🎙️ 25-322 — Born Again

“Born again.” Two words that changed eternity.It was late one night when a religious leader named Nicodemus slipped through the shadows to talk to Jesus. He wasn’t an atheist; he was a scholar. He knew the Scriptures. He had reputation, respect, and religion — but not relationship.Jesus didn’t flatter him or talk theology. He said something shocking: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)Nicodemus didn’t understand. “How can a man be born when he’s old?” he asked. But Jesus was pointing to a rebirth that happens inside — the transformation of the heart.Brother, that’s where most of us start. We try to be better versions of ourselves instead of becoming new creations. But you can’t renovate sin; it has to die so new life can rise.Being born again isn’t self-improvement — it’s spiritual resurrection. It’s the moment your past is buried and your spirit comes alive.I remember my own moment like it was yesterday. I’d been raised around church, but my heart was still hardened. Then came the collapse — the night I realized all my effort, all my logic, all my pride had built a wall between me and God. When it all fell apart, I cried out: “Jesus, if You’re real, I can’t fix this anymore — You’ll have to.”And He did. Not with fireworks, but with peace that silenced every storm inside me. That’s when I understood what Jesus meant — new birth doesn’t start with emotion; it starts with surrender.Michelle has told her story, too — working, serving, homeschooling, holding everything together while living in chronic pain. She said the night she surrendered control was the first time she actually breathed. That’s the Holy Spirit — He doesn’t just visit; He inhabits.Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) You can’t manufacture this. The Spirit of God breathes into dead hearts and makes them beat again.When you’re born again, everything changes — not instantly perfect, but instantly alive. Your desires shift. Your eyes open. Your heart begins to recognize the Father’s voice. It’s not behavior modification — it’s identity transformation.And that’s why the enemy hates new birth. Religion can’t stop him; rebirth destroys him. A born-again believer isn’t just forgiven — he’s empowered. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you.If you’re listening today and something inside you says, “That’s what I need,” this is your moment. Jesus isn’t asking you to clean up first — He’s asking you to come as you are. He’ll handle the cleanup.📖 SCRIPTURE ANCHORJohn 3:3 (ESV) — “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”💡 LIVING PRINCIPLEYou weren’t created for renovation — you were created for resurrection.⚔️ DAILY ACTIONAsk yourself: “Have I truly been born again, or have I just been around Christianity?” Then talk to Jesus honestly — He can handle the truth.✅ PRACTICE (Do This...)* Read John 3:1–8.* Journal how your life looked before Jesus — and how it could look if you let Him start over.* Say aloud: “Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me today.”💥 CHALLENGE OF THE DAYDon’t settle for religion that informs — ask for relationship that transforms.🙏 PRAYER — SALVATION INVITATIONJesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I need a new beginning. I turn from my old life and ask You to make me new. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Let this be the day I’m born again.In Your name, amen.If you prayed that prayer, your past is buried and your new life has begun. Welcome home.🔥 IN CLOSINGYou can’t fix what only God can resurrect. Stop trying to live better — start living born again.Let’s Get To Work!🛡️ Every mission needs supply lines.If this battle cry resonated, help us keep the line strong and the truth loud.Thanks for reading My Reasons To Believe! This post is public so feel free to share it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe