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Category Archives: Power of God

Set Free

14 Mar
Set Free

I’m currently in a series of posts about 1 Peter. He has shown us not only that God wants us to walk in holiness, but how to accomplish this. Now he goes on to show why this is way we’re to live.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

The incredible truth is that we have been redeemed. That’s a big word. We need to understand all that his encompasses.

Normally, when you see the word redeemed in Scripture it means to buy back or purchase something. That’s not the case here. The word that Peter uses means to loosen or set free.

What has the Lord loosened us from? It was from the empty behavior that we inherited. It’s all the emotional and lifestyle baggage we grew up with. It’s the ongoing behavior we acted out with nothing to show for it in the end.

But, according to the apostle, the valuable blood of Jesus Christ rescued us from all of that. We no longer have to live a life that amounts to nothing in the end.

He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

1 Peter 1:20-21 NIV

We need to see that nothing takes God by surprise. God knew what was to happen even before the world was created. He didn’t have to call an emergency meeting with the Holy Spirit.

“Oh No! What are we going to do? They just killed the Messiah.”

Absolutely not! God had the plan for our redemption already in place before the world was formed.

This verse goes on to say that now, in these last days, this plan is made manifest – is revealed – in us. It’s our job to reveal Christ to the world. We are God’s voice, declaring His restoring power to all those around us.

Now, because of what God did in Christ, our faith and our expectation can firmly be focused on God. This is the foundation for the walk of holiness.

So that brings up some important questions we need to be asking. Is my faith focused on God’s Word and plan for my life? Do I truly expect what God says the results should be as He responds to my faith?

As we spend time in the Scripture and in relationship with the Holy Spirit, our faith and expectation toward the Lord should be growing. That’s the maturing process. It’s how I continue to grow in the body of Christ.

Only then can I lead others to experience the same walk of holiness and righteousness. I can’t simply teach it. I must exemplify it by walking it out in front of younger believers.

This is where the Lord is desiring to bring us all up to.

Question: How well are you growing and maturing in your walk with the Lord?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2025 in Faith, Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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The Fear of the Lord Part 1

10 Mar
The Fear of the Lord Part 1

We’re now going through a series of posts in the epistle of 1 Peter. He’s been talking about the importance of walking in holiness. In my last post, we left off talking about the fear of the Lord.

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

In looking at this verse we took note of the word “since”. Peter is addressing a people who are calling on the Lord. If that’s the case, then we must get an accurate picture of God as the final Judge.

We saw that He judges our works impartially. He’s not impressed by what we do as much as the motivations for doing them. So, I want to take some time to go into the fear of the Lord a little deeper.

In my last post I talked about the fact that many times we water down the fear of the Lord. Many teach that it’s simply a healthy respect. We need to see that it really is a fear.

It’s not being afraid of God. But being afraid of harming the relationship that Christ paid such a high price for.

Too often we only zero in on what we can get from our relationship with the Lord.

“God wants you happy, healthy, rich, full, entertained, satisfied.”

We have to understand that our eternal rewards or lack thereof are based upon His decisions. Unfortunately, there are times when we become too familiar with worshiping the Lord.

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

Again, the word reverence in this verse is the Greek word phobo – the literal word for fear. It should be clear from this and other Scriptures that the fear of God produces holiness.

Paul talked about the day of judgment that we will face as believers. It’s not about heaven or hell, but the quality of our rewards. We’ll be judged on how we built upon the spiritual foundation Christ laid down for us.

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13 NIV

The fire is the final exam. But we’re clearly told that it’s not our works that will be tested. When you talk about building, anything listed in this verse can be used to build with. I’ve seen these structures around the world.

Even in the USA there are some pretty impressive houses made of wood. But that’s not what’s being judged. It’s the quality of the worked based upon how fire-resistant it is. God is looking for quality, not appearance.

When we look around the body of Christ these days, a question arises. Why don’t we live as we should for God the way they did in the early church? In many circles worship seems to be optional. We shy away from Bible study and prayer. I believe it all comes down to a lack of the fear of the Lord.

This is an important topic. So, I’m going to take one more post to talk about it.

