Topic: 'A Life Changing Encounter'

Scripture: John 3:1–16

Introduction

1. Meeting a person that changes the course of life.
   • Perhaps all of us have met someone who impacted our lives and changed the way we think, talk, act and live.
   • Zacchaeus had that experience when he met Jesus.
2. Encounter with Jesus Christ.
   • Every person who met Jesus throughout scripture, their lives were changed either for good – Zacchaeus, Woman with the alabaster oil, Roman centurion, criminal on the cross…
   • Or for bad – Judas Iscariot, Herod, Pilate, Rich Young Ruler.
   • Every person who has an encounter with Jesus, their lives will not be the same again.
3. Nicodemus…
   • His encounter with Jesus changed his life for good.
   • From religion to a new relationship.

A. The Background — Vs. 1–2

• A very dedicated Pharisee.
• A sincere religious life.
• A member of the Sanhedrin.
• A very powerful religious group.
• Respected and liked by his peers.
• He came to Jesus at night.
  • He came to Jesus.
  • He came at night. – Why?
  • Was he afraid?
  • Was he ashamed?
• He was a teacher of the law. Vs. 10.
  • Well educated about the Jewish law but lacked the understanding about the simple and profound truths from God.
• He acknowledged that Jesus Christ is a Rabbi.
  • Different from other Rabbis.
  • A Rabbi who…
    • Comes from God.
    • Had the power to perform miracles.

B. The Truth — Vs. 3–11

• 'No one can see the kingdom of God unless he/she is born again.' Vs. 3
• 'No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.'

1. You cannot enter heaven unless you are born again.
   • Heaven is ONLY for those who are born again. ONLY for those who are changed by the power of the Holy Spirit and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
   • I speak the truth…
2. Born again – Change.
   • Personal change… 'You'. Vs. 7.
   • Essential change… 'Must'. Vs. 7.
   • Radical change… Only by the work of the Spirit. Vs. 8.
   • The truth about being born again…
     • Jesus is the Truth – John 14:6.
     • Jesus speaks the Truth… His message is urgent and very important.
     • We will never see or enter God's kingdom.

C. The Barrier… To Salvation…

• Nicodemus – Pride.
• Samaritan Woman – Past. John 4.
• What is your barrier that is stopping you from God's gift of Salvation?
  • Religious pride.
  • Past mistakes.
  • Religious blindness.

Conclusion

1. Jesus said, 'You must be born again'.
   • Nicodemus – How?
   • Trust Jesus Christ to cleanse you from sin and fill you with His Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus said…
   • Believe in Me… I am the Living Water – Samaritan Woman.
   • Be born again… I am the Way, the Truth, the Life – Nicodemus.
3. Jesus said…
   John 3:16 — For God so loved…
4. The Bible says…
   2 Corinthians 5:17 — 'If anyone is in Christ…'
5. What about you today?
   Luke 23:42–43 — Lord remember me – Today you will be with me in paradise…