Conversion and Regeneration

· You must be born Again

o How can I be born again when I am old (ie how can I change on my own I know I’m sinful)

· The wind blows where it wills

o

o You can’t predict the direction

o But you can see/feel the obvious effects

· The Snake in the wilderness

o Payment for sin

o Received apart from works

· Believe in him vv. 15-16

I am excited for this opportunity we have to gather again. I am sad that this will be our last session. Do not forget we will still have a Q and A.

Before we get into the text I just want to tell you how encouraging it is to be here with you all and see you all. I love watching the interaction with the staff and all the great conversations that have started. I am praying that they continue.

So far this week we have been talking about salvation. It has been amazing. Tonight we are going to look at two more aspects of salvation that are utterly shocking and essential for you guys to hear.

With that I will pray and then we will dive into our text

Pray:

Open up , verses 1-16

"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? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Tonight we will be looking at God’s work in salvation through regeneration which is when God makes you new or reborn from the inside out, and we will be looking at man’s responsibility in conversion which is the act of turning from sin and putting your faith in Christ. Now who cares? Why does being born again matter? Well Jesus cared, and this is made evident in one man, a man named Nicodemus. But before we talk him, lets talk about a little background. Right before Nicodemus we see Jesus starting his ministry. He calls the first disciples, then we see Jesus doing miracles. And starting to show the truth. And here we get to an amazing passage, one of my personal favorites. And this bring us to our passage today in and also back to Nicodemus. Now who was Nicodemus? We see here that he was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were the elite religious group of the day. They were ritualistic and rule followers to the most extreme extent. They would be similar to the catholic priest of today. He was also a ruler, as a member of the Sanhedrin he was a part of the ruling council. This made a very rich and powerful man. In verse 10 we also see he was the teacher of Israel. This man was the theologian or theologians.

Yet this man, one of the most religious, powerful and smartest men of his day, still came to Jesus. Read verse 2 “This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

He affirms to Jesus that he knew that these were mighty works. These mighty works included water into wine or healing men with diseases, cleansing the temple, and more. Nicodemus is thinking how can these miracles not come from God somehow?

Now verse 2 says that he also came by night. This shows that there was a risk to him coming, he was coming at the risk of the Pharisees (who hated Jesus) and the member of the Sanhedrin finding out. He came to talk to Jesus in private.

He also came knowing that all the work he had done in his to assure he was going to heaven was assured at all. He comes searching. Just as many of us do.

He comes to Jesus thinking I am the top teacher, yet I am empty and confused. He comes searching about this man.

So he is here in this place seeking from Jesus. And what he receive astounds him.

Verse 3, "Jesus answered him,"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Point 1 you must be born again

Now I would encourage you guys to really focus in when Jesus says truly, truly, because what will follow is an amazing truth. This amazing truth is an answer, this is answer Jesus gives him. You must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. To be born again is a common term in Christian culture.

But to Nicodemus this would have been confusing. It is like me asking you ‘how did you contribute to your birth, your physical birth?’

Nothing, right

It is the same thing with your spiritual birth. You do not do anything. Verse 4 says "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?"

His response is completely valid saying that it is impossible for a man to be born again. Nicodemus is questioning Jesus. He doesn’t understand. But this is exactly what Jesus is trying to get across. There is no good work, spiritual act or anything else that can get you to heaven. How can a man save himself? He can’t. Lets read on "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."

Jesus is referencing back to the Old Testament in Ezekial 36 saying that I will wash you and give a new heart, a new spirit I will put within you. This is a passage that points us towards an idea of regeneration. Remember, regeneration is the spiritual act of God to impart spiritual life in us. Or to keep with theme being born again. We have already heard about God calling us, but here this is the work God does within us to turn us from being dead to alive. We were dead and are now alive in him. Let’s say this a bit differently, being born again is God doing work in us to change us. Changing us at our core. Being no longer the same. No longer being dead in our sin but alive in Christ.

There is a work that must be done within you.

Verse 7 and 8

"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.""

The Spirit of God comes to who it will, in the way it will, to give life to who it will. The Spirit of God comes like the wind, You cannot see the wind, you don’t know if the wind comes from left side of the mountain or the right side. You don’t know if it plans to go that way or that or swirl around. But you can always feel its affects. When the wind blow you feel it right? The text is saying that the Spirit of God is same way. Again you wont know where the Spirit comes or is going, but when someone is filled with the Spirit when they are born again, who can see the affects, they are evident. But do not be hung up on the fact that you must be born again, because it is God who works in you. Because how amazing and shocking is that fact that it is not us, its God.

Nicodemus gives in verse 9 a reasonable response saying ‘How can these things be?’

Most grow up believing and thinking that if we are good enough we will be ok?

I recall a conversation I had with a man in my first year of college. We were talking about how a man can be right with God. And he gave me an interesting answer. Saying, “I do good things, I go to church, I give, I’m not as bad as that guy, and my parents are Christians.” Sadly, this is the type of thinking that a lot of us have. Then we are confronted with a truth that Jesus lays out here, it shocks us. And our response is the same as Nicodemus’ ‘how can these things be’

But Jesus says in verse 10, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?’ He was in a spot where he should know the truths that are in the Scriptures. Remember he was the smartest teacher, yet he still is confused by what Jesus is saying. So Jesus continues with saying that because Nicodemus only believes in Jesus as a teacher and not as the sent one from God how could he understand the truths of rebirth. Believing, is more. I know Carlos said this earlier today but I love it. When sat down tonight did you have faith in the chair you are sitting in? I know most of intentionally would say well, it looks structurally sound, but until you sit down you won’t show true faith and belief the chair would hold you up, Nicodemus intentionally believed in Jesus as a teacher but was unwilling to accept him as God. He also was unwilling to see himself rightly, he was unable to humble himself to the point of recognizing his sin and state towards God. Back at the end of it talks about many being impressed by Jesus and his miracles but Jesus near the heart and saw the lack of faith and commitment to the him as the Son of God.

Which brings us to our next point. Which we see in verse 15

Point 2 Believe in him.

Read verse 15 ‘that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Jesus answers Nicodemus’ question of what do I do by saying, believe. Believing is here is a saving belief, it is turning and taking your eyes off this world and yourself and put your whole heart and trust in something or someone. A friend of mine has 3 year old daughter, and he is teacher her to trust and depend on him as her dad. So he had her jump into his arms, and needed her to trust him to catch him. It is the same, it is having a utter dependence and trust just like this girl believed that her dad would catch her. Some here may be saying that’s absurd I need to do more. I need to work my way. Think about the man I mentioned earlier, the man who I was talking to about how you can get to heaven. He believed in his works, he believed what he did was enough. But remember you are a sinner and all your “good deeds” and as Isaiah says are filthy. They are filthy in the sight of God. All we can do as sinners is believe, we come knowing we are condemned and deserve hell.

