As you probably know, we started a teaching series on John 3:16 the week before Easter. We taught on this theme on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday and it continues for another 3 weeks.
What you may not know is how God is using this "gospel in miniature" to encourage, convict, and spread the good news!!
Check out these stories that have been shared with the staff and elders recently:
From a CBF wife: "My husband walks at lunch downtown and often goes by the River Market. A couple of people approached him and asked if he would mind answering some questions. They began by asking if faith and politics would affect how he would vote in this year’s election. He said it would. After discussing moral issues, faith and other things they asked him so what does it mean to you to be a Christian. He said that immediately the John 3:16 exercise we did in church came to his mind and so he shared with them his version of the passage. Short and concise. He was able to share the gospel. He didn’t realize that he was being filmed until the conversation was almost over and he later learned they were students working on an assignment." -- WOW! The gospel was shared not only with these two, but with however many others will see the video!
From an AWANA leader: "I wanted to give you (an AWANA leader) kudos for you idea to challenge the AWANA kids to pass out the John 3:16 fliers!! Sometimes I put my fear of rejection onto the kids and don't think to challenge them with outreach projects. But, through this challenge these kids have reminded me once again that children do not have the same perspective as we adults. They don't care about someone saying, "No thanks.". They don't care if someone who isn't a Christian comes to church and is uncomfortable with the Truth. Children do it because they love God, and they want to share Him with the World. Both my boys accepted your challenge. They were chattering the entire way home from AWANA about who in school they were going to hand out their fliers to... They came home from school the next day and gave me a report of who they asked and what happened. I gave them praise and told them I was proud of their willingness to tell others.Well, Sunday while I was picking one of my son's up from the Kid's Corner a lady came up to me and introduced herself. She said ... her son received a 3:16 flyer from my son and actually gave it to his mom and they came on Sunday. She so enjoyed the service and I let her know what service we attended so our boys could be in class together. I told her I would look for her next week.I was so amazed at God's hand in your challenge to the kids! I honestly didn't think any info would get to the parents, only because I know how my kids are with school papers. I am so anxious to come to AWANA next week to hear all of the other success stories."
From a New Believer who has been studying the Gospel of John with a CBF Member: "... Each Sunday we would meet at her house and she would explain the sermons to me, following the notes taken during the message. As time passed, I began to understand a little more about what the Bible was saying... On Good Friday when I was picked up to go to the service, she explained to me the meaning of faith. She said to receive the gift God was promising, we must receive His gift. She picked up her water bottle and handed it to me. She said if I took it, I had received the gift; if I refused it, she would put it back in the holder. She explained that my receiving the gift was my believing what Christ was offering. I told her I understood. That night at the service, I heard the music and saw the crucifixion on the screen and I began to cry. She put her arm around me and asked me if I was ready to receive the gift? I shook my head 'yes.' When we left that night I said, "I want to say something. I have always known that you loved me. Now, I know God loves me and has forgiven me." I now believe I am a Christian because I received His gift of salvation. I understand he died for me."
From a couple of first time visitors from Easter Sunday:
"I have been searching, for quite some time now, to find a church that felt good both spiritually and socially. I was so moved by your service that I got 'goose bumps' several times! The music was familiar, but with a good modern touch. I will be coming back this Sunday & will be bringing my mother this time. I can't wait to hear what the message will be!!"
"We are going to commit to the 4 more weeks that you asked for on Easter Sunday. My wife and I have been searching for a church, and really enjoyed Cornerstone... Thank you so much for your service; I was truly moved."
One small verse...one big God!!
(Have your own John 3:16 Series story? We'd love to hear it!!)
P.S. Maybe you've seen the 3:16 book by Max Lucado at your local Christian book store. Our gratitude goes out to his publisher for letting our church use his artwork and publicity ideas for our series on this passage.
