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 Are you weird? I can tell you how to prove whether you are or not. 

Just answer one question…

Do you love snakes? If the answer is yes then I regret to inform you that you are indeed…weird! It’s okay though because you’re among friends! I don’t mind them either. 

Every time I think about snakes I remember one instance in particular. It was the first day of an absolutely full Junior week of camp. All the booger-eating munchkins were filing out of the buses ready to wreak havoc on anything or anyone. The staff’s spirit was up, and we were pumped about adventures ahead. The first bell rang and everyone poured into the fellowship to enjoy a hot lunch. Everything was running smoothly, just as it should

.. and then…it happened.

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There are not many studies that are more foundational then the a study of the Holy Spirit. He is our life. We are His temple. He is our breathe, we are His workman. You don’t hear a lot of preaching and teaching on Him, but I can assure He is very present and He lives to breathe everlasting life into the minds and hearts of all who seek Him.

In our look at John 3, Nicodemus just wasn’t getting it—“…ye must be born again.” He continued to think in tangible and physical terms trying to make sense of it all. In verse six, Jesus begins to explain what part of Nicodemus must be born again—his spirit.

Then Jesus turns to the second illustration—the wind.

No matter how advanced our studies in anatomy and biology become, birth is still a mysterious miracle! It the same with the regenerate work of the Holy Spirit within a man. You can see it evidences but the work is incomprehensible!

Imagine sitting there with Jesus and Nicodemus. I wonder if the winds hollowed around them as the sun dipped low under the trees. I wonder if the wind painted Christ’s illustration perfectly by rustling the flame that was lit in the night hour. I imagine Nicodemus, the religious ecclesiastical thought of the Old Testemant passage in Ezekiel 37, when a valley of dry bones were revived by the Holy Ghost. Perhaps…

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I have thoroughly enjoyed our study of one of the greatest chapters in the entire Bible--John 3! It has been refreshing and simply helpful for my heart. We come now to the crux of it all--the main message Jesus brings to Nicodemus: The Man with Many Questions. His words are concise--“Ye must be born again…” (v.7)

But why did Jesus use the picture of birth to help Nicodemus understand how to be saved? Here are a few thoughts of why I believe the illustration of a new birth resonates with the hearts of people who have questions about salvation. It may answers some questions you have about salvation, or prove to be an effective witnessing tool when sharing the Gospel with an unbeliever.

Birth is the beginning of a life

From the very moment of conception a new life begins. It develops for some time in the womb and then the labor pains begin. After a while a baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and a new journey on earth has begun. It’s an exciting thing isn’t it?...


Birth is a familiar picture to all

Everyone can relate to birth. We have all experienced it and we can all understand this monumental aspect of humanity...


There are two parents

Just like in life, there are two parents to every child that is born again through faith in Jesus Christ. First, the Spirit of God.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5).

The Holy Spirit convicts someone of their sin and shows them their need of a Savior. (Jon16:7-11). It is through the Spirit that a man is drawn to the truth of God and brought to repentance.

Which brings us to the second parent of the new birth--The Word of God...

And once a part of the family of God, you take on a new nature of your parents. 2 Peter 1:4 sates, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

As one preacher said, “You receive a new start with a new heart!”


Birth causes travail

There is no question at all that the pains of child-birth are excruciating. I’ve watched my wife give birth to our precious daughter and I can certainly say my wife has a determination like no other! The pain and mental stress of it all were difficult at the time, but the joy that came out of that was worth it all!

It is much the same in regards to being born again. Much travail and agony was suffered so that the joy of a new life could be made possible...

Jesus endured the cross for YOU! It is through his great suffering that redemption was made available to all that believe. 

READ HERE - https://www.tylerarobertson.com/post/ye-must-be-born-again 

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Imagine the privilege of being able to ask Jesus questions. How amazing would that be? Last week, we were introduced in our study of John 3—JESUS: The Only Way—to a man loaded with questions and desperate for answers. Nicodemus was equipped with the law, but faith was far from him. Unfortunately, I believe there are many people in our world that look at Jesus with the same wonder.

