WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.940 And turn if you've got a church Bible to John chapter 3. 00:00:04.099 --> 00:00:05.040 John chapter 3. 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:10.019 We're working our way through John's Gospel on Sunday mornings. 00:00:11.620 --> 00:00:12.019 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.340 You must be born again. 00:00:33.479 --> 00:00:36.280 If you've been in church for any length of time, you will have heard that. 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:39.280 Some of you who've been brought up in church will have known it since you were children. 00:00:40.759 --> 00:00:44.179 And I've spoken on John 3 a number of times over the years. 00:00:45.079 --> 00:00:47.659 I've often focused on the character of Nicodemus. 00:00:48.500 --> 00:00:53.439 But I'm not sure I've ever preached it with such a clear understanding of the context before. 00:00:54.379 --> 00:00:59.799 It's really important, isn't it, that we don't take verses out of context. 00:01:00.840 --> 00:01:02.759 It can mean something very different. 00:01:02.840 --> 00:01:07.079 It's one of the reasons why in this church we try to take the Bible, books of the Bible, 00:01:07.200 --> 00:01:10.879 and go through them to let the Bible set the agenda. 00:01:11.500 --> 00:01:16.900 So that we can understand each part of the Bible in the flow that it's been given. 00:01:18.680 --> 00:01:21.500 We often come to the Gospels, don't we, like pick and mix? 00:01:22.819 --> 00:01:29.299 Like the tombola at the school faith that you put your hand in and you pull out a Gospel story. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:31.260 And it stands on its own. 00:01:31.879 --> 00:01:33.879 And there's a sense in which you can do that. 00:01:34.840 --> 00:01:44.019 But each of the stories in the Bible are carefully embedded with a story before them and with a story after them. 00:01:44.939 --> 00:01:45.819 Let me just show you that. 00:01:46.400 --> 00:01:48.280 Flick back with me to John chapter 1. 00:01:50.039 --> 00:01:52.019 Can you see how John's Gospel started? 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:55.700 In the beginning was the Word. 00:01:55.819 --> 00:01:59.759 And immediately, if you know your Bible, there are bells ringing, aren't they? 00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:02.379 Because that is how the Bible began. 00:02:02.539 --> 00:02:04.099 That is how the Old Testament started. 00:02:04.519 --> 00:02:08.659 In the beginning, God made the heavens and the earth. 00:02:08.659 --> 00:02:15.900 And right from the beginning of his Gospel, John is wanting you and I to know how this relates to the Old Testament. 00:02:17.800 --> 00:02:22.359 Right from the beginning, he's wanting you and I not to think, oh, this is something brand new. 00:02:22.579 --> 00:02:24.099 This relates to Judaism. 00:02:25.359 --> 00:02:26.259 In the beginning. 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:30.079 And then flick forward to chapter 1 and verse 17. 00:02:30.080 --> 00:02:33.280 It says there, there's a hint there, isn't there? 00:02:33.460 --> 00:02:39.560 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 00:02:41.040 --> 00:02:43.020 Here is a new beginning, isn't there? 00:02:43.760 --> 00:02:45.820 There is something new that is starting. 00:02:47.100 --> 00:02:50.640 We are going further than the law could take us. 00:02:50.639 --> 00:02:59.779 And then on the next page, in verses 35 to 37, you have John the Baptist, the greatest, we're told, of all the Old Testament prophets. 00:03:00.699 --> 00:03:03.179 He's the greatest of all the Old Testament prophets. 00:03:03.839 --> 00:03:05.059 He's a great teacher. 00:03:06.279 --> 00:03:09.919 The greatest prophet that the world has seen so far. 00:03:11.339 --> 00:03:13.459 And disciples have begun to follow him. 00:03:14.619 --> 00:03:17.359 But in verses 35 to 37, can you see what happens? 00:03:17.679 --> 00:03:19.619 John is standing with two of his disciples. 00:03:19.620 --> 00:03:22.159 He looked at Jesus as he walked by. 00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:27.000 And he points to Jesus and he says, behold, the Lamb of God. 00:03:28.819 --> 00:03:31.900 The two disciples, John's disciples, hear him say this. 00:03:33.099 --> 00:03:33.860 And what did they do? 00:03:34.780 --> 00:03:35.960 They follow Jesus. 00:03:38.980 --> 00:03:46.960 When he sees Jesus passing by, he points to him and says, behold, the Lamb of God and his disciples follow Jesus. 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:50.040 Now that's telling you something very significant. 00:03:51.200 --> 00:03:59.200 That the followers of the greatest prophet of the Old Testament leave the Old Testament prophet and they follow this person called Jesus. 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:03.519 They realise they can't stay with John the Baptist any longer. 00:04:03.919 --> 00:04:05.079 There is a new light. 00:04:05.439 --> 00:04:06.579 The light of the world. 00:04:07.739 --> 00:04:10.299 Who fulfils all the hopes of the Old Testament. 00:04:10.739 --> 00:04:11.859 And so they begin to follow him. 00:04:13.419 --> 00:04:14.239 Do you remember chapter 2? 00:04:14.339 --> 00:04:16.620 That's what we've looked at the last couple of Sundays. 00:04:17.579 --> 00:04:20.680 The famous story of turning the water into wine. 00:04:20.680 --> 00:04:24.459 It's that famous wedding sermon, isn't it? 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:25.819 Of Jesus going to the wedding. 00:04:26.379 --> 00:04:28.660 It's so simple, so powerful. 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:33.460 That Jesus comes to ordinary, unnamed people. 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:37.460 And he brings joy to them in the ordinary things of life. 00:04:38.460 --> 00:04:40.960 He brings joy and he brings life. 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:42.439 He brings fullness. 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:49.379 He literally turns the Old Testament washing rituals into life, into wine. 00:04:50.279 --> 00:04:51.360 Life giving fullness. 00:04:52.860 --> 00:04:55.319 And then last week we saw the cleansing of the temple. 00:04:58.000 --> 00:04:59.860 And Jesus comes to judge his people. 00:05:02.079 --> 00:05:03.240 Those two things. 00:05:03.720 --> 00:05:08.019 He brings joy at the start of chapter 2 to ordinary people. 00:05:08.019 --> 00:05:11.899 And at the end of chapter 2 he brings judgment to the people of God. 00:05:13.299 --> 00:05:15.579 He brings wonderful life and fullness. 00:05:16.500 --> 00:05:19.799 And yet he comes to clean out the impurity of his church. 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:26.659 He comes to those old corrupt structures and he brings judgment. 00:05:27.019 --> 00:05:31.339 Now if you go to many churches this morning, you will hear lots about the start of chapter 2. 00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:36.159 You will hear lots about life and joy and fullness. 00:05:36.160 --> 00:05:39.480 And Jesus can bring great fulfillment. 00:05:40.939 --> 00:05:44.360 You will not hear so much about the second half of chapter 2 though, will you? 00:05:45.200 --> 00:05:47.460 That Jesus has come to judge his church. 00:05:48.940 --> 00:05:50.920 And Jesus will not put up with it. 00:05:52.520 --> 00:05:55.440 But John's Gospel wants you to see you can't have one without the other. 00:05:55.520 --> 00:05:56.480 They are both vital. 00:05:57.780 --> 00:05:59.720 And so we thank God, don't we? 00:06:00.180 --> 00:06:05.680 We praise God this morning that he brings joy into everyone's life who believes in him. 00:06:06.780 --> 00:06:08.880 We cannot say that too emphatically. 00:06:09.380 --> 00:06:11.080 But we can say that too exclusively. 00:06:12.820 --> 00:06:16.700 The fact is that Jesus does bring joy to men and women and boys and girls. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:18.760 But he will also bring judgment to his people. 00:06:20.080 --> 00:06:24.900 And he will clear out his church that is going away from his truth. 00:06:24.899 --> 00:06:28.959 And that's the position we've come to at the end of chapter 2. 00:06:28.959 --> 00:06:35.699 And so when we come into chapter 3 and there's this little evening conversation behind closed doors. 00:06:36.139 --> 00:06:42.120 With a man walking into the darkness to a flat and the wind we imagine howling down the alley. 00:06:43.459 --> 00:06:47.939 And Jesus talking as a much younger man to an older man. 00:06:48.139 --> 00:06:49.979 To a leader of the Jewish nation. 00:06:50.759 --> 00:06:52.299 To a man called Nicodemus. 00:06:52.839 --> 00:06:55.299 A member of the Jewish ruling council. 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:58.879 Two things about Nicodemus. 00:07:00.360 --> 00:07:05.620 Nicodemus represents to us the best of Judaism. 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:11.519 Nicodemus represents to us firstly the best of Judaism. 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:13.759 The best of the nation of Israel and their faith. 00:07:13.759 --> 00:07:17.680 I think Nicodemus is Israel at its best. 00:07:19.139 --> 00:07:20.240 He's often criticised. 00:07:20.300 --> 00:07:21.719 I think I've criticised him in the past. 00:07:22.339 --> 00:07:24.719 For coming at night under the cover of darkness. 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:27.399 I don't think that's really valid. 00:07:28.459 --> 00:07:29.579 He may have been working in the day. 00:07:29.639 --> 00:07:30.019 We don't know. 00:07:31.139 --> 00:07:32.519 I'm sure he came cautiously. 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:36.279 Maybe he's a little bit nervous about coming to see him. 00:07:36.339 --> 00:07:36.920 We don't know. 00:07:37.480 --> 00:07:38.920 He did slip along in the night. 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:42.680 He did want this conversation to be in confidence. 00:07:42.680 --> 00:07:46.160 It's a very natural thing to do isn't it? 00:07:46.340 --> 00:07:48.980 Most of the Jewish ruling council of Hebrews apart. 00:07:50.780 --> 00:07:54.060 Had decided by their attitudes and their words. 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:55.920 They declared against Jesus. 00:07:57.860 --> 00:07:59.300 Or they were beginning to do so. 00:08:00.960 --> 00:08:03.639 And so Nicodemus comes cautiously to find out what's being said. 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:04.879 But he also comes doesn't he? 00:08:04.899 --> 00:08:06.360 Very honestly and very candidly. 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:07.160 Very openly. 00:08:07.660 --> 00:08:08.139 Sincerely. 00:08:09.300 --> 00:08:09.960 Look at verse 2. 00:08:09.959 --> 00:08:13.719 This man came to Jesus by night. 00:08:14.779 --> 00:08:15.680 And said to him. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:16.039 Rabbi. 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:20.680 We know that you are a teacher from God. 00:08:22.740 --> 00:08:24.959 For no one can do these signs. 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:26.419 That you do. 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:28.659 Unless God is with him. 00:08:31.379 --> 00:08:32.539 Nicodemus says to Jesus. 00:08:32.699 --> 00:08:33.559 We recognise it. 00:08:33.559 --> 00:08:36.239 We have to say it. 00:08:37.679 --> 00:08:39.979 You might not get the impression from the ruling council. 00:08:40.119 --> 00:08:41.719 And their attitudes towards you. 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:44.019 But we do know it. 00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:46.039 And we confess that it is the truth. 00:08:48.479 --> 00:08:49.759 He calls him doesn't he? 00:08:49.839 --> 00:08:50.159 Rabbi. 00:08:52.500 --> 00:08:54.079 Rabbi is a little bit. 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:56.419 Well it's an official title. 00:08:56.419 --> 00:08:59.439 It's a bit like professor. 00:09:00.279 --> 00:09:01.059 Or doctor. 00:09:02.899 --> 00:09:06.279 The title Rabbi speaks of somebody who's been through training. 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:08.799 Who is an accredited teacher. 00:09:09.419 --> 00:09:14.059 No one would give that title to a carpenter from Nazareth. 00:09:15.639 --> 00:09:18.299 And certainly to a carpenter who's never been to seminary. 00:09:18.299 --> 00:09:21.219 It shows doesn't it. 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:23.039 Nicodemus has been candid and honest. 00:09:23.179 --> 00:09:24.979 He gives Jesus a title. 00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:28.039 A courtesy title of a teacher. 00:09:29.819 --> 00:09:33.059 He calls this young man who is turning everything upside down. 00:09:33.139 --> 00:09:34.299 He says you are a teacher. 00:09:34.419 --> 00:09:35.759 You're a teacher who's come from God. 00:09:37.199 --> 00:09:38.179 I recognise it. 00:09:38.219 --> 00:09:40.439 Because no one else can do the things that you're doing. 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:41.579 Unless they were sent from God. 00:09:44.719 --> 00:09:46.019 Nicodemus as he sits there. 00:09:46.019 --> 00:09:48.219 Trying to find out what Jesus is doing. 00:09:48.299 --> 00:09:49.199 And what Jesus is saying. 00:09:49.459 --> 00:09:51.359 Is full of two things isn't he? 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:53.500 Which in and of themselves are not bad. 00:09:54.579 --> 00:09:57.299 In fact they're very valuable. 00:09:57.459 --> 00:10:00.259 He's full of the pride of knowledge. 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:02.879 He's got 2000 years of Jewish history. 00:10:04.479 --> 00:10:07.559 He's got the knowledge that God has sent through the prophets. 00:10:07.979 --> 00:10:10.319 The knowledge of the law of God through Moses. 00:10:10.819 --> 00:10:14.319 And that knowledge from the Old Testament is still indispensable. 00:10:15.319 --> 00:10:16.559 And true knowledge. 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:22.299 And Nicodemus stands as kind of a repository of that. 00:10:23.339 --> 00:10:25.539 At college he was trained in it. 00:10:25.739 --> 00:10:27.399 At synagogue he taught it. 00:10:27.659 --> 00:10:30.919 He is a representative of the knowledge of the Old Testament. 00:10:31.299 --> 00:10:33.179 He is Judaism at its best. 00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:37.599 He gives to Jesus the language. 