Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Birthdays are special.
Here the Teacher speaks of a spiritual birthday. A new birth of water and the Spirit - I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
In fact, He says - You must be born again.
As the date of our birth ushers us into this world, the day of our baptism marks the entrance into a new spiritual life.
This is true because when by faith we are baptized in water, Jesus brings us into a new life by the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What a birthday present!!!
Jesus gives the very presence of God as our first gift. A present of the Holy Spirit to guide us and produce His fruit in our new life!
Jesus is the Savior and the Teacher. The Holy Spirit is the Tutor to help us become more like Jesus.
Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Students of Jesus are born again to the life in the Spirit.
This "present" is so incredibly awesome and important - God has put His Spirit within us! We are now the temple of God!
ReplyDeleteYet, I believe this is something we don't understand or seek to understand enough. Something we don't rely on nearly enough, either. At least I don't.
Some claim - the Spirit is hard to define. Yet scriptures are clear about things the Spirit does.
He leads us, guides us, intercedes for us, marks us as belonging to God, and sanctifies us among other things. Read through Romans 8 and see how much the Spirit does.
Yet because it is "spirit" and not "concrete" it is hard for us to sometimes figure out exactly how the Spirit works within us.
Ever had a "feeling' or "thought" that you should stop by and visit someone, and when you do they are grieving and hurting and needing someone just like you to stop by and listen and comfort? Do we believe in God leading us through His Spirit or "coincidence"?
I prayed in college, because we had no food. Had been eating Malt-O-Meal and Bisquick without butter or sugar for a few days, then we ran out, two days before payday. So I litterally got on my knees. Told no one besides God. That afternoon the preacher stopped by with a bag of groceries and said, "I don't know why, but I had a feeling you guys could use these." I knew exactly why - God was working through His servants via His Spirit that He put within.
I refuse to believe in coincidence.
How do we know if something is really from the Spirit? There is a very easy test: if it conflicts with scripture it is NOT the Spirit of God.
How much do we really rely on God to Lead us via the Spirit?
Lord, help us in our understanding, ability to recognize, and willingness to follow your Spirit.
Will be at the Alaskan "Cloud Conference" for the next few days - most of the preachers from the churches fo Christ in the state of AK will be gathering to encourage one another. It is an amazing time of encouragement and fellowship. Should be home on Monday - have a blessed weekend.
ReplyDelete