You Must Be Born Again – A Message from John 3 with Rodney Brown
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In this episode on Radio Cape Pulpit, Rodney Brown delivers a Bible message based on John 3:3 and 3:7 – the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. He emphasizes the necessity of the new birth, as Jesus declares: "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Rodney explains that the phrase "born again" can also be translated "born from above" – it is not a second physical birth, but a spiritual birth that comes from God alone. He refers to John 1:11-13, where it is made clear that this birth is:
Not of blood – it is not passed on by natural generation.
Not of the will of the flesh – it is not in our power to bring about.
Not of the will of man – no one else can do it for us.
Of God – it is a work of God Himself.
He then connects this to John 3:14-15, where Jesus points to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness – a foreshadowing of His own crucifixion. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent and were healed, so those who look to Christ on the cross and believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Rodney emphasizes that the word "must" in verse 7 indicates a necessity – it is not optional. While there are many choices in life, this is the most important of all. He challenges listeners to ask themselves: "Have I had the new birth experience? Have I trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for my salvation?"
He closes with the words of an old hymn: "I should have been crucified, I should have suffered and died... But Jesus, God's Son, took my place." The message is a clear and urgent call to respond to Christ's words: You must be born again.
Rodney explains that the phrase "born again" can also be translated "born from above" – it is not a second physical birth, but a spiritual birth that comes from God alone. He refers to John 1:11-13, where it is made clear that this birth is:
Not of blood – it is not passed on by natural generation.
Not of the will of the flesh – it is not in our power to bring about.
Not of the will of man – no one else can do it for us.
Of God – it is a work of God Himself.
He then connects this to John 3:14-15, where Jesus points to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness – a foreshadowing of His own crucifixion. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent and were healed, so those who look to Christ on the cross and believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Rodney emphasizes that the word "must" in verse 7 indicates a necessity – it is not optional. While there are many choices in life, this is the most important of all. He challenges listeners to ask themselves: "Have I had the new birth experience? Have I trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for my salvation?"
He closes with the words of an old hymn: "I should have been crucified, I should have suffered and died... But Jesus, God's Son, took my place." The message is a clear and urgent call to respond to Christ's words: You must be born again.
