TITLE: Born Again

TEXT: John 3:1-8

PROPOSITION: The new birth can be understood from three perspectives.

QUESTION: Which?

KEY WORD: Perspectives

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

          1. Often quoted - Seldom understood.

          2. Look at this command from three perspectives.

1. Physical.   4

          A. Literal - Can I be born again?

          B. Re-enter the womb when old?

          C. Jesus called this the flesh view. (6)

          D. NOT POSSIBLE. Not reincarnation.

2. Water.                5

          A. "Born of water" - refers to baptism.

          B. 2 Cor. 5:17 "new creature in Christ"

          C. 1 John 5:4-8 born of God = water, spirit, blood

          D. Romans 6:3-4

3. Spirit.        5, 6, 8

          A. Rom. 8:16  Spirit bears witness WITH our spirit

          B. 1 John 5:7 3 in heaven - Father, Word, Spirit

          C. Spirit = not material, not visible.

          D. Romans 8

                    Walk after Spirit - 1

                    Indwelling Spirit - 9

                    Raised from dead - 11

                    Conquor sin - 13

                    Directed - 14

                    Relation with Father - 15

                    Bears witness - 16

Conclusion:

          1. Physical = natural birth process.

          2. Born of water = baptism, new start, new creation

          3. Born of Spirit = Guard, guide, direct (through Word)