First, I won't turn your board into a Bible study!!!! Just a few thoughts and I'll let it go if you wish.
I hear true joy coming from you and that is a blessing.
I've known several people who have turned their life around by commiting themselves to Jesus. I'm telling you, if you knew some of them you would say it was a true miracle.
Having a relationship with Jesus is the center of my life, a blessing mere words can't describe.
Back to born again however, Jesus was specific when he anwsered Nicodemus. You sited vs 3:3 and 3:7. Look at vs 4, 5 and 6. Jesus said "Unless a man be born again of water and spirit..." That's baptism. I haven't been able to find Jesus telling Nicodemus to "just say a prayer" to become born again. According to the Bible there are very specific things one must do to be born again.
Yes, I absolutely believe John 3:16. Again, though, there are very specific things one has to do. It's hard to read the Bible and walk a way thinking all I have to do is have faith. The opposite of believeth is disobedience. If I tell my son to clean his room and he looks at me and says "Dad, I truely believe you want me to clean my room" and then doesn't do it, we're going to have a problem. He must obey.
Inspired word of God...you bet! How it's interpreted...well my friend we are two honest christians with different opinions. Now what?
Blasher, I would be happy to have a leisurely discussion via email if you wish. If not, hey I'm just a farmer planting seeds!!! Haaahaaaa! I know you understand that reference!
mello