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Category Archives: Faith

Walking with Christ

06 Oct
Walking with Christ

We’re going through the letter to the Philippian church. In my last post, we talked about truly knowing Christ. Not just a surface knowledge of what’s written about Him in Scripture. I’m talking about truly knowing Him personally.

We left off looking at Paul’s desire in this regard.

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:10-11 NIV

I want to know Christ. Our vocabulary is watered down sometimes. We talk about how long we’ve known Christ, but what we really mean is how long we’ve been saved. Our salvation and truly knowing Christ are two separate issues entirely.

To know someone deeply, you need to spend time with them, one on one. One of the best ways is to walk together. The Bible uses that analogy over and over again concerning our relationship with Christ.

When you walk with Christ for the purpose of knowing Him better, things start to take place.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 NIV

One of the big results is that you will not walk in darkness. In other words, the Holy Spirit will begin to guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to wander around through life. Your direction forward will be clear.

This is how Jesus lived and ministered when He was with the disciples. When He heard that His friend, Lazarus was sick, He waited a couple of days. After that, He called them together.

Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?”
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

John 11:7-10 NIV

The Lord was led by the Spirit in all that He did. He didn’t go somewhere just because it was expected of Him. On the other hand, He didn’t stay away because of a fear of being killed.

Fear of the future is one of humanity’s greatest fears. We worry about what’s ahead all the time. But if we walk with Christ, listening to the voice of His Spirit, then we need not fear.

If the Spirit is leading, then He’s also protecting.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

Psalms 138:7 NIV

That’s why we need to cultivate a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. He’s our guide through all the uncertainties of life.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

I love this verse. In it I see the Holy Spirit as my “Life GPS”. We can’t afford to live without His presence.

That’s what a close, personal walk with Christ is all about. Learning to spend time in His presence. But not doing all the talking. Allow the Spirit of Christ to speak to us, then be ready to obey that voice.

That’s the real blessing of a walk with God.

Question: What was the last guidance you received from the Holy Spirit?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 6, 2023 in Faith, Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Grace, Faith, and Works

22 Sep
Grace, Faith, and Works

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he begins to talk about his purpose. In my last post, we saw that the church was exhorted to walk in purity, shining the light of Christ, and holding forth the Word of God.

Paul told them these things…

…in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Philippians 2:16 NIV

Paul did not want his labors in the Philippian church to be in vain. Literally, that word means to be empty. But, what is Paul trying to get across to them?

It’s actually an important concept that we need to take note of. Our desire should be that our walk before God is not an empty walk. I want to explain it to you from Scripture.

We first have to start with the grace of God. His grace has been poured out on all of mankind. Some choose to receive it, while others either reject or ignore it.

As believers in Christ, we must receive it with a purpose. Scripture is clear.

As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV

This is where it begins. The receiving of God’s grace. He has poured it out on us in abundance. But, what are we doing with it? That’s the real question.

So it’s not a matter of obtaining grace. You’ve already got it. You have the grace of God for everything you need. So what’s the problem?

Notice that Paul refers to his audience as God’s fellow workers. Do you see yourself as working alongside God in His field? If not, then that’s where you need to concentrate your prayers.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

You have the grace, now you need to start putting it to work. Your work, alongside God as a fellow worker, is not empty. It will have an effect. It will make a difference in your life and in those around you.

Grace always has a destination – a purpose – in mind. Receiving God’s grace, and not acting on it, makes for an empty life. All the work you’re doing is worthless.

That brings me to the final piece of the puzzle. We can’t act on God’s grace without a knowledge of God’s will. God’s Word is His will revealed to us. We should already know that faith comes by hearing that Word (Romans 10:17).

This faith has a relationship with grace.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

Romans 5:1-2a NIV

Faith gives us access to use the grace we’ve received. We hear God’s will. Faith is birthed I us. We trust that God’s Word is true. Then we act on it.

James understood this concept.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

James 2:20 NIV

This is an interesting verse because that word, foolish, is the same Greek word, vain that we’ve been talking about. If you don’t take the grace and faith that you’ve been given, and act on them, you’re empty and unfulfilled.

