MINISTRY NOTES

Week of August 9, 2009

Hi Everyone,

It is exciting when God helps me learn something new. For years I have been aware that God spoke of knowing people (Jeremiah 1:5 & Genesis 17:15-21) before He formed them in the womb [a good argument against killing unborn babies]. Last week in our family prayer time, I realized in Judges 13:3-5 that God not only knew Sampson before he was conceived but God gave instructions to Sampson's mother that could only be described as preconception health care instructions. God is Awesome!

Pray for the President of our country, who is in serious danger. Apparently, he naively thinks it is just politics trying to please some Arabs, as he tries to manipulate Israeli affairs. Actually he is really taking positions against God regarding the land that God is restoring to His people as prophesied in the Bible. Both in 1948 and 1967, God enabled the Jews to be victorious against overwhelming odds and regain some of the Promised Land. Also, pray for our country, as sometimes a country is punished for the actions of a democratically elected leader. It is totally stupid to go against God! This is why Jesus teaches us to fear God. (Luke 12:5)

Thanks for your prayers last week; Doyle got a job in a welding shop.

Message:

Understanding - being born again

Jesus says that "… unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."1. Then to further clarify being born again He says that a person must be "…born of water and of the Spirit…" or as another version of the Bible states it so clearly, "…Physical birth is not enough. You must be born spiritually…"2.

How are you born again or born spiritually as Jesus encouraged, so that you can see the kingdom of God? Many Christians have decided that you must quote what Paul wrote and say "Jesus is Lord," to be saved or to be born again3. [Some of these Christians will then do surveys of other Christians, who do not use the phrase "born again" and declare them not "born again", implying they are not "saved". Such judging is in direct conflict with Jesus' teaching4.] As we apply the teaching we learn in the Bible, to test if what Paul says is true5, to Paul's teaching that we should say "Jesus is Lord"; we discover that Jesus teaches "Not everyone who calls Me "Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven…"6. Paul was great man of God but apparently he did not have access to most of what Jesus taught and occasionally Paul was incorrect in what he taught. Other Christians will say to be born again you must reconfirm your baptismal vows or have confirmation. Other Christians will say to be born of the Spirit you must be "… baptized with the Holy Spirit."7. [Many of these Christians will say to prove you are baptized in the Holy Spirit you must speak in tongues. This doctrine was made up in 1901 and is used to judge others, who do not pray in tongues. I knew a man of God who had a healing ministry resulting in many healings but never prayed in tongues.] Teachings that judge others4 or attempt to put God in a box, are usually lacking. For those exposed to the religious bondage of saying you have to pray in tongues, Jesus makes it easy by saying all you have to do is ask God to receive the Holy Spirit8.

What do we find in Jesus' teachings that direct us to start over or be born again? Jesus says, "…unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven"9. Jesus encourages us to be humble like a little child10. This may be one of the most difficult teachings of Jesus to accomplish. Once you grow in God and turn away from your sins, then to subordinate your self to God and completely forget your self or deny your self and submit your self to God in every way as Jesus encourages11, is not easy. Yes that may seem impossible to completely start over like a child but with God's spiritual help all thing are possible12, including being "born again".

"God I ask that everyone reading this will have the desire to ask for Your Holy Spirit's help, enabling them to be born again with the humility of a little child. Help us all to put aside our selfish ways and surrender our lives totally to You. Thank You for this help, in Jesus name, amen."

1. John 3:3 (NKJ)

2. John 3:5 (TLB)

3. Romans 10:9

4. Matthew 7:1

5. Acts 17:11(NIV)

6. Matthew 7:21 (TEV)

7. Acts 1:5

8. Luke 11:13

9. Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

10. Matthew 18:4

11. Luke 9:23

12. John 6:63; Mark 10:27