JESUS SAID "YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN"
What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?
To many think being a Christian is simply to "admire Jesus" and "go to church,"
But that is not it according to the Bible. Do what Jesus said: He said many things including: "believe; repent) receive God's Holy Spirit -- and “love one another” “Spread the Good News” “ Help those in need” and so on., and clearly Jesus said:
To many think being a Christian is simply to "admire Jesus" and "go to church,"
But that is not it according to the Bible. Do what Jesus said: He said many things including: "believe; repent) receive God's Holy Spirit -- and “love one another” “Spread the Good News” “ Help those in need” and so on., and clearly Jesus said:
"Do not wonder that I say that, 'You must be born again.''
To understand this Biblical term, it is necessary to understand that there are TWO BIRTHS. The "first" birth is the PHYSICAL BIRTH when you were born into this world from your mother and father. When the Bible speaks of being "born of water," it is speaking about the physical birth (NOT baptism). The "second" birth is a SPIRITUAL BIRTH, which means to be born of the "Spirit" (God's Holy Spirit). Why does a person need to be born spiritually? What is a "spiritual" birth?
If you don't receive Jesus Christ and become a born again Christian, then you will sadly not go to heaven when you die here on earth. Perhaps you say, “That born again stuff makes no sense to me.” Well, most people can't explain how a black cow can eat green grass, give white milk, and then it's turned into yellow butter—but they still eat it!
To understand this Biblical term, it is necessary to understand that there are TWO BIRTHS. The "first" birth is the PHYSICAL BIRTH when you were born into this world from your mother and father. When the Bible speaks of being "born of water," it is speaking about the physical birth (NOT baptism). The "second" birth is a SPIRITUAL BIRTH, which means to be born of the "Spirit" (God's Holy Spirit). Why does a person need to be born spiritually? What is a "spiritual" birth?
If you don't receive Jesus Christ and become a born again Christian, then you will sadly not go to heaven when you die here on earth. Perhaps you say, “That born again stuff makes no sense to me.” Well, most people can't explain how a black cow can eat green grass, give white milk, and then it's turned into yellow butter—but they still eat it!
Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh (of the physical is physical); and what is born of the spirit is spirit." John 3:3
Who Must be Born Again:
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Why must we be Born Again
John 3:6,7 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee. Ye must be born again
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God.
How we are Born Again
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 10:9,10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with themouth confession is made unto salvation.
The result of Being Born Again
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The assurance of Being Born Again
John 10:28,29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Live for God as a Christian: saved/filled with the Holy Spirit, serving Him through helping others including to see others come into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ
Act upon (do) the words of Jesus and of the Bible as it agrees with Christ (Messiah): "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock." Matthew 7:24-25
Be a fisher-of-man: as Jesus said "Follow me and I will make you a fisher of men'..." Jesus told Simon Peter: "Have no fear; from this time forward you will be a 'fisher of men'." Luke 5:10
Proclaim the good news in order to win souls as Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world, and proclaim the good news (gospel) [to everyone]." Mark 16:15
When you trust in Jesus Christ alone to save you, God forgives you! You become His child, and He promises you a home in heaven forever! Put your trust in Jesus as your Saviour from sin. Do it today, and begin following Him by obeying His Word, the Bible.
Jesus is the only One who can bring us back to God. The Bible says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." To give your life to Christ, pray the following prayer and accept Jesus as your Saviour:
How To Be Born Again
John3:3 Except a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
GOD’S GREATEST GIFT
John3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Confess you have sinned
Roman 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Thank Jesus for dying on the cross for your sins
· Romans 10:9 If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your
heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.
Put your trust in that it is by grace alone you are saved through faith and not by your works.
·Ephesians 2:8 & 9 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Invite Jesus to be your personal Lord and Savior.
John 1:12 &13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on His name:
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Who Must be Born Again:
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Why must we be Born Again
John 3:6,7 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee. Ye must be born again
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God.
How we are Born Again
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 10:9,10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with themouth confession is made unto salvation.
