Hebron CHURCH OF CHRIST at November 22, 2009 Don’t Forget: Nursing Home @ 2:00 Singing @ 4:00, Northcutt’s Cove Pew Packers @ 5:45

Some Unusual Things to be Thankful for Criticism Contradiction Condemnation

We Should be Thankful for Criticism Types of criticism: Destructive criticism—meant to cause harm; not helpful Constructive criticism—meant to aid growth in a particular area Correct constructive criticism Incorrect constructive criticism

We Should be Thankful for Criticism How do we often respond to criticism? With anger Matthew 14:1-12—John’s rebuke of Herod With self-pity Matthew 19:22—the rich young ruler With no response

We Should be Thankful for Criticism Why should we be thankful for criticism? Criticism gives us a chance to grow Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die Criticism reminds us we are not perfect

We Should be Thankful for Contradiction We meet those who challenge our faith everyday Those with doubts Those with questions Sometimes we even challenge our own faith With natural doubt With questions brought on by trouble

We Should be Thankful for Contradiction Why should we be thankful for contradiction? It refines our faith I Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear It might redefine our faith

We Should be Thankful for Condemnation Hell does not seem like a place to be thankful for Because of the conditions Matthew 25:30 …outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Because of the company Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

We Should be Thankful for Condemnation Why should we be thankful for condemnation? Hell is a witness to the justice of God Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work. Hell is a deterrent from sin Luke 12:4-5 …Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

There is much to be thankful for… Can you be thankful for salvation?

Consider During the Lord’s Supper: I Corinthians 11:23-26 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.