Transformative Power of Being Born Again in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to partake in communion, reflecting on the profound transformation Jesus brought to our relationship with God. In the Old Testament, the temple was the center of worship and sacrifice. However, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross abolished the need for the temple sacrificial system, making us the temple of the Holy Spirit. This means we can connect with God anytime, anywhere, because He resides within us.
We also delved into the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee who sought Jesus to understand His teachings. Jesus told Nicodemus that to see the Kingdom of God, one must be born again, not just physically but spiritually. This concept of being "born again" signifies a complete transformation, a new birth from above, which is essential for entering God's Kingdom. Jesus emphasized that this new birth is not about adhering to religious rituals or achieving moral perfection but about a profound inner change brought by the Holy Spirit.
Nicodemus, despite his religious knowledge and status, needed this new birth. Jesus explained that just as Moses lifted the bronze serpent in the wilderness for the healing of the Israelites, He too would be lifted up on the cross for the salvation of humanity. This act of looking to Jesus for salvation is the essence of being born again.
We concluded by affirming that salvation is not about our deeds or religious observances but about believing in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. This message is crucial for everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. We must all be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Temple Within Us: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross transformed the concept of the temple from a physical structure to a spiritual reality within us. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to connect with God anytime and anywhere. This profound shift means that our relationship with God is personal and immediate, not confined to a specific place or ritual. [23:50]
2. The Necessity of Being Born Again: Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus highlights the necessity of being born again to enter the Kingdom of God. This new birth is not about physical rebirth but a spiritual transformation that only the Holy Spirit can bring. It signifies a complete renewal of our inner being, aligning us with God's will and purpose. [49:49]
3. Salvation Through Jesus Alone: Jesus' reference to the bronze serpent lifted by Moses underscores that salvation comes through looking to Him. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, we receive eternal life by believing in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This act of faith is the cornerstone of our salvation. [58:06]
4. Transformation Over Improvement: Jesus does not come into our lives to make us a better version of ourselves but to transform us completely. This transformation involves dismantling our old foundations—whether they are built on success, achievements, or failures—and establishing a new foundation in Christ. This new birth makes us new creatures in Christ, fundamentally different from our old selves. [01:01:31]
5. Universal Need for New Birth: Regardless of one's religious background, moral standing, or life achievements, everyone must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. This new birth is not about our efforts or religious observances but about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a universal requirement that transcends all human distinctions. [01:11:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:55] - Jesus and the Temple Sacrifice
[23:50] - We Are the Temple
[39:07] - Praying for Our Nation
[41:29] - Nicodemus Seeks Jesus
[45:36] - Jesus' Authority and the Temple
[49:49] - Born Again: Water and Spirit
[58:06] - The Spirit's Work in Us
[01:01:31] - Transformation Over Improvement
[01:11:37] - Universal Need for New Birth
[01:14:06] - John 3:16 and Salvation
[01:20:08] - Invitation to Receive Christ
[01:21:18] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:1-16
2. Ezekiel 36:24-27
3. Numbers 21:4-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus mean when He said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up"? How did this statement relate to His mission? [22:55]
2. In Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, what does it mean to be "born again"? How did Nicodemus initially react to this concept? [49:49]
3. How does Jesus' reference to the bronze serpent in the wilderness relate to His own mission and sacrifice? [58:06]
4. According to the sermon, what does it mean for us to be the temple of the Holy Spirit? How does this change our relationship with God? [23:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the concept of being "born again" essential for entering the Kingdom of God, according to Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus? How does this new birth differ from physical birth? [49:49]
2. How does the transformation Jesus offers differ from mere self-improvement? What does it mean to have a new foundation in Christ? [01:01:31]
3. Why is it significant that salvation is through Jesus alone, as illustrated by the bronze serpent lifted by Moses? How does this shape our understanding of faith and salvation? [58:06]
4. How does the universal need for new birth challenge our perceptions of religious observance and moral standing? What does this imply about the inclusivity of Jesus' message? [01:11:37]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. How does this understanding impact your daily life and your approach to connecting with God? [23:50]
2. Jesus emphasized the necessity of being born again. Have you experienced this spiritual transformation? If so, how has it changed your life? If not, what steps can you take to seek this new birth? [49:49]
3. The sermon highlighted that salvation is not about our deeds but about believing in Jesus. How does this truth affect your view of your own efforts and achievements? [58:06]
4. Transformation over improvement was a key point in the sermon. What old foundations in your life need to be dismantled to allow for a new foundation in Christ? [01:01:31]
5. The message of being born again is universal. How can you share this message with others in your community, regardless of their background or current circumstances? [01:11:37]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt a disconnect with God. How can the understanding that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit help you reconnect with Him in those moments? [23:50]
7. Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus shows that even those who seem to have it all together need to be born again. How can this perspective change the way you view and interact with people who appear to have no need for spiritual transformation? [49:49]
Devotional
Day 1: The Temple Within Us
Description: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross transformed the concept of the temple from a physical structure to a spiritual reality within us. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to connect with God anytime and anywhere. This profound shift means that our relationship with God is personal and immediate, not confined to a specific place or ritual. This transformation signifies that God's presence is no longer limited to a building but resides within each believer, making our connection with Him constant and intimate. [23:50]
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence within you throughout your daily activities today?
