February 14th, 2019

   The Greatest Statement Ever Made (John 3:16)
 
John 3:16, 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.
 
For God – the Greatest Lover
So loved – the Greatest Degree
The world – the Greatest Company
That He gave – the Greatest Act
His only begotten Son – the Greatest Gift
That whosoever – the Greatest Opportunity
Believeth – the Greatest Simplicity
In Him – the Greatest Attraction
Should not perish – the Greatest Promise
But – the Greatest Difference
Hath – the Greatest Certainty
Everlasting life – the Greatest Possession
 
Our text is completely permeated with love. 
“For God” gives the source of love;   
“so loved” the fact of love;  
“the world” the object of love;  
“that He Gave” the act of love;  
“His only begotten son” the gift of love;   
“that whosoever believeth” the scope and message of love;
“should not perish but have everlasting life” the fruit of love.
 
John 3:16 is the most-quoted verse in the Bible, but what does John 3:16 mean to someone who has never heard it before? A tired and cold newspaper boy approached a policeman one night and asked, “Mister, where can a poor boy find a warm place to sleep tonight?”
The policeman pointed down the street, “At that big, white house. Knock on the door and say, ‘John 3:16,’ and they will let you in.”
When the little boy knocked on the door of the house, an elderly lady greeted him. He looked up and said, “John 3:16.” The woman invited the child inside and had him sit down in a wooden rocking chair in front of a large fireplace. As he sat there, he thought to himself, John 3:16— I don’t understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.
Later, the woman returned to offer the child food. The little boy ate . . . and ate . . . and ate until he could eat no more. Then he thought to himself, John 3:16 — Boy, it sure makes a hungry boy full.
Then the woman allowed the boy to take a warm bath — the first he had ever taken. He thought to himself, John 3:16— it can make a dirty boy clean.
Finally, the kindhearted woman brought the child to a large guest room where he could spend the night. As the boy slid beneath the covers, he thought, John 3:16 — it sure makes a tired boy rested.
After breakfast the next morning, the woman found a Bible and sat down with the little boy by the fireplace. She asked if he understood John 3:16.
 “No, Ma’am, I don’t.” The woman found the verse and told the child about Jesus. He accepted Christ as his Saviour and thought to himself, John 3:16 — it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.
The best truths are those which are tangible. We can clearly see them as they are applied to ordinary life circumstances. John 3:16 is such a truth. It reminds us of God’s gift to mankind and challenges us to express His love through giving. Love gives. Unleash His transforming power in your life this week.

Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for loving all the world, not just some of the world. Help me to continue to grow in my love for You and for everyone else.
 
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