Many of us know John 3:16; but let me start this piece with John 3:16-18:

16  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life."
17  "For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him."
18  "He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God."

God's love was so great for us even after we had rebelled for many, many centuries that he had a Son on earth so that for those that would believe in that Son would not perish, but they would live forever.  This Son was brought into our world not to judge our ancestors, us, or those that follow us; but so that all could be saved if we believe on Him.  This is not only the most perfect gift given to mankind, Jesus is the Savior to those who love and believe him.

Notice if a person does not believe on Him, that person is judged and without anyone defending him or her. 

Often like the people who saw and listened to Jesus as he walked the earth, we do not really love or believe on Him.  Some say it is too good to be true.  Others can not believe in the virgin birth though now there is recognition of it in some non-church circles.  Some find that the brief moments of sinful pleasure is more gratifying than the infinite gift of Jesus - his teachings, love, and life.  Some follow still another stilted, legalistic, often violent voice of other religions or sects - including some in Christianity itself - who would rather be secure in their own minds while leveling hurt, pain, and physical death on other persons.

John 3:20-21: 
20  "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved."
21  'But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.'

Some people would rather believe that physical power and authority or academic thought is the source of true lasting power; but all of those things that many of us strive for are fleeting, weak, and worthless when measured against God's promises...promises from Him who can not lie.

1 Corinthians:
13:2  "And if I have [the gift of] prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all FAITH, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
13:13  'But now abideth FAITH, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love."
15:14  "and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your FAITH also is vain."

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