http://www.catholic.com/tracts/born-again-in-baptism
One key Scripture reference to being “born again” or “regenerated” is John 3:5, where Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
This verse is so important that those who say baptism is just a symbol must deny that Jesus here refers to baptism. “Born again” Christians claim the “water” is the preached word of God.
But the early Christians uniformly identified this verse with baptism. Water baptism is the way, they said, that we are born again and receive new life—a fact that is supported elsewhere in Scripture (Rom. 6:3–4; Col. 2:12–13; Titus 3:5).
No Church Father referred to John 3:5 as anything other than water baptism.
How true.
Even the “ born-agains “ do have their baptism services conducted as well.
Nah, early Christians knew better than that...There's not a drop of water in those verses you mentioned...
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
There's not a drop of water in this verse...Washing does not mean water and certainly doesn't mean baptism...
Regeneration washes (cleans) us, not water...
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Water baptism is the answer of a good conscience...It doesn't clean or wash anything...The verse says so right there....And what does that 'answer' reflect??? It reflects a good conscience from repentance (turning to God)...It is and always was a 'testimony' showing the sinner repented...
This verse is so important that those who say baptism is just a symbol must deny that Jesus here refers to baptism. “Born again” Christians claim the “water” is the preached word of God.
Not any born again Christians I know...They and I know it's a reference to physical birth...
Catholics get baptized with the baptism of John...Christians get baptized with the baptism of the Holy Spirit...