For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. –John 3:16
I have heard that John 3:16 is a favorite preaching text for young preachers, but I confess that as far as I can recall, I have never had the courage to prepare and preach a sermon with John 3:16 as my text. I suppose I have quoted it as many as 15,000 or 20,000 times in prayer and in testimony, in writing and in preaching, but never as a sermon text….
I think my own hesitation to preach from John 3:16 comes down to this: I appreciate it so profoundly that I am frightened by it–I am overwhelmed by John 3:16 to the point of inadequacy, almost of despair. Along with this is my knowledge that if a minister is to try to preach John 3:16 he must be endowed with great sympathy and a genuine love for God and man….
So, I approach it. I approach it as one who is filled with great fear and yet great fascination. I take off my shoes, my heart shoes, at least, as I come to this declaration that God so loved the world. Christ the Eternal Son, 85-86.
“Lord, I take off my ‘heart shoes’ this morning as well as I contemplate this awesome thought. I bow before You in fear and fascination before this text–but also just at the incredible task and privilege of preaching and teaching any portion of Your inspired Word. Amen.”
