Texts: Acts 2; Jn 3: 1- 7; 2Cor 5:17

In Acts 2 we observe the great difference in the lives of the disciples when they had been filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The change was clearly evident.

In John 3: 1-7 we read about Nicodemus who came to Jesus at night, as discreetly as possible, probably because of "peer pressure". He was nervous. Jesus pointed out Nicodemus' lack of basic understanding about the faith despite his advanced education. Also, Jesus refused to be drawn into the discussion that Nicodemus was trying to initiate and instead, pointed him to what really mattered - being born again. Being born of water can refer to cleansing but there has to be a walk with God after that. A complete change that is so radical that it is being "born again".
Think of a new-born baby. It is totally dependent on its mother for all nourishment. Do you receive all your sustenance from Christ?

The old life of sin has to be dealt with so that we can experience the gift from above - being filled with His Holy Spirit.

We cannot depend on tradition or the church we attend, but only on Christ. Then, we receive a new direction in life, from Heaven. Pentecost must mean that we are born again and filled with His Holy Spirit who lives His life in us.