Have you ever wondered why many of us are Christians today believing in Christ? It is because we were privileged to born into Christian homes. Otherwise, we would have been Muslims or atheists or even African traditional idol worshippers etc and therefore we would have been tagged unbelievers.

But here is the thing, the very people Jesus referred to as born again in John 3:3 were never Christians, they were only disciples at that time.
Most of them were born of parents who practiced Judaism so they were never privileged to be called Christians.

Jesus Christ says, the least person in God's kingdom is greater than they.

So, incase you are still referring to yourself as born again, you are only belittling yourself

paxonel:
Have you ever wondered why many of us are Christians today believing in Christ? It is because we were privileged to born into Christian homes. Otherwise, we would have been Muslims or atheists or even African traditional idol worshippers etc and therefore we would have been tagged unbelievers.

But here is the thing, the very people Jesus referred to as born again in John 3:3 were never Christians, they were only disciples at that time.
Most of them were born of parents who practiced Judaism so they were never privileged to be called Christians.

Jesus Christ says, the least person in God's kingdom is greater than they.

So, incase you are still referring to yourself as born again, you are only belittling yourself

What are you saying

I know a lot of people who weren't born into christian homes, they who were muslims and became born again.

They always seem to be better grounded in thier relationship with God than those born into christian homes.

Being Born again refers to being spiritually reborn, not the physical birth my friend.

incogni2o:


What are you saying

I know a lot of people who weren't born into christian homes, they who were muslims and became born again.

point of correction : became Christians not born again.

They always seem to be better grounded in thier relationship with God than those born into christian homes.

true!
But not in all case

Being Born again refers to being spiritually reborn, not the physical birth my friend.

you didn't read your bible to draw this conclusion, just depending on what people are saying.
Go back to your bible again.
Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
You know what that means?
It means except a man becomes Jesus disciple he cannot be part of what happened on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-3 which was the beginning of Christianity on earth.

So, being born again was a state of discipleship where the disciples were never Christians, that was before the crucifixion of Christ.
It was very important that anyone who want to see the kingdom of God must go through that state first, that's why he said accept a man..

paxonel:
point of correction : became Christians not born again.
true!
But not in all case
you didn't read your bible to draw this conclusion, just depending on what people are saying.
Go back to your bible again.
Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
You know what that means?
It means except a man becomes Jesus disciple he cannot be part of what happened on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-3 which was the beginning of Christianity on earth.

So, being born again was a state of discipleship where the disciples were never Christians, that was before the crucifixion of Christ.
It was very important that anyone who want to see the kingdom of God must go through that state first, that's why he said accept a man..

Being a Christian mean one is Christlike which you can't attain without asking his spirit to come into your life.

Jesus spoke to Nichodamus ....You must be Born Again.
If you beleive in Jesus christ, you will be saved. Was Nichodamus a Christian?

Righteousness89:
[i]Being born into a Christian home does not guarantee you Eternal Life. Just like being a Pastor child does not give you a ticket to Eternal Life.

why do you say so?

" For GOD so Loved the World that HE gave HIS only begotten son! That WHOSEVER Believes in HIM should not perish but have Eternal Life"

Heaven is a Personal Race.. it's not a community or Family Race.

the scripture you quoted did not indicate in anyway that heaven is a personal raise like the person will be in isolation running alone.
Yes, it is true that to accept Jesus or not is a personal decision. But that doesn't mean that the moment you have accepted him you are in isolation.
Christianity comprises a group of people who believed in Christ worldwide, every single one of them are saved based on their believe or faith.

Accepting JESUS CHRIST I.e being Born again

accepting Jesus Christ is not the same thing as being born again as it applies right now.
Yes, it is true that accepting Jesus Christ(being disciple of Jesus Christ) was the same thing as born again, that was before Jesus was crucified.

But the moment Jesus resurrected, even the disciples of John the Baptist were baptized Christians.

So, Christianity is open to anyone, so long you believe.

incogni2o:


Being a Christian mean one is Christlike

no!
Don't be confused by that faulty acertion, no one is like Christ and no one can be like Christ.
1 John 1:8 if we say we do not commit sin then we are lairs

which you can't attain without asking his spirit to come into your life.

the holy spirit is only there to bear us witness that we are sons of God, it is not there to make us live like Christ by automatic default, and you get that holy spirit the moment you believe.

