A RICH YOUNG RULER TURNED FROM HIS NIGHT LIFE TO SEEK OUT JESUS CHRIST.  WHAT COULD BE THAT IMPORTANT?

1. Jerusalem, the capitol of Israel, had its entertainment, wealth, comfort - but not for Nicodemus
2. Though he had wealth, position, education- he had an empty place in his heart- drove him on
3. That night Jesus took time out from his busy life to spend time with one stranger, and we can see and hear what took place through the inspired writings of John the Beloved.

I.- A MIDNIGHT INTERVIEW WITH JESUS John 3:1,2

The stillness of the night was broken by the sound of someone coming up the steps

A.- THIS WAS A SPECIAL VISITOR ON THIS MIDNIGHT QUEST; IT WAS A RICH YOUNG RULER - John 3:1,2

1. The night in Jerusalem was busy, cold, windy - but someone sought out John's house - & Jesus
2. He came in with Wealth, Health, Authority- but a heart that lacked something that drove him
3. But he came to the one Man who treated all alike- no special for wealth- but for a soul!

B.- NICODEMUS KNEW JESUS WAS A TEACHER COME FROM GOD, AND JESUS KNEW NICODEMUS WAS A LOST MAN!

1. Jesus refused to do miracles as a sign for Pharisees- but they knew what He did - marriage, 2:23 temple.
2. Nicodemus knew enough to get a mysterious itch that he could not scratch- so he came.
3. Jesus knew the hearts of men- John 2:24,5- He knew why Nicodemus could not sleep or play

C.- WHEN WE CANNOT HELP OURSELVES, WE WOULD BE WISE TO SEEK OUT SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP US - NICODEMUS DID.

1. Today we have everything- yet despair, heartache; We have great knowledge- yet still itch
2. Jesus tells of water- John 4:14 - to quench our thirst, and bread- 6:35 - to satisfy hunger
3. Satan has exploited this vacuum- Communism, Narcotics, Old Religions, Spiritism -promises!

Our nights are full as people run to and fro -seeking, but not humble enough to come to Jesus

II.- A SLEEPLESS NEED - THE NEW BIRTH  John 3:3-5-6

Our itch for the ultimate reality- sought in education - drugs, super ego, expanded mind- all fail

A.- THE BIG QUESTION- HOW CAN I FIND MYSELF? OR GET TO KNOW MY FULL SELF? HAVE FULL LIFE?

1. Some search humanities- BA; Some -science-; Some pamper feelings- emotions- sex- drugs- alcohol
2. But something in our nature keeps us driving onward- even in circles -never satisfied
3. When will we have the wisdom to ask the right question - if like Nicodemus-- NEVER!

B.- JESUS INTERUPTED NICODEMUS TO PROBE RIGHT INTO THE VERY HEART OF HIS SOUL, SHARP STATEMENT!

1. Jesus declared the very purpose of life is missed without a special miracle- v.3 New Birth
2. To see Kingdom of God?- Rom 14:17-Righteousness, Peace, Joy - Well, do you see it now?
3. Something has crippled man - he cannot have righteousness, nor find peace, or lasting joy.

C.- THERE IS NO HOPE FOR THE SOUL OF MAN WHTTHOUT THIS MYSTERIOUS MIRACLE CALLED NEW BIRTH.

1. Nicodemus stumbled over the doorstep to the stars! - v.4 -Spiritual sex education class!
2. Jesus used illustration of Physical Birth- a mystery, but real, personal, & it works!
3. But the second birth is Spiritual- v5,6 and human words, human hearts, fall short explaining it

But without this mysterious birth- man cannot fulfil his destiny - is half-man; blind!

III.- ONE LIGHT IN A DARK NIGHT - HOW? John 3:8-21

Without this light- you are forever in dark- damned now & forever! BUT THIS CAN BE YOURS NOW!

A.- THE SPIRITUAL NATURE IS LIKE THE WIND v.8 AND JUST AS FREE AS THE WIND IF YOU CAN CATCH IT!

1. The wind is powerful, dangerous, necessary to life; but is mysterious, unseen, unseeable!
2. We judge the wind by secondary senses- we see, feel, smell, hear, taste its results & believe
3. To believe our secondary senses takes a mysterious type of knowledge called FAITH!

B.- THE SPERM SEED FOR THE NEW BIRTH IS THE WORD OF GOD, RECEIVED, & BELIEVED BY FAITH- v.14,15

1. Germ of life- I Peter 1:22-25,- Creation-God spoke; New Creation- believe His voice again!
2. Moses taught faith by brass serpent, Num 21:9 - & now the Son of Man lifted up- v.14,15
3. The reason why- John 3:16 -Love!  Our part- Belief! God's purpose- v.17 - to save!

C.- BUT OUR HEARTS OFFER DIFFERENT SOIL, HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT SOME CANNOT SEE & BE SAVED v19-

1. Our church sows the seed of God's word- but Matt 13:3- tells how people receive it!-
2. will you receive God's love gift to you?- His Word will bear fruit if you accept His love!
3. The real heartache is that some of you love darkness rather than the Light of His presence

Would you climb to rooftop to receive touch of Jesus- He is as close as this altar!

HAVE YOU BEEN BORN AGAIN? CAN YOU SEE (UNDERSTAND) THAT INVISIBLE KINGDOM OF GOD? Life, Joy, Peace

1. God's only condition is that you accept His love by faith- believe Him- & in His Christ!
2. If you want life, come to the Light! If you are born again- start breathing & cry Jesus!
3. You are expected to grow! - like a physical child as you are fed! Spiritual health vital. 

Like a birth- start life by having your eyes washed out- Baptism; get birth certificate by joining this family called a church!