I don’t want an empty, unfulfilled life. I want to accomplish my destiny in the Lord. That will require me to take the grace and faith I’ve been given and use them to work alongside the Lord in His kingdom.

Let that be the desire of your heart!

Question: How are you putting God’s grace to work in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 22, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Together in Spiritual Warfare

01 Sep
Together in Spiritual Warfare

As we go through the book of Philippians, we now come to a very important truth. This is one of the epistles that the Holy Spirit used to concentrate on us as a body of believers.

After explaining the possibility of persecution for the faith, Paul gives the church this command.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God.

Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

In the past, I’ve posted about the connection between prayer in the spirit, unity, and the fight of faith. Did you know that they all go hand in hand? To read these posts, click here.

This is one of many Scriptures where we’re told to contend for the faith. I’ve read through this verse many times. After careful study, I’ve developed a very different take on this passage.

When I read it now, it sounds to me like an army general giving a final speech to his troops on the eve of battle. Listen to what Paul says. Stand firm in ONE SPIRIT. Contend as ONE MAN for the faith. How can this be done in the natural?

We know from God’s Word, that it can’t, it must be a work of the spirit. We must pray in the heavenly gift together, and so line up our spirits with each other and with the Holy Spirit. Only then can we stand firm in one “spiritual wind”. (The Greek word for wind and spirit is exactly the same.)

It’s without a doubt that prayer in the spirit unifies the church for war. This gift is the unifying factor in the body of Christ. There is, however, a deeper reason for using prayer in the spirit as a part of our warfare. I found this, of all places, while watching the Weather Channel.

They were airing a special about wind. Scientifically, the wind is simply air molecules in motion. They talked about everything from light winds to severe winds.

You would think that a 40 MPH wind is twice as strong, does twice the damage of a 20 MPH wind. So did I, and I was wrong. The effect of wind on its environment is an exponential increase as the speed increases.

This means that because of the nature of wind, a 40 MPH wind is actually ten times the strength and effect of a 20 MPH wind. Take hurricanes for example. A Category 1 hurricane, the weakest, is about 75 MPH. The strongest, a Category 5, is about 135 MPH. Even though it has twice the wind speed, a Category 5 hurricane does ten times the damage of a Category 1.

What does any of this have to do with prayer in the spirit? Well, all of this talk about the exponential increase of wind should remind you of a spiritual truth.

How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede.

Deuteronomy 32:30-31 NIV

We usually quote this by saying, “one can put a thousand to flight and two shall put ten thousand to flight.” Whether you know it or not this verse is speaking about the exponential increase of the move of the Spirit of God.

The truth we need to learn is that prayer in the spirit has an exponential effect on the object of that prayer. This is the true power of corporate prayer in the spirit.

This is an important truth for us to learn. That’s because of the generation we’re living in. There’s a rise in persecution against the church taking place. This is what Paul is referring to. He continues that thought.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 1:29-30 NIV

We need to begin contending together, as one man for the faith. The requires corporate prayer in the spirit.

Question: Why is the power of corporate prayer in the spirit largely untapped in our generation?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 1, 2023 in Faith, Fellowship, Power of God, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, The Church, Word of God

 

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Moving Forward in Faith

30 Aug
Moving Forward in Faith

We’re continuing to study Paul’s letter to the Philippians from his imprisonment in Rome. He’s awaiting the outcome of his trial.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Philippians 1:18b-19 NIV

Paul uses some important language in these verses. It’s one of those things that you miss in translation. If we understood it, we’d be a lot less worried about the future.

There’s a very good reason why Paul is rejoicing over the outcome of his situation. When Paul says the phrase, I know, he literally says I’ve seen, in the Greek.

This is not a quote from some modern-day faith preacher. This is Scripture through the Apostle Paul. I’ve heard people criticized for talking like this, but it’s perfectly Biblical.

Paul was a man of prayer. He spent enormous amounts of time communing with the Holy Spirit. It was during those times that the Spirit showed him that he would be acquitted and released. He’s not just speaking from wishful thinking.

