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What if, out of pride, I sat at a birthday celebration table and told the person who showed me unconditional love, “I see your gift, but I am not going to unwrap it. Whatever it is, I want you to take it back. Return it! I don't deserve it. I don't want it.” That attitude would turn smiles to frowns, turn the “Happy Birthday” song to groans, and end the party. The party is over. But what if I gladly accepted the birthday gift, then went up to the person who gave it to me and begged, “Please give me a birthday gift.” I didn't spoil the party. Worse. I insulted the gift giver. I was given a thoughtful gift, once and for all. Yet I acted as though I had not seen it at all. How much more do we insult God when we trample on His unconditional gift of redemption from sin that was won for us by Jesus' death on the Cross! Churches, both Protestant and Catholic live in the unreal world of repeatedly requesting a gift that has already been given. We may hear the congregation pray on Sunday morning, “Forgive us our trespasses ....” Others go to the confessional booth and beg, “Forgive me father, for I have sinned.” If you would like to study a full list of scripture verses on this subject ask us for the paper, "Does Your Church Insult God?"
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Quarter hour talk.
-- Richard Palmquist
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