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Category Archives: Power of God

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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How Love Grows

25 Aug
How Love Grows

We’re continuing through the book of Philippians. Paul is able to open up his heart to these people.

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:8 NIV

This church had a special place in Paul’s heart. They were one of his greatest supporters. He loved to fellowship and worship with them. The love he had for them was very emotional.

As a result, they were constantly in his prayers.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

Paul’s prayer for them was that they would abound in love. Love is relationship. He wanted the depth of their relationship with the Lord and each other to grow in a big way.

Obviously, this was a church that knew how to love. They had a love for one another and for the lost. However, even loving people can experience growth in their area of strength. This should be a lesson to us in how our love is to grow.

The first area is in our knowledge. That’s simply the learning of facts. If you love someone, God included, you want to know as much as you can about them.

That’s a big problem in many relationships. A couple stops relating to each other. Then, after years of no communication, they say, “I don’t know you anymore.”

A relationship grows as we learn more and more about each other. With God, there’s no end to learning about Him. We’ll never know all there is to know of His ways.

The next area of growth is depth of insight. This is a tough one to describe. It means a total perception of who the other person is. This includes both the physical senses and the mind.

That’s why when a couple gets very close to each other, it’s like they can read each other’s mind. They know what they’re thinking and what they’re about to say or do.

With my wife and I, a common phrase that comes up is, “I knew you were going to say that!”

Of course, when it comes to God, this should be our goal. We should want to think His thoughts. We want His goals to be our goals. That’s a healthy relationship with the Lord.

According to the above verses, the goal of this growth is to be able to discern what is best. That literally means that you approve of your transport to a higher level of walk. That’s not just understanding good and evil, but an agreement with God’s direction and plan for your life.

That in itself is great, but what I consider the best part of what the Apostle wanted for them is that they be filled to overflowing with the fruit of righteousness. Where could they obtain this fruit? It only comes through Christ.

The Apostle John saw the tree of Life in his vision of the Revelation. He describes it as being in our future, eternal home.

On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:2b NIV

Because of our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, we have access to the tree of life right now. We don’t have to wait until we die or the Lord returns. It’s available to you today.

Do we really understand the power of that statement? We can have unbroken fellowship with the God of the universe – Creator of Heaven and earth! He will allow His power to work through us. His life will be our strength. What greater gift could we ever ask for?

Question: How do you access this life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on August 25, 2023 in Fellowship, Power of God, Prayer, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Defending and Confirming

23 Aug
Defending and Confirming

I’m continuing with my study through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. We’ve seen that he commends them for their continued partnership in the Gospel.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

Philippians 1:7 NIV

This verse shows us an important aspect of partnership. There is a power that’s released when I give resources to a ministry. I’m talking about finances, time, and encouragement. Giving is an important part of the Christian walk.

Paul lets them know that they have a special place in his heart. That’s true whether he’s imprisoned somewhere or out proclaiming the Gospel.

He explains that there are two aspects to the Gospel message. Unfortunately, at this point in history, many are complacent with only one.

First, there’s the defense of the Word. That Greek word simply means giving an answer. It’s about sharing the Gospel in a way that’s meaningful to the people who are hearing it. When we say, “Christ is the answer,” we must make sure that we deal with the right questions.

That’s where much of the church leaves off. I’ve heard so many teachings and seminars on how to present the Gospel in different situations. That’s great, but it’s not enough.

The other aspect that Paul talks about is confirming the Gospel. That’s just as important, if not more so. Don’t just take my word for it. I want the Scripture to explain it. Here’s another verse where that word, confirming, is used.

Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Mark 16:20 NIV

I firmly believe that speaking God’s Word is not enough. If it truly is the Word of the Lord, then there will be signs that accompany it. Along with that, we need to realize, if I’m not hearing from the Holy Spirit, then I cannot preach God’s Word.

As I’ve said before, there are many who use Scripture in their preaching. But that doesn’t make it God’s Word to the hearers. The true Word of God will cut straight to their hearts.

