Monday, June 20, 2011

Accept The Gift

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Accept The Gift

Yesterday was not only Father's Day (Happy Belated, Dads), but it was also Juneteenth. Juneteenth, for those who may not know, celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation. President Lincoln signed it January 1, 1863, but without the benefit of email, telephones, TV or radio, or a collectively cooperative legislature in all states, most people being held as slaves didn't find out about it when it was signed. It didn't become a reality for them until June 19th, 1865, or 'Juneteenth'.

The proclamation made African Americans held in slavery legally free. There were ensuing legal battles, but in the purest interpretation of the law, they were no longer slaves. Funny thing was, not all of those who were now free, left their captivity. Many stayed right where they were, working just as they had before for many more years. They stayed slaves despite being free.

Its a wonderful illustration of our debt to sin. Before Christ's self sacrafice, mankind was a slave to sin. We were condemed to eternal separation from God. But Jesus literaly made Himself payment for every debt to sin for all eternity for all mankind, permanently reuniting us to God. But many simple choose to stay enslaved.

Beloved, accept the Gift. You can't earn this redemption. All that was needed to be paid was paid. There is nothing else for you to add to it. You can't earn Jesus' love. He already has extended it toward you. It cannot be increased or decreased. It can only be accepted. His love for you is as eternal as He is. You cannot create righteousness before God. All you can do is accept the Gift of Christ, His love and His righteousness. And in your acceptance is not only for eternal forgiveness, but for life itself.

The Emancipation Proclamation is barely 5 handwritten pages long. Just 699 words. It changed the course of an entire nation. The struggles that ensued are still being studied and followed today by people seeking justice and freedom throughout the world.

The scripture reference above, John 3:16, is only 25 words long, but it changed the course of human history, throughout all time.

Will you let Him change your life? Will you accept the Gift and all the life that comes with Him? We will happily help you receive, grow in and use the Gift at Fellowship.

John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Freedom and life.

Evg. Stephanie Robinson


Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.  Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!

455 Hwy 138 W, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor