It must have been a remarkable meeting when Nicodemus met with Jesus Christ one evening in Jerusalem. Any moment when we meet Christ and accept what the Holy Spirit has been saying to us is of course remarkable. Christ used the phrase "you must be born again" and Nicodemus at first found it hard to understand. It means simply that when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we are born again into new life in Christ. We could say we are born from above. Our first birth was natural. Our second birth is supernatural. This is the second work of the Holy Spirit in a life. First He convicts us of sin and of our need of a Saviour. Then when we accept that truth and believe in Jesus, He gives new life and enters that heart to stay forever. Christ Himself said in John 14:16, "The Father will give you another Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, who will never leave you." (NLVB) There are many other actions by the Holy Spirit. In that moment of being born again, He enters our body and we enter the body of Christ. That action of the Spirit is so deep and so wonderful that the only word to describe it is our word "baptism". Turn to 1 Corinthians 12:13 and read it for yourself. We are not told to ask for this baptism. The Spirit of God does it automatically when we believe. Then we can sing, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God." How does the Holy Spirit feel in your heart? Does He feel at home and free to continue His work? He is your invited guest. He came in because of your invitation. Now He wants to control your life, not that He might be seen, but that Jesus Christ may be reflected in your life and actions. The Holy Spirit is humble. He does not draw attention to Himself but points always to Christ. How does He feel in your heart today? Is He free to do what He wants? |
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