No one is more difficult to bring to Jesus than someone who is seems better (i.e. nicer, kinder) than everyone else. But the truth of scripture is that no one is good enough without Jesus.

Why do we sometimes believe that being good is good enough?

The problem with striving for our own goodness is that we think that through our goodness, we can reach God. And that may be how every other religion understands the process, but that is not how God works.

No one is good - except God alone. —Mark 10:18 (NIV)

What does this statement by Jesus mean?

We don’t reach God by our goodness, but rather, God reaches us through His goodness. And through his goodness, he makes us new.

No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. —John 3:3-5 (NIV)

This conversation was confusing to Nicodemus… Why?
Why are people today still confused about being “born again”?

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:14-16 (NIV)

What does it mean to believe in Jesus?

The good news is not God teaching you how to be better at being good. The good news is that God is inviting you to trust in Jesus.

But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. —Titus 3:4-7 (NLT)

What do you understand this passage to be saying?

Ever since the conversation with Nicodemus, Christians have understood being born again of “water and Spirit” as the powerful act of baptism.

Everyone who trusts Jesus should be baptized.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. —Acts 2:38 (NIV)

Why do you believe baptism to be so important?

Baptism is a tomb and a womb. The old me goes in and dies and the new me rises to life.