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
In its list of 11 things that Canadians love about our country, the Trafalgar travel website speaks about Canada’s European feel. It says, “With a connection to Europe stemming back hundreds of years, many of Canada’s cities still exude a European charm. A few Canadian favourites include Merrickville in Ontario for its 1800 stone masonry buildings, St. John’s in Newfoundland for its Irish fishing village feel and Stratford in Ontario for its Shakespearean flair.”
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A number of years ago, my wife and I went to a retreat for couples in ministry. There were about 10 couples, and after teaching times, we were given statements about love and marriage that were meant as a springboard for private times of discussion. I remember one in particular. It said “I love you so much that …” and we had to complete the sentence. Some of our initial answers were silly – but as we thought more about it, they became quite moving and meaningful. The Bible uses this statement and completes it in the most profound way. It is likely you know the verse well – for God so loved that world that … He gave His one and only Son. There is no greater length to which God could possibly go than to offer His one and only Son as a redemptive sacrifice. His death on the Cross has purchased our salvation – without that sacrifice we would be without hope in this world and the next. So, as the verse goes on to say, whoever puts their faith and trust in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved you, yes you, that He gave Jesus.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley