M i k e W h i t e
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have
eternal life. For God did not
send his Son into the world
to condemn the world, but in
order that the world might be
saved through him.
Perspective: This quote is from a time early in Jesus’ ministry. He is explaining to Nicodemus why he is here, what he is doing and what is required to see the “Kingdom of God”. He chides Nicodemus, who is a Pharisee, that he does not understand the true meaning of the scriptures. He explains that salvation does not come from the physical ceremonies and practices, but from acceptance of the heart.
My experience: Growing up Catholic and spending my first four years in a Catholic school. I learned much about rituals and practices. I was not aware that I was being taught from the Bible. What’s a Bible? It was probably good thing since my reading ability at the time was not up to handling the King James English. However, as I grew up I was exposed to those “Protestant heathens” who challenged me with quotes from the bible that I had heard but did not fully understand. This was one of them. So I sat down a few times and read these passages for myself and got some coaching from some very sweet and knowledgeable Protestant friends and we hashed out the meaning of these passages and the lightbulb slowly came on and has been glowing brighter ever since.
Your Brother in Crist,
Mike White
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