Maybe some of you are saying, ‘Ok Alex, all I need to do is believe, believe in what?’

Well I am glad you asked.

You need to believe in Christ. Jesus is the one. says He is the way, the truth and the life.

We need to believe in him and the work he did on the cross. Verse 13 and 14 point us towards the coming death of Christ. We see here Jesus referencing back to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. Where if the people looked at it they would be saved. Here Christ is pointing us towards his future lifting up on the cross. Christ lived a perfect life on your behalf, which none of us could ever do, then died a brutal death on the cross to take away the sins of the world. He was lifted up and died. He died for you and you and me. Lets continue reading verses 16, ""For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Why did Jesus go through these things, why did he died on the cross? It is because we are loved. That is amazing we are loved by God, so much that he would send his Son, to come down and take our place. Pay for our sins. Understand, one sins sin is a front to God and puts us in Hell for eternity. That is our payment, but Jesus stood up and took our punishment, Jesus the Savior paid for it ALL on the cross. All because he loved us. Now whoever believes in him may have eternal life. That whoever is amazing, it doesn’t matter who you are, your past, past sins, who your parents are, the prestige you may or may not have, or where you come from. It doesn’t matter. Jesus made it available to whoever believes. We all have something in common here, we are all sinners and we all have a chance to be right with God and have eternal life. That term eternal life is crazy. Do you understand that this mere 30, 50, 80 years you may live on this earth is not all that there will be, our souls are eternal. All we see is this short span we are here, but there is so much more after this, our souls will exist forever. Now where do you want to spend your eternal life? You want to have eternal life with Christ in heaven it is open to all who believe.

So we see here the shocking truths that we cannot do it but God must give s new life in rebirth. And the only thing we can do is believe.

So what does means, what does that leave us to do,

You need to believe, turn from your sin and look towards Christ. He is the only way. He is the only one who offers hope. Please don’t miss this. And for those of you who are believers tonight, please feel encouraged. How incredible is it that a verse we may know so well in the truth that comes out. God has done amazing work.

If you are reborn and believe in Christ, think about what the scripture says will happen.

In Ezekiel when see our heart of stone, a heart that is dead and can’t feel, come alive and transformed by God to a heart of flesh. shows us that we were dead in our sins but now are alive in Christ. In shows us that we will display the fruits of spirit. And says we were once alienated from God but are now welcomed in the household of God.

It is amazing what we receive, let’s look back at Nicodemus.

After he and Jesus talk, he is silent for a while until . Where he defends Jesus in front of the people who want to kill him, so we see work in his heart. This after Jesus dies he anoints Jesus and to him now a believer. As history tells us, Nicodemus was no longer a religious ruler, which led to him losing his possessions, and his power. And eventually died for Christ. Because of the love he was shown and the new life he was given, he was willing to give up all for the surpassing joy to serve him and die for him. Now when “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This the heart of Nicodemus and those who are born again.

Will you follow Nicodemus’ example? Tonight is the last night. And You have another chance to talk to your small group leader. You have another opportunity. Tell your leader how you are Actually doing. Have a real conversation about your life. If you feel convicted about any of the topics we have talked about this week, this is your time. You have people all around who are ready and eager to talk to you about the most important thing, Christ. Do it, do it tonight.

Lets’ pray

· You must be born Again

o How can I be born again when I am old (ie how can I change on my own I know I’m sinful)

· You must be born Again

· The wind blows where it wills

o

o How can I be born again when I am old (ie how can I change on my own I know I’m sinful)

o You can’t predict the direction

o But you can see/feel the obvious effects

· The wind blows where it wills

· The Snake in the wilderness

o Payment for sin

o

o Received apart from works

· Believe in him vv. 15-16

o You can’t predict the direction

Before we get into the text I just want to tell you how encouraging it is to be here with you all and see you all. I love watching the interaction with the staff and all the great conversations that have started. I am praying that they continue.

Tonight we have an op

So far this week we have been talking about salvation. It has been amazing. Tonight we are going to look at two more aspects of salvation that are utterly shocking and essential for you guys to hear.

With that I will pray and then we will dive into our text

Pray:

Open up , verses 1-16

"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? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

o But you can see/feel the obvious effects

"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? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Tonight we will be looking at God’s work in salvation through regeneration which is when God makes you new or reborn from the inside out, and we will be looking at man’s responsibility in conversion which is the act of turning from sin and putting your faith in Christ.

So far this week we have been talking about salvation. It has been amazing. Tonight we are going to look at two more aspects of salvation that are utterly shocking, we will be looking at God’s work in salvation through regeneration which is when God makes you new or reborn from the inside out, and we will be looking at man’s responsibility in conversion which is the act of turning from sin and putting your faith in Christ. Now who cares? Why does being born again matter? Well Jesus caredcares, and this is made evident in one man, a man named Nicodemus. But before we talk him, lets talkBackround here I am really excited to talked about a little background. Right beforethis. So I mentioned a man, Nicodemus we see Jesus starting his ministry. He calls the first disciples, then we see Jesus doing miracles. And starting to show the truth. And here we get to an amazing passage, one of my personal favorites. And this bring us to our passage today in and also back to Nicodemus.. Now who was Nicodemus? We see here that heHe was a Pharisee. The Pharisees. Define add examokes of pharasee He felt like they were the elitemore religious groupand closer to God than anyone. We also see that he was called the ruler of the day. They were ritualistic and rule followers to the most extreme extent. They would be similar to the catholic priest of today. He was also a ruler, as a member of the Sanhedrin heJews. He was a part of the rulinggoverning council. This made a very over Israel. He was rich and powerful man. In But not just that in verse 10 we also see he was Jesus calls Nicodemus the teacher of Israel. This manHe was the theologian orof theologians.,

Yet this man, one of the most religious, powerful and smartest men of his day, still came to Jesus. Read verse 2 “This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

· The Snake in the wilderness

He affirms to Jesus that he knew that these werethe mighty works. that Jesus did were undeniably from God. These mighty works included water into wine, or healing men with diseases, cleansing the temple, and many more. Nicodemus is thinking how can these miracles not come from God somehow?

Now verse 2 says that he also came by night. This shows that there was a risk to him coming, he was coming at the risk of the Pharisees (who hated Jesus) and the member of the Sanhedrin finding out. He came to talk to Jesus in private.

o Payment for sin

He also came knowing that all the work he had done in his to assure he was going to heaven was assured at all. He comes broken and searching. Just as many of us do.

