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JESUS GIVES US THE ANSWER!
This lesson comes from Getting To Know Jesus – 019
This lesson comes from Getting To Know Jesus – 019
How to Start a New Life!
I met Saint Peter at Heaven’s door and asked him to “Let me in!” When I got inside, I was surprised to see Dave there. What’s worse is he was surprised to see me!
One day, we are all going to have to stand before the judgment throne of God and give an answer for the life that we have lived on this earth. What is the question? What is your answer?
Have you ever been afraid that someone would kill or torture you because of your Christian faith? Sometimes we let fear of ridicule hinder our standing up for Jesus. Nicodemus was afraid at first, but he became more dedicated at the end.
Seek the One who Knows! – John 3:1-3
Nicodemus is a respected Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin (Council of 70, the Jewish governing body that is recognized by the Romans – Kind of the Jewish “Supreme Court”. Other members who factor in New Testament history are Joseph of Arimathea –John 19:38 and Gamaliel –Acts 5:34-39).
Nicodemus seeks a private audience with Jesus for fear of being discovered as a follower of Jesus. He will later defend Jesus and will help Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus. He recognizes Jesus as a teacher who is sent by God,
Be Born Again! – John 3:3-4
Jesus answer’s Nicodemus’ unasked question – “what must I do to have eternal life?”
“Born” – we start out as baby Christians, not mature “adult” believers.
“Again” – Physical birth is temporary. Eternal birth is for eternity!
Listen to Your Teacher! – John 3:5-13
Nicodemus doesn’t understand Jesus’ figurative language and asks for clarification.
Born of Water (immersion/baptism) and spirit. Some who fear baptism as a “work”, reference physical birth. Jesus will say more about this later.
Born of Spirit is the Holy Spirit coming into the penitent believer.
Nicodemus still doesn’t understand, so Jesus elaborates some more. First, He challenges Nicodemus’ credentials as a “teacher” who is supposed to be well versed in the Old Testament. (Sometimes we are so physical minded that we are no spiritual good!)
Nicodemus is a representative of all of Israel.
Jesus states, in essence, that He came from God. He compares His mission to that of the serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). It was faith looking at the symbol of the snake and obedience that saved the Jews who had been bitten. Likewise, faith in Jesus and obedience to His will save us who have been bitten by the snake of sin. (Likewise, immersion has no power, except in the act of obedience and faith in what it symbolizes.)
The key to salvation is in believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. God’s gift of salvation is like opening a Christmas present because you believe that it is intended for you. However, until you open it, it is not completely yours! (Immersion is the symbol of opening the present and putting it on!)
Believe in Jesus as Your Savior! – John 3:14-21
The entire message of God and the Bible in one sentence! God loves us. Jesus is God’s only SON. He came and died physically so that you and I might live forever with Him eternally. Eternal life begins when we are born again, not when we die. (We have dual citizenship – this earth and eternal life!)
God’s love wants to save you, not judge you, but you have the freedom to accept Him or reject Him. You make your choice and He determines your eternal future according to your choice.
Evildoers like the dark because they think no one sees. This proves that they know what they are doing is evil.
Is there anything in your life that you don’t want others to “see”! How can you walk in the light of Jesus if you are still trying to keep parts of your life “in the dark”?
CONCLUSION
What is your choice? Most of you are taking the Getting To Know Jesus Bible study because you have already chosen to believe in Jesus and want to know how you can be more like Him. How strongly are you committed to accept God’s love and salvation and live your life for Jesus?
The question at Heaven’s door is “Who is Jesus?” The answer to the question on the final exam is “Jesus Christ is my Lord who died for my sins, the SON of God!”
I met Saint Peter at Heaven’s door and asked him to “Let me in!” When I got inside, I was surprised to see Dave there. What’s worse is he was surprised to see me!
One day, we are all going to have to stand before the judgment throne of God and give an answer for the life that we have lived on this earth. What is the question? What is your answer?
Have you ever been afraid that someone would kill or torture you because of your Christian faith? Sometimes we let fear of ridicule hinder our standing up for Jesus. Nicodemus was afraid at first, but he became more dedicated at the end.
Seek the One who Knows! – John 3:1-3
Nicodemus is a respected Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin (Council of 70, the Jewish governing body that is recognized by the Romans – Kind of the Jewish “Supreme Court”. Other members who factor in New Testament history are Joseph of Arimathea –John 19:38 and Gamaliel –Acts 5:34-39).
Nicodemus seeks a private audience with Jesus for fear of being discovered as a follower of Jesus. He will later defend Jesus and will help Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus. He recognizes Jesus as a teacher who is sent by God,
Be Born Again! – John 3:3-4
Jesus answer’s Nicodemus’ unasked question – “what must I do to have eternal life?”
“Born” – we start out as baby Christians, not mature “adult” believers.
“Again” – Physical birth is temporary. Eternal birth is for eternity!
Listen to Your Teacher! – John 3:5-13
Nicodemus doesn’t understand Jesus’ figurative language and asks for clarification.
Born of Water (immersion/baptism) and spirit. Some who fear baptism as a “work”, reference physical birth. Jesus will say more about this later.
Born of Spirit is the Holy Spirit coming into the penitent believer.
Nicodemus still doesn’t understand, so Jesus elaborates some more. First, He challenges Nicodemus’ credentials as a “teacher” who is supposed to be well versed in the Old Testament. (Sometimes we are so physical minded that we are no spiritual good!)
Nicodemus is a representative of all of Israel.
Jesus states, in essence, that He came from God. He compares His mission to that of the serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). It was faith looking at the symbol of the snake and obedience that saved the Jews who had been bitten. Likewise, faith in Jesus and obedience to His will save us who have been bitten by the snake of sin. (Likewise, immersion has no power, except in the act of obedience and faith in what it symbolizes.)
The key to salvation is in believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. God’s gift of salvation is like opening a Christmas present because you believe that it is intended for you. However, until you open it, it is not completely yours! (Immersion is the symbol of opening the present and putting it on!)
Believe in Jesus as Your Savior! – John 3:14-21
The entire message of God and the Bible in one sentence! God loves us. Jesus is God’s only SON. He came and died physically so that you and I might live forever with Him eternally. Eternal life begins when we are born again, not when we die. (We have dual citizenship – this earth and eternal life!)
God’s love wants to save you, not judge you, but you have the freedom to accept Him or reject Him. You make your choice and He determines your eternal future according to your choice.
Evildoers like the dark because they think no one sees. This proves that they know what they are doing is evil.
Is there anything in your life that you don’t want others to “see”! How can you walk in the light of Jesus if you are still trying to keep parts of your life “in the dark”?
CONCLUSION
What is your choice? Most of you are taking the Getting To Know Jesus Bible study because you have already chosen to believe in Jesus and want to know how you can be more like Him. How strongly are you committed to accept God’s love and salvation and live your life for Jesus?
The question at Heaven’s door is “Who is Jesus?” The answer to the question on the final exam is “Jesus Christ is my Lord who died for my sins, the SON of God!”
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