For God
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John 3:16-21
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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Follow along with our December Reading guide.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Personal Reflection Questions:
In John 3:16, we read, "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." Reflect on the love shown by the father in this passage. How does understanding the sacrificial nature of God's love impact your perception of your own worth? How should the reality of God’s love change the way you treat others?
As Pastor Lonnye mentioned, this passage is full of contrasts; light and darkness, righteousness and evil. Jesus is the light, yet we prefer darkness. What areas of your life is God asking you to expose to the Light? Take some time to confess those things to God. He is faithful, just, and willing to forgive.
Group Reflection Questions:
What challenges do you face when living out your faith in a world that embraces the darkness and runs from the light? How can you help each other walk in the Light?
Consider as a group what it means to ‘believe’ in Jesus.
Examples: trust, surrender, and obedience.
