"Get A Life!" | John 3:1-17 | Matt Carlson

In this message from our series through the Gospel of John, we explore Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus in John 3. Christianity isn’t first a conversation about behavior...it’s a conversation about birth. Nicodemus approached Jesus focusing on what he knew, but Jesus met him at what he truly needed: new life from the Spirit that human effort could never produce. You don’t need a better version of your old life; you need the new, eternal life found only in Jesus. What we could never produce through striving, God has fully provided through the cross. Key Takeaways: Birth over Behavior: Christianity isn't about self-improvement; it's about receiving new spiritual life that only the Spirit can give. Need over Knowledge: You can know the scriptures inside and out and still miss the very life they point to. Provided, Not Produced: What we could never achieve by striving, God has provided through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This Week at Connect Groups: Open it up: Who’s someone you met randomly who ended up having a surprisingly positive impact on your life?  Read John 3:1–4. Why do you think Jesus moves past what Nicodemus knows and goes straight to what he needs? Read John 3:5–8. What do the pictures of birth and wind teach us about what we can and cannot produce ourselves? Read John 3:9–13. How can someone know a lot about the Bible or Christianity and still miss the LIFE it points to? How has that been true for you? Read John 3:14–17. What does the story of the bronze snake teach us about the difference between achieving and believing?   Reflect & Respond: What would it look like this week to LOOK to Jesus, BELIEVE, RECEIVE His life, and LIVE as someone born of the Spirit? Supporting Scriptures: John 3:1–21, John 1:13, Ezekiel 36:25–27, Numbers 21:4–9, 1 John 5:11–12, Romans 5:10, Galatians 2:20 + + + + + Hey, while you're here, please help Generation by clicking the 'Subscribe' button, then click on the BELL 🔔 (on mobile devices, also click 'ALL'). Then you'll be the first to know when our latest messages and content goes live! As always, you can find more from us at https://www.gotogeneration.com And get the latest from Generation in your inbox with the Midweek Musing, our free weekly email: https://subscribepage.io/UOAh3o Follow us on Social! ▶ FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/southochurch ▶ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/generationchurchsoutho/