The result of Being Born Again
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The assurance of Being Born Again
John 10:28,29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Live for God as a Christian: saved/filled with the Holy Spirit, serving Him through helping others including to see others come into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ
Act upon (do) the words of Jesus and of the Bible as it agrees with Christ (Messiah): "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock." Matthew 7:24-25
Be a fisher-of-man: as Jesus said "Follow me and I will make you a fisher of men'..." Jesus told Simon Peter: "Have no fear; from this time forward you will be a 'fisher of men'." Luke 5:10
Proclaim the good news in order to win souls as Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world, and proclaim the good news (gospel) [to everyone]." Mark 16:15
When you trust in Jesus Christ alone to save you, God forgives you! You become His child, and He promises you a home in heaven forever! Put your trust in Jesus as your Saviour from sin. Do it today, and begin following Him by obeying His Word, the Bible.
Jesus is the only One who can bring us back to God. The Bible says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." To give your life to Christ, pray the following prayer and accept Jesus as your Saviour:
How To Be Born Again
John3:3 Except a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
GOD’S GREATEST GIFT
John3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Confess you have sinned
Roman 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Thank Jesus for dying on the cross for your sins
· Romans 10:9 If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your
heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.
Put your trust in that it is by grace alone you are saved through faith and not by your works.
·Ephesians 2:8 & 9 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Invite Jesus to be your personal Lord and Savior.
John 1:12 &13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on His name:
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
LET'S TAKE A DEEPER LOOK
WHY SHOULD ANYONE NEED TO BE "BORN AGAIN"?
The Bible explains, using the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis Chapters 2 and 3, that men and women were created to have a relationship with God. That relationship would only be workable when carried out according to the maker’s instructions.
The story in Genesis, telling how the man and the woman ate the fruit from the forbidden tree at the suggestion of the serpent, illustrates mankind’s inherent problem; "God’s not going to tell me what to do! I’m going to live my life my way"
In the story Adam and Eve chose to follow the advice of the serpent and in so doing broke the first of the manufacturer’s instructions: "live according to what I tell you and all will be well." In reality through obeying the serpent, rather than God, the man and woman actually did it the serpent’s way, since he deceived them into their disobedience of God.
Down through history man has preferred to live the way he wants to, and so is disobedient to God’s laws. Man’s fundamental nature is at odds with God and nothing but a complete overhaul of this nature will cure the problem. Theologians refer to this as "the sin problem". In a nutshell our sinful nature, which is at odds with God –who is sinless – needs to be dealt with.
God’s holiness (his moral purity) and justice demand that sin cannot be overlooked. If God overlooked sin, thereby condoning it, he would not be a very just God. The Bible says, "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". The sin present in each one of our lives must, ultimately, be dealt with one way or the other.
The good news is that God in his mercy has made a way open whereby he will accept a substitute – a scapegoat - as payment for your sin and mine. That scapegoat is Jesus Christ. Jesus came from Heaven to Earth out of love for humanity. Jesus himself was sinless and yet he chose death on a cross to pay the penalty for your sin and mine. Jesus rose from the dead and is now alive for evermore. Because Jesus defeated death, all who trust in the substitutionary death and resurrection of Jesus can have their sins forgiven and be reconciled with God, their maker. Their old life – their sin nature – will be replaced by a new life energised by the Holy Spirit (God’s spirit), hence they will be born anew, of the Spirit
The question for each of us is this: "do I want God to intervene in my life and deal with my sin nature, or do I want to carry on with my life as it is, with me in ultimate charge?"
Anyone who is open to God’s working in their life, trusting in what Jesus did for them will have their sins forgiven in this life and can look forward to eternal life in God’s kingdom, both in this life and the next.
Those who reject Jesus and thus God’s offer of a new start face a future of eternal separation from the love of God. This is not God’s wish, but all have free will and God will never overrule our free will as individuals to act as we choose. Each of us chooses our ultimate destiny, either actively or by default.
God has appointed Jesus as the judge all of mankind at the end of human history.
THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM "BORN AGAIN"
This is found in The New Testament section of the Bible, John’s Gospel Chapter 3. In discussion with Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, Jesus says to him (verse 3):" I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (alternative translation "born from above").
A "born again" Christian is therefore someone who trusts in the resurrected Jesus for forgiveness of their personal sin and lives their life in obedience to the laws of God’s kingdom. They have, in effect, been born again of the Holy Spirit. Ongoing submission to the Holy Spirit in their life enables Christians to live their lives as God wants.
