I love the Bible because it clearly describes human nature. It calls human nature "the flesh". Nicodemus ask Jesus what it meant to be born again. He saw rebirth as an impossibility. He even went as far as to ask Jesus how practical it was to go back into his mothers womb. A lot of folks have read this discourse between Nicodemus and Jesus but often miss one very important life principal that Jesus clearly announced in His conversation with Nicodemus. It's in the Gospel of John.
John 3:6, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit".
Jesus clearly revealed to Nicodemus that the second birth is the birth of a new spirit. The first nature is the flesh and the born again nature is the spirit. When we truly turn our life over to Christ then a new nature is born in us. It is a spiritual nature that connects with God. It is our new spiritual antennae. When we do not have this new nature then we cannot connect with God. Our first nature is carnal and it is called flesh. So here it is, we have two natures when we become a new believer. We now have a spiritual nature living deep inside that is in conflict with our old nature. The Christian life is all about allowing the new nature to mature so that it can tame the old and live a life in obedience to Christ. If you have never come to Christ then you are living totally in the flesh and will not be able to understand the things of God.
This is such a valuable lesson for church leadership as well because if we run the church with our carnal nature then we are not pleasing God.
Romans 8;5,6,7
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God
Our flesh or carnal nature fails us because it is at enmity with God. It wants to have it's own way and own control. When we live in the flesh we establish our own kingdom where we reign and establish our own moral code. This happens in the church as well. When we are not trusting God then we are taking control and we are failing in the flesh. Lord have mercy on us all. Forgive us for our selfish ways and guide us back to the truth. Holy Spirit come and set us free. We are failing in the flesh.
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About Me
- Davey Buhl
- I am semi-retired and very involved in seeking God on how He wants me to finish the final chapters to my life. My 20's were spent pursuing a career in rockin' roll music. I recorded both in New York and Nashville in the late 60's and early 70's. I cried out to God for help in 1970 and He came and rescued me and turned my world upside down. I was forever changed by His presence. After my meeting with the Lord, I returned home to West Virginia and got married in 1971. I raised three great children. They are all married and I now have two grand children. My occupation over the years has been in the insurance business and at the same time heavily involved in ministry. I've done some church planting. I just recently finished a two year stint as a Men's pastor at a large non-denominational church in the north hills of Pittsburgh. I love the Lord, I love my family and I love Pittsburgh Sports. I have some history now and want to share my experiences and the things that I have discovered along the way.