For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

I believe that the time has come to devote four messages to John 3:16. I hope that this Advent Series will be refreshing and hope-building for the saints. And I pray that it will be a warm and open time for bringing non-Christian guests with you to worship who may not come any other time of year. I will try to speak to the basic needs and longing of the human heart—the need to escape final misery; to be loved by God; to trust in Christ; and to live forever in joy.

Please pray for me and with me that these weeks will not just be weeks of overflowing financial generosity, but all weeks when we unite around some glorious fundamental truths of the gospel, and weeks when salvation comes to perishing sinners. Pray that the Holy Spirit will come in power and open hearts to give heed to the gospel (Acts 16:14).

The outline of the season looks like this:

• December 4 AM: John 3:16 – The Danger: Perishing
  PM: Children’s program
• December 11 AM: John 3:16 – The Design: Love
  PM: Small Groups
• December 18 AM: John 3:16 – The Duty: Faith
  PM: Carols, prayer and All Church Strategy Meeting
• December 24, 10:45 PM: Christmas Eve Service of Carols
• December 25 AM: John 3:16 – The Destiny: Life (No Sunday School)
  PM: Small Groups or family gatherings
• December 31, 10:45 PM: New Year’s Eve Service of Gratitude and Hope—Wilfred Fon Speaking
• January 1: First Sunday of Prayer Week

I have been moved more than usual recently by the simple, horrifying truth that people who do not trust Jesus perish without eternal life. John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” We have a message of spectacular rescue. The rescue of the love of God from the wrath of God. Pray that you feel the weight of these things this Advent.

Trusting Jesus with you,

John Piper