Question: How much of the fear of the Lord do you see in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 10, 2025 in Faith, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Worship

 

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A Future Perspective

03 Mar
A Future Perspective

As we go through the book of 1 Peter, we’re now at verse 13. There are a few good points here, so I have taken the last couple of posts to talk about them. Today’s post will tackle the final one from this verse.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

The third section of this verse tells us to expect the grace of His return. That tells me that we need a future oriented mindset. We must learn to look to the eternal.

This means that we must stop seeing only the temporary – the things which are passing away. We can’t be distracted by the situations that come and go. Our focus has to be on what will be important 1,000,000 years from today.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3 NIV

Because we died with Christ, we’ve also been raised with Him. That’s the basis of an overcoming life. Sin doesn’t have the hold on us that it used to have.

We now have a higher calling. We kill off the desires of the world in order to seek the eternal.

That’s where we need to focus our attention. Paul says this in two ways. He tells us, set your hearts and set your minds on things above. Those phrases literally mean to diligently seek and obsess on things above, respectively. Our attitude should reflect an upward vision.

This is a very important truth. We receive from God when we seek the eternal. The writer of the book of Hebrews understood this.

People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.

Hebrews 11:14-15 NIV

Eternally minded people search for, crave, demand a hometown. That’s why Jesus told us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. We’re not looking for the temporary high that the world offers us.

Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:16 NIV

The final result of this attitude is that God is not ashamed to be called their God. That’s interesting. Are there times when God is ashamed to be called someone’s God? I think this verse implies that He could be.

Before we pick up this eternally minded attitude, we’re only accomplishing what a man can do. Is God satisfied with what is merely possible even without His help? Of course not. He expects us to do a God sized work.

When that happens; the world can see His glory. God’s people need to stop chasing the temporary pleasures of the world and focus in on the eternal glory of God. Let Him accomplish what He desires in you.

Question: How do you stay eternally focused?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 3, 2025 in Ministry, Power of God, Return of Christ, Spiritual Walk

 

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Preparation for Holiness

26 Feb
Preparation for Holiness

We’re now going through the New Testament book of 1 Peter. In the last few posts we were talking about the salvation we share in Christ. The apostle now gets to the heart of the matter.

Peter begins the next section with the word, therefore. That means that everything he has said so far was the groundwork for this. He is about to start talking about holiness. That’s an important message for church leaders to understand.

Let me review some of the things I’ve already taught about holiness. Holiness is one of those concepts that we have trouble grasping. A little while ago we looked at 1 Corinthians.

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ – their Lord and ours…

1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV

The word sanctified in this verse literally means made holy. It’s something that’s already been accomplished. However, Paul also says that we’re called to be holy. That’s looking toward the future.

The fact is that there are two parts of holiness. Part 1 is something only God can do. He makes you holy. When you put your trust in Him for your salvation, He sets you apart for His use. That’s Him making you holy.

But part 2 is something only you can do. You must make yourself holy. This means that you set yourself apart for God’s use. The truth is that you cannot do part 2 unless God has done part 1.

If you’re saved, then He has set you apart. But He cannot use you until you set yourself apart. In today’s post, we’ll start to look at how to do that.

Please note that Peter doesn’t use the word holy until verse 19, but we’re starting in verse 13.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

The literal translation of the first part of this verse is to gird up the loins of your mind. That’s an interesting statement. But it goes right along with what Paul said in regard to our spiritual armor.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…

Ephesians 6:14 NIV

This verse literally tells us to stand firm with our loins girded all around with truth. The two apostles are obviously talking about the same thing. But the big question is; how do we gird our minds with the belt of truth?

Jesus answered that question in His prayer for us right after the Last Supper.

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

John 17:17 NIV

Jesus prayed for us in this verse. He asked God the Father to make us holy by the truth. What is that truth? It’s the truth of God’s Word. It all has to start with the Word.

That’s why God’s Word is so important. It changes my attitudes of how I see myself. I’m not my own. I have been bought with a very great price.

Make sure you start your faith journey with the Word of God. It’s the foundation for everything.

