Podcasts about Nicodemus

In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that those who are born of the Spirit are like the wind—it blows wherever it pleases. We may hear its sound without knowing where it is coming from or where it is going. In this message, guest speaker Juliet Barber invites us to surrender again to the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. When God moves, He often challenges our expectations, confronts our comfort, and asks us to bend beneath the weight of His glory. Nicodemus could recognize the signs around Jesus, yet he still struggled to recognize who stood before him. In the same way, we can become so familiar with how we expect God to move that we risk missing the new thing He is doing. Every generation needs its own encounter with God. Are we willing to receive it in the way God chooses to bring it? Do we love the wind enough to let Him blow wherever He pleases?

Baptism is more than answering a list of questions, it's about becoming part of a new family. In John 3, Jesus challenges Nicodemus to rethink his categories, his assumptions, and his “us vs. them” mentality. Baptism is a new birth that breaks down barriers and expands our love. Join us as we celebrate those baptized over the last year and celebrate the grace offered to each one of us in the waters of baptism.

Born again. Two words most people have heard and very few have had explained in a way that actually makes sense. Jesus said it to Nicodemus — one of the most respected religious leaders of his time, a man who had God completely figured out by every external measure. And yet he showed up to find Jesus at night, alone, asking questions he wasn't supposed to need answered. Jesus told him: you need to be born again. Not reformed. Not improved. Born again — a complete transformation from the inside out that changes what you want, not just what you do. In this third episode of the Never Settle series, Mark Clark unpacks what that actually means and why it matters for anyone asking whether real faith is available to them. Never Settle is a four-week series from Connexus Church. New episodes every Sunday.  

Born again. Two words most people have heard and very few have had explained in a way that actually makes sense. Jesus said it to Nicodemus — one of the most respected religious leaders of his time, a man who had God completely figured out by every external measure. And yet he showed up to find Jesus at night, alone, asking questions he wasn't supposed to need answered. Jesus told him: you need to be born again. Not reformed. Not improved. Born again — a complete transformation from the inside out that changes what you want, not just what you do. In this third episode of the Never Settle series, Mark Clark unpacks what that actually means and why it matters for anyone asking whether real faith is available to them. Never Settle is a four-week series from Connexus Church. New episodes every Sunday.

Por que Jesus ressuscitado escolheu se encontrar com os discípulos na Galileia e no monte, e não diante de Pilatos ou no Templo de Jerusalém?

The Towel and the Basin: The Heart of a Servant – John 13:1–17 In Episode 145 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane begin one of the most intimate and transformative sections of the Gospel of John. In John 13:1–17, Jesus—the King of kings—kneels to wash the feet of His disciples, revealing that true greatness in God's Kingdom is found in humble service. Together, they unpack the significance of this unforgettable moment, exploring what it means to love sacrificially, lead with humility, and serve others with the heart of Christ. Peter's struggle to accept Jesus' act of service also reminds us that following Jesus means learning both to receive His grace and to extend it to others. This episode is an invitation to exchange pride for humility, status for service, and self-centered living for the example Jesus modeled on the night before the cross. As followers of Christ, we're not just called to admire His example—we're called to live it. Who is Jesus inviting me to serve with humility this week, and am I willing to lay down my pride to love like He loved?____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

Title: Growing in Understanding Through the Holy SpiritSpeaker: Pastor Tim CopeDate: 4th May 2025Location: Perth, Australia Summary:"Get wisdom, and with all thy getting, get understanding." This episode digs into a word the Bible treats as something bigger than knowledge or even wisdom: understanding. It's framed as something that grows in a person over time, through the Holy Spirit, rather than something learned in a single sitting. The episode opens in John 13 with Jesus washing His disciples' feet, then takes an unexpected detour into a New York Times piece on a seventy five year Harvard happiness study. The findings line up surprisingly closely with principles found throughout scripture: avoid comparing yourself to others, stay positive toward people, learn to be content with your circumstances, and don't dwell on the negative. From there the episode moves through Psalm 73, where Asaph wrestles with envy over the apparent ease of the wicked before finding clarity in God's presence, and finishes in John 3, using Nicodemus's conversation with Jesus about being born again as a picture of stepping into an entirely new way of understanding the world. This is a solid episode for anyone wondering why growth in faith feels slow or hard to explain, and how genuine understanding differs from simply knowing facts about God. Key Points: Understanding is presented as distinct from knowledge and wisdom, something that develops gradually through the Holy Spirit rather than arriving all at once Modern happiness research and biblical teaching point to the same practical habits: don't compare yourself to others, stay positive toward people, accept your circumstances, and avoid dwelling on negativity Being born again is described as a genuine shift into a new way of understanding, similar to how a baby has no concept of the world before birth Reference Scriptures: John 13:14-17 2 Corinthians 10:12 Luke 10:29-37 Philippians 4:6-7, 11-13 James 3:14-18 Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 Hebrews 12:11 Psalm 73 Proverbs 4:1-9 John 3:1-8, 23-30 Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2026 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Fear seems to be incompatible with joy!  Yet “fear” in the Bible often means a feeling of complete awe, being overwhelmed with feelings of astonishment at some event.  Now, how can you experience this – and have joy at the same time?  The answer is seen when you really put your minds to imagining the situation described in our Matthew reading (Ch. 28) today.  “Toward the dawn … Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb (of Jesus)” [v.1]       They (and it seems from the other Gospels that there was at least one other woman) got up in the middle of the night; their object was to embalm the body of their Lord, (Mark 16 v.1) their last opportunity to do so before it began to decompose. They probably did not know that Nicodemus had brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes” [John 19 v.39] when they put the body into the tomb.          They get to the tomb and to their awe an angel is there and says to them, “Do not be afraid for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead … so they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy” [Matt.28 v.5-8]  Can we enter into their feelings at least a little? Jesus met them “and they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him.” [v.9] The risen Lord is now their Lord in an even greater sense.  The women were the first to really believe – they had been among the women watching the crucifixion from a distance [ch. 27 v.55,56], they had been the ones willing to get up in the middle of the night, dress and with flickering burning “torches” wend their way to the garden in which was his tomb (John 19 v.41) and the dawn was just breaking as they arrived.    Our world is in deep spiritual darkness, but the dawn must be near. Are we awake and ready for our time “of fear and great joy”?  The inexpressible drama of the return of our Lord from heaven will totally confound the minds of everyone!  They cannot even begin to comprehend the nature of the experience of the time of trouble about to come.  It will be greater than anything ever seen on earth before!  At that time God's angels gather will his elect! (Matt. 24 v.31)  Dare you not believe?  What agonies of mind will all others experience.  Let us read and meditate on God's word as often as we can  “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” [Heb 10 v.25]

Nesta exposição profunda de Mateus 28:16 a 20, mergulhamos nos detalhes da Grande Comissão e no impacto dessa passagem para a Igreja ao longo dos séculos. Descubra por que Jesus escolheu a Galileia e um monte para se encontrar com os discípulos, fazendo um paralelo marcante com a entrega da lei e a figura do novo Moisés. Entenda a reação dos discípulos ao verem o Cristo ressurreto, lidando com a tensão genuína entre a realidade transcendente de Deus e a limitação da mente humana. A ordem para fazer discípulos de todas as nações é sustentada pela autoridade cósmica que foi dada a Cristo no céu e na terra.