He comes to Jesus thinking I am the top teacher, yet I am empty and, confused. He comes searching about this man., a phony, on a pathway to hell and I do not God.

o Received apart from works

So he is here in this place seeking answers from Jesus., answers of how he can be in the kingdom of God. And whatthe answer he receive astounds him.

Verse 3, "Jesus answered him,"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

· Believe in him vv. 15-16

Point 1 you must be born again

Now I would encourage you guys to really focus in when Jesus says truly, truly, because what will follow is an amazing truth. This amazing truth is an answer, this is answer Jesus gives him. You must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. To be born again is a common term in Christian culture.

Pray:

But toTo Nicodemus this would have been confusing. It is like me asking you ‘how did you contribute to your birth, your physical birth?’

Nothing, right

Open up John 3, verses 1-16

It is the same thing with your spiritual birth. You do not do anything. Verse 4 says "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?"

His response is completely valid saying that it is impossible for a man to be born again. NicodemusHe is questioning Jesus. He doesn’t understandhim. But this is exactly what Jesus is trying to get across. There is no good work, spiritual act or anything else that can get you to heaven. How can a man save himself? He can’t. Lets read on "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."

"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? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Jesus is referencing back to the Old Testament in Ezekial 36 saying that I will wash you and give a new heart, a new spirit I will put within you. This is a passage that points us towards an idea of regeneration. Remember, regenerationRegeneration is the spiritual act of God to impart spiritual life in us. Or to keep with theme being born again. We have already heard about God calling us, but here this is the work God does within us to turn us from being dead to alive. We were dead and are now alive in him. Let’s say this a bit differently, being born again is God doing work in us to change us. Changing us at our core. Being no longer the same. No longer being dead in our sin but alive in Christ.

There is a work that must be done within you.

Verse 7 and 8

So far this week we have been talking about salvation. It has been amazing. Tonight we are going to look at two more aspects of salvation that are utterly shocking, we will be looking at God’s work in salvation through regeneration which is when God makes you new or reborn from the inside out, and we will be looking at man’s responsibility in conversion which is the act of turning from sin and putting your faith in Christ. Now who cares? Why does being born again matter? Well Jesus cared, and this is made evident in one man, a man named Nicodemus. But before we talk him, lets talk about a little background. Right before Nicodemus we see Jesus starting his ministry. He calls the first disciples, then we see Jesus doing miracles. And starting to show the truth. And here we get to an amazing passage, one of my personal favorites. And this bring us to our passage today in John 3 and also back to Nicodemus. Now who was Nicodemus? We see here that he was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were the elite religious group of the day. They were ritualistic and rule followers to the most extreme extent. They would be similar to the catholic priest of today. He was also a ruler, as a member of the Sanhedrin he was a part of the ruling council. This made a very rich and powerful man. In verse 10 we also see he was the teacher of Israel. This man was the theologian or theologians.

"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.""

The Spirit of God comes to who it will, in the way it will, to give life to who it will. The Spirit of God comes like the wind, You cannot see the wind, where you don’t know if the windwhere it comes from left side of the mountain or the right side. You don’t know if it plans to go that way or that or swirl around. But, you can always feel its see the affects. When the wind blow you feel it right? The text is saying that the Spirit of God is same way. Again you wont know where the Spirit comes or is going, but when someone is filled with the Spirit when they are born again, who can see the affects, they are evident. But, Yes do not be hung up on the fact that you must be born again, because it is God who works in you. Because howHow amazing and shocking is that fact that it is not us, its God.

Yet this man, one of the most religious, powerful and smartest men of his day, still came to Jesus. Read verse 2 “This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Nicodemus gives in verse 9 a reasonable response saying ‘How can these things be?’

Most grow up believing and thinking that if we are good enough we will be ok?

He affirms to Jesus that he knew that these were mighty works. These mighty works included water into wine or healing men with diseases, cleansing the temple, and more. Nicodemus is thinking how can these miracles not come from God somehow?

I recall a conversation I had with a man in my first year of college. We were talking about how a man can be right with God. And he gave me an interesting answer. Saying, “I do good things, I go to church, I give, I’m not as bad as that guy, and my parents are Christians.” Sadly, this is the type of thinking that a lot of us have. Then we are confronted with a truth that Jesus lays out here, it shocks us. And our response is the same as Nicodemus’ ‘how can these things be’

But Jesus says in verse 10, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?’ He was in a spot where he should know the truths that are in the Scriptures. Remember he was the smartest teacher, yet he still is confused by what Jesus is saying. So Jesus continues with saying that because Nicodemus only believes in Jesus as a teacher and not as the sent one from God how could he understand the truths of rebirth. Believing, is more. I know Carlos said this earlier today but I love it. When sat down tonight did you have faith in the chair you are sitting in?. I know most of intentionallyintectionally would say well, it looks structurally sound, but until you sit down you won’twont show true faith and belief the chair would hold you up, Nicodemus intentionallyintelectionally believed in Jesus as a teacher but was unwilling to accept him as God. He also was unwilling totoo see himself rightly, he was unableunnable to humble himself to the point of recognizingreconizing his sin and state towards God. Back at the end of it talks about many being impressedimressed by Jesus and his miracles but Jesus near the heart and saw the lack of faith and commitment to the him as the Son of God.

Now verse 2 says that he also came by night. This shows that there was a risk to him coming, he was coming at the risk of the Pharisees (who hated Jesus) and the member of the Sanhedrin finding out. He came to talk to Jesus in private.

Which brings us to our next point. Which we see in verse 15

Point 2 Believe in him.

He also came knowing that all the work he had done in his to assure he was going to heaven was assured at all. He comes searching. Just as many of us do.

Read verse 15 ‘that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Jesus answers Nicodemus’ question of what do I do by saying, believe. Believing is here is a saving belief, it is turning and taking your eyes off this world and yourself and put your whole heart and trust in something or someone. A friend of mine has 3 year old daughter, and he is teacher her to trust and depend on him as her dad. So he had her jump into his arms, and needed her to trust him to catch him. It is the same, it is having a utter dependence and trust just like this girl believed that her dad would catch her.Believe, Define here Some here may be saying that’s absurd I need to do more. I need to work my way. Think about the man I mentioned earlier, the man who I was talking to about how you can get to heaven. He believed in his works, he believed what he did was enough. But remember you are a sinner and all your “good deeds” and as Isaiah says are filthy. They are filthy in the sight of God. All we can do as sinners is believe, we come knowing we are condemned and deserve hell.

