3:16

For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Several years ago, something unique began in our country at some sporting events, especially during pro-football telecasts. It wasn't unusual seeing a fan(s) located among fans holding up huge poster boards with “JOHN 3:16” written on them in very large black letters. They would try to sit, especially in the end zone sections where they knew TV cameras would focus at various times during the game. We don't see that very much anymore but noticed one recently at the Hall of Fame game. Because of political correctness, I think there have been attempts to stifle this practice.

I do remember the first time I saw one of those signs, because it stirred a curiosity in me. I went to the Scriptures to seek out all of the 3:16's in the various books of the Bible. There are obviously some books that hardly have three chapters and there are some books with three chapters but not with a verse sixteen. However, what I found was very interesting and many of those verses were more than interesting. Some may not be as dramatic or informative as others which may challenge us to look at the verse before and after the 3:16 verse. Join me as we look at some of these verses.

Genesis 3:16 – Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Proverbs 3:16 – Length of days is in her (wisdom's) right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Joel 3:16 – The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Malachi 3:16 – Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Matthew 3:16 – And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lightening upon him;

Luke 3:16 – John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

I Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Galatians 3:16 – Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; But as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Ephesians 3:16 – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.

Philippians 3:16 – Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

II Thessalonians 3:16 – Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

I Timothy 3:16 – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

II Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

James 3:16 – For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

I Peter 3:16 – Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

I John 3:16 – Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Revelation 3:16 – So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew
thee out of my mouth.

Lest someone question this procedure, I understand that in the original writings of Scripture there were no chapter or verse numbers. I have just found it amazing with what we have that so many of these 3:16 verses have special meaning and are more than interesting but are at the same time inspirational. The Word of God is not dull, nor is it boring. However, it isn't just ink on paper. It speaks...it lives...it convicts and changes us, but only as the Holy Spirit teaches us and inspires us to be all for God He wants us to be.

Dear Jesus, I'm so very grateful for Your Word and for You, dear Holy Spirit and how You teach and inspire me from it's pages. May I absorb it not only in my brain, but more-so in my heart. In Jesus' precious name...Amen