"Born again" is a phrase we have heard about in a bad light more often than a good light in the secular world and press. Let us look at scripture to see if this is biblical and if and why it is necessary. John 3:1-5 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do except God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God."
How Are We Born Again?
John 3:5 tells how we receive the new birth--"water and the Spirit." What the water signifies is plainly told in Ephesians 5:26. The water is the Word of God--the gospel of Christ preached to sinners like you and me--which, by the sovereign power of the Holy Spirit, produces the new birth. See also 1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18.
Being a Born Again Christian means to have an intimate relationship with the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It’s not enough to have a head knowledge of Christ; a heart knowledge and acceptance of Christ and His Word is essential and vital to being a Christian. In the Gospel of John Chapter 3, we read of an influential Pharisee who comes to Jesus and says "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." John 3:2
He meant to praise Jesus and get on His good side. And that’s what many people try to do. Try to get on God’s good side.
But Jesus told him bluntly, “, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3
Jesus, “ said , "if you want to enter the kingdom, it’s not on your terms, but on mine.”
Have you been planning and living according to your own game plan to enter the kingdom of God? It’s better to put a stop to that this day.
Jesus says, “, "I tell you the truth; no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5
You have to be born of “Water” and “Spirit” to enter the kingdom of God. Water here refers to the Word of God which one has to accept in his/her heart and live according to it. Spirit here refers to the Holy Spirit who comes and lives in us when we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour of our lives.
Nicodemus knew the laws well; he was a teacher of Israel, but he didn’t have a personal relationship with God. And that is what God desires of everyone. He wants us to know him personally
Have you known Him personally? Has He become your Saviour? Do you feel that the Holy Spirit is living in you?
The Bible says, “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you
“Christian” must be defined. A “Christian” is not a person who has said a prayer, been to church, or been raised in a Christian family or because they have a religion name tag. It is not someone that merely reads the Bible every day, and or do no wrong as they think. While most of these things can be a part of the Christian experience, they are not what “makes” a Christian.
A Born Again Christian is a person who has, by faith, received and fully trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9. Became born again John3:3.
A Born Again Christian is a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17. This verse speaks of a person becoming an entirely new creature as a result of being “in Christ. He/she is born again: John 3:3. and takes the Holy Spirit to live in him/her. The Holy Spirit is our counsellor and helper John 16:7.
A Born Again Christian accepts Christ’s words: Jesus said: "I am the bread of life" John 6:35, and "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6. He also said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" John 3:3. He also says in John 15: 4 Jesus tells His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you”. And further in verse 6 He says, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned”.
A Born Again Christian will want to be a Ambassador: 2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
A Born Again Christian acts on Christ words: Final Judement Matthew 25: 31 – 46. This is a very important part of salvation. Read it and take it into your heart. "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence...............
We Are God's Ambassadors
2 Corinthians 5: 11-21 11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ's love controls us.* Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
It is Written 2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
About being God’s ambassador!
An ambassador means being a representative. Governments have them, charities have them and so do God as the scripture states.
One of the things that happen to us at the moment we come to Jesus for salvation is that we immediately become ambassadors of Jesus Christ, I should say we should. When you praise Jesus by how you act and live, you show His love and truth to others. Jesus needs you to be a living witness; this is how you start to be an ambassador.
Being an ambassador of Jesus is an every day, you NEVER stop. You need to represent Jesus at school, at work, where you play, where you shop, when you are with your friends, in the streets, on the bus or train, going overseas, everywhere, every minute of the day. That also mean you represent Christ at home as well with your parents, your grandparents, children, girl/boy friend, husband/wife, etc.
God, who reconciled the world to Himself by the death of Jesus, wants the world to be made aware that there is new life and forgiveness of sin available, simply for the asking.
Your everyday actions speak a thousand words to people who may never listen to a sermon or go to church. Jesus death on the Cross was an action He took to give all of us a chance to be His ambassadors and live in eternity with Him. The way you live your life or serve can glorify Christ or it can diminish Him in the lives of others. How you live your life is passed on and passed around in the world.
