Greatest Message Ever | John 3:16

Introduction

Tebow accumulated 316 passing yards.[14][15]

Tebow's passing yards averaged 31.6 yards per completion.[14][16]

The Pittsburgh Steelers time of possession in the game was 31 minutes and 6 seconds.[12]

CBS televised the game, with ratings peaking at 31.6 between 8:00 and 8:15p.m. Eastern Time. [12]

The only interception in the game was thrown by quarterbackof the Pittsburgh Steelers; he threw a second-quarter interception on 3rd-and-16. Ben Roethlisberger [8]

This game was played 316 weeks after Tim Tebow declared his intention to play college football for the. University of Florida[17]

Text: John 3:16

Theme: The greatest gift ever given is salvation through Jesus Christ — a gift that can never be taken back, lost, or stolen.

Introduction:

What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received? Maybe it was something valuable, meaningful, or memorable. But have you ever had a gift taken back? Or maybe something stolen that meant a lot to you?

The good news of the gospel is this: when God gives the gift of salvation, He never takes it back. It can’t be lost, and it can’t be stolen.

Let’s look at the most well-known verse in the Bible — John 3:16 — and discover three truths about God’s greatest gift.

TT - Three truths about the gift of salvation.

1. Salvation is Authored by the Lord

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”

God is the author and initiator of salvation — it begins in His heart of love, not in our effort.

The story starts with God’s design — perfect fellowship, love, and purpose.

Our brokenness didn’t surprise Him; His love moved Him to act.

Jesus is God’s gift, not humanity’s idea.

Illustration (3 Circles): In the first circle, God’s Design shows what life was meant to be — whole, right, and full of peace. But our sin broke that design. Still, God loved us enough to write a new chapter: He authored salvation through His Son.

2. Salvation is Available to Anyone

“…that whosoever believes in Him…”

Whosoever means no one is excluded — rich or poor, young or old, churched or unchurched.

God’s love is universal in its offer, but personal in its invitation.

The gospel circle reminds us that anyone who repents and believes in Jesus can be made new.

Illustration: You don’t have to be good enough to receive this gift — you just have to open it. Salvation is not earned; it’s accepted.

3. Salvation is an Amazing Exchange

“…should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The great exchange happens here — from perishing to eternal life, from condemnation to forgiveness, from brokenness to wholeness.

Only Jesus can bring someone out of death into life — that’s what makes salvation amazing.

When you receive Christ, your story moves from the circle of brokenness into the circle of new life through the gospel.

“In one divine transaction, Jesus took our death so we could receive His life.”

Conclusion:

John 3:16 isn’t just a verse to memorize — it’s an invitation to accept the greatest gift ever given.

You don’t have to stay in brokenness. The God who authored salvation is offering it to you today.

Will you receive Jesus Christ — God’s gift of eternal life — today?