There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "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 and said to him, "Most assuredly, 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, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he

cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
John 3:1-7

What does it really mean to be born again? Surprisingly enough, Nicodemus a very learned and respected member of the Jewish community did not have the answer to that question. Nicodemus was probably very familiar with a lot of “external” observances – those that made him look “religious” on the outside, with nothing really changed on the inside. The good news is that God is not impressed with externals – he is looking for a changed heart. This makes salvation a free gift which even the poorest person can receive. What does it really mean to be born again? It means you are re-born by the spirit of God. Positioning yourself to receive salvation means that you have turned away from sin – you’ve considered your life and turned away from those things that are contrary to what God wants – it’s a turning away from selfishness and turning toward God in a posture of repentance (apologizing for the wrong things that you have done). Don’t worry….God understands that much of our turning away from sin is progressive as we learn more and more about Him and as the Holy Spirit completes His work in our lives (2 Cor 3:18). It’s recognizing Jesus Christ God’s son as Lord and Savior of your life and believing in:

• His death on Calvary - that He died a substitutionary death for your sins
• His resurrection from the dead on the third day

John 3:16 says that:

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

It’s not hard…it’s as easy going to the father with a heartfelt prayer. You can use the following prayer as a guide to invite Jesus Christ into your Heart:

Dear God, I want your son Jesus to be Lord and savior of my life. I believe that He died on Calvary to save me from my sins – and I also believe that He rose from the dead on the third day. Father, I apologize for all of the things I have done in my life that have been contrary to your will. Please forgive me and fill me with your spirit. Thank you Father for a new Beginning! I love you. Amen.

If you have just accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, please send us an email and let us know. We want to pray for you. We are excited about your new life as a Christian – welcome to the body of believers!