Sermon: Born again
•It means to be born of God and saved through His grace and love.Salvation is a gift of God offered to anyone who believes in Him.
•It means to experience a new birth spiritually in Christ Jesus.When we have a new birth in Christ,we are transformed by God and given a new spiritual identity.
•It means renewing of the mind, body and soul by the power of the Holy Spirit.Every aspect of believers' life is transformed through divine intervention.
•It means not conforming to the standards and patterns of this world.It involves aligning one’s life with God’s values than societal norms.
•It means to be born of the water and spirit. Supernatural rebirth through the Holy spirit leads to a transformation,moving the believer from a state of spiritual death(separated from God)to a new life in Christ.
-John 3:5,"Most assuredly,I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
•It means to have a transformed heart.This new birth brings about a radical change in one’s heart and desires. It involves turning away from sin and having a genuine desire to follow God’s will.
•It means having a new relationship with God.The believer becomes part of God's family, having intimate relationship with Him and experiencing His guidance in a personal way.
•It means to be empowered by the Holy spirit.There is an indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the believer to live according to God’s purpose and helps in overcoming worldly temptations.
BIBLICAL FACTS ABOUT BEING BORN-AGAIN
▪︎New Creation: When you are born again, you become a new creation.All things will become new and you will enjoy a new life in Christ Jesus.
-2 Corinthians 5:17,"Therefore,if anyone is in Christ,he is a new creation;old things have passed away;behold all things have become new."
▪︎Spiritual Birth:This new birth is spiritual, showing that your identity now lies in the Spirit rather than in the flesh.
-John 3:6,"That which is born of the flesh is flesh,and that which is born of the spirit is spirit."
▪︎Desire for God's Word:A born-again believer develops a deep hunger for God's Word to enable them grow spiritually.
-1 Peter 2:2,"As newborn babes,desire the pure milk of the word,that you may grow thereby."
▪︎Obedience to God:You become a doer of the Word and obey Him fully.
-James 1:22,"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only,deceiving yourselves."
▪︎Incorruptible Seed: You are considered an incorruptible seed through the Word of God.
-1 Peter 1:23,"Having been born again,not of corruptible seed but incorruptible,through the word of God which lives and abides forever."
▪︎Knowing God through Love: Being born again means that Christ lives in you and you live through him.
-1 John 4:9,"In this the love of God was manifested toward us,that God has sent His only begotten son into the world,that we might live through Him."
▪︎Salvation and Baptism: You are saved and baptized into Christ.
-Romans 6:3,"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death."
▪︎Gift of Eternal Life:This rebirth grants you the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
-Romans 6:23,"For the wages of sin is death,but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
▪︎Holy Spirit's Presence: The Holy Spirit dwells in you, guiding and empowering you to live according to God's will.
-Romans 8:9,"But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit,if indeed the spirit of God dwells in you."
▪︎Assurance of Everlasting Life: Believing in Christ assures you of everlasting life.
-John 3:16,"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son,that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
▪︎Triumph in Christ: You are assured victory over life’s challenges through your faith in Christ.
-2 Corinthians 2:14,"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. "
▪︎Spiritual Discernment: Being born again grants you the ability to understand spiritual truths that were previously hidden.
-1 Corinthians 2:14,"But the natural man does not receive the things of God,for they are foolishness to him;nor can he know them,because they are spiritually discerned."
▪︎Purified Soul: Your soul is purified in obeying the truth through the spirit.
-1 Peter 1:22,"Since you have purified your souls in Obeying the truth through the Spirit."
▪︎Dead to Sin:You become dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus.
-Ephesians 2:1,"And you He made alive,who were dead in trespasses and sins.."
▪︎God’s Drawing and Resurrection: God actively draws you to Himself, promising to raise you up in the last day.
-John 6:44,"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him;and I will raise him up at the last day."
▪︎Alive in Christ Jesus:You become dead to sin and are made alive together with Christ Jesus .
-Colossians 2:13,"And you,being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh,He has made alive together with Him."
▪︎Child of God: Your belief in God grants you the right to be called a child of God.
-John 1:12,"But as many as received Him,to them He gave the right to become children of God,to those who believe in His name."
▪︎Overcoming the World: Your faith equips you to conquer worldly challenges and temptations.
-1 John 5:4,"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith."
▪︎Heavenly Inheritance: Being born again secures for you an eternal inheritance in heaven.
-1 Peter 1:4,"To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away,reserved in heaven for you."
▪︎New Birth to a Living Hope:God, in His mercy grants us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 1:3,"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope,through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
▪︎Repentance and Forgiveness: Being born again involves repentance and receiving the Holy Spirit, marking the beginning of a transformed life.
-Acts 2:38,"Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
▪︎Children of God: Faith in Christ makes us children of God.
-Galatians 3:26,"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."
▪︎Renewal by the Holy Spirit:Being born again involves a spiritual renewal and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, cleansing us from sin.
-Titus 3:5,"..But according to His mercy He saved us,through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy spirit."
▪︎Firstfruits of Creation: God’s will brings us forth as His new creation by the word of truth.
-James 1:18,"OF His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth,that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
HOW TO BE BORN AGAIN
Being born again involves recognizing your sin,repenting,placing faith in Jesus Christ, receiving Him,participating in baptism, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to a transformed life that reflects one's new identity in Christ.
