[unspun]

I agree that joy of life should be what motivates people, but is that really the message of John 3:16?

I suggest reading John 3:16 not only in its immediate context, but in light of John 17, especially as it gets to the end of the chapter. -- Suggest that we read the whole Bible and life itself in light of this.

BTW, I really really will read this article!

[Alamo-Girl]

Amen! to your use of John 17. It is one of my most favorite chapters.

For Lurkers unfamiliar with the passage, it is Jesus' prayer for us, just before he entered the Garden of Gethsemane (verses 20 and 21:)

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Speaking of favorites, Revelation 4 and Psalms 22 are high on my list. What are some of yours, unspun?

[aynrandfreak]

Then the people at football games should advise us to read the whole bible, but they don't; they hold up John 3:16. At least you'll acknowledge that those people are using the promise of Heaven as a recruitment tool.