Bible Matters 503:  Tim Tebow 3:16

Early January in the USA is a time of college football playoffs.  A championship game is played between the number 1 and the number 2 college teams.  These are well attended sporting events with at least 100,000 watching the game in person and tens of millions watching on television. 

Seventeen years ago today, on 1/7/2009, Tim Tebow was deciding what he would print a bible verse number in the blackout that would reside under his eyes.  He made a monumental gesture to recognize God’s word in the bible.  “John 3:16” identified on his eye blackout before the January 8, 2009 BCS National Championship game. 

 

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Florida Gators won that Championship game.  God came through for Tim.  Recognize God and he will recognize you.  3 years after that game Tim played the Steelers in a playoff game on January 8, 2012.  Tim did not think of John 3:16, but God came through for Tim.  During the game Tim threw for 316 yards, his yards per rush were 3.16, his yards per completion were 31.6, the ratings for the game were 31.6, the time of possession was 31:06.  As a result 90 million people googled John 3:16 and it was the number one thing trending on Facebook and Twitter.  God has a plan for you.  Step out and show God some courage.  He will perform a miracle in your life.  Tim may not be an NFL lifer, but he is fighting for God’s children here on earth. 

Jesus Christ presents his Gospel in New Testament 3:16 verses.  If you believe his teachings and that his shed blood takes away your sins, then you can have everlasting life!  These verses reinforce the Gospel of Jesus Christ (See Bible Maters – 257 – Gospel of Jesus Christ).  God gives you a choice to either follow him or follow the devil.  Both give you everlasting life.  You can be with God in heaven or with the devil in hell.  Jesus is a gift, given to us by God and by believing in him you can have everlasting life in heaven.  As easy as it may seem, God knows that all will not accept Jesus Christ.  All the Jews did not follow God.  But you must choose.  You can’t serve God and mammon.  You can’t be cold or lukewarm.  When you turn to God, he will open your eyes.  Your vail shall be taken away.  Destruction and misery are the result of not seeking after God. 

Hebrews 3:16 – For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

Galatians 3:16 – Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Romans 3:11,16 – There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways:

Revelation 3:16 – So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

2 Corinthians 3:14,16 – But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

When you walk away from the devil and turn to God:  God will take care of your strife.  God will be your strength.  With strength comes peace.

James 3:16 – For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Acts 3:16 – And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Ephesians 3:16 – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

When you turn to God and repent of your sins, God sends the gift of the Holy Ghost to descend into your heart.  You are born again as a new creature.  The old man is passed away and all is new.  The Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove. When you heart is transformed to God, you remember that day like it was your birthday.  Only better.  You’ll remember the time, day and reason for the transformation.  The Spirit of God dwells in your heart.  When Simon was selected to serve the Lord, he took on the surname Peter.   He was no longer the old man, Simon.   

Matthew 3:16 – And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Mark 3:16 – And Simon he surnamed Peter;

Luke 3:16 – John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

1 Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Do you stop after you attain the gift of the Holy Ghost?  Absolutely not.  Break out in courage and show your love for God by studying his word, gaining knowledge and wisdom, teaching, witnessing, worshipping and giving God the glory.  Jesus laid down his life for you.  You lay down your sinful life and commit to living a righteous life by avoiding the sins of the flesh and following the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.  You walk by God’s desires as a child of God with the word of Christ dwelling in us.  Be ready to give a quick answer to anyone looking to learn of the hope that is in you.

1 John 3:16 – Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Philippians 3:16 – Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

1 Peter 3:15-16 – But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Little did Tim know that the gesture of wearing John 3:16 on the blackout would enlarge his ministry in serving God, by caring for underprivileged children.  When you give God the glory and serve his children, God will give you the glory.  Visit:   https://timtebowfoundation.org/

 Only God knows how you are going to serve him.  Don’t be shy and look to serve God and neighbor when given the chance.   Decide today to live God’s gospel of Love.  Do not be afraid to share his word from this ministry

To God be the Glory in all you do, Amen.