We aren’t physically crucified but spiritually we are dead with Jesus, nailed our sins to the cross and we die to sin with Him. Then we are ressurected with Him and we become a new person. We do this through baptism.
But we are tolc that we should carry our cross, what does this mean? It means that we need to carry along the burden of salvation as we live our days. Jesus carried the burden of salvation that He will give to the entire world. He did that by being obedient, obeying the Father, living by the spirit so much so that He became selfless. He let his flesh be persecuted, tortured so that His spirit might live and prosper, becoming stronger and stronger to defeat sin and death.
We also need to do our part of the job that is to continue carrying the burden by being obedient and live our lives by the spirit, even if we have to suffer like Jesus, for He himself told His disciples that they will recieve the cup that He has taken.
Matthew 20:22-23a (NKJV) But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with;
So are we just a fan of God? meaning someone who adores Him, sing for Him, and live among people that we call brethrens, brothers and sisters who actually we do not know that much only to live a life that “looks” like living in the fellowship of Christ? Living life knowing Jesus when He Himself do not know you?
Matthew 7:22-23 (NKJV) Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
OR do you want to live a live that is ready and brave, be a disciple and not just a fan, but someone that is ready to face anything that the world brings. Not asking for God to remove the mountain but asking Him to make us able to overcome it. Someone that does things for cause and not for applause.
Ready to live a strong and difficult life for His Mighty Name.
In the Bible we are called for two things:
-We are called to suffer-
1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
&
-We are called to be blessed-
Galatians 3:9 (NKJV) So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
But it was also stated in 1Peter5:10 that the suffering happens first.
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
So that means whilst we are here on earth and we are still young, the first thing happens first and we cannot deny that, stop living like happiness and comfort is for granted for they are the instruments of the devil to inflict sin and death upon us. Comfort kills but Problems makes us mature, that is if we solve them, that is the burden of the Cross that we have to
#YouthNotes