Is he really the God man?

Why did He come?

 Did He even exist? 

What does it mean to be saved?

Can He save me?

We will dive deeper into Jesus’ words soon, but for now let’s take a quick look into the questions that Nicodemus brought before Jesus. Maybe you or someone you know might have a few things in common with the man that met Jesus by night. 

He questioned who Jesus was.

John 3:2 says, “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.”

Nicodemus uses the plural pronoun “we” indicating that he might be representing other Pharisees with the same questions. Whether his trip was business or personal the consensus still remains that he was not quite sure who Jesus was. 

I believe all faiths have their roots embedded in the response to this question: “Who is Jesus?“ It’s amazing the diverse responses you will get to such a simple question. Jesus even questioned His own disciples about this very thing in Mark 8. 

“And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?" And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ,” (Mark 8:27-29). 

It’s one thing to believe that Jesus existed in history, and another to believe that Christ is the Son of God, Saviour of the world! He came to call “sinners to repentance” (Matt. 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32) and give light to a dark world, black from sin. 

Who is Jesus to you?

He confused spiritual things with physical things.

Imagine the look on Nicodemus’s face. I must what? Be born again? We know that Nicodemus was confused because he immediately thought of a physical birth instead of a spiritual birth. Jesus explains further, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit,” (John 3:6).

I believe many people are right where Nicodemus is here. They try to make faith tangible. Something they can do or see that will pay their sin debt and set their souls free. Being saved has everything to do with your spirit and soul being renewed by faith in Jesus Christ. 

Salvation is an internal work, not an external effort.

No sacraments

No traditions

No church membership

No accolades or accomplishments

No good thing can give eternal life outside of faith in the Gospel. Jesus is the only way!

Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

He questioned the reality of salvation.

Nicodemus’s primary question was “How?” He asked in verse 9, “How can these things be?” 

We might ask today, “Can God really save my soul? Can I really be made anew?”

There are many people that believe God is beyond saving them...

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We open to John chapter three with a man who is desperate to meet a very busy teacher. But I love how Jesus is open and willing to leave the ninety and nine, so save just one. Think of all Jesus was up to in Jerusalem--miracles, messages, town’s people constantly trying to get His attention. But in the midst of it all His focus turned to one that was longing for answers. A Pharisee of all people, named Nicodemus. 

If we are honest with ourselves we all have a little bit of “Pharisee” in us, don’t we? We all have the attitude of self-exaltation and pride waiting to pear its ugly head from time to time. Here are a few ways I think us--even as God’s children--can favor the attitudes of the Pharisees:

We value Rules more than Relationship

We live in a society with a superfluity of information! Influencers, Youtubers, pop artist, and athletes--all with an opinion of the world and a Twitter feed to tell you about it! If we are not careful we can begin to trust more in the knowledge of men versus the wisdom of God...

We all want acceptance, approval and affirmation, but where we choose to get it from will determine if we are left satisfied or not...

We are much like our friend Nicodemus. We have our legalities and questions. But one thing is certain--we all need Jesus!

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READ 3 Ways God Moves Us to Pray - https://www.tylerarobertson.com/post/3-ways-god-moves-us-pray 

It amazes me that I have the privilege to stand in the presence of God and commune with him each day. The words of David often come to mind, 

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? " Psalm 8:4. 

I do not come into His presence because I am worthy but because Jesus Christ is worthy! He has made Himself an advocate for me and “ever liveth to make intercession.”

 I can come and dwell under in the prayer closet, finding rest, peace, and strength for my journey. But isn’t it amazing how we find so many excuses for not coming into the prayer closet? We say silly things like, 

I have so much to do! I just don’t have time to pray!

I don't know what to pray for?

I don’t believe God is hearing me!

Who is it helping anyway?

