John 3: 1-8
"Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
"Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Make - Seek - Born Again
Identifying the Birthmarks of a Believer
It was the middle of the first watch and the religious man made his way along the city streets. Well known as one of the leaders of the Jews, Nicodemus secretly made his rendezvous with Jesus on the roof top. His question was just a lead-in to understand this one who “have come from God as a teacher, for no one can do these signs unless ‘ God is with him’”. (John 3:1 – 21) Jesus then as he often did switched the subject to eternal life. As a disciple-maker we have to be as wise as Jesus and know when it is time to switch the focus to eternal life and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Seven Birthmarks of One Who is Born-Again
Birthmark #1 - Confession
Birthmark #2 - Changed Life
Birthmark #3 - Compassion
Birthmark #4 - Overcome the World - Conflict
Birthmark #5 - Conduct
Birthmark #6 - Fellowship
Birthmark #7 - Self-Feeder of God's Word
To be ‘Born-Again’ literally means to be “born from above’. The individual experiences a spiritual transformation, a total change of the heart. To experience each birthmark so that the individual experiences growth in their spiritual life there must be confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. The outgrowth of that confession is the Changed Life that takes place for the rest of the believer's life.
Confession & Changed Life are the foundational birthmarks of everyone and anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior. This birthmark is permanent as it happens only once (Hebrews 6:1 – 8), for transformation is eternal. Each birthmark will continue as the individual grows in their knowledge and acquisition of God’s Word. Jesus clearly gave the hallmark identifier for every believer – to become a Great Commission Christian. As the writer in Hebrews states that for an individual to “renew them again to repentance” would be to crucify again the Son of God and put Him to open shame. The birthmark of confession is a onetime decision to believe and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Birthmark #1 - Confession
Birthmark #2 - Changed Life
Birthmark #3 - Compassion
Birthmark #4 - Overcome the World - Conflict
Birthmark #5 - Conduct
Birthmark #6 - Fellowship
Birthmark #7 - Self-Feeder of God's Word
To be ‘Born-Again’ literally means to be “born from above’. The individual experiences a spiritual transformation, a total change of the heart. To experience each birthmark so that the individual experiences growth in their spiritual life there must be confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. The outgrowth of that confession is the Changed Life that takes place for the rest of the believer's life.
Confession & Changed Life are the foundational birthmarks of everyone and anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior. This birthmark is permanent as it happens only once (Hebrews 6:1 – 8), for transformation is eternal. Each birthmark will continue as the individual grows in their knowledge and acquisition of God’s Word. Jesus clearly gave the hallmark identifier for every believer – to become a Great Commission Christian. As the writer in Hebrews states that for an individual to “renew them again to repentance” would be to crucify again the Son of God and put Him to open shame. The birthmark of confession is a onetime decision to believe and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Challenge #1: Describe how Ronald Reagan’s statement brings understanding to the Seven Birthmarks of the Born-Again
believer?
Second, foundational birthmark is a Changed Life, A life that is considered a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). A life that practices righteousness and seeks first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). The believer works out their salvation with fear and trembling not from compulsion, from love for the one who gave Himself for each believer. Compassion is the third birthmark, for the believer is to be known by what they believe, known for how they life, and be known by whom they are loved – Jesus (1 John 4:7). Jesus’ compassion for the sick and the lost of the world is displayed throughout the gospels. Matthew displayed this compassion when he wrote, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed . . . “. (Matthew 9:36). Just as they are known for their compassion, Fourthly, they are to be known for the Conflict that is happening inside. This conflict is with the world system and the ruler of this earth, a believer must Overcome This World, of be overcome by this world (1 John 5:4; Ephesians 6:12). James in his epistle tells us to consider it all joy when we encounter various trials. I don't know about you, to consider it all joy even when in the midst of a trial. any trial it is hard for be joyful. This would be a good time to look over Challenge #2 describing how Christianity is a "daily process".
believer?
Second, foundational birthmark is a Changed Life, A life that is considered a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). A life that practices righteousness and seeks first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). The believer works out their salvation with fear and trembling not from compulsion, from love for the one who gave Himself for each believer. Compassion is the third birthmark, for the believer is to be known by what they believe, known for how they life, and be known by whom they are loved – Jesus (1 John 4:7). Jesus’ compassion for the sick and the lost of the world is displayed throughout the gospels. Matthew displayed this compassion when he wrote, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed . . . “. (Matthew 9:36). Just as they are known for their compassion, Fourthly, they are to be known for the Conflict that is happening inside. This conflict is with the world system and the ruler of this earth, a believer must Overcome This World, of be overcome by this world (1 John 5:4; Ephesians 6:12). James in his epistle tells us to consider it all joy when we encounter various trials. I don't know about you, to consider it all joy even when in the midst of a trial. any trial it is hard for be joyful. This would be a good time to look over Challenge #2 describing how Christianity is a "daily process".
Challenge #2: The Seven Birthmarks demonstrate a process of growth. Describe in your own words how Billy Graham’s statement supports that process.
Fifth, is the birthmark of Conduct. Conduct is the seed that is set inside the believer and that seed will grow thirty, sixty, and hundred-fold based on the growth that takes place inside. The unbeliever, new believer, and even the hard-fast Christian of many years must let the seed of God’s Word grow inside them. Jesus is the vine and the Father is the vinedresser (John 14:1), and any and every branch that doesn’t bear fruit the Father takes away, and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. To bear fruit is to have conflict. The Sixth birthmark is that of Fellowship. Christianity just like life was never designed by God to be a solo sport. The game of hopscotch can be played individually yet is so much richer when played with a friend. You can shoot hoops by yourself to improve your skill set for a game, but practice is meant to be used when playing with others. Even, a simple game like Tidily-Winks can be practiced alone, yet the real skill is shown when in competition with another person. Christianity requires many participants as seen in the fellowship we are called to have with each other (Hebrews 10:24 – 25). Seventh is every believer must become a Self-Feeder on God's Word. Being a Self-Feeder has six literal steps that a believer needs to become proficient in. Daily time in His Word and literally reading at the scripture out loud are two of the steps. Feeding must have a regimented series whether actual scripture, devotionals, books, articles, or electronic. Believers should invest in trusted tools that help them understand scripture. The Self-Feeder may find help from a partner or study group that aids in the interpretation and application of scripture. Finally, learn to pray through scripture as this provides intimacy with God and His Word.
These seven birthmarks are essential to every believer’s growth towards becoming a Great Commission Christian. It starts with a decision to follow Jesus one hundred percent, and that decision is built upon as each birthmark is grown throughout the years of a Christian life. A disciple-maker engages each of the birthmarks in their own life, helping a new believer as they progress through each year of growth. Holy Writ is inspired by God and each phase of Christianity will find the same purpose fulfilled in the believer’s life.
These seven birthmarks are essential to every believer’s growth towards becoming a Great Commission Christian. It starts with a decision to follow Jesus one hundred percent, and that decision is built upon as each birthmark is grown throughout the years of a Christian life. A disciple-maker engages each of the birthmarks in their own life, helping a new believer as they progress through each year of growth. Holy Writ is inspired by God and each phase of Christianity will find the same purpose fulfilled in the believer’s life.
Challenge #3: For one to know the author
gives the Born-Again person an edge in
knowing the birthmarks of a Born-Again
person, how does is help in the day to day
living of the Christian life?
gives the Born-Again person an edge in
knowing the birthmarks of a Born-Again
person, how does is help in the day to day
living of the Christian life?