The Living Message Of Hope

John 3:16

The Living Message of Hope

There are all type of messages. Some are crystal clear while others are, say, a little muddy or murky. Here are a few of my favorites:

Introduction – Answering Machine Message

These are actual answering machine answers recorded and verified by the world-famous International Institute of Answering Machine Answers

*Hello, you are talking to a machine. I am capable of receiving messages. My owners do not need siding, windows, or a hot tub, and their carpets are clean. They give to charity through their office and do not

need their picture taken. If you’re still with me, leave your name and number and they will get back to you

*Hi. I am probably home. I’m just avoiding someone I don’t like. Leave me a message, and if I don’t call back, it’s you.

*Hi, this is George. I’m sorry I can’t answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back.

But my all-time favorite is:

*A College student had the following message on his dorm answering machine: "Hi! This is Dustin! If it’s the phone company, I sent the money. If it’s Mom or Dad, please send money. If it’s the financial office, you didn’t loan me enough money. If it’s my girlfriend, leave a message-- and don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of money!”

Messages are necessary for us to communicate. None are as clear as the message God recorded for us through the Apostle John which is found in John 3:16. In this passage we will discover four prominent messages.

John 3:16 is a simple yet profound message of love, hope and relationships. I believe that is why we can call this passage a…

A SIMPLE MESSAGE

For God so loved the world…

It is a simple message because He is the great CREATOR.

God the Father created all things for His glory. In fact, Philippians tells us that “All things were made by Him.” We were created to honor and glorify Him. He wants us to know and worship Him.

We also find that He is the great COMMUNICATOR.

Jesus said that if “you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.”

For many, Ronald Reagan was America’s greatest communicator. He could not hold a candle to Jesus, the greatest communicator. Jesus’ stories were attention grabbing. They were profound, deep and mind-boggling! He could hold everyone’s attention and make people understand. Even those with A.D.D. could focus on His words.

In these simple messages, He is also the great COMFORTER.

The Holy Spirit, the One called alongside, is the great comforter. He helps us to see and hear clearly the simple message God has for us.

Illustration – John 3.16 Message

A pastor was called to a new church. The first Sunday the pastor was there, his message was taken from John 3:16. The message was entitled, "How to Be Born Again." The message was well received, but no decisions were made. The second Sunday, the pastor’s message was taken from John 3:16 and was entitled "How to Be Born Again." Again, no decisions were made. The third Sunday, the pastor’s sermon was taken from John 3:16 and was entitled "How to Be Born Again." Again, no decisions were made. By this time, the deacons were worried about what was happening—he just kept preaching the same sermon over and over and over again. So, they called a special meeting with the pastor to discuss his choice of sermons. One deacon said, "Don’t you have any more sermons?" The new pastor responded, "Yes, I have plenty of sermons. However, I am going to keep preaching this sermon until you get it right. Then, I will move on to something else."

Every Sunday, there ought to be simple messages preached across America and around the world about a God who still loves us. It is Charles Spurgeon who says, “God is infinite in knowledge, infinite in power, infinite in duration, and infinite in love.” God reveals His immeasurable love by saving us through His grace!

Not only do we see that it is a simple message but it is also a

A SATISFYING MESSAGE

That He gave His only begotten Son…

This message is satisfying because it does four things.

We find this message satisfying because Jesus is my

SUBSTITUTION. Jesus died for MY sin, not His own. Romans 5:8 clearly states, “God demonstrates His own love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He became my substitute on the cross. What I deserved, He took for me.

We also find this message satisfying because He is my PROPITIATION. This simple means that God was appeased and turned away the wrath I deserved because Jesus died for me. Jesus satisfied the requirements of God by a perfect sacrifice. 2 John 2:2 says, “He Himself is our propitiation.”