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Welcome to The Secret Place

The Secret Place podcast, hosted by Bishop Gary Oliver and his wife, Dr. Noemi Oliver, offers a space where listeners can explore deep spiritual truths and personal transformation through faith. In this episode, the Olivers guide us through the profound encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus found in John 3. This pivotal moment in scripture sheds light on the true meaning of spiritual rebirth and invites us to examine how this transformation shapes our walk with God.



After Resurrection: The Question of "What Now?"

As Bishop Gary Oliver reflects, Easter and Resurrection Sunday offer powerful reminders of God's ongoing work in the world. But as the celebratory fanfare fades, a question arises: “What now?” Jesus's followers faced uncertainty after the resurrection, unsure how to move forward in the absence of their teacher. Bishop Gary Oliver draws a parallel to our modern spiritual journeys, reminding us that discerning God's voice and movement is a continual process. Spiritual hunger is on the rise, and more people are searching for answers and connection in this moment. Our response to the resurrection is not a one-time event, but a continual pursuit of divine purpose as we ask, “What is God saying right now?”



The Story of Nicodemus: Encountering Jesus in Darkness

The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader, is layered with meaning. As Bishop Gary Oliver explains, Nicodemus approaches Jesus by night, a detail that reflects not only physical darkness but also Nicodemus’s spiritual uncertainty. Despite his impressive religious credentials and deep knowledge of Jewish law, Nicodemus is thirsty for something real—hungry for a truth he’s never experienced. His curiosity drives him to seek Jesus out secretly, highlighting the tension many of us feel when stepping beyond tradition in search of authentic faith.

The Olivers draw a powerful parallel between Nicodemus’s night-time visit and our own reluctance to openly explore faith, especially when our social circles or personal histories are steeped in tradition or skepticism. Sometimes, the journey toward Jesus begins quietly, in the shadows, before it can move to the light.



Being Born Again: Beyond Moralism to Regeneration

In their discussion, Bishop Gary Oliver emphasizes that Jesus’s message to Nicodemus was not about simply improving one’s behavior or tweaking religious practices—it was about undergoing a supernatural transformation, a “rebirth from above.” This concept of new birth, or regeneration, is foundational to the Christian experience. Just as we inherit traits from our earthly parents, being born again means receiving a new spiritual DNA from God. We are not just fixed or patched up; we are remade, equipped with everything needed to reflect our heavenly Father's nature.

Dr. Noemi Oliver underscores the importance of baptism in this process. Baptism symbolizes both cleansing (repentance) and rebirth (the imparting of the Spirit). It is an outward act powered by inward grace. As believers rise from the waters, they are invited to recognize a new identity free from the shackles of the past—a fresh start, both spiritually and mentally.



Water, Spirit, and the Renewed Mind

Jesus points to being "born of water and Spirit" as essential for entering God's kingdom. Bishop Gary Oliver unpacks this, distinguishing between the washing away of the old (water) and the infusion of divine life (Spirit). Repentance cleanses, but the Spirit regenerates, moving us from mere rule-following into a dynamic relationship with God. Embracing this shift requires the renewal of the mind—letting go of limiting beliefs and opening up to transformation from the inside out.



Stepping Into the Light: From Secrecy to Bold Faith

The story ends with a call to move from darkness to light. Jesus makes clear that the love of God was manifested not in condemnation, but in the offer of salvation. Those who embrace truth step into the light, leaving behind shame and deception. Bishop Gary Oliver encourages listeners to surround themselves with people who embody this shift—living in light, truth, and Spirit-led purpose.



Conclusion: An Ongoing Journey

The journey of spiritual rebirth is not a static moment but an ongoing relationship with God—a continual process of seeking, renewing, and growing. The story of Nicodemus is not just his; it is an invitation for each of us to encounter Jesus honestly, wrestle with our traditions, and step into the fullness of life God offers.

As the Olivers remind us, the new birth is both a gift and a calling. It starts privately but is meant to be lived boldly, shining light for all to see.