Spirit Born by Pastor Russ Fochler

Jesus told Nicodemus: “Unless you are born of water and Spirit-wind, you will never enter God’s kingdom realm.  For the natural realm can only give birth to things that are natural, but the spiritual realm gives birth to supernatural life!”   He went on to say: “I speak an eternal truth: Unless you are born of water and Spirit-wind, you will never enter God’s kingdom realm.  For the natural realm can only give birth to things that are natural, but the spiritual realm gives birth to supernatural life!”* “For the Spirit-wind blows as it chooses. You can hear its sound, but you don’t know where it came from or where it’s going. So it is within the hearts of those who are Spirit-born!” * * All quotes above are taken from John 3 verses 3 -8 in The Passion Translation. I recently watched a wonderful example of someone who was “Spirit-born” in the movie “Harriet” about Harriet Tubman.  As a child, Harriet’s skull was split open when a slave“owner” threw a heavy metal object towards another slave - but hit her instead.  “The injury caused dizziness, pain, and spells of hypersomnia, which occurred throughout her life. After her injury, Tubman began experiencing strange visions and vivid dreams, which she ascribed to premonitions from God.” She spoke of "consulting with God", and trusted that He would keep her safe. Thomas Garrett once said of her, "I never met with any person of any color who had more confidence in the voice of God, as spoken direct to her soul." Her faith in the divine also provided immediate assistance.  (from Harriet Tubman Wikipedia article) Jesus declared people who were simply begotten in the natural way — cannot perceive the motivations nor access the supernatural influence given to those who born of water and God’s Spirit.  I understand this means to identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection via water baptism and to be begotten from above by God’s Spirit. Peter the Apostle wrote about the blessings of being “born again”  in 1 Peter 1 - especially in verses 3 and 23.  In verse 23 (TPT), Peter explains: “For through the eternal and living Word of God you have been born again. And this “seed” that he planted within you can never be destroyed but will live and grow inside of you forever.” Life in the Spirit Notes: Last Saturday night, while "in the Spirit", Brent spoke briefly about a big seed of joy God was implanting in our hearts.   Brent understood this seed would continue to grow!  I believe this “seed of joy” is related to our being begotten by God’s Spirit.  Also from last Saturday night,  I  know of two people who entered deep experiences with God.  One of these experiences seemed to be in part about birthing something.  The other experience started when Brent (by Carla Duncan’s encouragement) when back into an impromptu riff on his double flute.  I encourage each of us to give room to movements and prompts of Holy Spirit - whether they feel strong or barely noticeable.  To live as Spirit-Born and empowered daughters and sons of our Abba in Heaven.

This is the link to my talk on Saturday night.

This is the link to my slides used in my talk.