He comes to Jesus thinking I am the top teacher, yet I am empty and confused. He comes searching about this man.

Maybe some of you are saying, ‘Ok Alex, all I need to do is believe, believe in what?’

Well I am glad you asked.

So he is here in this place seeking from Jesus. And what he receive astounds him.

You need to believe in Christ. Jesus is the one. says He is the way, the truth and the life. as

We need to believe in him and the work he diddoes on the cross. Verse 13 and 14 point us towards the coming death of Christ. We see here Jesus referencing back to Moses liftingliftiing up the serpentserpant in the wilderness. Where if the people looked at it they would be saved. Here Christ is pointing us towards his future lifting up on the cross. Christ lived a perfect life on your behalf, which none of us could ever do, then died a brutal death on the cross to take away the sins of the world. He was lifted up and died. He died for you and you and me. Lets continue reading verses 16 and 17, ""For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

Why did Jesus go through these things, why did he died on the cross? It is because we are loved. That is amazing we are loved by God, so much that he would send his Son, to come down and take our place. Pay for our sins. Understand, one sins sin is a front to God and puts us in Hell for eternity. That is our payment, but Jesus stood up and took our punishment, Jesus the Savior paid for it ALL on the cross. All because he loved us. Now whoever believes in him may have eternal life. That whoever is amazing, it doesn’t matter who you are, your past, past sins, who your parents are, the prestige you may or may not have, or where you come from. It doesn’t matter. Jesus made it available to whoever believes. We all have something in common here, we are all sinners and we all have a chance to be right with God and have eternal life. That term eternal life is crazy. Do you understand that this mere 30, 50, 80 years you may live on this earth is not all that there will be, our souls are eternal. All we see is this short span we are here, but there is so much more after this, our souls will exist forever. Now where do you want to spend your eternal life? You want to have eternal life with Christ in heaven it is open to all who believe.

Verse 3, "Jesus answered him,"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Take verse 17 out and expound 16

God sent his son down to us because he loved us. God loved us. Christ died on the cros because we are loved, Now who is this love avaible for, See there that whoever believes in him. This is a statement saying that it is open to who, to anyone, to whoever. How incredible is that? It does not matter your background, who your parents are, or even what you have done. God opens the door for us. So we may not perish, but have eternal life in him. God’s plan was not to condemn us but to show us how much he loves us and that we may be saved.

Point 1 you must be born again

So we see here the shocking truths that we cannot do it but God must give s new life in rebirth. And the only thing we can do is believe.

So what does means, what does that leave us to do,

Now I would encourage you guys to really focus in when Jesus says truly, truly, because what will follow is an amazing truth. This amazing truth is an answer, this is answer Jesus gives him. You must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. To be born again is a common term in Christian culture.

You need to believe, turn from your sin and look towards Christ. He is the only way. He is the only one who offers hope. Please don’t miss this. And for those of you who are believersbelivers tonight, please feel encouraged. How incredible is it that a verse we may know so well in the truth that comes out. God has done amazing work.

If you are reborn and believe in Christ, think about what the scripture says will happen.

But to Nicodemus this would have been confusing. It is like me asking you ‘how did you contribute to your birth, your physical birth?’

In Ezekiel when see our heart of stone, a heart that is dead and can’t feel, come alive and transformed by God to a heart of flesh. shows us that we were dead in our sins but now are alive in Christ. In shows us that we will display the fruits of spirit. And says we were once alienated from God but are now welcomed in the household of God.

It is amazing what we receive, let’s look back at Nicodemus.

Nothing, right

Add if you believe, add anologies with verses

I want all of you to remember Nicodemus. After he and Jesus talk, he is silent for a while until . Where he defends Jesus in front of the people who want to kill him, so we see work in his heart. This after Jesus dies he anointsannoints Jesus and to him now a believerbeliver. As history tells us, Nicodemus was no longer a religious ruler, which led to him losinglost his possessionspossesions, and his power. And eventuallyevebtually died for Christ. BecauseHe did all this because of the love God. But he was shown and thedied new life he was given, he was willing to give up all for the surpassing joy to serve him and die for him. When it says in “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This is the heart of Nicodemus. And for those who are born again.

Ask Will you follow Nicodemus’ example?

It is the same thing with your spiritual birth. You do not do anything. Verse 4 says "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?"

Lets’Lets pray

His response is completely valid saying that it is impossible for a man to be born again. Nicodemus is questioning Jesus. He doesn’t understand. But this is exactly what Jesus is trying to get across. There is no good work, spiritual act or anything else that can get you to heaven. How can a man save himself? He can’t. Lets read on "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."

· You must be born Again

Jesus is referencing back to the Old Testament in Ezekial 36 saying that I will wash you and give a new heart, a new spirit I will put within you. This is a passage that points us towards an idea of regeneration. Remember, regeneration is the spiritual act of God to impart spiritual life in us. Or to keep with theme being born again. We have already heard about God calling us, but here this is the work God does within us to turn us from being dead to alive. We were dead and are now alive in him. Let’s say this a bit differently, being born again is God doing work in us to change us. Changing us at our core. Being no longer the same. No longer being dead in our sin but alive in Christ.

o How can I be born again when I am old (ie how can I change on my own I know I’m sinful)

· The wind blows where it wills

There is a work that must be done within you.

o

o You can’t predict the direction

Verse 7 and 8

o But you can see/feel the obvious effects

· The Snake in the wilderness

"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.""

o Payment for sin

o Received apart from works

The Spirit of God comes to who it will, in the way it will, to give life to who it will. The Spirit of God comes like the wind, You cannot see the wind, you don’t know if the wind comes from left side of the mountain or the right side. You don’t know if it plans to go that way or that or swirl around. But you can always feel its affects. When the wind blow you feel it right? The text is saying that the Spirit of God is same way. Again you wont know where the Spirit comes or is going, but when someone is filled with the Spirit when they are born again, who can see the affects, they are evident. But do not be hung up on the fact that you must be born again, because it is God who works in you. Because how amazing and shocking is that fact that it is not us, its God.

· Believe in him vv. 15-16

I am excited for this opportunity we have to gather again. I am sad that this will be our last session. Do not forget we will still have a Q and A.

Before we get into the text I just want to tell you how encouraging it is to be here with you all and see you all. I love watching the interaction with the staff and all the great conversations that have started. I am praying that they continue.

Nicodemus gives in verse 9 a reasonable response saying ‘How can these things be?’

So far this week we have been talking about salvation. It has been amazing. Tonight we are going to look at two more aspects of salvation that are utterly shocking and essential for you guys to hear.