Jesus spoke to Nichodamus ....You must be Born Again.
If you beleive in Jesus christ, you will be saved. Was Nichodamus a Christian?

no!
He wasn't a Christian at that point even if he had believed. He will only become a Christian after Jesus Christ is resurrected, but before then he is born again simply because he believed.

Yes

paxonel:
Have you ever wondered why many of us are Christians today believing in Christ? It is because we were privileged to born into Christian homes. Otherwise, we would have been Muslims or atheists or even African traditional idol worshippers etc and therefore we would have been tagged unbelievers.

Being born into a Christian home also means higher chances of being indoctrinated in false religion masquerading as yet another brand of Christianity. Technically, children from such homes grow up corrupted by the same lies their parents before them dutifuly spat down their throats in the name of God. So, do not rejoice yet.

paxonel:

But here is the thing, the very people Jesus referred to as born again in John 3:3 were never Christians, they were only disciples at that time. Most of them were born of parents who practiced Judaism so they were never privileged to be called Christians.

I think you are confused. Jesus said only those who are born again will enter into God's Kingdom. So, I don't know what bible you are reading there. You might want to go back and re-read John Chapter 3 to better understand what is actually written.

John 3 vs 1-10
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1. There was a man named Nicodemus, one of the Pharisees. He was an important Jewish leader.
2. One night he came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a teacher sent from God. No one can do these miraculous signs that you do unless they have God’s help.”
3. Jesus answered, “I assure you, everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom.”
4. Nicodemus said, “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”
5. Jesus answered, “Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom.
6. The only life people get from their human parents is physical. But the new life that the Spirit gives a person is spiritual.
7. Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’
8. The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.”
9. Nicodemus asked, “How is all this possible?”
10. Jesus said, “You are an important teacher of Israel, and you still don’t understand these things?
11. The truth is, we talk about what we know. We tell about what we have seen. But you people don’t accept what we tell you.
12. I have told you about things here on earth, but you do not believe me. So I’m sure you will not believe me if I tell you about heavenly things!
13. [b]The only one who has ever gone up to heaven is the one who came down from heaven—the Son of Man.

See above where Jesus explains what it means to be Born Again to Nicodemus. Those who are born again are also those who are like children, are righteous, and poor of spirit(Jesus also declared these things).

paxonel:
Most of them were born of parents who practiced Judaism so they were never privileged to be called Christians.

Ofcourse before Jesus' death, there were none of those(the Spirit by which they became priviledged to be born again came after the death of Jesus upon those who were worthy of being His followers).
However, those born into a "christian" home have the same chances of being born again as those raised by no parents at all, or by parents who are athiests, as they all equally need to prove themselves worthy of being Christ's disciples for that to happen.

paxonel:

Jesus Christ says, the least person in God's kingdom is greater than they.
So, incase you are still referring to yourself as born again, you are only belittling yourself

Do not twist the words of Christ any further than you already have.

Kobojunkie:

Being born into a Christian home also means higher chances of being indoctrinated in false religion masquerading as yet another brand of Christianity. Technically, children from such homes grow up corrupted by the same lies their parents before them dutifuly spat down their throats in the name of God. So, do not rejoice yet.

you were right saying being born in a Christian home also means a higher chance of being indoctrinated falsely but that is not peculiar to Christianity alone.
Also, referring other sects of Christianity who do not buy your jw ideas as false religion shows how desperate your jw group are, it doesn't tell good of you.

I think you are confused. Jesus said only those who are born again will enter into God's Kingdom. So, I don't know what bible you are reading there. You might want to go back and re-read John Chapter 3 to better understand what is actually written.

See above where Jesus explains what it means to be Born Again to Nicodemus. Those who are born again are also those who are like children, are righteous, and poor of spirit(Jesus also declared these things).

I'm confused to you, yet you are still saying the same thing i said. Tell me that the disciples of Jesus Christ as at the time Jesus was not yet crucified, were like children, are righteous and poor of the spirit?

7. Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’
8. The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.”

if you truly understand what Jesus was trying to explain to Nicodemus what he meant by born again, can you please explain what you understand by this parable?
what does the wind signifies, and why is the wind blowing?
Relate it to what you think born again is and let's see how sensible your explanation will be

Do not twist the words of Christ any further than you already have.

i think you are finding it difficult to understand what Jesus was explaining to Nicodemus just accept that fact.

paxonel:
you were right saying being born in a Christian home also means a higher chance of being indoctrinated falsely but that is not peculiar to Christianity alone.

Regardless, what it means is the statement you made was incorrect. Regardless of the family a person is born into, the chances of learning of God remains the same.

paxonel:

Also, referring other sects of Christianity who do not buy your jw ideas as false religion shows how desperate your jw group are, it doesn't tell good of you.

I don't belong to any sect and I was not raised in a Christian home. Neither am I one of you Churchians. Up until only a couple of years ago, I believed in nothing -- not even my own self. If I can come to know to serve the Almighty God outside of your pastors/preachers/pharisees/sadducees/con-men/wolves, then surely any one can.

paxonel:
I'm confused to you, yet you are still saying the same thing i said. Tell me that the disciples of Jesus Christ as at the time Jesus was not yet crucified, were like children, are righteous and poor of the spirit?

I think it is best to recall your earlier post at this point

paxonel:
But here is the thing, the very people Jesus referred to as born again in John 3:3 were never Christians, they were only disciples at that time. Most of them were born of parents who practiced Judaism so they were never privileged to be called Christians.

Jesus never referred to His disciples as Born agains in John 3 vs 3. They were however "annointed" by Jesus Christ as in the tradition of the old covenant, so they were already picked for His Kingdom by His person. Unless you are suggesting here that Jesus lied to them when He promised them He was going to prepare a place for them in His kingdom?

paxonel:
if you truly understand what Jesus was trying to explain to Nicodemus what he meant by born again, can you please explain what you understand by this parable?
what does the wind signifies, and why is the wind blowing?
Relate it to what you think born again is and let's see how sensible your explanation will be
i think you are finding it difficult to understand what Jesus was explaining to Nicodemus just accept that fact.

It is not a parable. It is Jesus explaining what it is like to have the Spirit of God living on the inside of you.

When the Spirit of God is at the wheel(leading your life as one who is Born again), you do not have control over anything. Remember, in order to become a follower of Jesus Christ, You have to die to yourself(sede control of your life to Christ/ die to your ego). The Spirit of the Living God is not a puppet as some pretend him to be in Christianity and Churchianism today. He is God Himself and He, God,expects you to give Him your trust and obedience as He leads you along His path to fulling His plan in your life -- not our own plan as some pretend the walk is about.

He is your personal GPS system that shows (tells you) details of your start point, routes, time of travel, distance travelled, final destination etc...No. God does not guarantee you any of that; However, as long as you trust Him, His promise is that it will all turn out for your good.
It is difficult to do, yet doable!

Kobojunkie:

I don't belong to any sect and I was not raised in a Christian home. Neither am I one of you Churchians. Up until only a couple of years ago, I believed in nothing -- not even my own self. If I can come to know to serve the Almighty God outside of your pastors/preachers/pharisees/sadducees/con-men/wolves, then surely any one can.

I'm not interested in what pastors do. I'm here to prove that anyone can read his bible and understand it like he has understood any book he read before.

I think it is best to recall your earlier post at this point

Jesus never referred to His disciples as Born agains in John 3 vs 3. They were however "annointed" by Jesus Christ as in the tradition of the old covenant, so they were already picked for His Kingdom by His person. Unless you are suggesting here that Jesus lied to them when He promised them He was going to prepare a place for them in His kingdom?

OK, I'm listening to you

It is not a parable. It is Jesus explaining what it is like to have the Spirit of God living on the inside of you.

really?
It's not a parable
OK, tell me how the window blow where it listed relate with born again, I'm listening to you

When the Spirit of God is at the wheel(leading your life as one who is Born again), you do not have control over anything. Remember, in order to become a follower of Jesus Christ, You have to die to yourself(sede control of your life to Christ/ die to your ego). The Spirit of the Living God is not a puppet as some pretend him to be in Christianity and Churchianism today. He is God Himself and He, God,expects you to give Him your trust and obedience as He leads you along His path to fulling His plan in your life -- not our own plan as some pretend the walk is about.

