Preparing for Worship // October 28, 2018

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When I was in first grade, I decided to change my birthday. I was jealous that America got fireworks for her birthday and no one ever set off fireworks for mine. I marched straight up to my parents and announced my birthday was now the Fourth of July! Now everyone would get to watch fireworks to celebrate me! My parents kindly and gently informed me that I couldn’t go back in time and change my birthday. Not being one to give up without a fight, I came back a few minutes later with my Children’s Storybook Bible in hand. I promptly opened up to John 3 and read, “You must be born again.” If I must be born again, I must get a second birthday, and my second birthday is now the 4^th of July! Bulletproof argument. My plan for double presents did not work out as I planned, but this is my mom’s favorite story to tease me about.

My childhood doctrine of regeneration needed some work but was based on a few true things. It is true that we must be born again, but the results of that rebirth are much greater than a second birthday. Those who are born again get to spend eternity with Jesus! Just like our natural births, we are not the instigators or even play a big role in the action. Birth is something that happens to us rather than something we take the initiative to begin. And finally, birth is a miracle every time. Babies in general are terrible sleepers and terrific criers, but at the same time they are lovely and precious. This is how God sees His children. We make mistakes, we actively rebel, and we complain a lot, but God looks on His children with faithful love and kindness and we are precious in His sight.

THE WORD

Scripture: John 3:1-8
Sermon: Regeneration: God Turns on the Lights

SONGS

Arise My Soul, Arise (Indelible Grace)
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Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace (Red Mountain Music)
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Mighty is the Power of the Cross (Chris Tomlin)
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Song of Preparation: Alive Again (Matt Maher)
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Song of Response: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (Chris Tomlin)
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