Summary:

In this sermon, the message emphasizes the necessity to be “born again” to enter the Kingdom of God, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus. The speaker addresses our identity as followers of Christ, indicating that we become strangers and exiles in this world, citizens of heaven. It concludes by asserting that while entry into the kingdom is completely free, it requires a total commitment, a life fully surrendered to God’s will.

Questions for Group Discussions:

Text: John 3:1-8; Colossians 1:13-14; Matthew 13:44-46

Theme: WHO is in the Kingdom of God? Those who are 1-born again, 2- have an identity as a sojourner and exile, and 3- count the cost of following Jesus. 

Open the Scriptures
– Read John 3:1-8. What does it mean to be “born again” according to Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus?

–  In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” What is the significance of “seeing” the kingdom of God versus just knowing about it?

– What does it mean to be “born again”? Are you (people in your group) born again?

–  Reflect on Ezekiel 36:25-27. How does the promise of a new heart and spirit in the Old Testament relate to Jesus’ teaching about being born again?

Open your Lives
– How do you know if you’ve been “born again”?  How can you evaluate your own spiritual state? Share your personal experience of coming to faith or your ongoing journey towards understanding what it means to be born again.

– Jesus says you must humble yourself like a child to enter the Kingdom of God. In what way(s) do you need to become more like a child (more trusting, more vulnerable, more open, more dependent, more curious, etc.)?

– Discuss a time when you felt like a “stranger” or “exile” in your own environment due to your faith. How did this shape your relationship with Christ and your understanding of your true citizenship in heaven?

–  Jesus talks about the cost of following Him. What are some areas of your life where you find it challenging to fully commit to the values of God’s kingdom? How might you take steps to go “all in” for Jesus?