Some messages leave a lasting mark upon our life. Bro. Patrick Nix preached a message over twenty years ago that still stays in my soul today. I can’t quote much of the message but I remember the context and take away.
Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 sheds light on Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Many in this day were disputing whether Jesus had risen from the dead, so Paul confirms his resurrection as seen by his followers.
If Christ had not risen from the dead then preaching was in vain. Let’s be assured; He arose! We are spiritually dead due to our sin nature. But when we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He quickens us or makes us alive inside. The Holy Spirit moves inside empowering us to follow Christ which requires we pick up our crucifixion cross.
Living a crucified life involves obeying God’s word and listening to the Holy Spirit. Our flesh must be submitted for daily service. Television and social media time might need to be minimized in order to pray, read, witness, and minister. Extra-curricular activities like shopping, vacationing, and sports might be lessened to insure church attendance, Bible study, or to visit needy people.
Not much is required of us in comparison to Christ’s crucifixion. I daresay any of us have been beaten, spat on, or ripped to shreds with shards of metal and bone. We’ve not been stripped naked and mocked before angry crowds or nailed to a cross to bleed and die.
Bearing our cross requires we die daily to our self-centered nature. The same Spirit that resurrected Jesus from the dead lives within us, but we must give him preeminence to experience resurrection power. No crucifixion-no resurrection.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Amen! I haven’t been able to get this off my mind this week ! I love it! Thank you Jesus! Thanks for sharing Lisa!
Brenda, so thankful this post left an impact. My purpose for writing is to glorify God and share His truth!
Great sermons stay with us. I recall one that led me to a life-changing, work-changing decision many years ago. Thanks or sharing the gist of this one!
We hear numerous messages throughout our life but only a few leave permanent impressions. This was one for me. Glad you can relate Candyce.
One of the compelling things about the crucifixion is the fact that people staked their lives on it. They went to their deaths proclaiming the truth. Thanks for a good message.
Yes Annie, many gave their last breath proclaiming this truth. The least we can do is daily strive to crucify our flesh in order to walk in God’s power. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for some great reminders about how to live submitted to God.
Annie, these reminders are for me also.
“Die daily to our self-centered nature.” It’s SOOO hard to do, yet Jesus, our Savior and role model helps us through it. I’m still a work in progress. Thank you for sharing this inspiring message of hope.
Katherine, We’ll be a work in progress until we receive our glorified body. Thank God for Jesus.