The Divine Story of Jesus and You: You Must Be Born Again

Sermon Quick Summary
We are continuing our miniseries, “The Divine Story of Jesus and You.” The scripture text for today is from John Chapter 3:1-21, which is Section 2.10 in your booklet, available for free at www.plusnothing.com. This message, “You Must Be Born Again,” describes an encounter between Jesus and the Jewish Pharisee leader Nicodemus. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2). This is a simple statement of fact. “Jesus answered ‘everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom’” (John 3:3). Jesus provides an answer to a question that Nicodemus did not ask. The real question, like it is a Jesus Jeopardy show, is: how can a person in this life be in the Kingdom of God? Why would Jesus answer this question without Nicodemus asking? It was taught widely among Jews at that time that since they descended from Abraham, they were automatically assured of life in the Kingdom of God. We still face the fact today that we must be born again. Today, some think they have good life and do not need Jesus as Savior to have life in the Kingdom of God.

            No one can be in the Kingdom of God unless they are born again. Spiritual rebirth and regeneration is necessary for us to enter the Kingdom of God. It is not something that we can achieve on our own, but rather it is something that is done to us by the work of the Holy Spirit.  Nicodemus asked how a person can be born when that person is old. Can that person enter the womb a second time? “Jesus answered, ‘Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit’” (John 3:5). Being born again involves a transformation of our hearts and minds. It is a process of becoming a new creation in Christ, leaving behind our old ways and embracing a new life in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This transformation is a continual process as we grow in our relationship with God. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

            Jesus, the Son, must be lifted up. “Yes, God loved the world so much that God gave God’s only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  Faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior brings us eternal life and reconciliation with God. This sanctification is a life-long process. The more we study, the more we learn about God and God’s love. God is a loving Father that sacrificed the Son for each of us. Through faith in Jesus Christ we are made new and brought into right relationship with God.