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BORN OF THE SPIRIT CHRIST

Christmas 2009

Text: Luke 1:26-35; John 3: 4-8

“Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore that holy baby which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1: 34-35
“Jesus answered to Nicodemus, Verily, verily I say unto you, except a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3: 5).

Introduction. One of the most controversial aspects of the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, is the manner of his birth. The Immaculate Conception does not fit well in man’s logic. Mary was greatly troubled when she received the message that she will be with child and give birth to a son. The incarnation of God through a womb by virtue of the Holy Spirit carries a very important message to the way of salvation. The uniqueness of that birth is the central column of the Christian faith. It also sets apart Jesus, our Lord and Savior, from the “showers of ways” of the other faiths. Miracle of miracles! Christ was born of the Spirit, which makes it possible for mankind to be also born from above.

A. The necessity of the Immaculate Conception of Christ
The necessity of such a birth is important to the salvation of sinners. The requirement to be a savior is to be sinless. Unfortunately, from Adam to the last person that will be born of man in our world all will be a sinner. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23) The birth of a savior cannot have the participation of the male semen. The Immaculate birth of Jesus Christ was heralded by God Him-self in Genesis as the “Seed of the woman” (Gen. 3:15) and by the prophets of the Old Testament. Isaiah indicated the manner of birth. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The fulfillment of both prophecies is found word for word in three of the four Gospels. Evangelist Matthew found it very important not only to present the manner of conception, but also the place of birth of the Savior “Bethlehem” (Matt. 2:1). Jesus, the only Savior of the World, the only way to God, was born by virtue of the Holy Spirit. His birth sets the example on how man can be born again and reconcile with God.

B. Man must be born of the Spirit. (John 3:5)
The fact that Christ was born by virtue of the Holy Spirit, it proves that no relationship with God can be possible apart from the same Spirit. Nicodemus is an interesting study in how it is possible to be much in the religious arena yet nothing in the kingdom of God. He was by position very near yet far away. Though a master in Judaism, Nicodemus was destitute of the spiritual insight that would make him able to understand the plan of salvation. He had high position, a member of the Jewish ruling council, but he was lacked of the true knowledge of God. But he had a need and the desire to meet Jesus. The spiritual hunger of his heart compelled him to seek out an encounter with Jesus at night (John.3:2). In his discussion with Jesus, he brought up the subject of miracles. But Jesus was merely hastening to discuss with Nicodemus the greatest miracle of all – the birth of the Spirit. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is a reminder to a World in need that they must be born of the Spirit. “I tell you the truth no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” (John. 3:5)

C. The result of the Spirit birth. (John 3:6)
The physical nature is produced by the physical birth. The birth by the Spirit produces a spiritual nature. The spiritual birth is a mystery. One may not be able to see the wind, but one sees the effect of the wind blowing. Through the birth by Spirit, we can all see a renewed life. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Co.5:17) The life of Nicodemus was drastically transformed from a religious to a child of God by his encounter with Jesus Christ.

Conclusion. As Joseph could not participate in the conception of the Savior, neither our father’s seed cannot make it to haven. Although spiritual birth is a mystery, how it comes is simple: by repenting from sin and turning our faith to Jesus Christ and trusting the miracle-working power of God to communicate new life to you through his Spirit. The gift of Christmas is the possibility of beginning as Nicodemus a fresh relationship with God.

Merry Christmas to all our members and friends!

Pastor Hector Clerveaux