Giving and Receiving

By Bill Brandstatter     This is the time of year for giving and receiving. Many are buying presents and will wrap them in nice paper. The gift is expected to be received from the giver. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Act 20:35) God gives more and in greater capacity than we can imagine (Eph. 3:20). James wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from about and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17) (NKJV). God is the greatest giver and man is the greatest recipient of God’s gifts.     The greatest gift ever given was Jesus. John 3:16 is the greatest gift passage in the Bible: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV) • He gave the greatest gift--"His only begotten Son." • He gave to the greatest number of people--"the world." • He gave a gift that would last--“should not perish.’ • He gave a gift that keeps on giving--“everlasting life.”     God gave the gift; man must receive the gift. God has done His part, man must do his. Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). Jesus also stated, “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3) Jesus again stated, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 10:32) Jesus stated after His death, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16) God has given salvation to all who obey His Son. (Heb. 5:9) Salvation comes in a package that is neatly wrapped. If we open the package, we will receive His gift. Have you received His salvation gift?

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/