Born Again

Leading into Advent

How do we have Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy?

We need the meat and potatoes before the dessert.

John 3:1–8 ESV

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.”

Prevenient Grace

Prevenient Grace - God calling us and preparing us to put our faith in Him; grace that comes before salvation

Justifying Grace - made right with God

Sanctifying Grace - process of being made holy

Jesus’ presence is grace upon grace and in this text Jesus tells Nicodemus exactly what he needs to hear. Jesus is giving Nicodemus grace and truth.

Born Again

We enter into the kingdom of God by being born again

This is God’s doing as He is the one calling us to Himself

No one asks their parents to be born, nor do we ask God to be born. God offers and we accept or reject

Bring it home

If you have never been born again then this is another time God’s prevenient grace is working in your life

If you have been born again then be sure your life looks like it

Let us all submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ that we may be born again and enter into the kingdom of God