This truth is found throughout the Bible. Paul understood it’s importance in his ministry.

I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done – by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

Romans 15:18-19

Notice, that Paul fulfilled his ministry by what he SAID and DID. It was through the power of signs and miracles. The difference between a sign and a miracle is that a sign is a miracle that confirms what you say about God.

The key issue is that by operating in this way, Paul fully proclaimed the gospel. I believe that just talking about Christ is not the whole Gospel. The Bible is clear that the kingdom of God is “not a matter of talk but of power.” (I Corinthians 4:20)

In many cases we’ve reduced the Gospel to cliches. “Jesus loves you.” “Jesus wants to bless you.” “God loves you and I do too.” The problem is that there’s no demonstration.

Based upon Scripture, if there’s no demonstration, then there’s no Gospel. Many are ashamed because all they can do is tell about Jesus. Some can’t even see the proof in their own lives because of the lack of power. It makes many believers feel like charlatans when they share the Good News.

It seems we’ve lost the original Good News. We don’t understand the power of God and we don’t understand the Gospel. The two go hand in hand.

Without the Good News, there’s no need for the demonstration of power. Some American Christians want the power without proclaiming the Good News. The fact is, that without the message of the Gospel there’s no need to demonstrate healing, prosperity, joy, freedom from depression, or anything else the Lord has provided for us through the cross. I’m striving to spur the church on to get hungry to experience the full Gospel.

That’s why Paul could say that he had fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. Not only did he tell about Christ, but he also demonstrated the love and power of the Lord.

Question: How can we return to the true Gospel?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on August 23, 2023 in Ministry, Missions, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Partnership With the Word

21 Aug
Partnership With the Word

In my last post, I started looking at the book of Philippians. It was Paul’s letter to a church who had greatly supported his ministry.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-6 NIV

Paul is commending them for their partnership in the Good News of Christ. That word, partnership, means that they have a share in what Word of God, through Paul, is doing.

The credit for every soul that is saved under his ministry is also placed in their heavenly account. That’s the joy of partnership which all believers should be a part of. It’s the evidence of God at work in His people.

The word confident is a word that means persuaded. How persuaded are you, not only that God is doing the work, but that He will complete it in you? It’s not about us. It’s all about what He has accomplished for us. Let the Word of God fully persuade you to put your whole trust in the Lord.

We sometimes tend to treat the things of God very lightly. We say things like, “Of course I’m trusting God.” But are we really? How far would we let our faith take us? That’s the real test of our belief.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews talked about some Old Testament saints who stood their ground in the spirit.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.

Hebrews 11:13

This Scripture says that they saw the promises of God from a distance. Obviously, Christ had not arrived on the scene yet. They had to wait for the fulfillment. They went to their graves fully trusting God for the outcome He promised.

There’s actually more to it than that. The word saw in the above verse is the same word, persuaded, that Paul used in his letter. These believers become persuaded about God’s power.

How persuaded are you? They were convinced in God’s ability to accomplish what He said He would do. Paul said the same thing. What’s the confession that people hear from your mouth?

It should be: “God can heal.” “God can restore broken homes.” “God can provide for needs.” “God can change people’s lives.”

Not only were these Old Testament people persuaded by God’s abilities, this verse also says that they welcomed His promises. That word welcomed means that they embraced those promises even at a distance.

Are you embracing the Lord’s Word for yourself? It’s not enough just to agree that God is able to do something. You need to make it personal.

“God can heal me.” “God can restore my home.” “God can provide for my needs.” “God can change my life.”

We all have to come to the point where we understand that we serve a very personal God. Christ didn’t just go to the cross for the sins of the world. He went to save ME from MY SIN. I need to see Him as the One who is presently working in my life.

That will lead me to the next thing that these bygone saints were known for. They admitted, literally confessed, that they were aliens and strangers on earth. That word, in Greek, means to speak the same as. I need to speak the same Word that the Lord speaks. That’s partnership with the Word.

I’m an alien here on earth. I’m a part of the heavenly kingdom. I have access to more than our society does. It changes the way I talk.

