PETRI(FIED)

Series: (FIED)
Sunday, October 5, 2008

Opening:
If any of you have kids, and if you feel comfortable, share some of those birth stories. Go ahead, try to impress each other- longest labor, biggest baby, etc.

Digging Deeper:

• The bible teaches that the Christian’s life in Jesus starts before we do anything- it starts with Regeneration or Rebirth.
• Read Titus 3:3-7. Without trying to go into this whole passage (there’s a lot), discuss the progression of salvation. What is the importance, place and purpose of rebirth? How does it happen
• Read John 3:1-8. We may not have time for the rest of this passage. Who is Nicodemus? What is a Pharisee and ruling council? What doe you imagine was going on in his life to bring him to Jesus? Is he trying to flatter Jesus? Is salvation a matter of knowledge, nationality or behavior?
• Discuss what it means to be born again- is this an offensive phrase? Is it helpful to understand the Christian life?
• Discuss the following definitions and feel free to expand:

1. Regeneration: the work of the Holy Spirit upon those who are spiritually dead, quickening the heart to spiritual life.
2. Repentance: To turn from sin and towards Jesus in faith.

• What is the importance of repentance and regeneration in seeing the Kingdom of God?

Closing:
Throughout the month we’ll be looking at the following “Order of Salvation.”
If you have time, before prayer, discuss:
Regeneration (Repentance/Faith)
Justification
Sanctification
Glorification

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TITUS 3:3-7
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

JOHN 3:1-8
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.^[a]"

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You^[c] must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."