He is your personal GPS system that shows (tells you) details of your start point, routes, time of travel, distance travelled, final destination etc...No. God does not guarantee you any of that; However, as long as you trust Him, His promise is that it will all turn out for your good.
It is difficult to do, yet doable!

OK, what you assume the wind to be is the spirit of God?

You funny o! Which spirit of God?

See, stop assuming!
Everything you need to understand is there in that scripture.

The wind blow were it listed is a parable you don't need Jesus to say it is a parable before knowing that it is one.

The wind signifies people (every wind have direction of movement)
Nicodemus saw these people(disciples referred to as born again) following Jesus, they came from a direction(perhaps Gallilee) and Nicodemus didn't know where they were coming from and where they were going to(they were going towards Jerusalem with Jesus where Jesus was to be crucified) Nicodemus didn't know that too.

(Remeber, according to Daniels prophecy Jesus was to complete a journey with his disciples from Gallilee to Jerusalem before he is crucified)

The question is : what did Jesus Christ wanted from Nicodemus?
Jesus was simply telling Nicodemus you must be born again : meaning, you must follow me as my disciple to Jerusalem if you must see the kingdom of God.

you are not seeing it from that angle that it is a parable because you didn't consider the story of what happened during Jesus life here on earth. If you do not have the story at the back of your mind there is no way you reading that scripture today will understand what Jesus meant by the wind blow where it listed to Nicodemus

paxonel:
I'm not interested in what pastors do. I'm here to prove that anyone can read his bible and understand it like he has understood any book he read before.

So you want to disprove the words of Jesus Christ Himself?

paxonel:
OK, I'm listening to you really? OK, tell me how the window blow where it listed relate with born again, I'm listening to you

Jesus used an analogy to answer Nicodemus' question about what it means to be born again.

paxonel:

OK, what you assume the wind to be is the spirit of God?

You funny o! Which spirit of God?

Huh?

paxonel:

See, stop assuming!
Everything you need to understand is there in that scripture.
The wind blow were it listed is a parable you don't need Jesus to say it is a parable before knowing that it is one.

The wind signifies people (every wind have direction of movement)
Nicodemus saw these people(disciples referred to as born again) following Jesus, they came from a direction(perhaps Gallilee) and Nicodemus didn't know where they were coming from and where they were going to(they were going towards Jerusalem with Jesus where Jesus was to be crucified) Nicodemus didn't know that too.

(Remeber, according to Daniels prophecy Jesus was to complete a journey with his disciples from Gallilee to Jerusalem before he is crucified)
The question is : what did Jesus Christ wanted from Nicodemus?
Jesus was simply telling Nicodemus you must be born again : meaning, you must follow me as my disciple to Jerusalem if you must see the kingdom of God.
you are not seeing it from that angle that it is a parable because you didn't consider the story of what happened during Jesus life here on earth. If you do not have the story at the back of your mind there is no way you reading that scripture today will understand what Jesus meant by the wind blow where it listed to Nicodemus

Nicodemus told Christ? What Jesus wanted from Nicodemus? Daniel? Not Seeing it from angle that it is a parable?
I suggest you read the encounter between Jesus Christ and Nicodemus again.

John 3 vs 1-10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. There was a man named Nicodemus, one of the Pharisees. He was an important Jewish leader.
2. One night he came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a teacher sent from God. No one can do these miraculous signs that you do unless they have God’s help.”
3. Jesus answered, “I assure you, everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom.”
4. Nicodemus said, “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”
5. Jesus answered, “Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom.
6. The only life people get from their human parents is physical. But the new life that the Spirit gives a person is spiritual.
7. Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’
8. The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.”
9. Nicodemus asked, “How is all this possible?”
10. Jesus said, “You are an important teacher of Israel, and you still don’t understand these things?
11. The truth is, we talk about what we know. We tell about what we have seen. But you people don’t accept what we tell you.
12. I have told you about things here on earth, but you do not believe me. So I’m sure you will not believe me if I tell you about heavenly things!
13. The only one who has ever gone up to heaven is the one who came down from heaven—the Son of Man.

