a total of 14 different holidays.)

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