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 (NIV)
For God So Loved
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “Over the last century, marriage rates have fluctuated and often corresponded with historical events. During the Great Depression the rate fell; presumably due to high unemployment and negative economic conditions. During and following the Second World War, there were fewer single men, which lowered the number of marrying couples. However, following the war, couples were reunited and the marriage rate rose. The baby-boom period was a time when couples married relatively young.”
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It has been said that the three loveliest words in the English language are “I love you.” There is no doubt that this is true. If this is the loveliest three-word phrase, the loveliest four-word phrase is “For God so loved.” There are few Christians who can’t tell you where these words are found. One of the things I love about John’s Gospel is that he continually adds commentary to help us understand what Jesus was doing and teaching. Arguably the best known of John’s commentary is found in John 3:16: “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.” You never have to wonder if God loves you. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the proof that God loves you. He has provided everything we need to have the assurance of eternal life. That assurance brings peace like nothing else can – death loses its power over us, replaced by the hope we have in Jesus. Eternal life is received by faith – when we trust in Jesus Christ, believing in Him, we receive the gift of eternal life. There is no greater gift, no greater love.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley