Broadstreet Church of Christ
1213 Broad Street Phenix City, Alabama
Schedule of Services
Sunday:
Bible Study
10:00 A.M.
Morning Worship
11:00 A.M.
Evening Worship
5:00 P.M. (winter)
6:00 P.M.
(summer)
Wednesday:
Bible Study
7:30 P.M.
All times
Eastern
Morning Worship
THE NEW BIRTH
John
3:1-12
1
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou
art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou
doest, except God be with him.
3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter
the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the
Spirit is spirit.
7
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that
is born of the Spirit.
9
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest
not these things?
11
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that
we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe,
if I tell you of heavenly things?
Introduction
A. One of the favorite sayings of the denominational world is, "I'm a born
again Christian"
b. Is this a scriptural proclamation?
c. John Three has been the subject of much debate in the past and there has
been much confusion on the subject of the New Birth.
d. What does it mean to be "born again" and how is it accomplished?
I. Nicodemus:
A. He is called a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews
1
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
1. The Pharisees were the antis of Jesus’ day
2. They bound hundreds of religious laws on the people that God had never
bound on them
3. We must remember that many of the Jews of this day were very
materialistic (Especially the Pharisees)
4. The fact that he is called a ruler shows that he was a powerful and
influential man
B. Nicodemus' Understanding of Christ
2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou
art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou
doest, except God be with him.
1. He understood that Jesus was a man come from God
2. He knew this because of the miracles which Christ performed
22
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God
among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the
midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
3. Perhaps he was one of the men mentioned in
42
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because
of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of
the synagogue:
43
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
II. Their Conversation
3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter
the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
A. Jesus did not take time to bask in Nicodemus' praise. He used the
opportunity to teach Nicodemus
B. He told Nicodemus that he must be born again to see the kingdom of God
C. Nicodemus, thought that Jesus was talking about being born again
physically
4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter
the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
D. Jesus explains himself more thoroughly
5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
iii. What does it mean to be Born Again?
A. First, we must keep in mind that Jesus is talking about spiritual matters
and not physical
12
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe,
if I tell you of heavenly things?
B. To be born again, one must first be begotten or conceived:
1. We see this in the natural world:
a. For a human being to be born there must first be a conception
b. The father's seed and the mother's egg must come into contact
2. The same is true in the spiritual realm:
a. We have to come into contact with our "spiritual" seed
b. What is that seed?
(1) Luke 8:11
11
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
(2)
James 1:18
"Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
(3) I Peter 1:23
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
C. Next, one must actually be born. This implies a change of state:
1. Again, we see this in the natural world:
a. When a child is born, it leaves the warmth and protection of its mother's
womb and enters into the world.
b. This is a drastic change for that baby
2. One must also be born spiritually:
a. This is the birth that Jesus is talking about in John 3
b. When one is born again, his state is drastically changed:
(1) He walks in "newness of life" -Romans
6:4
4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
(2) He puts off the "old man" -Ephesians
4:22-24
22
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is
corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.
(3) He is translated into Christ's Kingdom -Colossians
1:13
13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son:
(4) He is married to Christ -Romans 7:4
4
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of
Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from
the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
IV. How is One Born Again?
A. Nicodemus did not understand how one could be born again (thinking
materialistically)
B. Jesus told us that to be born again, spiritually, one "must be born of
water and the Spirit" –
John 3: 3,5
3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter
the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
C. But what does this mean? There has been much confusion on this verse.
D. What does it mean to be born of water?
1. Wrong views:
a. Some try to say that "water" in John 3:5 is not actually water. They say
it can mean "grace" or "Spirit."
b. Some say that the Greek word "kai" can sometimes be translated "even."
(1) This would change John 3:5 to "Except a man be born of water even the
Spirit"
(2) The main meaning of kai is "and." To change it to an alternative meaning
without sufficient reason is inexcusable
c. These people try to pervert the Lord's plain teaching in order to support
their man-made doctrines.
2. The Biblical meaning:
a. To be born is to "come forth."
b. When does one come forth from water? In Baptism
12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the
faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
c. It is at the point of baptism that our spiritual state is changed:
(1) Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost."
(2) Acts 22:16
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins,
calling on the name of the Lord."
(3) Romans 6:4
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life."
(4) I Peter 3:21
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"
E. How is one born of the Spirit?
1. When he is born of water (baptized) as the means appointed by the Spirit for a birth
27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
2. We are born again when we comply with the teaching of the Spirit
16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek.
