Sunday Mornin' Hope : John 3:16

As I was riding today I was thinking about this verse. What a gorgeous day for a ride, and what a great ride to ponder scriptures. So, lets start out with the original verse in the King James version.

The King James Version (Authorized)
Book of John
Chapter 3 -
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.

One question I had was, Why is it in third person? If I am talking to you and I say "Louis Hutchings loved Fort Smith so much he sent Dino Hutchings." That just sounds so strange. (And no I'm not in anyway comparing my self to Jesus. I am so far from that, but I do want to be more like Him.) We don't refer to ourselves in that way.
I believe Jesus knew that from that time forward, Christians would quote that verse and refer to it in their testimonies, books, T shirts, signs, etc.. But why?
Why would that single verse dominate all others in the Bible? Romans 8:1 is a great one!

8:1 -
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.


I really like that one. It's one of my favorites. It comes after a discourse of why we make so many bad decisions and our actions are oposite of what we really want to do. We want to do the good thing, but don't take time to do it. And that which we can't stand, we can't stop doing. Chapter 7 of Romans give me hope for ALL my failures. And there are many other fantastic verses in the Bible.

But Jn 3:16 stand out for many reasons. It give us hope in a perishing situation. During the time of Jesus, His people were being slaughtered by the Romans in a sporting way. Cruxifiction was a mocking way to slowly kill a person. It might take a day to die that way. Even after the beatings and crown of thorns Jesus still lived 6 hours on the cross before He suffocated and His lungs filled with water. He said to Nicodemus (one of the priests) if we believed on Him we wouldn't perish or go to hell. That gave him hope of glory to follow this life.

One translation of that word "believe" is obey. Jesus is saying if we obey His word and follow His teachings, then we will have everlasting life. That's pretty good I think. Jesus summed up His teachings in two sentences. Can you tell us what they are? Post it here.


What is "everlasting life"? Well it's the opposite of those that don't obey or follow Christ. Those that choose to reject Jesus Christ will face everlasting death. Death is a door and also permanent torment for those in hell and the lake of fire. Imagine having a set of headphones on and the cd is skipping from one of the worst singers ever to record a song. As a musician and singer, that would be a giant torment for me. Then crank up the volume 1000 times and you can't get the phones off your ear because they have been cauterized to your head. But that's just the beginning.


Everlasting life is the greatest feeling of continual excitement, joy, peace, strength, and all the best things forever in His presence. We can't even put it into words. No more death or suffering. No more pain or sickness. No more abuse, fear, anger, rejection, depression, or self hatred. It's just going to be greater later! When we as Christians die, the party begins.

I was blessed to conduct a funeral for a good friend's brother this past friday. The man died in old age. In his last weeks he prayed a sinner's prayer for salvation. The funeral was real time of celebration! Everyone was sharing great and funny experiences of his life. There was that hope of seeing and being with him again. These old shells we call bodies are just cocoons to a beautiful life.

As a father, Jn 3:16 is extremely hard to understand. Why would God send His son. Not his second or third son, but His ONLY Son was sent for you and me. He knew before the foundations of the world that His perfect son was going to be tormented for something that wasn't His fault. WHY?!? Hey, if it was up to me to send my son; I couldn't/wouldn't do it. My love is nowhere to be found in comparision. I honestly would look at the world and say 'Fry'em. They deserve it." That's why His grace is so amazing! When Jesus cried out on the cross...


Mt 27:46

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

I believe God the father had to turn away from His only Son. The sins of the world (including yours and mine) were placed upon Jesus Christ. He was innocent as a lamb. When John saw Jesus walking to him he declared:

Joh 1:29 -
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Only the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ was and is able to purchase our salvation. He paid your price and gives you free choice to accept this gift of eternal life. If you want this gift, pray a simple prayer. Say this:


Dear Jesus, come into my life and save me. Forgive me of my sins. I believe you died for me and rose again. I confess my sins before you. I receive your forgiveness and am forgiven. Thank You Jesus. amen

I hope you have the very best week THIS WEEK! Ride safely. I'm praying for you.

It is unfathomable that God cares enough for me to offer the grace that He does. Thank you Dino for the words.

great sermon dino , thanks

Thanks Dino ! --------

'To love God with all of your heart, mind and soul'
'To love your neighbor as yourself'

Was thinking these were the two most important teachings. And Eric agree whole heartedly with you.
Great sermon Dino. Thanks for the time and effort you put into it. Look forward to them each week.

BING!! Buy that man a tall Coke or a Coke bike

I appreciate the kind words. I do enjoy writing and reading the posts here.

Thank you Dino! Very inspiring as always!