Transforming love

SO LOVED:
26 words that can change your life
By Martin Salter
IVP. 154 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 1 789 742 763

John 3:16 is one of the best-known Bible verses. It is the verse that professional footballers who are Christians print on their T-shirts. It is also the go-to-verse for any preacher who wants to state the gospel in a nutshell.

Martin Salter in ten brief chapters unpacks the rich message of this famous verse. He does so with the conviction that the truths it communicates are just what we need to properly centre our lives.

‘It tells my heart that there is more to this life than simply what I can see, hear, taste and smell… John 3:16 contains truth that centres everything else in my life’

The author manages to illuminate each phrase of this verse with simple explanations, contemporary illustrations, wisdom from the past, and practical applications to life.

Who should read a book like this? It would be a good one to tuck in a coat pocket or handbag to read in one sitting the next time we take a train ride. Most Christians will not find anything new in this slim book, but their hearts will be warmed by the good news of what God has done to make Himself known to us. What a brilliant way to preach the gospel to ourselves so that we can remember how amazing it is that God has loved us so extravagantly.

This would also be a good book to give to anyone who is open to considering the claims of the gospel. It is simple enough to be accessible to any reader, and substantial enough to show the reader how to come to faith in Christ.