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Home | Religion & Spirituality Believing that the proper way to preach is to give an expository sermon, I looked at the words in the original Greek. I was delighted to learn that the Greek word for "Thanks" is eucharisteo." This is where we get our word for "Eucharist." Christ often used this word whenever he gave thanks for a meal. Likewise, the Apostle Paul often uses this word in his opening statements when writing to the New Testament churches. Interestingly enough, eucharisteo literally means eu = good, well + a form of charis = to favor or thank; to respond to a good favor. Eucharisteo is also used as the verbs form of "favor" or "Charis" in Greek, the modern translation being "Grace." While I studied the Greek words and the Gospel story, I realized that that the Lepers were asking for mercy, however only one of them got to realize that he was given grace and he responded properly to it. Oftentimes we interchange "Mercy" for "Grace." We usually think that they mean the same thing. However take note that there is a difference between them. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace on the other hand is getting what you don't deserve. Because we are sinners, we deserve to go to Hell. But because God is merciful, we are spared from the punishment of eternal damnation. Recieving the gift of eternal life on the other hand could only come because of grace. We do not deserve forgiveness of sin nor do we deserve eternal life, nevertheless we received it because of God's GRACE. The Bible says in Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8 and 9 says that we are saved "by Grace through faith . . . it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast" The gift referred to here is "Saving faith." What this verse is simply saying is that the faith to believe was given to us by God. By ourselves alone we do not have the ability to believe God by faith because of our fallen state. What we only have is natural faith. In order to know Christ we must have "supernatural faith." We should be thankful to God for giving us "Supernatural faith." Certainly it is not because of our own natural ability that we have the faith to believe in Jesus Christ and what he did for us. We believe in him because we have been given the faith to believe. Now let me continue with the story of the Ten Lepers. The Samaritan Leper was so thankful to Jesus Christ that he "turned back and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks" The Bible says that Jesus asked him saying, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are none found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." And I love this last part, Jesus continues and tells him "Arise; go thy way. Thy faith hath made thee whole." Literally he is saying to this Samaritan Leper "Your faith has saved you." That day the Samaritan Leper got more than healing from his leprosy, he found Salvation in Christ. It pays to be truly thankful. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Wish to know more about being thankful ? Visit the blog of Zigfred Diaz where he regularly writes about several topics mainly on financial management, investments, How to invest in the Philippine stock market, faith, theology, law, life and living.
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