00:10:37.919 --> 00:10:39.079 The title of Rabbi. 00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:42.719 He says you are Israel's teacher. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:46.899 But secondly he stands before us. 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:49.679 With the best of pedigrees. 00:10:50.959 --> 00:10:52.419 The best of Judaism. 00:10:53.739 --> 00:10:55.319 The best of pedigrees. 00:10:55.320 --> 00:10:59.740 He's a man born and bred into Judaism. 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:04.440 There's long generations of people before him. 00:11:04.680 --> 00:11:05.340 God's people. 00:11:05.780 --> 00:11:06.720 God's covenant people. 00:11:06.960 --> 00:11:07.920 Who'd kept the law. 00:11:08.040 --> 00:11:09.140 Who'd valued the prophets. 00:11:09.139 --> 00:11:14.939 And so Nicodemus could not help but be proud of his inheritance. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.159 Of Judaism. 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:20.059 But to this man. 00:11:22.159 --> 00:11:23.879 Who is proud of his inheritance. 00:11:24.279 --> 00:11:25.419 And proud of his pedigree. 00:11:26.319 --> 00:11:27.519 Comes a bolt into the blue. 00:11:27.600 --> 00:11:28.500 Look at verse 3. 00:11:28.500 --> 00:11:33.740 Jesus says nothing about verse 2 does he? 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:38.000 Verse 3 doesn't lead on from verse 2. 00:11:38.860 --> 00:11:42.019 There's no kind of evolution from verse 2 to verse 3. 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:44.320 Jesus doesn't say thank you for the compliments. 00:11:44.679 --> 00:11:46.419 It is very stark isn't it? 00:11:46.519 --> 00:11:47.100 Verse 3. 00:11:49.779 --> 00:11:50.740 He says this. 00:11:51.860 --> 00:11:53.200 He says truly, truly. 00:11:53.279 --> 00:11:54.519 I'm telling you the truth man. 00:11:56.460 --> 00:11:58.200 Unless one is born again. 00:11:58.200 --> 00:11:59.780 Then he cannot see the kingdom of God. 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:04.840 Now we haven't got the whole conversation here. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:05.220 Have we? 00:12:05.460 --> 00:12:07.860 No doubt these are only the notes of the conversation. 00:12:08.060 --> 00:12:08.879 But even though it's a. 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:10.920 Even then it's a startling way isn't it? 00:12:10.940 --> 00:12:11.580 To turn the conversation. 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:13.440 It is very, very blunt. 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:17.480 It is very straight. 00:12:19.140 --> 00:12:20.879 It is very direct. 00:12:23.080 --> 00:12:25.440 And Jesus I think is drawing out a couple of things. 00:12:25.440 --> 00:12:26.360 By this statement. 00:12:26.360 --> 00:12:29.419 That are still really important to you. 00:12:29.480 --> 00:12:32.720 As we understand the kingdom that Jesus has sought to bring in. 00:12:32.919 --> 00:12:34.980 As we come to understand this new covenant. 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:36.580 That he is bringing into the world. 00:12:37.060 --> 00:12:40.080 Can you see it's not just a matter of more teaching. 00:12:40.080 --> 00:12:44.060 Of course. 00:12:45.139 --> 00:12:46.379 Jesus does bring. 00:12:46.460 --> 00:12:46.759 Doesn't he? 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:48.000 More light into the world. 00:12:49.780 --> 00:12:52.600 Of course Jesus brings more teaching into the world. 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:57.320 But Nicodemus has come to him on those terms. 00:12:57.320 --> 00:13:04.740 It's as though Nicodemus is coming to him and saying. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:05.760 Listen good teacher. 00:13:05.960 --> 00:13:07.960 We see that you'll come from God. 00:13:08.060 --> 00:13:09.600 We recognise that. 00:13:11.280 --> 00:13:13.060 What about if we work together? 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:16.460 We realise. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.800 In the Jewish ruling council. 00:13:17.940 --> 00:13:19.040 All is not well. 00:13:19.039 --> 00:13:22.500 We realise in listening to you. 00:13:22.579 --> 00:13:24.559 That many of the things that you say Jesus. 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:25.559 Well they're valuable. 00:13:25.679 --> 00:13:26.519 Valuable criticisms. 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:28.599 We value the feedback. 00:13:30.599 --> 00:13:32.339 Can we not get together? 00:13:32.439 --> 00:13:33.939 Can we not reform Judaism? 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.819 We shouldn't fight one another. 00:13:39.199 --> 00:13:40.079 But can't we. 00:13:40.199 --> 00:13:41.919 Can't we walk the same road? 00:13:43.120 --> 00:13:44.459 We're all about the same thing. 00:13:44.579 --> 00:13:45.019 Can't we. 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:46.799 Reform the temple. 00:13:46.980 --> 00:13:47.500 Work together. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:47.700 Work together. 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:52.279 Work together in new teaching syllabuses. 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.059 For the synagogue. 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:55.840 Produce a new and an enlightened. 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:57.460 A better Israel. 00:13:59.980 --> 00:14:01.620 Jesus denies that is possible. 00:14:03.820 --> 00:14:06.600 Because Jesus is not just a greater and a better teacher. 00:14:08.779 --> 00:14:11.259 Jesus is bringing to people the power of God. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:13.279 And the need for new birth. 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:18.559 Because there's no other way. 00:14:20.240 --> 00:14:21.259 Into his kingdom. 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:25.220 And that needs to be said to you this morning. 00:14:25.299 --> 00:14:25.579 Isn't it? 00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:29.620 I don't know why you've come this morning. 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:34.620 But your need and my need is not reformation. 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:37.100 It is not tidying myself up. 00:14:37.800 --> 00:14:39.960 It is not turning over a new leaf. 00:14:40.220 --> 00:14:42.180 It's not trying my best. 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:44.100 Trying harder. 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:47.800 There were many people. 00:14:47.920 --> 00:14:48.460 Weren't there in Israel. 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:49.779 I'm sure there were many people. 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.740 Who knew there was a need of reform. 00:14:53.340 --> 00:14:54.300 There were many people. 00:14:54.420 --> 00:14:57.279 Who would be willing to listen to Jesus on his podcast. 00:14:57.279 --> 00:14:59.279 As a great reformer. 00:14:59.560 --> 00:15:01.139 With very valuable things to say. 