Liberty is a Bible believing, Bible preaching church in the Wilmington, NC area. We invite you to check us out. Email me at genetilly@gmail.com for information about our church
The last couple of weeks we have seen the gospel as told to us in Jesus’s own words. Ye must be born again was His declaration. The remedy He gave was Himself. Condemnation was already here. Man is born condemned and Jesus declares He is the only way for condemnation to be removed. Praise the Lord, He removed it for all who believe in Him –
John clarifies the difference between the Messiah and John the Baptist
A. John the Baptist pointed men to Jesus. B. John stated clearly “I am not the Christ”. C. John was the friend of the bridegroom – indication here that John the Baptist was never a part of the church. D. The profound statement – v.30 He must increase, but I musts decrease.
THIS IS THE KEY TO THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF CHRISTIANITY.
If man is the center, it is not Biblical.
If man claims any power outside of what God is doing through Him, he is not biblical.
If man is pushing a personal agenda that promises riches and fame, he is not biblical.
A true minister of Christ will NEVER try to bring attention to his self.
A true minister will allow Jesus to be the one the light shines on
John’s declaration
A. God is true – v33. B. God the Father loves God the Son – V.35 C. God’s way to salvation – v 36
Here we see, in v 36 what Johns feels is of utmost importance.
A. John repeats this in the book of I John 5:11-13 -And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. B. God has given us the record (the proof) that eternal life is in Jesus. C. One must possess, not just confess.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
D. Unbelievers will experience the wrath of God if they do not repent and turn to Jesus.
Psalms 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 6:16-17 – 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.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.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.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.19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
There has never been a greater story told than the one of God’s redeeming love. Think about it. God created the worlds and everything in it and the last thing He created was man. Man was created in God’s image, placed in a perfect environment, walked, and talked with God daily and could pretty well do whatever he wanted too, except one thing.
Genesis 2:16-17 – And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
The simple facts
Eat of all the fruit of the trees but one.
One simple thing is all God asked.
One. What did man do?
He ate of the tree anyway.
Eat at your own peril, but if you do, you will die!
Isn’t that just like man today?
The problem
A sneaky snake.
It tricked Eve. (side note) It appears that God told Adam not to eat before He created Eve.
Eve did not get the facts right – Genesis 3:2-3 – And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
Eve is not the one God held responsible.
Adam was responsible.
Why
God gave the message to Adam, not to Eve.
Adam was responsible to properly relay the message to Eve.
Adam was present when Eve ate the fruit, but made no attempt to stop her.
Eve was tricked – deceived!
Adam was fully aware he was violating God’s command.
The cure
Genesis 3:14-15 – And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel
Adam did not fully understand God’s statement of redemption to come.
Satan surely did.
Satan brought condemnation to all man kind
The message of Christ is not one of condemnation, but of hope.
The world’s message is one of darkness and despair
John 3:19-20 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
You and I are to shine the light –
Matthew 5:14-16 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
What will our light Do?
It will reveal the truth to those who have no hope.
It will focus on the cure, not the curse. Jesus came to remove the condemnation, not to condemn – our focus should be the same. (you and I can not remove someone’s sin, only Jesus can do that – we are to make Him known.)
The true light will lead sinners to eternal life.
Man can not respond if the light is not revealed.
You and I are indeed the way God has chosen to take the light.
I Corinthians 3:8-11;16 – Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
God’s plan:
Provide a way to Him.
Use us (you and me) to share the good news.
To remove man’s condemnation and replace it with eternal life.
To make man’s part simple – Believe!!
Romans 10:9-10;13 – 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:14-17 – How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Matthew 28:19-20 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 3:1-15There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.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.4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?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.6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
I want to focus today on the words Jesus used with Nicodemus, ‘YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN”. This was hard for Nicodemus to comprehend. I contend with you today that this is still hard for people to comprehend. Fact is, the world and even some “so called” Christians mock others when they use this term: but Jesus said “Ye Must Be Born Again” to enter His kingdom. So, let’s look at this today.
What Born again is not!
A. Reforming B. Being a good church member C. Religion D. Confessing to a man E. Doing good deeds F. Being good, better than the next man G. It is not even some prescribed prayer. H. It is not baptism – that would mean it is based on something you do.
What Born again is!
A. It is a new birth – a recreation of the inner man – I 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. B. It is a repentance of one’s sinfulness and a turning to Jesus – Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. C. It is the Holy Spirit transforming you and enabling you to change your thinking about things. – John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. D. It is all God and zero man – Ephesians 2:8-10 – 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
So how is one born again?
Acts 16:30-34 – And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Believe What God says about:
And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. A. Believe What God says about:
Your sinfulness. Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Your inability to earn your way.
His love for you. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in His should not perish, but have everlasting life.
His provision – His only begotten son.
His requirement – perfection II Corinthians 5: 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
His satisfaction – Isaiah 53:4-11 – Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
So, let us examine:
Man’s sinfulness – 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.
Man’s condition – Hopelessly lost! Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Man’s greatest need – The removal of the sin debt. Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Man must move from a head knowledge to a heart knowledge – Romans 10:9-11 – 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Review:
Agree with God – You are a sinner. Agree with God – Sin must be paid for. Agree with God – Be willing to turn from your sinfulness to God. Agree with God – Jesus did die for your sin and He alone can save you.
Agree with God – Jesus died, was buried and rose again for your sin.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Agree with God – Call out to Him –
Agree with God today –
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
I John 5:4-5 – For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Ever wonder about things going on today? I do.
America and the world are coming together, and we are headed to a one world government. As unwelcome as that may be, we as believers know that this is all foretold in the Bible. The world will gather around one leader, the anti-Christ. It almost seems like there are world leaders today who are “applying” for that position. No worries. God is still in control, and He has promised that we have the victory. We won! The devil is defeated, so do not lose hope. Instead, rejoice. So, exactly what does it mean to have total victory?
It is based in the fact that Jesus knows me.
John 10:27-30- My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.30 I and my Father are one.
It is based on the fact that my faith is in Jesus.His death, burial, and resurrection
John 3:16-18;36 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.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.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., 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.
(NEXT WEEK WE WILL BEGIN A STUDY IN JOHN 3)
It is based in on the fact that God’s word is eternal, inerrant, infallible, and preserved.
Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Psalms 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Psalms 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
It is Based on the Fact that Jesus is Coming Again
Acts 1:9-11 – And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.–
John 14:1-3;27 –Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Philippians 2:3-8 – Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Jesus set the example. I represent Jesus to the world. Real servanthood is:
Humility
Obedience
Action
Quit being concerned about how you look, and start being concerned with how He looks.
Obedience was why Jesus was able to endure the cross.
Humility is what leads to obedience. I Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Service is faith in action. James 2:15-18 – If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; otwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Service is being willing to go to the back of the line. Mark 10:28-31 – Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
A. It is the PHD reaching into the gutter to lift up the old drunk. B. It is the teacher reaching down to where the student lives. C. It is the doctor being willing to pray with the hurting. D. It is the Lawyer being willing to get down on the floor with snotty nose Sunday school kids. E. It is the pastor being willing to leave the pulpit and touch the life of some homeless person. F. It is the CEO serving food to people at the food kitchen. G. It is the carpenter fixing a hole in the wall some kid put their playing in the nursery. H. It is the great orator being willing to teach that timid child the story of Jonah. I. It is the couple who is reaching out to the widow making sure she is cared for. J. It is a childless couple working in the nursery. K. It is the teenager helping the old one out of the car and into the church. L. It is the poorest of the poor casting in a penny. M. It is the millionaire paying the rent for the man out of work. N. It is the man out of work sharing what he has with another.
