3:16: Gifts For The Journey

 

Series Summary

In this series, called 3:16, we will be exploring several significant passages in the Bible that are located at the 3:16 chapter and verse marker in their respective books. These passages cover a wide range of variety, from a variety of authors, covering a variety of topics, through a variety of time periods of Israel’s and the church’s history. The only common denominator in this series is where each of those passages is located in the Bible, at a 3:16 mile marker. You likely already know that all Scripture is inspired by God. That fact is stated in 2 Timothy 3:16, which is one of the 3:16’s we’ll look at in this series. But while all Scripture is inspired, the chapter and verse designators are not. Those came later – the Old Testament around the 13th century, and the New Testament a little later. They were added to help make it easier to find a particular passage, especially when someone was trying to manipulate a bulky, awkward scroll instead of a book. But, even though the verse numbers aren’t inspired, it’s curious that so many weighty passages are found at the 3:16 mile marker. Maybe God knew that we needed some things to be easy to remember. In this series, we will be looking at several different passages that are found at 3:16, in different books of the Bible. In some cases, we may only look at the verse, or maybe two or three. For others, we may need a good portion of the chapter in order to understand it completely. But all of them are found at the 3:16 point. Among the 3:16's we'll examine are John, Genesis,  Proverbs, Colossians, Daniel, Ephesians, 1 Peter, 2 Timothy, and more. It'll be unique. It’ll be enlightening. And we hope you’ll join us as we examine the 3:16’s of the Bible!

Sermon Summary

Often, life feels more like a path strewn with obstacles and dangers than a relaxing sightseeing trip. We encounter hardships, uncertainties, and challenges that leave us feeling underprepared, ill-equipped, and overwhelmed. In these moments, it's easy to feel as though we lack the strength and wisdom to navigate the journey before us. But thankfully, we serve a God who knew we would face these trials and has made provision for us in powerful and transformative ways. In Ephesians 3, Apostle Paul prays for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. This prayer reminds us that we are not alone or left to rely on our own limited resources. God offers us His strength, a deep wellspring of power that goes beyond what we can muster on our own. He equips us with the very presence of Christ in our hearts, allowing us to face life's difficulties with His courage, wisdom, and endurance. And he prays that we would be rooted and grounded in love. When life's challenges press in on us, it is this love that anchors us, enabling us to stand firm even when everything else seems to be crumbling. Because of these gifts, we are able to persevere, to have peace in the storm, knowing that we can tap into the resources He offers to carry us through life's journey. Our Associate Minister, Nathan Smith, challenges us and helps us to see what this passage offers, and what our gracious heavenly Father has made available to you.