3:16: The Numbers of Hope

Best-selling author Max Lucado leads readers through a word-by-word study of John 3:16, the passage that he calls the "Hope Diamond" of Scripture.

If 9/11 are the numbers of terror and despair, then 3:16 are the numbers of hope. Best-selling author Max Lucado leads readers through a word-by-word study of John 3:16, the passage that he calls the "Hope Diamond" of Scripture.

3:16 will have a large, multi-faceted campaign, including:

• Multiple licensed products to further extend 3:16 at retail. Partners thus far include Hallmark, Dayspring, Kerusso, and Bob Siemon Designs
• 3:16 curriculum and church musical in development
• 3:16 consumer music CD featuring top Christian music artists
• 3:16 as the centerpiece of a global ministry initiative launched worldwide via simulcast on Palm Sunday, 3/16/08
• Unprecedented release in several languages, including Spanish, German, Swedish, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese
• Multiple ancillary publishing products to include evangelism booklet, DVD priced for giveaway, children’s product, and gift book

Lucado (When Christ Comes; Facing Your Giants ) digs deeply into one of the most famous and oft-quoted passages of the Bible-John 3:16. First situating it in its biblical context as part of Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus, Lucado then dissects the 26-word promise phrase by phrase, picking out key theological ideas that provide hope to Christians. What does it mean that God "so loved the world"- What must we do to gain everlasting life- Using his trademark folksy style, Lucado employs great stories and real-life illustrations to drive home points about God's love, justice and determination to save. The chapter on hell (pinging off the phrase "shall not perish") is alone worth the price of admission; it's uncharacteristically hard-hitting for Lucado, with the beloved pastor drawing a line in the sand for evangelicals who might be tempted to believe in universal salvation or who imagine hell as a mere metaphor. That chapter, in fact, could and should be further developed in a book of its own. Some of Lucado's points in this book are devastatingly insightful, others only gimmicky or superficial; still, the book is an excellent entry into the popular Texas writer's body of work. It's short, marvelously accessible and followed by a 40-day Bible study on the life of Jesus (excerpted from Lucado's prior books). Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Lesa Smith (Henagar, AL), June 13, 2009

My husband spoke at a Baccalaureate Service and based his talk on this book. We told the students that wanted a copy of the book to let us know and we would get it for them. That's how good we think this book is. 5 stars

Reviewed by Brenda Dix (Lagrangeville, NY), July 17, 2008

What a great book. I really enjoyed his thought provoking meditation on John 3:16 - phrase by phrase. The chapter on "In the beginning" brought tears to my eyes and praise to my lips. It was incredible. I also enjoyed the concept of the gospels being a "scrapbook" of Jesus life. I could just picture a scrapbook of pictures of Jesus at the wedding, fishing with his friends, talking to the crowds... Max has done it again!

Reviewed by Alicia Wiltsee (Elmer, NJ), June 07, 2008

My Mom likes the book. Great! Wonderful! An enjoyable book. Wow! One of favorite scripture.

Reviewed by CC Coffino (Harker Heights, TX), June 06, 2008

This book is excellent. The breakdown of John 3:16 is so simply done by Max Lucado. I've used the book at work for our Monday morning devotions.

Reviewed by Kathleen Gallant (Coleman, Pe,), May 29, 2008

This is a very deep, but lightly written book in the style known to those who enjoy Max Lucado. It is pertinent to all levels from the new Christian, to the more experienced pilgrim. There is something for everyone, and I especially enjoyed the 40 day Devotion. Max has written this book out of a heart filled with love, especially for those whose hearts may need a little heavenly encouragement, as we all do at times. We are walking in a most "unsure" world now, but the stability of John 3:16 has never wavered. God is still there for us, but we must reach out to Him. This book gives us an idea for Whom we are reaching, and how to get there. Thank you Holy Spirit and Max Lucado.

Reviewed by Beverly Lawrence (Grand Rapids, MI), May 28, 2008

Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. This book brings new light to John 3:16. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased a second copy for a friend in the country of Holland.

Reviewed by Cynthia Keith (Hill City, KS), April 11, 2008

I Love the book. It shows God's love for us . It's a promise from Him. It's His word. When we feel unloved by anyone or anything, we know who really loves us and that's all that matters.

Reviewed by Debra Smith (Mansfield, OH), March 30, 2008

I love Max Lucado's writings and was not disappointed in this one. Such great truth's put in such poetic words.

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