The message of the cross, which is foolishness to them that are perishing but the power of God to us that are saved, gives us a clear picture of life that brings us in union with Christ Jesus. The death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ brings us life that transcends human reasoning. In John 6:63 our Lord Jesus had this to say, “What gives life is God’s Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit.” Jesus Christ Himself, is the life-giver.

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The following references:1Corinthians 15:45; 2Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:25, convey life in the Spirit through Christ Jesus. It is more important and profitable living for the Lord and to live our lives through the Spirit as we continue to serve Him as our Lord and Saviour.

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Life on earth is just the “walk through” (dress rehearsal) before the real production. Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for our lives in eternity. It is the practice work-out before the actual game.  While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers only two: Heaven or Hell! Our relationship to God on earth will determine our relationship to Him in eternity!

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When we fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, we will place more value living by the Spirit than of the flesh. Our finite minds cannot handle the wonders and greatness of heaven.  Death is not our termination, but our transition into eternity, because God has a purpose for our life on earth, but it doesn’t end here. His plans for our lives involves far more than the few decades we will spend on this planet.  Hence one must live wisely while on this earth!

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The life of the carnal mind gives us a clear picture of how much destructive and opposing it is, compared to the life by the Spirit. In as much as carnality brings death, the only time most people think about eternity is at funerals and then it’s often shallow, sentimental thinking, based on ignorance. Afterwards, most people forget and continue to live the same way.

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Only a fool will go through life on earth unprepared for what we all know will eventually happen. We need to think more about eternity, not less; and it is only life by the Spirit that gives us this enablement to think and follow the mind of Christ according to His divine purpose. We should realize that every moment we spend in these earthly bodies is time spent away from our eternal home in heaven with Jesus.

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Hence lets us understand from our Scripture today: “To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace.” (V.6) Let us live as guided by the Spirit of God in us and not by the dictates of the human nature (the flesh). Then we will live fruitfully for God’s purpose while on earth and be prepared for eternity with Him. Live by the Spirit!

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Thought: “What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.”-Galatians 5:16 [GNT]