SERMON SUMMARY:

The message today is that a grateful attitude of praise brings an experience of joy, no matter the circumstances of life.

Focusing Psalm 9 and on the theme of approaching life with gratitude rather than entitlement, Pastor James presents two contrasting approaches to life: viewing oneself as a victim who deserves more, or recognizing oneself as someone abundantly blessed by God's grace.

He then breaks down Psalm 9 into two main sections: thanksgiving for the past and prayer for the present. He emphasizes David's four "I will" statements at the beginning of the psalm: giving thanks wholeheartedly, recounting God's wonderful deeds, being glad and exulting in God, and singing praise. He notes that true thanksgiving moves beyond just being grateful for gifts to actually rejoicing in God himself, the gift-giver.

This sermon connects the Old Testament concept of salvation (Yeshua) to Jesus Christ, explaining how God's acts of deliverance throughout history point to the ultimate salvation through Jesus. Pastor highlights that while David didn't know Jesus by name, we now can look back and see Christ as God's most wonderful deed.

He concludes by challenging us to approach each day with the attitude expressed in Psalm 9:1-2, suggesting that beginning each day with wholehearted thanksgiving can transform our lives.

To watch or listen to the sermon, just click on the links above.

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