“God is my Savior.” “God is my Healer.” “God is my Provider.” “God is my Restorer.”

This is where our strength comes from. It’s not from how good I am, but how good my God is.

Question: What are you trusting God to accomplish in you?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on August 21, 2023 in Ministry, Missions, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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The Spirit Sword

31 Jul
The Spirit Sword

As we go through the book of Ephesians, I’m taking a little extra time to talk about spiritual warfare. It’s an important topic that needs to be taught in our generation.

In my last post, I talked about prayer in the spirit as the key to spiritual warfare. It’s through prayer in the spirit that we receive the helmet and the sword.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:17-18

As we’ve already seen in this series, the helmet and sword speak of the authority and power of God working in us. God wants to show His power through us in order to bring the Good News of Christ to the world.

We need to understand how our weapons work. Specifically, I’m talking about the sword of the spirit – the rhema – Word of God. For a detailed discussion of the word, rhema, click here.

Remember, we’re talking about the armor of God. That means this is the sword of the Lord. Our knowledge of this got watered down over time. We’ve used this weapon less and less since the advent of the printing press.

You may not want to hear this, but the Bible is not our sword. The sword is a spiritual weapon. As a matter of fact, the devil doesn’t fear the Bible. He has it memorized. There are even times that he uses it against God’s people.

It’s the rhema – Word of God that’s our spiritual weapon. But does that mean I don’t need the Bible? Absolutely not! We are to study in order to show ourselves approved to use the rhema.

Look at what Jesus said to the Pharisees.

“If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”
John 5:46-47

Literally, the Lord said, “If you don’t believe what was written, how will you believe my rhema?” The rhema is the revealed Word of God to me…and to you. This is the greatest weapon of the church; God speaking to us.

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Matthew 10:34

Christ brought us the spiritual weapons that we would use to fight the enemy’s kingdom. The Sword of the Spirit was just what we needed for victory.

Under the Old Covenant, they had no spiritual weapons. All their battles had to be fought in the natural. That’s why the Law of Moses had so many death penalties. The only way to stop the spirit of adultery was to kill those who were controlled by it.

After Christ died and rose again, everything changed. Now there’s nowhere in New Testament that tells us that God will fight the battle for us.

We now have a weapon that the enemy cannot defend against. He can debate the Bible with you. But a sword that pierces the spirit…he has no defense against that.

That’s why it’s so important that we understand, not only what the Word of God is, but how we use it against the enemy’s kingdom. God wants His people to hear His voice and act on it in obedience. That’s the key to our victory.

Question: Why is a Word from God so destructive to the enemy’s kingdom?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 31, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Prayer in the Spirit is Key

28 Jul
Prayer in the Spirit is Key

We are currently looking at Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. We’re in chapter 6, which deals with spiritual warfare.

Now the apostle will bring it all together. There are some practical things that we need to know if we’re going to walk in the power of God.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:17-18

I’ve already talked about the helmet and sword. They’re the pieces of armor that are issued after we’re properly trained and approved. If you remember, the word, take, actually means to receive or accept.

Now the question is; how do we receive these powerful spiritual weapons? To answer that, we need to understand the Greek language of these verses.

First, let me say that I’m grateful for the translators who have given us the Holy Bible in the English language. I’ve met some of them and I know that most of them are sincere in their service to Christ. The time and dedication that they gave is a wonderful gift to the church.

That being said, there are some inherent challenges when you translate a text from one language to another. Depending upon your experience and/or your spiritual baggage, sometimes your own thoughts can unknowingly color the translation.

This is especially true when dealing with prayer in the spirit – praying in tongues. We know that the Apostle Paul had a very rich experience praying in the spirit (1 Corinthians 14:18). He had an understanding of this discipline more than most believers, even in our generation.

The problem comes in when a translator who has never even experienced the gift tries to figure out what Paul is saying. They look at the Greek words but have no understanding of how to apply them. They then make their best guess at how to align the translation in a way that also works with their own personal experience.