This conversation I have with Misty Marascalco is one that surprised even me, because about an hour in, she saw something in the spirit she'd never seen before... all of us sitting at her table with Jesus. We get into how she went from a conservative upbringing where prayer was mostly "dump and run" to seeing visions, hearing Him speak identity over her, and now walking others through the same journey.Misty is the author of a book about her own path into hearing God through vision and imagination, and now leads inner healing and deliverance prayer with people all over the country.You can find her book here - https://www.just1grain.com/Here's what we explore:▪️How a movie about the crucifixion cracked open something a lifetime in church hadn't touched▪️Her first vision during worship, and the words that came with it: "you are a gate breaker"▪️The table encounter where Jesus began undoing a lifetime of lies about who she was▪️Why the same imagination the enemy can hijack is also the very place Jesus loves to meet you▪️How Scripture itself, Abraham, the Psalms, Jesus' parables, Nicodemus, is full of invitations to imagine▪️A live activation you can experience right along with us, picturing Jesus meeting you at a tableIf any of this stirs something in you, I'd love for you to sit with it. And if you want a simple, guided way to start listening for yourself, the Hearing God Challenge is a good next step... the link is below.

This message given by Martha Kate Hall emphasizes the importance of humility as the foundation of true wisdom, drawing from the Book of Proverbs and the example of Jesus. It explains that wisdom is not about knowing everything, but about remaining teachable and open to correction, contrasting the wise—who are humble and eager to learn—with the fool, who rejects instruction out of pride. The message highlights that pride, often subtle and sometimes even valued in society, can be spiritually destructive, leading to a refusal to depend on God and stunting personal growth. Using examples from everyday professions, the message illustrates that continual learning is essential in all areas of life, including faith. The lives of Nicodemus and Jesus are presented as models of humility, with Jesus' ultimate act of washing his disciples' feet serving as a powerful symbol. The message concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on where pride may be hindering their growth and to actively seek humility, following Christ's example in their daily lives.

How many times have you delayed doing something because you didn't feel like you were quite ready? Or your finances weren't right? Or you were just too busy? The reality is that opportunities don't come when we're ready, but when God is. In the final week of "Comeback Stories," Pastor Jeremy DeLoach teaches us the importance of taking the next step through the journey of Nicodemus.

As Jesus' earthly ministry comes to its close, John's Gospel shifts our attention from the cross to two unlikely disciples who finally step into the light. Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus had once followed Christ cautiously, but the crucifixion became the moment that transformed fear into bold faith. In this message from John 19:31–42, we'll contrast the empty religion of hypocrisy with the sincere devotion of those who openly identify with Christ, explore the remarkable fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in His death and burial, and be challenged to ask whether our lives are marked by hidden compromise or courageous allegiance to the Savior.

Pastor Mindy Wolfe talks about the story of Nicodemus and the idea of keeping the wheels moving even among turmoil.

Have you ever stumbled around in the dark looking for something—maybe for a light so you could see? The nighttime conversation Nicodemus had with Jesus presents a light to help all people see life from a new perspective. Jesus' challenge to Nicodemus also challenges each one of us to see the truth we easily miss in the shadows of our lives. This weekend, we're asking God to adjust our perspective to see his light of truth.Support the show

Send us Fan MailJesus says something that still stops readers cold: “Eat my flesh and drink my blood.” We dig into John 6 and ask the question people in the crowd asked first, what is He actually talking about? As we read the passage carefully, “the flesh profits nothing” becomes the anchor that keeps us from a literal misread and pulls us toward the spiritual reality Jesus is pressing, real union with Christ and real eternal life through Him.From there, we connect the dots to another classic moment of confusion: Nicodemus hearing “born again” and instantly thinking in physical terms. That pattern matters because it shows how easily we can miss the Holy Spirit's meaning when we force Scripture into our default categories. We also talk about why Jesus confronts His listeners with “Does this offend you?” and how the “hard saying” is often the doorway to deeper clarity, not a reason to walk away.Then we tackle a major point of controversy: the Catholic Eucharist and transubstantiation. We define what transubstantiation would mean as an actual change of substance, compare it to biblical miracles like water to wine and Moses' rod to a serpent, and weigh those against the claim that the elements remain unchanged while becoming Christ's body and blood in “essence.” Along the way, we bring in 1 Corinthians 10 on idolatry and the Lord's table, and we examine how authority titles like “vicar of Christ” shape the way people think about worship and power. If this conversation challenged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review with the question you still have.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

John 3 records Jesus' nighttime conversation with Nicodemus, a respected religious leader who needed to understand that entering God's kingdom requires more than religion or good works. Jesus teaches that a person must be born again—spiritually renewed by the Holy Spirit. The chapter also reveals the heart of the Gospel: God loved the world so deeply that He gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him may receive eternal life. Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it. John 3 reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith, and that those who come to Christ step out of darkness and into His light. Key Verse: “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 3:16 Hashtags: #John3 #BornAgain #ForGodSoLovedTheWorld #JesusSaves #EternalLife #FaithInChrist #GodsLove #WalkInTheLight #SalvationByGrace #BibleReflectionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

In Episode 196, we explore John 7:40-52 and the tension between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him. The crowd in this passage knows about Jesus. They know the Scriptures. They know what the Messiah is supposed to be like. They know the prophecies. They can quote the law. They understand the theology perfectly. But knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus are two very different things. The crowd uses their knowledge to dismiss Jesus: "He's from Galilee. The Messiah comes from Bethlehem. This can't be Him." They're technically right about the Scriptures. But they're completely wrong about Jesus. They have information, but they don't have intimacy. They have facts, but they don't have faith. Through guided meditation, discover how the religious leaders are the perfect example of this danger. They know the Scriptures inside and out. They can cite chapter and verse. They understand the law perfectly. But Jesus looks at them and says they don't know the Father. They don't know God. All their knowledge has become a barrier to relationship. Their theological accuracy has become a substitute for intimate encounter. And then there's Nicodemus—a leader, educated, knowledgeable. But there's something different about him. He's willing to ask questions. He's willing to listen. He's willing to consider that maybe there's more to Jesus than what he already knows. He's not defending his knowledge; he's seeking to know. He's willing to be surprised and transformed. This episode explores the profound danger of substituting knowledge for relationship. You can know everything about Jesus and still not know Jesus. You can read the Bible, attend church, understand theology, quote Scripture, and still miss the whole point. Knowledge can become a substitute for relationship. Information can become a barrier to intimacy. Jesus isn't looking for people who know about Him. He's looking for people who know Him. He's not impressed by your theological accuracy. He's moved by your openness to Him. He's not looking for people who have all the answers. He's looking for people who are willing to encounter Him and be transformed by Him. The crowd thought they knew who Jesus was. They had their categories, their expectations, their understanding. And that knowledge kept them from truly meeting Him. Learn why the question isn't "Do you know about Jesus?" but rather "Do you know Jesus? Have you encountered Him? Have you let Him change you? Are you in relationship with Him, or just in agreement with information about Him?" Discover practical steps for moving from comfortable, familiar knowledge to fresh encounter. Find the freedom that comes from being willing to let Jesus surprise you, challenge you, and transform you—even if it means surrendering what you thought you already knew.

