Embracing Spiritual Rebirth and the Triune God
Summary
Today, we gather in the presence of God, praying that His voice will be heard across the earth, that He will save His people and bless His inheritance. We come together through Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to be filled with hope, faith, and peace. This past year, we've been telling a story through the lectionary, starting from Advent, moving through Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. After Easter, we acknowledged Jesus' ascension and the promise of His return, and on Pentecost, we celebrated the descent of the Holy Spirit. Today, we arrive at Trinity Sunday, a day that invites us to enter into the life of the Triune God.
We begin by reflecting on the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus at night. Nicodemus acknowledged Jesus as a teacher from God, but Jesus challenged him with the need to be born again to see the Kingdom of God. This conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is complex, filled with references to being born of water and the Spirit, and the mysterious workings of the Spirit. Jesus emphasized that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without this spiritual rebirth.
As we gather each week, we step into the story of meeting God, confessing our sins, and being lifted up to join the worship of all creation. We are reminded of the words from the prophet Isaiah, calling us to confession and transformation. We pray for unity, healing, and communion with God and each other. We receive the assurance that we are children of God, heirs with Christ, and forgiven by the power of the Holy Spirit. This good news compels us to share the peace of Christ with others.
We then move into a time of confession, using the ancient words of the universal confession that centers on the cross and the resurrection of Jesus. We declare our faith in one God, the Father Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, who was crucified, died, and rose again. We affirm our belief in the Holy Spirit, the giver of life, and in the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. This confession unites us with the saints of all ages.
In our prayers, we lift up those in need, acknowledging that Jesus came not to condemn but to save. We reflect on the story of Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness, a symbol of healing and forgiveness for those who acknowledge their sin. Jesus, like the snake, was lifted up on the cross to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him. This act of love demonstrates how God loves the world.
We then celebrate the Lord's Supper, remembering Jesus' sacrifice. On the night before His betrayal, Jesus took bread and wine, giving thanks and sharing them as symbols of His body and blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. We are invited to come to the table, to receive and be transformed by His love. We pray for the presence of Jesus at this table, making our communion a true, life-giving experience.
As we conclude, we celebrate the graduating high school seniors, praying for them as they move into the next chapter of their lives. We give them Bibles and prayer books, symbols of the story they are part of and the faith they carry forward. We pray for God's guidance and blessing on their journey.
In this complex and beautiful conversation, we are reminded that Jesus meets us where we are, inviting us to be born again, to enter into the life of the Triune God, and to share His love with the world. We are called to step out of our tents, to acknowledge our need for Him, and to receive the healing and peace He offers.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth: Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus highlights the essential need for spiritual rebirth. Despite Nicodemus' knowledge and status, Jesus tells him that to see the Kingdom of God, one must be born again of water and the Spirit. This rebirth is not about physical birth but a transformation of the heart and spirit, a new creation moment that aligns us with God's will and purpose. [01:06:01]
2. Confession and Transformation: Weekly gatherings are an opportunity to step into God's story, confess our sins, and be lifted up to join the worship of all creation. Confession is not just about acknowledging our wrongs but about seeking transformation and unity with God and each other. The assurance of forgiveness through the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as children of God, sharing His peace and love. [39:18]
3. The Power of Ancient Confessions: Reciting ancient confessions of faith connects us with the historical and universal Church. These confessions, such as the Nicene Creed, center on the core truths of Christianity, including the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They remind us of our shared beliefs and the continuity of our faith through the ages, uniting us with believers past and present. [47:15]
4. Jesus' Sacrificial Love: The story of Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness is a powerful symbol of Jesus' sacrificial love. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the snake, we are offered eternal life through Jesus' crucifixion. This act of love demonstrates God's profound love for the world, inviting us to acknowledge our sins, receive forgiveness, and be healed. [01:14:27]
5. Empowerment and Sending Out: Celebrating milestones, such as the graduation of high school seniors, is a reminder of the Church's role in raising and sending out disciples. We equip them with the Word of God and prayer, praying for God's guidance and blessing as they embark on new journeys. This act of sending out reflects Jesus' mission to gather and scatter, to draw people in and send them out to share His love and grace. [01:37:25]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:32] - Announcements and Celebrations
