John 3:16: The Gospel in Under 40 Minutes

John 3:16 has been called the greatest verse in the bible.

Martin Luther called it “The heart of the Bible–The Gospel in miniature.”

Pastor John MacArthur said it was “the most familiar and beloved verse in all of Scripture.” 

One man wrote that it’s “a text that contains an ocean of thought and a drop of language.”

In the 19th century Charles Spurgeon would preach on this text once a year as a reminder that when individuals were converted because of this verse it wasn’t because of anything new or clever he said, but because it was the power of God.

The message I preached last weekend explains what John 3:16 really means. It’s the unadorned Gospel, the reason why Jesus had to die. If you know of any atheists, Jews, Muslims, Hari Krishnas, Scientologists or people who are just to smart to believe, send this short sermon.

You can listen to it by clicking here. (The video will be ready on Wednesday.) Or you can read it below.