Good day dear friends.
Here is our study guide for today:
monday There’s been thousands of years discussion on the “new birth” offered to Nicodemus in John 3:1-8. Some have called it being “born again” others, “born anew,” and “born from above.” What do you call it and have you experienced it? Do you believe it is necessary for your spiritual life? Why or why not?
Here is that text: 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
I call Nic's encounter with Jesus a salvation experience. I truly believe Nicodemus became a "Christian" because he came to fullness of life because of that nighttime visit with Jesus. Evangelist Luis Palau tells of his nighttime experience as a youth at a camp where one of the adult leaders asked him at night about his relationship with Jesus and taught him the way to salvation. Reverend Jose Luis Palos, of the Rio Grande Conference and a mentor of mine, tells of the night at FUMC-Harlingen at a crusade were Sir Alan Walker of Australia was preaching and Joe came to a relationship with Jesus because of that night time encounter with the living Lord.
Being born again means having your spirit born from above. You give in to The Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide your every move and moment. You are no longer guided by the things of earth. You surrender your sins to the Lord, He removes them, and you truly become a new person.
Being born again means having your spirit born from above. You give in to The Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide your every move and moment. You are no longer guided by the things of earth. You surrender your sins to the Lord, He removes them, and you truly become a new person.
Is being born again necessary? Can you give up breathing and still live? Yes, it is very necessary. It is a life-saving, life-changing experience. You'll be the better for it.
PRAYER: Loving God of love, I thank You for Jesus and for His invitation to me to be one of Your children. I pray that I might indeed be born anew to You and the things that are Yours. Help me to be in the world as one who knows and follows You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
