Postmodern America seems to despise these words. The church in postmodern America seems to be ashamed of these words.
American's in huge numbers believe in God and further believe that they are going to heaven. And how will they get there? By being good!
I just finished my study of the Doctrine of Regeneration (being "born again") and I seem to be stuck. If a believer of God will take time to sit down and read just what God has to say, in His Word, it is in distinct contrast to the general belief!
I have been listening to Dr. Albert Mohler's Sunday School class, on my iPod, while I work out. They are studying the book of Matthew. I am currently on chapter 4, of the book of Matthew, and I learned that the very first words out of Jesus mouth, as He began His ministry, was repent. American's don't like that word. You generally won't find that word on a church's website.
Luke tells us that the reason Jesus became man and came to earth was to "seek and save". "Hey", American's say, "I don't need saving. I am doing just fine, thank you!"
Jesus further claims that He is the "only way" to heaven. "Hey, who does this guy think he is, God?" That's why they killed him.
And to top it off, American's think, he wants me to be "born again"? "Am I to climb back in my mother's womb", Nicodemus asked.
Come on...repent, be saved, the only way, born again????
That is what it says! I didn't make it up.
I am stuck because I see our culture diametrically opposed to these ideas. I am stuck because I see society believing that the way to heaven is being good. I am stuck because I see in myself, and our culture, an unwillingness to challenge our beliefs and read God's book and find out for yourselves just what He says in there.
Can I ask you a question? Would you be willing to spend 40 minutes listening to a highly respected teacher talk about this very subject? Would you trust me enough to tell you that our culture, for the most part, has it wrong?
Here is a video from Dr. John Piper on this very topic. Give this a view. If this wets your appetite, then here is a whole series of video, on the topic of "born again", from Dr. John Piper.
My friend, it is clear. We must repent and be born again.
Please, don't let our culture, and your belief in what culture has told you, make this incredibly important decision on your behalf. Check this out for yourself. Isn't it worth a few hours of your time to make sure you get this right?
