Message Action PlanNICODEMUS: AN ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS
Dudley Rutherford
April 1-2, 2017
- Jesus has a
CIVIL conversation.
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.” John 3:1 (NIV)- Sanhedrin = SUPREME COURT of Israel.
- Start a dialog with a neighbor or friend that doesn’t know Jesus. Don’t shy away, this isn’t a sprint. Perseverance is key. Invite them to an Easter service.
- Jesus compassionately gets
STRAIGHT to the
POINT.
“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” John 3:3 (NIV)- You can’t see (SNIFF) the kingdom . . .
“‘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!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’” John 3:4-6 (NIV)
- You can’t see (SNIFF) the kingdom . . .
- Jesus says the
WIND BLOWS.
“‘The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’ ‘How can this be?’ Nicodemus asked.” John 3:8-9 (NIV)- The Holy Spirit of God was drawing Nicodemus toward something that CAN SAVE!
Action Plan:
- Before each encounter with your neighbor or friend, speak with God and ask for the words that they need to hear for that day.
- Jesus used a familiar story to explain
SALVATION.
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:14-15 (NIV)- God has called us to LIFT UP JESUS!
- : Express your love for Jesus each time you speak. You are worshiping Jesus each time you talk to others about Him. Look at your dialog with your friend as an act of worship.
- Jesus SIMPLIFIES everything for Nicodemus.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
Action Plan: There are some great opportunities at Saddleback this week to prepare your heart for Easter.
1. Walk the Journey with Jesus, an interactive art trail at Saddleback Rancho Capistrano. You can walk the trail by yourself, take a guided tour, or download the new Journey with Jesus app and listen to Pastor Rick Warren teach through the trail. For information visit saddleback.com/journeywithjesus
2. Focus on growing your prayer life by attending The Purpose and Power of Prayer this Thursday night, April 6, from 7pm-9pm at the Refinery Theater at Saddleback Lake Forest. This one-night event taught by Pastor Buddy Owens will help you develop a deeper understanding of prayer and includes a special Q & A with Pastor Buddy and Pastor of Spiritual Maturity Rob Jacobs. Can’t make it to the event? You can stream the event live online! For more information go to saddleback.com/powerofprayer.
3. Sign up to serve this Easter at your campus! There are many opportunities to serve during Easter services at each campus. Go to saddleback.com/easter and click on “sign up to serve.”
