DAY 14 - A MATTER OF DEATH & LIFE

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DAY 14 – A Matter of Death & Life by Pastor Dick

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. — Colossians 2:13–15 (NIV)

What It Means to Be "Dead"

Paul paints a stark picture for us—before Christ, we were spiritually dead. Not just a bad day or feeling low—but downright lifeless inside.

Like a car with no gas, going nowhere. The Greek word for "flesh" here means our human nature run wild, self-centered and separated from God.

Imagine walking around like a zombie—but thankfully not groaning for brains, but for meaning, for life.

The First Death: Christ’s Sacrifice

True life was locked behind a gate called death, but Christ has the key. He lived as fully God and fully man, and then gave His perfect life as a sacrifice for us.

Because of His death and resurrection, our debts—those legal charges condemning us—were wiped out.

Jesus nailed that record of debt right to the cross. No more owing, no more condemning!

And the cosmic powers of evil? Christ disarmed them like a spiritual superhero, making a public spectacle and leading the victory parade.

The Second Death: Death of Our Flesh

But Paul talks about another death—the death of our old self.

That old self, full of sin and all its habits, gets put to rest when we trust Christ. It's like shedding a skin that no longer fits.

What took its place? New life—life that comes pouring out of our union with Christ.

The Miracle of New Life

Think back to Genesis when God breathed life into Adam. That same breath—the Holy Spirit—now breathes into us, giving vitality, purpose, and a new identity.

We don’t wander aimlessly anymore. We live with hope, calling others to the life that saved us.

Reflection Questions

• What do you notice about life apart from Christ—whether in your past or in today’s world—compared to life in Him?

• Who do you know still “walking dead” without Christ? How might you speak life and truth to them?

• Thank God today for breathing His Spirit into you. Ask Him for chances and boldness to share His life with others.
  

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for raising me from death to life through Christ. Enable live fully in this new life, and give me courage to share this life with those still lost. Amen.

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544