Monday, July 2, 2012

Going back to basics

Stephen Manhanga
Stephen did well by going back to basics.........

We had an interesting discussion last Sunday about what it means to be born again? It was great because we realised that some folk didn't know and had quite a few questions........I guess like Nicodemus

John 3:1 - 18 "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him. Jesus replied, 'Verily truly I tell you,no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'  "How can someone be born again when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, Verily truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. You are Israel's teacher, said Jesus, and do not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

The discussion brought clarity for some while others compared it to the knowledge they received while they were growing up.

We thank God for the work He is doing in people's hearts and lives and pray that many will come to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him.

Compiled by Molly Manhanga

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