New Life John 3:1-17
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Transcript of New Life John 3:1-17
New LifeJohn 3:1-17
Most of us are blindWe miss the obvious
We go for the easy answersWe make too many assumptions
We often fail to see the truth
When I was a child I lived in a lower middle class community
We had a home, clothing and foodNot much more
But I thought we were pretty well-off
Because everyone else seemed to be like us or worse
My assumption:We were doing pretty well
In the same wayWe think we will be happy if we
have the toys others haveWe think if we follow the rules all
will be fine
John 3Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
Sometimes we think all is wellThen we are challenged to rethink our assumptions
My sister said “We were poor”
I like ShakespeareKing Lear is one of my favorite plays
It is a tragedyWhat appears to be good is badWhat appears to be bad is good
Those with sight cannot seeThe blind are able to see clearly
The BadReaganGonerilEdmond
The GoodCordelia
KentLear’s Fool
The LostKing LearGlouster
Edgar
King Lear loses his sight and his sanity and hold Cordelia in his
arms as she dies Now that he is blind and mad, King Lear finally recognizes…
Who loves himWho is using him
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
This man was at the top of his faithRespected, revered and feared
But he is blindedHe does not know how to be saved
He wants to be betterJesus wants him to be born again
“Born of water and the spirit”Testimony and faith
Not of the fleshBecause things come and go, decay,
disappear and lose their value Our relationship with Christ has no limits
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Are you just following the rules?Being or trying to be good?
Hoping all the good will out way the bad?
Assuming that not choosing evil means choosing Christ?
Have you accepted Jesus in your heart?Asked Him to come into your life?
Asked Jesus to be Lord of your life?Given Him permission to reign?
Laid it all out and raised the white flag?
King Lear was fooled by flatteryHe was told what he wanted to hear
He had to lose everything to see the truth
Maybe we are hearing what we want to hear from the world and from Satan
Self-esteemMoneyLooksFameJob
Place
The bible reminds us that life is fleetingMake your life count here
Live your life for Christ nowLife your next life with Christ
It all starts with a new birth in Christ