In a nighttime conversation with a religious leader recorded in John 3:1-21, Jesus used an expression that has found its way into popular culture, being “born again.” Jesus emphasized not merely a new start but a total transformation performed by God. In other words, we all need something that only God can give. At the same time, Jesus predicted that he would be lifted up on the cross so that anyone who believed in him would have eternal life. Although we cannot bring about our own new birth, we must look to Christ in faith and live. (Here are Larry’s complete sermon notes.)
Because of a general persecution in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered and took the gospel to Judea and Samaria, where many believed in Christ.
In Acts 8:26-40, God took Philip from a growing church to a deserted place to talk about Jesus with one African man who came...
Continuing his argument that he received the one and only gospel directly from Jesus Christ, Paul demonstrated in more detail in Galatians 1:11-24 his...