Missions
Praying to be Born-again (Part 4)
Hi brothers and sisters in Christ, I’m happy to be able to share God’s word with you again. We are going to finish up the Born-again topic and move on to something else in my next article. I will include a prayer with this article for anyone who wishes to experience this supernatural encounter.
Being Born-again by believing in Jesus Christ
Jesus realized that Nicodemus had a hard time believing in the simple supernatural work of the Spirit of God, who brings believers into the kingdom of God by regenerating or giving them new life in Jesus Christ. This caused Jesus to be more basic by giving Nicodemus an Old Testament biblical example that parallels to the topic of salvation.
Jesus said, and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:14-16)
Meeting You Where you are
Jesus didn’t give up on this Old Testament bible teacher. It doesn’t matter how theologically blind, a person is; Jesus has a unique way of meeting people right where they are spiritually, in their limited faith or momentary doubts.
The reason Jesus chose to use an Old Testament example of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, is to demonstrate God’s love, mercy and compassion on the stiff-neck, complaining, rebellious and unbelieving nation of Israel (See Numbers 21:4-9)
Jesus brought this past supernatural experience to Nicodemus’ attention in hopes that he can see the simplicity of God’s merciful act of healing and salvation. Then paralleled it to what He was trying to teach him about being Born-again.
Jesus paralleled it like this, “even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14-15)
Clarifying the Different Stages of Condemnation
Jesus had to make a clear distinction in His teaching about what happened back then with the Israelites, and with what He came to do and His mission is- to lift mankind out of condemnation, not to condemn man or leave man in condemnation.
Jesus said, for God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:17-18)
Jesus did not want Nicodemus to remain in the state of being considered as another unbelieving Israelite that’s subject to God’s condemnation, because of His momentary doubt of not comprehending the Born-again topic.
The Second Stage of Condemnation
Jesus, therefore, declares who are going to remain in condemnation by God.
Jesus said, and this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, unless his deeds should be reproved.
But he that does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God (John 3:19-21)
The present condemnation that people will be under as they live on the earth is when the gospel of Jesus Christ is presented to them and they reject The Light (Jesus Christ) (Mark 16:15-16).
Men who practice evil continually will choose to remain in the dark and away from the light of Jesus Christ. Those who desire to operate in truth and righteousness will embrace the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and continually live in the light of His glory.
How can we be Born-again?
Now, let’s consider the biblical steps we need to take to be in a spiritual position to experience this supernatural encounter and become Born-again Christians.
1. Acknowledge that Jesus came to save you (John 1:11-12/ 3:17)
2. Acknowledge that religion, nor your customs, nor your traditions, nor your family bloodline, or good conduct not even man-made systems won’t be able to save you (John 1:13/ Rom. 9:16/ John 6:44)
3. Acknowledge that it’s a miraculous encounter (Jam.1:18/ John 3:5-8)
4. Acknowledge it’s a gift that’s received by faith (Eph.2:8-9/ John 1:12)
5. Acknowledge that you must repent, change your mind on the way you religiously thought about or worshipped God (Acts 2:38/ 3:19-20)
6. Acknowledge that you must confess and believe with your heart as you call upon the Lord (Rom.10:13/ 1 John 4:15/ 1 John 5:1/ Matthew 10:32-33/ Rom.10:9-11/ John 3:16)
Practical wisdom and application
If you understand these six steps, then you are ready to make the prayer to be Born-again. If not re-read the 4 parts over as much as you need to until you know you are ready then make the prayer. I make it my business to read scripture over as many times as I need to in order to capture the revelation of what it is saying before I pray about anything. Faith is increased more when we go over and over the word of God (Rom. 10:17).
The Prayer to be Born-again
Heavenly Father, I call and cry out to You in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus, the only name given among men whereby we can be heard and saved.
I acknowledge that I must be Born-again, saved, spiritually regenerated to see and enter the kingdom of God. I repent and turn away from believing that my religious and slightly moral upbringing could allow me to go to heaven.
I repent and make a decision by my own will not to believe and practice customs, traditions, or self-righteous acts that will not give me access into your kingdom. I understand that my position in my family, at work, in school, in society or at church cannot bring me into the kingdom of God.
I acknowledge that you sent Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, crucified by Pilate, the Jews and the Gentiles of His day to die for my sins and the sins of all mankind. After He died and was buried You O God raised Him from the dead by Your resurrection power and mighty hand of Your Holy Spirit, and sat Him at Your right hand in heaven where He is currently interceding for me.
I believe that the same Holy Spirit will blow, breath and give me new life in Christ Jesus.
I believe and confess that You will grant me the power to become a child of God.
I believe and confess that You will adopt me into Your heavenly family and bring me into Your kingdom.
I believe and trust that You will change my sinful nature into a new nature from a natural man to a supernatural spiritual man.
Sanctify my heart to live a holy life in Christ. Spiritually enlighten me to have an appreciation, respect and desire to experience the miraculous in Your kingdom. Allow me to be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit so I may not grieve Him, quench Him, or resist Him for any reason.
I thank You Father, for an amazing experience that just encountered in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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