PROCLAIMING THE EXCELLENCIES: “For God so loved the world” (Jn. 3:16)

Adventure in the Ascent

2 Corinthians 5:20- “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

↠The most famous and most memorized verse in the Bible- John 3:16

↠Because we “know it so well,” we are at great risk of simply passing by it’s treasure

↠I challenge you to read over, meditate on this verse throughout this week

↠Context: Conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, grasping to understand

↠This verse declares exactly who Jesus is and the impact of putting one’s belief in Him.

↠There is no clearer definition of the Gospel (Good News) than John 3:16!

↠Exploring John 3:16- “FOR GOD…”

↠The Gospel, this great act, begins with God our Father, Creator, He initiates

↠We are made by Him, for Him, to glorify Him, to bring honor to Him, but as humans, we have failed in this (Deut. 6, Rom. 1:21), but in our failure GOD makes a rescue plan

↠Exploring John 3:16- “For God SO LOVED…”

↠It is activated by a great and profound love- love of the Father, nothing more powerful

↠We have seen examples of false love with hidden agendas/motives, but His love is pure and real- love originates from Him (1 John 4)

↠Exploring John 3:16- “For God so loved THE WORLD…”

↠”World-” Fallen humanity, mankind.” This (we) is (are) the object of this great love!

↠Proclaiming His excellencies is simply you sharing your story, your encounters, your testimonies, the things that you are encountering in your time with Him!

↠“For God so loved the world THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON…”

↠This love expresses itself (not merely words)…through sacrificial act of Father giving Son

↠He is given over to be our sin-bearer/paying the price (John 10:17

↠Now, a response is required: “THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM….”

↠You can’t just know it, but you must respond to this incredible gift of the Father

↠Don’t earn/can’t work for it, we must simply believe (have faith in Him/what was done)

↠Believe/Receive (John 1:12), Confess/Saved (Romans 10:9)

↠“That whosoever believes in Him….SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.”

↠Encountering His love/this gift/this Jesus…brings us to a cross road (life/death)

↠John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

↠Abundant life (now and everlasting) vs. spiritual death and eternal damnation

↠When we believe this Gospel, this Good News, there is a dual blessing: We are forgiven the payment or penalty of sin and granted, given by the Father, everlasting life, here and now!

↠This is the gift that we proclaim (2 Corinthians 5:20)

RESPONSE THIS WEEK: Take the time to read over and meditate on John 3:16 this week. Ask Holy Spirit to bring clarity, to teach you, and to lead you to one person to pray for and proclaim to. It will look different for each person, we need the guidance and leadership of Holy Spirit in every case. Lean in and seek, hear and obey.