Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a - TopicsExpress



          

Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (a leader, an authority) among the Jews, who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know and are certain that You have come from God [as] a Teacher; for no one can do these signs (these wonderworks, these miracles—and produce the proofs) that You do unless God is with Him.” Jesus answered him, “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.” (John 3:1-3) However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. (John 16:7) Repentance is a requirement for being born again. From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17) Sermons are preached every Sunday where Jesus is presented as only the Savior. He is not preached as Lord and Master. There’s not much, if anything, said about repentance. Without repentance there can be no new birth. One must despise the old man to be able to be born again into a new man. If the old is still alive and well, he certainly isn’t going to allow change. New birth means change. Without change there is no new birth. Without repentance and new birth, one attempts to live with one foot in God’s kingdom and one foot in the world. This is no different than an unfaithful spouse with lovers. What is being born again? It is being given the ability (God’s grace; His Holy Spirit) to walk in God’s kingdom and show the world how His kingdom works. It is being given the ability to truly walk as a disciple of the Master.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 21:13:29 +0000

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