Open up , verses 1-16

With that I will pray and then we will dive into our text

Pray:

"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? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Open up , verses 1-16

"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? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

So far this week we have been talking about salvation. It has been amazing. Tonight we are going to look at two more aspects of salvation that are utterly shocking, we will be looking at God’s work in salvation through regeneration which is when God makes you new or reborn from the inside out, and we will be looking at man’s responsibility in conversion which is the act of turning from sin and putting your faith in Christ. Now who cares? Why does being born again matter? Well Jesus caredcares, and this is made evident in one man, a man named Nicodemus. But before we talk him, lets talkBackround here I am really excited to talked about a little background. Right beforethis. So I mentioned a man, Nicodemus we see Jesus starting his ministry. He calls the first disciples, then we see Jesus doing miracles. And starting to show the truth. And here we get to an amazing passage, one of my personal favorites. And this bring us to our passage today in and also back to Nicodemus.. Now who was Nicodemus? We see here that heHe was a Pharisee. The Pharisees. Define add examokes of pharasee He felt like they were the elitemore religious groupand closer to God than anyone. We also see that he was called the ruler of the day. They were ritualistic and rule followers to the most extreme extent. They would be similar to the catholic priest of today. He was also a ruler, as a member of the Sanhedrin heJews. He was a part of the rulinggoverning council. This made a very over Israel. He was rich and powerful man. In But not just that in verse 10 we also see he was Jesus calls Nicodemus the teacher of Israel. This manHe was the theologian orof theologians.,

Most grow up believing and thinking that if we are good enough we will be ok?

Tonight we will be looking at God’s work in salvation through regeneration which is when God makes you new or reborn from the inside out, and we will be looking at man’s responsibility in conversion which is the act of turning from sin and putting your faith in Christ. Now who cares? Why does being born again matter? Well Jesus cares, and this is made evident in one man, a man named Nicodemus. But before we talk him, lets talk Backround here I am really excited to talked about a little background. Right before this we see Jesus starting his ministry. He calls the first disciples, then we see Jesus doing miracles. And starting to show the truth. And here we get to an amazing passage, one of my personal favorites. And this bring us to our passage today in and also back to Nicodemus.. Now who was Nicodemus? We see here that He was a Pharisee. The Pharisees. He felt like they were the elite and more religious group and closer to God than anyone. They were ritualistic and rule followers to the most extreme extent. They would be similar to the catholic priest of today. He was also a ruler, as a member of the Sanhedrin heJews. He was a part of the rulinggoverning council. This made a very over Israel. He was rich and powerful man. In But not just that in verse 10 we also see he was Jesus calls Nicodemus the teacher of Israel. This manHe was the theologian orof theologians.,

Yet this man, one of the most religious, powerful and smartest men of his day, still came to Jesus. Read verse 2 “This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

He affirms to Jesus that he knew that these were the mighty works. that Jesus did were undeniably from God. These mighty works included water into wine, or healing men with diseases, cleansing the temple, and many more. Nicodemus is thinking how can these miracles not come from God somehow?

I recall a conversation I had with a man in my first year of college. We were talking about how a man can be right with God. And he gave me an interesting answer. Saying, “I do good things, I go to church, I give, I’m not as bad as that guy, and my parents are Christians.” Sadly, this is the type of thinking that a lot of us have. Then we are confronted with a truth that Jesus lays out here, it shocks us. And our response is the same as Nicodemus’ ‘how can these things be’

Now verse 2 says that he also came by night. This shows that there was a risk to him coming, he was coming at the risk of the Pharisees (who hated Jesus) and the member of the Sanhedrin finding out. He came to talk to Jesus in private.

He also came knowing that all the work he had done in his to assure he was going to heaven was assured at all. He comes broken and searching. Just as many of us do.

But Jesus says in verse 10, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?’ He was in a spot where he should know the truths that are in the Scriptures. Remember he was the smartest teacher, yet he still is confused by what Jesus is saying. So Jesus continues with saying that because Nicodemus only believes in Jesus as a teacher and not as the sent one from God how could he understand the truths of rebirth. Believing, is more. I know Carlos said this earlier today but I love it. When sat down tonight did you have faith in the chair you are sitting in? I know most of intentionally would say well, it looks structurally sound, but until you sit down you won’t show true faith and belief the chair would hold you up, Nicodemus intentionally believed in Jesus as a teacher but was unwilling to accept him as God. He also was unwilling to see himself rightly, he was unable to humble himself to the point of recognizing his sin and state towards God. Back at the end of John 2 it talks about many being impressed by Jesus and his miracles but Jesus near the heart and saw the lack of faith and commitment to the him as the Son of God.

He comes to Jesus thinking I am the top teacher, yet I am empty and, confused. He comes searching about this man., a phony, on a pathway to hell and I do not God.

So he is here in this place seeking answers from Jesus., answers of how he can be in the kingdom of God. And whatthe answer he receive astounds him.

Which brings us to our next point. Which we see in verse 15

Verse 3, "Jesus answered him,"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Point 1 you must be born again

Point 2 Believe in him.

Now I would encourage you guys to really focus in when Jesus says truly, truly, because what will follow is an amazing truth. This amazing truth is an answer, this is answer Jesus gives him. You must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. To be born again is a common term in Christian culture.

But toTo Nicodemus this would have been confusing. It is like me asking you ‘how did you contribute to your birth, your physical birth?’

Read verse 15 ‘that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Nothing, right

It is the same thing with your spiritual birth. You do not do anything. Verse 4 says "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 answers Nicodemus’ question of what do I do by saying, believe. Believing is here is a saving belief, it is turning and taking your eyes off this world and yourself and put your whole heart and trust in something or someone. A friend of mine has 3 year old daughter, and he is teacher her to trust and depend on him as her dad. So he had her jump into his arms, and needed her to trust him to catch him. It is the same, it is having a utter dependence and trust just like this girl believed that her dad would catch her. Some here may be saying that’s absurd I need to do more. I need to work my way. Think about the man I mentioned earlier, the man who I was talking to about how you can get to heaven. He believed in his works, he believed what he did was enough. But remember you are a sinner and all your “good deeds” and as Isaiah says are filthy. They are filthy in the sight of God. All we can do as sinners is believe, we come knowing we are condemned and deserve hell.

His response is completely valid saying that it is impossible for a man to be born again. NicodemusHe is questioning Jesus. He doesn’t understandhim. But this is exactly what Jesus is trying to get across. There is no good work, spiritual act or anything else that can get you to heaven. How can a man save himself? He can’t. Lets read on "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."