You will see people everyday that your pastor or I will never meet.. They need to know that the Saviour lives and is still calling, “Come unto me and I will give you rest.” How are they going to know? That’s our job, we must speak up. We have been given something to say and have been empowered by God’s Spirit to say it
Have you ever tried to run from God's calling to be His ambassador or any other task He has set before you? When God told Jonah the first time to go to Nineveh, he ran. It was his choice, but he ended up in the belly of a big fish. When we run from God, He has a way of getting our attention and bringing us back in the right direction.
Jonah 3:1-2 Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time:2 "Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you."
Now Jesus is calls you, what is your response? Are you going to be His ambassador, or will you hide or run? Jesus has called and equipped you for a purpose. Out of love for Him we should want to be His ambassador. He will help you with the words to say, and direct you in the right directions. He gave you the Holy spirit to speak for you and to help you.
Matthew 10:19-20. …..don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Salvation
Salvation is a gift that is made available to those who repent, believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and that He died and rose from the dead to save mankind (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10). This gift cannot be earned through good deeds or by simply being "good" (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Timothy 1:9). It is a matter of faith (acting out on what you believe according to God's Word concerning salvation).
What is salvation?
To be saved is to be rescued from sin, spiritual death and eternal punishment. When you’re saved, you are accepted by God through what His Son, Jesus, did for you on the cross.
Salvation is to be Born again John 3:3
Salvation is to become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Salvation is to enter a new relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Salvation is to receive a new spiritual nature. Ezekiel 36:26
Salvation is to be forgiven of your sins. Ephesians 1:7
Salvation is to receive eternal life. John 3:16
If you have come here looking for a change in your life, if you have come seeking a peace that is found only through a personal relationship with a loving God, then you are at the right place. God is ready and willing to help you—right now, and right where you are.
How do I get saved?
Jesus lived and died to give us salvation. You cannot earn it or pay for it in any way. You could never deserve this wonderful gift. God offers it to you freely. You must, however, reach out to God and receive salvation, much like we would receive any other gift! The Holy Bible plainly teaches us how to receive the gift of salvation.
Repent. (Turn from your sin.) Luke 13:3
Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior! (Acts 16:31, Mark 1:15)
Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!. John 1:12, Revelations 3:20
Commit yourself to follow Him. (Matthew 16:24)
What Now?
Are you ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If the answer is yes, pray this prayer: or go to our website COME AS YOU ARE. http://on-a-mission.webs.com/abc
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, "Whosoever shall come on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21). I am calling on You. I pray and ask Jesus to come into my heart and be Lord over my life according to Romans 10:9-10. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." I do that now. I confess that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead.
If you have prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God. We would love to hear from you and welcome you to come to visit us.
Is it necessary to be born again?
It is absolutely necessary to be born again to be saved and enter the Kingdom of God. John 3:1-7; I Pet. 1:23; Titus 3:5
WHY IS BEING BORN AGAIN IMPORTANT?
"In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Every Person Must Know That...
I. HE/SHE IS LOST AND IS A SINNER......
Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
I John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Isaiah 64:6 - We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
Ecclesiastes 7:20 - Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.
Romans 5:12 - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
2. THE PRICE OF SIN IS JUDGMENT.....
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 20:14 - And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
John 3:36 -- And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God's angry judgment."
Romans 1:18 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Ezekiel 18:4 - For all people are mine to judge…………………..
3. YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF.......
Titus 3:5-6 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 11:6 - And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I John 5:11 - And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
4. ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN SAVE YOU.......
Hebrews 2:9 - But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
John 14:6 - Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
I Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Hebrews 7:25 –Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Hebrews 10:10 - By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:19 - Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
I John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 12:46 - I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
John 8:24 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
John 6:51 - I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
5. YOU ARE SAVED BY FAITH IN JESUS........
Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved,….
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:18 - He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Galatians 3:26 - For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 10:9 - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
If you have not seen the simplicity in Christ in the above verses by now, I must tell you that you are trying to make your salvation much more difficult than you need to. There are no works such as baptism, church membership, sacraments, walking 'clean', wearing the right clothes, talking the right talk, giving money or thinking clean that will open the door of heaven.
". . . Ye Must Be Born Again"
Dear Holy Father,
I now believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came down to earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all of my sins. I believe that Jesus then rose from the dead on the third day to give all of us eternal life.
