--- Rebirth? ---
Are you born again by God's Spirit?
Do you understand what the Bible "rebirth" even means?
(John 3:1-8)
Written: September of 2022.

Jesus told the Samaritan "woman at the well" we must worship God in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:22-24 of 5-26) The following verses explain how to do that; how we worship in spirit, by being drawn to Jesus by God's Spirit, (John 6:44) and then in truth, because that's one thing Jesus came to give us! (John 18:37)

Jesus made clear we must be born again:
- (John 3:3) In answer Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
He also taught being a Jew or Gentile has no meaning for Christians:
- (Galatians 6:15 of 14-16) For neither is circumcision anything nor is uncircumcision, but a new creation [is something].
Jesus said no one can come to him unless he is drawn by his Father's spirit:
- (John 6:44) No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him;. . .
Jesus then refined the meaning of being born again, actually saying it must be by Holy Spirit:
- (John 3:5) Jesus answered: “Most truly I say to you, Unless anyone is born from water (from our mother's womb) and spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John said Jesus would baptize with Holy Spirit:
- (Mark 1:8) I [John] baptized YOU with water, but he will baptize YOU with holy spirit.”
Peter taught baptism is exercising faith in Christ:
- (1 Peter 3:21) That which corresponds to this is also now saving YOU, namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh [water immersion, which is only a sign to others of our baptism by Holy Sprit], but the request made to God for a good conscience,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So, it happens like this: If you are a person seeking God's will, He draws you to his son using his Spirit:
- (2 Chron 16:9) For the eyes of the LORD (יהוה) run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him...
Listening to and taking to heart the words of Jesus then grants you Holy Spirit of your own:
- (John 6:63) It is the spirit that is life-giving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings that I have spoken to YOU are spirit and are life.
- (John 14:26) But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach YOU all things and bring back to YOUR minds all the things I told YOU.
- (Mat 10:19-20) CEV But when someone arrests you, don't worry about what you will say or how you will say it. At that time you will be given the words to say. (20) But you will not really be the one speaking. The Spirit from your Father will tell you what to say.
- (John 16:26-27) CEV You will ask the Father in my name, and I won't have to ask him for you. (27) God the Father loves you because you love me, and you believe that I have come from him.
That is the process of your baptism and rebirth. Your baptism by the Spirit is accomplished by God in his drawing you to Christ.
- Your rebirth is also "your decision" to put faith in the words of God's Messiah.
  - (John 11:25-27) MKJV (25) Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, though he die, yet he shall live. (26) And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? (27) She said to Him, Yes, Lord, I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.
  - (John 6:28-29) ESV Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" (29) Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he [God] has sent." (Mat 17:5)
Your public expression of faith in Christ (Rom 10:9-10) completes your transformation by Holy Spirit to a new Creation.

As a new creation, you are acceptable to God
- (Heb 4:14-16) GNB Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God---Jesus, the Son of God. (15) Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. (16) Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.
and a member of the true "Israel of God":

(Galatians 6:15, 16) GW Certainly, it doesn't matter whether a person is circumcised [physically] or not. Rather, what matters is being a new creation. (16) Peace and mercy will come to rest on all those who conform to this principle. They are the Israel of God.

Consider also:
- Gal 3:26-29 - It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. (27) You were baptized [drawn by God's spirit - John 6:44] into union with Christ, [or, been born again - John 3:1-21] and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. (28) So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. (29) If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.

Please read on for additional scriptures dealing with being born again as a new Creation: Writing these Bible studies or devotionals brings me great joy! It gives life purpose... It can also be hard: Striving every day to learn more from Christ, and then, to put what I learn into words (as my living sacrifice to first understand, and then convey, Bible truth), is ~~a little like~~ is being reborn ~~as another~~ as a new person. The Bible describes it as becoming a new creation. (2 Cor 5:16‑21) It requires I constantly let go of (scrape off) what I have previously believed and hoped and desired. (Col 3:9‑14) It seems reasonable to liken it to how a newborn must feel when going through childbirth pains with its mother. After the brief struggle, however, it is born as a brand new person! Our spiritual mother is Christ's heavenly Kingdom and our Father is God! (Gal 4:26 of 19‑26) My point in writing this: To try and help you understand how wonderful it is to be alive in these last days; meaning we can believe our "personal rebirth" (as followers of Christ) is coinciding with the rebirth (revelation) of God's kingdom to rule over all the earth! (Acts 17:29‑31; 1 Cor 15:12‑28; Acts 17:26‑27 of 22‑31) For the first time in human history, our generation can have the hope the Book of Job promises. (Job 33:13-30)

As a young man, I spent two years in the military during a time of war. (VietnamJC.com) With rare exception, that meant I was separated from family and friends and loved ones for those two years. That time was spent in service to my nation and that service consumed nearly every aspect of my life. With some training and equipment, my nation gave me a temporary rebirth as a combat soldier.

