The first gift

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...”

Philippians 2:6-11

Christ Jesus, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The second gift

Romans 6:23

The gift of God is everlasting life.

Revelation 22:17

Let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

John 6:47

Jesus said, “He who believes in Me has everlasting life.”

John 11:26

“Whoever believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Ephesians 2:8-9

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

The second gift received

Luke 23:42-43

One of the criminals... said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The second gift rejected

Matthew 7:22-23

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me.”

QUESTIONS FOR LIFE

1.Based on the last two messages, what is the first gift and the second gift?

 2.Please read these passages about the second gift:

Romans 6:23 The gift of God is everlasting life.  

 Revelation 22:17 Let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

 John 6:47 Jesus said, “He who believes in Me has everlasting life.”

 John 11:26 “Whoever believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

 Ephesians 2:8-9  By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 3.Was there a time that you did not know, or understand, or believe one or more of these passages? Please explain.

4.What (whom) did God use to help you to receive the second gift?

5.Please read this passage:  Luke 23:42-43 One of the criminals... said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

 6.Can you relate to this criminal? Please explain.

7.Please read this passage:

Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me.”

 8. Was there a time that you had a viewpoint similar to these people?

 9.Can you think of someone you know who may understand the first gift but not the second gift? In what ways do you think today’s discussion can help you talk with this person?