I wonder how many other people missed out on a blessing because we failed to pray for them? I wonder what we have missed because we believed the lie our prayers have not worked.

A.J. Gordon said this, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.” 

God wishes to show us great and mighty things if only we will call unto Him. 

How does God move us to pray?

He Desires Us to Pray

The simple fact that the omnipotent, all-powerful, and all-knowing God desires to be personally involved in our lives should move us to our knees! “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” I John 3:1.

It humbles me to know that the God whom I often disappoint still desires to have my time and attention. He longs for our deepest desires--our greatest secrets. 

He Demands Us to Pray

Prayer is not just a good practice but a required one for Believers. When God came to Jeremiah in a jail cell, He spoke in the imperative, “Call unto me…” It wasn’t a question but a command. Jesus said to His disciples, 

“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus was teaching his disciples the importance of communing with God on a regular basis, as it was vital to their spiritual growth. Now I know what you’re thinking,

Why would a loving God make a requirement to pray? Doesn’t that seem a little much?

But remember, just because it is a command does not mean that He takes away your free will. He still gives you a choice. When God makes a command it is a test of obedience and loyalty. Faithfulness to the prayer closet is a reflection of your devotion to God.

How is your obedience in the area of prayer?  

He Drives Us to Pray

Hard times mold us. They move us closer to the image of our Lord! Although painful and uncertain, trials break up the fallow ground of the heart and bring forth eternal fruit that redounds to the glory of God!

It’s in these precious moments of suffering that we are driven to the One whose touch can heal our broken heart and relieve the wounds that world deems incurable. Oh thank the Lord that we can pray in the midst of the fire! His presence brings cool in the desert heat and warmth in the snowy winter! What a mighty God that moves us to pray--Who desires, demand and drives us to the prayer closet!

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We all need some extra "promptings" now and then don't we? We forget about an important meeting; we buy things we already have but can't find; or we forget about our anniversary. Yea, not good!

That's why in a world of distraction we need some reminders from time to time. Some things that will help us move toward the actions and mind of Christ.

About a year ago I had a preacher friend of mind teach me the value of prayer prompters—looking for visual reminders to help prompt me to pray. He challenged me whenever I see 333 remember Jeremiah 33:3 where God invites Jeremiah to call unto Him. 

Look on gas station sign, license plates, credit card numbers etc. Wherever you are, stop what you are doing pray. 

Since that time I have started to look for other things that prompt me to pray:

• Prayer lists are probably the most common prayer prompters, but get creative! Put sticky notes on you mirror or write on the shower walls with a dry-erase marker.
• Wedding invitations—pray for the couple getting married. Pray Gods protection over their purity and that the Lord would have His way in the home. 
• Christmas cards—pray for the family every time you go the fridge. (And if you like to eat like me then your prayer life will certainly grow.
• When you see a certain type of car on the road that someone you know drives, pray for that friend. 
•  When you buy a gift for a friend, pray as you wrap it or place it in the gift bag.
•  When you see an ambulance or fire truck heading to the scene of an accident, pray for the ones involved.

Of course, I don’t do all of these all the time but they certainly are great reminders to keep the conversation going with Jesus throughout my day. I think so often our prayer life consists within the boundaries of self-betterment and gain. Our prayers can be so shallow can’t they?

 “Lord give us a good day today.”

 “Lord bless us today and watch over us.”

 “Lord, meet our needs today.”

These are all great things but specificity gives God the opportunity to be specific in His answer. And instead of always praying for personal things, I’ve learned that sometimes the greatest moves of God in my life are when I am interceding for someone else. I stop what I am doing to reach heaven about something specific in someone else’s life. 

Intercessory prayer is a lost privilege to the Christian whose world revolves his own needs.

What are your prayer prompters? How can you intercede more often for others? 

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The dinner table is a very special place in the Robertson household. It’s a place of warm food, meaningful conversations, and a time of prayer. It is part of my day that I can unwind with those I love, and I truly look forward to it. But I often think about what the dinner table looks like through the eyes of the average American home. 

