John 3:16(KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
A dear friend, (Tom does our website as an act of love for our ministry) whose wife recently was visiting her mother 3,000 miles (5,000 km) away was struggling looking after himself for a couple of weeks. He had time to wait on the Lord and perhaps it helped him to dream a dream and when he awoke the following message came to him upon coming awake. It is both simple, deep and precious God giving him something for every word found in that precious John 3:16 of the Gospel of John) is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Christian Bible, and has been called the most famous Bible verse. It has also been called the "Gospel in a nutshell" because it is considered a summary of the central dogma of traditional Christianity: Let us look what the Lord gave Tom in this sermon word by word.
For - because, this is the reason, a lot softer than God did this or God did that, but God did this FOR a reason, because He loved us. Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
God - the Almighty, the all-powerful, the Creator of the universe, all those big stars and all of creation, yet, He knows me personally. Romans 1:20 (KJV) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
So - as in He loved or loves us so very, very much. Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV) The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.
Loved - as in past tense, already done, already thought of, already ready for me to receive, I don’t have to work for it. John 13:34 (KJV) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
The World - as in me and He doesn’t stop there, but His love is big enough to love the whole world. 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
That - because of, or what goes along with this love. John 3:17 (KJV) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
HE- not anyone else. 1 Peter 3:18 (KJV) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Gave - again past tense because this has already been done, it has already been paid for, it has already prepared for me to grab hold of, and the reason He gave this is because love only works by giving it away. It is a principle in the Kingdom of God. Luke 6:38 (KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
His - something dear to Him, it is His, not someone else’s 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV) 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Only - this is a unique gift, the Only one, not a mass produced product. He knows us and all about us. Luke 12:7 (KJV) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Begotten - His very own, again focus on the unique and special ness of the gift. Living Word John 3:16"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Son - Jesus. That can be said God gave Himself, but Jesus was 100% God as well as 100% man. God gave Himself. He didn’t order or force anyone to do what needed to be done on the cross, He willingly gave Himself for us. John 10:11 (KJV) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
And - because of His love, Ephesians 5:2 (KJV) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Whomsoever - anyone who wants can come to Him. John 6:37 (KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Believes - all you have to do to receive is believe in His love for you Acts 16:30-31 (KJV) 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
In - but don’t just believe in anything, like a ’higher power’ or false god, but believe in Him. . John 3:36 (KJV) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Him- believe in God Almighty came down and die for our sins because He loved us SO much, Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Shall should - because of this, the resultant is you should not perish - still up to you to believe and walk in His grace day by day. 2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Not - no chance of the next word happening if you believe in His love for you. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Perish. John 10:28 (KJV) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
But - there is hope, not just avoiding perish, but... Isaiah 55:6-7 (KJV) 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Have - to have to keep, to make it yours. 1 John 5:13 (KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Everlasting - Forever and ever. Revelation 22:5 (KJV) And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Life. - And that life is abundant. Not a measly getting by, it is fullness of joy and fullness of everything. Health, wealth and Spirit. John 10:10 (KJV) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
PRAYER
Father, I know You are in control of the world even when I feel that my life is out of control. Help me to trust in Your incredible ability to care for each detail of my life. Thank You for taking the time to count all the hairs on my head! I know You love me, and I believe that my worth to You is of greater value than many sparrows. I pray that the reality of this truth will seep deeper into my heart today. In the name of your beloved Son, Jesus, I pray, Amen.
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