Cross Examination
"I Have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son Of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)
"A cross-examination is the act of the opposing party questioning the witness during a trial. Generally, a witness is initially questioned by the party who called them to the stand on direct examination." (http://law.cornell.edu>wex)
As we approach Easter, the first thing we should do is take a good look at the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. What does the cross say to us? To those who are living outside of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and those who have given their lives to be "In Christ?"
Truly the cross of Christ, calls us to have our hearts examined. What does the cross of Christ ask of us? I believe the apostle Paul has the answers to this, in his statement in our text: Galatians 2:20.
Question One: Have we died with Jesus Christ? Have we crucified our old sinful life, and nature? Have we put to death the old man of sin, to put on the new man or woman in Christ? Have we crucified and buried the old life (through baptism in Christ) to be raised to walk in newness of life? (Romans 6:4)
Question Two: Have we begun to live by faith, instead of trusting ourselves, and living for ourselves? The cross examines our hearts to see if we are willing to walk in the direction and guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ, instead of walking according to the wisdom, and deception of the world?
Question Three: Do we understand that the cross displays the sacrificial death of Christ for the world, that truly, sincerely, it shows the love of our Savior? And that that love is for each one of us, who are apart of this dark sinful world. (John 3:16)
Question Four: In light of what was done on the Cross of Calvary, what will you do today?
Will you lay down your life before the Cross, and let Jesus be the Savior you need today?
Question Five: And as Christians, will we continually share the "Good News" that in coming to the cross, we can have a renewed relationship with our awesome, eternal loving God, by totally submitting our lives to Him?
The Cross of Jesus, calls us to the stand, and examines our hearts, to show us, just where we are in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
To make us realize that we are sinners, and we need a Savior. The cross is a reminder that a Savior came, and He bled and died on that cruel and agonizing cross, taking our place, being punished for our sinfulness and rebellion against God. A reminder that the only way that we can be saved, and have the eternal hope only God gives, is to lay down our lives at the cross, and totally put to death the old life, to walk in the new life, God promises ,through His Son Jesus Christ.
As witnesses are asked before giving their testimony: "Do you swear to tell the truth, nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
When you come to the cross of Christ, will you be totally honest with yourself, and see yourself in light of what God wants you to be, and to do? What is your answer to Him today?
GP
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