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Born Again (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Being born from above represents a profound spiritual transformation, as taught by Jesus Christ in John 3:3. It signifies a new beginning, a miraculous change engineered by God through His calling of a person. This concept is entirely spiritual, not physical, aligning with the nature of the New Covenant, which emphasizes spiritual elements over physical ones. Jesus proclaimed to Nicodemus that one must be born from above, indicating a heavenly origin for this transformation. It cannot be understood through physical analogies like begettal or womb-birth, as these break down and create misunderstanding. Instead, it must be seen as a spiritual reality, where converts are treated as fully grown adults in the faith, already part of God's family and His house, though not yet in its fullness. The effect of being born from above is invisible, much like the wind, but its fruits are evident in a person's life. A convert begins to see God with greater respect, to fear Him, to bow before His will, to seriously seek Him, and to obey Him. This transformation is evidenced by changed lives, as seen in the Corinthian congregation, where obedience, attitudes, and perspectives reflected a love for Christ, God's Word, one another, and even enemies. This change is a result of a significant spiritual intervention by God, initiated by His Spirit, giving life as described in II Corinthians 3:6. Being born from above is not a physical birth but a spiritual creation, a new person underway. It involves a circumcision of the heart, a completely spiritual operation affecting the mind, heart, attitude, perspective, and obedience. God speaks to His people as adult children capable of making choices through education in His Word and by the power of His Spirit. This places the responsibility for obedience directly on the individual, answerable to Christ as Savior and government, highlighting a personal and direct accountability to Him.
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The concept of being 'Born from Above' is not a new idea, as it has roots in the Old Testament, contrary to what some might believe. Jesus expressed surprise that Nicodemus, a man of significant standing in the community, did not understand this teaching, which was already present in earlier scriptures. The term 'Born from Above' is preferred as it reflects the context of a significant spiritual change initiated by God in a person's life. This change parallels the dramatic shift experienced by the Israelites when they were freed from Egyptian slavery, moving from bondage to freedom in a single day, yet still facing the question of whether they would complete their journey. The process of being 'Born from Above' encompasses the entire spiritual journey, from the initial calling by God to the final transformation. It is synonymous with regeneration, a term that indicates a new birth or spiritual renewal, covering the whole period from beginning to end. This regeneration is not an instantaneous event but a continuous process of moral and spiritual reformation, adjusting one's vision and thinking to align with the mind of God, requiring a willing response from the believer. Upon repentance and conversion, individuals are considered by God as a brand new person, with a new heart, family, values, and possessions. The Bible consistently addresses believers as whole persons, already born, functioning in daily life, and not as embryos or fetuses. Immediately upon receiving the Holy Spirit from God, we are sons of God, not waiting for a birth, but already in that state, needing time to grow into the maturity He desires. Jesus, in teaching this concept, always used the male figure of the Father as the Creator, with no mention of a mother or womb, emphasizing that the spiritual birth is directly from God. We are not in the womb of the church; we are the church, an assembly of people, not a building. Furthermore, we are already in the Kingdom of God upon receiving God's Holy Spirit, seen as citizens and full functioning adults in His eyes, not requiring another birth but awaiting a transformation from physical to spiritual glory.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOnly born-again persons will be in God's Kingdom; in terms of salvation, it is an absolute necessity to have occurred. Understanding the born-again doctrine clearly is helpful for fully appreciating what an awesome, divinely given gift we have received. It helps to establish more firmly our conversion and our faith in God. This doctrine fleshes out how we come to know God, how God perceives us, and therefore how we should perceive ourselves following our conversion. It clarifies how we should perceive our responsibilities before God after we have been set free from our bondage to satan, sin, and death. Being born again is entirely a spiritual matter, and following this event, an entirely new chapter of life opens before us. This new chapter emphasizes being spiritually minded, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and maturing to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. In the biblical context, the question arises whether the better analogy is begotten again or born again. Does God perceive us as conceived by His Holy Spirit but unborn, growing but still in the womb of a mother? Or does God perceive us, after receiving His Holy Spirit and despite being young in the faith, as fully functioning adults? A person becomes part of the Kingdom of God by being born again, and those who are born again become sons of God. God's Kingdom, as presently configured, consists of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and all the children of God who have entered the Family of God by means of God's calling, being born again, and receiving God's Holy Spirit. God considers these sons as in Christ, and surely, Jesus Christ is in the Kingdom of God. The Scriptures clearly show that God perceives us, those having His Spirit, who are thus His children, as already part of His Kingdom. Scripture states that we are in Christ, and because we are perceived by God as in Him, we are in His Kingdom too. We have already been conveyed, translated, or transferred into His beloved Son's Kingdom. Our citizenship is already registered in heaven, the headquarters of the Kingdom of God. Nations register children after they are born, not while still in the womb.
Born Again (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The gestation or fetus analogy does not adequately depict the sanctification process in which there has to be volition, judgment, and conscious choice.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must understand Jesus' words about being born again from a spiritual perspective. Interpreting His symbols physically obscures necessary truths.
Using Power Righteously (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has singled each one of us out individually, calling us, gifting us with capabilities, and preparing us for eternal life as members of His family.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Abrahamic Covenant was made with one man, but it impacts all of mankind to the New Heaven and New Earth and beyond, involving billions of people.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, as Creator, takes the initiative (as the potter over the clay) for the elect's salvation, enabling us to build the repertoire of habits called character.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.
Re-Embracing the Berean Model
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasWe must use Berean self-reflexiveness to become teachable, to search for hidden sins, to detect spiritual blindspots, and to admit when we are wrong.
Secession (Part Two): Spiritual Separation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAny syncretism with the world will lead to confusion. We must separate from the world in terms of its religious practices and its false gospels.
Our Faith Is the Victory
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the carnal mindset is hostile to everything in God's word, we have been provided a gift to enable us to overcome: the faith from being born of God.
Assurance (Part One): Self Examination
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSalvation is an ongoing work of God, obligating us to walk in the Spirit. If we do, we will be not captivated by the lusts of the flesh.
The Seed of Eternal Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul provided a decaying kernel of grain as a metaphor of death and resurrection, indicating that the new spirit body will be a completely different body.