Jesus is referencing back to the Old Testament in Ezekial 36 saying that I will wash you and give a new heart, a new spirit I will put within you. This is a passage that points us towards an idea of regeneration. Remember, regenerationRegeneration is the spiritual act of God to impart spiritual life in us. Or to keep with theme being born again. We have already heard about God calling us, but here this is the work God does within us to turn us from being dead to alive. We were dead and are now alive in him. Let’s say this a bit differently, being born again is God doing work in us to change us. Changing us at our core. Being no longer the same. No longer being dead in our sin but alive in Christ.

There is a work that must be done within you.

Maybe some of you are saying, ‘Ok Alex, all I need to do is believe, believe in what?’

Verse 7 and 8

"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.""

Well I am glad you asked.

The Spirit of God comes to who it will, in the way it will, to give life to who it will. The Spirit of God comes like the wind, You cannot see the wind, where you don’t know if the windwhere it comes from left side of the mountain or the right side. You don’t know if it plans to go that way or that or swirl around. But, you can always feel its see the affects. When the wind blow you feel it right? The text is saying that the Spirit of God is same way. Again you wont know where the Spirit comes or is going, but when someone is filled with the Spirit when they are born again, who can see the affects, they are evident. But, Yes do not be hung up on the fact that you must be born again, because it is God who works in you. Because howHow amazing and shocking is that fact that it is not us, its God.

Nicodemus gives in verse 9 a reasonable response saying ‘How can these things be?’

You need to believe in Christ. Jesus is the one. John 14:6 says He is the way, the truth and the life.

Most grow up believing and thinking that if we are good enough we will be ok?

I recall a conversation I had with a man in my first year of college. We were talking about how a man can be right with God. And he gave me an interesting answer. Saying, “I do good things, I go to church, I give, I’m not as bad as that guy, and my parents are Christians.” Sadly, this is the type of thinking that a lot of us have. Then we are confronted with a truth that Jesus lays out here, it shocks us. And our response is the same as Nicodemus’ ‘how can these things be’

We need to believe in him and the work he did on the cross. Verse 13 and 14 point us towards the coming death of Christ. We see here Jesus referencing back to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. Where if the people looked at it they would be saved. Here Christ is pointing us towards his future lifting up on the cross. Christ lived a perfect life on your behalf, which none of us could ever do, then died a brutal death on the cross to take away the sins of the world. He was lifted up and died. He died for you and you and me. Lets continue reading verses 16, ""For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

But Jesus says in verse 10, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?’ He was in a spot where he should know the truths that are in the Scriptures. Remember he was the smartest teacher, yet he still is confused by what Jesus is saying. So Jesus continues with saying that because Nicodemus only believes in Jesus as a teacher and not as the sent one from God how could he understand the truths of rebirth. Believing, is more. I know Carlos said this earlier today but I love it. When sat down tonight did you have faith in the chair you are sitting in?. I know most of intentionallyintectionally would say well, it looks structurally sound, but until you sit down you won’twont show true faith and belief the chair would hold you up, Nicodemus intentionallyintelectionally believed in Jesus as a teacher but was unwilling to accept him as God. He also was unwilling totoo see himself rightly, he was unableunnable to humble himself to the point of recognizingreconizing his sin and state towards God. Back at the end of it talks about many being impressedimressed by Jesus and his miracles but Jesus near the heart and saw the lack of faith and commitment to the him as the Son of God.

Which brings us to our next point. Which we see in verse 15

Why did Jesus go through these things, why did he died on the cross? It is because we are loved. That is amazing we are loved by God, so much that he would send his Son, to come down and take our place. Pay for our sins. Understand, one sins sin is a front to God and puts us in Hell for eternity. That is our payment, but Jesus stood up and took our punishment, Jesus the Savior paid for it ALL on the cross. All because he loved us. Now whoever believes in him may have eternal life. That whoever is amazing, it doesn’t matter who you are, your past, past sins, who your parents are, the prestige you may or may not have, or where you come from. It doesn’t matter. Jesus made it available to whoever believes. We all have something in common here, we are all sinners and we all have a chance to be right with God and have eternal life. That term eternal life is crazy. Do you understand that this mere 30, 50, 80 years you may live on this earth is not all that there will be, our souls are eternal. All we see is this short span we are here, but there is so much more after this, our souls will exist forever. Now where do you want to spend your eternal life? You want to have eternal life with Christ in heaven it is open to all who believe.

Point 2 Believe in him.

Read verse 15 ‘that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

So we see here the shocking truths that we cannot do it but God must give s new life in rebirth. And the only thing we can do is believe.

Jesus answers Nicodemus’ question of what do I do by saying, believe. Believing is here is a saving belief, it is turning and taking your eyes off this world and yourself and put your whole heart and trust in something or someone. A friend of mine has 3 year old daughter, and he is teacher her to trust and depend on him as her dad. So he had her jump into his arms, and needed her to trust him to catch him. It is the same, it is having a utter dependence and trust just like this girl believed that her dad would catch her.Believe, Define here Some here may be saying that’s absurd I need to do more. I need to work my way. Think about the man I mentioned earlier, the man who I was talking to about how you can get to heaven. He believed in his works, he believed what he did was enough. But remember you are a sinner and all your “good deeds” and as Isaiah says are filthy. They are filthy in the sight of God. All we can do as sinners is believe, we come knowing we are condemned and deserve hell.

Maybe some of you are saying, ‘Ok Alex, all I need to do is believe, believe in what?’

So what does means, what does that leave us to do,

Well I am glad you asked.

You need to believe in Christ. Jesus is the one. says He is the way, the truth and the life. as

We need to believe in him and the work he diddoes on the cross. Verse 13 and 14 point us towards the coming death of Christ. We see here Jesus referencing back to Moses liftingliftiing up the serpentserpant in the wilderness. Where if the people looked at it they would be saved. Here Christ is pointing us towards his future lifting up on the cross. Christ lived a perfect life on your behalf, which none of us could ever do, then died a brutal death on the cross to take away the sins of the world. He was lifted up and died. He died for you and you and me. Lets continue reading verses 16 and 17, ""For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

You need to believe, turn from your sin and look towards Christ. He is the only way. He is the only one who offers hope. Please don’t miss this. And for those of you who are believers tonight, please feel encouraged. How incredible is it that a verse we may know so well in John 3:16 the truth that comes out. God has done amazing work.

