OUTLINE:

Gal 2:20 [Amplified]
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.

“baptized into his death”
The term “baptized” here refers to identification with Christ in His death; to be spiritually immersed in Him.

“dead to sin”
Think about this phrase from the perspective of sin. A believer is no longer “alive” in that realm anymore. Just like we were born “dead” from God’s perspective, once saved, we are “alive to God in Christ Jesus” but “dead” to sin (aka sin cannot control us anymore; we are like inanimate objects).

Jn 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

“Follow Me”
Mt 9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27; Jn 1:43 Jesus said, “Follow me.”
Mk 8:34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Leading From Point A to Point B
A leader leads. Leadership implies movement, whether in thought or action. When Jesus said, “Follow Me” or you “cannot be my disciple,” where was He proposing we were all going? HINT:  we’re all born spiritually dead (bound to death, itself).

The Beauty of Submission - blog 3/13/20
When believers submit to one another, we are revealing the fruit of the Spirit, being “filled” with Him (Eph 5:18). When we abide in this godly submissiveness, we perform acts of obedience, which pleases the Lord.

The Beauty of Submission - blog 3/13/20
The beauty of submission is that it is a privilege of ours to abide in, bringing glory to God. It also reveals our love for our Lord. With Christ’s perspective on the matter, we are set free.

For your OWN sake…
Please don’t take acts of grace for granted. We are entitled to nothing. For example, God gave you this message, but He didn’t have to. Furthermore, certain people are involved in keeping this ministry afloat - God is pleased because they do so “out of reverence for Christ” (Eph 5:21).

We don’t just “imagine” grace, we experience it!

If you want deliverance from fear, then OBEY the Word of God!

Pr 4:7 [Amplified]
“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].

Pr 9:10 [Amplified]
The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.

God is in control.

You don’t really know someone until you say “No” to them.
Secular Proverb

Applying the Proper Lens
We should NEVER think about Jesus Christ through an earthly lens. If we apply an earthly lens to Him, it follows that we will apply an earthly scale of values to the things of God.

The “Life Is Good” Attitude
It’s transcendent,
not transactional.