Today’s scripture is the book of Ephesians, Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. Chapter 2 verses 8 to 9 it says, 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” 

In Korean, “너희는 그 은혜에 의하여 믿음으로 말미암아 구원을 받았으니 이것은 너희에게서 난 것이 아니요 하나님의 선물이라 행위에서 난 것이 아니니 이는 누구든지 자랑하지 못하게 함이라”

Today! I have a good story and also a bad story! 

Let me tell you a story today. I have both a good story and a bad story.

Yesterday, I baked beautiful banana oatmeal muffins. I brought them today as a gift for our wonderful teachers. That’s the good story.

When I arrived this morning, I shared my muffins with them.

One of the teachers asked me, “How much are these?” I felt embarrassed, because my muffins weren’t something I wanted to sell - they were gifts from my heart.

But he insisted on paying me for the muffin. That broke my heart. That’s the bad story.

What do you think I felt at that moment? What do you think would have made me feel better?

If all our teachers had received my muffins with gratitude, eaten them with joy, and enjoyed every bite, I would have felt so happy. Wouldn’t I?

When I give someone a gift, all I want is for them to receive it as it is and enjoy it. I don’t want to be paid for what I’ve done.

If somebody tries to buy it with money, then it’s no longer a gift.

To receive God’s gift, there is nothing you need to do. All you have to do is…to receive it and enjoy it. 

Salvation is amazing! God gave us the gift of eternal life—something we cannot even imagine.

It’s so great that sometimes we might take this precious gift for granted.

A gift is meant to be received with joy, not with fear. It’s not like, “Oh no, I’m going to hell! I’m scared, so I have to believe in God.” That’s not it.

God’s gift is meant to bring joy, excitement, and thankfulness.

우리 그동안 함께 영어예배에서 예배드렸던 예현 쌤이 내일 나라의 부름을 받고 입대하게 되었어요!

우리가 늘 기도할께요! 곧 다시 만날 날을 기대하며! 늘 건강하기! 그리고 늘 행복하기!