March 1st, Sermon & Ministry Resources
"Born from Above: A Conversation About New Life" (John 3:1-17)
Lectionary Readings — Second Sunday in Lent — March 1, 2026
Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17
Call to Worship (based on John 3:1-17)
Leader: We come seeking Jesus, even as Nicodemus came by night.
People: We come with our questions, our doubts, and our longing to understand.
Leader: Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”
People: We open our hearts to the Spirit of God, who brings new birth and new life.
Leader: The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.
People: So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.
Leader: Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
People: That whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
Leader: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
People: So that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
Leader: Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world.
People: But in order that the world might be saved through him.
Leader: Come, let us worship the God who loves us so much.
All: Let us worship the One who offers us new birth and eternal life!
Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 121)
Let us pray:
Eternal God,
We lift up our eyes to You, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Source of all help and hope. As we continue our Lenten journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, we acknowledge that You are our Keeper—the One who never slumbers or sleeps, who watches over us with unceasing care.
Lord, during this season of Lent, we are reminded of our own wilderness experiences, our struggles with temptation, and our need for Your sustaining grace. Like our Savior who walked the road to Jerusalem, we walk this path of spiritual preparation, trusting that You are our shade at our right hand, our protector from every danger we face.
We come before You aware of our need—our need for repentance, our need for renewal, our need for a deeper commitment to following Christ. We thank You that You watch over our coming and going, both now and forevermore. Even as we journey through these forty days of reflection and discipline, You are faithful to guard our steps and lead us closer to the heart of the Gospel.
As we worship You today, keep our hearts focused on Your presence. Keep our minds attentive to Your Word. Keep our spirits receptive to Your Spirit. Prepare us for the celebration of resurrection that awaits us at the end of this sacred journey. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Amen
[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]
Sermon Outline: "BORN FROM ABOVE: A CONVERSATION ABOUT NEW LIFE"
Based on John 3:1-17
INTRODUCTION:
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a leader of the Jews, a religious expert
He came to Jesus by night with questions
What he discovered would change everything he thought he knew about entering God’s kingdom
This passage contains some of the most important truths in all of Scripture
I. THE SEEKER – Nicodemus Comes with Questions (vv. 1-2)
A. His Position – A ruler of the Jews
B. His Approach – He came to Jesus by night
C. His Acknowledgment – “We know you are a teacher from God”
II. THE SAVIOR – Jesus Teaches About New Birth (vv. 3-15)
A. The Necessity of New Birth (vv. 3-7)
B. The Mystery of the Spirit’s Work (v. 8)
C. The Means of Salvation (vv. 14-15)
III. THE SACRIFICE – God’s Love Displayed (vv. 16-17)
A. The Motive – “God so loved the world”
B. The Mission – “He gave his only Son”
C. The Method – “That whoever believes”
CONCLUSION:
Nicodemus came in darkness seeking light
Jesus offered him new birth from above
God’s love is demonstrated in the gift of His Son
The question for each of us: Have we been born from above?
Faith in Christ is the only way to eternal life
Will you believe & receive new life today?
Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers
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