What do regular coffee, acoustic guitars, and black-and-white television have in common? All are what journalist Frank Mankiewicz calls “retronyms”—words or phrases created because a familiar word needs to be distinguished from a term that refers to a new development or invention.
Once, all coffee was regular, all guitars were acoustic, and all TVs were black and white. Not so today, thus the need for a growing list of retronyms, including decaf mocha java, electric guitar, and high-def television.
It could be said that Jesus turned the phrase physical birth into a retronym when He told an inquiring man named Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
Nicodemus was a religious person who didn’t grasp the idea of second birth. “How can a man be born when he is old?” he asked Jesus. “Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4).
Jesus further explained the difference between being born of the flesh and being born of the Spirit, then concluded, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.” (John 3:7)
Our Christian life begins when we invite Jesus to live within us. It’s like a miracle! We’re born again!
If you have not yet been born again and taken Jesus Christ as your savior, it not too late! A simple prayer can open the doors of Heaven for you, maybe you should pray something like this:
“Lord father I thank you for all that you have done in my life and for bringing me to this point. I pray that you will forgive my sins and inspire me to walk in your footsteps from this day onward. God I want a relationship with you.”
For those of you who already prayed themselves into God’s light, baptism is the next step. Mare than a symbol, baptism is a physical confirmation of our Faith in Jesus Christ. Although all Christians should be baptized, entrance to Heaven can be earned by a conscious devotional giving our lives to Christ as He gave His life for us.
Let’s pray and thank the Lord for His magnificence!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For inspiring us to be the best we can be
Touching others positively
And spreading the good word to all those around us.
Lord we pray you will continue to look after us,
After our families, our friends
And answer the prayers of those who seek peace
Like only you can.
Father we pray for your strength and for your wisdom
And ask that you keep us from evil,
Lead us from temptation
And guide us in difficult times.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