John 3:1-21: Nicodemus goes in the middle of the night to visit Jesus and what we find is a man who is changed forever by this encounter with His Lord.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as Pastor Garid teaches through The Gospel of John. This week, we look at the account of Jesus' meeting with Nicodemus and unpack one of the most famous passages of Scripture. May the Lord richly bless your day and time of study in His word. Website | https://visioncalvarychapel.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/vision_calvarychapel/Subscribe | https://www.youtube.com/user/visioncitychurchFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/visioncitychurchTwitter | https://twitter.com/visionoc#visioncalvarychapel#visionformycity#garidbeeler

Send us Fan MailPerfect obedience or nothing. That's the uncomfortable logic sitting underneath Romans 7, and it's where we spend our time today. We start with the brutal clarity of God's law: if you break one commandment, you stand guilty of all. From Adam's original upright state to our inherited deadness in sin, we talk honestly about why moral effort can't produce the life God requires, even when it looks “good” on the outside.Then we walk straight into Paul's words: “I was alive without the law once… when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” We unpack what that “alive” feeling really is, why the law exposes rather than heals, and how the commandment can be “ordained to life” while still resulting in death for sinners. Along the way we connect the dots to Nicodemus and the new birth, the necessity of Christ's blood, and why no religious substitute can function as a true mediator.The turning point is this: God never lowers the bar. The law's demand for perfect holiness still stands, and that's exactly why Jesus Christ comes to fulfill it. We explain imputed righteousness in plain terms: Christ's obedience is credited to believers, so the works that save are real works, just not ours. That leads to a direct challenge to the fear of losing salvation and a sober warning about what it means to face God without a mediator. If this helped you think more clearly about law and grace, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

John 17:9.2 “I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world.” Yesterday we rejoiced and were encouraged that we who have received and believed in Jesus through the words and witness of Jesus' disciples were in God's view. But what encouragement can we receive from who is not in view? The world has never been in view of this particular, exclusive love. Those who were and are of the world were not to receive the blessing of His particular, exclusive intercession. The set of people known by Jesus as “the world” in this context may be identified as those who were not given to Him by the Father. I can hear some asking, “But what about John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son…” In that context, Jesus speaking to Nicodemus, who thought that God only loved the Jews, needed to know that the Spirit of God was going to move among the Gentile world. So “the world” in John 3:16 referred to the Gentile world. However, in the context of John 17, “the world” Jesus referred to when He spoke with His Father, was those who the Father had not given to Him. Context determines the meaning of the words. How can we know who has not been given to Jesus? They are those who refuse to receive and believe the words and testimony of Jesus' disciples. They do not believe God sent Jesus as the only way, truth, and life. This truth should encourage us all the more to love those God puts in our paths each day by sharing with them Jesus' words given to His disciples. And let us pray with Jesus to the Father on behalf of those He's given to His Son. Those who are of this world will not believe, so don't take it personally. They can't believe because of the sin of unbelief. With Jesus, we must lovingly and trustfully leave those who reject Him in the Father's hands. But we aren't trying to identify those for whom Jesus didn't pray. We love and share the words of Jesus given to His disciples, the gospel, to find out those for whom He did pray. They will respond because Jesus has and is interceding for them. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 3:1-21 - Jesus and Nicodemus

John 7:37-52 Please turn to John chapter 7. We'll be considering verses 37-52 this morning. You can find that on page 1062. The context of chapter 7 has been the Feast of Booths - also called the Feast of Tabernacles. It was one of the three major festivals in the Jewish calendar, so there were lots of people in Jerusalem. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus appeared at the temple in the middle of the festival and began teaching. That caused a crowd to gather around him. And most of the crowd was amazed. They had heard of or seen Jesus' signs (or miracles)  but now they witnessed his teaching. In our text this morning, we will hear that it is now the end of the feast. Jesus called for people to come to him but, as you will hear, he received a mixed response. Some were intrigued but others all the more wanted to kill him. Reading of John 7:37-52 Prayer There's no doubt that water is THE foundation to our physical existence. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. Without water, we cannot survive for more than a few days. Without water, crops cannot grow and animals cannot survive. But for us in our day and age, water is readily available. Even in drought situations, we manage pretty well. Farmers can pump water from the underground water table to water their crops. We can clean and store water from storm runoff. We can dam rivers and we can pump water from one region to another. The worst it gets here, is that we're told to only water our lawns on certain days. But if you lived in Jerusalem back in the first century, it was very different. They didn't have all the modern technologies to drill or store significant amounts of water. Given its geography high up in the mountains, Jerusalem didn't have any nearby rivers. The Kidron valley and brook were dry for most of the year. And so, the people really did rely on the seasons. They hoped and prayed for rain at certain times of the year. It's no wonder that Jesus used the concept of water to symbolize spiritual realities. Remember, we saw that first back in chapter 2 when Jesus turned water into wine, symbolizing his cleansing ministry. And again, we saw that in chapter 4, when Jesus told the woman at the well that she needed his living water and that when she drank it, she would never be thirsty again. He was speaking of the eternal life that she would receive through believing in him. Well, this morning we have a new spiritual reality symbolized by water. And that is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He will be like rivers of living water flowing forth from our hearts. So, this morning we'll begin our time with that… with Jesus' teaching about the giving of the Spirit. That's verses 37-39. As we'll see in a minute, his analogy of water directly connects to what was happening at the Feast. And then second, we'll survey the responses to Jesus' teaching. That's verses 40-52. As you heard, out of people's hearts flowed very different responses to Jesus. That's where we are headed. #1 The Holy Spirit - the River of Living Water As we get into the verses about the Holy Spirit, let me first note that the Feast of Tabernacles was at the very end of the dry season. In fact, most years, it had not rained for months in the leadup to the festival. To be sure, Jerusalem did have a source of water. Their main source of water at the time was the Gihon Spring which they diverted into the Pool of Siloam. It was on the south side of the city about a third of a mile down from the temple. It was King Hezekiah about 700 years earlier who had a tunnel dug through the rock to reach the spring and divert the water to inside the city. Just a few years after he finished that, Assyria surrounded Jerusalem and attempted to cut off the supply lines, including water, but they did not know of the hidden water channel. And so, Jerusalem was able to endure. By the way, if you go to Jerusalem today, you can actually walk through Hezekiah's water tunnel. I did that several years ago with a friend. It's about 1/4 mile long and pretty narrow and the water is maybe 1-2 feet deep. At one point my friend snuck ahead, turned off his little flashlight and then, when I rounded a corner, he jumped out at me. I may or may not have been momentarily scared. Anyway, you end up at the Pool of Siloam - or a small portion of what remains. I'm telling you this because at the Feast of Booths, every day one of the priests would make his way down to the Pool of Siloam. Jewish literature records that he would dip a golden vessel into the pool, and he would make his way back to the Temple. The crowds would follow him as he passed through the lower gates into the temple area. Trumpets would sound as he ascended the temple steps. They would read from passages like Isaiah 12:3 which says, "with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." That was our call to worship this morning. And then with great pomp, when the festival branches described in Leviticus 23 were waved, the priest would pour the fresh water onto the altar. A channel was made for that purpose, and it would drain to the base. The purpose of the water was a remembrance of God's provision of water in the wilderness. Remember, the Feast of Booths was about celebrating God's provision in the wilderness. That included water from the rock. God called Moses to strike a rock, and when he did, water flowed forth. Well, on the seventh day of the feast, Jewish literature also records that the water ceremony happened 7 times. 7 times the priest would fill the golden vessel from Siloam and return to the temple, and pour it onto the altar. By the seventh time, the water would have overflowed from the altar onto the temple floor. And while this was happening, the people were rejoicing, waving various branches while the trumpets sounded and the water flowed. It was on this day, the 7th day, called the great day, that Jesus stood up and cried out “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” We don't know what time of day Jesus proclaimed these words, but the people would have had water on their minds. It was hot and dry. Likely it had not rained. Furthermore, they either anticipated the priests carrying the water to the altar or they just witnessed that event. They were thirsty - physically and spiritually. And Jesus cried out to them, calling them to come to him and drink. And not only would their spiritual thirst be quenched, but if they came and drank, rivers of living water, he said, would flow from them. The apostle John then adds a brief commentary that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit. Those who came to him would receive his Spirit, once he was glorified. Now, before we consider what that means for you and me, let me note 4 brief things. #1. Jesus quotes a Scripture which says, "Out of his heart [the one who believes] will flow rivers of living water." There's actually no single Old Testament passage directly matching the quote. However, several Old Testament texts parallel this idea. We read from Isaiah 44 earlier in the service. Verse 3 says, "I will pour water on a thirsty land" and then "I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring." Zechariah 14:8 was another one. It was also read during the Feast of Booths. It speaks of living water flowing out of Jerusalem. There are other passages like Ezekiel 47 and Isaiah 55 which are similar. In other words, the idea of living water connected to the Holy Spirit and salvation is very prevalent in the Old Testament. #2. Some Greek translators believe that the "rivers of living water" referenced here is the Holy Spirit being given out of Jesus' heart, not ours. They argue that phrase "whoever believes in me" is actually part of the invitation to drink and does not describe the one who has a river flowing from his heart. Honestly, there are some good arguments for that. Personally, I lean toward the translation we use. But I also think that even if this alternative is true, those who believe are still the recipients of the Holy Spirit. When we receive the Spirit, then our hearts will display forth the Spirit's ministry in us. So, in the end, I don't think it really changes the impact. #3. The third thing I want to point out. The fact that verse 39 says that the Spirit would be given after Jesus was glorified does not minimize the Holy Spirit's work in the Old Testament. No. From the very beginning in Genesis 1, the Spirit was present. He was hovering over the waters. He was at work in the hearts and minds of the remnant of God's people - true Israel. The Spirit directed people to look forward to the Messiah who would come. The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1 tells us that the Spirit of Christ was at work in the prophets who testified beforehand about Christ's sufferings and glory. What is the difference, then? The giving of the Holy Spirit mentioned in verse 39 is the outpouring of the Spirit to all peoples, not just Israel, but every tribe, tongue, and nation. Furthermore, as the Spirit dwells in his people, he now applies the finished work of Christ to us. So, the difference is in the scope of the Holy Spirit's work and the fulness of salvation being applied. I think that's important to understand. #4 - the last brief comment. And this is related. When verse 39 speaks of Jesus' glorification, I'm guessing you have in mind Jesus' ascension to heaven where he now reigns. That's true. However, John's Gospel includes Jesus' death and resurrection as part of his glorification. We're going to see this very clearly when we get to chapter 12. We will see that Jesus finally tells his disciples that his hour HAS come. And what is that hour? Jesus tells them it is the hour of his glorification. He must die in order to be raised. So, as we think of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we need to understand that he is applying Jesus' full ministry including his atonement for our sin through his sacrifice and the hope and new life we have in his resurrection and ascension to glory. It is out of that fulness as the inaugurated King, that Jesus sends his Spirit to continue his ministry to the ends of the earth. Now, I know that's a lot of theology packed into those comments. Let me summarize it this way. Jesus' promise of his Spirit is an amazing promise and reality for you and me. Every single one of us is spiritually thirsty. Every single person in the entire world is spiritually thirsty. Not everyone recognizes it but we all long for meaning and purpose. We all experience pain and suffering. We all know the toil of work as a consequence of the fall. Those thing weigh on us every single day. And Jesus promises that when you come to him in belief, out of your heart will flow rivers of living waters. Through the ministry of the Spirit in you, the abounding grace of God in Christ will flow to you and from you. Your heart will display to others the transforming ministry of the Spirit. And others who likewise are given the Spirit will minister to you through him. To be sure, that does not minimize the impact of our remaining sin, nor does it minimize the realities of our suffering and grief in life. But what it does is give us an unshakeable foundation. Repentance from sin.  Hope in grief. Joy in suffering. Perseverance in trials. Through the Holy Spirit in us, we can live, not only with our eyes fixed on the cross and the redemption we have from our sin, but we can fix our eyes on our resurrected and glorified Lord. Through his Spirit, rivers of living water will flow. His ultimate sender is the Son, but the blessings of his ministry will flow from you to me and from me to you. It will flow between us and overflow to our community around us. An old song came to mind this week. A 1970's children's song. "I've got a river of life flowing out of me." Some of you are old enough to remember it. Do you remember the chorus? "Spring up, O well, within my soul; Spring up, O well, and make me whole; Spring up, O well, and give to me; That life abundantly" May that river of life, God's Spirit, abundantly minister in us and through us as we drink of the living waters of Christ. Amen? Divided Responses Now, we're not done. Here's where we are. Jesus made an astonishing offer. For those who come to him and drink, out of their hearts will flow the living water of God's Spirit. The question now is, how did the people respond? What did flow out of their hearts? Well for some it was curiosity, for another, it was an honest search. But for the priests and Pharisees, it was the exact opposite. Instead of rivers of living water, out of their hearts flowed hatred and bitterness. Let's consider those three categories in verse 40-52. (1) those intrigued by Jesus, (2) those who outright reject him, and (3) those honestly evaluating. That first group, those who are intrigued, find Jesus very interesting. He has interesting things to say. He's some kind of prophet. In verse 40, some said that he is THE prophet. That's a reference to Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy that a Prophet would come after him. Others said, "This is the Christ." That may include some who truly believed. But we get the sense that it's just an external observation. After all, the apostle John does not use his favorite word, believe. He just notes that some "said" he was the Christ. I think we should also put the temple officers into this first category. Last week, we read that the chief priests and Pharisees sent the temple officers to arrest Jesus. These were Levites assigned to temple security. But notice that they did not arrest Jesus. And what was their reason? Verse 46, "No one ever spoke like this man!" They could not do what they were commanded to do because they were amazed by his teaching and authority. This first group is marked by an external recognition that Jesus is unique. He plays some important role in God's purposes. But they had yet to take the next step toward belief. I suspect some will. That brings us to the second group mentioned here - the chief priests and Pharisees. They are not intrigued by Jesus one bit. There is no possibility in their minds that he may truly be the Son of God. Their hearts are hard. Multiple times in these verses they react to even the suggestion that Jesus may be legitimate or the desire to consider his claims. And think about this: these were the very men who presided over the water ceremony at the feast. Some even participated in the water being poured out on the altar day after day, but they could not recognize the living water standing in their own temple courts Look at what they said to the officers that did not arrest Jesus. They said, "Have you also been deceived?" They then appealed to their own authority and they literally cursed the crowd. Verse 49, they said, "this crowd that does not know the law [you know, like they do] is accursed.” Think about the contrast between the hearts of the Pharisees and the hearts of those who would come to Jesus. Those who believe in Jesus are promised rivers of living water flowing from their hearts. Yet, out of the hearts of the Pharisees and chief priests came deceit and anger. And look how they responded to Nicodemus. Nicodemus was one of them. All Nicodemus wanted to do was judge fairly. But the Pharisees responded, "Are you from Galilee, too?" That's a classic ad hominem. They attacked Nicodemus for merely suggesting that Jesus deserved a fair hearing. They just wanted to kill Jesus. Rather than rivers of living water, out of their hearts flowed rivers of hate and self-serving unbelief. Out of some hearts will flow love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those fruits of the Spirit, identified in Galatians 5, will flow forth from those who have been given the Spirit - those who believe. But out of the hearts of these so-called leaders of Israel flow self-idolatry, enmity, strife, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, and envy. Out of one flows fresh, clean water, spiritual water, that is life giving and quenches the soul, yet out of the other, stagnant, poisoned water that accuses and kills. Which brings us to the third response. I've already mentioned Nicodemus, but let's consider his response more thoroughly. In fact, I think Nicodemus was originally in that first category. He was intrigued. Back in chapter 3, as Coleman reminded us last week, Nicodemus had sought Jesus out at night. Something compelled Nicodemus to want to know more. But he didn't understand when Jesus told him he needed to be born again. He had yet to believe. But in these verses Nicodemus has moved from being intrigued to honestly desiring to evaluate Jesus' claims. He even defended Jesus, asking that he be given a fair hearing. We get the clear sense that Nicodemus was a man of integrity. Even though he was a teacher of Israel and part of the Sanhedrin, he wanted to know the truth. In verse 51, look what he says to his fellow Pharisees, "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" Do you hear his honest desire to know the truth? I want to remind you that John wrote his Gospel primarily for Jews of the later first century. John has been revealing who Jesus is as the Messiah. And he wants his readers to have an open heart and mind like Nicodemus. John wants his readers to give Jesus a hearing, as verse 51 says. Really, John wants them to believe, but at this point in the book, he just wants them to take a step forward and truly evaluate Jesus for who he is. As Coleman pointed out last week, some of you here are like Nicodemus and have an honest heart and seek to live a life of integrity. But you've yet to respond to Jesus calling to come to him and drink. Will you evaluate Jesus' claims and calling? You know, as we move forward in the Gospel of John, one thing that we'll see is that the two neutral responses to Jesus will go away - both the intrigued by Jesus' response and the honest search response. The temple officers will be forced to choose. And Nicodemus himself will be called to account. What will they decide? We'll find out in chapters 18 and 19. What will you decide? So where does that leave us? Well, Jesus is still standing and calling out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." The water that he gives will never run dry, because it is nothing less than the Holy Spirit, poured out from our risen and glorified Lord, applying all the riches of his death and resurrection to thirsty souls. And so, will you stand at a distance, intrigued but uncommitted? Will you be like Nicodemus, honestly seeking him out, but not yet willing to come to him and drink. Or will you drink of his life-giving stream? For those of you who have, the promise is yours: out of your heart will flow rivers of living water. The Spirit of truth and grace will flow in you and through you, forever. Amen.

Pastor Jordan is preaching on Hidden Friends in Hard Times as we continue our Acts of the Apostles series.

Our guest preacher (another Brit, The Rev. Alex Banfield Hicks) introduces our next witness: Nicodemus.Readings from this service:Ezekiel 36: 22-28Psalm 51: 7-10John 3: 1-8Thanks for listening! CONNECT with CCFC:Visit us on FacebookVisit our websiteDownload our app!

From the depths of despair to the solid foundation of Christ, Pastor Tommy Boring's message, “Out of the Pit and onto the Rock,” powerfully illustrates the life-changing work of salvation through Jesus Christ. Using Psalm 40 and the truth of being born again, this sermon reminds us that no one can escape the bondage of sin on their own, but God is able to lift every repentant sinner out of the pit and establish their life upon the Rock. Beginning with David's testimony in Psalm 40, Pastor Tommy explains the picture of the “horrible pit” and “miry clay” as the hopeless condition of every person apart from Christ. Sin leaves us trapped, unable to free ourselves, and destined for judgment unless God intervenes. Yet the same God who hears the cry of the lost is faithful to rescue, forgive, and place their feet upon the solid Rock, Jesus Christ. This message emphasizes that salvation is not religion, good works, church attendance, baptism, or simply knowing Bible facts. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” True salvation is a supernatural work of God that transforms a sinner into a new creature in Christ. When the Holy Spirit moves into a person’s life, old things pass away, new desires are born, and a new song of praise fills the heart. Pastor Tommy shares his own testimony of conviction as a child, describing the moment the Holy Spirit revealed that he was personally lost before God. No preacher manufactured the experience. It was God who spoke to his heart, bringing him to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. That same saving grace is still available today. The sermon also challenges those who may have religion without a relationship with Christ. Going through religious motions, attending church, or trying to improve yourself cannot satisfy God’s righteousness. Only the finished work of Jesus Christ and the new birth can make someone whole. Christ doesn’t simply make people better. He gives them new life. Throughout the message, listeners are reminded of God’s incredible mercy and the countless blessings that follow salvation. The greatest miracle is not earthly success, but being delivered from the bondage of sin, placed into the Father’s hands, and given the assurance of eternal life. With eternity drawing nearer every day, Pastor Tommy lovingly urges everyone not to delay responding to God’s call. The invitation to salvation is still open today, but it will not remain open forever. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, now is the time to come to Christ and experience what it truly means to be lifted out of the pit and onto the Rock.

