What practical steps can we take to experience the "born again" transformation? Key Verse “Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” (John 3:3) Understanding the New Birth • The new birth is a supernatural work of God’s Spirit (John 3:5–8). • It is accomplished “through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). • We receive this life by grace through faith, not by personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Practical Steps Toward the New Birth 1. Hear the Gospel Clearly • Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Expose your heart to faithful preaching and personal Bible reading so the Spirit can awaken faith. 2. Acknowledge Your Need • Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned.” • Agree with God about your sin and helplessness apart from Christ. 3. Repent—Turn from Sin to God • Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” • Repentance is a decisive change of mind that leads to a change of direction. 4. Believe in Jesus Christ Alone • John 1:12-13: “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” • Rely fully on Christ’s finished work on the cross and His resurrection. 5. Confess Him Publicly • Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” • Let your words match the faith that is now in your heart. 6. Submit to Baptism • Matthew 28:19 commands disciples to be baptized. • Baptism does not earn salvation, but it testifies that you have died with Christ and risen to new life (Romans 6:4). 7. Receive the Holy Spirit’s Indwelling • Acts 2:38 promises “the gift of the Holy Spirit” to all who repent and believe. • Invite His ongoing control; He is the seal and power of the new birth (Ephesians 1:13-14). Continuing in the New Life • Abide in Scripture – 1 Peter 1:23: We are “born again… through the living and enduring word of God.” Keep feeding on that Word daily. • Cultivate Prayer and Worship – Hebrews 4:16 urges us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Speak openly with your Father. • Join Biblical Fellowship – Acts 2:42 shows the early believers “devoted to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” A church family nurtures growth. • Walk in Ongoing Surrender – Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Yield daily choices to Him. • Bear Fruit that Confirms New Life – 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Expect visible change—love, joy, holiness (Galatians 5:22-23). Encouragement for Today The same Savior who declared, “You must be born again” (John 3:7) stands ready to grant that life right now. As you respond in repentance and faith, the Spirit of God births something entirely new within you, and that transformation will echo into eternity. |
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