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This is what Jesus explained to a leading religious teacher who came to him one night, as recorded in John 3:1-8:
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, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
Jesus answered, “Very 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 Spiritt gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘Yout 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.” (NIV)
This new birth is a gift of God’s grace, received by faith. It is beautifully expressed through the sacrament of baptism. Maybe you have attended church for a long time, but have never made the decision to put your faith in Christ and be baptized. This Christmas could be the time to take that step. Our pastors and prayer counselors are always willing to talk you at the end of any worship service. Frazer also offers Baptism Orientation classes which explain the meaning of faith, grace, and baptism. For those who have already been baptized but wish to renew their walk with God, the ceremony of reaffirming baptismal vows can be a meaningful step. For more information, you can contact the Congregational Care ministry in the church office, 272-8622.
Don’t let Christmas pass you by without knowing that you have been born again. What a wonderful gift, to celebrate the birth of our Savior by receiving his gift of new birth into a new life in Christ Jesus.