Nicodemus, Katja www.deutschlandfunk.de, Kultur heute

Guided Question Are you merely believing the truths of the Christian faith, or are you living daily under the empowering control of the Holy Spirit? Summary Many Christians know about the Holy Spirit, yet live with little evidence of His power in their daily lives. Using 1 Corinthians 12:13 as the foundation, this message distinguishes between the baptism of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit's work of bringing every believer into the body of Christ at conversion—and the filling of the Holy Spirit, God's ongoing work of empowering believers to live the Christian life. Dr. Lewis explains that while every Christian has been baptized by the Spirit into Christ's body, not every Christian lives under the Spirit's control. The Spirit-filled life is marked by surrender rather than self-effort, producing genuine spiritual transformation, victory over sin, fruitful service, joyful worship, and a growing awareness of God's leading. Rather than settling for outward religious performance or a "lukewarm" Christianity, believers are called to seek God's control through prayer, dependence, and daily surrender. When Christians yield themselves to the Holy Spirit, they experience the abundant life Jesus promised and become part of a church marked by authenticity, love, holiness, and joyful worship. Outline Nicodemus and the missing reality of the Holy Spirit The baptism of the Holy Spirit at conversion The difference between baptism and filling Characteristics of the Spirit-filled life The danger of outward religion without inward transformation Pursuing the Spirit's control through surrender and prayer The impact of Spirit-filled believers on the church Key Takeaways Every believer is baptized by the Holy Spirit into Christ at salvation. The filling of the Holy Spirit is the ongoing experience of living under God's control. True spirituality is measured by Christlike character, not merely religious activity. Walking by the Spirit brings victory over the desires of the flesh and produces lasting spiritual fruit. Prayer, surrender, and dependence on God position believers to experience the Spirit's power. A Spirit-filled church is marked by authenticity, worship, love, service, and transformed lives. Scripture References John 3:1–8 — Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being born of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 — Every believer is baptized by one Spirit into one body. Galatians 3:26–28 — Through faith in Christ, believers receive a new identity as God's children. Ephesians 5:18 — Believers are commanded to be continually filled with the Spirit. Romans 8:14 — God's children are led by the Spirit. John 16:13 — The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth. Galatians 5:16–23 — Walking by the Spirit produces victory over sin and the fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians 2:10 — Believers are created in Christ for good works. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–19 — Rejoice, give thanks, and do not quench the Spirit. Luke 4:1–14 — Jesus begins His ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 63:1–2 — Earnestly seeking God leads to experiencing His power. Isaiah 40:31 — Those who wait on the Lord receive renewed strength. Malachi 3:7 — God promises to draw near to those who return to Him. Revelation 3:20 — Christ invites believers into restored fellowship. Recorded 7/11/82

The Gospel of John opens not in Bethlehem, not in Nazareth, not with Mary or Joseph, but in eternity past: “In the beginning was the Word.” John does not begin with the cradle, he begins with the Godhead. Matthew presents Jesus as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as the Son of man, but John presents Him as God manifest in the flesh. That is the battleground. Every cult, every false religion, every counterfeit Bible, and every antichrist spirit eventually attacks the deity of Jesus Christ. John answers them before they even speak: the Word was with God, and the Word was God.“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, John's Gospel is built around belief. The word “believe” appears again and again because John is pressing the reader toward a verdict. You are not allowed to casually admire Jesus in this book. You must decide who He is. Is He merely a teacher, prophet, healer, revolutionary, or religious example? John says no. He is the eternal Word, the Creator, the Light, the Lamb of God, the Bread of life, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John strips away religious fog and brings the sinner face to face with the only Saviour God has provided. A verse-by-verse study through John should constantly point out how the book divides between light and darkness, belief and unbelief, life and death, truth and religious blindness. The Pharisees had Scripture, temple worship, priesthood, sacrifice, feast days, and religious authority — yet they rejected the very Messiah standing in front of them. That is one of John's sharpest warnings. Religion without the new birth is still darkness. Nicodemus was a master of Israel, but Jesus told him plainly, “Ye must be born again.” The woman at the well had a ruined past, but she received living water. The religious ruler needed regeneration just as much as the fallen Samaritan woman did. This is Part #3 in our verse-by-verse series of the Gospel of John.

The Unbeliever's Eternal RealityBorn into sin and death(Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12)⬇Responsible for sin and unbelief/rejection of God/Jesus/Gospel(Romans 1:19-20,28, 3:23, 6:23, John 3:19, John 5:39-40)⬇        Final judgment and second death(Revelation 20:11-15)⬇Eternal punishment in hell(Matthew 10:28, 25:46, Mark 9:43)  The Christian's Eternal Reality Born into sin and death(Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12)⬇Regeneration by the Holy Spirit(John 3:3-8, Titus 3:5, John 6:44)   Repentance and belief in Christ(John 3:11-15, Mark 1:15, Luke 5:32, Acts 20:21)   Born again to salvation(John 3:1-15, 1 Peter 1:3,23, Romans 10:9)⬇Eternal glory of heaven(Revelation 21-22, Philippians 3:20, 2 Peter 3:13, Luke 23:43) --------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

What does it really mean to be born again?In this Baptism Sunday message from our Uncommon Life series, we look at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 and discover that eternal life isn't earned through religion, good behavior, or moral living—it is received through faith in Jesus Christ.No matter your past or your story, Jesus offers new life through the work of the Holy Spirit. This message explores:Why every person needs spiritual rebirthThe difference between religion and a relationship with JesusGod's incredible love revealed in John 3:16Why Jesus alone is the way to salvationHow baptism celebrates the new life found in ChristAs we celebrate life change through baptism, we're reminded that the gospel isn't about becoming a better person—it's about becoming a new person through Jesus Christ.Key Scriptures: • John 3:1–17 • John 3:16 • Romans 3:23 • Romans 6:23 • Romans 10:9 • Ephesians 2:8–9 • John 14:6If today's message encouraged you, we'd love to hear your story in the comments. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this message with someone who needs hope.If you'd like to learn more about following Jesus or taking your next step through baptism, visit 2Rivers Church.Jesus is the Lead Story.#Jesusistheleadstory #BornAgain #John3 #BaptismSunday #JesusSaves #TheUncommonLife #Gospel #ChristianSermon #FaithInJesus #NewLifeInChrist #John316 #BibleTeaching #2RiversChurch #Ephesians #ChurchOnline #HopeInJesus

Guest preacher Malcolm Hamblett joined us with a thought-provoking message based on the stirring and challenging words of Jesus to the Pharisee Nicodemus, as recorded in John's Gospel (John 3:1-8).“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, 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, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.["] – John 3:2b-6 (ESV)

