The New Birth
Analysis of Nolan’s Sermon "The New Birth" at The Garden Surprise AZ
Introduction
Purpose: This analysis evaluates Nolan’s sermon with a Berean mindset (Acts 17:11), testing its scriptural accuracy, logical coherence, and theological integrity against the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) and New Testament, from a biblical perspective that sees Yeshua as the promised Messiah fulfilling God’s covenant promises to Israel and the nations.
Details: Delivered prior to March 09, 2025, by Nolan at The Garden Surprise AZ, an evangelical assembly (ekklesia/kahal). The 42-minute sermon includes scripture reading (0:00-2:17), teaching (2:25-33:54), testimony (33:59-38:29), and a call to faith with worship (38:34-42:38).
Theme: Jesus saves skeptics through a transformative new birth, rooted in faith rather than intellectual assent or miracles alone.
1. Sermon Agenda
Goals: Teach John 3:1-21, evangelize skeptics, encourage faith commitment, and inspire worship and risk-taking for Jesus.
Biblical Alignment: It emphasizes Yeshua as the means of salvation (John 3:16-17), aligning with Isaiah 49:6 (light to the nations), but lacks explicit ties to Israel’s covenant promises or Torah fulfillment.
Focus: Nolan aims to move skeptics from doubt to faith, using Nicodemus as a model, and stresses personal transformation over intellectualism.
2. Scriptural Usage and Contextual Analysis
John 3:1-21 (0:00-2:17): Nolan reads the full text, focusing on Nicodemus’s inquiry, the new birth, and faith in Yeshua for eternal life.
Context: Yeshua speaks to a Pharisee, referencing spiritual rebirth (v. 3-7) and Numbers 21:8-9 (v. 14-15), fulfilled in His crucifixion.
Faithfulness: Mostly accurate—links “born again” to inner renewal and Yeshua’s role. However, “born of water and spirit” (v. 5) is tied to Ezekiel 36 without exploring baptism’s Jewish roots (mikveh) or covenant renewal.
Depth: Meat—connects Ezekiel 36:25-27 to John 3:5, but stays surface-level on biblical fulfillment.
John 7:50-51 (9:46-10:43): Nicodemus defends Yeshua’s right to a hearing.
Context: Shows his growing faith amid Pharisaic opposition.
Faithfulness: Correctly portrays Nicodemus’s journey, though it misses Torah’s judicial fairness (Deut. 1:16-17).
Depth: Milk—basic narrative, no deep covenant link.
John 19:38-39 (10:56-11:54): Nicodemus honors Yeshua’s body post-crucifixion.
Context: Indicates full faith, risking status.
Faithfulness: Accurate, but lacks biblical burial ties (Isa. 53:9).
Depth: Milk—simple faith step, no theological richness.
Ezekiel 36:24-30 (24:08-26:21): God promises cleansing (water) and a new spirit.
Context: Restoration of Israel, fulfilled spiritually in Messiah (Jer. 31:31-34).
Faithfulness: Strong link to John 3:5, showing Yeshua as fulfillment, though not explicitly biblical.
Depth: Meat—cross-references Tanakh, but misses full covenant scope.
Ezekiel 37:5 (29:59-33:38): Dry bones live by God’s breath.
Context: Israel’s revival, pointing to resurrection (biblical hope, Ezek. 37:11-14).
Faithfulness: Apt metaphor for new birth, but applied locally (“valley”) rather than to Israel’s restoration.
Depth: Meat—vivid imagery, yet lacks biblical grounding.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 & Revelation 13:11-14 (15:51-17:37): False signs by Satan/Antichrist.
Context: Warns against deception (Deut. 13:1-5).
Faithfulness: Correct caution, but overemphasized over Yeshua’s signs (John 20:30-31).
Depth: Milk—basic discernment, no deep theological tie.
Conclusion: Scripture is central, with some meaty Tanakh connections (Ezekiel), but lacks consistent biblical depth, favoring evangelical application over covenant continuity.
3. Logical Soundness and Fallacies
Argument: Skeptics (like Nicodemus) encounter Yeshua, needing new birth (John 3:3-7) through faith (John 3:16), not miracles (2 Thess. 2:9), proven by transformation (Ezek. 37:5).
