3. Be Filled
BE BORN AGAIN
Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:7
Jesus was talking about a deep personal transformation in the heart of man, produced by the Holy Spirit, which alters the motivation for ones living from self-centeredness to God- centeredness. Being born again produces a real internal cleansing, a renewal – like a personal makeover on the inside by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This statement was made by Jesus to someone, who in that culture they wouldn’t have considered a ‘sinner’, but a highly religious Jewish leader. It points to the universal problem of sin, and the necessity of a personal spiritual rebirth that transfers us out of the kingdom of this world, and places us into the kingdom of God.
Being born again is the product of human engagement with the divine. Man humbles himself, surrenders, and turns to God through Jesus Christ. On the divine side, God does the cleansing, renewing, and the saving of our souls. In a world of philosophical pluralism, where what is true for one may not be true for another, it’s so reassuring to come back to tried and true bible basics like this classic statement from Jesus: ‘you must be born again.’
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that Your heart is always towards reconciliation with people. Help me to share Your amazing grace with others. I pray for Your salvation towards my family, friends, and all in my world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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- BORN AGAIN DEVOTION|LIFE
BE BAPTIZED
Baptism is an integral part of the Christian experience. Even before Christ was preaching, healing, and teaching, John was declaring, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”, and baptizing people in the Jordan River (Matthew 3).
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Why should we be baptized today?
God loves us and accepts us. He also understands the longings of our hearts. Does this mean baptism is unimportant? – particularly in today’s world where the growing and popular belief is that there are many ways to salvation (many ways to God).Here are five reasons why I think everyone who receives Christ should be baptized:
1. To Confess Your Commitment to Christ
When we are baptized, we declare to the world that we have decided to follow Jesus. Our declaration can encourage others and assure them that they are not alone.
2. Because Christ Did It
Mark 1:9 : “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Baptism was good enough for Jesus – which should make it good enough for all of his followers.
3. To Grow with Christ in His Death and Resurrection
Baptism is our opportunity to die symbolically to self and be resurrected as a loving and compassionate follower of Jesus.
Romans 6 states, “Or are you ignorant that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? We have been buried therefore with Him through baptism into His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, as we walk in newness of life. It is a start afresh, baptism giving us the opportunity to throw off the old self and put on the new.
4. To Celebrate the Forgiveness of Sin
Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
We are forgiven for our sins through repentance, and this cleansing is best illustrated through the symbolism of baptism.
The picture in baptism is that our sins and our old life are left in the water, and we come out new, cleansed, and completely renewed in the identification with Christ in His glorious resurrection. What a refreshing step of obedient faith for us, and what a witness to others! Jesus asks us to come to him so he can take away our burdens. Repentance is our acceptance of this offer, and baptism is our celebration.
5. Because Christ Commands It
This is perhaps the greatest reason of all: Jesus commands that every Christian be baptized. Matthew 28:18-20 reads, “Jesus said, ‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’”
These are the three things the church is commanded to do: Make disciples — help people come to know Christ, baptize them, and assist them to grow. Baptism should occur be right after you make the decision to follow Christ. Baptism is the very first command Jesus gives you after repentance.
I encourage you to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider taking the first steps towards baptism today. Contact us to know more