What does it really mean to be a Christian? Is it enough to grow up in church, believe in God, or pray a prayer? Or did Jesus teach something far more radical?In this message from John 3:1-16, Pastor Steven challenges one of the most common misconceptions about Christianity by examining Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. Although Nicodemus was one of the most respected and religious leaders in Israel, Jesus told him something completely unexpected: "You must be born again."Through this powerful encounter, Pastor Steven explains why religion, good works, family heritage, and moral living can never make us right with God. Instead, Jesus reveals that what every person truly needs isn't self-improvement, but spiritual rebirth through faith in Him. Discover why salvation is God's work from beginning to end, what it means to genuinely believe in Christ, and how the gospel offers new life to all who trust in Him.In this message you'll discover:• What Jesus really meant by "You must be born again"• Why religion and good works cannot save us• What we can learn from Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus• Why every person needs a new heart—not just a better life• What it truly means to believe in Jesus• How the cross provides the only way to eternal life• Practical questions to examine whether your faith is truly in ChristWhether you've been in church your entire life, are exploring Christianity for the first time, or are asking what it really means to follow Jesus, this message points to the hope of the gospel: You don't need a better version of yourself—you need to be born again.

The "sinner's prayer" has become a familiar part of evangelism in many churches. After a gospel message, people are often invited to bow their heads, repeat a prayer, and are then told that if they sincerely meant those words, they have been saved.Many Christians have seen this approach used in youth events, church services, and evangelistic outreaches. But is this the pattern we find in Scripture? Should leading someone in a sinner's prayer be part of our evangelism?The prayer itself is not necessarily the problem. The concern is how it is often used. While there is nothing inherently wrong with expressing faith through prayer, there are several dangers that can arise when the sinner's prayer becomes the focus of evangelism.1. Jesus and the Apostles Never Used ItThe first thing to notice is that neither Jesus nor the apostles used the sinner's prayer as a method of evangelism.Think about Jesus' conversations with Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and the Samaritan woman. There is no example of Jesus inviting someone to repeat a prayer after Him in order to be saved. Instead, Jesus often challenged people in unexpected ways. He told Nicodemus that he "must be born again," (John 3:3) a statement that left him confused and asking questions. He told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Mark 10:21). To the Samaritan woman, He said, "Go, call your husband." (John 4:16).These were not easy responses. Rather, they exposed the condition of each person's heart and showed the impossibility of saving themselves through their own efforts.The same pattern continues in the book of Acts. After Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, the people asked, "What shall we do?" Peter did not respond by leading them in a prayer. Instead, he called them to "Repent and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Baptism was the outward expression of repentance and faith. Likewise, the criminal on the cross never prayed a sinner's prayer. He simply said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:42-43Throughout the New Testament, there is no example of Jesus or the apostles asking someone to repeat a specific prayer in order to receive salvation.2. It Can Become a Ritual Instead of FaithAnother danger is that the sinner's prayer can easily become a ritual. In cultures with strong religious traditions, many people are accustomed to thinking that performing the right ritual brings them closer to God. It is easy for the sinner's prayer to become just another religious act. Instead of trusting Christ, people may begin trusting that they said the correct words. Many believers can remember wondering, "Did I pray it correctly?" or "Did I say the right thing?" Those questions reveal that the focus has shifted from faith in Christ to confidence in an action.Our goal in evangelism should always be to lead people to faith, not to confidence in a religious ritual.3. It Can Minimize Repentance and FaithWhen Jesus began His ministry, His message was clear: Repent and believe - Mark 1:15These two responses appear repeatedly throughout the New Testament. Repentance is more than simply acknowledging that we are sinners or repeating a prayer. It is a change of heart that turns from unbelief to faith in Christ. It is recognizing who God is, understanding our sinful condition, and turning to Christ in faith.As J.D. Greear writes in Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart:Repentance is not simply praying a prayer that acknowledges our sinfulness and asks for forgiveness. Nor is it walking an aisle, signing a card, or giving a public testimony. Repentance is not fundamentally a motion of the hands, mouth or feet. It is a motion of the heart in which we abandon our posture of rebellion and adopt one of submission toward Christ.Charles Spurgeon also described repentance as a true change of mind that includes the Holy Spirit's work of exposing sin and producing hatred for it. When evangelism centers primarily on getting someone to pray, repentance can easily become an outward action instead of an inward change of heart.4. It Can Oversimplify the GospelAnother concern is that the sinner's prayer can reduce the gospel to a few memorized phrases.The message of Christ is rich and deep. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus taught the same gospel, but He approached different people from different angles, applying God's truth to their specific circumstances. Good evangelism does the same.Rather than rushing someone to repeat a prayer, we should help them understand who God is, who they are before Him, and how the gospel speaks directly to the deepest problems of life. The better we know the gospel ourselves, the better equipped we will be to explain its richness and apply it to the people we are speaking with.5. It Can Give False AssurancePerhaps the greatest danger is giving someone assurance of salvation before there is genuine faith.Many people remember raising a hand, walking forward at a meeting, or praying a prayer years ago. Yet when asked about the gospel, they show little understanding of who Christ is or what He has done. Their confidence rests in an event rather than in Christ Himself.One example came during an outreach to disabled refugees in Odesa. Many of those attending had backgrounds in New Age beliefs or spiritism and did not yet have a clear understanding of the gospel. At the end of the meeting, a guest speaker asked everyone who wanted to go to heaven to raise their hand. Most of the room responded, and they were immediately assured that they were saved.Experiences like this demonstrate why we should be careful. The gospel often takes time for people to understand. Rather than giving quick assurance based on an outward response, we should patiently teach the gospel and encourage people to place their faith in Christ alone.Is the Sinner's Prayer Wrong?None of this means the sinner's prayer itself is wrong. A prayer that includes confession, repentance, and faith can be a perfectly appropriate response to the gospel. The problem is not the prayer itself, but believing that the prayer is what saves.Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ—not through repeating certain words.When someone demonstrates genuine faith and a clear understanding of the gospel, praying together can be a wonderful way for that person to confess their faith to God. But the prayer should express the faith that already exists; it should never become a substitute for it.As we share the gospel, may our focus remain where Scripture places it: calling people to genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, while carefully avoiding anything that could lead them to trust in a ritual rather than in the Savior.

Nicodemus came to Jesus, seeking clarity on who Jesus was. Jesus responded to him. You must be born again. Why did Jesus say that to him? What does it mean for us today?

Death Leads to Life: The Way of Jesus – John 12:27–50 In Episode 143 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore the closing section of John 12, where Jesus begins preparing His followers for the reality of the cross. Through His powerful teaching about the grain of wheat that must die to produce life, Jesus reveals a kingdom principle that changes everything: death leads to life. Together, they unpack what it means to surrender our own plans, ambitions, and desires so that God can produce something greater through us. As Jesus calls people out of darkness and into His light, this passage challenges us to consider where we are resisting surrender and where God may be inviting us into deeper trust. This conversation is a reminder that what feels like loss in God's hands often becomes the very place where new life begins. What is God asking me to surrender today so that He can bring greater life through it tomorrow? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

When Nicodemus came to Jesus, Jesus told him that he needed to be born again. What does that mean?