Kobojunkie:

Nicodemus told Christ? What Jesus wanted from Nicodemus? Daniel? Not Seeing it from angle that it is a parable?
I suggest you read the encounter between Jesus Christ and Nicodemus again.

scriptures are all encompassingly related to one another. If you have read other scriptures of the gospel(matthew,mark,luke and John) certainly you see the correlation of what Jesus was trying to explain to Nicodemus. But if you are looking at the encounter of Jesus with Nicodemus in isolation, you will never get it.
No scripture should be read in isolation.

Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and FOLLOWED HIM.(meaning: Jesus wanted these disciples to follow him)

Matthew 4:22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and FOLLOWED HIM.

Matthew 4:25 And there FOLLOWED HIM great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

THESE GREAT MULTITUDE ARE WHAT JESUS REFERRED TO AS THE WIND, THEY WERE THE BORN AGAIN IN SEARCH FOR GOD'S KINGDOM WHICH WAS REVEALED TO THEM AT THE CRUCIFIXION IN JERUSALEM.

And that was what Jesus Christ wanted Nicodemus to do.
TO FOLLOW HIM TO JERUSALEM. that is, to be born again.

paxonel:
scriptures are all encompassingly related to one another. If you have read other scriptures of the gospel(matthew,mark,luke and John) certainly you see the correlation of what Jesus was trying to explain to Nicodemus. But if you are looking at the encounter of Jesus with Nicodemus in isolation, you will never get it.

OK?

paxonel:
No scripture should be read in isolation.
Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and FOLLOWED HIM.(meaning: Jesus wanted these disciples to follow him)
Matthew 4:22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and FOLLOWED HIM.
Matthew 4:25 And there FOLLOWED HIM great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

THESE GREAT MULTITUDE ARE WHAT JESUS REFERRED TO AS THE WIND, THEY WERE THE BORN AGAIN IN SEARCH FOR GOD'S KINGDOM WHICH WAS REVEALED TO THEM AT THE CRUCIFIXION IN JERUSALEM.
And that was what Jesus Christ wanted Nicodemus to do.
TO FOLLOW HIM TO JERUSALEM. that is, to be born again.

But.... Nothing of what you have here connects to or explain what Jesus told Nicodemus in response to Nicodemus' own questions for Jesus Christ though.
The great multitude that followed Jesus were simply people who Jesus preached to. There is no evidence that the multitude in question became disciples of Jesus Christ in the end, because by the time of His death, only a handful believed in Christ. .
Also remember, before Jesus's death, the only ones whom Jesus annointed were His disciples, so how could the multitude have been born again if the Holy Spirit was missing from them?

Plus, you skipped over 2 verses there in your attempt to make this strange connection you are trying to make.
Please endeavour to revisit the question that Nicodemus asked Jesus, and the re-read your response to understand how Jesus would not even use what you have above as a reference for response.

John 3 vs 4
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4. Nicodemus said, “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”

paxonel:
Have you ever wondered why many of us are Christians today believing in Christ? It is because we were privileged to born into Christian homes. Otherwise, we would have been Muslims or atheists or even African traditional idol worshippers etc and therefore we would have been tagged unbelievers.

But here is the thing, the very people Jesus referred to as born again in John 3:3 were never Christians, they were only disciples at that time.
Most of them were born of parents who practiced Judaism so they were never privileged to be called Christians.

Jesus Christ says, the least person in God's kingdom is greater than they.

So, incase you are still referring to yourself as born again, you are only belittling yourself

Jesus' statements can't be understood unless you associate with his real followers!

Christians means sinners who accepted counseling from Jesus, prepared to make amendments in their former lifestyles to conform to Jesus' thoughts, words and actions. God's plan is to make this earth a Paradise for obedient humans to live youthful life forever.

From God's standpoint Christians comes first! 1Thessalonians 4:16


Born Again Jesus was a mighty spirit being in heaven before he decided to come and offer himself as a ransom for our sin because imperfect blood can't repay the lost Adam brought upon his descendants {Psalms 49:7-9} he will rule the earth from heaven after he has presented the sacrifice before God, but his corulers are to rule the entire inhabited earth from Jerusalem {Isaiah 2:3, 9:7} the Jews profaned God's Temple in Jerusalem, killed God's prophets and at last they killed Jesus in Jerusalem, so Jesus foretold that Jerusalem is doomed! Matthew 23:37-38

His followers who had the hope of ruling from Jerusalem were confused so he told them God's new plan that God has granted them the privilege of going to live and rule with Jesus in heaven {John 14:1-4} there was no plans for humans to live in heaven before so no human has ever been there { John 3:13} that's why Jesus specifically told them saying "I'm going to prepare a place". Those who are going to rule with Jesus must also be transformed into spirit beings, so God was selecting them from amongst the Christians with his holy spirit after they're baptized, that's why Jesus referred to this Christians as Born Again! John 3:5-7

So the best thing for any human is to become a Christian because the gift of everlasting life is for Christians ONLY!

Faithful servants of God from Abel to John the baptist are yet to qualify for everlasting life because they don't know what Jesus taught!
But they will have the opportunity to learn from Christians after resurrection, whoever failed to abide by what Jesus says will be destroyed for good! Revelations 20:11-15

Kobojunkie:

OK?
But.... Nothing of what you have here connects to or explain what Jesus told Nicodemus in response to Nicodemus' own questions for Jesus Christ though.

How about this?

John 3:14 [And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

All you have to do is think :
You know Jesus was lifted up in the wilderness?
He was the kingdom of God that was preached by John the Baptist. By so doing, thousands of people followed him and Nicodemus saw that.
The disciples followed Jesus simply because they believed in him. If they had not believed they wouldn't have followed him.

And I'm telling you that Jesus wanted Nicodemus to follow him : that was the sign to show that he believed.

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Do you know what it took for a person to abandon all he had acquired in life and give them to the poor and start following Christ? Matthew 19:21?
I took great determination .

Plus, you skipped over 2 verses there in your attempt to make this strange connection you are trying to make.

I know that the connection will be strange to you. It was strange to me too the day i discovered it. But it is very true irrespective of the fact that it is strange.
Now tell me, have you ever asked yourself why is there so much criticism of today pastors and the church today?
It is because the church has failed to tell it members the truth they should know from the bible

Please endeavour to revisit the question that Nicodemus asked Jesus, and the re-read your response to understand how Jesus would not even use what you have above as a reference for response.

when you read John 3 from where Nicodemus asked the question down to the end of the chapter, you will notice that Jesus was trying to establish one thing for Nicodemus to understand. And that one thing is TO BELIEVE IN HIM.
And I have told you that a person cannot follow Christ except he believes in him.
There were so many people who lived in Israel as at the time Jesus was on earth. Not all of them followed Christ because not all of them believed.
Even among the 5000 disciples who eat five loaves of bread and two fishes at the wilderness, who believed and followed Christ, many of them ran away when Jesus was about to be crucified.
These people that ran away were all the born again Jesus was talking about, yet they ended up missing out from the opportunity to be Christians in the book of act.
Act 1: 15 specifically recorded only 120 of them who became Christians, out over the over 5000 born again people.

So you see, born again is not part of Christianity.
Born again is described as people of the days of John the Baptist, not the era of Christianity.
Even John the Baptist believed too, but he was not privileged to see Christianity.
Judas iscariot was born again too, but he wasn't privileged.

paxonel:
How about this?
John 3:14 [And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

All you have to do is think :
The disciples followed Jesus simply because they believed in him. If they had not believed they wouldn't have followed him.

And I'm telling you that Jesus wanted Nicodemus to follow him : that was the sign to show that he believed.