Why did Jesus go through these things, why did he died on the cross? It is because we are loved. That is amazing we are loved by God, so much that he would send his Son, to come down and take our place. Pay for our sins. Understand, one sins sin is a front to God and puts us in Hell for eternity. That is our payment, but Jesus stood up and took our punishment, Jesus the Savior paid for it ALL on the cross. All because he loved us. Now whoever believes in him may have eternal life. That whoever is amazing, it doesn’t matter who you are, your past, past sins, who your parents are, the prestige you may or may not have, or where you come from. It doesn’t matter. Jesus made it available to whoever believes. We all have something in common here, we are all sinners and we all have a chance to be right with God and have eternal life. That term eternal life is crazy. Do you understand that this mere 30, 50, 80 years you may live on this earth is not all that there will be, our souls are eternal. All we see is this short span we are here, but there is so much more after this, our souls will exist forever. Now where do you want to spend your eternal life? You want to have eternal life with Christ in heaven it is open to all who believe.

Take verse 17 out and expound 16

If you are reborn and believe in Christ, think about what the scripture says will happen.

God sent his son down to us because he loved us. God loved us. Christ died on the cros because we are loved, Now who is this love avaible for, See there that whoever believes in him. This is a statement saying that it is open to who, to anyone, to whoever. How incredible is that? It does not matter your background, who your parents are, or even what you have done. God opens the door for us. So we may not perish, but have eternal life in him. God’s plan was not to condemn us but to show us how much he loves us and that we may be saved.

So we see here the shocking truths that we cannot do it but God must give s new life in rebirth. And the only thing we can do is believe.

In Ezekiel when see our heart of stone, a heart that is dead and can’t feel, come alive and transformed by God to a heart of flesh. Romans 6:11 shows us that we were dead in our sins but now are alive in Christ. In Galatians 5 shows us that we will display the fruits of spirit. And Ephesians 2:19 says we were once alienated from God but are now welcomed in the household of God.

So what does means, what does that leave us to do,

You need to believe, turn from your sin and look towards Christ. He is the only way. He is the only one who offers hope. Please don’t miss this. And for those of you who are believersbelivers tonight, please feel encouraged. How incredible is it that a verse we may know so well in the truth that comes out. God has done amazing work.

It is amazing what we receive, let’s look back at Nicodemus.

If you are reborn and believe in Christ, think about what the scripture says will happen.

In Ezekiel when see our heart of stone, a heart that is dead and can’t feel, come alive and transformed by God to a heart of flesh. shows us that we were dead in our sins but now are alive in Christ. In shows us that we will display the fruits of spirit. And says we were once alienated from God but are now welcomed in the household of God.

After he and Jesus talk, he is silent for a while until John 7. Where he defends Jesus in front of the people who want to kill him, so we see work in his heart. This after Jesus dies he anoints Jesus and to him now a believer. As history tells us, Nicodemus was no longer a religious ruler, which led to him losing his possessions, and his power. And eventually died for Christ. Because of the love he was shown and the new life he was given, he was willing to give up all for the surpassing joy to serve him and die for him. Philippians 1:29 “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This the heart of Nicodemus and those who are born again. Will you follow Nicodemus’ example?

It is amazing what we receive, let’s look back at Nicodemus.

Add if you believe, add anologies with verses

Lets’ pray

I want all of you to remember Nicodemus. After he and Jesus talk, he is silent for a while until . Where he defends Jesus in front of the people who want to kill him, so we see work in his heart. This after Jesus dies he anointsannoints Jesus and to him now a believerbeliver. As history tells us, Nicodemus was no longer a religious ruler, which led to him losinglost his possessionspossesions, and his power. And eventuallyevebtually died for Christ. BecauseHe did all this because of the love God. But he was shown and thedied new life he was given, he was willing to give up all for the surpassing joy to serve him and die for him. “For me to live iswith Christ, and to die is gain.” This the heart of Nicodemus and those who are born again.? Will you follow Nicodemus’ example?

Lets’Lets pray

· You must be born Again

o How can I be born again when I am old (ie how can I change on my own I know I’m sinful)

· The wind blows where it wills

o

o You can’t predict the direction

o But you can see/feel the obvious effects

· The Snake in the wilderness

o Payment for sin

o Received apart from works

· Believe in him vv. 15-16

Pray:

Open up , verses 1-16

"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? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

So far this week we have been talking about salvation. It has been amazing. Tonight we are going to look at two more aspects of salvation that are utterly shocking, we will be looking at God’s work in salvation through regeneration which is when God makes you new or reborn from the inside out, and we will be looking at man’s responsibility in conversion which is the act of turning from sin and putting your faith in Christ. Now who cares? Why does being born again matter? Well Jesus cared, and this is made evident in one man, a man named Nicodemus. But before we talk him, lets talk about a little background. Right before Nicodemus we see Jesus starting his ministry. He calls the first disciples, then we see Jesus doing miracles. And starting to show the truth. And here we get to an amazing passage, one of my personal favorites. And this bring us to our passage today in and also back to Nicodemus. Now who was Nicodemus? We see here that he was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were the elite religious group of the day. They were ritualistic and rule followers to the most extreme extent. They would be similar to the catholic priest of today. He was also a ruler, as a member of the Sanhedrin he was a part of the ruling council. This made a very rich and powerful man. In verse 10 we also see he was the teacher of Israel. This man was the theologian or theologians.

Yet this man, one of the most religious, powerful and smartest men of his day, still came to Jesus. Read verse 2 “This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

He affirms to Jesus that he knew that these were mighty works. These mighty works included water into wine or healing men with diseases, cleansing the temple, and more. Nicodemus is thinking how can these miracles not come from God somehow?

Now verse 2 says that he also came by night. This shows that there was a risk to him coming, he was coming at the risk of the Pharisees (who hated Jesus) and the member of the Sanhedrin finding out. He came to talk to Jesus in private.

He also came knowing that all the work he had done in his to assure he was going to heaven was assured at all. He comes searching. Just as many of us do.

He comes to Jesus thinking I am the top teacher, yet I am empty and confused. He comes searching about this man.

So he is here in this place seeking from Jesus. And what he receive astounds him.

Verse 3, "Jesus answered him,"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Point 1 you must be born again

Now I would encourage you guys to really focus in when Jesus says truly, truly, because what will follow is an amazing truth. This amazing truth is an answer, this is answer Jesus gives him. You must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. To be born again is a common term in Christian culture.

But to Nicodemus this would have been confusing. It is like me asking you ‘how did you contribute to your birth, your physical birth?’

Nothing, right

It is the same thing with your spiritual birth. You do not do anything. Verse 4 says "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?"

His response is completely valid saying that it is impossible for a man to be born again. Nicodemus is questioning Jesus. He doesn’t understand. But this is exactly what Jesus is trying to get across. There is no good work, spiritual act or anything else that can get you to heaven. How can a man save himself? He can’t. Lets read on "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."

