Gratitude in the Mess | Josh Knight | April 21st, 2024
·34 min·3 clips
Pastor Josh Knight reveals his son Haddon was nicknamed 'El Terristo' after terrorizing the family for years.
The episode is a sermon by Pastor Josh Knight at Flourishing Grace Church, focusing on gratitude amidst chaos. Knight opens with a personal story about his son Haddon, nicknamed 'El Terristo' for his destructive behavior, including spreading lotion and scribbling on a computer. He uses this to introduce the theme of finding thankfulness in messes. Knight then transitions to the biblical text, 1 Corinthians, where Paul thanks God for the church in Corinth despite its sinfulness. He references a Gallup poll showing the U.S. dropped to 23rd in happiness, illustrating societal messes. Knight outlines three points: Paul gives thanks for grace given, which is unearned and centered on Christ; for spiritual gifts, which don't equate to maturity; and for sustaining grace, where God perseveres believers to the end. He critiques religious self-righteousness, arguing that grace is not earned by good deeds. Knight admits Flourishing Grace Church is imperfect, with both personal preferences and sinful flaws, but urges gratitude for God's grace. He cites Spurgeon and Dallas Willard to support his points. The sermon concludes with Knight reflecting on Haddon's transformation from a difficult child to a joyful companion, symbolizing God's work in bringing beauty from ashes. He encourages listeners to live with thankfulness, not for achievements, but for God's grace.
