Derek Smith
Lead Pastor
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
During the Middle Ages there was a popular story which circulated about Martin of Tours, the saint for whom Martin Luther was named. The story goes that Satan once appeared to St Martin disguised as Jesus himself. St. Martin was amazed at the sight and almost fell to his feet and worshiped this resplendent being of glory and light. Then, suddenly, he looked up into the palms of his hands and asked, “Where are the nail prints?” Upon saying this the being vanished.
A faith without the cross is mere fantasy. The Lord Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life on Calvary so you and I could be freed from our slavery to sin. Through His shed blood we are reconciled to God and redeemed from the tyranny of Satan himself. We are justified, which is a legal term meaning we are acquitted of the crimes of sin and no longer guilty before a holy God. Here’s the thing: the cross is not just the bridge to our salvation. It is also the very call upon our lives. Because Christ suffered in the flesh we should arm ourselves with the same purpose. The call to follow Christ is a call to die to my way of life and way of thinking. Every single day I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live for myself, Christ lives in me. We are His bondservants awaiting our marching orders for the day so we can move out in obedience. So, does your faith include a cross? Does the Savior of your life have nail scars on His hands, or are you content to live a life without sacrifice? The question is not so much what WOULD Jesus do as it is what DID Jesus do. Jesus died to save us. What needs to die in your life today so that the life of Christ can reign in and through you? Today, present your body a living sacrifice to God and the resurrection life of Christ will come alive in you..