Question: How have you seen the Word of God change the way you think?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 26, 2025 in Leadership, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Understanding Salvation

21 Feb

We’re continuing to go through 1 Peter. In my last post we saw that because we can’t physically see Christ, faith is required. According to the apostle, the goal of this is the salvation of our souls.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

What does this mean to us? I thought I was saved when I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.

This confuses some people because of the various ways the word, salvation, is used throughout the Scripture.

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

Romans 10:13 NIV

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.

The word salvation literally means that we’re safe and defended. When I say that I’m saved, I mean that I’m safe in Christ. However, there are three distinct works that the word, salvation, refers to.

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 NIV

The first took place when I bowed my knee to Christ and prayed for Him to save me. I was saved. I was taken out of the world’s trash heap and placed in God’s house for His use.

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 NIV

Now, as I remain in God’s kingdom, I’m experiencing an ongoing cleaning process. All that “stuff” from the world that stuck to me is being removed – sin, sickness, poverty, anxiety, depression, bitterness, etc. I’m in the process of renewal. I am being saved.

It should be clear from the context of this verse that being saved is ongoing. 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.

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 NIV

Someday Christ will return to take physical possession of the earth. At that point, I’ll receive my new resurrected body. I will be saved from decay and death.

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?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 21, 2025 in Faith, Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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The Hope of Our Inheritance

17 Feb

I’ve been posting from First Peter about the living hope we have in Christ. In my last post I talked about how the Lord’s mercy brings about hope in us through the resurrection of Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you…

1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

So far we’ve seen that this hope is birthed by mercy through the resurrection of Christ. But we also need to see that this living hope brings us into an inheritance.

The fact is that this hope points to an inheritance that we didn’t deserve. There was nothing we could have done to lay hold of it. It was all a work of Jesus Christ for us.

In the above verse there are three “nots” associated with this inheritance.

First of all, it does not perish or decay. Praise God! That means that my inheritance in Christ is not affected by inflation.

It also says that it will not spoil. That means that it will not become soiled or dirty. It will always remain pure and new to us.

Finally, our inheritance will never fade. That means that it will never be used up or become worthless over time. Nothing on this earth meets those criteria. That’s why our hope, our treasure, is in Christ alone. I can always look forward to His blessing in my life.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

It’s because of this hope of the inheritance that we can work for God with all our heart. But there’s more. The above verse from Peter doesn’t end there. He says that this inheritance is kept in heaven for us…

…who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:5 NIV

Yes, we are birthed by mercy, through the resurrection, into an inheritance; but this living hope shields us by God’s power. I don’t need to remind you about the shield of faith. It keeps us secure in times of trial.

But it’s fed by the living expectation that’s fresh and new every morning. Paul puts it this way…

…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time…

Titus 1:2 NIV

Paul mentions both faith and knowledge in this verse. Faith is our trust in God’s Word; while knowledge is what we have once our faith has been proven. It’s through these that we can rest on the hope of eternal life.

…so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:7 NIV

It’s this hope of eternal life that gives us joy in the trials that we face. This is because we know that the Lord is going to show up and work on our behalf. Never give up your hope; it will be richly rewarded.

Question: How has God proven Himself in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 17, 2025 in Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

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Born Into a Living Hope

14 Feb
Born Into a Living Hope

In my last few posts, I talked about Peter’s introduction to his first letter. He started by telling us as leaders, who we are in the world. We’re strangers, scattered, and chosen. Now he begins his message to us.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

He starts by offering up praise to the Lord. The reason he gives is because we’ve been given birth into a living hope. That’s an incredible gift.

It’s clear to see that this living hope is given through the resurrection. Our hope could never be alive if not for the resurrection. If God could raise Christ, then I can be raised as well.

Peter also declares to us that the living hope we receive is birthed in God’s mercy. But we need to really understand this.

The problem I find is that many believers have no concept of what God’s mercy is. In our society we think of it as a “free pass” for something wrong that we’ve done. God can’t operate like that.

Every sin has to be paid for. That’s why Jesus had to go to the cross. Every sin, no matter how small it seemed, had to be laid upon Him.

