THE WEEK OF PASSION, THE CRUCIFIXION
THE BURIAL, THE RESURRECTION
Brother James, OIC
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Remembering the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ is more than acknowledging its history and the fact that it occurred. It is more than our assemblies that lean more toward social gatherings than true fellowship. It is the first essence of the measure of Faith that God Himself dealt to us which is to begin the process of crucifixion in our own lives. How many can truly state that they live by the faith OF the Son of God? And this faith is a faith whose life is lived in the flesh that has been crucified in its passions and lusts and is dead to the world.
This last week I’ve taken calls from at least 5 women who are homeless two of which have small babies. Currently along with another ministry we are working toward opening a residential facility for this growing need. Its not opened so I was left in a dilemma. With limited funds less than $300.00 to my name (I have no salary from organized religion-so what I have came by Faith) and ongoing daily expenses I had to pray and hear what to choose to do with what I had to give in faith. So it wasn’t a question of whether to help as it is commanded to give as much as it is within your power to give (DON’T GASP IN SHOCK BIG CHURCH-YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO PRAY IF YOU ARE TO GIVE NOR HIDE BEHIND THE WORD STEWARDSHIP NOR EVILLY JUDGE INTENT NOR MOTIVES OF THOSE IN NEED AS GIVING IS A GRACE AND AN OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO MINISTER THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN TRUTH). One I put in a motel for a week as they are starting a job. The other is at a friends house. And another went to the mission and the last will be taken to a women’s shelter in Enterprise today if they are not full. And none of this is through my ability but through Him that lives in me and gave His life for me. Trust this-with no bank account, liking to eat and have gas in a vehicle to give all your resources for the Love of Christ joyfully is a result of a crucifixion that’s taken place and this is what celebrates the Passion of Christ-to His glory not mans nor mans organized religion.
So the Passion Week should be a time for you of introspection to determine if you have been crucified with Christ, to determine if your passions and lusts are nailed to the cross. If not,if evil judgments, religious spirits still exist then maybe the need to truly press into the Spirit asking God to direct your life to have the heart and mind and mission of Christ on this earth.
As you give your heart in seeking God for His knowledge and understanding spiritually (not intellectually) of the New Testament you can trust you will live the week of Christ Passion daily and you will find Religion, Dead Ministers, and family will assist in your crucifixion. As Paul stated; “I die daily” may this daily laying down of your life for another glorify God, save others and truly place Eternal Life as your final destination.