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:03.659 They were willing to see great things had to change. 00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:04.399 In the synagogue. 00:15:04.899 --> 00:15:05.840 And in the temple. 00:15:06.300 --> 00:15:08.460 But they were not prepared for what Jesus brought. 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:12.560 It's not evolution. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:14.000 But it's a revolution that's needed. 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:17.259 Something completely new. 00:15:18.980 --> 00:15:20.440 The power of God. 00:15:20.519 --> 00:15:21.200 A new kingdom. 00:15:23.340 --> 00:15:24.540 And so Christianity. 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:26.440 This Christian covenant. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:27.240 This new covenant. 00:15:27.440 --> 00:15:29.320 Is not just advanced teaching. 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:30.480 It is new life. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:34.800 I think the other thing that Jesus talks about. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.360 Is here. 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:36.200 He's saying. 00:15:36.659 --> 00:15:38.680 The covenant that I have come to bring in. 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:39.399 This kingdom. 00:15:39.600 --> 00:15:41.420 Is not an earthly kingdom. 00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:43.560 It's not to do with descent. 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:45.139 Your descent. 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:47.720 It's not to do with your ancestry. 00:15:47.960 --> 00:15:49.360 It's not to do with the flesh. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:51.440 We're told that in John 1 verse 13. 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:51.840 Aren't we? 00:15:53.060 --> 00:15:54.200 We had a preview of it. 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:55.420 Chapter 1 verse 13. 00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:57.580 Children of God. 00:15:57.659 --> 00:15:58.080 Who were born. 00:15:58.420 --> 00:15:59.100 Not of blood. 00:15:59.100 --> 00:16:00.820 Nor of the will of flesh. 00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:02.159 Nor of the will of man. 00:16:03.940 --> 00:16:05.460 But born of God. 00:16:09.300 --> 00:16:11.960 And so this is not a matter of natural descent. 00:16:11.960 --> 00:16:14.560 It's not children born of a certain lineage. 00:16:15.080 --> 00:16:15.920 Or human decision. 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:18.460 Or a human's will. 00:16:18.560 --> 00:16:19.340 But born of God. 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:22.899 It's a theme right the way through the gospel. 00:16:23.019 --> 00:16:23.379 We'll see it. 00:16:23.420 --> 00:16:25.060 John 18 verse 36. 00:16:25.180 --> 00:16:25.740 Where Jesus says. 00:16:26.040 --> 00:16:26.560 My kingdom. 00:16:27.160 --> 00:16:28.759 Is not of this world. 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:32.379 If my kingdom were of this world. 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.659 My servants. 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:34.980 Well they would have been fighting. 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:38.639 And this is absolutely revolutionary. 00:16:38.820 --> 00:16:39.000 Isn't it? 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:40.159 To the people who heard Jesus. 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:42.240 And the people who first read Mark's gospel. 00:16:42.399 --> 00:16:43.019 John's gospel. 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:47.060 Because the old kingdom. 00:16:47.940 --> 00:16:48.620 Of God. 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:49.879 The kingdom of Israel. 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:51.000 Was in this world. 00:16:51.080 --> 00:16:52.200 It had boundaries. 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:55.340 And God went before his people. 00:16:55.540 --> 00:16:56.300 In those days. 00:16:56.640 --> 00:16:58.560 They fought against the Canaanites. 00:16:58.820 --> 00:16:59.440 The Philistines. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:01.259 And God went with them to fight. 00:17:03.700 --> 00:17:05.779 That is the kingdom of which Nicodemus. 00:17:05.920 --> 00:17:07.059 Is a descendant. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:08.480 And a proud descendant. 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.840 That is his history. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:14.179 But now he is told. 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:14.439 You see. 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.759 There is a new birth. 00:17:17.399 --> 00:17:18.759 There is a second birth. 00:17:20.699 --> 00:17:21.740 It's not natural to say. 00:17:21.799 --> 00:17:22.439 Jesus answers him. 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:22.720 Doesn't he. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.500 In verse 5. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.259 Of chapter 3. 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.319 He says. 00:17:26.399 --> 00:17:27.119 I tell you the truth. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:28.519 Truly. 00:17:28.619 --> 00:17:28.799 Truly. 00:17:28.859 --> 00:17:29.339 I say to you. 00:17:29.399 --> 00:17:30.779 Unless one is born of water. 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:31.480 And the spirit. 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:32.980 He cannot enter. 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:34.259 The kingdom of God. 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:35.839 That which is born of the flesh. 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:36.559 Is flesh. 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:38.539 And that which is born of spirit. 00:17:38.660 --> 00:17:39.099 Is spirit. 00:17:41.779 --> 00:17:42.519 And I think. 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.879 This is one of the reasons. 00:17:45.420 --> 00:17:46.460 Why this chapter. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:47.139 Has had. 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:48.879 So much use. 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:50.899 In church circles. 00:17:51.119 --> 00:17:52.259 Throughout the history of the world. 00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:54.619 Because. 00:17:54.960 --> 00:17:55.839 You look through church history. 00:17:56.019 --> 00:17:56.839 And this chapter. 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:57.539 Has. 00:17:58.160 --> 00:17:58.819 Been used. 00:17:58.940 --> 00:17:59.339 As many. 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:00.619 As much as any other. 00:18:00.619 --> 00:18:00.939 Chapter. 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:02.099 To bring people to faith. 00:18:02.379 --> 00:18:03.559 More people have been converted. 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:04.959 Through the preaching of John 3. 