The Gift is Still Good
John 3:16
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Have you ever received a gift that was not all that great? Something you had to exchange. Have you ever had a gift you did not need? Ever get the wrong size? A color you disliked? A gift was given by God for us. It is this we celebrate some two thousand years later. This gift, Jesus is the greatest gift we could possibly receive.
I want to deal with two main questions this morning…
What makes a gift poor?
Can any gift really be poor? Well, more of it may deal with how we handle the gift.
When it quits working before you go back to school (or work)
When you wear it out [granted you get a lot of use, but it would be nice if it lasted forever. God’s gift does!…]
When it does not fit [God knew your need]
When you already have one [“no other name under heaven…”]
Acts 4:12 …for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
When you put it away and never use it [put it under a bushel]
When you trade it off for a lesser value [what shall it profit…]
When you refuse to accept it [ever win a gift, but you did not want to claim it? Afraid of the “hidden costs.” The sales people tell you, that you cannot afford to pass this one by.]
The Gift is Still Good – page 2
What makes a gift really good?
We all like to get “good” gifts. As children, we want the latest toys. I guess us guys still fall into that category. Think about it, what does make a gift good? Let us think of a few ways…
When the gift is exactly what you want
Of course it is really better…
When it is what you need [share my wife’s size choice for me]
When a gift is sensible
Of course it is really better…
When a gift is enjoyable or exciting [God’s gift is both]
When a gift is costly
Of course it is really better…
When a gift is valuable [not only was God’s gift costly, it is more valuable to me than all my possessions]
When a gift was given by someone you like
Of course it is really better…
When it is given by someone who likes you
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Let us be thankful for the Gift God has given us this day. It is…
What we need
What we can enjoy
It is of a great value
And the Giver of the Gift loves us very much.
Gary Marcum – New Beginnings – 122202am