Born Again

John 3:1-7

Introduction

1.     Many false teachings – Billy Graham

2.     Many think – Water = physical birth; spirit = spiritual birth

3.     Some teach this is a renewal of faith, personal awareness of God, baptism in the Holy Spirit, tongue speaking, the act of becoming a Christian

4.     There is much confusion over this passage

Background

1.     Nicodemus – a Jewish ruler

2.     He understood how to proselyte a Gentile

3.     He taught circumcision, mikvah (self-baptism)

4.     Baptism of John – was the topic of the day – Matthew 3:11; John 3:23; Mark 1:3 They were to repent, confess sins, anticipate coming Messiah

5.     Most today – think this is Holy Spirit baptism

Nature Lesson – 3 things involved in birth

                        Plant                          Text

Seed               seed                           Word of God Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23

Soil                 ground                      Heart of man Luke 8:15

Law                reproduce                “must” in order to see kingdom

Two Actions

Begettal                         Delivery

1.     Spirit                         Water

2.     Agent                        Instrument

3.     James 1:18

4.     1 Corinthians 4:15

5.     1 Peter 1;22-23

6.     1 Peter 3:20-21

Conclusion

1.     Acts 2:38

2.     Acts 10:47

3.     1 John 5:8

4.     Romans 8:16