I now confess to You all of the wrong and sinful things I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive Me and wash away all of my sins by the blood of Jesus that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I am now ready to accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour. I now ask the Holy Spirit to come and live me and guide me. I now believe that I am truly saved and born again. In Jesus name I pray this Prayer, Amen.
If you have prayed a prayer to repent of your sins the next step is to find a True Born Again, Full Bible believing church where you will be built up in your faith. Ask God to lead you where He will have you go. It is important to connect with other Christians. Here is one way, join up on our fellowship website here where we have members from many parts of the world And it is Free. God bless you as you walk with Him.
WHY SHOULD ANYONE NEED TO BE "BORN AGAIN"?
The Bible explains, using the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis Chapters 2 and 3, that men and women were created to have a relationship with God. That relationship would only be workable when carried out according to the maker’s instructions.
The story in Genesis, telling how the man and the woman ate the fruit from the forbidden tree at the suggestion of the serpent, illustrates mankind’s inherent problem; "God’s not going to tell me what to do! I’m going to live my life my way"
In the story Adam and Eve chose to follow the advice of the serpent and in so doing broke the first of the manufacturer’s instructions: "live according to what I tell you and all will be well." In reality through obeying the serpent, rather than God, the man and woman actually did it the serpent’s way, since he deceived them into their disobedience of God.
Down through history man has preferred to live the way he wants to, and so is disobedient to God’s laws. Man’s fundamental nature is at odds with God and nothing but a complete overhaul of this nature will cure the problem. Theologians refer to this as "the sin problem". In a nutshell our sinful nature, which is at odds with God –who is sinless – needs to be dealt with.
God’s holiness (his moral purity) and justice demand that sin cannot be overlooked. If God overlooked sin, thereby condoning it, he would not be a very just God. The Bible says, "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". The sin present in each one of our lives must, ultimately, be dealt with one way or the other.
The good news is that God in his mercy has made a way open whereby he will accept a substitute – a scapegoat - as payment for your sin and mine. That scapegoat is Jesus Christ. Jesus came from Heaven to Earth out of love for humanity. Jesus himself was sinless and yet he chose death on a cross to pay the penalty for your sin and mine. Jesus rose from the dead and is now alive for evermore. Because Jesus defeated death, all who trust in the substitutionary death and resurrection of Jesus can have their sins forgiven and be reconciled with God, their maker. Their old life – their sin nature – will be replaced by a new life energised by the Holy Spirit (God’s spirit), hence they will be born anew, of the Spirit
The question for each of us is this: "do I want God to intervene in my life and deal with my sin nature, or do I want to carry on with my life as it is, with me in ultimate charge?"
Anyone who is open to God’s working in their life, trusting in what Jesus did for them will have their sins forgiven in this life and can look forward to eternal life in God’s kingdom, both in this life and the next.
Those who reject Jesus and thus God’s offer of a new start face a future of eternal separation from the love of God. This is not God’s wish, but all have free will and God will never overrule our free will as individuals to act as we choose. Each of us chooses our ultimate destiny, either actively or by default.
God has appointed Jesus as the judge all of mankind at the end of human history.
THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM "BORN AGAIN"
This is found in The New Testament section of the Bible, John’s Gospel Chapter 3. In discussion with Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, Jesus says to him (verse 3):" I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (alternative translation "born from above").
A "born again" Christian is therefore someone who trusts in the resurrected Jesus for forgiveness of their personal sin and lives their life in obedience to the laws of God’s kingdom. They have, in effect, been born again of the Holy Spirit. Ongoing submission to the Holy Spirit in their life enables Christians to live their lives as God wants.
"Born again" is a phrase we have heard about in a bad light more often than a good light in the secular world and press. Let us look at scripture to see if this is biblical and if and why it is necessary. John 3:1-5 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do except God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God."
How Are We Born Again?
John 3:5 tells how we receive the new birth--"water and the Spirit." What the water signifies is plainly told in Ephesians 5:26. The water is the Word of God--the gospel of Christ preached to sinners like you and me--which, by the sovereign power of the Holy Spirit, produces the new birth. See also 1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18.
