The Gift

ILLUST: Gifts for kids

What is the gift?

The bag? The box? The toy?

Jesus - the package, God Himself

Yes, we can say He’s the gift, but what does this mean?

“Accept” Jesus?

NOT - “Ask Jesus into your heart”

Ephesians 2:8–9 NASB95

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

GRACE - The gift

Unmerited favor, free, not earned

Because of grace, we can have faith

Because of faith, we trust Jesus to forgive

We need forgiveness, because we are sinners

MERCY - The motivation

Not getting what you deserve

Sinners deserve Hell

Free will to choose to live a life rejecting Jesus’ gift

Free will to choose to accept the gift of grace and forgiveness

RECEIVE - THE GIFT

What if you leave the gift in the bag?

Have you received it?

These boxes - not the gift

The toys inside, not really the git

The Gospel message that will go with each - the presentation of the real gift

Talk about Jesus, understand Who He is - but that is just knowledge

Jesus’ gift, grace, forgiveness, is personal to you

It’s a gift available to all

It’s a gift all must receive

When did you?

You, believer

Get to present Jesus to people

Invite them to open and receive the gift that Jesus offers