Mercy is a whole different matter. If you do a word study of how mercy is used in Scripture, you’ll find a rich truth.

In actuality, mercy is the favor God shows to His obedient children. I’ve taught on this in the past. For the detailed teaching on the mercy of God, click here.

This truth was brought out in the book of Hebrews.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

If I’ve been disobeying the Lord, then I definitely don’t have confidence in approaching His throne. But as I obey Him, He births in me a living hope. It will never die and never go stale. According to the Old Testament, His mercies are new every morning. This is something that helped the apostle Paul face his many trials.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV

In Christ we have a hope that’s birthed, brand new, each day. Why does God have to give us fresh hope each day? It’s important because…

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12 NIV

This verse literally says that old hope wears out your heart. So God keeps His hope alive and fresh each day if you’re walking obediently before Him.

That’s good news. Not only did Jesus take my sin with Him to the cross, but He rose from the dead as well. That proves that He has the power to accomplish His will in my life. This should inspire a fresh hope in us each day, as we spend time in His presence – before His throne.

Question: How does the Lord’s mercy and hope affect you?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 14, 2025 in Encouragement, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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In the Name of Jesus

05 Feb
In the Name of Jesus

We’re continuing through Paul’s letter to the Colossians. He about to wrap up a section where he talked about our corporate walk as the body of Christ on earth.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

Think about what Paul says in this short statement. Do everything in the name of Jesus. It doesn’t matter if it’s speaking, doing the dishes or driving the car. We must do it all in His name.

Many believers don’t know what this means. When we talk about “in Jesus’ name”, it’s usually in regards to prayer. Most of us use the formula of tacking on “…in Jesus’ name, amen.” at the end of our prayers.

Actually, doing things “in Jesus’ name” is part of a lifestyle of service to God. We need to see it as more than just a last line for a prayer. It means living our lives as if Jesus Himself were living through us.

We sometimes get the idea that Jesus only wants to be involved in the religious parts of our lives. That kind of thinking couldn’t be more wrong. We are, by nature, spiritual beings. We carry the spiritual with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

The challenging part is learning to cultivate the spirit no matter what the activity. That’s the goal of these posts. I want us to see our daily activities in a new light. We are representatives of Jesus Christ.

But, we also need to realize that it’s not always an easy assignment. The name of Jesus Christ is becoming more and more hated throughout society. You can talk about anything else, but not the Lord.

We need to come to the realization that it’s not us that the hatred is aimed at. It’s the name of Jesus that’s the target. We just happen to be the bearers of that precious name.

There’s a reason why this is the case. The ruler of this present age hates that name. He knows that his time is short and that soon the King will come to take His rightful place.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

This is the reason that society hates that name. They may not know why this is so. There’s just an underlying move to do away with its impact on the lives of individuals. This even includes using this name as a swear word to try and water down its power.

The good news is that the name of Jesus Christ will never be defeated. It’s the name that’s above all other names. For us, it’s all that we need.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

The same name that’s so hated in society is our greatest victory. If we will hold fast to that name, we’ll have the power we need to stand strong in the faith.

I don’t have to fear what’s ahead. The future may be uncertain, but I know the One who has already been there. If I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, then I have nothing to fear, and everything to gain.

The more time you spend in the Lord’s presence, the more power you’ll receive to walk in the fullness of that name. Then you’ll be a clear representative of Christ to the world around you.

Question: How has the name of Jesus changed your life?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 5, 2024 in Anointing, Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

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Your New Clothes (Part 4)

29 Jan
Your New Clothes (Part 4)

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul talks about our spiritual clothing in Christ. In my last few posts I talked about some of these. I spoke last time about bearing with and forgiving one another.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:14 NIV

Paul now tells us that the bottom line of how we treat one another is love. There’s no way around that. He says that love is the glue that holds all these pieces together.

Usually, we like to teach everything separately. I did that over the previous posts. We looked at compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. But the fact is that none of these virtues exist in a vacuum. Love makes them work in unity.

However, love is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts among Christians. Of course, that’s to be expected in our society. The media throws that word around with no clue as to what they’re talking about.

