Speaking the Truth in Love
God's Free Gifts for You
In the Old Testament God had promised for the Israelites to be given many gifts that they did not earn or deserve. Large and beautiful cities that they had not built, houses full of things that they did not fill, wells they had not dug, and vineyards and olive trees they had not planted (Deuteronomy 6:10-25). We see that God kept his promise in Nehemiah 9:22-25. But with these promises there were conditions.
CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING GOD'S GIFTS
1. Deuteronomy 6:12 - Beware lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of Egypt
2. Deuteronomy 6:13 - You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him
3. Deuteronomy 6:14-15 - You shall not go after other gods lest the Lord destroy you
4. Deuteronomy 6:16 - You shall not tempt the Lord your God.
5. Deuteronomy 6:17-19, 24-25 - You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord
*Notice what the state of the Israelites would be if they kept these conditions (Deuteronomy 6:18, 24-25).
GOD'S FREE GIFTS TODAY!
1. Promises of Salvation through Christ (Acts 2:37-41, Galatians 3:22-29)
2. His Son - God's greatest gift to us is His Son, who died on the cross for a bunch of sinners, even though He Himself was sinless (Romans 5:15-18, 6:23, Ephesians 2:8).
3. Forgiveness (Luke 7:36-50, Acts. 26:15-18, Colossians 1:13-14)
4. Grace (John 1:16-18, Romans 3:21-26, 5:20-21, 1 Timothy 1:12-14)
5. Peace (Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians 4:6-9, Col. 1:19-23, 2 Timothy 2:22, Romans 5:1-2)
6. Eternity in Heaven (Matthew 25:46, Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16, Revelation 22:1-8, Acts 13:46-48) - Notice in this last passage, the unbelieving Jews judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. But the Gentiles who believed were appointed to eternal life.
CONCLUSION
It is now your decision whether you will receive the wonderful free gifts of God. Gift that you did not earn; gifts that will bless you in this physical life; and gifts that will bless for eternity in Heaven. All you need to do is meet the Lord's conditions, just as the Israelites had to meet God's conditions. Belief in the gospel message, confession that Jesus is the Son of God, repentance (turning away from sin to serve God), being baptized (or immersed in water) for the forgiveness of your sins, and then determining to live a life of service to Him in His kingdom. Will you reject or accept the gift of eternal life? If you reject Jesus you will be lost eternally. Your choice, your decision, your destiny. We hope to see you next time on "Speaking the Truth in Love".