00:18:05.419 --> 00:18:06.539 Than any other chapter. 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:10.459 People have been brought up. 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:11.359 To go to church. 00:18:11.479 --> 00:18:12.039 Church people. 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:13.019 You've been in church. 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:13.679 All your life. 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:15.279 And it's possible. 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:16.479 To think that there's some kind of. 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:17.399 Churchianity. 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:18.199 But Jesus says. 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:18.359 No. 00:18:18.399 --> 00:18:19.079 There's something more. 00:18:19.159 --> 00:18:19.619 That is needed. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.199 And for them. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:24.279 It was a great shock. 00:18:24.399 --> 00:18:25.699 To hear of the new birth. 00:18:28.839 --> 00:18:29.739 In the 18th century. 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:30.339 George Whitefield. 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:31.539 The great preacher. 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:32.279 In the UK. 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.859 And the US. 00:18:34.779 --> 00:18:36.319 He preached consistently. 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:38.199 Persistently. 00:18:38.399 --> 00:18:38.839 Again. 00:18:38.959 --> 00:18:39.299 And again. 00:18:39.359 --> 00:18:39.619 And again. 00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:40.439 From John 3. 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:41.879 His sermon had one text. 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:43.359 You must be born again. 00:18:45.119 --> 00:18:46.559 Somebody said to Mr. Whitefield. 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:48.159 Why must you go on. 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.679 About. 00:18:48.879 --> 00:18:50.159 You must be born again. 00:18:50.819 --> 00:18:51.759 And Whitefield said. 00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:53.679 Because you must be born again. 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:56.019 That's a good answer. 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:56.320 Isn't it? 00:18:58.600 --> 00:18:59.500 And there are many people. 00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:00.140 Sitting in churches. 00:19:00.340 --> 00:19:01.180 Like you are this morning. 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:02.539 And you think. 00:19:02.920 --> 00:19:03.620 Well as long as I've got. 00:19:03.660 --> 00:19:04.400 The right heritage. 00:19:05.360 --> 00:19:05.940 As long as I've got. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.620 The right descent. 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:07.180 As long as I've got. 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:07.920 The right flesh. 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:09.100 The right outlook. 00:19:09.279 --> 00:19:09.740 As long as I've got. 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:10.500 The right teaching. 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:11.160 As long as I've got. 00:19:11.220 --> 00:19:12.200 The right behaviour. 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:16.279 Jesus says. 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:16.940 No, no, no. 00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:18.039 You need to be born again. 00:19:21.880 --> 00:19:22.779 I think in this church. 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:24.160 There is a right emphasis. 00:19:24.539 --> 00:19:25.500 On God's covenant. 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:26.880 That God promises. 00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:28.460 That I will be your God. 00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:30.240 And you will be my people. 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:31.480 And I will be the God of your children. 00:19:33.120 --> 00:19:34.120 The promises of God. 00:19:34.120 --> 00:19:34.700 Are for us. 00:19:34.840 --> 00:19:35.559 And for our children. 00:19:36.980 --> 00:19:38.180 But the danger with that. 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:39.120 Is that we don't emphasise. 00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:41.120 The supernatural work. 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:42.339 Of God. 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.879 In being born again. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:47.319 And so children of this church. 00:19:47.379 --> 00:19:48.359 Have you understood that? 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:52.679 It's possible to be in a church like this. 00:19:52.739 --> 00:19:54.319 To enjoy a church like this. 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:56.799 And enjoy the kind of social side of it. 00:19:56.879 --> 00:19:57.899 Maybe enjoy the teaching. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:19:59.079 Enjoy being here. 00:19:59.959 --> 00:20:01.159 And yet not be born again. 00:20:03.979 --> 00:20:04.799 Tragically we know. 00:20:04.859 --> 00:20:05.199 Don't we? 00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:06.719 It's possible to go through. 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:07.819 Church membership classes. 00:20:08.939 --> 00:20:10.099 To be able to speak. 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:10.799 And give. 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:11.559 A testimony. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:13.119 And yet not be born. 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:14.879 Again by God's spirit. 00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:18.720 And so what Jesus says here. 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:20.839 Is not to be brought out of its context. 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:22.519 And applied today. 00:20:22.599 --> 00:20:23.919 Without reference to Nicodemus. 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.619 Nicodemus stands. 00:20:26.619 --> 00:20:28.839 As a man who knows the teaching of the Old Testament. 00:20:29.059 --> 00:20:29.819 Like many of you do. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:31.740 Who treasures the kingdom of Israel. 00:20:31.899 --> 00:20:32.779 And rightly so. 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:35.259 And against that background. 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:36.919 Comes the shattering news. 00:20:37.180 --> 00:20:38.339 It is not enough. 00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:41.559 A new day is dawning. 00:20:43.559 --> 00:20:44.919 You must be born again. 00:20:48.299 --> 00:20:49.539 You must be born again. 00:20:49.539 --> 00:20:54.200 There is no other way. 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:57.079 To enter the kingdom of heaven. 