Born Again
John 3:3-5 Jesus answered, “I assure you, everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom.” Nicodemus said, “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?” Jesus answered, “Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom.
So we’re chatting this week about why Jesus came to this earth, why this whole Christmas thing happened in the first place. So let’s dive back into Jesus’ own explanation as he chats once more with Nicodemus.
We all yearn for a new beginning. That’s why the self-help industry is worth billions. And our renewal is on God’s heart too. In fact, it lies at the very heart of why Jesus came.
John 3:3-5 Jesus answered, “I assure you, everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom.” Nicodemus said, “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?” Jesus answered, “Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom.
Now Nicodemus is no fool. He understood that Jesus was speaking metaphorically, so his reply was along the same lines. He was, in effect, asking – how, how can I be born again? And Jesus replies that we must be born both from water and the Spirit.
Nicodemus knew that at that very time, John the Baptist was out there baptising people with water, the baptism of repentance, of turning away from sin and back to God. And a baptism of the Holy Spirit is one of renewal.
So, in order to enter God’s Kingdom, you must be born again. And in order to be born again, there must be repentance and renewal. Not just a safe little Jesus prayer, but a radical turning. Repentance and renewal. Without that you cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
So let me ask you again, have you been born again?
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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