I find becoming a follower of Christ has some similarities. This time, my rebirth is as a Christian. And this time, I pray, my transformation is not temporary. I pray I am a soldier in lock step with all others who express faith in Christ, and that God will grant me faith (Mark 9:24 of 20-24) to remain so forever. All my young life I've chosen dreams and expectations that gave little regard to my Creator and his purpose for me as one of his children. All that turmoil in trying to seek God and at the same time what I thought I desired from this world [but was actually "enticed" to desire], only led to strife and suffering and disappointment. (1 Tim 6:10 of 3‑16) That's why I finally [and I think gradually in my case] turned to God, who then led me to Christ. (John 6:44; John 6:65) [I was a believer in God most all my life, of course, but I was sadly misguided by religion. (1 Tim 1:12‑16) It might have been I suffered a lack of desire for truth, which allowed me to be misguided.] Even professing faith in God for all those years, I never really put forth a serious effort to know and to please him; continually. (Luke 9:23) Rather, I joined a string of churches one after another, trying to find God in them. My problem was, however, I didn't understand or make effort to listen to God's simple plan: I just needed to read the Gospels and actually listen to Christ. (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) Much of my youth I was misguided to believe I needed to find a "religion," a "church," to help me know יהוה. Please know I do understand it is not because I'm a good man that I'm turning to God, but because I grew tired of suffering at my own hand. (1 Tim 6:10 of 3‑16) My belief is turning to Christ is helping me become a righteous man; bringing true relief by helping me be reborn into friendship with God! (John 15:11-16)

And once again, I find my service to Christ's kingdom (which is also upbuilding and benefiting my-own-self, of course - Heb 11:6) separates me from my family; at least to some degree. (Mat 10:34-36) I spend much of my time studying the Bible, which leads to writing these devotional Bible studies. That takes time and energy I could otherwise spend running about the country visiting with my large family. I do, of course, love them; which means I send them what I do have to offer that has value. And yes, what I have of value is these devotional's. (Acts 3:1‑8) I have become convinced the "truth" is the most important thing in life... And, that God's word is defines truth! (Psa 119:160; John 18:37) While my efforts are not appreciated by all people, (John 15:20-21; John 14:20-21; Mark 5:17 of 1‑17) many seem to love these scriptural meditations. Sometimes, people offer praise for my work; which makes me feel really good. That makes me feel compelled to warn, however, my work is different from any other preaching I am aware of, and, it's not really "my" work at all. Most preachers seek the praise and glory of their followers (their sheep). Religionists mostly just work (constantly) to find and keep followers for their sect. My hope and faith is I'm not like that. I am convinced I am trying to enlighten people who want to become or remain followers and friends of Christ Jesus. (John 15:14-15) That does require, of course, they first be drawn toward Christ by God's spirit. (John 6:44; John 6:65) I hope you can understand the huge difference between seeking to know the true God through his truth revealed in Christ, and just wanting to be part of some religion. So, there is really no place for praise of me [or any other imperfect human] and you can see why I say it's not "my" work. (Mark 10:17‑18) The very best I can accomplish is directing to Christ! I just want to help sincere and kind hearted people understand why it is so hard (impossible really) to have true faith and be happy as part of any religious sect. I want to help everyone understand the common failing of all religious people: Including even sincere people who remain just "religious people," but not real Christians. Understand the difference: Religious people are not directing others to Christ Jesus, but to the writings and teachings of their chosen sect. And that, please note, is what defines them to be religious people; in opposition to Christians who encourage you toward, well, the words of Jesus Christ! Catholics are defined by a catholic doctrine of faith, as are Baptists and Lutherans and Jehovah's Witness and all the many others. Being an actual follower of Christ is the thing that defines all true Christians as Christians. (Acts 11:26) Their only doctrine is the Gospels of Christ. (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) Their only organization is in having their names inscribed in heaven, (Luke 10:20) marking them for survival... If you have any involvement with the Churches, you should print this webpage and share it with them. Anyone who listens to me for just a few minutes will understand they have heard every important thing I have to say. That's because all I have to say amounts to different ways of encouraging you to follow God's only later day command: "Listen to the Son of God!" (Mat 17:5; 1 Cor 11:1) All that said, I do believe I can help people learn about Bible history and prophecy. (Bible Theme Overview.) And, that Bible history exists as a tutor leading to Christ. (Gal 3:23-26) So... The Bible tells us we should all always be primarily listening to Christ Jesus himself. While I herein try to describe my rebirth, your personally drinking in the words of Christ is where your own rebirth must come from.

