At the gap* we like free things - infact we LOVE them.
Most of our activites are free, the time given by our volunteers is free, the time we spend on the streets is free, the hours spent praying for people are free, the fun and laughter is free, the opportunites for young people are free, the chat over a coffee is free - even the Hot Chocolate at the Venue is free!!!!!
Why do we like to do things for free.... because we are following the example of someone else who gave us all something for free.
It doesn't cost us, it isn't something we had to work for or earn, it isnt something only the elite can access, it isnt something that is a reward for being good - it was a free gift, once and for all, that all can have - if they want to receive it.........
We follow after Jesus Christ - who came and died in our place, for the forgiveness of our sins, who took our punishment, who gave us the free, yes free gift of eternal life - we cant earn it and he doesnt want us to - he just wants us back in relationship with him, the whole reason we were created and to set us free from the things that control and hinder our lives.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16
As humans we messed up in the beginning and we continue to mess up - we do things that grieve God - yes even Christians believe it or not!!! (well you probably already believe it after meeting some of us....)
The bible continues...
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
But the whole point is that you cant earn it - God isnt looking for perfect people, infact it isnt through the things that we do but faith in Jesus
For by Grace are you saved through faith. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
The free gift of grace - amazing grace to quote the hymn - why so amazing? because it is undeserved - we shouldnt have it, we are not worthy (according to Waynes World) but it is given freely to ALL yes including YOU - Have you ever done something wrong and you have been let off for it - exactly the same principle - we deserve death, we were born sinners, slaves to our desires and heading towards an eternity without God - until Jesus stepped in, paid the price with his own blood so that we could be set free from sin, stopped being slaves and be restored to him...
So yea we LOVE FREE gifts - and because we have been so freely given to - we want to freely give.....