On top of all that, the Greek language allows for what we would call some huge run-on sentences. Sometimes two, or even three, English verses are actually all one sentence in the original Greek text. In order for the passage to be more understandable to modern readers, the translators have broken them up for us.

This is the case in the above section of Scripture. The clue to this is when you see verse 18 starting with the word, and. That should tell you that verses 17 and 18 are actually all one sentence.

In the original text, the word translated, and, is actually the Greek word, dia. Dia literally means through or by means of. That one change brings a whole new meaning to this verse.

It literally reads, “Receive the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God by means of prayer and requests, always praying in the Spirit.” The apostle makes it clear that we receive these weapons through our prayer in the spirit.

I know that there are those in the body of Christ who don’t believe that this gift is still active and available. Unfortunately, that’s the result of some translation issues that I’ve outlined above. So, over the next few posts, I’m going to specifically write about prayer in the spirit (tongues) as it relates to spiritual warfare in Scripture.

God’s people need to be spending quality time in the spirit if we’re going to see the end-time harvest in our generation.

Question: How much time do you spend praying in the spirit?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 28, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Walking in Authority and Power

26 Jul
Walking in Authority and Power

We’re continuing our walk through the book of Ephesians. Over the past few posts, I’ve talked about the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, in chapter 6. I looked at them individually in order to understand what they are and how they operate.

But if you remember, when I first talked about them, I said that they were given to us as a set.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17

After we lift up the Shield of Faith, the next step is to receive, accept, the helmet and sword. As I’ve said, these are the two pieces of armor that God bestows on us once we’re sufficiently trained.

You may not like this teaching. Most others preach that these are ours to use simply by faith. However, I think that a quick look at the church today will prove that relatively few believers are victorious over the enemy and his kingdom.

Personally, I want to see results in my Christian walk. To do that, I need to trust what Scripture says and not a good sounding preacher.

I need to first prepare myself for battle. I take up the belt, breastplate, shoes, and shield. I submit myself to the training of the Holy Spirit. Only then am I in a position to receive the helmet and sword.

To review, the Helmet of Salvation is the authority of God working through me. The Sword of the Spirit is the power of God. This is a lethal combination against the enemy’s kingdom.

Authority is the permission you need to carry out your calling effectively. Power is the ability to see it accomplished. You can’t complete your assignment without both of these ingredients.

The concept of “issued armor” is not only a spiritual truth. It works this way in the physical as well. Think about what it takes to become a Police Officer.

First, they have to undergo classroom training. They need to learn the law, tactics, and procedures. Then they need weapons training. After that, they need to practice their fieldwork. If they pass all their training, they can graduate from the Police Academy.

However, even then, they can’t hit the streets and start arresting criminals or issuing tickets. There’s one more important step. They need to be accepted and hired by a police force.

Let’s say that a graduate from the academy is hired by the NYPD. Only then are they issued their two most important pieces of equipment. I’m talking about their badge and their gun.

The badge tells the city they work for, their rank, and the authority they have in the department. The gun gives them the power to enforce the authority that’s been given to them.

The Scripture teaches that it’s the same way in the spirit. We need to be issued a helmet and sword. Unfortunately, because of a lack of teaching about this, there are many believers trying to battle the enemy hand-to-hand. We were never called to do that.

On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4

We get into trouble when we ignore verses like this. Paul clearly taught that God has an approval process before He’ll entrust you with His Word of power. It’s the Holy Spirit that does the testing.

This concept is found all through the New Testament. We would do well to understand it and walk in it. Only then will we see the power and authority of Christ affecting the world around us. I believe that this is the next step on God’s agenda. He wants to train His church to live and minister as Christ did.

Question: How does the spiritual helmet and sword increase the effectiveness of our evangelism?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 26, 2023 in Anointing, Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Applying the Sword of the Spirit

24 Jul
Applying the Sword of the Spirit

In my last post, I explained that the Sword of the Spirit is a special Word that you’ve received from God. You get it by spending quality time in His presence. The Holy Spirit trains you before giving you this gift.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

This truth is hard for us to accept sometimes. The true Word of God is alive and active. It has a life and will of its own. I can speak it, but I can’t control what it does.

