The New Birth (September 20, 2009)

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Scripture for today's sermon:
John 3:1-8
1 Peter 1:3-25

This week focuses on testimonies from Jack and Nicole, who are members at Quinault.

Pharisees believed that the Scriptures are applicable and should change their daily lives. Unfortunately their religious practices took a bend toward legalism. The Pharisees were the religious elite, among the rulers of the Jews.

Rabbi was a term of ultimate respect. Super-religious Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus
The Pharisees were the teachers from God; Jesus was not among the Pharisees.
Nicodemus acknowledges that respect is due to Jesus, that he has good things to teach, and that he has performed signs from God.

Jesus says "you must be born again" to the super-religious guy who we would think is already born again.

Saying nice things about Jesus won't get you to heaven.

John 1:12-13
You had no say in your conception or your birth; it was totally out of your control. Likewise, being born again is brought about by God alone.

St. Augustine
Romans 13:13-14

C.S. Lewis
"It was as if I had been asleep for a long time, and I woke up, and without moving I realized I was awake."

Some conversions are emotional or dramatic, others are emotionless.

Ezekiel 36:25-27