Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/ZVDa3xPFXlw

Summary: “Be Careful How You Treat Them”

Introduction: The Power of Simple Kindness

• The sermon opens with a true story of Ruth Reed, a woman in New Jersey who made a resolution to bless others.
• One day she paid for a man’s food at Wawa—who turned out to be country singer Keith Urban.
• The story illustrates that the world is starving for kindness, and small acts of compassion can shine light into darkness.
• Jesus calls His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16 ESV).
• The preacher asks, “How will they taste and see without kindness?” Kindness is how the world experiences God’s love through us.

Personal Story: A Stranger Named George

• The preacher recalls meeting a man named George Rolls, a traveling drifter who claimed the Holy Spirit brought him to church.
• George was warmly welcomed by the congregation, stayed a few days, and deeply appreciated the kindness shown to him.
• Later, the preacher saw George walking down the road pulling a cart that said “Jesus loves you” and “John 3:16.”
• This encounter led to reflection: What if this man was more than he appeared?—prompting the message “Be Careful How You Treat Them.”

1. They Might Be Angels

• Scripture: Hebrews 13:1–2 ESV — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
• The focus is not just on angels, but also on love and hospitality—meeting others with generous enthusiasm.
• The preacher compares this to “mystery shoppers”: What if God sends “mystery visitors” to test our compassion?
• The lesson: Be kind to all, because we may never know who God has sent across our path.

2. They Might Be God (or His Concern)

• Scripture: Luke 2:41–47 ESV — Jesus as a 12-year-old in the temple.
• For three days, people in Jerusalem likely fed or sheltered the Son of God without realizing it.
• The preacher emphasizes God’s love for children, quoting passages about protecting “little ones.”
• Lesson: Be careful how you treat the young and vulnerable—God cares deeply for them.

3. They Might Be “Nobodies”

• Scripture: Matthew 25:31–40 ESV — “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
• Those considered “nobodies” by society are precious to God.
• Showing compassion to the overlooked reveals a heart aligned with God’s love.
• True kindness isn’t natural—it’s spiritual, learned from God, not the world.

4. They Might Give You a Chance to Serve

• Scripture: Luke 10:25–37 ESV — The Good Samaritan.
• Serving others rarely happens at a convenient time.
• The Samaritan was busy, yet stopped to show mercy—just as Jesus gave His time on the cross when it wasn’t “convenient.”
• Every act of kindness may be a God-given opportunity to serve Him and to grow in faith.

5. They Might Become the Next Christian

• Scripture: John 4:1–42 ESV — Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.
• Jesus reached across social barriers, offering living water and transforming her life.
• She became a witness, leading many others to believe.
• Lesson: We never know who might respond to kindness and become a follower of Christ through our compassion.

Conclusion: Kindness as a Vessel for the Gospel

• Kindness opens the door for people to see Jesus through us.
• It is how we reflect His love, break through bitterness, and invite others into the family of faith.
• The closing appeal: “Be careful how you treat them.”
  Every person—angel, child, stranger, or “nobody”—could be part of God’s plan.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/HN2l70OPbsE

Summary: “How to Be Thankful”

Introduction: Gratitude in Worship

• The speaker begins by thanking the congregation for investing effort into worship, particularly in making communion meaningful.
• He notes that even the communion bread was homemade, showing love and devotion to God through service.

Story of Corrie ten Boom

• Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker and author, and her family helped hide Jewish people during World War II.
• They were eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp where living conditions were horrific—especially because their hut was infested with fleas.
• Corrie’s sister Betsy reminded her of 1 Thessalonians 5:14–18, emphasizing:
• “Rejoice always… give thanks in all circumstances” (ESV).
• Betsy insisted they should be thankful even for the fleas, though Corrie initially couldn’t.
• Later, they discovered that the guards avoided entering their hut because of the fleas—allowing them to hold daily Bible studies freely.
• Corrie realized God had used even the fleas for good, teaching true thankfulness.

Transition: Thanksgiving as a Way of Life

• The speaker points out that Thanksgiving should not be a single day, but a lifestyle.
• True gratitude is shown through action, not just thought or feeling.

Psalm 100 – “A Psalm for Giving Thanks”

• Psalm 100 is unique because its title is part of the original text, not a later addition—it was literally written for giving thanks.
• In only five verses, there are seven action verbs—showing that thankfulness involves doing, not just thinking.

1. Make a Joyful Noise (v. 1)

• The Hebrew word means “to shout a proclamation,” like a herald announcing news from the king.
• Gratitude cannot be hidden—it should be expressed outwardly.
• The speaker gives an example of writing “Praise the Lord” on a car part, simply to express thankfulness.

2. Serve the Lord with Gladness (v. 2a)

• Gratitude naturally leads to service.
• Service must be done with gladness, not out of obligation.
• Examples:
  • Job—served God faithfully even through suffering.
  • Paul and Silas—sang and prayed while imprisoned (Acts 16:25).
• Choosing joy and focusing on blessings helps maintain thankfulness even in hardship (“We got fleas… but the guards won’t come”).

3. Come into His Presence with Singing (v. 2b)

• Coming before God is intentional, not accidental—it requires preparation and a right heart.
• Worship should be approached joyfully, not out of duty (“I get to worship,” not “I have to”).
• The congregation participates in a song to demonstrate heartfelt worship.

4. Know that the Lord Is God (v. 3)

• Thankfulness begins with knowing who God is:
  • He is Creator (Ephesians 2:10).
  • We belong to Him—“we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
  • Recognizing we are sheep keeps us humble and prevents self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14).

5. Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving (v. 4)

• Thankfulness must be expressed directly to God—say “thank You.”
• Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19).
• Everyday blessings—warm homes, food, safety—should inspire daily gratitude.
• Remember that every good thing comes from God (Psalm 50:10).

6. The Reason for Gratitude (v. 5)

• Even when life is difficult, God’s goodness and faithfulness remain constant.
• Life’s valleys are temporary—“I walk through the valley…” (Psalm 23:4).
• This hope is reason enough to be thankful.

Conclusion: Living Thankfully

• Thankfulness isn’t a reaction to comfort—it’s a deliberate act of faith.
• Like Corrie ten Boom, we can find gratitude even in “the fleas.”
• The invitation is extended for anyone who needs prayer, encouragement, or help to find that thankful heart again.