John 3:16: More Than a Placard

If you watched any major sporting event in the 1970’s and 80’s, you will remember seeing the work of Rollen “Rainbow Man” Stewart. At almost any major sporting event, including Olympic events, there was a man wearing a rainbow colored Afro and hoisting a sign, which read John. 3:16. That was Rollen Stewart. He was present at football, baseball, and even golf competitions.

Stewart, also known as “Rockin’ Rollen,” first brought attention to himself with outlandish antics at a Portland Trailblazers basketball game in 1977. His rainbow colored hair and fur loin cloths brought him media notoriety. Admittedly, Stewart became discontented with his life. Following the 1980 Super Bowl, Stewart stated he experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity (An excellent article on his life is here.). Then, the Rainbow Man became even more obsessed with gaining media attention in order to spread the “Word of God.”

Signs that he was not “level headed” began to present themselves as early as 1986, when, during the World Series, he physically assaulted his wife at Shea Stadium for not holding her John 3:16 placard in the correct position. Eventually, “Rockin’ Rollen” went to bizarre lengths to gain attention to declare the “end of the world” was drawing near. In September 1992, the Rainbow Man was arrested after holding a maid hostage in the Hyatt Hotel next to Los Angeles International Airport. He posted doomsday messages in the windows and even shot at Jetliners as they passed. He was given three life sentences in fear he was a religious fanatic in the line of David Koresh or Jim Jones.

To have such a sad story associated with the verse John 3:16 is regrettable. However, just knowing the Biblical Address (or scripture reference) does not equate to a heart change. Yet, John 3:16 contains enough gospel to rock your world, but on a deep level.

This morning I will preach on the “Gift of Love” as stated in John 3:16. We will examine it according to this outline.

I. Starting Point- For God…
A. Supreme Passion- so loved…
B. Sinful People- the world

II. Sacrificial Present- He Gave
A. Superior Possession– His only begotten
B. Sole Progeny-Son

III. Staggering Promise-That whoever
A. Spiritual Purpose- Believes in Him
B. Saving Power- should not perish

IV. Serene Perpetuity- But have everlasting life.

Max Lucado on John 3:16

Tomorrow, I will be preaching in the morning service a sermon entitled "Gift of Love" based on John 3:16. As I was preparing my sermon, I noticed Max Lucado's book, 3:16: The Numbers of Hope is in many stores. So, I decided to read the book as part of my sermon prep.

Lucado is a simple, but profound writer. You just can't improve on John 3:16, but Max includes some interesting stories and uncompromising exegesis that underscore why this verse is so loved by the faithful and loathed by the faithless.

The main content of the book encompasses only 120 pages. A nice addition to the book is a devotional section at the end with readings for 40 days. I could recommend this book to everyone for its readability and insight.

Lucado summarizes John 3:16 like this:

He loved. He gave. We believe. We Live.