00:20:57.079 --> 00:21:02.699 Let me try and answer some questions. 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:03.699 Hold on. 00:21:03.700 --> 00:21:05.799 I want to say. 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:07.980 This is normal Christian teaching. 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:11.660 I get nervous. 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.000 Don't you? 00:21:12.080 --> 00:21:12.600 You know when somebody. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:13.480 You say to somebody. 00:21:13.660 --> 00:21:14.299 You pluck up the courage. 00:21:14.400 --> 00:21:14.740 And you say. 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:16.360 Are you a Christian? 00:21:18.360 --> 00:21:19.279 You say to them. 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:19.880 I'm a Christian. 00:21:20.120 --> 00:21:21.100 And then they say to you. 00:21:21.259 --> 00:21:21.700 Are you. 00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:25.380 Are you one of those born again Christians? 00:21:25.840 --> 00:21:27.380 What's your reaction at that point? 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:29.539 You want to say. 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:31.380 Not like you're thinking. 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:31.799 Isn't it? 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:36.660 It's so difficult. 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:37.100 Isn't it? 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:39.680 But this teaching of Jesus. 00:21:40.220 --> 00:21:40.240 Is. 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.680 This is normal. 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.759 Christian teaching. 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:46.299 It's not abnormal. 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:47.420 It's not just John. 00:21:47.539 --> 00:21:48.080 You can go to. 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:48.740 Matthew. 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:49.160 Mark. 00:21:49.320 --> 00:21:49.660 And Luke. 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:50.480 If you don't believe it. 00:21:50.539 --> 00:21:51.060 You can go to Matthew. 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:51.820 Mark. 00:21:52.120 --> 00:21:52.480 13. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:21:53.100 Verse 14. 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:54.380 You find exactly the same thing. 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:56.480 Jesus comes preaching. 00:21:56.580 --> 00:21:57.420 The kingdom of God. 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:57.620 And. 00:21:57.920 --> 00:21:58.580 We enter it. 00:21:58.580 --> 00:21:59.820 Not by natural birth. 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:01.220 But by repentance. 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:01.580 And faith. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.680 And if you don't think. 00:22:05.860 --> 00:22:06.620 This is normal. 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:07.220 Christianity. 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:07.960 That is because. 00:22:08.080 --> 00:22:08.880 You've probably spent. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.920 Too much time in churches. 00:22:10.100 --> 00:22:10.759 Not being taught. 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.799 The central things. 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.400 Of the Bible. 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:16.079 This is normal. 00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:16.879 Christian teaching. 00:22:19.379 --> 00:22:20.920 You must be born again. 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:23.500 It's not like. 00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:24.839 After school club. 00:22:24.940 --> 00:22:25.079 You know. 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:25.759 Like drama. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:26.720 After school. 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.559 Or swimming lessons. 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:28.140 In the holidays. 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:29.160 It's a must. 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:30.039 It's an obligation. 00:22:30.200 --> 00:22:31.019 There is no other occasion. 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:31.379 To heaven. 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:36.619 If you haven't been born again. 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:38.019 You will not get into heaven. 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:42.319 And this is the Old Testament's teaching too. 00:22:44.819 --> 00:22:45.440 Jesus says. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.200 This is in verse 10. 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:47.420 Look what he says to Nicodemus. 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:47.779 He says. 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:49.720 Are you the teacher of Israel? 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.859 You're a teacher of the law. 00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:53.660 And yet you don't understand this? 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.980 Why should Nicodemus understand this? 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:58.379 Why should he know better? 00:22:58.559 --> 00:22:59.220 He should know better. 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.579 Because. 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:02.099 This doctrine of regeneration. 00:23:02.099 --> 00:23:04.480 Which is just a word for being born again. 00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:05.920 That's the promise. 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:08.000 That was contained in the Old Testament. 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:08.660 Of the New Covenant. 00:23:10.180 --> 00:23:11.799 At the heart of the New Covenant. 00:23:11.960 --> 00:23:14.259 Is the gift of God's Holy Spirit. 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.519 Jeremiah said it. 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:16.759 Ezekiel said it. 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.700 In chapter 36. 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:20.539 I will sprinkle clean water on you. 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:22.700 And you shall be clean from all your uncleanness. 00:23:22.900 --> 00:23:23.980 And from your idols. 00:23:24.140 --> 00:23:24.920 I will cleanse you. 00:23:25.120 --> 00:23:26.660 And I will give you a new heart. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:28.620 And a new spirit. 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:29.460 I will put within you. 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:31.819 And I'll remove the heart of stone from your flesh. 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.920 And I'll give to you a heart of flesh. 