-
Governor William Bradford's Account Of The Story ...
Contributed by Gene Gregory on Feb 26, 2009 (message contributor)
Governor William Bradford’s account of the story of Plymouth Plantation discusses how the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth and their leaders initially planned to have everyone own and share everything. They planned for the people to work for the common good, and believed that this would produce great happiness and satisfaction and prosperity. That was in 1620.
The result was a tremendous crop failure in the first year. Many people were hungry; many people were starving. In spite of the needs of the people and the fact that many people had already died from hunger, starvation, and disease, the following year another poor crop developed.
In 1623 Governor Bradford, seeing that the communal living was not working, said that every man would get a parcel of land for his own. He would work that land and take care of his own family. Thus, they put 2 Thessalonians 3:10 into practice. The result: People began working much more diligently than they had the previous 2 years. Men who had frequently claimed they were sick in earlier years, were eager to get to the fields. Even the women, who claimed they had too much to do in their cabins to work in the fields, now took their children to the fields with them and eagerly worked the land as a family.
That year, they had a tremendous harvest, and a tremendous Thanksgiving was celebrated in America. When socialism ceased in America, thanksgiving followed. When socialism is reinstated in America, thanksgiving will cease. ( D. James Kennedy, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born, Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 1994, p. 117)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
When People Look At Us, Our Character And ... PRO
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004
When people look at us, our character and disposition should look like that of Christ. This story illustrates my point. The Mirror In Discipleship Journal, Carole Mayhall tells of a woman who went to a diet center to lose weight. The director took her to a full-length mirror. On it he ...read more
-
One Rainy Day A Young Mother And Her ... PRO
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004
One rainy day a young mother and her seven-year-old boy were driving through one of the main streets of their town. Little Matthew seemed to be pondering something as he stared at the windshield wipers doing their repetitious work. “Mom,” Matthew said. “I’ve been thinking about something.” ...read more
-
The Hallmark PRO
Contributed by Charles Salmon on Jul 20, 2003
"The Hallmark" Many of us can t tell fourteen caret gold from eighteen carat. Sone of us can t even tell gold plate from solid gold. In old London town the jewelers of Goldsmith’s Hall took pride in doing good work, and they wanted each customer to know what he was buying. So they devised a mark ...read more
-
It Was May 7, And Roger Simms Was Hitchhiking His ... PRO
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004
It was May 7, and Roger Simms was hitchhiking his way home, having been discharged from the Army. He flashed his hitchhiking sign at a car, but almost lost hope for a ride when he noticed it was a black, sleek, new Cadillac. To his amazement the car stopped. As Roger entered the car from the ...read more
-
Our Favor With God Would Be Enough If We Thought ... PRO
Contributed by Tony Abram on Jun 21, 2005
Our favor with God would be enough if we thought that you would have: Enough happiness to keep you sweet. Enough trials to keep you strong. Enough sorrow to keep you human. Enough hope to keep you happy. Enough failure to keep you humble. Enough success to keep you ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Being Grateful
Contributed by Dan Santiago on Oct 17, 2013
This sermon says that gratefulness is important to our God.
-
Thanksgiving When The Water Is Over Your Head
Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 13, 2009
Jonah found himself in one of the worst jams I can think of. But Jonah made it to the place of thanksgiving. Let’s look into God’s Word, and see how he got there.
-
The Thanksgiving List
Contributed by Bruce Lee on Nov 17, 2016
A Thanksgiving Sermon from Psalms 100.
-
Gratitude, God's Antidote For Guilt Series
Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Oct 23, 2008
Responding to God’s antidote for the guilt that comes from living for the flesh, loving the world, and listening to the lies of the devil, will enable you to express true gratitude as you live for Him.
-
Give Thanks Always Series
Contributed by Patrick O'loughlin on Nov 21, 2011
5 steps to always being able to give thanks