SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE


Do you ever read Scripture and find yourself wondering, “is the Bible relevant today?” We definitely feel that disconnect. So we’ve set out to make Scripture meditations that give us a framework for how to start reading the Bible. Join us as we let the Bible be the Bible, and learn to engage with it meaningfully. 

 

You’ve Been Set Free

John 3:16. If you grew up in church, you likely know this verse by heart. It may sound cliche or basic after so many years of believing. But to someone who’s never heard the Gospel before, to someone who can’t imagine a father sacrificing everything for her, to someone who heaps shame and condemnation on himself every single day, this verse sounds radical. It sounds life-altering, it sounds healing.

Maybe even as a follower of Jesus, you’ve forgotten what your Father’s love is like. You’ve forgotten that you’re free from sin and shame. You’ve forgotten how much grace God pours on you every single day. 

We all need the Gospel, no matter how long we’ve known Jesus. We need fresh eyes to see this wondrous gift for what it is and to live out the truth of it in our lives. We need renewed conviction to share this gift with others.

John 3:16-17

16 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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Observations from the Text

  • God loves us abundantly and sacrificially (v. 16)
  • God wants us to live with him forever (v. 16)
  • God didn’t send Jesus to condemn us (v. 17)
  • God sent his only son to rescue the world (v. 17)

Prayers of Response

Perfect Love, you carried me through ________. Thank you for your care for me.

Faithful One, I’ve been distracted by ________.  Yours is the greatest love I’ve ever known.

Prayer Requests

Loving Father, I’m struggling with ________ . Give me fresh eyes to see the wonder of the Gospel and how it changes my life every day.

Help ________ to walk in freedom and love today; remind them of the Gospel, of your grace, and of your love.

Prayers of Readiness

Bearer of my cross, I’m ready to experience freedom; I’m not defined by sin or shame, but by your love!

Voice of Truth, give me opportunities to share the love and hope of the Gospel today as I  ________, whether directly or indirectly.

 

Connecting with God in the ordinary, everyday moments of life can be challenging if you aren’t sure how to start reading the Bible. But Scripture meditations are a great way to get started reading the Bible—click here to see more!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™