Thankful All Day Long

Ashland Church of Christ
Nov 21
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Guest Speaker: Collin Brennan

November 23, 2025

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Overview

Join us as Collin brings a powerful Thanksgiving message reminding us of the heart of the season: gratitude grounded in the grace of God. As we head into a week of family gatherings, full tables, and grateful hearts, he took us deep into Ephesians 2 to remind us where true thanksgiving begins.

Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday — it’s a lifestyle filled with awe for the mercy God has shown us.

🔥 Holding Fast as a Church

Before digging into Scripture, Collin shared his heart for our church family:

We will be a church rooted in Scripture.
We will be a praying church.
We will be a serving church.
We will be a generous church.
We will hold one another accountable and grow together in Christ.

And he challenged all of us: dig into the Word for yourselves. Be rooted. Be discerning. Be active in your relationship with Christ.

📖 Scripture Reading – Psalm 35:27–28

“Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant! … Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.”

This call to praise set the tone for everything that followed.

✨ Ephesians 2 — The Heart of Grace

Collin walked us step-by-step through Ephesians 2:1–10, a passage that highlights the depth of God’s mercy and the power of His love.

1. We Were Dead in Sin (v. 1–3)

Our story begins in darkness. We walked according to the world, following the enemy, living for our flesh, without hope. But God met us there — in our brokenness, rebellion, and mess.

“You don’t have to clean yourself up before coming to Christ. He meets you where you are, but He won’t leave you the same.”

2. Two Life-Changing Words: “BUT GOD” (v. 4)

Everything shifts with these words.

But God…being rich in mercy
But God…loved us first
But God…made us alive
But God…rescued our souls

This isn’t a story of our effort. It is HIS grace.

3. Made Alive With Christ (v. 5)

Even when we were dead, Christ made us alive. His death purchased our life. His resurrection gave us hope. His love claimed us even when we didn’t want Him.

4. Raised and Seated With Him (v. 6)

We’re not waiting for victory — we are already living in it. Our citizenship is in Heaven, and our identity is anchored in Christ.

5. The Immeasurable Riches of His Grace (v. 7)

God’s grace cannot be measured, counted, or earned. From this age to the next, His mercy keeps unfolding in ways we cannot fully comprehend.

6. Saved by Grace, Not Works (v. 8–9)

Salvation is a gift — completely and entirely. We are saved through faith, not because of our faith. Faith itself is a gift God opens our hearts to receive.

“No one can boast. IT IS HIS GRACE.”

7. Created for Good Works (v. 10)

We are God’s masterpiece — His poiēma — created with purpose. Our works don’t save us, but they reveal the transformation God has done within us.

🍁 Thanksgiving Isn’t a Holiday — It’s a Lifestyle

Every blessing, every answered prayer, every breath is evidence of His grace. We don’t just give thanks on Thursday — we live thankful every day.

Collin closed with this challenge:

📝 Thanksgiving Challenge – 3 Ways to Live Grateful This Week

1. Remember Your Story: Grace Came First

Take time each day to reflect on how God rescued you.

2. Live Grateful Through Good Works

Let gratitude flow into action — serve, encourage, help, and love others.

3. Give Thanks Constantly, Not Seasonally

Make gratitude your rhythm. Let your life say, “Thank You, God,” all year long.

🙏 Closing Prayer

“Father, thank You for showing grace when we did not deserve it…Bless us with a joy-filled week of thanksgiving. Help us remember that everything we have is because of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

What a powerful reminder as we step into this Thanksgiving week —We were dead…but God. We were lost…but God. We were unworthy…but God.

IT IS HIS GRACE.

Invite a friend, share the link, and join us as we worship together and learn how to walk in the Spirit’s power. 💛

Follow the James series https://www.ashlandilchurchofchrist.com/announcements/tags/james

🌿 Next Sunday at Ashland Church of Christ 🌿

Rick Cunningham

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Go Deeper

These Bible reading plans are more than just daily devotionals—they’re invitations to go deeper in your faith. Whether you’re exploring the wisdom of Proverbs, the bold challenge of James, or the redemptive story of Samson, each study is designed to draw you closer to the heart of God.

Take your next step:

Reflect with journal prompts
Talk it out in small group discussions
Pray through the lessons
Apply the truths to your everyday life

Don’t just read the Word—live it. Dive into one of these studies and let God transform your mind, strengthen your walk, and equip you to follow Jesus more faithfully.