WEDNESDAY, March 16

John 2:23—3:15. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God [KJV].

Having grown up in a small town in the American South, I was often asked the born-again question. Had I been born again? Many of my schoolmates could tell you the date and time when they had been, and they spoke as if they’d been “lost” until that moment but “saved” ever since. I couldn’t identify with that, and I sometimes wondered whether I was a real Christian.

Years later, I found my answer to the born-again question. It is: “Yes, I’ve been born again. And again, and again, and again.” Every time I’ve thought I was within sight of Christian maturity, God has done something to me, usually something I didn’t expect and often something I wouldn’t have asked for. God has dismantled and reconstructed me and my faith several times, and I can identify the people through whom God has done it. Moreover, I doubt that God’s finished. For all I know, God will continue to work on me in the next life. In fact, I hope so. I wouldn’t care for a life—on earth, in heaven, or anywhere—that’s always the same, with nothing new to learn, no cutting edges, no challenges to face, no new revelations of the goodness of God.

PRAY for the Missionary District of Oeste-Brasil (Brazil)

Ps 119:49-72 * 49, [53]; Deuteronomy 9:13-21; Hebrews 3:12-19

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (12) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

1 2 >

I relate

Mar 16, 2011 at 6:40 am

Written by Linda,

This meditation resonates with me. I had similar experiences in my youth. I remember once evangelists who went door to door came to our house. I think I was in high school. I remember how sad they seemed when I told them I had believed in Jesus since as long as I could remember. They just wouldn't believe that I
Was "saved." Their words and eyes haunted me sometimes. Now, years later, after so many wonderful experiences of grace, spiritual growth and a deepening faith and relationship with my God, I pray that the faith of those on our door step has grown in understanding too. A big break through acceptance of Jesus as one's Saviorq is fabulous, ut so is a Christian journey that starts with a parent's hand leading you to Sunday School or grandma reading you Bible stories.

...since I was young

Mar 16, 2011 at 7:04 am

Written by Kyle,

I agree with you, Linda. Although I have gone through much trial and tribulation, through my own doing, I cannot remember a date of being saved. I have reaffirmed by faith, but I was saved so long ago, I have no date to quote. God bless all through our Lord Jesus, Christ!

Amen and amen...

Mar 16, 2011 at 7:14 am

Written by Bonnie,

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

God has dismantled and reconstructed me and my faith several times

Mar 16, 2011 at 7:57 am

Written by Sam,

All testimonies above, including today's meditation, are so uplifting and deeply appreciated. I especially like the line cited above: "God has dismantled and reconstructed me and my faith several times...". This is indeed my story. Even when I have either not been conscious of God or have deliberately ignored Him in my life, He has been there guiding me to where He wants me to be. Bless you all for re-affirming this to me today - another rebirth!

Mrs.

Mar 16, 2011 at 8:57 am

Written by Barbaara,

Remembering walking to school alone holding hands with my loving, invisable protector who made me feel like a million dollars....was Jesus. I did not learn much in Sunday School but when our daughter was born I started teaching S.S. to learn. Important mentors throughout my life led me on to knowing that indeed I was chosen to be a teacher of the Bible and to go to seminary....to graduate with an MA in Spiritual direction and Chaplaincy....to write for churches and for Forward....and to educate and help others to know God in their lives more clearly. Being saved.....I always quietly, simply knew....and know every day...more and more! "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, thank you for haveing Mercy on me, a sinner. Amen

"Saved"

Mar 16, 2011 at 9:06 am

Written by Kitty,

When my kids attended functions at the "born-again" churches, I put it to them this way. If you believe in Jesus, that Jesus is God and that He died to save us, then you can tell anyone who asks that you are "saved" or "born-again".

We affirm and reaffirm our salavation every Sunday when we say the Nicene Creed and especially when we renew our baptismal covenent during baptism and confirmation services. I love that we are reminded every time we attend a church service.

Street Scene

Mar 16, 2011 at 9:39 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

One time, over 35 years ago, a couple of "Jesus Freaks" stopped me on the street and asked me if I'd accepted Jesus as my saviour. As a cradle Episcopalian I argued with them. After about 15 minutes of this theological banter I thought, "am I afraid to get down on my knees here on a downtown street and admit that I love Jesus?" Even though I resented being pressured into it (kind of like the Taliban) I knew what I should do. I got down on my knees and accepted Jesus into my heart in a nice loud voice. It was at that moment that I realized that my heart has many compartments; and, I hadn't let Jesus into all of them.

...

Mar 16, 2011 at 9:57 am

Written by Ann Delea,

As a lifelong Roman Catholic then Episcopalian. I have experienced all that the commenters have shared. Thanks to all of them - for faith, wisdom, and the willingness to grow and change in the Lord. All that said, I have great gratitude and respect for the people who have the will and fortitude to actually ask that most important question: "Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?" I never want to be too sophisticated, or too intellectual to appreciate and honor my brothers and sisters who can surely teach me a thing or two about "meaning it".

...

Mar 16, 2011 at 10:40 am

Written by Mark,

I do not quibble with God on how He works within the hearts of men and women to develop that relationship. For some, it is a lifelong journey in which a date and time cannot be named.

For others, it is an "On the Road to Damascus" experience that knocks one of the high horse, only to see Jesus face to face, which then can be told to others as Paul did in his letters.

Who can know the mind of God?

I have been saved, I am being saved, I will be saved

Mar 16, 2011 at 10:46 am

Written by Alecia,

I also love the phrase "God has dismantled and reconstructed me and my faith several times" for the way it encapsulates my faith journey as well. My rector, Rev. John Ohmer, has preached on this topic several times. His advice is that when you are asked the question "Are you saved?", you respond with one of his favorite quotes: "I have been saved from the penalty of Sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am being saved from the power of Sin by the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. I will be saved from the presence of Sin at the end of earthly life."

I love how this response resonates with the essence of our proclamation of faith - Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Personally, I could never identify with just a single moment of redemption. I need, and thankfully receive, God's saving grace every single day.

1 2 >

Write comment

Show/hide comment form

You can add your comment here

The History of Forward Movement:

Weary and Divided Church | The First Publication | Church Moves Forward | Name Change | The First Editor

A Meditation for Pentecost

New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!

185662_201033913247091_122364231114060_862947_1284717_n Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.

Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!

Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!

Signup for e-news

10ways-to-pray Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!

Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.

Start a Subscription Prayer Chapel

Resources

Today's Meditation Podcast Día a Día (Spanish Version) Editor’s Notes Mobile Reading For Today A Morning Resolve How to Use Forward Day by Day Scripture Listings

Latest Meditations

Meditation Archives

May, 2012 April, 2012 March, 2012 February, 2012 January, 2012 December, 2011 November, 2011 October, 2011 September, 2011 August, 2011 July, 2011 June, 2011

Request a Catalog Make a Donation