S10E31: A New Birth (All Things New pt. 2)

Sermon #532

The first Sunday after Epiphany is the day when we commemorate the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In our churches, we take this day as a day not only to remember Jesus' baptism, but our own.  In today's message, we look at a doctrine that is essential to understanding how salvation works in the life of the believer - the doctrine of the new birth, or rebirth, or being born again.  There is much confusion over this topic, and has been much debate over the centuries among Christians.  But when we break down the Biblical text, we see that our spiritual rebirth, much like our physical birth, has little to do with our own efforts and everything to do with forces outside of us.  And when we remember this, then we can truly understand the doctrine of Prevenient Grace, as it is God acting on our behalf to open our blind eyes.  

Matthew 3:13-17

Recorded at Hudson UMC on January 8, 2023

S.D.G.