- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
Needed - a new birth!
'YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.' JOHN 3:7
The Bible says 130 years after Adam first sinned, he had a son who was 'just like him' (Genesis 5:3 NIV). As Adam's descendants, we have all been born with a human nature that sins without even trying. Sometimes people say, 'He's just like his dad,' or we say, 'My dad had a nasty temper, now I've got his temper!' 'My dad couldn't stay with my Mum; I bet I end up divorced too.' 'My dad was an alcoholic, now look how much I drink!' 'My dad didn't show love to me, now I don't know how to show love to others.' History repeats itself over and over through our sinning nature. Here's an interesting example: 'Abraham said of his wife Sarah, "She is my sister."' (Genesis 20:2 NIV). This is a bizarre moment in Abraham's life when he was willing to give away his wife to save his own skin. What would you've done? Before you answer, remember that Isaac wasn't even born when his father did this.
Yet years later he did exactly the same thing in the same place (Genesis 26:7). It's genetic! It's in our DNA. But there is good news; when you give your life to Jesus He breaks that cycle! When you're 'born of the Spirit' you get a new heavenly Father and a new heavenly nature (John 3:3-6). You don't have to give in to basic human cravings any more; making the same mistakes he has over and over again. Instead you can walk like your heavenly Father and become more like Him every day. Fed up with your old nature and ways? Look to Jesus!
written by Bob Gass
