DAY 4 WITH THE SON

I'm taking the 40 days leading up the Christmas to focus on the life of Jesus and do a mini-reflection. I'm following along with Liza on her special blog called 40 Days with the Son, based on the Max Lucado book 3:16.

Here is how to join us in reflection of the spirit of this upcoming holiday season.

Doing 2 posts today, I think I will be caught up and back to 1 post per day on the proper day. Today's verse is the summary of the Bible.

Titled Because of Love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16"

This verse is the pivotal verse, not only of the book, but of the entire Bible, the entire ministry of Jesus Christ on earth. I'm not finished reading the book 3:16 yet, but it's been a great study on the significance and importance of every single word of that passage. I know this particular verse is probably the most widely quoted Christian scripture, but it's also one that's probably the least studied.

To me- it answers many critics' questions about the Christian faith.

Why is God mean and hateful and damming people to hell? He doesn't- this scripture tell us he LOVED.

Why does God only pick certain people to go do heaven? He loves the entire WORLD- all people are offered the gift of heaven.

Why do I have to be a Christian or give God anything to get to heaven? You don't- God GAVE his Son and all that's required is faith in the Son's promises.

Why can't everybody go to heaven? Everybody CAN, because the scripture tells us WHOEVER, to go to heaven and it's only requirement is our BELIEF IN HIM. It's open to all because grace and love are extended to the entire world- all people.

The verse is a summary of the Bible, but to better understand the context of that promise and all the other questions unbelievers have, you have to read the rest of the story as it unfolds between Genesis and Revelations.

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Not a more powerful and profound verse exists in the Bible and I'm blessed to be taking some time to study it.