The New Birth - John 3:8
The sermon explores the mysterious nature of the wind as a symbol for the heavenly birth, emphasizing the transformative power of the Spirit in one's life.
Bernard Fell preaches about the mysterious and transformative nature of the wind, drawing parallels to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Just as the wind cannot be fully understood or predicted, so is the spiritual rebirth experienced by those born of the Spirit. The wind's ability to purify, uplift, and bring change mirrors the Spirit's work in cleansing, elevating, and transforming souls. Through faith and surrender, the Spirit's unseen power can bring about a mighty change and joyful renewal in one's life.
Text
The wind . . .
Thou canst not tell whence it cometh,
and whither it goeth;
so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
John 3:8
How strange, mysterious is the wind!
Its changeful moods we know;
We cannot tell from whence it comes,
Or whither it shall go.
List to its sound o'er land and sea
It whistles round the mast,
Soft zephyrs sigh among the trees,
But howl in stormy blast.
It purifies polluted air,
And germs are driven away;
Small birds are winged to higher heights
When chased by hawk or jay.
The heav'nly birth, as Jesus taught,
Is like this unseen pow'r;
The mighty change is felt and known
In faith's most joyful hour.
The Spirit's work transforms the life,
And purifies the soul;
It lifts to heav'n on wings of love,
And takes complete control.
Awake, north wind, and come thou south,
Upon my garden blow;
And let the fragrance of the Christ
In love and worship flow.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Mysterious Nature of the Wind
- A. The wind's origin and destination are unknown
- B. The wind's power can be felt, but not seen
- II. The Wind's Effects on the World
- A. It purifies the air and drives away germs
- B. It lifts small birds to higher heights
- III. The Heavenly Birth
- A. It is like the unseen power of the wind
- B. It transforms the life and purifies the soul
- IV. The Spirit's Work
- A. It lifts to heaven on wings of love
- B. It takes complete control
Key Quotes
“The wind's origin and destination are unknown, so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” — Bernard Fell
“The wind's power can be felt, but not seen, so is the work of the Spirit in our lives.” — Bernard Fell
“The Spirit's work transforms the life, and purifies the soul, lifting us to heaven on wings of love.” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We must be open to the transformative power of the Spirit in our lives, allowing it to purify and cleanse us.
- The Spirit's work in our lives is like the wind, unseen but felt, and it can lift us up to higher heights.
- We must surrender to the Spirit's control, trusting in its power to transform and redeem us.