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John 3:1-16
What does it mean to be born again?
We all know what it means to be born? At least we know the basics… the key word in our text this morning is the word right after born – “again.”
This birth comes by the power of God. We can’t be born by our own strength or the strength of someone else. It can only happen by the power of God.
Who needs to be born again?
The answer here is pretty straight forward. If we’ve only been born once, we need to be born again.
That means everyone needs to be born again.
We can’t impress God. Jesus wasn’t impressed by Nicodemus, a faithful, knowledgeable pharisee.
How does it work to be born again?
If we know that we need it, what is the process of being born again?
Being born again is a dramatic thing for some people, but not for some other people. In some ways its like waking up to an alarm clock, some people wake up immediately when the alarm goes off, others take some time.
- The new birth is a mystery. We can’t fully understand it. Jesus said that it is as hard to quantify as the wind.
- Repentance is necessary. Being born of water is tied into repentance.
- It is the work of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit speaks to you and you don’t respond you will become hardened. The Spirit convicts us and draws us to himself.
- It is a miracle.
- It requires faith.
Conclusion
Have you been born again? If you haven’t the opportunity is available to you. Come to God in repentance, acknowledge that you are a sinner, and look to Jesus. Accept His death, his atonement for your sin.
“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.”
Thank God for His great mercy and His great love!