Roc Collins
As the son of a preacher, one of my first and favorite memories is centered around that monumental one-verse explanation of the Good News: John 3:16! What a blessing Jesus gave to the church in that evening conversation with Nicodemus. It’s a verse that continues to shake the world and bring hope to individuals, nations, and generations. In all reality, I’m not sure if I fully appreciated the depth of God’s love for us until I had a son of my own. That one phrase — His only Son — brought me an even deeper sense of awe and gratitude.
March 16th (3/16) has emerged as a challenge to believers to share this great message. This year, March 16th fell on a Sunday! Earlier this year, I sent word out to our Churches to inform them of this great day and ask them to consider promoting “3:16 on 3/16.” So many pastors accepted the challenge to make that Sunday a day of evangelism.
North American Mission Board photo
Since then, I’ve heard story after story of salvations and baptisms. Praise the Lord! It began in the pews for many churches as ordinary people invited their friends to church for the first time. Other stories continue as we pray that the seeds planted will add to the number of those eternally impacted. Churches experienced great offerings on March 16th and believers strengthened their faith.
All of these reports tell us that a simple promotion of John 3:16 still works. When it comes to sharing the gospel, simplicity is powerful. You don’t need a line item on the budget or a new strategy. Just share it! The Good News in John 3:16 doesn’t have to be finessed or edited to be effective; it just needs to be communicated.
I am grateful for all who participated in “3:16 on 3/16” and rejoice in all the great reports of God working across our great state of Tennessee. Most of all, I’m glad to report that John 3:16 just keeps on blessing!
Let’s win Tennessee for Jesus!
