Bible Verses And Ball Games

• Quick: What does John 3:16 say?

• Why is that the best-known verse in the Bible?

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

When you go to sporting events or watch them on TV, you see people in the crowd holding up all kinds of signs. One of the most popular is the John 3:16 sign. That’s all it says: “John 3:16.” The idea is that people will be so curious to know what John 3:16 says that they’ll investigate it for themselves.

Let’s say that happens. Let’s say someone who knows nothing about God’s Word or Christianity finds a Bible and opens it to John 3:16. What would they find there that would get their attention?

“God so loved the world”? That seems pretty basic. “Gave his one and only Son”? That doesn’t really tell much. “Shall not perish but have eternal life”? There’s the sweet spot! The possibility of living forever is enough to make almost anyone look twice. After all, death is our enemy because it means “Game Over.”

So a claim about eternal life is likely to stir some interest. Even better is a Christian who can personally explain how eternal life is possible and how to receive it. So if you’re wondering how to talk to people you know about Christ, you might want to start with John 3:16.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son to die so that we can live forever. Give us the wisdom, courage and creativity to share the message of John 3:16 in a way that gets people’s attention. Amen.