No Ordinary Gift


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March 12, 2017. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16 NRSV). This is many people’s favorite verse in the Bible. Pastor Keith discusses the text, and how Martin Luther struggled with it as a young man until he had the idea that God’s love is a gift to be received rather than a reward to be earned.

*** [Keywords: Abraham Christians Christmas For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life God’s grace God’s perfect action of love and forgiveness God’s pure love God’s pure love for us Gospel Heaven Holy Spirit Jesus was God’s good gift John 3:16 Martin Luther Nicodemus Pastor Keith Holste Paul Romans accepting act of faith at great cost to God attempt to grow in quality of love babies baby has not done anything benefits of Jesus billboards cash check central church completely convicted by sin covered us into eternity die for sake of the world direction earn God’s favor earn what we get escape from sin eternal life faith and promise relationship fallback position favorite Bible verse favorite lessons favorite passage flipped upside down freely fruits of faith games gift becomes ours gift of Christ child gift of salvation gift to be received gift wrapping give his life give us the kingdom glory and praise go to God human activity human brain human conditions humanity imperfection important lessons infant baptism keeping certain rules large check thousands of dollars message of grace money behind check to cover it more votes never escape no ordinary gift nothing is free offered to us other religions physical health received into the presence of God receiving gift relationship with God relieved resurrection reward to be earned righteousness sake of the world salvation comes by believing promise saved by his faith saved the world send the very best signs similar cycles simply by believing promise slow to understand such good news taken as faith thinking good thoughts tormented trying to please God very costly why we call ourselves Lutheran wonderful gift wonderful thing Jesus has promised worthy of receiving young man]