[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 08/Dec/2024]
With Christmas approaching, we often have requests from family members about what we would like as a present. I must admit that these days I am quite happy to receive a surprise gift however small. When I was young I received a gift that was the best and most important in my life, and that has been the case ever since.
I received Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord.
That’s because God has always known what gift He wants to give us.
“The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6 v23 [NLT]
But why do we need that gift? It is because we cannot earn it for ourselves and God loves us and wants to give us new life.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3 v16 [NLT]
When we know Jesus as our Saviour and Lord we begin the journey as a follower of Jesus. We need to receive that gift
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
Romans 3 v23 [NLT]
And we need to be forgiven and cleansed. When we receive Jesus as our Saviour and Lord of our lives we are forgiven for our sins, and then we can truly follow Him in our lives now and forever!
Jesus through John wrote a letter to a church that gave His invitation for them to receive the gift of new life with Him.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3 v20 [NLT]
If you have begun to follow Jesus and have not yet received Him into your life to forgive you for all you have done wrong not only in the past, but at present and in the future – then pray to receive Him now into your life so that you will receive the gift to have a new life forever. It is the best gift you will ever receive.
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Last Sunday’s reflection: Stop and Check by David Makanjuola
Contributed by Michael Goble; © Michael Goble