How can these things be? v25n3

How can these

things be?

V25 n3

In the last few newsletters, we have been talking about the new beginning afforded a person by the new birth (2Cor 5:16-17). In connection with the new birth, we also addressed the new commandment or standard that is essential for the proper operation and guidance of this new creation. In this newsletter, we are going to take a closer look at the new creation, and the new standard required to properly navigate a person through this life, and thus able to maintain their course on the strait and narrow path which will lead to eternal life in Christ Jesus.

John 3:1-2, 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. KJV

At one time in a believers life, one was in the same position or place that was facing Nicodemus. Here was this man (Nicodemus) who was supposed to be a spiritual leader of Israel, who should have been able to guide the people into a closer relationship with God. Yet, he (Nicodemus) had questions and doubts as to what he believed or that which he had been taught, and so snuck off under the cover of the night, (perhaps hoping to be undetected by his peers), to meet with Jesus Christ.

In your own life, and searching for the truth, how many times have you known deep within, that which you were listening to and following, did not set right in your heart, and left more questions then answers? Yet, being fearful of peer pressure, reprisals or wagging tongues, you continued to follow the crowd with and in that which left your heart and eternity unsettled?

Nicodemus knew that Jesus Christ was off God, by the signs and wonders that followed after and confirmed the Word. Yet, if Nicodemus knew this, why was he sneaking around in the dark to pursue the truth? Nicodemus had a zeal for God, but that which he followed or adhered to, was not based in and on a working knowledge of God’s Word, but rather based in and on the traditions and doctrines of others, who had instructed him. How much of what you believe is first hand knowledge from God; or that which others have told you?

1 Corinthians 3:1-2, 1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. KJV

For most Christians, they are operating in and on the milk of the Word, and are not much better off then Nicodemus was as depicted here in the gospel of John. People know that there is more to their relationship with God as Father, but are so bound up by religious traditions and fleshly ties, that they are ever learning, but never able to arrive at the truth of God’s Word. Who or what is it that is hindering or hurting your relationship with God?

John 3:3, Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. KJV

Note how Jesus Christ responds to Nicodemus’ initial assertion. Jesus Christ immediately states what is required for a person to see the kingdom of God. (Now, when you tell someone that God speaks or talks with you, most people will look at you at bit perplexed and strangely; while a few others will think you should be locked up in a padded room. Now, here we are told along with Nicodemus, that unless one is born again, they will not be able to see the kingdom of God. So, what will people say if you tell them you not only hear in the realm of the Spirit, but that you are able to see there as well? What a person must remember, is that we are told that we are to walk in the Spirit to be able to avoid or bypass the cravings of the lower nature (the flesh). Now, if one says that they are not able to see in the Spirit, how will they know where to go? If His Word is indeed Spirit and it is life, and it is to illuminate your path, how will one be able to follow the leading of the Spirit if they are not able to see the Spirit? If one is not able to see, how can they expect to press forward towards the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Simple questions; yet how many will answer them truthfully?)

Paul affirms all of this to us, when he penned that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither entered into the heart of man (the flesh or the lower nature), the things that God has prepared for those that love Him.

The fleshly person, that is one that is born of a woman, is incapable of and by himself of hearing, comprehending and then living the Word of God. One will be and act just as Nicodemus did here; he was looked up to by the majority of the people seeking a relationship with God, yet when out of sight of the people and the other teachers, he sneaks off to find answers for the basic questions that still baffled or eluded his mind and understanding of spiritual matters or concerns. (1Cor 2:14).

John 3:4, Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? KJV

How do you respond to God, when God says things to you, but you are not able to grasp or comprehend that which was said? Now, do you really think that Nicodemus thought that it was possible to enter into the mother’s womb the second time? We are not to lean to our own understanding, yet does one always seek His wisdom for comprehending things He speaks to us? How often does the understanding of the lower nature rob you or blind you from hearing and receiving that which is from above?

John 3:5-7, 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. KJV

As we can see plainly from the scriptures, that two births are required to gain entrance into the kingdom of God; that of the lower nature or the flesh, that is the water birth from the womb of a woman (I find it interesting how Father covered the cloning issue two thousand years ago); and being born from above by the Spirit of God. Without the second birth, one is not able to see or enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus of Nazareth is our example (the way) of how to go through life or our pilgrimage here on this earth, by hearing and obeying the Spirit of Christ within (the truth) which will lead one to eternal life by being always pleasing to Father (Acts 10:38). A new beginning of a new life guided and directed by the new standard which applies to life in the Spirit of the living God.

John 3:8, The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. KJV

There is not one of us that knows for a certainty of the exact day or hour in which we were born (conceived in our mother’s womb). Most look at their birthday (arrival day) as that time, but that is just the day that we appeared here on this earth outside of the mother’s womb. One was actually born of the flesh sometime around nine months earlier in most instances. The same is true of the new birth in the Spirit; that is we have a good idea of when it happened or transpired, but we do not know of a certainty the exact day or time. The most important thing, is whether or not you are continuing in the faith. Whether or not you are maturing and developing in the Word of truth. Whether or not you are growing up into Him in all things. Whether or not you have confidence of the work which He has begun in you; and if you will allow Him to bring this work to completion.

John 3:9-10, 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? KJV

Lacking or ignorant of the power and wisdom of God, people will respond just as Nicodemus did, “How can these things be?” Many people claim to be Christians, yet they have no working knowledge of the Word of God, nor understanding of the reason of the hope which should be within them. Yet, the Lord clearly tells us, that it is given for us to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. He said further, if one does not understand the teaching of the parable of the sower, they will not be able to understand anything else which He taught.

For many, they began in the Spirit, but then returned to the understanding of the lower nature, and then think they are justified by their actions within the flesh. They follow the example of other carnal Christians, who are seeking only to please and satisfy the cravings of their lower nature.

The new birth should bring a person into the new family. With the new family will come a new standard of life and living. The old nature, the old life and all of the old baggage that went with it, must be left behind. Separating oneself from all of the old habits of the old nature that tries to hold or keep a person in bondage to this present world.

Galatians 1:15-16, 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: KJV

Paul is emphasizing the fact that he did not receive his commission from men. As soon as God revealed his Son in me, I threw aside all human counsel. (from Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament)

It is when a person hears the call of God’s grace in their life, that they will begin to recognize the new nature and standard by which they are to live by; and thus learn to separate themselves from all of the fleshly ties to this world, they will find that they are pleasing to God. It is then, that God is able to reveal to them, His Son, the nature of Christ that is within them. This is the goal and purpose of every true preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And it is when one is operating by, through and in the Spirit of Christ, that they will begin to see and comprehend how these things can be! How is your spiritual vision today?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ. Larry Gazelka