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Do you know what it took for a person to abandoned all he had acquired in life and give them to the poor and start following Christ? Matthew 19:21?
I took great determination .
I know that the connection will be strange to you. It was strange to me too the day i discovered it. But it is very true irrespective of the fact that it is strange.
Now tell me, have you ever asked yourself why is there so much criticism of today pastors and the church today?
It is because the church has failed to tell it members the truth they should know from the bible
when you read John 3 from where Nicodemus asked the question down to the end of the chapter, you will notice that Jesus was trying to establish one thing for Nicodemus to understand. And that one thing is TO BELIEVE IN HIM.
And I have told you that a person cannot follow Christ except he believes in him.
There were so many people who lived in Israel as at the time Jesus was on earth. Not all of them followed Christ because not all of them believed.
Even among the 5000 disciples who eat five loaves of bread and two fishes at the wilderness, who believed and followed Christ, many of them ran away when Jesus was about to be crucified.
These people that ran away were all the born again Jesus was talking about, yet they ended up missing out from the opportunity to be Christians in the book of act.
Act 1: 15 specifically recorded only 120 of them who became Christians, out over the over 5000 born again people.

So you see, born again is not part of Christianity.
Born again is described as people of the days of John the Baptist, not the era of Christianity.
Even John the Baptist believed too, but he was not privileged to see Christianity.
Judas iscariot was born again too, but he wasn't privileged.

I suggest you actually read that Bible again so you can better understand the error of your thought process in this. Jesus Himself said that except a man be Born again, He cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

John 3 vs 4-8
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4. Nicodemus said, “How can a man who is already old be born again? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”
5. Jesus answered, “Believe me when I say that everyone must be born from water and the Spirit. Anyone who is not born from water and the Spirit cannot enter God’s kingdom.
6. The only life people get from their human parents is physical. But the new life that the Spirit gives a person is spiritual.
7. Don’t be surprised that I told you, ‘You must be born again.’
8. The wind blows wherever it wants to. You hear it, but you don’t know where it is coming from or where it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.”

But here you are running around scripture looking for ways to justify that which is unscriptural and untrue.
If you want to discuss Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus Christ, I suggest you stick to the actual encounter, rather picking around scripture and getting no where.

paxonel:
Have you ever wondered why many of us are Christians today believing in Christ? It is because we were privileged to born into Christian homes. Otherwise, we would have been Muslims or atheists or even African traditional idol worshippers etc and therefore we would have been tagged unbelievers.

But here is the thing, the very people Jesus referred to as born again in John 3:3 were never Christians, they were only disciples at that time.
Most of them were born of parents who practiced Judaism so they were never privileged to be called Christians.

Jesus Christ says, the least person in God's kingdom is greater than they.

So, incase you are still referring to yourself as born again, you are only belittling yourself

A bit of confusion or a misunderstanding with the titles or descriptions we use.

The correctness of titles or terms are LESS important but one's FRUITS (proofs of being genuinely saved): are they Good or Bad.

Right, you're "Born again": what are your fruits?

Or

You're from a strong "Christian Home": excellent, BUT what are your fruits?

Matthew 7:16 KJV
Ye shall KNOW them by their FRUITS.

2Tim.2.19 - ... "The Lord KNOWS those who are His," and, "Let Everyone who NAMES the Name of Christ DEPART from iniquity."


May Jesus Bless You.

davidinchrist:


A bit of confusion or a misunderstanding with the titles or descriptions we use.

The correctness of titles or terms are LESS important but one's FRUITS (proofs of being genuinely saved): are they Good or Bad.

Right, you're "Born again": what are your fruits?

Or

You're from a strong "Christian Home": excellent, BUT what are your fruits?

Matthew 7:16 KJV
Ye shall KNOW them by their FRUITS.

2Tim.2.19 - ... "The Lord KNOWS those who are His," and, "Let Everyone who NAMES the Name of Christ DEPART from iniquity."


May Jesus Bless You.

Amen!
you are on point!
whatever title we choose to call ourselves, it is the fruits we bear that matters

Kobojunkie:


I suggest you actually read that Bible again so you can better understand the error of your thought process in this. Jesus Himself said that except a man be Born again, He cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.
But here you are running around scripture looking for ways to justify that which is unscriptural and untrue.
If you want to discuss Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus Christ, I suggest you stick to the actual encounter, rather picking around scripture and getting no where.

ok,thanks! I'm done

I soon discover that it take so much intelligence to practice Christianity in order to fully harness the benefits that comes with it.

whether your brain can process it or not that is not important. The thread is not even about me or you
What is important is, there are intelligent people viewing this thread right now without commenting a word, they will go back to their bible and start reading again the story of everything that conspired during Jesus life on earth which is the best way to learn and not just focusing on one particular scripture.

