Posted on 09/10/2004 12:42:49 PM PDT by 4CJ
John 3 (KJV)
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(MSG)
3 Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to--to God's kingdom."
4 "How can anyone," said Nicodemus, "be born who has already been born and grown up? You can't re-enter your mother's womb and be born again. What are you saying with this "born-from-above' talk?"
5 Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation--the "wind hovering over the water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life--it's not possible to enter God's kingdom.
6 When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch--the Spirit--and becomes a living spirit.
7 "So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be "born from above'--out of this world, so to speak.
FRailmail if you'd like to be cheerfully added/removed from the ping list.
Please remember sharktrager's friend in your prayers - they received very, very bad news. And pray for Chris, undergoing chemotherapy.
Prayers for those in the path of Hurricane Ivan, and for those in need. May the hand of God guide our paths, and the Spirit of the Lord be upon you. May God bless our leaders, our troops, our familes, and our country. May our Lord and Saviour use you to spread His Holy Word, and to bring Him honour and glory.
Heavenly Father, I join with all my other FReeper brothers and sisters in prayer for their specific needs, in particular for sharktrager's friend, and for Chris. Heal them both as only You can, Dearest Lord. Surround them with Your strong angels for comfort and protection. Send Your Holy Spirit to comfort and console them. Touch them both and heal them. Thank You, Dearest Father! In Jesus' precious name...Amen!
Amen. Thank you for your prayers!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.