Look, what do you see?

When you look at the "word of the cross" (the gospel) what do you see?

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

This bold truth is worded to challenge us to not simply acknowledge the basic events of the cross in our lives, but to recognize how active and engaging it is. This is not an inert, passive truth. For those who are being affected by it, it is nothing short of living in and experiencing the very power of God in their lives daily transforming them into Christ-likeness. For those who are not being affected by it, it appears as sheer pointless nonsense that has no good affect and is possibly even offensive.

Self check: How do I see the "word of the cross", the gospel? Does it seem muddled, mysterious, distant, cold, lifeless, or not doing much? If so, then I need to pursue Christ and ask for the Spirit to work in my understanding of the gospel so that I don't stop short of seeing it for what it really is: the very power of God. (Romans 1:16)

The gospel may be simple truth, but it is never passive or weak -- it's life changing, every day.

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My Crucifixion

The Bible describes and explains the purpose of Jesus' crucifixion - which is paramount and epic. This morning, I spent time contemplating how much the Bible talks about my crucifixion... which is epic and world-altering because of Jesus' work. My crucifixion is not a side-note in the Bible. Its actually one of scripture's key, highlighted, core points I am to understand and live in. My crucification should also not be a side-note in my mind and in my life. It should be front and center to every day. It should bring hope to my day, it should inform my decisions, and direct my steps.

If you haven't considered this recently, you should stop and consider it now. Here's some fuel for today. Read through each of these in context, sit in this truth a bit, and see what happens to your perspective today:

• Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ..."
• Galatians 5:24 " Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
• Romans 6:6 " ..our old self was crucified with Him ..."
• Luke 9:23 "... if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
• Phil. 2:5-8 "Have this attitude in yourselves... ... He humbled himself...to the point of death...on a cross."
• 1 Peter 2:21-24 "For you have been called for this purpose...we might die to sin and live to righteousness."
• 1 Corinthians 15:31 "...I die daily."
• Romans 8:36 "... we are being put to death all day long..."

How would I summarize this as I consider, think about, and apply this today?

We are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It starts with our death,  to ourselves, our agenda, our desires - daily. But it doesn't stop there. What follows is a burial of our sick, sinful self. It stays buried, as we are raised in Christ to go on to live a new life - a very full, spiritually alive life in Christ! But we must die to ourselves continually to live in Him constantly. Christ died once and for all for me, that I would commit myself to dieing to myself continually to allow his life to be actively living in me.  If I'm to experience more of Christ in my life, I recognize that I personally will need to die to myself more than I do right now.

** Some notes and thoughts while reading "A Gospel Primer" by Milton Vincent

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