THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Why should I be born again?

THE PROBLEM:

We are born into our natural family with a sinful nature (we naturally desire to sin).  Because of this we are born separate from a relationship with God. 

Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned".

   Romans 3:23 "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God".

THE PAYMENT FOR SIN:

     Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death (physical and eternal); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord".

We were born with a freedom to make choices:

     Joshua 24:15 "...choose you this day whom you will serve..."

God wants us to choose Him.  If we choose to live our own way, we face eternal death.  But there is GOOD NEWS!

THE GOOD NEWS:

God provided a sacrifice for our sins in Jesus Christ, His son.  We deserve punishment, but Jesus suffered for us and in our place.  He came to bring us freedom from the grip of sin and to restore a right relationship with God.

     I Peter 3:18 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God..."

It doesn't matter how "Good" you try to be, the sinful nature you received from Adam, needs to be changed.  Because of Jesus' death in your place, you can be a part of God's family.  But just like any family, you have to be born into it.

     In St. John 3:3 Jesus said: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God".

     In St. John 3:6 Jesus explains; "That which is born of the flesh is flesh..."

This speaks of a natural or flesh birth, just like the one your mother gave you.

     Then Jesus continued to say,"...that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit".

Because God is a Spirit we must be born into his family through a spiritual birth process!

THE PROCESS:

     St. John 3:5 "Except a man be born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God".

Born of the water --Water Baptism (the word baptism means to be wholly covered with a fluid).  Jesus, himself was baptized at the River of Jordan.

Born of the Spirit--Baptism of the Holy Spirit       Jesus also received the Holy Spirit.  Because the Holy Spirit is invisible to the naked eye, God always sends a sigh with it.  Jesus' sign was a dove, but when the Lord fills a believer with the Holy Spirit, our sign is "Speaking with Other Tongues".

     I Corinthians 14:22 declares that speaking in tongues is for a sign.  When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, you will speak with other tongues just like they did on the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2:1-4.  This was the beginning of the church (God's family), and the first message to them was about Jesus and his sacrifice.  As they heard the Word of God, they were touched in their hearts and asked Peter what shall we do?  Peter's reply was:

     Acts 2:38-39  "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.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

So how can I be born again?

1st STEP: REPENT

That means to turn away from, with a heart felt and true regret for your sins.

2nd STEP: BE BAPTIZED 

Be submerged in water in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5 (born of water)

3rd STEP: RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Pray to receive the Holy Spirit.  It is a free and wonderful gift! (born of the Spirit)

GOD MADE YOU AND HE LOVES YOU!  HE SENT HIS ONLY SON TO DIE IN YOUR PLACE.  RECEIVE WHAT JESUS DID FOR YOU ON THE CROSS!

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

GOD'S FAMILY!

THE CHOICE IS YOURS!