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:35.840 And I'll put my spirit within you. 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:38.519 And cause you to walk in my statutes. 00:23:38.860 --> 00:23:40.360 And be careful to obey my rules. 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:41.560 Isaiah said it. 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:43.420 Ezekiel said it. 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:44.320 Jeremiah said it. 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:47.160 The mark of the New Testament. 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.259 The mark of the New Covenant. 00:23:48.420 --> 00:23:49.900 Is this gift of the spirit. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.400 And every Christian. 00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:52.600 Must know. 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:54.140 The gift of the spirit. 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:56.560 Must know the power of the spirit. 00:23:57.600 --> 00:23:58.519 In his life. 00:23:58.640 --> 00:23:59.800 Or not be a Christian. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:03.859 The gift of the spirit. 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:05.240 New life in the spirit. 00:24:05.379 --> 00:24:06.700 New birth in the spirit. 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:09.399 It is the birthright of every Christian. 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:13.920 If you've believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:24:14.620 --> 00:24:15.600 In your heart. 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:17.440 And you confess him with your mouth. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:22.019 Do you realise you are indwelt by the spirit of God? 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:27.080 It's not only normal teaching. 00:24:28.660 --> 00:24:30.420 It's not only Old Testament teaching. 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:32.840 But it is heavenly teaching. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.280 It is teaching from God. 00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:39.279 Don't believe the cults. 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:42.680 Joseph Smith. 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:44.639 And his magic spectacles. 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:46.279 Translating the Book of Mormon. 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:48.500 Mohammed. 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.480 When he's about 40. 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:50.379 Receiving visions. 00:24:50.539 --> 00:24:51.399 Or hearing voices. 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.599 And angels appearing to him. 00:24:52.879 --> 00:24:53.259 Buddha. 00:24:53.420 --> 00:24:54.639 Sitting under the tree. 00:24:54.899 --> 00:24:55.639 The body tree. 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:57.079 Achieving enlightenment. 00:24:57.740 --> 00:24:59.180 The message of Christianity. 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.460 Is to believe. 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:03.660 No one in the whole world. 00:25:03.660 --> 00:25:05.180 About God except Jesus. 00:25:07.820 --> 00:25:09.519 Look at verses 11 to 13. 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:10.360 As we round up. 00:25:13.140 --> 00:25:15.120 Why are you to receive this teaching? 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:19.900 This rabbi. 00:25:20.040 --> 00:25:20.740 Has spent. 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:22.580 Probably about. 00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:23.840 20 years. 00:25:24.040 --> 00:25:25.200 Fixing coffee tables. 00:25:25.560 --> 00:25:26.300 And broken chairs. 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:29.380 This carpenter. 00:25:29.620 --> 00:25:30.800 Has never been to college. 00:25:31.580 --> 00:25:32.380 This rabbi. 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:33.880 Why should you listen to him? 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:36.440 Why should he teach Nicodemus. 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.920 This esteemed Jewish scholar. 00:25:38.340 --> 00:25:39.220 Verse 13. 00:25:44.280 --> 00:25:46.360 No one has ascended into heaven. 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:49.780 Except he who descended from heaven. 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:51.960 The son of man. 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.320 Where have you read that before? 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:55.800 Come on. 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.840 Where have you read that before? 00:25:57.839 --> 00:26:00.199 It's chapter 1 verse 51. 00:26:00.339 --> 00:26:00.579 Isn't it? 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:03.359 It's chapter 1 verse 51. 00:26:04.399 --> 00:26:05.240 And he said to them. 00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:05.819 Truly truly. 00:26:07.099 --> 00:26:08.339 You will see heaven open. 00:26:08.419 --> 00:26:09.339 And the angels of God. 00:26:09.459 --> 00:26:10.439 Ascending and descending. 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.759 On the son of man. 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:13.759 And Jesus. 00:26:14.419 --> 00:26:15.039 Stands there. 00:26:15.139 --> 00:26:16.279 As the ladder to heaven. 00:26:17.699 --> 00:26:18.419 He alone. 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:19.259 Could go up to heaven. 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:20.179 And bring down this truth. 00:26:20.359 --> 00:26:21.819 He is not a teacher on earth. 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:25.480 Jesus isn't surrounded by books. 00:26:25.480 --> 00:26:26.279 In the library. 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:27.779 And research assistants. 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:29.339 Bringing in the work of other people. 00:26:29.439 --> 00:26:30.099 He's not like that. 00:26:30.139 --> 00:26:31.200 He's not like Nicodemus. 00:26:32.919 --> 00:26:35.000 Nicodemus has to burn the midnight oil. 00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:37.740 He has to study to understand revelation. 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:39.659 But Jesus comes from heaven. 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:44.220 He doesn't read a single book from the rabbi. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:45.659 To teach him what he has to teach. 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:47.259 Because God has told him what to say. 00:26:47.639 --> 00:26:48.720 God's word is his word. 00:26:48.720 --> 00:26:51.140 His word is God's word. 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:52.740 He comes down from heaven. 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:54.259 To testify from heaven. 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:58.799 He is the only heavenly teaching. 