The resurrected life. Many Christians don’t experience the transformation process, because we want resurrection without crucifixion.
We want the glory and the power of resurrection without going through the pain of crucifixion.
There is no glory without story
We must be ready to go through the process and experience crucifixion. This positions us to engage the power of the Holy Spirit, and it results in transformation.
The Crucified Life
Apostle Paul helps us understand that as believers, we are identified with the crucifixion of Christ, whether we like it or not.
There must be crucifixion before there is resurrection, certain parts of you must die so that you can get a better you.
…Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism and just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
~ (Romans 6:3-4 NLT)
The most powerful and life transforming visual in Christianity is the death and resurrection of Christ. This is what we demonstrate through water baptism: the public identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
To be joined with Christ in death means to yield all aspects of our lives to Him. We should confront every situation in our lives with, “Lord, let your will be done, not mine.”
It’s hard but that’s the death process.
A powerless Christian cannot withstand satan and sin. It is the Holy Spirit that strengthens and empowers you to withstand temptation. A believer without the power of the Holy Spirit cannot walk in love or show kindness.
“If you will turn and pay attention to my rebuke, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”
~ Proverbs 1:23 (AMP)
When you release yourself and yield to God, you will see His grace in your life.
Sermon excerpt from Sunday sermon by Pastor Boye Oloyede– Sunday 23, April, 2023
Watch this sermon here
