A New Beginning

We all had a beginning. You entered the world in a moment of time. And just like a physical birth, so too, you need a spiritual birth. You may be a child who is only a few years old or an adult well into your later years. But you need to experience new life through a new birth. When that happens, you begin a new normal. Your new beginning is not about signing on the dotted line or promising to behave yourself. It is new life imparted to you and given as a gift. And it means you have moved from the old normal to the new normal.

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase, born again? Describe some positive and negative reactions to the phrase?

Read the account of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:1-7. What is Jesus describing? Why would Nicodemus have a difficult time understanding what Jesus was talking about?

When is your spiritual birthday (when were you born again)? What’s the story of how that happened?

Read John 3:14-15 (and compare it to Numbers 21:4-9). What is the comparison Jesus is making? What does Jesus mean when He says that He will be lifted up (John 3:14)?

In John 3:14-15, Jesus is drawing the following parallel: Looking at the serpent for healing is like believing in Jesus for eternal life. How do some people make salvation harder to get than it really is?

If you’ve experienced the new birth, how would you describe what it’s like to be alive? Why is it important to be clear about what God has done for you before you help others get clear on what God has done for them?

God offers many new beginnings after your first new beginning. How has God given you fresh starts in your life? How is 1 John 1:9 a reminder about God’s new work in your life?