Jesus talked about being “born again.”

Paul spoke of the “new creation.”

In this passage Peter tells us Christians have a “new birth” through Jesus.

Everywhere we look in the New Testament the writers talk about the life-changing experience that is Christian faith.

Our church’s vision statement says “First United Methodist Church of Tulsa seeks to bring all people into life-transforming relationships with Christ and other people.” To be in relationship with Christ is to be in a life-transforming relationship. We cannot know Christ without changing.

So what is “new” about the new birth?

It is a life of hope instead of defeat.

It is a life of power instead of despair.

It is a life of joy even in the midst of difficulties.

Peter calls it an inheritance—we receive it from God. And it is the most precious gift we can ever receive.

This is who we are—people born anew through the gift of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Join us Sunday as we celebrate our life transformation through Jesus Christ!