This week's sermon: "God So Loved the World, Part 1"

It's no wonder that John 3:16 is one of the most famous and most cherished verses in the Bible. Eight of the greatest realities in existence are packed into one sentence:

  • God
  • Love
  • The world
  • The Son of God
  • Faith
  • Perishing forever
  • Living forever
  • Whoever

Nothing is more urgent or more relevant than the awesome things clarified in this verse.

And such central truths are not just for beginners. John 3:16 is high-level, high-voltage shock therapy for every kind of struggle. John 3:16 is for all—from the most distant nonbeliever to most mature Jesus-follower.

David Mathis (@davidcmathis) is an elder at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Twin Cities, and works as executive pastoral assistant to John Piper. He and his wife Megan have twin sons (Carson and Coleman) and live in Minneapolis. David is co-editor (with John Piper) of Thinking, Loving, Doing, most recently, and Finish the Mission, forthcoming. Yep, he plays rec softball and went yard in his last game.