New Birth

August 23, 2025

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​Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

 

 

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​Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

 

 

What are the moments in life when people most wish they could start over—not from birth, but from a particular point where things could have gone differently? 

  1. Regretting a poor first impression
  2. Choosing a career for the wrong reasons
  3. Posting something on social media they wish they hadn’t
  4. Yelling instead of listening in a parenting moment
  5. Letting a meaningful friendship slowly fade
  6. Making financial choices that brought long-term stress
  7. Ignoring health habits they wish they’d started sooner
  8. Saying words they can't take back
  9. Not being present when someone needed them most
  10. Skipping or underestimating the value of education

 

​Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

  1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
  2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
  3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
  4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

 

 

Download PDF of John 3:1-8

Nicodemus wasn't a skeptic or a rebel but a devoted religious leader, a Pharisee, and a respected teacher of Israel. He had spent his life studying Scripture, teaching truth, and pursuing righteousness. And yet, when he comes to Jesus, Jesus doesn't commend his devotion, but He tells him he must be born again. That's startling. Nicodemus hadn't come asking how to be saved; he didn't even know he needed to be saved. But Jesus lovingly exposes the truth: even the most moral, educated, and religious person still needs transformation, not just information.

This story isn't about bad people needing to become good but about dead people needing to come alive (Ephesians 2:4-5). All (Romans 3:23).  Nicodemus knew all the religious rules, but he didn't realize he still needed a fresh start. He knew about God but didn't realize that he needed a changed heart. Jesus told him that real life with God comes from the Spirit—a new beginning that's just as real as the wind. You can't see it, but you can feel it when it moves.

It raises the question: Can someone be deeply religious and still miss the kingdom of God? Yes. Nicodemus comes to understand by defending Jesus to his peers (John 7:50–51) and asking for Jesus' body for burial (John 19:39–40) as a believer.  Even if we've built a life of devotion, we all need the Spirit's work to make us new. Rebirth isn't just for the rebellious, but for everyone.

 

 

​Insight Out

A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.

 

 

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