Scripture: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
Examination: There are 66 books of the Bible, but only 59 books that contain a 3:16 verse.
Application: Today is March 16th, abbreviated as “3/16”. It’s a day that often brings to mind the many “3:16” verses in the Bible. Without a doubt, John 3:16 is the most well-known of the 3:16 verses, and most likely, it is the most familiar verse in the entire Bible. Here are some other 3:16 verses that may not be quite as familiar as our key verse.
- Proverbs 3:16 – “Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.” (Refers to wisdom)
- Joel 3:16 – “The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”
- Malachi 3:16 – “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”
- Matthew 3:16 – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”
- Luke 3:16 – “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”
- Acts 3:16 – “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
- Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
- 1 Timothy 3:16 – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
- 1 John 3:16 – “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Memory Verse: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” – Ephesians 3:16
Stretching your thoughts:
1. What does John 3:16 mean for you personally?
2. Since God loves everyone, regardless of whether or not they accept Christ as Saviour, how does that affect your thinking about others?
For God so loved the World , He gave His only Son,
To die on Calvary's tree, From sin to set me free;
Some day He's coming back, What glory that will be!
Wonderful His love to me.
(from “For God so Loved the World” by Frances Townsend)