Being Born Again – is NOT just “changing uniforms and teams”- Devils to Angels.
It should signal that one has received and accepted a Divine Invitation to a whole new State of Being – Spiritually Transformative.
John 2 – Jesus does His first miracle: Water to Wine at a wedding feast.
John 2:11 – “…This was a sign revealing His glory (illuminating His divine state of being), and His disciples Believed in Him.”
Something out of the ordinary was seen, which caused people to believe.
“I believe that when we are Born Again, our lives should reflect something “out of the ordinary” – in our words, actions, and attitudes – but also in a godly Heart approach to everything and everyone we interact with.” – PR
John 2:23 – “…many believed in His name when they SAW the signs He did.”
Believing seems tied to Seeing.
John 3 – Nicodemus, the Teacher of Israel – “How does this work? It’s God, I know – BUT HOW?”
John 3:3 – ”Most assuredly, I say to you unless one is Born Again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus could see the miracles but couldn’t understand them. He could recognize the Kingdom but couldn’t conceive how it worked.
John 3:5-6 – Born of water (Water of the Word: Ephesians 5:25-26, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23) and the Spirit’s breath one cannot enter the Kingdom – Flesh is Flesh / Spirit is Spirit.
Abilities that accompany the New Birth:
The Word of God becomes clearer
H.S. works and wonders become solid experiences
Faith comes alive
Affectations of the Kingdom become realized – “On Earth, as it is in Heaven.”
“New birth is more than being “saved.” It is a requalifying experience opening up the possibilities of our whole being to the supernatural dimension of life fitting us for a beginning in God’s kingdom order.” – J. Hayford
Keys: 1. Must be received by FAITH
2. Give oneself to it fully
Alternatives:
Religious people
Consumer Christians – a) “Get out of hell free” b) Utilize church for activities without ever giving their lives fully to God – inner selves, thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Never inwardly transformed and not committed to becoming so.
The experiences received in this realm are transforming – step by step – “Glory to Glory.”
If we are not motivated by the Spirit, we will remain motivated by another force: Our natural proclivity toward SIN – Romans 6:16 “Slaves to sin.”
2 Corinthians 3:16-18(TPT) (PLEASE READ)
Psalms 27:13 – “Lord, I want to SEE and EXPERIENCE your goodness here in the “land of the living. I’m willing to commit to that which will allow me to do so.”