Paul was going forward in joy because he had a knowledge beyond what any man could see. Understand this, God is no respecter of persons. The Lord wants to do this in us as well. We just have to take the time to remain in His presence and listen for His voice.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:20-21 NIV

Paul makes it clear that because he is earnestly watching and expecting God’s intervention, he can be as bold as he needs to be. It’s always easier to be courageous if you know the outcome ahead of time.

Please understand what Paul is NOT saying here. He’s not thinking that there’s a chance they’ll find him guilty and put him to death. He’s already settled that matter. He’s letting these supporters know that, as always, his goal is to glorify Christ either in life or death.

And just so the church will understand this truth, he continues.

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Philippians 1:22-26 NIV

Paul makes it abundantly clear that God’s will for him is to continue his ministry. He will be back in Philippi some day and they will see him again. This is not some “name it and claim it” foolishness. It’s a faith in a holy and powerful God.

The Bible makes it clear that faith comes by hearing a Word from God (Romans 10:17). But hearing a Word from God requires time in His presence. This is where the Lord is trying to lead His church in this generation.

God wants a people who hear and obey His voice. Then we can move forward in faith, courage, and boldness. That’s because we’ve seen how our labors will turn out before we even start. True faith is a product of our time with the Holy Spirit.

Especially in our generation, we need men and women of God who are willing to seek His face. It’s a complicated road that we’re traveling, and we need the wisdom of God to see us through. Don’t neglect intimate time with the Spirit.

Question: How does hearing from God produce faith?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on August 30, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

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Applying the Shield of Faith

14 Jul
Applying the Shield of Faith

In my last post, we saw that the Shield of Faith is the first of the offensive weaponry given to us. It protects our whole life against the fiery trials of evil. It also identifies me as a member of God’s family.

Today I want to talk specifically about how to use your faith in the midst of the spiritual battles you face. Let me first warn you, because I’m going to say some things that you may not agree with. Stick with me and see where I’m headed.

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…
2 Corinthians 4:13

There are many places in Scripture where we’re told to speak out our faith. This is important in using the shield. To use faith as a shield, I must speak what I believe.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12

Paul talks about the fight of faith. It’s a shield fight. It can fend off the enemy when he first attacks. It’s all about having a good confession.

Wait a minute! Let me explain to you what I mean by “a good confession.” First of all, that word, confession, in the Greek means to speak the same as. This means that I confess the Word of God.

But be careful. I’m not saying to mindlessly repeat something over and over again. God’s Word is not some sort of magical spell. You can’t just repeat some words and get what you want.

The key is in the verse from Corinthians. I speak what I believe. If I don’t believe what I’m speaking, I get no results.

Think about when Jesus was confronted by the devil in the wilderness. The Lord was not victorious because He quoted the Scripture. He won the battle because He believed the Scripture that He spoke.

The point is that I can’t simply have God’s Word in my head. I need to get it into my heart.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7

We’re told here to imitate the faith of godly leaders. They spoke the Word. But more than that, because they believed it, they lived it. It was a faith that could be seen and copied.

By spending time in God’s Word – reading, memorizing, speaking, and meditating on it – my heart begins to have faith in that Word. Then, in the middle of a spiritual battle, the Holy Spirit is able to use that Word as a shield to protect my life.

But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Hebrews 3:6

As I said in my last post, faith shows that you belong to the family of God. The word, hope, in this verse actually means expectation. What do you expect God to do in your life? It’s time to start boasting about it.

We need to take our trust for God’s Word out into the open. People need to see the faith that’s in our hearts. When I speak my faith, evil will have a hard time sticking to me. My life will start to line up with the Word of God.

Question: What are you expecting from God in the near future?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 14, 2023 in Faith, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Faith as a Shield

12 Jul
Faith as a Shield

We’re continuing our walk through Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. We’ve been going through chapter 6 in detail. In talking about God’s Armor, the next piece we’ll see is the Shield of Faith. That’s probably one of the most preached about in our generation.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16

There are some assumptions being made in this verse. Paul says that this is in addition to the pieces already talked about. This assumes that you’re already standing firm in the Word, walking in righteousness, and prepared to do God’s will.

