Signs of Life

"Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’"  John 3:7

Which of the following illustrations best describe your street-level approach to sanctification (becoming more like Jesus)?

I'll return to this illustration at the bottom of the email.

The fact that Jesus compares the new birth to being “born” shows how radical salvation really is. As verse 8 of our text points out, being born from above is a work of the Holy Spirit; "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but, like the wind, we see His impact and power. And the impact and power are displayed in the children of God--those who have been born again.

Nicodemus could not accept the testimony of Jesus (v. 8). He couldn't trust Jesus because his legalism and traditions got in the way. Do you trust Jesus? Are there signs of the new life? What are those signs?

For many, sanctification is like the man operating the motorboat, his efforts determine the power and direction. For others, it's like the guys on the raft in the lazy river. They "let go" and let the wind carry them. But the best illustration for sanctification is sailing. We can’t control the most important thing—the wind that makes us move—but that doesn’t mean there is nothing left for us to do. We have to draw the sail to catch the wind.

So how do we draw our sail to catch the wind? Here are some ways:

• Fall more in love with Jesus (Philippians 3:10) by treasuring Him above all things (Matthew 10:37).
• Love the Word, know the Word, and renew your mind by reading and studying the Word (Romans 12:1-2).
• Dive deeper into the reality of your justification. G. C. Berkouwer said, “The heart of sanctification is the life which feeds on justification.” Click HERE to read more on this.
• Obey the simple commands of Scripture (Romans 6).