Crucified with Christ
Galatians 2:20 (AMP) I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Have you ever known someone who was wild and crazy then they suddenly go to church, accept Jesus, and they stopped acting wild and crazy? Well if you haven't then let me share with you that I was that wild and crazy person. I wasn't raised in a Christian home and I didn't experience church until I was 20 years old. I was always searching for a purpose in life and questioned why I was here. After going to church and experiencing the love, forgiveness and grace of Jesus, I no longer had a desire to live the way I had been living. I only desired to learn more about the God of the universe who made the ultimate sacrifice for me, the wild, crazy and imperfect me.
Full of regrets, shame and hurt, my life needed a transformation on the inside. Galatians explains exactly what I experienced when I made the decision to follow Christ - it's no longer me who lives - the person you used to know is now gone (sorry, no funeral was scheduled), I was crucified with Christ - my new life is lived by faith in Jesus, I completely trust in Him and rely on Him for countless things because He loved me enough to die for me even in the midst of all my sins and shortcomings. Some may use the terms wild and crazy to describe me now but it would be followed by - for Jesus! In my worship I cannot exalt His name enough, it's a love indescribable and an encounter you do not want to miss. He is so much more than a guy on a cross. Have you experienced all He is offering you? Is the life you live a life for Christ or a life for self? Selah.
Matthew 16:24 (AMP) “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross[expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]."
