I have at least two verses that I have memorized from the Bible. The first is Job 19:17 – “My breath is repulsive to my wife.” No amens please! The second is John 3:16
John 3:16 is perhaps the sweetest words Jesus ever spoke. That single verse has been used for generations to unlock the blessing of salvation for many.
You probably have it memorized as well. Which means that you possess the means by which to redirect eternity for your unbelieving family, friends and neighbors. May I show you how?
I had a friend in his forties but had never ever been to church and knew little of Jesus or the Bible. I will call him Nate in my story.
He began to visit a church. He was bewildered by what he experienced and we often discussed it. Over time he seemed to be warming up to Jesus. One day he was asking the right kinds of questions. I used John 3:16 to help him wrestle with the issues.
I recited the words, “For God…” This assumes the existence of God. I asked Nate if he believed that God existed. He said “Yes.”
…so loved the world…” This tells us that God is essentially love – that He loves people. “Nate do you believe that God loves the people of this world?” “Well yeah!” “But do you believe He loves you?” “Yes!” Then I told him about one unique act of God’s love.
…that He gave His only begotten Son… Because God so loved the world, He gave what was most precious to Him – His only Son. This was Jesus, of the same substance as God and yet He took on human flesh to come to us.
When God gave His Son, He sent Jesus to the earth to bring the message of eternal life, and then to die in order to provide it. “Nate, do you believe this?” He said, “I think so.”
…that whoever believeth in Him… “Whoever” tells us that anyone can benefit from what God has given. But there is one thing we are expected to do – that is to believe. Most religious systems teach us that we must earn our ticket to eternal life. But John 3:16 tells us that Jesus purchased it for us. We must simply receive it by trusting Him.
So, what do we need to believe? That we have sinned against God and that the penalty for that sin is death. We need to believe that the Son of God took our place and died on a cross.
“So, Nate tell me, do you believe this?” There was a very long pause, but then he said, “I do.”
…shall not perish… This tells us that the one who fails to trust in Christ shall die an eternal death. It’s called hell – a place where a person exists, but in unending suffering. Nate indicated that he believed there was hell.
…but have everlasting life…The one who believes shall not perish but instead will have eternal life – this is an eternal existence with God in an unbroken state of joy. I asked Nate once again, “Nate to do you believe that God takes all who trust Him to heaven?” He said “Yes.”
It was then I said, “Well Nate, it seems like you understand the Good News and that you believe every bit of it. He said, “I guess I do.” He and I then prayed, and he surrendered his life to Jesus.
Hey, I believe you could do that too. You already have John 3:16 memorized.
You already understand it and can explain it. It is an approach that is easy and natural. You don’t have to whip out a tract or find a Bible. You can share it from your heart.
Some of us believe that sharing the Gospel is the pastors’ job. “Let the shepherd of the flock do it.” But someone once observed, “Shepherds don’t give birth to sheep; other sheep do.” I hope you will do the same.
A PRAYER: Lord help us be aware of opportunities we have to share our faith
Scripture is quoted from the King James Version