Strengths: Coherent progression—doubt to faith, scripture-backed.
Fallacies:
Anecdotal Bias (2:30-4:14): Relies on a personal story (grumpy atheist) for emotional pull, not scriptural weight.
False Dichotomy (7:08-7:23): Doubt vs. disbelief oversimplifies faith struggles, ignoring Torah’s call to wrestle (Gen. 32:24-28).
Straw Man (34:04-35:55): Atheism lacks transformative power—true, but exaggerates to dismiss inquiry.
Suitability: Logical for a mixed audience, but leans on experience over rigorous exegesis.
4. Scriptural Corrections
John 3:5 (22:22-24:02): “Born of water and spirit” isn’t just Ezekiel 36 (cleansing/new heart) but ties to mikveh (purification) and covenant entry (Exod. 19:10; Heb. 10:22). Nolan dismisses baptism too quickly—while not required for salvation, it’s a commanded sign (Matt. 28:19).
Ezekiel 37:5 (29:59-33:38): Applied to personal/local revival, not Israel’s national restoration or biblical resurrection (Ezek. 37:12-14; Rom. 11:26).
5. Psychological Methods for Encouraging Giving
Tactic (14:07-14:43): Risk-taking for Jesus tied to serving, leading, giving—subtle pressure via faith challenge.
Nature: Encouragement, not manipulation—lacks guilt or prosperity promises. Aligns with Torah’s voluntary giving (Deut. 16:17), though not explicit.
6. Calls to Action for Giving
Indirect (14:31-14:38): “Giving… Will God show up in my finances if I obey?”
Tone: Suggestive, faith-based.
Alignment: Matches 2 Cor. 9:7 (cheerful giving), but lacks Torah’s communal focus (Lev. 23:22).
Conclusion: Minimal focus on giving, biblically sound but not deeply rooted.
7. Contradictions
Doubt vs. Faith (7:08-9:32): Encourages inquiry (Anselm’s “faith seeking understanding”) but later pushes immediate decision (39:45-40:24), undercutting patience.
Miracles (15:29-17:37): Warns against miracle-based faith, yet Nicodemus’s inquiry begins with signs (John 3:2), unresolved.
Impact: Undermines trust in the process—faith as journey vs. instant choice.
8. Denominational Biases and Corrections
Evangelical Lean (23:09-23:44): Baptism as optional obedience, not covenant sign—corrects Catholic/Reformed necessity but misses Jewish mikveh roots.
Correction: Emphasize Yeshua’s command (Matt. 28:19) and Torah precedent (Num. 19:7).
Reformed Theology Check:
26:01-26:21: “Only I can do within you” hints at Total Depravity, corrected by Deut. 4:29 (seek and find) and Rom. 2:14-15 (conscience).
20:34-20:44: “Wind blows where it wishes” suggests Irresistible Grace, corrected by Josh. 24:15 (choice) and John 12:47-48 (rejection possible).
Impact: Skews toward Gentile evangelicalism, with minor Reformed echoes, diluting biblical richness.
9. Alignment with Easy Belief or Denominational Structure
Easy Belief: Pushes one-time faith (40:11-40:51), risking shallow commitment over discipleship (Matt. 7:21-23).
Structure: Evangelical—pastor-led (ro’eh), testimony-heavy, worship-focused.
Flexibility: Broad appeal, but rigid on instant faith, not Torah-based growth.
10. Pastoral Responsibility and Authority
Shepherding: Nolan teaches (John 3), encourages (new birth), and calls to faith, but prioritizes testimony (36:01-38:21) over exegesis.
Pride: Self-deprecating (34:16-34:28), yet risks stifling questions by pushing quick decisions (39:51-40:04).
Accountability: Invites scrutiny implicitly (scripture focus), but not explicitly (Acts 17:11).
11. Practical Application and Ethical Fruit
Equipping: Urges risk (14:07-14:54), prayer (33:03-33:09), and outreach (33:09-33:14)—practical, Torah-aligned (Deut. 6:4-9).
Tone: Integrity (Titus 2:7), no greed—focuses on transformation, not gain.