The love that Paul talks about is the Greek word, agape, which has a very specific meaning. This is not something that you can just do by accident. It has to be a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

Probably the best description given was by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. If you’re able, you should read through it before continuing with this post. Let me quote a small section for you.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Think about what this passage is saying. Especially in the light of what Jesus told us. He commanded us, as His disciples to love one another (John 13:34-35). That statement alone should show us the fallacy of the world’s view of love.

This kind of love has nothing at all to do with our emotions. It’s purely a choice that we make in our treatment of others. It also includes action. It’s impossible to love this way by simply saying it or thinking it. God’s kind of love has to be visible.

But what do I really have to do to show love to someone? By looking at the above verse, it’s clear that there’s a group of people I actually want to treat like this. They’re my friends. I want to show them how much I like them.

There you have it; love means that you treat everyone as if you like them, whether you do or not. After all, isn’t that the teaching that Jesus left us with?

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Luke 6:27-28 NIV

This is why we need the power of the Holy Spirit operating in us. Loving our enemies is not natural to our human make-up.

“I love them, but I just don’t like them.”

Wait a minute. I didn’t tell you the best part of all this. Not only do you have to treat everyone as if you like them – even your enemies, there’s more. You have to treat them this way whether they’re physically present or not.

After all, you wouldn’t gossip, slander, or speak evil about a friend of yours. Love deals with the total package of how we treat others. Whether they know about it or not isn’t the issue. The God kind of love is a lifestyle.

This is why Paul tells us that it’s the binding agent for all the other virtues in our Christian walk. We need to spend quality time in the Father’s presence. That’s the only way to let Him cultivate His love in us.

Question: How well do you see God’s love operating through you?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on January 29, 2024 in Fellowship, Power of God, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Your New Look

19 Jan
Your New Look

We’re going through Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In my last post, we saw that we needed to clothe ourselves in the new man. In today’s, I want to show what these new “clothes” look like. But it will take me a couple of posts to get there.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12 NIV

But, before he shows us what these clothes look like, Paul tells us who we are. That’s important, because it explains who these clothes are fitted to. Paul explains three aspects of who we are in Christ.

First, he calls us God’s chosen people. I think that too often we overlook what this means. This says that I’m God’s special selection.

Sometimes, the problem is our church language. We say, “I accepted Christ.” or “When did you accept Christ?” While there’s nothing wrong with saying these things, there’s a chance that we miss the point.

Yes, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. But, at the same time, He accepted – selected – me for His own, treasured possession. Never lose sight of that. God wants you to be a part of His family.

Next, he says that we’re holy. We need to constantly be reminded of this. Holiness has a two-part meaning with us. At the start, it means that God has set us apart for His use. He has taken me out of the world and placed me in His kingdom.

My purpose has been transformed. I used to live for myself. Now, I’m set apart for the Lord’s will to be accomplished in me.

Then there’s the second part of this holiness. God took me out of the world, but some of that junk is still clinging to me. So, the Holy Spirit has an ongoing work of cleaning me to make me ready to fulfill the purpose for which God has chosen me.

So, I am holy, but I’m also being made holy. You will find both of those descriptions throughout Scripture. It’s up to us to participate with this process.

Finally, we’re called dearly loved. God loves us. We say that all the time, but do we really understand it?

This word for love is the Greek word, agape. I’ve talked about it before, but it bears repeating. This type of love has no emotion associated with it. It’s not about God feeling good about us.

This is a choice that God made. If you look at the Scriptures that use this word, you come to a conclusion. This type of love is a choice that’s made to actively participate in someone’s life for their good.

When I bowed my knee to Christ, God took it upon Himself to begin actively participating in my life. Whether I see it or not, God is working things out for my good.

From my perspective, I question it sometimes. Of course, I don’t see the whole picture the way the Lord does. However, when I look back, I can only say that God is faithful. His way is the best way.

This is who we are in Christ. It’s a work God has done and is doing in us. That’s the only reason I can fit in His new clothes for me. In my next post I’ll begin talking about these clothes in detail.

Question: How do you see yourself in Christ?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on January 19, 2024 in Encouragement, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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