#88 Evangelism: John 3:16 Approach

One of the most straightforward approaches to sharing the gospel is to use John 3:16. This is what Billy Graham so often used as he called it the Gospel in a nutshell. It is “in a nutshell” in the sense that every word carries another conversation in it leading one closer to Christ. John says, “for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

Let’s consider the most important words and their meaning one at a time.

God

That is the one true God the creator of the universe.

Loved

Love here is the all encompassing idea. God is perfect and His love is perfect. It is flawless and unstoppable. There is no limit to this love.

World

Every single person is included in this. Nobody is beyond God’s love. Like Paul’s words “it is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Gave

God gave His son to die for us. In place of us. It is a free gift. It is not something that we could have asked of God or that we are worthy of. It is God’s free gift to humanity.

Son

God’s Son. Jesus Christ who is co-equal to God. Who came in human form.

Whoever

This isn’t for one person. It isn’t just for people in the first century. It’s not just for the goody two shoes. It is for everyone.

Believes

If you can wrap your head around what God has done for you. If you believe, trust, accept, that God has done this thing.

Perish

This life is not the end. If you trust in God, if you accept his Son, death will lose its meaning for you.

Eternal Life

That is heaven. If you have followed and accepted Jesus as your savior then heaven is in your future. Death no longer means pain but rather joy. “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Further Study

Check out this sermon by Billy Graham where he talks about the gospel in a nutshell.