“Born Twice — From Religion to Relationship"

In John 3, we meet Nicodemus — a respected religious leader who comes to Jesus under the cover of night. Though rich in theological training, Nicodemus is bewildered when Jesus tells him that entrance into God’s kingdom requires something far beyond religion: he must be born again. Jesus speaks of a second birth, a spiritual birth by faith.

To help Nicodemus understand, Jesus reaches back to a moment in Israel’s history. Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness so the dying could look and live, Jesus declares that He Himself will be “lifted up,” offering eternal life to all who look to Him in faith. The new birth is not earned through religious effort; it is received by trusting the One lifted up for our salvation.

This Sunday, as we begin our new series, we explore how Jesus leads Nicodemus from religion to relationship, from confusion to clarity, and from darkness into light. The message, “Born Twice — From Religion to Relationship,” invites us to consider the miracle of the second birth and the life-changing grace found only in Christ.