June 14, 2024
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20)
We were all born separated from God because of our sin. This began in the Garden with our First Parents choosing to sin … and now sin reigns. Their rebellion affected all of us.
God, in His great love, sent the second Adam, His Son, Jesus Christ. He loved us and gave Himself up for us. When He died for me on the cross, He carried the penalty for all my sins before a holy God and took the punishment I deserved.
CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST
“I have been crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:20)
My old man (who I was before Christ, a sinner without God) was represented on the cross with Christ and was put to death with Him. This is why Paul continually says his old man is dead. Finished. Done with and rendered powerless (Romans 6:6). I will NEVER be that man again, i.e., a powerless man without Christ, condemned by my sins.
NO LONGER!
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Vs. 20)I
Christ is now with me and, by His Spirit, IN me! I have everything I need because I have Him, and He has me. I am alive because He lives in me. This means I have all the power I need to live in this world, and I can enter into the next.
BY FAITH
“… and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God” (Vs. 20)
But there is only one way this glorious life can be experienced. I cannot earn it by my own works. I cannot manufacture it on my own. I experience this life initially and daily by trusting in Christ alone. By looking to Him who loved me and gave His life for me. By faith.
And that is why—forever and ever—we will praise, honor, and serve Him!
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