▪︎Acknowledgment of Sin: Recognizing that we are sinners in need of salvation is the first step.
- “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23)
▪︎Repentance: This involves a genuine turning away from sin and a desire to change.
- “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(Acts 2:38)
▪︎Faith in Jesus Christ: Believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that His death and resurrection provide salvation.
- “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”(Romans 10:9)
▪︎Receiving Jesus: Accepting Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior.
- “But as many as received Him,to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”(John 1:12)
▪︎Baptism: It symbolizes the believer's faith and commitment to Christ.
- “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death”(Romans 6:3)
▪︎Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Upon believing, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within the believer, empowering and guiding them.
- “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.”(Romans 8:9)
▪︎New Birth: This spiritual transformation marks the beginning of a new life in Christ.
- “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”(1 Peter 1:3)
▪︎Living Out the Faith: A born-again believer is called to grow in their faith and live according to God's Word.
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”(2 Corinthians 5:17)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SIN
Lord Jesus,I repent of my sins today and I confess that you are my Lord and saviour. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary to set me free from the bondage of sin. I believe that Christ Jesus was raised up from the dead for my redemption.I believe that He who has begun a good work in me ,will sustain me and complete the thing He has started in me. May my life reflect Christ and bring others to Jesus Christ.Amen
EVIDENCE OF BEING BORN-AGAIN.
▪︎Faith in Jesus Christ: A genuine belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior is foundational.
- “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life.”(John 3:36)
▪︎Desire for God's Word: A born-again believer develops a hunger for Scripture and a desire to learn and grow spiritually.
- “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow.”(1 Peter 2:2)
▪︎Obedience to God's Commands: A commitment to live according to God's will and His Word.
- “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)
▪︎Fruit of the Spirit: Manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work in one's life, producing qualities like love, joy, peace, and self-control.
- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
▪︎Changed Life: A noticeable transformation in character, behavior, and priorities, moving away from sin.
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”(2 Corinthians 5:17)
▪︎Desire for Prayer and Worship: A growing inclination to communicate with God and participate in communal worship.
- “Pray without ceasing.(1 Thessalonians 5:17)
▪︎Love for Others: A genuine love for fellow believers and a desire to serve others.
- “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.”(1 John 3:14)
▪︎Conviction of Sin: A heightened awareness of sin and a sincere desire to repent and seek forgiveness.
- “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”(1 John 1:8)
▪︎Perseverance in Faith: A commitment to continue in faith,even amid trials and challenges.
- “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”(Romans 8:28)
▪︎Hope and Assurance: A confident assurance of salvation and hope for eternal life.
- “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”(1 John 5:13)
PRAYER OF REPENTANCE
God, I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live in accordance with your will.May my life be pleasing to You and bring glory to Your name,in Jesus name.
PRAYER
1. Lord,i confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. Thank You for my salvation,in Jesus name.
2.Father,thank You for giving me a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in this hope daily,in Jesus name.
3.Father, I am grateful for Your grace that saves me through faith. May I never take this gift for granted and live to honor You,in Jesus name.
4.Lord, I thank You that by faith in Christ, I am now Your child. Help me to embrace my identity in You and reflect Your love to the world,in Jesus name.
5.Holy Spirit, I ask for Your renewing power in my life. Cleanse me and make me new each day, drawing me closer to You,in Jesus name.
6.Lord, as I follow You, help me to remember the significance of my baptism. May it be a constant reminder of my commitment to You,in Jesus name.
7.Thank You, God, for bringing me forth as Your prized possession. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace,in Jesus name.
8.Father, I believe in the name of Jesus. Help me to grow in my faith and trust in Your promises every day,in Jesus name.
9. Lord, nourish my soul with Your Word. Help me to desire it as pure spiritual milk so that I may grow in my salvation,in Jesus name.
10.God, grant me the strength to be a doer of Your Word. Help me to obey Your commands wholeheartedly,in Jesus name.
11.Thank You, Lord, that I can overcome the world through my faith in Christ. Strengthen me to face life's challenges with confidence,in Jesus name.
12.Father, help me to be spiritually discerning. Open my eyes to understand Your truths and live accordingly,in Jesus name.
13.Holy Spirit, purify my soul in obedience to the truth. Help me to reflect Your holiness in my thoughts and actions,in Jesus name.
14.Lord, I seek transformation in my life. Make me a new creation and help me to leave behind my old ways,in Jesus name.
15.Lord, draw me closer to You and raise me up in Your time. I trust in Your perfect plan for my life,in Jesus name.
16.God, thank You for assuring me of everlasting life through my faith in Jesus. May this truth fill me with peace and joy,in Jesus name.
17. Father, thank You for the incorruptible inheritance kept for me in heaven. Help me to live in anticipation of this glorious promise,in Jesus name.
18.Lord, grant me boldness to share the good news of Jesus with others. Help me to be a light in a dark world,in Jesus name.
19.Holy Spirit, guide my steps as I seek to live out my faith. Lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake,in Jesus name.
20)Thank You, Lord, for the gift of eternal life. Help me to live in the light of this gift every day, sharing it with others,in Jesus name.
Thank you for answering my prayers in Jesus name.Amen
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,and the love of God,and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.Amen
Lord,may my life reflect Christ in Jesus name.Amen
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