Alluded to above, there are actually two distinct rebirths you should have faith in; if you hope to receive the one and be part of the other. The first and most important rebirth is not just possible, but is certain and is happening right now. We are witness to the rebirth or reestablishment of God's Kingdom rulership over the earth. (1 Cor 15:24-28 of 12-28) The second rebirth, and likely most important to you, is your personal opportunity to be reborn as a spiritual son or daughter of God. (John 3:1‑8) What a wonderful blessing to be favored to live at the only time in human history when you can have the two rebirths coincide for you. That grants you to be among the first people ever who can live forever without dying. (John 11:25-26; Job 33:13-30)

Since God's creation rebelled in the Garden of Eden about 6000 years ago, God has allowed time for the rebels to demonstrate whether mankind would do better following God's directions for life, or would be better served trying to govern ourselves. That's what the rebels in the Garden asserted; that they would better on their own and refusing God's directions. We today see the evidence of the 6000 year test mankind thus forced upon themselves; "upon ourselves." The tribulation of these last days [the last days of mankind trying to rule themselves] is the result of our own chosen self-rule apart from God. If God didn't step in to save us, we would soon destroy ourselves completely. (Mark 13:19‑20) Thankfully, Christ is now revealed from heaven (in the eyes of all those who have faith - 2 Kings 6:15‑17) and is now bringing an end of the tribulation we have created. (Acts 17:29‑31; 1 Cor 15:12‑28)

What about your own personal rebirth? Are you, or are you becoming, a new creation? (Gal 6:15; 2 Cor 5:17) Do you understand what that even means? All righteously inclined people seek for God in what ever reasonable way they can think. (Heb 11:6; 2 Chron 16:9) God always uses his spirit to direct sincere persons to the Bible as the only sensible explanation of Creation, and then to the teachings of his Christ. (John 6:44) Jesus said we must be born again by Holy Spirit. (John 3:1‑8) He said no one can come to him unless they are first drawn by his Father's Spirit. (John 6:44) Jesus also said God's Spirit is alive in the words he taught us. (John 6:63) We are born of water from our mother's belly, and from spirit when we are drawn to Christ by God and then choose to take in God's Spirit in the words of his son! (John 3:5) Listening to and following the words of Christ remakes us (gives us a new birth) as a new creation. (2 Cor 5:17 of 16‑19; Gal 6:15 of 12‑16) Persisting in (meditating on) the words of Christ is eating his flesh and drinking his blood... (John 6:53)

I often give tearful thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father for his gift of life; (Rev 4:8) the life that has allowed me to witness his wondrous creation. (Rom 1:20) I am thankful to have seen some of the beautiful things his earthly sons and daughters have created and done. (Heb 12) Those choosing righteousness by following Christ are awe inspiring. I am most happy to be alive at the time of the Revelation of his son to destroy Satan and all his works. (1 John 3:8; Rev 14:9‑12 of 7‑15) Satan's works do include all God's human sons and daughters who refuse to stop doing harm to others. (1 Cor 6:9‑11; Gal 5:19‑21 of 14‑26; Eph 5:5 of 3‑17; Rev 22:15 of 14‑21) In their choice to refuse God's help, they place themselves beyond being helped or even prayed for even by Jesus himself... (John 17:9 of 1-26) I am overjoyed to see the restoration of the paradise our Father created 6000 years ago in the Garden. How wonderful to be alive and have opportunity to experience our own personal rebirth, at the same time as (or during) the rebirth or reestablishment of God's Kingdom over the earth. (Acts 17:29‑31; 1 Cor 15:21‑28 of 12‑28) Can you see how that grants us opportunity to be among the very first people to live forever without having to die? (John 11:26; Job 33:13‑30; Isa 11:1‑12; Psa 110 & 111) Make yourself a survivor of the tribulation (Luke 17:26‑30) by building and expressing truth faith in the words of Jesus Christ. (John 6:28‑29; Psa 93:5‑7 and 10 of 1‑16) Have faith in Jesus's many promises that our own faith will heal us! (Mat 9:22; Eph 2:8; Mark 10:52; Luke 7:50; Luke 17:19; Luke 18:42; Acts 14:9; Luke 8:48 of 42‑48; John 7:37‑39; John 19:34) See you soon, then, in paradise. (Psa 37:10-11; Psa 37:29; Isa 11:1-12)

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