Question and Answer
Section
Q. Before a man or woman is born again, why do they experience emptiness inside of their heart?
A
. Because man was created in the image of God, Genesis 1:26, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth," to worship Him and to commune with Him, and without the life of God in one's spirit, life becomes meaningless and empty, only to be sustained by material things and goals. Unless an individual becomes born again of the Spirit of God, through the shed blood of Christ, they will never find their true meaning and purpose in life. 1 Peter 1:24, "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away," and 2 Peter 1:10, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."
Q. What is meant by the term born again?
A. When we are born naturally, from our mother's womb, we are born in Adam, the first man. We inherit his fallen nature and the death penalty placed upon all mankind. 1 Corinthians 15:22, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." We are alive physically, but we are not alive spiritually. Therefore, when one is born again, they are born of the Spirit of God in their spirit. There is no need to be born again in the natural since we are already born naturally. The born again experience takes place in the human spirit and the mind is renewed by learning the Word of God. Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Q. If I am not born again, can I see the Kingdom of God?
A. No. Jesus said that unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God. John 3:3, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Paul said, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new," 2 Corinthians 5:17. One will see things in a different light when they are born again. They see behind the surface of the activity of this world.
Q. Is it possible to worship God without being born again?
A. No. The Word of God says, "God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24. Unless the spirit of man or woman is born again, they will not be able to worship God in spirit and in truth. Romans 8:26, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Q. Would it be possible to enter into the Kingdom of God without being born again?
A. It is not possible to enter into the Kingdom of God without being born again because God is a Holy God and in heaven there is no sin. Nothing sinful will be permitted into the presence of God. One is cleansed by the blood of Christ when they are born again and become worthy (justified - Romans 5:1, 9, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him), to enter into the Kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."
Q. When do we begin to enter into the Kingdom of God?
A. We begin to enter into the Kingdom of God the moment we are born again. Everything becomes new and old things are passed away. Therefore, Kingdom principles for Kingdom living must be applied. Jesus said that we shall receive an hundredfold now in this life and in the life to come. Mark 10:30, "But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Q. Why did Christ give His life for the sins of the world?
A. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3:16. God, in His infinite mercy, provided a way in which mankind, if he so chooses, can be saved.
Q. On what basis is an individual born again?
A. On the basis of faith alone in the sacrifice of Christ. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 It is based merely on faith and not by feelings. If one does not feel born again, it is meaningless to use that as a criteria for judging whether you are born again or not. It is through faith in Christ that the born again experience will take place.
Q. Do religious obligations help one to become born again?
A. No, on the contrary. An endeavor to acquire the indwelling Spirit through religious activities will have an opposite effect. Galatians 3:2, "This only would I learn of you, received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" The indwelling of the Spirit comes by … faith alone. Any other way of trying to obtain the infilling of the Spirit is a waste of time and energy. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Q. What is the primary reason that God wants man to be born again?
A. The primary reason for being born again is to restore the relationship between God and man and to give man back the security of knowing his Creator and that he is loved by Him. John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." It is so you can have life and communion with God and fellowship with Him. To walk with Him and talk with Him openly, freely and to know His love is beyond any other experience known to mankind.
Q. How important is it for me to go to church regularly and on time?
A. Consider yourself as having a spiritual gas tank within you that needs to be filled regularly with the living waters of Christ. John 4:10, "Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." It is true that we can obtain a spiritual supply anywhere at any time, but remember, when two or three are gathered in His name, there is a special anointing of the Holy Spirit that presides. Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Q. Could I do all of my praying for the entire week if I pray several hours for one day?
A. The key to keeping a consistent, power-filled walk with Christ is better maintained by a segmented, regular, daily devotional time. Similarly a tripod stand, with three small legs firmly placed, is more stable and sturdy than a single larger leg by itself. Ecclesiastes 4:12, "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