[39:18] - Call to Confession and Assurance
[47:15] - Reciting the Ancient Confession
[58:20] - Introduction to Trinity Sunday
[59:51] - The Story of Nicodemus
[01:06:01] - The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth
[01:14:27] - The Symbolism of Moses and the Snake
[01:17:03] - Jesus' Sacrificial Love
[01:25:50] - The Lord's Supper
[01:37:25] - Celebrating Graduating Seniors
[01:40:08] - Final Prayer and Sending Out
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:1-16
2. Isaiah 1:18
3. Numbers 21:4-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus tell Nicodemus is necessary to see the Kingdom of God? ([01:01:05])
2. How does Jesus describe the workings of the Spirit to Nicodemus? ([01:01:05])
3. What Old Testament story does Jesus reference when explaining His crucifixion to Nicodemus? ([01:14:27])
4. What assurance do we receive from the prophet Isaiah about our sins? ([39:18])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the need for spiritual rebirth to Nicodemus, despite his status and knowledge? ([01:06:01])
2. How does the story of Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness relate to Jesus' mission and crucifixion? ([01:14:27])
3. What is the significance of reciting ancient confessions of faith, such as the Nicene Creed, in our weekly gatherings? ([47:15])
4. How does the assurance of forgiveness through the Holy Spirit empower us to live as children of God? ([41:17])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced a moment of spiritual rebirth? If so, how did it transform your life? If not, what steps can you take to seek this transformation? ([01:06:01])
2. Confession is a key part of our faith. How can you incorporate regular confession and seeking transformation into your daily life? ([39:18])
3. The story of Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness is a powerful symbol of healing and forgiveness. Is there an area in your life where you need to step out of your "tent" and seek God's healing? ([01:14:27])
4. How can you actively participate in the unity and healing of your church community? What specific actions can you take to foster communion with God and others? ([40:44])
5. Celebrating milestones, such as graduations, is a reminder of the Church's role in raising and sending out disciples. How can you support and pray for those in your community who are entering new chapters in their lives? ([01:37:25])
6. Jesus meets us where we are and invites us to be born again. How can you be more open to recognizing and responding to Jesus' invitations in your daily life? ([01:19:55])
7. The assurance of being children of God and heirs with Christ is a powerful motivator. How can you share this good news and the peace of Christ with others in your life? ([41:17])
Devotional
Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth
To see the Kingdom of God, one must be born again of water and the Spirit. This rebirth is not about physical birth but a transformation of the heart and spirit, a new creation moment that aligns us with God's will and purpose. Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus highlights this essential need for spiritual rebirth. Despite Nicodemus' knowledge and status, Jesus tells him that to see the Kingdom of God, one must be born again. This spiritual rebirth is a profound transformation that allows us to enter into a new relationship with God, filled with hope, faith, and peace. It is a call to leave behind our old ways and embrace a new life in Christ. [01:06:01]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What areas of your life need a spiritual rebirth? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform your heart and align you with God's will today?
Day 2: Confession and Transformation
Weekly gatherings are an opportunity to step into God's story, confess our sins, and be lifted up to join the worship of all creation. Confession is not just about acknowledging our wrongs but about seeking transformation and unity with God and each other. The assurance of forgiveness through the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as children of God, sharing His peace and love. As we gather each week, we are reminded of the words from the prophet Isaiah, calling us to confession and transformation. We pray for unity, healing, and communion with God and each other, receiving the assurance that we are children of God, heirs with Christ, and forgiven by the power of the Holy Spirit. [39:18]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: What sins do you need to confess today? How can you seek transformation and unity with God and others through this confession?
Day 3: The Power of Ancient Confessions
Reciting ancient confessions of faith connects us with the historical and universal Church. These confessions, such as the Nicene Creed, center on the core truths of Christianity, including the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They remind us of our shared beliefs and the continuity of our faith through the ages, uniting us with believers past and present. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also connects us with the saints of all ages, reminding us that we are part of a larger story that spans generations. [47:15]
Jude 1:3 (ESV): "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
Reflection: How does reciting ancient confessions of faith strengthen your connection to the historical and universal Church? What core truths of Christianity resonate most deeply with you?
