“Born again Christian” ? Much confusion on this subject What is it? How does it take place ?

We can understand the new birth.

BAC

John 3 John 7:50 - 51 John 19:39 - 42

Ruler of the JewsMember of SanhedrinTeacher in Israel

PhariseeOutward observanceBound laws on people

John 3: 1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.2. 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."

Came to Jesus at nightBelieved Jesus was from GodRabbi = my master

Logical reasoning1.If a man can do miracles then he is from God.2.Jesus did miracles.3.Therefore He was from God.

Present truth so Nicodemus would understand

Used a “figure of speech”Jn. 6:35 “bread of life”Luke 13:32 “tell that fox”

Of Jewish background – pride in his BirthDescendant of AbrahamTell him of a “new birth”

3. Jesus answered and said to him,

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless

one is born again, he cannot see the

kingdom of God."

You must Be Born Again to enter kingdom

If and only if he is born again.

Dividing line between kingdom and world.

4. 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?"

Nicodemus did not understand

He thought it was physical

How can this Be ?

5. Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to

you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit,

he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Born of water and the Spirit

Water = BaptismRom. 6:4II Cor. 5:17Gal. 3:27Acts 8:36Acts 10:47

The only relation that water has to the kingdom is baptism

Born of water and the Spirit

Spirit = the Spirit revealed the WordJohn 16:13I John 5:6-8John 17:17Rom. 10:17Luke 8:11

Born of the spirit means to be taught by the word of God.

Born of water and the Spirit

One Birth not TwoTwo things are essential = water & SpiritNot a natural birthBirth of “Spirit” not the body

We are born again when we comply with the teaching of the Spirit.

6. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

Man has two parts = Body and Spirit

Fleshly man born to have earthly life Spiritual man born to

have spiritual life

Spirit must be born again. None are exempt !

8. "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Wind = should be translated “Spirit”

The Spirit breathes - expresses himself - through the word of truth

Just as the wind is invisible so is the SpiritBut you can see the effects or the results

Born of the water and the spirit by receiving the spirit’s message given in the gospel.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

9. Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?"10. Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

11. "Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.12. "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

How can these things be ?

Jesus answered:Teacher of Jews should understandJesus spoke the truthBut they would not acceptYou should know this from the Law

Natural birthReceive the image of our parents

Spiritual birthBear the image of ChristCol. 3:1-2 Col. 3:5-10

Put off the old manPut on the new man

Should live more like Christ every day

Hear

Believe

Repent

Confess

BeBaptized

SALVATION

Born Again

Sermon by Arthur Pigman

Evans Church of Christ

515 Gibbs Road

Evans, Ga. 30809

706-855-1249

evanscoc@bellsouth.netevanscoc@bellsouth.net

www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org

Sunday Morning Jan. 30, 2011