A Bible study idea to use Anne Wilson’s song “3:16” as a topic

LYRICS:

Some say they’re nothing but numbers

Next to words that don’t mean anything
Oh, but I found the truth and a friend like no other
The moment I read 3:16
Some say it’s old time religion
For the led astray fools who believe
Oh, But I found the hope that my lost soul was missing
The moment I read 3:16

For God so loved how can it be

That He sent His son to die for me
My shame is gone, my sin washed clean
And I owe it all to 3:16

Some say you have to be perfect

Cause nothing in this life is free
Oh, but I found a grace I know I don’t deserve
The moment I read 3:16

So lay down your burdens, your broken

Lift up your eyes and see
A Savior with arms stretched wide open
On a cross meant for you and for me
Oh, thank God for 3:16

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The song "3:16" by Anne Wilson is deeply inspired by the Bible verse John 3:16. Let's break down the
lyrics and relate them to the corresponding biblical references:

1. Some say they’re nothing but numbers - This line could suggest the perception that Bible verses
are just numbers without meaning.
• Related Bible Verse: The reference here is to the perception that biblical verses are just
numbers without significance. This doesn't have a direct biblical counterpart, but it
reflects a common attitude towards scripture.
2. Next to words that don’t mean anything - This implies a dismissal or lack of understanding of the
significance of the words in the Bible.
• Related Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This verse underscores the
significance and authority of scripture.
3. Oh, but I found the truth and a friend like no other - The singer finds profound truth and
friendship in the message of John 3:16.
• Related Bible Verse: John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the
life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" This verse emphasizes Jesus as the
embodiment of truth and the path to God.
4. The moment I read 3:16 - This line directly references the pivotal moment when the singer
encountered John 3:16 and its profound impact.
• Related Bible Verse: John 3:16 - "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." This is the
central verse of the song and the foundation of Christian faith, emphasizing God's love
and salvation through Jesus Christ.
5. Some say it’s old time religion - This line refers to the perception of Christianity as outdated or
irrelevant.
• Related Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and
forever." This verse highlights the timeless nature of Jesus and His teachings, challenging
the notion of Christianity as outdated.
6. For the led astray fools who believe - This suggests a derogatory view of those who believe in
Christianity.

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A Bible study idea to use Anne Wilson’s song “3:16” as a topic
• Related Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 - "For the message of the cross is foolishness to
those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." This verse
addresses the perceived foolishness of the gospel message to those who do not believe.
7. But I found the hope that my lost soul was missing - The singer found hope and fulfillment in the
message of John 3:16.
• Related Bible Verse: Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse highlights the hope found in
God's love and redemption through Jesus Christ.
8. The moment I read 3:16 - This line directly references the pivotal moment when the singer
encountered John 3:16 and its profound impact.
• Related Bible Verse: John 3:16 - "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." This is the
central verse of the song and the foundation of Christian faith, emphasizing God's love
and salvation through Jesus Christ.

9. For God so loved how can it be - This line reflects on the profound mystery and wonder of God's
love as expressed in John 3:16.
• Related Bible Verse: John 3:16 (repeated) - "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."
This verse emphasizes the incomprehensible depth of God's love for humanity.
10. That He sent His son to die for me - Acknowledging the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death for the
salvation of humanity.
• Related Bible Verse: Romans 5:8 (repeated) - "But God demonstrates his own love for us
in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse underscores the
sacrificial nature of Jesus' death as an expression of God's love.
11. My shame is gone, my sin washed clean - The singer experiences the forgiveness and cleansing
of their sins through faith in Jesus.
• Related Bible Verse: 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." This verse speaks to the
cleansing and forgiveness of sins through confession and faith in Jesus.
12. And I owe it all to 3:16 - Acknowledging John 3:16 as the source of salvation and transformation
in the singer's life.
• Related Bible Verse: John 3:16 (repeated) - "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."
This verse is the central theme of the song, highlighting the foundational role of God's
love and grace in salvation.

13. Some say you have to be perfect - This line reflects the misconception that perfection is required
for acceptance by God.
• Related Bible Verse: Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God." This verse acknowledges the universal reality of human sinfulness and the
impossibility of attaining perfection on our own.
14. Cause nothing in this life is free - This suggests a cynical view of the concept of grace and
salvation being freely offered by God.
• Related Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through
faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one
can boast." These verses affirm that salvation is a free gift from God, not something
earned through human effort.
15. Oh, but I found a grace I know I don’t deserve - The singer recognizes the unmerited favor and
grace of God in their life.
• Related Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 (repeated) - "For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by
works, so that no one can boast." These verses emphasize that salvation is by grace alone,
not by merit.
16. The moment I read 3:16 - This line directly references the pivotal moment when the singer
encountered John 3:16 and its profound impact.
• Related Bible Verse: John 3:16 - "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." This is the
central verse of the song and the foundation of Christian faith, emphasizing God's love
and salvation through Jesus Christ.

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A Bible study idea to use Anne Wilson’s song “3:16” as a topic

17. So lay down your burdens, your broken - Encouraging others to surrender their burdens and find
rest in Jesus.
• Related Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am
gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and
my burden is light." These verses invite people to find rest and peace in Jesus Christ.
18. Lift up your eyes and see - Directing attention to the hope and salvation found in Jesus.
• Related Bible Verse: Psalm 121:1-2 - "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does
my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." This
verse encourages trust and reliance on God for help and salvation.
19. A Savior with arms stretched wide open - Depicting Jesus' welcoming embrace of all who come
to Him.
• Related Bible Verse: Revelation 3:20 - "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If
anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and
they with me." This verse symbolizes Jesus' invitation to individuals to invite Him into
their lives.
20. On a cross meant for you and for me - Recognizing the universality of Jesus' sacrifice for all
humanity.
• Related Bible Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross,
so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been
healed." This verse emphasizes Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all
humanity.
21. Oh, thank God for 3:16 - Expressing gratitude for the profound message of John 3:16 and its
impact on the singer's life.
• Related Bible Verse: John 3:16 (repeated) - "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."
This verse encapsulates the central theme of the song, highlighting God's love and
provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.

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