Being a Born Again Christian means to have an intimate relationship with the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It’s not enough to have a head knowledge of Christ; a heart knowledge and acceptance of Christ and His Word is essential and vital to being a Christian. In the Gospel of John Chapter 3, we read of an influential Pharisee who comes to Jesus and says "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." John 3:2
He meant to praise Jesus and get on His good side. And that’s what many people try to do. Try to get on God’s good side.
But Jesus told him bluntly, “, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3
Jesus, “ said , "if you want to enter the kingdom, it’s not on your terms, but on mine.”
Have you been planning and living according to your own game plan to enter the kingdom of God? It’s better to put a stop to that this day.
Jesus says, “, "I tell you the truth; no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5
You have to be born of “Water” and “Spirit” to enter the kingdom of God. Water here refers to the Word of God which one has to accept in his/her heart and live according to it. Spirit here refers to the Holy Spirit who comes and lives in us when we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour of our lives.
Nicodemus knew the laws well; he was a teacher of Israel, but he didn’t have a personal relationship with God. And that is what God desires of everyone. He wants us to know him personally
Have you known Him personally? Has He become your Saviour? Do you feel that the Holy Spirit is living in you?
The Bible says, “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you
“Christian” must be defined. A “Christian” is not a person who has said a prayer, been to church, or been raised in a Christian family or because they have a religion name tag. It is not someone that merely reads the Bible every day, and or do no wrong as they think. While most of these things can be a part of the Christian experience, they are not what “makes” a Christian.
A Born Again Christian is a person who has, by faith, received and fully trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9. Became born again John3:3.
A Born Again Christian is a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17. This verse speaks of a person becoming an entirely new creature as a result of being “in Christ. He/she is born again: John 3:3. and takes the Holy Spirit to live in him/her. The Holy Spirit is our counsellor and helper John 16:7.
A Born Again Christian accepts Christ’s words: Jesus said: "I am the bread of life" John 6:35, and "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6. He also said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" John 3:3. He also says in John 15: 4 Jesus tells His disciples, “Abide in Me, and I in you”. And further in verse 6 He says, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned”.
A Born Again Christian will want to be a Ambassador: 2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
A Born Again Christian acts on Christ words: Final Judement Matthew 25: 31 – 46. This is a very important part of salvation. Read it and take it into your heart. "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence...............
We Are God's Ambassadors
2 Corinthians 5: 11-21 11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ's love controls us.* Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
It is Written 2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
About being God’s ambassador!
An ambassador means being a representative. Governments have them, charities have them and so do God as the scripture states.
One of the things that happen to us at the moment we come to Jesus for salvation is that we immediately become ambassadors of Jesus Christ, I should say we should. When you praise Jesus by how you act and live, you show His love and truth to others. Jesus needs you to be a living witness; this is how you start to be an ambassador.
Being an ambassador of Jesus is an every day, you NEVER stop. You need to represent Jesus at school, at work, where you play, where you shop, when you are with your friends, in the streets, on the bus or train, going overseas, everywhere, every minute of the day. That also mean you represent Christ at home as well with your parents, your grandparents, children, girl/boy friend, husband/wife, etc.
God, who reconciled the world to Himself by the death of Jesus, wants the world to be made aware that there is new life and forgiveness of sin available, simply for the asking.
Your everyday actions speak a thousand words to people who may never listen to a sermon or go to church. Jesus death on the Cross was an action He took to give all of us a chance to be His ambassadors and live in eternity with Him. The way you live your life or serve can glorify Christ or it can diminish Him in the lives of others. How you live your life is passed on and passed around in the world.
You will see people everyday that your pastor or I will never meet.. They need to know that the Saviour lives and is still calling, “Come unto me and I will give you rest.” How are they going to know? That’s our job, we must speak up. We have been given something to say and have been empowered by God’s Spirit to say it
Have you ever tried to run from God's calling to be His ambassador or any other task He has set before you? When God told Jonah the first time to go to Nineveh, he ran. It was his choice, but he ended up in the belly of a big fish. When we run from God, He has a way of getting our attention and bringing us back in the right direction.
Jonah 3:1-2 Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time:2 "Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you."
Now Jesus is calls you, what is your response? Are you going to be His ambassador, or will you hide or run? Jesus has called and equipped you for a purpose. Out of love for Him we should want to be His ambassador. He will help you with the words to say, and direct you in the right directions. He gave you the Holy spirit to speak for you and to help you.
