Jesus And Nicodemus-2

We continue our lesson on Jesus and Nicodemus with the confusion that many have added to the critical question in John 3:16...how to be born again.

Jesus And Nicodemus-2

Continued from Jesus And Nicodemus The Pharisee

b. Jesus answered it! Throughout this gospel series, we'll see Jesus not answering things that are asked, and answering things that were never asked. Because he's God…

Jesus speaks to our need, not our want.

I believe Jesus knew Nicodemus was sincere, and gave him what he needed, the keys to the kingdom of God. Jesus said it takes nothing physical, but a Spiritual birth is required. Even though Nicodemus didn't understand what 'born again' meant, he must have had the question nagging at his insides, as it does all of us from time to time, 'How do I get to heaven?' It's like, the most important question we could ask. We spend a hundred years here, but there, after a hundred million years we have as much time to go as we started with. Choosing the wrong question (or answer) has eternal consequences. Let me ask you…if you had only one question to ask God's Son when you met Him, wouldn't that be it? You wouldn't ask, "how'd you do that virgin birth trick?", would you? This is such an important question, that there are thousands of answers to it, just among Christians.

2. The Confusion:

How can this be? One question with thousands of answers, some contradicting others, each claiming to be the answer! This is one of the most frustrating things we've seen in all of Christianity. If you talk to more than one Christian, you'll get more than one answer to The Question. How is someone seeking God to know what to do? How is someone who did one thing to know he did the right thing? Who is the author of confusion, anyway? I'll give you a hint…it isn't God! I'm about to offend some of you by giving examples of this confusion I've read on 'authoritative' documents and heard from the leaders of major churches and denominations, people who should know better. I promise I'm an Equal Opportunity Offender. I also promise, if you'll hang in there with me, many of you who are offended will come into agreement before we're finished. The question is how to be born again and ensure a place in heaven for eternity.

Here are some answers I've heard from real live people at real live churches:

You can't be born again if you don't say the words 'Jesus is Lord'.
You can't be born again if you aren't baptized.
You can't be born again if you aren't baptized in our water.
You can't be born again if you aren't baptized 3 times, for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
You can't be born again if you aren't baptized by dunking.
You can't be born again if you aren't baptized by sprinkling.
You can't be born again if you aren't baptized with 'holy' water.
You can't be born again if you don't change your ways, first.
You can't be born again if you don't confess your sins.
You can't be born again if you don't tell two others you have received Jesus.
(my favorite) You can't be born again if you don't give money to the church.
You can't be born again if you disagree with the pastor or priest.
You can't be born again if you don't speak in tongues.
You can't be born again if you do speak in tongues.
You can't ever be born again if you sin after baptism.
You can never be born again unless you're part of a group called the 'elect'.
You can never be born again if you've committed a 'special' sin.
You can't be born again unless you're part of our church/denomination.
You can't be born again unless you pray the 'sinner's prayer'.
You can't be born again unless you follow all the rules.
You must be circumcised to be born again. (not very popular nowadays)
Finally, you can't be born again unless you 1. confess to our priest, 2. get baptized with our holy water, and 3. take communion only with our wine and our bread.

…give me a break!

Conclusion at Jesus And Nicodemus-3

Jesus And Nicodemus-2

I'm honored that you've allowed me to be a part of your Christian life. Please return often for fellowship, study and prayer. Thank you very much for visiting.

Love & Hugs,
Glen

We continue our lesson on Jesus and Nicodemus with the confusion that many have added to the critical question in John 3:16...how to be born again.