We sometimes think that if God would speak through us, we’ll have such a great time. That’s not always the case.

Think about Elijah. He heard from God and then spoke to a king saying that it wouldn’t rain for a few years. Because of that Word, Elijah had to live by a brook for his water. Later, the brook dried up and he had to go to a widow for provision.

When God’s Word is invoked over a situation, that Word has its own plan. Scripture makes it clear that it will accomplish what God ordained it to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

Even more than that, once God’s Word goes forth, nothing can be protected from it. It can totally change every area of your life. The writer of Hebrews continues with this thought.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13

When this verse says that everything is laid bare, it uses a special Greek word. It literally means to expose the neck of a victim so that they can be killed. This is a powerful spiritual weapon.

This is why the Holy Spirit must train us to use it. God will never entrust it to an infant, the unapproved, or fools. It can totally destroy the work of the enemy in someone’s life, in a city, or in a region.

As believers, we should desire to enter the spiritual battle. Our goal should be to set the captives free from the influence and control of the enemy.

In speaking about those with God-given authority, Paul made an interesting observation.

For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Romans 13:4

I know that in its context, this verse is talking about people in authority, such as the Police Department, who are authorized to keep the peace. But there’s a greater application.

Are you God’s servant? Do you desire to do good? If so, then this verse could be applied to you in a spiritual sense.

This verse tells me that there’s a reason why the police carry a gun. In the same way, the Lord doesn’t issue the Sword of the Spirit for no reason. If you have no reason to bear the sword, you will not be issued the sword.

What’s the reason that we’re given this sword? To explain it, I’m going to give a word by word translation of the last sentence of the above verse. In essence, God’s servant is a punisher, who repeatedly carries out justice against evil, while motivated by a violent passion.

Please remember – I’m ONLY talking about attacking the devil’s kingdom IN THE SPIRIT. I’m not talking about any physical attack.

With that in mind, if you have no intention of attacking the enemy’s kingdom with a violent passion, then you’ll have no reason to be given the Sword of the Spirit. To put it another way, God will have no reason to give you a special Word from Him.

We need to allow the Holy Spirit to train us. Our generation needs more believers who can handle this sword.

Question: How passionate are you about seeing God’s will done on earth?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 24, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Warfare, Word of God

 

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Applying the Helmet of Salvation

19 Jul
Applying the Helmet of Salvation

In my last post, we saw that the Helmet of Salvation speaks of the authority we’re given in Christ. If you remember, all of the armor is put on by my choice. This piece is received once I’m trained in its use.

Think about when Jesus entered the Temple courts and overturned the tables of the money-changers. At that point, the priests asked Him, “Who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23)

That’s because authority is like a chain. Each link is connected. Authority must be given and received.

So how does salvation enter into all of this?

Salvation 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.

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.

Now, 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.

Then, 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.

The question is; which of these works does the helmet speak 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

If you read this verse in the original, you’ll see that it’s not saying that we’re hoping for salvation. Instead, it’s the hope, literally the expectation, that comes from our salvation. So it speaks of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

If I submit to the process of salvation, I am being saved. It’s this ongoing work that protects my authority in Christ.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

This verse makes it clear that salvation requires power. That’s important because, like I said in my last post, authority is the permission to use power. Submitting to this cleaning process allows God’s power to flow through me.

Please understand what I’m saying. You don’t have to be absolutely clean and perfect to walk in God’s power. But you do have to be submitted to the process.

How then do I receive and put on this helmet?

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:12-13

It’s obedience to God that works out this salvation in us. The reason Paul tells us to use such respect – fear and trembling – is because it’s the God of the universe who’s working in us. Simply put, obedience is the acceptance of His process at work within us.

I put on the Helmet of Salvation as I submit myself to God’s ongoing work in me. That brings an expectation of the good things to come as a result of this.

Question: How well do you see yourself submitting to God’s process of renewal in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 19, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Spiritual Warfare

 

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