Loved | John 3:1-21
Blurred gray and white background.
January 8, 2023
Loved | John 3:1-21
WHEN YOUR BEST ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH

The Gospel of John was written by an author who only ever self-identified as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Such was John’s experience, he knew and felt what it is to be loved by Jesus. Many of the stories in his biography of Jesus are accounts of people who experienced the very same thing: what it means, even what it feels like, to be loved by Jesus.

We are going to enter their stories.

When we human beings are at our best, we’re curious, and asking questions. God made us this way. Nicodemus showed up on Jesus’ doorstep with lots of questions, and Jesus was able to bring out of him the best questions: ones whose answers challenged the reaches of Nicodemus’ mind and peered into the depths of his heart. What are you curious about these days?

Listen to an audio version of the message

Songs for this week: Spotify

John 3:1-21

  1. If you (and your small group friends!) had a nighttime meeting with Jesus, what questions would you ask?
  2. What do you understand Jesus to mean when he says “you must be ‘born again”? (v. 3,5&7). What’s involved in that?
  3. Christians, unlike the God they worship, are prone to condemning others and themselves. Do you agree with that observation? If so, why would it be true?
  4. “People loved the darkness”. This statement seems obvious for rapists, thieves, and murderers. How could it be true for religious people like Nicodemus (or us!)?
  5. When do you get offended? Is there a chance you’re overly sensitive to the criticisms or disrespect of others?
  6. What might our Lord Jesus be speaking to you about this?

Share with a friend

Recent Sermons

Where's The Hope? | The New Life

August 24, 2026
Colossians 3:12-17-Sometimes Christianity gets known for what we don’t do. But Paul points us toward something better: how we live, love, and treat one another. What marks a genuine Christian community? It all starts with who God is and how deeply He loves us.

Where's The Hope? | The Old Life

August 16, 2026
Colossians 3:5-11-Paul points to two areas that reveal who we are at the deepest level: sex and speech. The path to health and freedom isn’t harsh rules or self-focus, but staying close to Jesus, knowing him and growing in him. Christianity isn’t harsh rules; it’s a vibrant friendship.

Where's The Hope? | Lost Connection

August 9, 2026
Colossians 2:20-3:4 - Religious baggage can pull us in all kinds of directions—from expecting God to fit our preferences to trying to earn His approval. Paul’s message to the Colossians was simple: stop guessing what God wants and get back to the core of Christianity—Jesus.

Where's The Hope? | Live Free

August 6, 2026
Colossians 2:13-19 - Humans have a problem that we can’t save ourselves from—not through secular programs or religious systems. The good news of Jesus is that on the cross, Jesus dealt with it all. In him we are alive, forgiven, and free!

Where's The Hope? | Jesus Is Enough

July 26, 2026
Colossians 2:8-12 - Paul warns the Colossian church not to trade the freedom found in Christ for religion or spiritual experiences. Jesus is more than enough.

Where's The Hope? | Grow

July 19, 2026
Colossians 2:1-7-The way forward for the first Christians wasn't always easy. False teachers brought confusion and deception, prompting Paul to point believers back to the truth. Just as the best way to spot a counterfeit is to know the genuine article, the best way to recognize false teaching is to know Jesus.
All Sermons