Sunday, April 6, 1997 In Your Absence:
Last week, we concluded our study about giving Jesus control of your life. This week, we started a new study about the Holy Spirit and began by looking at John 3:1-16 to examine this mysterious thing of the spiritual rebirth, also known as being born again. Most people cannot explain biologically how human life is brought about, and most of us are just as much at a loss to explain how the spiritual rebirth occurs. In our lesson this week, we read about an encounter between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, and also a teacher, but he had come to Jesus by night in hopes of learning from the Master. He was not disappointed!
An important conclusion of this week's lesson is what can be described as Nicodemus' attitude. He was a prestigious man, a Jewish leader, and one who had a certain amount of power. He could have come to Jesus with a critical attitude. Certainly, many of those who came to Him did come with wrong or impure motives. Nicodemus could have come with the idea of "straightening" Jesus out on a few things, as it were, because certainly among the scribes and priests there were many like that. But instead, he came with an humble heart, an open mind, and a willingness to let the King of Glory minister to Him. From Nicodemus, we can learn that God honors a pure heart. Another important conclusion of this lesson, though, comes from our Lord. Jesus could have viewed Nicodemus as part of the enemy. He could have been critical and hesitant to become involved with him. But instead, Jesus saw this man as an individual who had a spiritual need, and then, He tried to meet that need. May we who name the name of Christ always demonstrate this same kind of willingness to minister to others.
When Jesus spoke of the new birth, he was literally talking about being born "from above." Being born again, or from above, is not merely turning over a new leaf, as so many believe. It also is not having some sort of deep, mystical religious experience, again as many believe. Put in simple terms, it is recognizing your need of the Lord and then in turning to Him. As a nineteen year old kid, in a great bit of trouble, I realized that I could not fix all that was wrong with me. I told the Lord that I knew that I had sinned, I asked Him to forgive me, and then, I asked Him to take control of my life and lead me from my troubles. That was quite a few years ago, and He has been faithful to me on each point. He has also been faithful to a multitude of others.
A new life in Christ is simple to obtain, and it is free. But it is not automatic! You, like all those who have come before you, must ask. Then, you must be willing to put your faith in the finished work of Jesus, the Christ. Being born again is being born of the Holy Spirit of God. It is allowing the Spirit to indwell you and lead you in the paths that He would have you to go. By physical birth, we obtain physical life. By a spiritual rebirth, we gain never ending access to the God Who made us. Please trust Jesus today and, as always, make it your goal to serve Him as you go through this week. Be sure to tell others what He has done for you. Thank you, and I hope to see you in class soon.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com