Bible Text: John 3:16-21 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: John, Two Paths

Recap of the sermon from January 15, 2012 (John 3:16-21): 1. Jesus’ teaching in John 3 is that all people need a supernatural rebirth to enter God’s kingdom.  That can’t be achieved on their own by human effort or merit; it comes from God, produced by the Holy Spirit.  The new birth happens in response to placing faith in Jesus Christ, looking to the One who was lifted up on Calvary’s cross, and in resurrection and ascension. 2.  Jesus talked about two paths which all humanity is on; the path of loss, condemnation, and darkness or the path of life, salvation, and light.  3.  Unbelievers walk in darkness so that their worthless deeds will not be exposed.  “Unbelievers have no ultimate meaning of life, no worthy motivation, no adequate goal, and a destiny of doom.  He fears that if he comes to the light his deeds will be seen as worthless, and he would need to turn from them.” (Dr. Edwin Blum) 4.  Believers, on the other hand, should have a worthy purpose, motivation and goals in life.  Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life suggests the following 5 purposes: “You were planned for God’s pleasure; you were formed for God’s family; you were created to become like Christ; you were shaped for serving God; and you were made for a mission.