26
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward
the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is
desert.
27
And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great
authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all
her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28
Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30
And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and
said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to
the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his
mouth:
Isa
53:7
33
In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his
generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Isa
53:8
34
And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the
prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached
unto him Jesus.
36
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he
answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into
the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught
away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
V. Jesus Further Explains Himself
6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the
Spirit is spirit.
7
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that
is born of the Spirit.
A. In verse 6, he emphasizes that he is talking about a spiritual rebirth
and not a physical rebirth
B. Verse 8 is often misunderstood and misapplied:
1. Wrong Views:
a. Some people try to apply this verse to the operation of the Holy Spirit
and say we don't know how He works but we see the effects.
b. Others say that, like the wind will blow down one tree and leave another
standing, so the Spirit will operate on one person and not another
2. Correct View:
a. This verse is not talking about the Spirit but those who are born of the
Spirit.
"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every ONE that
is born of the Spirit." -John 3:8
b. Thus, even though the spiritual rebirth cannot be seen, one can see the
effects of that birth in the life of the one reborn
17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Conclusion
a. When one reads the word of God (the seed) with a good and honest heart,
he will desire to do that which pleases God
17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek him.
b. However, he is not saved at that point; he is only begotten by the word
18
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind
of firstfruits of his creatures.
c. He is not saved until he has also repented, confessed, and been born of
water
1 Peter 3:21 (baptized)
21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
d. Have you been born again?
COMMITTED TO THE CROSS
The Christian's Motivation
Introduction
a. the crucifixion of Jesus Christ should motivate the whole world to be
obedient to Him
b. It takes a great deal of motivation to be COMMITTED TO CHRIST
c. What should it be that motivates an individual to commit his/her life to
Jesus Christ?
d. If I were to ask you, "Why are you a Christian?" What kind of answer
would you give?
e. We should be motivated by the crucifixion of Christ
16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved.
32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
I. We should be motivated by The King on the Cross:
A. Christ was equal to God the Father before He came to earth
5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross.
1. By Him all things were created
16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
2. He is God
1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
2
The same was in the beginning with God.
3
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was
made.
4
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
B. Yet He willingly endured the cross:
1. He despised the shame of the cross
1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2. He desired that the cup would pass from Him
39
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I
will, but as thou wilt.
3. He could have come down at any time
53
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently
give me more than twelve legions of angels?
11
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it
were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath
the greater sin.
C. Yet He was still willing to die
6
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the
ungodly.
7
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good
man some would even dare to die.
8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us.
D. That kind of love should be enough to motivate us to be committed to Him
II. We should be motivated by The Cruelty of the Cross:
A. Christ endured:
1. Beatings By the Jews
67
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with
the palms of their hands,
2. Scourged by the Romans
26
Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he
delivered him to be crucified.
B. He has a crown of thorns placed on His head
29
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and
a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked
him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
C. He was mocked and spit upon
68
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
29
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and
a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked
him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
D. He was forced to carry His own cross, which He was unable to do
32
And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they
compelled to bear his cross.
E. He was hung on the cross to die
F. He was even ridiculed while on the cross
39
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40
And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41
Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders,
said,
42
He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let
him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
43
He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he
said, I am the Son of God.
44
The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
G. Yet, still He endured it
H. Need we any more motivation to follow Him?
III. We should be motivated by The Cause of the Cross:
A. it was not just the Jews who hand a hand IN HAVING Christ crucified
33
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they
crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on
the left.
23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
B. we need the blood of Christ after CONVERSION
7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one
with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all
sin.
c. we will need the blood to enter heaven
5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten
of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved
us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
D. Christ died on the cross for US
8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us.
9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him.
10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his
Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
E. That should motivate us to follow Him
IV. We should be motivated by The Consequences of the Cross:
A. Because of the Cross, we can have salvation
16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
B. Because of the Cross, we are no longer under the Old Covenant
14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was
contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
1
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image
of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by
year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the
worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every
year.
4
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away
sins.
C. Because of the Cross, we can go to heaven
24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are
the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us:
51
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the
bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
D. The consequences of the cross should motivate us to be committed to
Christ
Conclusion
a. Are you committed to Christ?
b. Have you been washed in His precious blood?
c. Why not do that today?
