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Scripture Reading: John 3:1–3, 7 (KJV)

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
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.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Devotional

The preacher in the sermon often asked people, “Do you know Jesus?” Many quickly answered, “Oh yeah, I know Jesus.” But then he asked, “Do you know Him as Savior?” That second question cuts through religious surface.

Nicodemus knew a lot about God and about Scripture. He even recognized that Jesus was “a teacher come from God.” Yet Jesus tells him plainly: “Ye must be born again.” Information about Christ is not the same as transformation by Christ.

James reminds us that even demons believe there is one God—and they tremble. Mere belief in God’s existence, or in facts about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, is not saving faith. Saving faith is personal trust in Christ alone, turning from sin and self, and receiving Him as Lord and Savior.

The sermon pointed out that many, like those on the sidewalks near Niagara Falls, will say they “know Jesus.” But the real question is: has there been a moment when Jesus met you where you were, convicted you of sin, and you cried out for mercy as a sinner in need of a Savior?

You can sit in church, nod to Christian ideas, wear Christian shirts, and still not be born again. You can speak the language of religion and yet never have had a heart-level encounter with the living Christ.

Jesus is not asking, “Do you know My story?” He’s asking, “Do you know Me?”

Reflection

  • Is your relationship to Jesus based more on information or transformation?
  • Can you point to a time (not necessarily a date, but a real event) when you came under conviction of sin and trusted Christ as Savior?
  • If someone asked, “How do you know you’re saved?” what would you say—beyond “I go to church” or “I’ve always believed”?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
I do not want to settle for knowing about You while my heart remains unchanged.
Search me and show me whether I have truly been born again.
If I have been deceiving myself, break through my pride.
Bring me to the place of real repentance and faith.
If I am truly Yours, confirm it by Your Spirit, and deepen my love and obedience.
Let my life show that I know You, not just Your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action

Write out your testimony in one page or less, answering three questions:

  1. What was I like before Christ?
  2. How did Christ save me?
  3. How has He changed me?

If you struggle to answer these clearly, that may be God inviting you to seek assurance—or to come to Him for true salvation today.