Conclusion: Equips the kahal for faith, but lacks covenant depth.
12. Anti-Semitic Language
None Detected: Pharisees critiqued (6:29-6:42), but not Jews broadly—avoids supersessionism.
Conclusion: Honors Israel’s role implicitly (Nicodemus’s faith).
13. Warnings to a New Believer
Shallow Teaching: Heavy on stories (2:30-4:14), light on Torah-Messiah links—risks weak roots.
Safeguard: Study Tanakh/New Testament yourself (Deut. 30:11-14).
Instant Faith Pressure: Pushes quick decisions (40:17-40:51), not discipleship.
Safeguard: Grow steadily in Yeshua’s ways (Matt. 11:29).
Final Assessment
Recap: Nolan’s agenda evangelizes skeptics via John 3, using scripture soundly (Ezekiel ties) but with gaps (biblical context). Logic holds, despite fallacies (anecdotal bias). Giving is minimal, contradictions minor, biases evangelical with faint Reformed hints (corrected). Authority is responsible, application practical, no anti-Semitism, but risks shallow faith.
Strengths: Tanakh-New Testament links (Ezek. 36), focus on transformation.
Weaknesses: Misses Israel’s covenant role, over-relies on stories, pushes “easy belief.”
Fixes: Tie Yeshua to Torah promises (Isa. 42:6), deepen exegesis, encourage ongoing study. Correct Reformed leans: human agency (Deut. 4:29) and choice (Josh. 24:15) balance divine initiative.
Depth: Mixed—Milk (basic faith calls) with Meat (Ezekiel links). Assumes minimal knowledge, yet challenges discernment minimally.
Shepherd Accountability: Nolan points to scripture, not self, but doesn’t explicitly invite Berean scrutiny (James 3:1 risk).
Reject Traditions: Evangelical “one-time faith” and minor Reformed echoes (Total Depravity, Irresistible Grace) stray from Torah’s holistic obedience (Deut. 10:12-13). Shed Gentile systems—return to scripture alone.
Scriptural Roots: Yeshua is the promised Messiah (Micah 5:2), fulfilling Torah (Matt. 5:17). Test all against Tanakh—truth is there, not pulpits.
Expanded Summary for a New Believer
What the Sermon Is About: Nolan, a pastor at The Garden Surprise AZ, preached a sermon called "The New Birth" based on John 3:1-21, delivered prior to March 09, 2025. He wants you to know that Jesus—Yeshua, the promised Messiah—saves people who doubt, like a man named Nicodemus who came to Yeshua with questions (John 3:1-2). The big idea is that Yeshua doesn’t just want you to agree with Him in your mind or chase after miracles; He offers a deep change inside you—a “new birth” (John 3:3-7)—that comes through trusting Him. This change is like getting a new heart and a fresh start from God (Ezekiel 36:26-27), and it’s available to anyone who believes Yeshua died and rose to take away sin (John 3:16-17). Nolan uses stories—like his own journey from atheism (4:49-5:08) and a gangster named George Palmer who turned to faith (36:01-38:21)—to show how real this change can be, even for the toughest hearts.
Key Takeaways Rooted in Scripture:
God Transforms You Inside Out: The sermon says believing in Yeshua isn’t just knowing facts—it’s a total makeover of your heart and life. In John 3:3-5, Yeshua tells Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again… of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Nolan ties this to Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises, “I will give you a new heart and… a new spirit… and cause you to walk in my statutes.” This means God cleans you up—like washing away guilt (Psalm 51:7)—and puts His Spirit in you to help you love and follow Him (Romans 8:9-11). It’s not about being perfect first; it’s about trusting Yeshua to start something new in you (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Faith in Yeshua Brings Eternal Life: Nolan highlights John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is huge: God sent Yeshua not to judge you, but to save you (John 3:17). The Tanakh promised a Messiah to bear our sins (Isaiah 53:5-6), and Yeshua fulfilled that by dying on the cross and rising again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). When you trust Him—not your own goodness—you get forgiveness and a forever relationship with God (Romans 10:9-10).
