I’ve often shared that one of my favorite things about teaching and preaching is to take a passage of Scripture that is familiar and to look at it more closely than we’ve looked before. It’s never my desire to find something new or to uncover some yet to be discovered revelation but rather to take what we know and to build upon it, to dig into our foundations and fortify them further, to be sure that we have not confused familiarity with intimacy and to remind us that when it comes to the Word of God there is nothing common, basic or anything less than beneficial. Today this will truly be tested as we look at what is probably the most familiar verse in all the Bible, John 3:16. If you’ve ever been to Sunday School you’ve probably memorized it, if you’ve ever witnessed to anyone you’ve probably quoted it, if you’ve ever been witnessed to you’ve probably heard it, if you’ve ever watched a sporting event you’ve probably seen it. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” We know this verse, we love this verse, we need this verse. My goal this morning is not to change what any of us knows or believes but to remind us of a God who loves to the point of giving, who has the power to judge but chooses to abound in mercy and who generously provides light for all those trapped in darkness. I hope today’s message will be like a married couple who chooses to renew their wedding vows, it’s not a fresh start, it’s an affirmation of commitment, a reminder to each other of where we started and how far we have come and a declaration to those watching that much has changed but nothing is moved. I pray that we will see the beauty and majesty of Jesus as this passage reveals the contrast between love and condemnation.