[paladinan]

Pointing out what scripture says is NOT interpretation.

No, you're right: that would be called "quoting" or "cutting and pasting". But when you go on to say what something "MEANS", then you're interpreting. Don't take my word for it; check the dictionary! As an illustration:

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Preacher: "Jesus said, 'Amen, I say to you... unless you be born of water and Spirit, you shall not enter the Kingdom of God!'"

Listener: "Wow! Um... but what does that mean?"

Preacher: "Well... it means... um... (hm... I can't go beyond what is written!).. it means, 'Amen, I say to you... unless you be born of water and Spirit, you shall not enter the Kingdom of God!'"

Listener: (confused) "Yes, I heard you the first time, but I don't understand. What does that MEAN?"

Preacher: (frustrated) "It means, "'Amen, I say to you... unless you be born of water and Spirit, you shall not enter the Kingdom of God!'"

Listener: "I know what He SAID! What does He MEAN??"

Preacher: "Look, you...! We're told NOT to go beyond what is written, in 1 Corinthians 4:6! Either you understand it, or you don't! If you don't understand the clear meaning of Scripture, then the Holy Spirit must not be in you! You must not be saved! Either repent and believe on Jesus, or get thee from me, thou unwashed heathen!!"
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:) Do you see my point?

[MamaB]

That is so easy to understand. If that is the only answer y’all have, I feel sorry for y’all.

[CynicalBear]

>>Do you see my point?<<

If your point was to illustrate the lack of understanding of the preacher yes I do. It's preachers like that who don't know scripture that lead people into all kinds of error. The answer to the man's question was right in the same passage.

When Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again Nicodemus immediately asked how he could enter the womb and be born a second time. It's at that point that Jesus said "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit" but He didn't stop there. He continued by re-phrasing it saying "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit". Being born in the flesh is a water birth. The amniotic fluid is water. "Her water broke" is a common phrase meaning birth is eminent. Obviously we need to be born of the flesh in order to be born again from above.

So yes, I see your point. That preacher has no business being a preacher. And those who would claim "being born of the water" is something else are false teachers because Jesus clearly stated what it meant.

[terycarl]

Pointing out what scripture says is NOT interpretation.

That little story was GOOD!!!!!!.:0)