05-28-23

God Loves Us and Wants Us

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” — John 3:1–2 (NIV)

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” — John 3:3

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” — John 3:4

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”  — John 3:14-15

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 (NIV) 

For God so loved…

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:10 (NIV) 

…the world…

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. — 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

…that he gave…

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8 (NIV)

…his one and only Son…

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. — Philippians 2:6–11 (NIV)

…that whoever believes in him…

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

...shall not perish but have eternal life.