Welcome to a bonus episode!
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that
whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

What is the context? Jesus is having a chat with Nicodemus the pharisee. Jesus is exploring being born-again in the spirit. Nicodemus has come to Jesus in earnest but Jesus keeps saying things incomprehensible. The reality of this well read and educated scholar is being challenged. Reading ALL of John 3 can really help get the sense of the conversation that this statement is said in. 

This is one of the most popular evangelical verses, why?

• succinct explanation of the gospel
• easy to memorize
• has a reputation so it is recognizable 

What are some of the challenges?

• challenges the narrative of hell being the most important reason to follow Jesus
• deals with the trinity- which is challenges our reality
• "giving up a son" can be views with so many different lenses

We may know this verse, but when is the last time you really sat with it? Meditated its meaning? Thought about the weight of what it is actually saying?
We would do well to give it a second or maybe a first look. Spend some time with and ask God to bring it into our lives everyday.

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