It was fun celebrating pie day on 3-14 and I’m looking forward to May the 4th being with us, but I have to tell you that during this Lenten season 3-16 has got to be acknowledged.
Why? Because it’s the greatest gift ever given to each of us. You’ve seen it on signs in the end zone, on the bumper in front of you and have probably heard it preached from time to time. John 3:16 is good news.
And what’s more, John 3:16-21 is great news.
Just think of it. God so loved the world… yes, all of us. Even me, when I was an atheist, living dark and hating God. Even then.
The words that follow are a great reason to celebrate.
John 3:16-21 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
I’m here to tell you that the truth laid out in these verses turned my life around. Like these verses say, the gift is for whoever. But notice it’s for whoever “believes”. You have to believe that you have sinned against God, that Jesus paid your debt and that you will not be condemned if you believe. Continue reading this next verse.
Romans 10:9-10 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is LORD," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Saved from what? Saved from condemnation.
There is light at the end of the tunnel.
If you need help understanding or wish to talk more, enter in a comment or give us a call or an email at 847-242-1006 or SteveZ@AverageGuyMinistries.com.
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