• A study by New York University Langone Health found that, in the past 20 years, the frequency of family dinners has declined by 33%.
• In addition, a recent poll by YouGov found that 62% of parents with children under 18 wish they had family dinners “much more often” or “somewhat more often.

The fast-paced American culture has often shoved aside family priorities and thrown away any sense of meaningful and healthy conversation. The table has become a decorative household item versus a wholesome desk of fellowship and support.  I think that the benefits of being together at the dinner table far outweigh some of the “inconveniences.” 

According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, children who share family dinners three or more times per week:

• Are less likely to be overweight
• Are more likely to eat healthy food
• Perform better academically
• Are less likely to engage in risky behaviors (drugs, alcohol, sexual activity)
• Have better relationships with their parents

There are tremendous benefits in prioritizing the family table. Have you noticed that Jesus had special moments with His disciples at the table? It was in the last hours of His life that He chose the table in the upper room to commune with His followers and share His heart with them. It was there that He broke the bread and commanded, “this do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

Jesus invites you to pull up a chair at His table. He wants your fellowship and longs to give you the nourishment that you need for your journey. We have been talking in the Back To Basics series about our alone time with God. We looked at how to make the most of our devotions and how to dwell in the secret place and how to keep the door of fellowship open to Christ. 

Imagine that! Jesus Christ at your table! What a thought the King of Kings wishes to be my honored guest. It has the idea that Jesus sits down at our table and lets us be the host. We spread the table and pour out our hearts to Him--praise, thanksgiving, honor, and petitions. 

But then, it gets even better. He says, “…and he with me.” This holds the idea that the roles are switched. I am no longer the host, but the guest. He is the host. He is the one that spreads the table. He spills out His heart to us.

God gifts us with His heart in written form. His Word bears the truth of His character and leads us to a place of repentance. 

But I think we often have the same response to the Lord’s table as we do the family table. We get too busy and side-tracked to notice what He has prepared. We come and quickly consume what is on our plate without ever considering Who put it there. Or we rush into His presence, vent to Him about our problems and never stay long enough for Him to share His heart. 

Can I encourage you to come to table with Christ? Pour out your heart to Him, and let Him pour out His heart to you. Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Stay awhile. You might just learn something.

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Believe it or not, poor posture does affect your health. It can lead to neck and back problems if not corrected. Whether you sit at a desk all day, or browse your smartphone on the couch, it is often hard to remember to straighten up during the day. My wife will often give me a stern elbow while sitting in church, and that’s just a little “loving” reminder to sit up nice and tall, and put those shoulders back. Like a good husband--I usually listen. 

Although I am truly convinced of the importance of healthy living and taking care of our “temple,” I am often reminded that God’s work is very much inward. It’s the shaping of my heart into the image of Christ that brings on great transformation and spiritual health. Romans 8:29.

We often tend to put a lot of emphasis on physical posture and health, but what about your heart? How is your heart’s posture toward the things of God? Is it upright and open to Him and His Word? Or is it slouching into apathy and coldness towards His will and purpose for your life? 

There is no better “loving reminder” to straighten up our heart’s health then the Word of God. It is our nudge to keep our hearts open and right with Jesus throughout the day. Here are three ways to help with your heart’s posture as you go about today:

 1. Keep short accounts with God.

Sin will make you slouch. There is is doubt about it. Sin destroys your spiritual health and contaminates any good thing God tries to place into your life. One of the greatest lessons that I learned at a young age, was to keep short accounts with God--keep my sins confessed. I John 1:9.

How soon should you confess your sins to God? ASAP. Don’t let much time pass before your get that specific sin confessed to God. The longer you wait the more your heart will get used to the comfort of slouching--but the implications are detrimental.

