Thankfulness and Gratitude

Hey BFB Fam & Friends! 

This morning, I want to draw our attention to the book of Philippians. Our focus for the week is on Thankfulness and Gratitude.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 1:3–6 (NIV)

As Paul writes this letter to the church at Philippi, it’s important to remember where he was — in prison. Yet Paul wasn’t there because he had done something wrong. He was imprisoned for defending and confirming the gospel. Even in chains, Paul’s life reflected what it means to be a true believer. He showed the world that the gospel still works, even when life doesn’t.

Paul didn’t dwell on what he lacked. Instead, he focused on who he had — Christ — and who he loved — the people of God. His thankfulness, joy, and steadfast spirit remind us that faith in Christ produces a peace that many may never understand.

1. Be Thankful for the Gift of One Another

Paul begins his letter by saying, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” In other words, every time he thought of the Philippians, he thanked God for them.
We should do the same. When we thank God for the people around us — family, friends, church members, coworkers — our perspective changes. We stop seeing people as problems to fix and start seeing them as gifts from God.

That’s what church family is all about. Every person plays a vital role in God’s plan for the whole body. Whether you serve through hospitality, prayer, teaching, setting up behind the scenes, or offering a word of encouragement — you are a gift.

We saw that beautifully displayed on Saturday as members of all ages worked together in unity. We may not always agree, but like Paul, we can still be grateful. Gratitude keeps our witness alive before a watching world. When people see us treating one another with love and appreciation, they see the gospel in action.

2. Be Thankful for Our Partnership in the Gospel

Paul didn’t just thank the Philippians for who they were; he also thanked them for how they served. He said, “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel.”
Partnership means we’re doing it together. The work of the church isn’t carried by one person — it’s shared through faith, service, and sacrifice.

For 87 years, we’ve seen this truth at Beulah First Baptist Church. When one person serves, everyone moves forward. When one person prays, the whole body gains strength. When one rejoices, we all celebrate. That’s the beauty of partnership — unity and cooperation. A divided church weakens its witness, but a united church makes the gospel believable. So ask yourself this week:

Am I adding to this partnership in the body of Christ?
Am I showing gratitude for the privilege of serving together?

When we show up with encouragement, forgiveness, and a helping hand, we prove that the gospel still changes hearts. I thank God every time I remember you — for your partnership in what God is doing at 109 McGriff Street, in our community, and beyond. I’m thankful for your prayers, your willingness to stretch beyond comfort, and your commitment to making disciples.

And while October is Clergy Appreciation Month, I want to take a moment to say — I appreciate you. I appreciate all that you do and the sacrifices your families make. Because without all of us working together, the message of Christ cannot go forward. You can’t have preaching without partnership.

3. Be Thankful for God’s Ongoing Work

Paul closes this section with confidence: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

That’s both an assurance and an assignment. God isn’t finished with you — or with us. He’s still shaping our hearts, refining our unity, strengthening our faith, and broadening our reach.

I’m thankful that in 1938, our church began this journey. But I’m even more thankful that God isn’t done yet. As we celebrate 87 years of ministry, we do so with confidence — not arrogance — because we serve a faithful God who continues to do what only He can.

When people see us trusting God through uncertainty…
When they see us grateful for one another and serving together in unity…
They witness the power of the gospel more clearly than any sermon could show.

So whatever you’re praying about — in life, work, family, or ministry — remember:

The work God started in you isn’t finished yet.
It may be unfinished, but it’s in faithful hands.

Our job is to trust the process and stay thankful — for Him and for one another.

As we step into this week, let’s be thankful and grateful for:

• The people God has placed in our lives.
• The privilege of belonging to this body of faith called Beulah First Baptist Church.
• The opportunity to partner together in what God is still doing.

God has done amazing things over 87 years — and the best is yet to come. I thank God for each and every one of you.

Amen and amen.