Day 4: Jesus' Sacrificial Love
The story of Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness is a powerful symbol of Jesus' sacrificial love. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the snake, we are offered eternal life through Jesus' crucifixion. This act of love demonstrates God's profound love for the world, inviting us to acknowledge our sins, receive forgiveness, and be healed. Jesus came not to condemn but to save, and His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's love for humanity. By reflecting on this sacrificial love, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the healing and forgiveness that are available to us through Jesus. [01:14:27]
Numbers 21:8-9 (ESV): "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live."
Reflection: How does Jesus' sacrificial love impact your understanding of God's love for you? In what ways can you acknowledge your sins and receive the healing and forgiveness offered through Jesus today?
Day 5: Empowerment and Sending Out
Celebrating milestones, such as the graduation of high school seniors, is a reminder of the Church's role in raising and sending out disciples. We equip them with the Word of God and prayer, praying for God's guidance and blessing as they embark on new journeys. This act of sending out reflects Jesus' mission to gather and scatter, to draw people in and send them out to share His love and grace. As we celebrate these milestones, we are reminded of our own call to be disciples and to share the love and grace of Jesus with the world. [01:37:25]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you support and pray for those who are being sent out to new journeys? In what ways can you share the love and grace of Jesus with those around you today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you read the Gospels, you'll see Jesus meet all kinds of people. To the rabbi, He speaks like a rabbi. To the woman at the well, He speaks about water. To the hungry, He offers a meal. Jesus invites us, those who are hungry, those who are thirsty, those who need our minds transformed and our hearts renewed. He invites us to come to this table. To come with overflowing, open hands and open hearts and receive because He is the one who was given who delights to give." [01:21:01]
2. "Yesterday as I was passing time I was listening to a podcast and they had a really great discussion about self-care. Do y'all know this term? We casually use it a lot in our culture. Self-care is a way of describing all those things that you would do for someone else. You can, you should, you in fact must do them for who? For yourself. So you need to take a day off. Huh, God took a day off. Maybe you could take a day off. You need to have some healthy sense of your limitations and set some boundaries." [01:11:14]
3. "One of the most beautiful things you get to do in the church is raise people up, and kick them out. I mean, send them out. So let me invite all those high school seniors who are going to be graduating to come up. Come up here and stand right behind this table." [01:37:25]
4. "Jesus was great at gathering people, and at scattering people, drawing them in to send them out. One of the most beautiful things you get to do in the church is raise people up, and kick them out. I mean, send them out." [01:36:52]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus looks at Nicodemus and said, you need that moment, Nicodemus. A new creation moment. You, Nicodemus, need a revival in the depths of your heart so that you hear the good news, so that you turn from your sin, so that you're baptized and filled with the Spirit. You, Nicodemus, need to begin again. Precisely because you know so much." [01:08:24]
2. "Week after week, we come together to be harmonized, to be brought together. One of the ways we do that is we confess our faith. We take the words of Scripture. We take the words of an ancient confession. We make them. We make them our own, to join our voices with the saints of all ages." [47:15]
3. "And here's the craziest part of the whole conversation. With that, he lets Nicodemus go. Can you imagine? I mean, if I was Nicodemus, I would have asked for the cliff notes, the footnotes, anything, something, to help me put all of this together. But here's the crazy thing about Jesus. Jesus trusts in the one who has started something good in you and is going to bring it to completion." [01:16:00]
4. "And He came and He not only obeyed the law, He fulfilled the law, but then He was crucified and condemned by the law. He came not to get the bad guys, but to die among the bad guys. So that raised from the dead He might have mercy on them. Nicodemus doesn't know all that, does he? But Jesus is inviting him deeper in. He is telling him what he needs to know." [01:13:19]
5. "When we gather together, we come in to sing, we come in to confess our faith, and we come in to pray. So now we are gathered, and Tim Davis is going to lead us as we pray. If you would like to sit, if you would like to kneel, feel free to do that or you can continue to stand." [50:01]
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