More Than a Fresh Start

"You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'" 
John 3:7 (NIV)

When your life falls apart, do you think you just need a fresh start, or do you need an entirely new life?

Jesus explains to a Pharisee named Nicodemus why reformation isn't enough; he needs regeneration. In the Garden of Eden, God warns Adam and Eve that eating the forbidden fruit means death. When they disobey, they don't drop dead physically, but something worse happens: they die spiritually in that very moment.

Every person who arrives in this world is spiritually D.O.A. (dead on arrival). Your spirit, the part of you designed to connect with God, is lifeless from birth. Perhaps you can recognize this reality in relationships that fall apart despite your best efforts, or trying to do good but failing. 

That explains why self-help is so frustrating. You're trying to fix a problem that goes deeper than just trying to be a good person. Here’s what I want you to understand today: A dead person doesn't need better habits; a dead person needs life.

You don't need to become a better version of yourself; you need to become a completely new you. Regeneration isn't reformation. It's receiving an entirely new spiritual nature from God Himself.

God is ready to issue your spiritual birth certificate right now. You don’t have to earn it, buy it, or work for it. Let God give you spiritual life. He’ll transform you from the inside out. 

Prayer: Father, thank You for the renewal You offer. I recognize that I need more than improvement. I need new life. Thank You for offering the spiritual birth that only You can provide. Make me completely new, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.