Nicodemus runs in the fast lane. As a member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling council), he has clout dripping off him.

He is also an insider in the swelling debate caused by Jesus cleansing the temple (which John previously recorded shortly before in ch. 2).  -Mark Moore

The Necessity of a New Birth

You must be born again.

Kingdom entry requires a fresh start. A new beginning.

The pathway to eternal life begins with seeing the necessity of a new birth.

If you desire eternal life…

  are you willing to recognize   that you’re not impressive   enough to make that   happen on your own either?

The pathway to eternal life calls us to embrace true beauty.

Confusion with Love:

1. Love is not only an emotional high.

2. 1.Love is not approval.

We are in a cultural moment that is confusing love with approval.

Sometimes love says in the most kind and gentle way possible, ‘that’s not good for you and I can’t act like it is just because you like it or want it.’

What is love?

Self giving

“For God so loved the world He gave … ”

Many people believe that God is mad at them, but for some reason he has yet to punish them fully. Such people would be more comfortable had Jesus said,

‘For God was so mad at the world that he sent his Son to come down and tell them to shape up, that whosoever would shape up would have eternal life. Indeed, God did send his Son into the world to condemn it, in order that the world might be saved through good works.       -James Bryan Smith

 The Good and Beautiful God

The pathway to eternal life calls us to embrace true beauty … the self-giving love of God.

The pathway to eternal life is secured as we exercise the power of belief.

Belief is a spiritual change wherein one ceases to rely on one’s own merits and achievements and comes to trust in Christ instead.

- Leon Morris

Salvation necessarily implies judgement. These are the two sides of the same coin. Needing to be saved exposes the reality of what would happen if salvation does not come. Jesus came to bring salvation, but the very fact of salvation for all who believe implies judgment on all who do not.  -Leon Morris

How is God is asking you to respond?

Pray for clarity on what real love is because it’s not approval.

Humble yourself before God because you are more focused on your clout and resume than you are with the power and love God.

You’ve been focused on you being impressive, and not Him.

Saying Yes to Jesus

1.Recognize God’s great love.

2.Accept your position of need.

3.Profess your faith in Jesus. Romans 10:9

4.Unite with Jesus through baptism. Acts 2:38

5.Take up your slavery … become a slave to righteousness.   Romans 6