• Confront your sin - get honest about it
• Confess your sin - literally means to say the same thing as God. (Call it what it is--God already knows
• · Continue - Don’t let guilt of the past paralyze you from God’s blessings for the future

2. Consult Christ in every decision--BIG or small

This may seem elementary but it’s so vitally important. We often clock-in at our jobs and work our busy schedules without much thought of Christ. Sure we may start our day in His Word, but then we put on our “work hat” and keep our spiritual lives out of our secular lives. Jesus wishes for us to Keep the Door Open to Him all day long.Proverbs 3:5-6.

Many times, we do not acknowledge Him in our decisions because we do not trust that He will make the right one. Let him direct your paths, big or small. Even if it’s on what you are deciding to wear that day. Let Him lead your heart.

3. Be quick to thank Him for the little things

Nothing accelerates your heart’s health like giving praise and thanks to God! It is an attitude that energizes your mind and gives you the support that you truly need throughout the day. Psalm 100. 

As soon as the blessing lands in your lap, straighten your heart’s posture to God. Give Him the praise that He deserves. James 1:17. 

How is your heart’s posture to God? Do you keep short accounts with Him? Are you quick to consult Him? Do you stop and praise him for the little things

Like my wife does to me on occasion can I give you a little nudge and challenge you to keep your posture in check? As you browse the aisle for Valentine’s Day and see the big signs and boxes shaped like hearts, let it serve as a reminder to you to keep your heart’s posture in check toward the things of God. Proverbs 4:23.

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Do you keep the door open at your house? This time of year I believe it’s safe to say you don’t. Cold wind and icy weather doesn’t sound very comfy-cozy in your living room. But did you know God wishes for us to keep the door open all of the time? 

I’m not talking about the physical door at the front of your house. I’m talking about the door of fellowship that leads into your life. Revelation 3:20 says, 

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Over the last few weeks in the Back to Basics series, we have looked at the imporatance of spending time in God’s Word and in prayer. Our time alone with God is foundational to growing in the admonition of the Lord, and changing the culture around us. 

But our goal as believers is not to formulate the perfect devotional time, but to develop a devotional life--keep the door open all day long. Jesus is pleading with you. He wants to come into your life--your home, school, job--He wants to fellowship with you all day long. He doesn’t want to be forgotten when you go to work. He does not want to leave when you go out with your friends. 

He is knocking. Will you let him in?  Will you let Him stay?

 Here are a few things that have helped me to keep the door of fellowship open to Christ throughout the day. 

1. Practicing His Presence

There is something so sweet about realizing that Jesus is with you at this moment. He is ready and willing to talk to you and share the blessings of his heart.

Psalm 16:11 says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures evermore."

When you are at work or busily going about at home, imagine that Jesus is there with you. Picture him sitting on the couch across from you as you pray. Picture him leaning over your shoulder whispering into your ear every word from the pages of Scripture you are reading. Wherever you are acknowledge Him and keep the conversation going. 

2. Quote Scripture throughout the day. 

Nothing fills our home with the presence of God more than Scripture being quoted aloud. It adds such a sweet spirit that brings about an atmosphere of worship and praise to God. It sets up a stronghold of defense that seems to encompass our family and keep the “adversary the devil” at bay. 

Remember, when you recite God’s word you are starting a conversation. It is not just ritualistic memorization, but a conversation with God that illuminates truth into your life.

Psalms 119:105-106 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

3. Turn off distractions - namely your phone or TV.

To be honest, I don’t know why they put ON/OFF buttons on phones anymore. Anyone still use them? I didn’t think so (myself included). We live so glued to all the fancies of a distracted world and then we wonder why we are so restless. In my book Restless: Finding Rest in a Restless World, which will be releasing this year, I talk about how we can get so enamored with the “extras” that we miss what really matters. 

Turn off your TV, podcasts, put your phone on silent if you just cant bring yourself to do it--whatever it takes cut out the distractions and invite Christ into your fellowship. Shut out the noise around you and keep the door open to Him. 

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