Matthew 10:19-20. …..don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Salvation
Salvation is a gift that is made available to those who repent, believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and that He died and rose from the dead to save mankind (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10). This gift cannot be earned through good deeds or by simply being "good" (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Timothy 1:9). It is a matter of faith (acting out on what you believe according to God's Word concerning salvation).
What is salvation?
To be saved is to be rescued from sin, spiritual death and eternal punishment. When you’re saved, you are accepted by God through what His Son, Jesus, did for you on the cross.
Salvation is to be Born again John 3:3
Salvation is to become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Salvation is to enter a new relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Salvation is to receive a new spiritual nature. Ezekiel 36:26
Salvation is to be forgiven of your sins. Ephesians 1:7
Salvation is to receive eternal life. John 3:16
If you have come here looking for a change in your life, if you have come seeking a peace that is found only through a personal relationship with a loving God, then you are at the right place. God is ready and willing to help you—right now, and right where you are.
How do I get saved?
Jesus lived and died to give us salvation. You cannot earn it or pay for it in any way. You could never deserve this wonderful gift. God offers it to you freely. You must, however, reach out to God and receive salvation, much like we would receive any other gift! The Holy Bible plainly teaches us how to receive the gift of salvation.
Repent. (Turn from your sin.) Luke 13:3
Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior! (Acts 16:31, Mark 1:15)
Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!. John 1:12, Revelations 3:20
Commit yourself to follow Him. (Matthew 16:24)
What Now?
Are you ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If the answer is yes, pray this prayer: or go to our website COME AS YOU ARE. http://on-a-mission.webs.com/abc
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, "Whosoever shall come on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21). I am calling on You. I pray and ask Jesus to come into my heart and be Lord over my life according to Romans 10:9-10. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." I do that now. I confess that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead.
If you have prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God. We would love to hear from you and welcome you to come to visit us.
Is it necessary to be born again?
It is absolutely necessary to be born again to be saved and enter the Kingdom of God. John 3:1-7; I Pet. 1:23; Titus 3:5
WHY IS BEING BORN AGAIN IMPORTANT?
"In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Every Person Must Know That...
I. HE/SHE IS LOST AND IS A SINNER......
Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
I John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Isaiah 64:6 - We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
Ecclesiastes 7:20 - Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.
Romans 5:12 - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
2. THE PRICE OF SIN IS JUDGMENT.....
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 20:14 - And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
John 3:36 -- And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God's angry judgment."
Romans 1:18 - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Ezekiel 18:4 - For all people are mine to judge…………………..
3. YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF.......
Titus 3:5-6 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 11:6 - And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I John 5:11 - And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
4. ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN SAVE YOU.......
Hebrews 2:9 - But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
John 14:6 - Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
I Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Hebrews 7:25 –Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Hebrews 10:10 - By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:19 - Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
I John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 12:46 - I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
John 8:24 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
John 6:51 - I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
5. YOU ARE SAVED BY FAITH IN JESUS........
Acts 16:31 - And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved,….
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:18 - He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Galatians 3:26 - For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Romans 10:9 - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
If you have not seen the simplicity in Christ in the above verses by now, I must tell you that you are trying to make your salvation much more difficult than you need to. There are no works such as baptism, church membership, sacraments, walking 'clean', wearing the right clothes, talking the right talk, giving money or thinking clean that will open the door of heaven.
". . . Ye Must Be Born Again"
Dear Holy Father,
I now believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came down to earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all of my sins. I believe that Jesus then rose from the dead on the third day to give all of us eternal life.
I now confess to You all of the wrong and sinful things I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive Me and wash away all of my sins by the blood of Jesus that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I am now ready to accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour. I now ask the Holy Spirit to come and live me and guide me. I now believe that I am truly saved and born again. In Jesus name I pray this Prayer, Amen.
If you have prayed a prayer to repent of your sins the next step is to find a True Born Again, Full Bible believing church where you will be built up in your faith. Ask God to lead you where He will have you go. It is important to connect with other Christians. Here is one way, join up on our fellowship website here where we have members from many parts of the world And it is Free. God bless you as you walk with Him.