00:26:58.960 --> 00:26:59.680 This world has had. 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:02.019 Of course. 00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:03.240 There was heavenly teaching. 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.480 In the Old Testament. 00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:05.759 But here it comes. 00:27:05.839 --> 00:27:06.880 In its full light. 00:27:10.039 --> 00:27:11.900 And so this is what the coming of Jesus means. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.019 It means there's no need. 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:14.759 For you and I to live in the darkness now. 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:17.900 It's normal Christian teaching. 00:27:18.680 --> 00:27:20.320 It's Old Testament teaching. 00:27:20.440 --> 00:27:21.460 It is heavenly teaching. 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:23.920 And so what is to be your response this morning? 00:27:27.320 --> 00:27:28.980 Nicodemus might have sat there that evening. 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.519 Marvelling at this conversation. 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:33.420 And Nicodemus could have said. 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:33.759 Couldn't he? 00:27:33.800 --> 00:27:34.380 He could have said. 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:36.620 I believe you're right. 00:27:38.320 --> 00:27:39.320 I believe you're right. 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:43.240 But Jesus will not accept that. 00:27:45.859 --> 00:27:48.919 Jesus does not ask you this morning. 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:53.259 To agree with what he's saying. 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:56.740 But verse 15. 00:27:58.740 --> 00:28:01.839 He asks that you would believe in him. 00:28:03.019 --> 00:28:04.539 Believe in him. 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:06.839 For eternal life. 00:28:08.119 --> 00:28:09.940 And there's all the difference in the world isn't there? 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:12.900 Between believing in Jesus. 00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:15.379 And believing on Jesus. 00:28:15.380 --> 00:28:19.600 You can believe that Jesus taught the truth. 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:22.400 You can believe what this passage is saying. 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:28.800 But you need to come to the point where you believe on Jesus. 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:31.339 And experience new birth. 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:35.240 You can believe what he says. 00:28:35.379 --> 00:28:36.960 And still not know the power. 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:40.240 And that mysterious wind of the Holy Spirit. 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:43.200 Which you can't always understand. 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:44.339 And you can't always explain. 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:47.519 But we can certainly see it. 00:28:47.599 --> 00:28:49.079 In the result of a changed life. 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:49.880 Of a new life. 00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:53.920 There's a great illustration there. 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:54.420 Isn't there? 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.359 In verse 14. 00:28:56.660 --> 00:28:57.859 It's Numbers 21. 00:28:57.980 --> 00:28:59.980 And he takes you back to the people of Israel. 00:28:59.980 --> 00:29:00.579 In the wilderness. 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.099 And there are snakes. 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:04.000 Which have bitten the children of Israel. 00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:06.000 And they are dying all around them. 00:29:06.299 --> 00:29:07.319 And Moses is told. 00:29:07.539 --> 00:29:08.880 Take a bronze snake. 00:29:08.880 --> 00:29:10.400 And put it on a stick. 00:29:10.700 --> 00:29:13.620 And everyone who looks to the snake on the stick. 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.200 Will be cured. 00:29:16.600 --> 00:29:17.620 And will be healed. 00:29:19.060 --> 00:29:20.500 And there's no other hope. 00:29:21.220 --> 00:29:22.400 There's no other cure. 00:29:23.340 --> 00:29:25.240 Than to look to the bronze serpent. 00:29:26.840 --> 00:29:28.460 And Jesus says doesn't he. 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:31.340 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. 00:29:31.340 --> 00:29:33.740 So must the son of man be lifted up. 00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:35.200 That whoever believes in him. 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.520 May have eternal life. 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:43.760 And so what are you to do. 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:45.000 From this sermon. 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:48.000 What am I asking you to do. 00:29:50.040 --> 00:29:51.380 I'm not asking you to do anything. 00:29:53.780 --> 00:29:55.740 I'm asking you to stop your doing. 00:29:57.520 --> 00:29:59.240 And I'm asking you to sit there. 00:30:00.820 --> 00:30:01.620 And to look. 00:30:01.620 --> 00:30:01.640 To look. 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:05.720 To look to Christ. 00:30:07.900 --> 00:30:09.220 To rely on him. 00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:10.380 And to rest on him. 00:30:12.080 --> 00:30:12.800 John Payton. 00:30:13.000 --> 00:30:15.040 The great missionary to the New Hebrides. 00:30:15.320 --> 00:30:17.259 He's translating the Bible. 00:30:17.460 --> 00:30:18.759 He went as a missionary to cannibals. 00:30:18.840 --> 00:30:19.960 It's an amazing story. 00:30:20.100 --> 00:30:21.440 To a South Pacific tribe. 00:30:22.660 --> 00:30:25.759 And John Payton discovered they had no word for faith or trust. 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:29.060 He was really battling with how to translate the word for trust or faith. 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:34.539 And one day one of the natives who'd been running hard came into his house. 00:30:35.079 --> 00:30:38.500 Flopped down into the chair beside John Payton. 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:42.599 And said it's good to rest my whole weight on this chair. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:44.839 Payton said that's it. 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:52.259 I'll translate faith as resting one's whole weight on God. 00:30:54.679 --> 00:30:56.099 And it's as you look. 00:30:57.119 --> 00:30:58.299 And as you rest. 00:30:58.419 --> 00:31:02.179 And as you rest your whole weight on Jesus Christ. 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:03.859 And rely on him. 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:07.279 And be born again by God's spirit. 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.199 Let's pray. 00:31:10.199 --> 00:31:10.279 Amen.