Jesus is referencing back to the Old Testament in Ezekial 36 saying that I will wash you and give a new heart, a new spirit I will put within you. This is a passage that points us towards an idea of regeneration. Remember, regeneration is the spiritual act of God to impart spiritual life in us. Or to keep with theme being born again. We have already heard about God calling us, but here this is the work God does within us to turn us from being dead to alive. We were dead and are now alive in him. Let’s say this a bit differently, being born again is God doing work in us to change us. Changing us at our core. Being no longer the same. No longer being dead in our sin but alive in Christ.

There is a work that must be done within you.

Verse 7 and 8

"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.""

The Spirit of God comes to who it will, in the way it will, to give life to who it will. The Spirit of God comes like the wind, You cannot see the wind, you don’t know if the wind comes from left side of the mountain or the right side. You don’t know if it plans to go that way or that or swirl around. But you can always feel its affects. When the wind blow you feel it right? The text is saying that the Spirit of God is same way. Again you wont know where the Spirit comes or is going, but when someone is filled with the Spirit when they are born again, who can see the affects, they are evident. But do not be hung up on the fact that you must be born again, because it is God who works in you. Because how amazing and shocking is that fact that it is not us, its God.

Nicodemus gives in verse 9 a reasonable response saying ‘How can these things be?’

Most grow up believing and thinking that if we are good enough we will be ok?

I recall a conversation I had with a man in my first year of college. We were talking about how a man can be right with God. And he gave me an interesting answer. Saying, “I do good things, I go to church, I give, I’m not as bad as that guy, and my parents are Christians.” Sadly, this is the type of thinking that a lot of us have. Then we are confronted with a truth that Jesus lays out here, it shocks us. And our response is the same as Nicodemus’ ‘how can these things be’

But Jesus says in verse 10, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?’ He was in a spot where he should know the truths that are in the Scriptures. Remember he was the smartest teacher, yet he still is confused by what Jesus is saying. So Jesus continues with saying that because Nicodemus only believes in Jesus as a teacher and not as the sent one from God how could he understand the truths of rebirth. Believing, is more. I know Carlos said this earlier today but I love it. When sat down tonight did you have faith in the chair you are sitting in? I know most of intentionally would say well, it looks structurally sound, but until you sit down you won’t show true faith and belief the chair would hold you up, Nicodemus intentionally believed in Jesus as a teacher but was unwilling to accept him as God. He also was unwilling to see himself rightly, he was unable to humble himself to the point of recognizing his sin and state towards God. Back at the end of it talks about many being impressed by Jesus and his miracles but Jesus near the heart and saw the lack of faith and commitment to the him as the Son of God.

Which brings us to our next point. Which we see in verse 15

Point 2 Believe in him.

Read verse 15 ‘that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Jesus answers Nicodemus’ question of what do I do by saying, believe. Believing is here is a saving belief, it is turning and taking your eyes off this world and yourself and put your whole heart and trust in something or someone. A friend of mine has 3 year old daughter, and he is teacher her to trust and depend on him as her dad. So he had her jump into his arms, and needed her to trust him to catch him. It is the same, it is having a utter dependence and trust just like this girl believed that her dad would catch her. Some here may be saying that’s absurd I need to do more. I need to work my way. Think about the man I mentioned earlier, the man who I was talking to about how you can get to heaven. He believed in his works, he believed what he did was enough. But remember you are a sinner and all your “good deeds” and as Isaiah says are filthy. They are filthy in the sight of God. All we can do as sinners is believe, we come knowing we are condemned and deserve hell.

Maybe some of you are saying, ‘Ok Alex, all I need to do is believe, believe in what?’

Well I am glad you asked.

You need to believe in Christ. Jesus is the one. says He is the way, the truth and the life.

We need to believe in him and the work he did on the cross. Verse 13 and 14 point us towards the coming death of Christ. We see here Jesus referencing back to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. Where if the people looked at it they would be saved. Here Christ is pointing us towards his future lifting up on the cross. Christ lived a perfect life on your behalf, which none of us could ever do, then died a brutal death on the cross to take away the sins of the world. He was lifted up and died. He died for you and you and me. Lets continue reading verses 16, ""For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Why did Jesus go through these things, why did he died on the cross? It is because we are loved. That is amazing we are loved by God, so much that he would send his Son, to come down and take our place. Pay for our sins. Understand, one sins sin is a front to God and puts us in Hell for eternity. That is our payment, but Jesus stood up and took our punishment, Jesus the Savior paid for it ALL on the cross. All because he loved us. Now whoever believes in him may have eternal life. That whoever is amazing, it doesn’t matter who you are, your past, past sins, who your parents are, the prestige you may or may not have, or where you come from. It doesn’t matter. Jesus made it available to whoever believes. We all have something in common here, we are all sinners and we all have a chance to be right with God and have eternal life. That term eternal life is crazy. Do you understand that this mere 30, 50, 80 years you may live on this earth is not all that there will be, our souls are eternal. All we see is this short span we are here, but there is so much more after this, our souls will exist forever. Now where do you want to spend your eternal life? You want to have eternal life with Christ in heaven it is open to all who believe.

So we see here the shocking truths that we cannot do it but God must give s new life in rebirth. And the only thing we can do is believe.

So what does means, what does that leave us to do,

You need to believe, turn from your sin and look towards Christ. He is the only way. He is the only one who offers hope. Please don’t miss this. And for those of you who are believers tonight, please feel encouraged. How incredible is it that a verse we may know so well in the truth that comes out. God has done amazing work.

If you are reborn and believe in Christ, think about what the scripture says will happen.

In Ezekiel when see our heart of stone, a heart that is dead and can’t feel, come alive and transformed by God to a heart of flesh. shows us that we were dead in our sins but now are alive in Christ. In shows us that we will display the fruits of spirit. And says we were once alienated from God but are now welcomed in the household of God.

It is amazing what we receive, let’s look back at Nicodemus.

After he and Jesus talk, he is silent for a while until . Where he defends Jesus in front of the people who want to kill him, so we see work in his heart. This after Jesus dies he anoints Jesus and to him now a believer. As history tells us, Nicodemus was no longer a religious ruler, which led to him losing his possessions, and his power. And eventually died for Christ. Because of the love he was shown and the new life he was given, he was willing to give up all for the surpassing joy to serve him and die for him. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This the heart of Nicodemus and those who are born again. Will you follow Nicodemus’ example?

Lets’ pray

Conversion and Regeneration

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