James 1:17-18 (NASB)

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

Theme: God, who is the wonderful, wondrous Giver of physical and spiritual life, should receive continuous gratitude from us as His new creations.

1) Who God is >> His Wonderful Character (1:17)

2) What God does >> His Wondrous Works (1:18)

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Colossians 1:12-13 (NASB)

12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.

Big Idea: From beginning to end, God is the One who deserves continual, joyful thanks for our soul’s salvation.

Outline: Three actions of God in the Gospel for you to remember so that you can continually give joyful thanks to Him in life.

Action #1 – God qualified us – for life in Heaven (1:12)

Action #2 – God rescued us – from the powers of death & Hell (1:13a)

Action #3 – God transferred us – to the presence of His beloved Son (1:13b)

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