JOHN 3:16 AND CHRISTMAS

Daniel Patz, Lead Pastor

Grace Church, Sunday Worship

John 3:16

December 20^th, 2009

Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

John 3:16 and Christmas

-         Both are familiar

-         Both are in danger of over-familiarization

-         Both are truly glorious

-         Both are easily commercialized and trivialized

-         Both point to what is most important.

So I want to point you to the Gospel in Christmas as seen in John 3:16:

1. There is a God who is infinitely glorious.

For God

so loved the world,

that he gave

his only Son,

that whoever believes

in Him

should not perish

but have eternal life. 

2. This God made us to glorify and enjoy Him forever.

For God

so loved the world,

that he gave

his only Son,

that whoever believes

in Him

should not perish

but have eternal life. 

3. Everyone of us have rebelled against His plan (sin) and therefore deserve the punishment for our sins – namely death in hell.

For God

so loved the world,

that he gave

his only Son,

that whoever believes

in Him

should not perish

but have eternal life. 

4. God lovingly purchased a way of salvation and restoration through Jesus – His life and death. 

For God

so loved the world,

that he gave

his only Son,

that whoever believes

in Him

should not perish

but have eternal life. 

5. Eternal life is given to all those who trust fully in God’s son – Jesus Christ.

For God

so loved the world,

that he gave

his only Son,

that whoever believes

in Him

should not perish

but have eternal life. 

Believing includes 1) knowledge, 2) agreement, 3) trust (recumbencey)

Do you trust?