AfterThoughts: September 21, 2025

September 21, 2025
Blinded By The Light
John 3:16–21

This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the series from the Gospel of John. In these verses, he expanded on three points:

God's Perfect Gift
Our Desperate Need
Our Clear Choice

GOING DEEPER:

Martin Luther said that John 3:16 is “…the heart of the Bible, the Gospel in miniature.” How have you found this quote to be true? Who first shared this verse with you?
Pastor David shared that God is the perfect giver who has given the perfect gift, Jesus (verse 16). Unlike humans, God’s motivation for giving is never tainted by what we experience as fallen creatures. He gave purely out of His perfect love for us. How can you change your schedule this week to create more space to reflect on God’s perfect gift and to offer prayers of thanksgiving and praise to God?
Pastor David shared that our desperate need is met by God’s greatest gift (John 3:16–18; Romans 6:23). All of humanity has loitered outside of the gates of the Eden since our spiritual parents first sinned. When we place our faith in Jesus alone to save us, our sin and guilt are washed away and we are declared innocent (Romans 8:1). When did you receive God’s greatest gift in Jesus? Describe your memories.
While our sins are many, His mercy is always more. If you trust Jesus as your Savior, you are secure in His love and you can live without fear of judgement and death. But, if you stay neutral about God’s greatest gift, Jesus, or if you ignore Jesus, you will continue to remain in darkness. God invites you to step into the light where His grace covers your past and His Spirit transforms your future. If you have not already, will you receive God’s greatest gift and believe? If you have received His gift, who can you share this truth with? How can you reflect the light of Jesus this week?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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