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NL423

Nicodemus

John 3:1-21

Graphics Options

The Narrative Alive graphics are designed with careful thought about how they relate to the text. We've provided possible sermon themes for each graphic to help you choose the direction that best fits your sermon.
God So Loved
Option A
God So Loved
Sermon themes:
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God’s love causes transformation. We don’t receive new life through works, deeds, or status. New life begins when God’s love changes us from the inside out.
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Love is not passive. God acts decisively. God’s love reaches down and extends to all—no exceptions. Especially the vulnerable, broken, and undeserving.
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God’s love brings light into the darkness. We no longer have to dwell or hide in the darkness. God’s love is here, and we are meant not just to receive it but to live into that love every day.
Graphic description:
How do you even begin to illustrate John 3:16? With a humble symbol of love. The phrase "Rose of Sharon" is seen by many as a symbol of Christ, of his divine nature and his love for humanity. Then there are the roses we humans give as signs of love. Symbolically, the words of love in this graphic spill off the edge, representing love that pours out over and over again.
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Crisis of Faith
Option B
Sermon themes:
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Nicodemus comes confused—and curious—about Jesus. He is wrestling with deep questions and struggling to understand Jesus’ teachings. Jesus welcomes Nicodemus in his uncertainty and reminds us that it’s faithful to wrestle and question.
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Nicodemus misunderstands what Jesus means by “being born again.” Revelation doesn’t happen by intellect. It happens over time thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit.
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Even in moments of doubt, God’s purposes remain faithful and steadfast. A crisis of faith is an invitation to trust God’s love, step into God’s light, and live more fully into life-giving faith.
Graphic description:
The simplicity of this graphic is in the butting up of one color up against another, the encounter point of belief and disbelief. The reverse question marks reflect both sides of the conflict. Like Nicodemus, we hold both skepticism and a desire to trust.
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An Open-Ended Invitation
Option C
Sermon themes:
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God welcomes exploration, discernment, and questions. God meets us where we are and invites us into deeper understanding.
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God’s call is ongoing and invites each of us to step into a new day. Each of us has a different story, and each of us will respond differently to God’s invitation. The good news is this invitation has always been and always will be personal.
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The invitation to new life is given to all who believe. No one is excluded based on past mistakes. This invitation has no constraints. Anyone can accept it at any time.
Graphic description:
Just as we might tear open the wrapping of gift to see what’s inside, this graphic conveys the idea of opening a gift that reveals the unexpected. A new day awaits all who believe.
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