ONE GAVE THANKS

📌 SERMON SUMMARY — One Gave Thanks | Luke 17:11–19 | NWI Church of Christ | Thanksgiving Weekend Message Welcome to NWI Church of Christ! In this Thanksgiving weekend sermon, we explore a life-changing story from Luke 17:11–19—the miraculous account where Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to give thanks. This message helps us rediscover the forgotten power of gratitude. 🍂 Thanksgiving Isn’t About Food — It’s About the Heart 46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving, and over 40 million people watch football—yet in all the noise, Scripture reminds us that God delights in a thankful heart. Modern research now confirms what God’s Word has said for thousands of years: ✔ Grateful people build deeper friendships ✔ Gratitude reduces stress and anxiety ✔ Thankful hearts sleep better ✔ Awareness of blessings increases joy, confidence, and resilience Gratitude doesn’t just feel good — it heals the soul. ✨ The Story: Ten Healed — One Transformed Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, encounters ten men with leprosy—cast out from society, untouchable, grieving lost families and futures. They cry out: “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Instead of healing them on the spot, Jesus calls them to an act of faith: “Go, show yourselves to the priest.” Only priests could declare someone clean — and historically, it had never happened. But as they obeyed in faith, Scripture says: “As they went, they were cleansed.” Miracles often begin on the other side of obedience. Nine ran ahead toward the priest… But one turned back. He praised God loudly. He fell at Jesus’ feet. He gave thanks. And surprisingly — he was the foreigner, the outsider, the Samaritan. Jesus asks: “Where are the other nine?” That question echoes today: Do we enjoy God’s blessings without expressing thanks? 🔥 The Difference Between Healing and Wholeness All ten received physical restoration. But Jesus tells the one who returned: “Your faith has made you well.” The word “made well” is sozo — the same word for saved, restored, redeemed, made whole. Ten received a miracle. One received salvation. This sermon challenges us to ask: What might God heal in my life if I cultivated a deeper spirit of gratitude? 🙌 What Does A Thankful Life Look Like? This message outlines three marks of grateful people: 1️⃣ Thankful people say it. They speak their gratitude to God and others — daily and intentionally. 2️⃣ Thankful people show it. Gratitude moves our feet — serving, giving, helping, blessing, encouraging. 3️⃣ Thankful people are joyful people. Gratitude and joy travel together. There is no truly thankful person who lives in bitterness or complaint. 🎁 Application — A December of Gratitude To cultivate a heart like the Samaritan, we challenge the church to: 📖 Read one chapter of Luke each day in December — 24 chapters, ending Christmas Eve. As you read, give thanks intentionally — speak it, show it, and live it with joy. Instead of a stressed Christmas, experience a peaceful, worship-filled Christmas season. ✨ Watch This Message To Learn: • Why gratitude is spiritually powerful • What faith looks like before results come • How to live thankful in relationships, finances, and community • The difference between being blessed and being healed inwardly • How a grateful heart positions you for Jesus to make you whole Whether you are searching for meaning, trying to overcome worry, or wanting a deeper walk with Jesus — this message will strengthen your faith and awaken gratitude that changes your life. 👍 Like, share, and comment your gratitude below — what are you thankful for today? 📌 Subscribe for weekly messages from NWI Church of Christ!