Jesus did not say a person had to be born again of the water and the spirit.
He answered Nicodemus' question about how a person can be born when he is old or already born and showed him the difference between the first birth (born of water referencing the water or amniotic fluid that accompanies that first birth) and the second birth or rebirth which is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. He then goes on (in verses 10-21) and explains that the new birth happens when one believes in Jesus. In verse 14 He uses the illustration of how the sinning Israelites were healed by looking upon the serpent on the pole to show how folks are healed/saved/born again in this NT or Kingdom age by looking by faith upon Jesus on the cross. In verse 11 He says that He and others know people and have seen people who have been born again.
Amazing, isn't it, how easy it is to slightly misquote something and in so doing, completely change the theology. I heard Acts 2:37 quoted all my life as, "Men and brethren, what must we do to be saved?" Uh oh.....it's not there.
Sorry, I was busy praying...but I am back now. Yes, that is correct...As many as receive him, to them he gives the power to become the sons of God, to those who BELIEVE in his name....please, no additions nor subtractions.
Those who receive him are the same as those who believe...these receivers/believers are the ones he has given ability or power to BECOME the sons of God. IOW, they don't become the sons of God when they believe. You've got your timing wrong, imho.
Welcome, Witty!
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
Those who receive him are the same as those who believe...these receivers/believers are the ones he has given ability or power to BECOME the sons of God. IOW, they don't become the sons of God when they believe. You've got your timing wrong, imho.
Welcome, Witty!
This is the typical, "Those who call upon the name of the Lord SHALL be saved", moments when works-folks show up and say, "The word 'Shall' is a prediction."
Ok, thank, I will head to the Fellowship Hall. But before leaving, I would like to answer the naysayers. Yes, we are pursuaded to work...Heb.6:10 "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love...." but this work that we are commissioned to do follows Calvary. (Eph. 2:10....THAT we should walk in them...works). Works before the cross are useless, works after the cross are priceless. This includes Baptism, which is the answer of a good (cleansed) conscience before God. I invite you all to a Heaven that includes belivers from every generation, including the thief on the cross. "Today you will be with me in paradise..and you don't have to do anything, including getting baptized, to get there." Jesus.
Ok, thank, I will head to the Fellowship Hall. But before leaving, I would like to answer the naysayers. Yes, we are pursuaded to work...Heb.6:10 "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love...." but this work that we are commissioned to do follows Calvary. (Eph. 2:10....THAT we should walk in them...works). Works before the cross are useless, works after the cross are priceless. This includes Baptism, which is the answer of a good (cleansed) conscience before God. I invite you all to a Heaven that includes belivers from every generation, including the thief on the cross. "Today you will be with me in paradise..and you don't have to do anything, including getting baptized, to get there." Jesus.
Some think they'll even see me there.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Ok, thank, I will head to the Fellowship Hall. But before leaving, I would like to answer the naysayers. Yes, we are pursuaded to work...Heb.6:10 "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love...." but this work that we are commissioned to do follows Calvary. (Eph. 2:10....THAT we should walk in them...works). Works before the cross are useless, works after the cross are priceless. This includes Baptism, which is the answer of a good (cleansed) conscience before God. I invite you all to a Heaven that includes belivers from every generation, including the thief on the cross. "Today you will be with me in paradise..and you don't have to do anything, including getting baptized, to get there." Jesus.
Ok, thank, I will head to the Fellowship Hall. But before leaving, I would like to answer the naysayers. Yes, we are pursuaded to work...Heb.6:10 "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love...." but this work that we are commissioned to do follows Calvary. (Eph. 2:10....THAT we should walk in them...works). Works before the cross are useless, works after the cross are priceless. This includes Baptism, which is the answer of a good (cleansed) conscience before God. I invite you all to a Heaven that includes belivers from every generation, including the thief on the cross. "Today you will be with me in paradise..and you don't have to do anything, including getting baptized, to get there." Jesus.
Go to the top of this page and click "Apostolic Friends Forum". Then go down the list on the left-hand side of the page and click on "Fellowship Hall". Each time you sign on, you should see "Fellowship Hall" at the top of the page.
Or, better yet..... just hit 'new posts'. Then you don't miss anything.
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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