Introduction

Welcome, brothers and sisters, to this glorious gathering of God's faithful. It's a joy to see you all here today, eager and ready to receive the word of the Lord. We are here, not as mere spectators, but as participants in the grand narrative of God's love and redemption.

Today, we are going to turn our hearts and minds to a passage that speaks to the very core of our faith, a passage that encapsulates the transformative power of God's love. It's a passage that has been a beacon of hope for many, a source of comfort in times of despair, and a guiding light leading us to the path of righteousness.

We will be looking at John 3:1-17. Let me read it for us:

[Read passage]

This passage beautifully encapsulates the essence of our faith - the transformation that comes when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This is not a mere change of mind or a simple shift in perspective. This is a rebirth, a renewal, a metamorphosis brought about by the Spirit of God.

In the words of J.C. Ryle, "To be born again is, as it were, to enter upon a new existence, to have a new mind, a new heart, new views, new principles, new tastes, new affections, new likings, new dislikings, new fears, new joys, new sorrows, new love to things once hated, new hatred to things once loved, new thoughts of God, and ourselves, and the world, and the life to come, and salvation."

As we delve into the profound truths of this passage, let's bow our heads in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to gather in Your name. As we study Your word today, let Your Holy Spirit guide us, teach us, and illuminate our hearts and minds to understand the profound truths that You have for us. May we not only be hearers of Your word but doers also, living out these truths in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Believing in the Born Again Process

The process of being born again, as described in John 3:1-17, is a transformative experience that goes beyond mere intellectual assent. It's not just about acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God, but it's about allowing that belief to permeate every aspect of our lives, leading to a radical transformation. It's about being born of water and the Spirit, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus.

New creations: This is not a superficial change, but a deep, profound, and lasting transformation that affects every aspect of our lives. It's like being born anew, starting life all over again, but this time, with a new nature, a new identity, and a new purpose. When we are born again, we are not just improved versions of our old selves. We are new creations. The old has passed away, and the new has come. This is a profound mystery, a divine work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

A change in our relationship with God: Before we are born again, we are separated from God because of our sins. But when we are born again, we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. We become children of God, adopted into His family, and we have the privilege of calling Him our Father. This new relationship with God is not based on our performance or our worthiness, but on God's love and grace. We are accepted, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross. We are loved, not because of who we are, but because of who God is.

A change in our identity: When we are born again, we are given a new identity in Christ. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our failures, or our shortcomings. We are defined by Christ and His righteousness. This new identity gives us a new perspective on life. We no longer see ourselves as victims of our circumstances, but as victors in Christ. We no longer see ourselves as sinners, but as saints. We no longer see ourselves as unworthy, but as beloved children of God.

A change in our purpose: When we are born again, we are given a new purpose in life. We are no longer living for ourselves, but for Christ. We are no longer chasing after worldly ambitions, but seeking to fulfill God's will for our lives. This new purpose gives us a new passion for life. We are no longer driven by selfish desires, but by the love of Christ. We are no longer motivated by fear, but by faith. We are no longer seeking to please people, but to please God.

A change in our power: When we are born again, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are no longer relying on our own strength, but on the power of God. We are no longer striving in our own efforts, but resting in God's grace. This new power gives us a new potential for life. We are no longer limited by our weaknesses, but strengthened by God's power. We are no longer defeated by our struggles, but victorious in Christ. We are no longer overwhelmed by our problems, but overcomers in Christ.

Baptism as the Beginning of Renewal

Let's turn our attention now to the symbol of baptism, which stands as a vivid representation of this spiritual rebirth, the beginning of our renewal ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO