The Power of the Resurrection

"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"  (Ephesians 1:19,20)

"A LIVING SACRIFICE."  The Cross has the power to make you die - to make you experience the death of Christ.  In the case of Lazarus - he tasted death and came back to life.  Nothing in the world would he value any more because he had gone through death and been in the grave.  He would be completely detached to the world.  Detachment to worldly possessions brings us to a different plane.  The death of Self is a great event in a man's life.  It is a miracle.  Our churches are ruined by self-centered men.  All activities are directed and manipulated by and for the ego.  Detachment from the world - oh the Cross helps us in that.  When Christ died the supernatural power of God came and raised Him from the dead.

God's great power was exhibited not at creation but when He raised Jesus from the dead.  When you look at the Cross the same power operates death in you.  It is a supernatural thing - Death of Self.  If you want to go to higher regions of spiritual life, you have to go through this experience - through the Cross.  Isaac was as good as dead when he was laid on the altar.  What could have been difficult to him after that?  "Isaac do not go to Egypt," God said.  He said, "Alright."  "Isaac do not quarrel with those that are unjustly taking possession of your wells." He said, "Alright."  He did not find it hard.  There is no special attachment to any thing when you come to this place.  Do not ask how it is possible.  God has prepared a great power to lift you.  If you go to the aerodrome and ask, "How can this heavy plane rise and go in a specific direction?"  What answer will you get?  Those who have constructed the plane have made it possible for it to rise and be steered in any particular direction.  So God who created the Cross for us has made it possible for us to rise to higher regions where you can offer yourself as a living sacrifice.  Life is very pleasant on that plane.  You are not afraid of death.  Where is fear any more?  God who has called you is faithful and He has sacrificed His Son that this divine power may be available to change a wild man into a holy being.