We used to see signs with “John 3:16” at stadium events – I think these have been quietly silenced by event organizers – it’s an embarrassment I guess. But many of us have learned this most famous verse in the whole bible. Maybe it would do you good to revisit this verse in light of what God thinks of you. How much does He love you? So much that He gave his Son so that you could be with him forever. That’s how much.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16
We will think about a powerful nocturnal Encounter with Jesus through the month of February as Nicodemus came to Jesus by night to ask soul searching questions. Think about it – by day, Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin – the ruling body of 70 who oversaw the Jewishness of the Roman occupied Israel. As a Pharisee, he stood in opposition to Jesus’ radical teaching. But by night he was just a lost soul searching for peace with God. All of his theological training and careful legal observances still left him empty. Read the encounter in verses 1-21 in John 3 where Jesus teaches – and chides this religious ruler. But in the middle of this challenge Jesus offers this blazing torch of light – the dramatic insight into the stance of God toward those he created.
We used to see signs with “John 3:16” at stadium events – I think these have been quietly silenced by event organizers – it’s an embarrassment I guess. But many of us have learned this most famous verse in the whole bible. Maybe it would do you good to revisit this verse in light of what God thinks of you. How much does He love you? So much that He gave his Son so that you could be with him forever. That’s how much.
Do you think perhaps that the Lord who loves you this much may want to encounter you – to speak to you – to assure you of his favor – to prepare a place for you to be with Him forever? You are his child – he will tell you what you need to know! So live in freedom and don’t worry about His love changing for you or His acceptance of you based on your trust in Christ!
To prepare for Easter this year we are hosting an Encounter service on Wednesday evening, February 22. This is Ash Wednesday and initiates the Lenten season – a strategic focus on Jesus Christ that prepares us for the depths and exaltation of Easter. We will encourage you to set aside each day over those forty days to prioritize your time with Him.
Have a listen to this wonderful version of The Love of God…
Pastor Leon Throness
