God created us in His image and likeness to have a personal relationship with Him. Since God is spirit (John 4:24) that can only be effectively accomplished if His Spirit is active within us, since that’s the only real way we can be connected and communicate. Since His Spirit resides in the heart, our heart should not be deadened by sin, but revived and renewed by His Spirit. That changes the disposition of the soul, making the heart sensitive to God’s impulses so that we can receive His signals with strength.
RELEVANCE
Think of it like getting a new receiver or network card in your phone, pad or laptop so you can get more apps and more bars in more places!
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’ (John 3:3-8).
Through the new birth, Jesus was in reality speaking of a spiritual awakening; a paradigm shift that would bring greater capacity; the grace of greater illumination and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What kind of paradigm shift do you suppose you may need to be more in tune with God?
Ask God. He wants nothing more than to strengthen His relationship with you!
REFERENCES
John 14:16-21; 16:12-15; Acts 19:1-7