“THE GIFT FROM GOD!”

Ephesians 2:8-9                 (ESV)

“[8] For BY GRACE you have been saved through FAITH. And this is not your own doing; IT IS “THE GIFT OF GOD”, [9] NOT A RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast.”

In the period of time that the book of Mark was penned, about 65-70 AD, many people “believed” that “Gentiles” were thought to be people who were NOT CHOSEN by GOD to be a part of HIS KINGDOM?  Most “Gentiles” (people born outside of the Jewish faith) were considered to be “unclean” with NO HOPE of redemption.  

The caption A GENTILE MOTHER’s FAITH was used in this week’s Sunday School lesson.  It must have been a title used by the societal elite to place others “in their place”?!?  FAITH 

Suppose if I were born in 65-70 AD?  A child fathered by a man who left his family and moved out of the country to avoid paying child support?  I had NO INPUT into my ancestors.  HOWEVER, GOD doesn’t issue limitations based on your lineage.  HIS OWN SON was born in a cattle “stall”, certainly not a place where THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES should have to experience?  

Then JESUS, GOD IN FLESH, CHOSE me, BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, to be a follower of HIS, as pitiful and pathetic as I am!  I have NOTHING to offer HIM, only MY ALL!  It is SOLELY “THE GIFT OF GOD” that HE CHOSE me!!!