Doubt Is Okay, but Seek Answers: Nicodemus had questions (John 3:9), and Nolan says that’s normal (7:08-7:29). The Bible doesn’t hide people wrestling with God—Jacob fought all night (Genesis 32:24-28), and Job asked hard questions (Job 7:20-21). Nolan encourages you to bring your doubts to Yeshua (9:07-9:32), because God invites you to seek Him (Deuteronomy 4:29) and promises wisdom if you ask (James 1:5).
Miracles Aren’t Enough—Trust the Word: Nolan warns not to base faith only on miracles (15:29-17:37), since even Satan can fake them (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Instead, faith grows from God’s Word (Romans 10:17) and Yeshua’s finished work (John 19:30). The Tanakh tested signs against truth (Deuteronomy 13:1-5), and Yeshua’s resurrection is the ultimate proof (Acts 17:31).
Warnings to Watch Out For:
Shallow Teaching Risks Weak Faith: Nolan leans on stories—like the grumpy atheist (2:30-4:14)—more than deep Bible study. That’s fun to hear, but it might leave you hungry for the “meat” of God’s Word (Hebrews 5:12-14). If you only get surface stuff, your faith could stay shaky. Dig into scripture yourself—Torah (like Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and Yeshua’s teachings (like Matthew 5-7)—to build strong roots (Colossians 2:6-7).
Pressure for Instant Faith Can Mislead: Nolan pushes quick decisions, like raising your hand to follow Yeshua (40:17-40:51). That’s exciting, but faith isn’t a one-time snap—it’s a journey. Yeshua said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24), meaning daily trust and obedience. Don’t feel rushed; grow steadily (1 Peter 2:2), and check what you hear against scripture (Acts 17:11).
Man-Made Doctrines Twist Truth: Nolan hints at ideas like “only God can change you” (26:21), which sounds a bit like Reformed Theology—a system saying you’re too broken to seek God without Him forcing it. But the Bible says you can seek (Deuteronomy 4:29) and choose (Joshua 24:15). Watch out for stuff like Reformed Theology, Catholicism, or instant-faith gimmicks—they add rules or shortcuts God didn’t give. Stick to scripture alone—Tanakh and New Testament—to know Yeshua as the Messiah (Micah 5:2), not some church invention.
Missing Israel’s Role Weakens the Story: Nolan doesn’t connect Yeshua to God’s promises to Israel—like the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) or restoring the nations through Israel (Isaiah 49:6). If you skip that, you miss how Yeshua fulfills Torah (Matthew 5:17). Learn the whole Bible—Israel’s story is your story too (Romans 11:17-18).
Encouragement for Your Journey:
You’re Not Alone in Doubting: If you’re unsure about Yeshua, that’s okay—Nicodemus was too, and he ended up following Him (John 19:39). God meets you where you are (Psalm 34:18). Keep asking questions, and trust He’ll show you the way (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Yeshua Changes Lives for Real: Look at George Palmer—angry and lost, but God turned him into a preacher (37:52-38:21). That’s not hype; it’s what God does (Ezekiel 37:5-6). Whatever you’re facing—addiction, anger, or fear—Yeshua can lift it (Matthew 11:28-30). Call on Him today (Romans 10:13).
God’s Word Is Your Guide: Nolan’s sermon is a start, but the Bible is your lifeline. Start simple—read John 3 or Psalm 23—and ask God to speak (Psalm 119:105). It’s not too hard (Deuteronomy 30:11-14); you’ll find Yeshua there (Luke 24:27).
You’re Part of Something Big: Saying yes to Yeshua joins you to God’s family—Israel and all who trust Him (Ephesians 2:19). He’s building you into a living hope (1 Peter 2:5), and His Spirit will grow you step-by-step (Philippians 1:6).
Take Risks for Yeshua: Nolan’s right—following Yeshua takes guts (12:49-14:07). Share your faith, pray bold prayers, serve others—it’s worth it (Matthew 5:16). God’s with you every move (Joshua 1:9).
Final Word: This sermon points you to Yeshua, the Messiah who saves through faith (John 3:16). Let it spark your curiosity, but don’t stop here. Grab a Bible, pray, and grow in Him daily (2 Timothy 2:15). You’ve got a new birth waiting—a life God’s been planning since forever (Jeremiah 29:11). Welcome to the journey
