THE STORY OF JESUS: John 3:1-15
“The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3)
What does it mean to be ‘born again’ (or literally, ‘born from above’)?
Jesus goes on to say “unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5)
The water refers to the outward symbolic act of baptism.
But it is not the water, but the inward spiritual act of baptism that matters.
When we submit to baptism, we open ourselves to spiritual renewal and transformation.
The Spirit is like the wind, and I am like a sale, allowing the wind to catch me.
Both the wind and the sail are necessary.
The sail itself is empty, unless the Spirit connects with our spirit.
Some people go through the outward act, but inwardly they are resist the Spirit.
Unless we surrender to the Spirit (and not just to baptism), nothing will happen.
I’ve been baptized, but am I surrendering to the work of the Spirit in me.
Am I open to hearing, and following, the prompting of Jesus’ Spirit in me?
This is the new life that matters, and I need to let the Spirit work.
The Spirit is living in me, but am I living in the Spirit?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, the indication of new life in me is when I am eagerly seeking it. If I am not surrendering to the Spirit in me, then my spirit is not being reborn.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Christ was lifted high and adopted us. you and me, as children of the Kingdom. As the people of Israel were healed when the looked at the bronze serpent, Christ will be the wind beneath our wings when we look unto Him for living – He will fill us with power from on high to be living witnesses for Jesus.
This makes a possibility to live the Jesus way for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
1
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
2
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!
3
His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!