Maximus69:


Jesus' statements can't be understood unless you associate with his real followers!

Christians means sinners who accepted counseling from Jesus, prepared to make amendments in their former lifestyles to conform to Jesus' thoughts, words and actions. God's plan is to make this earth a Paradise for obedient humans to live youthful life forever.

From God's standpoint Christians comes first! 1Thessalonians 4:16


Born Again: Jesus was a mighty spirit being in heaven before he decided to come and offer himself as a ransom for our sin because imperfect blood can't repay the lost Adam brought upon his descendants {Psalms 49:7-9} he will rule the earth from heaven after he has presented the sacrifice before God, but his corulers are to rule the entire inhabited earth from Jerusalem {Isaiah 2:3, 9:7} the Jews profaned God's Temple in Jerusalem, killed God's prophets and at last they killed Jesus in Jerusalem, so Jesus foretold that Jerusalem is doomed! Matthew 23:37-38

His followers who had the hope of ruling from Jerusalem were confused so he told them God's new plan that God has granted them the privilege of going to live and rule with Jesus in heaven {John 14:1-4} there was no plans for humans to live in heaven before so no human has ever been there { John 3:13} that's why Jesus specifically told them saying "I'm going to prepare a place". Those who are going to rule with Jesus must also be transformed into spirit beings, so God was selecting them from amongst the Christians with his holy spirit after they're baptized, that's why Jesus referred to this Christians as Born Again! John 3:5-7

consider the emboldened, were they actually Christians before Jesus was crucified?

So the best thing for any human is to become a Christian because the gift of everlasting life is for Christians ONLY!

very true!

Faithful servants of God from Abel to John the baptist are yet to qualify for everlasting life because they don't know what Jesus taught!
But they will have the opportunity to learn from Christians after resurrection, whoever failed to abide by what Jesus says will be destroyed for good! Revelations 20:11-15

you are on point, very correct!

I understand your jw thoughts, sometimes you might be right, but most times you people always arive at the wrong conclusion after setting up a very valid premise, I don't know why

paxonel:
(1)consider the emboldened, were they actually Christians before Jesus was crucified?


very true!
you are on point, very correct!

(2)I understand your jw thoughts, sometimes you might be right, but most times you people always arive at the wrong conclusion after setting up a very valid premise, I don't know why

(1) Your very first move to follow Jesus automatically quantify you a Christian!

Remember the thief that was impaled with Jesus. He only acknowledged Jesus as his ruler {Luke 23:42} of course he is prepared to follow Jesus' instructions afterwards, no wonder Jesus never hesitated to assure this former criminal saying

"I'm assuring you today, you will be with me in Paradise" Luke 23:43

So once you agree to follow Jesus heartily, you immediately become a Christian. Judas Iscariot followed Jesus but not with a complete heart {1King 8:61} that's why he failed woefully when tempted to sell his salvation! Matthew 26:14-16 compare to John 12:6

(2) Of course even after all the evidence you may still find fault with us {Luke 7:23} because we are no part of those blinded by Satan's cobwebs! John 17:14-16

Think for a moment you have noticed the accuracy of my comment, and you've repeatedly said "CORRECT" but you're now wondering "if this JWs are fully competent and completely equipped in presenting the truth like this, then why are they always on the opposing side?"

The truth is we have been separated from the world that's under the control of Satan {1John 5:19} so no matter how you find insight with us, your heart will continue to navigate towards those criticizing us! 2Corinthians 4:4

There is no sitting on the fence, it's either you are one of us to become fully competent and completely equipped like us {2Timothy 3:16-17} or you continue with them always arguing but unable to defend the truth with efficacy! 2Timothy 3:7

Nobody forced you when you keep saying "this comment is correct" therefore it's left to you!