As I preached John 3:16, the thesis statement of the Gospel message, I could feel our people glorying in each word of the verse, each phrase, each implication. Again, I can’t imagine there were too many people in that room who weren’t familiar with “For God so loved the world…” And yet, there is special power in that simple, elegant, ageless sentence.

It’s the same as singing “Amazing Grace” or hearing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” There’s no statute of limitations to prevent the hair from rising on the backs of our necks. We know we’re on holy ground with certain verses (though all are inspired), certain pieces of music (though many are wonderful)—and certain messages.

The love of God is one of those messages. It’s a basket of fishes and loaves that keeps replenishing itself. It’s a feast for the heart, mind, and soul. My prayer is that these chapters minister to you in the reading, in the same way that they have ministered to me in the preaching and the writing.

In praise of our God—
who loves you,
who always has,
who always will,

Dr. David Jeremiah

ONE

God Is Love

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.

—PSALM 63:3

In the days when the great evangelist Dwight L. Moody was preaching in Chicago, a poor drunkard stumbled up the steps to the front door of Moody’s church. The man pushed the door open, scanned the room, and saw no one inside. His eyes, however, were drawn to a large sign hanging above the pulpit that read “God Is Love.” It struck him—with anger. He slammed the door, and staggered down the steps, muttering, “God is not love. If God was love He would love me, and He doesn’t love a miserable man like me. It isn’t true.”

He went on his way, but those words were burning inside him, God is love. God is love. God is love… He couldn’t resist, Was it true… is it possible? After a while he turned around, retraced his steps, and entered the church again—confused and desperate. By now the people had gathered, and as Moody began to preach the man slipped into a seat in the back corner. He wept during the entire sermon as anger and confusion began to give way to joy and hope.

Afterward, Moody made his way to the door to shake hands with the people as they left. But the man didn’t leave. He remained in his seat, weeping. Moody came over, sat down beside him, and asked, “What are you crying about, my friend? What was it in the sermon that touched your heart?”