20 reasons to be a thankful Disciple

This Blog will list 20 reasons to be a thankful Disciple.

But First what is a Disciple: The dictionary defines a disciple as,  "Someone who follows another person or another way of life and who submits himself to the discipline (teaching) of that leader or way. (Bakers Ency. of the Bible. Vol 1, pg 629)

There are many who call themselves “Christians” yet do not necessarily call themselves “Disciples of Jesus”. To be a disciple one must be following the leaders teachings (i.e. Jesus and His teachings). My belief is that first you are Saved, and then the process of becoming conformed to that leader or belief begins (Baptism, Bible Study and more Bible Study, Missions Work etc.)

Often we understand the disciples were only the twelve, however, it was the name given to all who believed in Christ. (Acts 6:1-2, 7) All those who were saved were called  "disciples". (Acts 11:26) The disciples were then begun to be called "Christians" meaning "Christ like ones"! It is unscriptural to teach that a person can be a "Christian" and not be a disciple. I believe this to be one of the greatest failures of Christian teaching. [but lets leave that for another blog, this is a Thanksgiving themed blog]  

20 Reasons to Be a Thankful Disciple

1) I am thankful for The Bible because it portrays an incredibly consistent picture of the Messiah throughout all of its 66 of its Books, written by approximately 40 men who were inspired to record in writing the Word of God. These men were from all walks of life, with different kinds of personalities, and in all sorts of situations, They had no e-mail, no faxes, no phones. Imagine trying to pull together a project like this over a 1500-year period. It was written in three languages, Greek Aramaic and Hebrew, on three continents, and it covers hundreds of controversial subjects. Yet, it fits together into one cohesive story.

2) I am thankful for my salvation because those who have repented of their sins and accepted Christ as Savior can have the assurance of their personal salvation in Jesus Christ and freedom from death.

3) I am thankful for prayer because it is my direct access to God and His assistance.

4) I am thankful for forgiveness, the forgiveness of my sins through Jesus and His sacrifice as well as forgiveness between our brothers and sisters.

5) I am thankful for The Church, which is a gathering of called out people, by the power of the Holy spirit on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. They have been saved, separated, sanctified, and regenerated to be the family of God. They follow Christ, learn from Him and any one can notice their Christ-like behaviour.

6) I am thankful for marriage in its Biblical form and fashioned to honor God as a symbol of Jesus Christ, the husband and groom, and His church, the wife and bride. The Bible is a love story about a loving Hero who defends His bride and defeats His enemies through self-sacrifice and in the end He and His bride can be together again.

7) I am thankful for the first diciples, the apostles and many other notorious men of the Bible. These men were from multiple cultures came from a variety of occupations: kings, fishermen, tax collectors, shepherds, prophets, and even a physician. God choose these men to do His amazing works and because of them we know that no matter how small or insignificant our lives may seem, God created each and every one of us for a purpose.

8) I am thankful for the women of the Bible who continue to teach us how to live authentic, God-touched lives. The women of the Bible are fascinating, feisty, beautiful and courageous. God choose these women to do His amazing works and because of them we know that no matter how small or insignificant our lives may seem, God created each and every one of us for a purpose.

9) I am thankful that I found a church, a safe place where men can be men and women can be women. We know why it’s important to let God lead our hearts, mind and actions. We know the tricks Satan will pull to lead us astray and we have the tools to fight Him while allowing our blessed Savior to touch the other lives around us.

10) I am thankful for the kindness of strangers.

11) I am thankful for the Joy that comes in knowing my Savior.

12) I am thankful for the strength to be faithful that can be found through God alone.

13) I am thankful for The Holy Trinity. The word "Trinity" comes from the Latin noun "trinitas" meaning "three are one." The Trinity expresses the belief that God is one Being made up of three distinct Persons who exist in co-equal essence and co-eternal communion. The Bible speaks of: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Father who promises to be my safe place during difficult times. The Son who came to the world and through His life and death provided the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. The Holy Sprit  who is the Comforter and Counselor

14) I am thankful to know that one day I will be able to meet everyone of my fellow brothers and sisters in heaven. Especially those I did not have the pleasure of meeting in this world. If we cannot make to see each other in this life, We can see each other in another life.

15) I am thankful for the removal anxiety, fear and selfishness because of Gods grace. I also have a decreased appetite for lying, cheating, stealing, hatred, anger, & envy Due to the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

16) I am thankful for Gods Grace.

17) I am thankful for Gods Love. God the Father is the perfect example for all earthly fathers. His most outstanding quality is love.

18) I am thankful for Gods Holiness & Perfect Judgment. God is holy, just and fair.

19) I am thankful for Free Will. God imprinted the ability to decide for ourselves. It can be a blessing or a curse and literally the choice is yours to make which path you will choose.

20) I am thankful for the knowledge, it was the first sin that we ever committed as humans. The need to know, the lust for knowledge. However with it we are allowed to ask questions, we are even allowed to question the Lord. In my time and study God is amazingly patient and understanding with us. And it is through my own personal questioning of the Bible the lead me to realize God is 100% correct in everything He does and the knowledge He has is infinite.

There are so many more reasons to be thankful with God as the rock you stand on. I pray that everyone has a blessed, loving, grace filled and holy Thanksgiving