(John 3:7 KJV) “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
COMMENTARY: The challenge to every soul is still the same that Jesus posed to Nicodemus 2,000 years ago. You may be a religious person trying to live a good life and do what’s right. You may be a church member or even a church leader. But, have you been “born again” by the Holy Spirit? Jesus didn’t say it’s an option. He said that you MUST be.
Having shared the Gospel with thousands of souls across the Northeast, I have discovered a way to be bold, and yet at the same time be a gentleman sensitive to each person’s freewill. If I sense the Holy Spirit prodding me to share the Gospel with someone, I will often ask the person this question: “May I have your permission to be bold?” He or she then has the freewill to answer yes or no. Out of curiosity, most people say yes. That opens the door for me to share my personal testimony of salvation on June 8, 1985 and to present a clear, concise declaration of the simple gospel. Since the person gave me permission to be bold, he or she doesn’t get upset with me when I challenge deep-rooted beliefs. Most people to whom I’ve posed this question are stirred by the Holy Spirit to be “born again” at that moment. 
APPLICATION: Since we are in Passion Week leading up to Resurrection Sunday, never presume that everyone who attends an Easter service is “born again.” Just like in Jesus’ time, one of the biggest mission fields is religious folks.
May I be bold with you today? Just because you subscribe to The Salt Mine doesn’t necessarily mean that you have received the gift of eternal life and the indwelling presence and sealing of the Holy Spirit. If you do not have the blessed assurance that your sins are forgiven and that you have received the free gift of eternal life, please pray this prayer today out of a sincere heart:
“God, as much as I try to be a good person, when I compare myself to You, in your perfect holiness and righteousness, I recognize that I am a sinner. I can never, ever be good enough in my own power and strength to earn my way to heaven. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary; that He lived a sinless life; that He died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sins; and that He rose from the dead. By faith, I repent of my sins and choose to trust Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by grace are you saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast”. (KJV) Make sure that you have been born again by grace through faith alone, then share this Good News with loved ones. Don’t let Easter bunnies and eggs crowd out the real meaning of this awesome holiday!
Joyfully yours,
Drew
