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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 Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn the imagery of spiritual birth presented in John 3, the concept of the church as a nurturing entity emerges, though it is not explicitly termed as 'Mother.' The analogy of being begotten and in a womb is deemed inadequate for describing the beginning of our spiritual life, as it fails to account for the active, practical responsibilities of Christian living. A child in a womb cannot engage in the essential activities of faith such as praying, studying, fasting, serving, or loving, which are vital for spiritual growth. Instead, the understanding of spiritual birth suggests that we are already born spiritually, having progressed beyond mere begettal, and are called to grow through active participation in the life of faith, reflecting a nurturing environment akin to a family where growth and transformation occur.
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Baptism and being born again were already understood by the Jews, but the traditions had evidently blinded people to some additional spiritual nuances.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn II John, the author addresses a local church, referred to as "The chosen lady," indicating a collective rather than an individual. This portrayal suggests that the letter is meant for the entire congregation. The use of both singular and plural pronouns throughout the letter further supports this interpretation, showing John's consideration of the church as a whole. The letter's broad and general tone, in contrast to the more personal III John, reinforces the idea that John is speaking to the church community as a unit.