Heart Transformation

Many of you grew up like I did. I was religious. We didn't smoke, dance, drink, play cards, go to movies, chew, or date girls that do. I am very thankful for my upbringing. However, like the Pharisees it is often easy for religious people to assume that they are right with God. And yet, Jesus had more conflict with the Pharisees than any other group. Yesterday we looked at the amazing story of Nicodemus. (John 3) Here was a guy who had it all. He was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish supreme court called the Sanhedron. He was the best of the best that Israel had to offer. Like others Nicodemus had believed in the miracles but yet still failed to surrender his heart to God.

John 2: 23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. 24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.

Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus that only those who were transformed by the power of God would enter into the Kingdom. The facts are clear. God is holy. No matter how much religion I may have, I will never be holy. Therefore I am lost and separated from God. Jesus, our God and savior died in my place to cancel my debt. As God empowers me, I surrender my life unto him and receive eternal life. Are we religious? Great, but are we born again by the washing of Christ's blood and rebirth through the spirit?

BTW, next week we will look at another story of transformation. This time however we will see an immoral woman rather than a religious elite.