John 3:1-21
Born again. Saved. Believer. Those words all make perfect sense to us as Christians. But those words we're so familiar with (and that we love) can be confusing and even a turn off to people who aren't Christians. Nicodemus didn't understand when Jesus told him he needed to be born again, and things are pretty much the same way today. That's why it's so important for us to be able to articulate to others what it means for us to have a personal relationship with Christ (i.e. be saved, born again, a Believer). So do you have a concise, people friendly response ready? Because we really do need one.
Would you take a few minutes and write something down and then share it? Seeing how others communicate about having a relationship with Jesus can be a huge help. Everyone takes in and processes information differently, so having a couple of explanations or examples can be invaluable. Ok, think about it, write it down and send it in. Tami W.
Hi Tami.
My example just happened a few days ago. To make a long story short, I had to have somebody sign a paper for me in order to make a land sale go through. I had been praying about this sale for a long time and it finally came to his signature. When I asked him to sign he said "No, I'm not going to sign any papers". I immediately prayed "God help me to say the right thing now". He answered my prayer, I came up with the right words and direction the conversation went and he signed the papers. I know it wasn't me but God working in me.
Praise Him.
Being born again or saved is only a term I could understand once it happened to me. I've always known OF God, but wasn't living for him. I had to reach a very low point in my life before I would look up for help. I struggled in every way imaginable trying to keep things together on my own. After I realized that "my" way wasn't working a dear friend began praying for me and sharing with me what God had done in their life. At that point I gave my life to him and the feeling of being "born again" came alive. I had a sense of peace, an overwhelming feeling of rest and love. Not that all my "worldly" problems went away; but I had a sense of peace about them all. I knew in the depths of my heart that no matter what all happened I would still have that relationship with Christ and someday I would spend eternity with him. I had such a dramatic change in my life and lifestyle that people who knew me could and can still see that it is possible to be "born again". A lot of times living "born again" is the most important statement we can make. It often takes the place of words or at least it begins a conversation about how we/I can have so much peace in my life with all of the problems I still face.
God is a wonderful God and I could write for days on how he's changed my life. I praise and worship him for my life - I was so unworthy, but he cleansed me and made me his.
I love this passage so much! I was born and raised in the church. I have known John 3:16 since I was very young. I have talked with many people who say that since they had grown up in the church that being "born again" was not something they really experienced or felt like they thought they would. I think we are expecting this HUGE life change and for some it may be, but for many its the peace and comfort of knowing that your life is now FOR God alone. My prayer is that we always remember everyone's relationship with Christ is their own with their own experiences...
I thank God though that I can sense him in my life, I know he is a contant...my rock and that I strive to live every day for him!
I would explain being 'Born Again' to someone unfamiliar with the term as Laying down your old life-your life that got you to an unhealthy condition more than likely--and starting a new life- a life that will lead you to more healthy decisions, hopefully. With God's help, anything is possible. If there is something you want to rid yourself of, or of doing, Jesus is absolutely the answer. Choosing to accept Him as Your Lord and Savior, asking forgivness (having your sin erased), and starting afresh would be you being Born again!