SPIRITUAL BIRTH || PENIEL 2023||ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF JALINGO||TARABA-NIGERIA|| APOSTLE JOSHUA SELMAN

Selman reveals what he considers the greatest secret for operating in God's grace: a broken, surrendered, and 'dead' heart. He clarifies that while spiritual disciplines like fasting, prayer, and Bible study are crucial, their effectiveness is tied to the condition of the heart. A heart full of pride, lust, or self-aggrandizement can nullify the potency of these practices. He stresses that true power and relevance with God come from a complete death to self, allowing Christ to be fully revealed through the believer, much like a mirror reflecting Jesus rather than oneself.

The sermon concludes with an altar call for those who wish to experience the 'second birth' or make their commitment right with Jesus. Selman invites individuals to come forward and confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior, emphasizing that this decision leads to eternal life and a victorious Christian life. He guides them through a prayer of salvation, declaring forgiveness of sins and empowerment to live a life free from the power of sin, Satan, hell, and the grave.

Apostle Joshua Selman begins his sermon by introducing the topic of 'spiritual birth', drawing from Jesus' discussions in the Bible. He highlights how Jesus engaged in various dialogues, but one crucial conversation was about being 'born again' with Nicodemus in John Chapter 3. This discussion delves into the nature of two types of birth: fleshly and spiritual, emphasizing that spiritual birth is essential for accessing the Kingdom of God and manifesting divine possibilities beyond natural human abilities.

Selman details the key differences between physical and spiritual birth. Physical birth is not a matter of personal choice, requires two individuals, and involves a nine-month process. In contrast, spiritual birth is a deliberate choice made by an individual, is an instantaneous event, and transforms a person's spiritual paternity. He argues that while physical birth leads to aging and eventual decay, spiritual birth imparts God's eternal life which is indestructible and not subject to the limitations of the physical world.

The sermon further explores the implications of spiritual birth, particularly the 'power to become' that it bestows upon believers. Selman asserts that being born again means changing one's spiritual origin, reflecting the DNA of God. He criticizes believers who merely recite a 'salvation prayer' without understanding the profound translation that occurs in the spirit realm. This spiritual birth enables believers to manifest supernatural possibilities, command situations, and overcome limitations, as exemplified by Peter on the day of Pentecost and Philip in Samaria.

Selman addresses the frustration many well-meaning believers experience when their knowledge of scripture doesn't translate into tangible spiritual power. He likens this to Nicodemus, a learned man who, despite his intellectual understanding, sought answers from Jesus for the lack of divine manifestation in his life. Selman praises Nicodemus's humility, contrasting it with those who prefer 'failures in pride' over 'victors in experience.' He emphasizes that true spiritual progress requires humbling oneself and genuinely seeking spiritual understanding.