John 3:16 and Our Border Crisis

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The Americans have won the 2021 Ryder Cup tournament. They did it dominating fashion. If you watch any – you understand how dominate they were. Even if you don’t normally follow golf – I hope you watch some of this tournament.

If you watch golf at all – you are well aware that at many golf tournaments – someone will probably have a sign behind the golfers (where the cameras catch it) that reads John 3:16. This passage hits home with often as I continue to watch the national and international scene unfold around us. I understand nationalism and I think I understand our need to protect our borders and our people from terrorists and other threats. I listen to the debates about building a wall – denying certain people entrance into the USA – and the need to keep track of certain people. It can be very confusing at times and very mind blowing.

As Christians who are from a certain nation – we are often caught dealing with our national interests and our Christian global interests. Christ died for the whole world (although all will not accept His free gift of salvation). Christ died for the people we are trying to keep out of our nation – even the criminal elements. He died for the sins of the whole world – if we simply accept His Lordship in our lives. It is a hard place at times. It is tough taking a stand because there are arguments on both sides of most discussions.

Does God Care?

Psalm 8:4

what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Does God care? This might be a question that comes to mind for some – especially during times like these – with the pandemic. Some have even called the pandemic a curse from God or a punishment (I don’t agree with either of these thoughts). But the question still arises – does God care about us – and if God cares – why hasn’t God helped us? Does God care?

Does God care? During a World-wide crisis – this question often gets asked. People wondered aloud if God cared during World War I and II. Even during individual crisis – people have wondered if God cared. Does God care?

Does God care? I would imagine that many during this pandemic have asked this question to themselves or out loud. I imagine many who have been in despair during this pandemic – with health concerns or business or personal concerns – have asked this question in one form or another. Does God care as my marriage is failing? Does God care that my child is dying? Does God care that my spouse has dementia? Does God care?

Does God care? And if God cares – why do bad things happen to good people? And if God cares – why do we face so many troubling times and troubled people in life? If God cares – why doesn’t God help us? Does God care?

Can God Heal Our Nation?

John 3:16-17

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

It is no secret – I like golf. Golf just doesn’t always like me. I can play nine holes at par or close to it and on the next nine holes – I can shoot 9 over.

I enjoy playing golf and the friends with whom I play. Some say – golf is a good walk in the outdoors – spoiled. Not me! I love the nature in golf – but I also like the game itself. I plan to improve my game in retirement (like I inter every year). With my weight loss and knees feeling some better – I plan to get back to walking the course too. I usually play better when I walk the course – and the weight loss (36 pounds from my max with more to come) should help. I’d like to play in the 70’s (not the temperature folks) on a regular basis. I’ve shot a few rounds in the 70’s this summer. this summer on a regular basis. Last summer I didn’t hit the 70’s at all and played mostly in the mid 80’s. We shall see! I shot an 75 a few weeks ago.

I do what some think the most boring thing imaginable – I watch golf on TV (I’d rather be playing – but I do enjoy a good match on TV from time-to-time). When you watch golf – many times in the crowd around a tee-box – you see someone with a sign that simply says John 3:16. The assumption is that most people know what that verse says – or maybe it will cause them to go and look it up. It is part of this morning’s passage. John 3:16-17 – ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:16 – Golf’s Passage

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

If you watch golf at all – you are well aware that at many golf tournaments – someone will probably have a sign behind the golfers (where the cameras catch it) that reads John 3:16. This passage hit home with me this week as I continue to watch the national and international scene unfold around us. I understand nationalism and I think I understand our need to protect our borders and our people from terrorists and other threats. I listen to the debates about building a wall – denying certain people entrance into the USA – and the need to keep track of certain people. It can be very confusing at times and very mind blowing.

As Christians who are from a certain nation – we are often caught dealing with our national interests and our Christian global interests. Christ died for the whole world (although all will not accept His free gift of salvation). Christ died for the people we are trying to keep out of our nation – even the criminal elements. It is a hard place at times. It is tough taking a stand because there are arguments on both sides of most discussions.

A Post From Before Coronavirus

John 3:16-17

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

This post was originally posted on January 28, 2020. It was pre-coronavirus. It was before the pandemic changed all of our lives. I thought it was an interesting look at life before the pandemic.

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It is no secret – I like golf. The weather has been nice in January and I have gotten out already in 2020. Golf doesn’t always like me. I enjoy playing golf and the friends I play with as well. Some say – golf is a good walk in the outdoors – spoiled. Not me – I love the nature in golf – but I also like the game itself. Two friends and I walked 18 holes a week or so ago. We were dragging coming up 18 (an uphill walk) – but we had fun.