Sermon On Regeneration - A New Life

Luther E. Vann, an American artist once remarked: “The greater puzzle of universal wisdom and beauty that we have strived to honor through our work includes the profound legacies of world artistic and spiritual traditions, the innate integrity of human communities where people seek to live in social harmony, and that regenerative stream of life sustained upon the earth itself as it spins through the cosmos to the music of the spheres.” Titus 3:5 confirms: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

One of the pertinent definitions of regeneration is quoted as spiritual renewal, revival or rebirth. It can include a reawakening of the mind through the realization and understanding of our own sin, or after a sudden loss of faith from a damaging external influence which may cause a significant stray from the truth or a righteous path. 2 Corinthians 5:17 confirms: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Christ’s death for our sins gives people a new lease of life. It allows for God’s grace and forgiveness to provide hope and expectation for continued life after death. It is a new beginning that is affordable to everyone through the regeneration of our minds and bodies. In biological terminology, it is referred to as the process of renewal, restoration and tissue growth that makes genomes, cells, organisms and ecosystems resilient to natural fluctuations or events that cause disturbance or damage.

John 3:1-10 informs us: Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

Certain elements of sin may be deemed by some not to break a country’s lawful or legal requirements, but may still break God’s law, however unintentionally committed. Unless one understands this, realizes his error and seeks forgiveness from God, then he can’t be absolved from his sin. The wind can blow in any direction, but not all air currents are favorable. Forgiveness needs to be sought. This is the basic foundation stone of redemption. Ephesians 1:7 confirms: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

Music is considered by many to be the soul of life. Although it has not been scientifically proven, it has been maintained by some that music can facilitate the neurogenesis, regeneration and repair of neurons. It has long since been acclaimed to reflect mood changes and relaxation. Certain pieces have been known to uplift the inner spirit to such an extent that a new living person has been visibly created from its amazing effects.

It can produce calmness and serenity within. The mind may react in a more logical or perceptive thought process. Clarity may feature prominently and sure-footedness follows. Creativity with imagination may ensue. Happiness and a different perspective in life may take on a new meaning. Research has indicated that anxiety levels within a person may be greatly reduced and a general improvement in the quality of sleep and memory function will be noticeable. Emotions of varying kinds may be experienced from its production.

Music has often been considered as a diversity of God’s creation. Martin Luther, a German-born teacher and monk once remarked: “Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.” Job 38:7 reminds us: “When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”