We can stand firm in just these. What we have to realize is that when we take up the shield, we’re going from defense to offense in the spiritual battle. Up until this point, your goal is to keep the enemy from harming you.

You add the shield so that you can now defeat the enemy. You take up the Shield of Faith because you’re now going into the part of the battle where the arrows are flying.

Please understand that I’m not talking about saving faith. You’ve already trusted Christ for that. I’m also not talking about faith in the promises of God. I’m looking at using faith in the middle of the battle as a shield.

It’s your protection against the flaming arrows of the evil one. This means that there’s more than just one arrow headed in your direction.

That brings me to the word, shield, itself. The Greek word used in this verse is not the little one that looks like a trashcan cover. Get that picture out of your mind, even though most of the illustrations for the Christian armor look like that.

The word Paul uses comes from the word door. That’s because this shield is as big as a door. The soldier could hide behind it and be totally protected from these arrows as long as he stayed there.

That tells me that faith protects my whole life. So far, the armor has protected my mind, my heart, and my will. This piece protects everything else.

This shield protects me from evil. What kind of evil? I’m talking about the random evil that’s flying in the front lines. The archers on the wall loose a volley of arrows against those who are advancing. These are simply flying to take out whoever they can hit.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day…
Psalms 91:5

If the enemy can hit our flesh with evil, then our flesh will take us out of the fight. We’ll end up battling our own sin nature instead of defeating the devil’s kingdom.

These are the flaming arrows of the enemy. As the weapons of the enemy hit the wooden shield, it begins to wear away. If you just stand still in your Christian walk, you begin to lose ground. Your faith begins to fade.

That’s why prayer, reading the word, and fellowship with other believers are so vital to our walk with the Lord. We need to continue in all of these things just to stand still. If that’s the case, then I really need to build my faith for moving forward in God.

However, there’s one more purpose of the shield other than for protection. In the Roman army, everybody’s shield was painted differently. They did this because your shield identified your family. Members of the same family had the same design on their shields.

But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Hebrews 3:6

The fact is that we’re now in God’s family. This verse tells us that we can show it by our outspokenness. When we walk in faith, we can boldly declare our expectation in Christ. In that way, we show what family we belong to.

In my next post, I’ll talk about how to use and apply this piece of armor.

Question: How has God shielded you from the enemy’s attacks?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 12, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Warfare

 

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Applying the Breastplate of Righteousness

05 Jul
Applying the Breastplate of Righteousness

In my last post, I showed how the Breastplate of Righteousness was given to us to protect our hearts. That’s the good ground of our life. It’s where we plant the good seed of the Word of God.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we’re told to put on the full armor of God. That means it’s a choice I have to make. The first thing we need to understand is what this righteousness is.

In the Bible, we’re told about two kinds of righteousness and both of them are important. First, there’s the position of righteousness. That means I’m declared righteous simply because I’m in Christ and He’s my righteousness.

Because of this position of righteousness, I can go into the presence of God whenever I want. Whether I need forgiveness, or simply want to praise and worship the Father, I have 24/7 access to God’s throne.

I praise God for the position of righteousness that we’ve been granted in Christ. However, that’s not the righteousness that protects our ground. The breastplate speaks of the walk of righteousness.

How does the walk of righteousness protect my heart? In the natural, Scripture talks about the enemies that invaded Israel and ruined their fields. Fire, drought, foxes, stones, salt, weeds, locust, and hail were all causes of crop failure.

In our walk with God, we’re warned to be careful not to form intimate relationships with unbelievers. We’re told that bad friendships corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). By becoming intimate with the world you’re opening up yourself for a broken heart – rocky, stony soil.

When your walk is not right before God, you have an open, unprotected heart. If you remember, a few posts ago I showed that the armor wasn’t Paul’s invention. There’s a word picture of God wearing His armor in the Old Testament.

Knowing this, Paul described what the breastplate consists of.

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
1 Thessalonians 5:8

The first thing Paul talks about here is self-control. You may not want to hear this, but it takes self-control to put on the breastplate.

The word, self-control, in this verse, is not the same as the fruit of the spirit. This Greek word means to be sober, not drunk. We can’t be so intoxicated with the world that we miss God’s best.

Then, Paul gives us a closer look at this breastplate. He tells us that it’s comprised of a combination of faith and love. Walking in faith and love is the completion of your righteousness before God.

It should be obvious how this works. I must choose to trust God. I must choose to love God. This is a daily choice, to walk in righteousness. It’s a faith-love walk.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:6

In the New Covenant, circumcision is all about the rules of men. The reality is that in Christ rules don’t count for anything. Only a walk of righteousness matters.

This verse talks about being in Christ Jesus. That’s where you have to be to use the armor. This passage literally says that in Christ…the only thing that has force is faith, energized and made effective, through love.

How does this protect my heart? When you walk in the combination of faith and love, you’re placing a “force field” of righteousness around your heart. Your ground is protected, and you can expect your spiritual seed to grow unhindered by the enemy.

Question: What evidence do you see of faith and love working together in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 5, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Warfare

 

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Boldness and Access

03 Apr
Boldness and Access

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is important in our understanding of who we are in Christ. In it, he explains many of the rich blessings of this “in Christ reality”.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Ephesians 3:12 NIV

This verse talks about the two sides of our approach to God. Paul says that it’s in Him and through faith. Those are the two key necessities.

The “in Christ” part was accomplished on the cross. There was nothing I could do. We’ve been talking about this for the last few posts.

The other issue is faith. That’s on my part. I must trust that the Lord has made me worthy to enter His presence. God’s Word should give me all that I need for this kind of faith.

That’s it. There’s nothing else I need in order to approach the throne of grace. It’s not about good works or becoming a better person. I can’t gain entrance to this holy place based on what I do.

Too often we get down on ourselves. We think we’re not good enough to go before the God of the universe. I’m glad that’s not the case. Jesus Christ did all the work to make me righteous in God’s eyes. I can come before Him without fear.

The Berean Literal Bible translation has this verse a little closer to the original.

…in whom we have boldness and access in confidence, by faith in Him.

Ephesians 3:12 BLB

Boldness and access. Those are two important concepts to lay hold of in approaching God.

The word, boldness, means outspokenness in the original. It means we have the freedom to speak out what’s on our heart, without fear. That’s because, when it comes to God, He already knows what’s in our heart.

The other great word is access. That’s our admission…the freedom to enter someplace. That’s like showing up to the arena with your ticket in hand. There may be guards and security present. But you can walk right in because you have your admission ticket.

Once I have my ticket, I’m not shy about entering the arena. That’s the confidence we should have in Christ Jesus. I know what He paid for my admission to God’s presence.

Christ bought for us the ability to stand clean before our God. There’s now no more guilt, no more condemnation, and no more fear.

When starting a new project or activity, if you know that you’re prepared, there’s a sense of freedom and confidence. No matter how difficult the task is that you’ve chosen, there’s no fear, only excitement and anticipation.

That’s how it is with the Lord. He’s provided us with all that we need to approach the throne of a holy God. Equipped with that knowledge, we can put forth the faith that draws us near to His matchless presence. As His Spirit moves upon ours, we can be free from the worry of shame, humiliation, or judgment.

You can approach the throne of grace with the confidence that comes from knowing that your sins are forgiven and that you’re a new creation in Christ Jesus. Find in His presence the freedom and confidence that God promises to His children. Then take what you receive and live it out in the world around you.

Paul understood the importance of this.

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Ephesians 3:13 NIV

Paul is basically telling this church not to worry about him and the trials he’s going through. Paul has the same access to the Father. He can find all the grace he needs to come out victoriously for the glory of God.

Go before God boldly and spend quality time in His presence. That’s where we find all that we need for life and godliness.

Question: How often do you spend time with the Lord?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 3, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Walk, Worship

 

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Perfect Salvation

15 Mar
Perfect Salvation

I’m continuing to post through Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. I’ve been talking about the good things provided for us by Christ on the cross. The apostle continues with this.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

This work that Christ has done in us is totally His doing. It didn’t matter how good I was, being brought up in church. I’m just as guilty before God. It wouldn’t matter if I was a drug dealer, rapist, or terrorist. The blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all of my sins.

I have nothing to boast about in my life before I met Christ. For years I continued to miss the mark of God’s righteousness. The Good News is, that it doesn’t matter if you missed it by an inch or a mile. God’s grace can cover it all. You just need to cry out to Him.

Our past had no bearing on His love for us.

…for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13

The salvation of the Lord is all encompassing. But, as incredible as all this is, it’s not the end of it. Even though in one sense I have been saved, God’s work continues to have an effect upon my life. Salvation doesn’t end with the sinner’s prayer.

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:2

It should be clear from the context of this verse that being saved is an ongoing process. The word for saved in this verse implies a continual work. That’s why there’s an “if” in this section. The process of salvation can only continue if you hold firmly to the Word.

I think that part of our problem in the modern church is our stubborn refusal to allow God to continue His work of change in our lives. We’re happy that our sins were forgiven. We look forward with joy to our home in Heaven. But right now there’s so many things that we want to do and experience in the world. The thought of God disrupting those plans for His purpose doesn’t sit well with us.

We need to see change as the natural outgrowth of our walk with God. His ongoing plan of salvation in us should never stagnate. There’s always something new to look forward to. That even applies to the return of Christ.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

Romans 5:9

Not only is the saving work of the Lord active in me today, but it also gives me a future hope. I know that on the Day of Judgment I have nothing to fear. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, I will be saved from the wrath of God. Death holds no fear for the Christian, only the promise of a new address in the presence of God.

Question: How is God’s ongoing work of salvation continuing to change your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 15, 2023 in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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The Eyes of Our Mind

03 Mar
The Eyes of Our Mind

As we continue through the book of Ephesians, we’re looking at the blessings of a mature walk with God. In my last post, I talked about the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Now, Paul will show us more of these blessings.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…

Ephesians 1:18 NIV

In this verse, Paul talks about something we should view as very important. The NIV translation is poor at this point. In the original Greek, the apostle says that he wants the eyes of our mind to be lit up. The mind being the faculty of our understanding.

We need to understand this. The eyes of our mind is an important concept in Scripture. It’s something that Jesus emphasized throughout His ministry. As a matter of fact, if you think about eyes that are lit up, the book of Revelation describes Christ as having eyes that blazed like fire (Revelation 1:14).

We have to realize that in the pages of Scripture there are two sets of eyes. There are the natural, physical set of eyes that we see the world with. But then, there’s another set of eyes that are always talked about. They’re our inner eyes.

That’s what Paul’s talking about when he says, the eyes of our minds. They’re the same eyes that Jesus talked about when He rebuked the crowds who were listening to His teaching.

“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”

Matthew 13:15 NIV

Jesus is frustrated with these people because they’ve closed their inner eyes. Because of this condition, they couldn’t understand who He was or what He was offering them.

As believers, we can’t afford to close the eyes of our mind to the things God is showing us. It’s the key to all of our fulfillment in Christ. In another passage, the Lord put it in very clear terms – if you know which eyes He’s talking about.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Matthew 6:22-23 NIV

We need to walk before God with these eyes wide open. I have to be seeking Him and His ways no matter where His Holy Spirit leads me. That’s what faith is all about.

I agree to follow the Lord’s will for my life before I know what it is. I trust that the Holy Spirit has the best path worked out for me.

In the above verse from Ephesians, the word for hope literally means expectation. If I keep my eyes open – seeking God’s ways, I will know what to expect concerning my calling. I may not see the finish line, but I’ll know the next step that I need to take.

On top of that, since I know that it’s God who’s leading me, I also know that I have an inheritance with all the saints. I know that my reward is secure. My future is something to look forward to. I don’t have to worry about what’s happening all around me.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

1 John 1:5-6 NIV

This is the level at which Christ wants all of His followers to attain to. We should all seek to live by the truth with our eyes wide open. This requires intimate prayer times in the Holy Spirit. That’s the road to a victorious life in Christ.

Question: What’s the condition of your “inner eyes”?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 3, 2023 in Faith, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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