What does it really mean to be born again? If we became a new creation in Christ, why do we still struggle with old thoughts, temptations, and weaknesses? Duane Sheriff explains, "When you get born again, you don't get a new body. You don't get a new soul or your mind, will, and emotions. You get a brand new spirit, and you're born of the Spirit."In Episode 2 of "Born Again, What Now?", Duane explores what Jesus meant when He told Nicodemus that we must be born of water and the Spirit. Drawing from John 3, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and other key passages, he explains that salvation is the supernatural recreation of the human spirit. God removes our old, dead spirit and gives us a brand-new spirit, filled with His life and nature.2 Corinthians 5:17 declares that those who are in Christ are new creations. Discover what actually changed when you were born again, why understanding spirit, soul, and body is essential to spiritual growth, and how this foundational truth helps believers move from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ.

What does it mean to be born again? Does salvation secure our place in heaven, or is it the supernatural transformation of the human spirit? Too many believers receive Christ and then become stuck—never discovering the purpose, identity, and spiritual growth God intended for them."In Born Again, What Now?", Duane Sheriff lays a biblical foundation for understanding what it truly means to be born again. Drawing on John 3 and Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, he explains the triune nature of humanity—spirit, soul, and body—and reveals that being born again refers specifically to the recreation of the human spirit.When we place our faith in Christ, our spirit is made new, declared righteous and holy, and united with the very Spirit of God. This truth is foundational to Christian growth. Like Nicodemus, many believers think only in natural terms, looking at their struggles, emotions, or imperfections and questioning whether they have truly become a new creation.Learn what changed when you were born again, why your spirit is the key to understanding your new identity, and how this truth equips you to grow into spiritual maturity.

Student Pastor Eric Wischmann opened Week 5 of "Ruach to Pneuma" by reflecting on the birth of his daughter Ivy in April and how becoming a father, as becoming a husband and a pastor before it, exposed his weakness and reminded him of the cycles we carry and pass down, good and bad. He named struggles many of us feel powerless against, including anger, insecurity, addiction, and arrogance, and asked how we break these cycles. His answer was that cycles are not broken by trying harder; they are broken when God makes someone new. Turning to John 3, Pastor Eric walked through three truths about the new birth: its necessity, its means, and its gift.Pastor Eric then explained the new birth as a gift. Jesus pointed Nicodemus to Ezekiel's promise of a new heart and new spirit, and to the bronze serpent in the wilderness, where dying people were healed by looking in faith at what God lifted up. In the same way, Jesus would be lifted up on the cross, and whoever believes in Him has eternal life from the moment of belief. This gift is unconditional and undeserved, purchased entirely by Christ, and adding any of our own credit denies the sufficiency of His work and the Spirit's work. He closed by saying we are no longer slaves to sin. The cycles that have felt unstoppable can end because the Spirit now lives in us, and the church should live so changed that others notice, as people who take responsibility for their sin, seek help, and live as new creations in Christ.

During these last  6 weeks we've been exploring the world's major religions, that all try to answer: How good is good enough? Through Jesus' life-changing conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, Pastor Kayra reveals that while every religion points to what we must do, Christianity points to what Jesus has already done.

A Fragrant Offering: Worship, Surrender, and the Anointing Oil – John 12:1–27 In Episode 142 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore John 12:1–27, where Mary pours out costly perfume at the feet of Jesus in one of the most beautiful acts of worship found in Scripture. While others questioned her sacrifice, Jesus honored her devotion, revealing a heart fully surrendered to Him. Together, they unpack the significance of the anointing oil, the contrast between worship and criticism, and what it means to offer Jesus our very best. As the chapter unfolds, Jesus begins preparing His followers for the cross, teaching that true life is found through surrender and sacrifice. This conversation invites listeners to consider what they are holding back from God and challenges us to move beyond convenient faith into wholehearted worship. What is Jesus inviting me to pour out at His feet as an act of worship and surrender? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

I was traveling to South Africa, and I had this 18-hour flight layover in Rome, and I wanted to see as much of it as I could. A friend of mine picked me up at the airport and we began this whirlwind day by taking me to the Coliseum. As we left, we were surrounded by five or six gypsy children who started talking all at once. My friend actually told me to hang onto my stuff, which I desperately tried to do. I had my wallet in my front pants pocket as a precaution, my passport in my sport jacket, a camera bag, and an umbrella because it was raining. Those kids were good at what they did. They did everything to distract us as they tried to grab something of value. Well, my friend fended them off using his umbrella like a sword, and then we breathed a sigh of relief as we checked to see if we had everything. We had just rounded a corner when I saw this little gypsy girl - maybe five years old or so - running over the hill toward us. She was waving something blue in her hand. It was my passport. Unbeknownst to me, the kids had gotten my passport, and unbeknownst to them, this little girl had brought it back to me. It was a little miracle actually, and it was a good thing. I wasn't about to get into South Africa without my passport! I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about “Your Passport for Heaven.” There's no telling what would have happened without that little girl. There was no way I could go where I wanted to go unless I had my passport. It's the only way of getting into any country in the world. It's the same about getting into heaven when you die. You've got to have your passport! Jesus spelled that out in very explicit terms in our word for today from the Word of God in John 3:1-3. In light of what He says about who will be in heaven, it's surprising how many think they will be and apparently are wrong. The Bible says, “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know You are a teacher who has come from God' ... In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” That's the required passport to get into heaven - being born again. Well, what is this? Whatever it is, you have no chance of heaven without it. It's the experience that makes it possible for a sinner like you and me to be born into God's family so we can be with Him forever. Now, at what point are you “born again”? Listen to God's Word a couple of chapters earlier: speaking of Jesus it says, “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). The only way to be born into God's family - to be born again - is to open your heart to Jesus, to tell Him you're done running your life, that you're putting your total trust in Him and His death for your sins on the cross. The man Jesus said this to was deeply religious, very successful, and he was highly respected. But apparently none of that will get you into heaven. The most religious people still have sin that will keep them out of heaven until they've been to Jesus to get it forgiven. And if you don't know you've done that, I'm guessing you haven't. And you can't possibly get into heaven when you die. The Bible says, “No one can enter unless he is born again.” But Jesus is coming to you right now and He's got your eternal passport in His hand. Don't you want to reach out and take it? You want to belong to Him? Listen, tell Him, "Jesus, I'm yours. Only what You did on the cross for me can pay for my sin and remove it from God's book forever. Jesus, you paid for my life. I give it to You today." And let me encourage you to check out our website. There's where you'll get biblical information on how to be sure you belong to Jesus. Here's the address: ANewStory.com. Today could be like your birthday - your second birthday. This is the one that gets you into God's family and gets you into heaven. This could be the day that you could be born again.