The glory of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an amazing holiday. It is distinctively American, and Puritan. It is an annual reminder of the glories of Christ, His church, His gospel, and His work in the world. It is also a testimony of God's grace demonstrated on this continent, which was lit by such a great beacon, as the Pilgrims established the church here as a "city on a hill, that cannot be hidden."

It is astounding that no one has ever managed to really commercialize Thanksgiving. Even more amazing is the fact that the ACLU has not yet--at least according to my knowledge--sought to outlaw Thanksgiving (because of its Christian roots, etc.).

Thanksgiving remains a very special day. On it, even pagans and unbelievers are made to stand speechless, recognizing that even they ought to be thankful to someone for something.

For we who have been especially blessed in Jesus, let us be ever-thankful; and may we always seek the welfare of those who are yet outside the pale of grace--even as our Pilgrim fathers did with the native tribes that were around them.

Good time to look to church

With the recent results of the elections last week in the United States, it is a good opportunity for believers everywhere to reassess our priorities, values, and direction.

No doubt many American Christians have erred, by placing too much of their spiritual welfare directly on the makeup and condition of the civil government. God would have our primary focus *not* be there, but rather on Christ's church.

Let us return to the Bible's instruction, and start the transformation of culture, not from Washington DC, nor from any state capital, but rather from the heartbeat of the local church (as she is connected to all other faithful churches, and as she is benefitted by centuries of gracious supply of God's Spirit).

As we become self-conscious churchmen, we will then be able to be effective in the state, the family, and in every other imaginable sphere of life as well.