Day 2: The Necessity of Being Born Again
Description: Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus highlights the necessity of being born again to enter the Kingdom of God. This new birth is not about physical rebirth but a spiritual transformation that only the Holy Spirit can bring. It signifies a complete renewal of our inner being, aligning us with God's will and purpose. This transformation is essential for anyone who desires to see and enter the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that it is not about religious rituals or moral perfection but about a profound inner change. [49:49]
John 3:5-6 (ESV): "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit to bring about a new birth and transformation today?
Day 3: Salvation Through Jesus Alone
Description: Jesus' reference to the bronze serpent lifted by Moses underscores that salvation comes through looking to Him. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, we receive eternal life by believing in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This act of faith is the cornerstone of our salvation, emphasizing that it is not our deeds or religious observances that save us but our belief in Jesus Christ. This message is crucial for everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. [58:06]
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 can you actively look to Jesus for your salvation and healing in your current life situation?
Day 4: Transformation Over Improvement
Description: Jesus does not come into our lives to make us a better version of ourselves but to transform us completely. This transformation involves dismantling our old foundations—whether they are built on success, achievements, or failures—and establishing a new foundation in Christ. This new birth makes us new creatures in Christ, fundamentally different from our old selves. It is a radical change that redefines our identity and purpose, aligning us with God's will and making us vessels of His grace and truth. [01:01:31]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What old foundations in your life need to be dismantled for Christ to build something new in you today?
Day 5: Universal Need for New Birth
Description: Regardless of one's religious background, moral standing, or life achievements, everyone must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. This new birth is not about our efforts or religious observances but about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a universal requirement that transcends all human distinctions, emphasizing that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus. This message calls everyone to examine their hearts and seek a genuine, transformative relationship with Christ. [01:11:37]
Titus 3:5 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today, recognizing the universal need for new birth in Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus died to accomplish that. This is about taking the temple from making it brick and mortar and making it in our hearts. That's what it is. Jesus gave his life. He gave his life on the cross. He died our death so that we could have life." [23:50] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can't just see Jesus as a good man and teacher and get into the kingdom of heaven. You know, I don't know if you know this, but most people are deceived about how you get to heaven. Most people think you get to heaven based upon your actions and behaviors." [01:09:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said, if you want to be in the kingdom of heaven, something incredible has to happen. Something that you cannot even do on your own. You must be born again. He said, it's not about your behavior. It's about what? It's about this son of man who's lifted up on a stake." [01:10:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We cannot compromise on the truth of the gospel. There is a line in the sand in Acts chapter 4 preaching to a bunch of good Jews that had come to the temple. They said, and there is salvation in no one else. For there's no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must been saved." [01:15:33] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You must. I must. We all must be born again. Jesus came to save us from our sins. Jesus came to set us free from that lie. So old Nick said, what's going on here? What's going on? And Jesus just comes. He doesn't pull any punches. You got to be born again, buddy." [01:18:42] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So Christ came, he said, I'm going to tear down this temple and rebuild it in three days. And they didn't know what he's talking about. But when Jesus came and when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, it did away with the need for the temple sacrificial system because he was once and for all the perfect sacrifice." [22:55] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our nation needs a move of God. It needs a revival. And if we believe that, if we believe that our nation needs a move of God and it needs a revival, if you believe that, what we should be saying to God, God, start a revival in me. Because that's the way revival always starts." [40:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus doesn't come into you, into your life. When you give your life to Jesus, he doesn't come to make you a better version than you were. A new improved version. He comes to make you totally different. You're a new creature in Christ Jesus." [01:01:31] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul said all that old religious foundation that I have worked so hard to get the approval of men and to have my accomplishments and to be regarded as a success, and to be regarded as successful. He said all of that is nothing. It's a waste compared to the knowledge of knowing Christ, compared to the relationship." [01:04:54] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You can attend church all your life and it won't get you into heaven. You can give all your money, which I'm not against, but it won't get you in heaven. You can be baptized. We baptized my sweet granddaughter last week. And we believe in baptism. And we believe in baptism after conversion." [01:12:57] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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