"Rebirthday Gifts" 

Roman's 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The first few words of this verse are so stark that it presents a challenge to even consider or receive the blessing of the rest of it. My home church during my teen years, The First Baptist Church of San Fernando was across the street from J.T. Oswald Mortuary. The Cadillac hearse that sat in the driveway had these words emblazoned on both sides of the car in huge letters...."The wages of sin is death." That always struck me as odd. No comma, a period, and no promise of any hope. We used to finish the verse every time the hearse drove by. This verse is actually more about our rebirth day than it is our death day.

Salvation is a gift from God. Eternal life is a promise that adds meaning and joy and purpose to this life. The threat of judgment is real, but the hope of heaven forever supersedes and cancels that threat. Our rebirthday gift is so wonderful and perfect that it takes away the pain, fear and worry about the wages of our sin. His work on the cross pays a dividend that overrides the wages of our sin. Good news. Our rebirthday gift is way better than any birthday gift you have ever or will ever receive. Let this encourage you today.

In Him with you,
Pastor Fred