John 3:16 Day Birthed by K-LOVE Listener

By Eryn Sun, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, March 16, 2011

For all of you who don't know, today is a holiday … in the making.

A K-LOVE radio station listener suggested that today, March 16, should be deemed as John 3:16 Day, in honor of the biblical verse.

"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."

Challenging each believer to share this verse and its truth with those who don't know about God's redeeming love, K-LOVE – appropriately titled – is hoping to reach out and effectively communicate the Gospel message.

Eric, one of the hosts of the morning show alongside Lisa, which airs weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. CDT, told listeners how difficult it is for him to step out of his comfort zone and share the Gospel with someone face-to-face.

Many others faced the same dilemma, commenting on Lisa & Eric's blog how it was "hard to do something you are not used to" and "difficult to bring God up in conversation" at times.

Another listener, however, charged that intimidation in sharing God's word was just fear in disguise and a powerful tool for the enemy to stop Christians from proclaiming the truth.

Encouraging others to share the greatest news on earth, one commented this was a day that the Lord had made, just like every day was a day created by God to use for His purposes.

Responding positively to the call to witness, hundreds shared John 3:16 by simply updating their facebook statuses, texting all their contacts, and emailing a few of their unbelieving friends.

Going even further, some took the challenge and imparted the message of hope to their co-workers, baristas, carpool buddies and even their pharmacists, with great response.

Used time and time again, John 3:16 has shown to be a very popular means of evangelism, with some of the largest corporations and celebrities using it as their banner.

Printed discreetly at the bottom of In-N-Out's beverage cups, is the famous verse, while many other items on their menu remind daily consumers about God. (Revelations 3:20 and Proverbs 3:5 are other examples of Scripture written on their products).

One of the fastest growing and largest retail stores, Forever 21, also lines their shopping bags with John 3:16, reflecting the founder's faith.

And who can forget the recent Superbowl ad that aired in some cities asking millions of football fans to "look up 3:16" for a message of hope.

Using new media and creative strategies to witness to a hungry world, Christians everywhere can take the opportunity today to remember, reflect and ultimately reveal to others what true love really looks like.

Though many different mediums are being utilized to preach, only the Word itself, undiluted and in all its glory, can penetrate into hardened hearts and set people free.

Although today marks John 3:16 as an unofficial holiday, there is great hope that Christians will no longer need just one special day to commemorate what Jesus continues to do for his beloved every day – lovingly intercede.