In what ways can we publicly express gratitude for God's salvation? Setting the Scene in Psalm 116:13 “I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 116:13) The psalmist names two clear, public actions: lifting a cup that celebrates God’s rescue, and vocally calling on His name. Those twin ideas open the door to several practical, visible ways we can show our gratitude today. Lifting the Cup: Celebrating Salvation in Worship • Participate visibly in gathered worship—stand, sing, kneel, raise hands. Psalm 134:2: “Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD.” • Join in congregational singing that centers on redemption. Ephesians 5:19: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” • Engage wholeheartedly in the Lord’s Supper. Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:26—every sip of the cup proclaims the gospel. • Give audible “amens.” Nehemiah 8:6: “All the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen.’” Calling on His Name: Vocal Declarations of Gratitude • Pray aloud in public settings—family meals, small groups, community events. Psalm 105:1: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations.” • Offer spontaneous praise when God answers prayer; let others hear it. Hebrews 13:15: “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.” • Use everyday speech to credit God for successes, protection, and provision. Testimony: Telling Our Story to Others • Share your salvation story with friends, coworkers, classmates. Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” • Post gospel-centered gratitude on social media—Scripture verses, answered-prayer updates, baptism photos. • Invite unbelievers to church or Bible studies, explaining why Christ matters to you. Ordinances That Speak Louder Than Words • Baptism—Romans 6:4 pictures burial and resurrection; it shouts God’s saving power without a single spoken word. • The Lord’s Supper—every time we “lift the cup,” we reenact the gospel publicly (1 Corinthians 11:26). Living Thank-You Notes: Everyday Acts That Point to Christ • Serve others in His name—“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) • Practice joyful generosity; earmark gifts for gospel work (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). • Model holy living; purity itself is a testimony (1 Peter 2:9). • Display visible symbols—cross jewelry, Scripture art in your home or office—as conversation starters. Putting It All Together Gratitude that stays private quickly cools; gratitude that goes public grows warmer and stronger. Lift the cup in worship, open your lips in praise, tell your rescue story, obey in baptism and communion, and let every action radiate thanks for the salvation God has so graciously given. |
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