Sunday March 15th, 2015 4th Sunday in Lent John 3:14-21
? the light has come into the world? (verse 19)
In an age when people demand information packaged in convenient sound bites and carefully crafted quotes, John 3:16 seems perfect. It’s a great introduction to the gospel. But to stop there invites shallow faith and shallow living. People who really want to know must go deeper. There is no fine print hidden in this lifetime warranty guaranteed for eternity, but there is a lot that needs to be understood.
Commitments are involved. To believe in the Son is to follow him through life, a life that involves a cross and sacrifice for others. This way of Jesus brings light to a dark world and reveals life where the way of death is too often grimly expected and accepted.
God wants to light up our lives, every corner, cobwebs and all. The things about us that we wish God didn’t know and desperately hope others don’t even suspect must come to light, the light of the Son. That light beams with grace, forgiveness, love and purpose for everyone.
While you are unpacking John 3:16, a good place to begin is by taking “the world” and “everyone” out of the sentence, putting our names in place of them, and then inviting others to do the same.
God of grace and light, light up my darkness so that I may reflect your rays. Amen. — KW
Contributed by Come to the Light
In an age when people demand information packaged in convenient sound bites and carefully crafted quotes, John 3:16 seems perfect. It's a great introduction to the gospel. But to stop there invites shallow faith and shallow living. People who really want to know must go deeper. There is no fine print hidden in this lifetime warranty guaranteed for eternity, but there is a lot that needs to be understood.
Commitments are involved. To believe in the Son is to follow him through life, a life that involves a cross and sacrifice for others. This way of Jesus brings light to a dark world and reveals life where the way of death is too often grimly expected and accepted.
God wants to light up our lives, every corner, cobwebs and all. The things about us that we wish God didn't know and desperately hope others don't even suspect must come to light, the light of the Son. That light beams with grace, forgiveness, love and purpose for everyone.
While you are unpacking John 3:16, a good place to begin is by taking "the world" and "everyone" out of the sentence, putting our names in place of them, and then inviting others to do the same.
