John 3:1-7 (NIV) 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He 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." 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 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!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
2. Rest- The rested soul is a whole soul.
In Creation:
Genesis 2:2 (NLT) On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.
OUR REST In Christ: Jesus is seated (Mark 16:19, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 12:1&2)
Matthew 11:27-30 (NLT) 27 “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
3. Rhythm- Steady wins the race.
Pace- “The only sin we reward in the church is overworking.”
Mark 2:27 (NIV) "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
4. Reliance- His breath is the oxygen for our spirit.
John 6:63 (NLT) The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
Ministry:
Receive the Holy Spirit
John 20:21-22 (NLT) 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.