WHAT IF IT IS “THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS”?

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE GIVER- there has to be a giver to have a gift, who he is, his status or rank can make a difference

II. THE MOTIVE- Free pens in the mail to get my business, why is someone giving you something?

III. THE RECIPENT- yourself

IV. THE ACTION- the action is important, it's the thought that counts, almost as much as the gift

V. THE GIFT ITSELF- What is being given? Could be important (depends on motive, giver, etc.)

VI. THE RECEPTION- Must be accepted, insult to reject, does the recipient no good if not accepted

VII. THE RESULT- Is it useful, is it

What's all that got to do with Christmas?

 

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.

I. THE GIVER- "For God", no greater Giver than God, no king, no movie star, no president compares

II. THE MOTIVE- "so loved", God's motive was purely love, no "angle" involved. "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving."

III. THE RECIPENT- "the world", not the planet, but the people on the planet

IV. THE ACTION- "that He gave", His love is not a passive love, it is an active love

V. THE GIFT- "His only begotten Son", the darling of Heaven, the Unique One, virgin birth, eternal Son

VI. THE RECEPTION- "that whosoever believeth in Him", the transaction is not complete until the person receives the gift, a pardon refused is worthless

VII. THE RESULT- "should not perish but have everlasting life." The most powerful result in the universe.

When you get a great gift, you naturally want to share it with others.