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Category Archives: Spiritual Walk

Love and Power

12 Apr
Love and Power

I’m continuing my look at Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. In my last post, I started talking about Paul’s prayer in chapter 3, verse 14. The apostle goes on to tell them a little more of what he prays for them. We need to take it to heart as well.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:17b-19 NIV

This section of Scripture is absolutely loaded with truth. It even contains a couple of repetitive themes which are always important to understand.

But let’s start at the goal line. What is actually being prayed for in these verses? I see two things that the church is striving for. They are power and the fullness of God. Even in this generation, I hear prayers going up for these two blessings.

They’re both very much needed in the body of Christ today. We need to see the power of God manifest in the miraculous. That would definitely draw many people to Christ.

The same is true with the fullness of God. We need everything He has to offer us. We need the Lord’s wisdom, authority, strength, and boldness. We have to start walking as Christ did. That’s what will get the attention of the world.

The question is, what will it take to walk in the power and fullness of God? For that we need to start from the beginning of this section of Scripture. This literally says that we need to have our roots and our foundation in love.

That’s where it all starts. We have to begin with a love-walk. Please understand that I’m not just talking about a modern cultural “luv ya” kind of love. It needs to be a love that takes root deep in our hearts.

That’s where Paul’s prayer for power comes in. God’s people are always praying for power. We want the power for healing and miracles. We want the power of the Lord to increase our finances and give us influence with those in authority.

We all want the life changing, victorious power of the Holy Spirit to be at work in us. What exactly was Paul’s desire for the power of God to do in their lives? It’s actually something that I never hear the modern church pray for in regard to power.

He wanted the supernatural power of God, so that they could grasp the love of God. That’s how absolutely beyond our experience this love is. It takes the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to grasp it.

That’s the first piece of repetition. Paul wants them to know something that goes beyond knowledge. Obviously, that’s beyond my ability.

So, in short, I cannot love God without knowing God. (God is love) I cannot know God and His love without His power at work in me. He has to reveal His love to me. Why is that so important? That’s the next step in the process.

Paul is clear as to why he wants them to know God’s love in a supernatural way. So that they may be filled with the fullness of God (The other repetition). Here’s another interesting thought I had. As I said, I’ve heard many believers pray for the fullness of God’s power in them. Yet, I never heard them pray for the power to understand and know His love. Maybe that’s why the church in America is not where it should be. We want power without love.

Christ is our example. Power and love in perfect unity and balance. That’s what we must seek. Press into the power. Seek the power to grasp the love of God. Only then will you be truly equipped to walk in the fullness of what God has for you.

Question: How does God’s love qualify you for His power and fullness?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 12, 2023 in Anointing, Ministry, Power of God, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Strength for the Journey

05 Apr
Strength for the Journey

We’re continuing our study through the book of Ephesians. Paul is writing to us about the riches we share as the body of Christ on earth.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV

Paul now gives us some insight into his prayer life. He’s constantly in prayer for the churches and people who have come to the Lord under his ministry. It was a great burden on his heart.

It’s important for us to see where this intercession starts. He doesn’t go right into the petitioning for God to bless these people. He starts out by kneeling before the Father.

That’s an important fact that we sometimes miss. Throughout the Bible, whenever worship is described, there are certain common elements. One of them is kneeling.

Whenever a body position is described, a worshiper is always kneeling down. Many times, they have their face to the ground. Most Christians don’t realize that this is the normal position for worship.

Because we call the songs before a service “praise and worship”, we think fast songs are praise and slow songs are worship. That’s an American church thing. It’s not the Scriptural definitions.

In reality, praise involves the body. It’s about what God has done. It could be music and singing, clapping, dancing, or loud declarations of thanks to God. Worship is very different.

Worship is about who God is. It’s an act of our spirit (John 4:23-24) with no body involvement. True worship is usually silent. It happens infrequently when a “holy hush” comes over the congregation. Most of the time we get uncomfortable and start to fidget, hoping the service will continue quickly.

Paul makes it clear that his prayer time starts with worship. He begins by quieting his heart before the Lord God. Only after his time of worship does he begin to lift up God’s people.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Ephesians 3:16-17a NIV

Paul wants to see the church walking in the power of God. That’s how we can fully operate in the spiritual life God has for us. But, it’s important to note that this takes place through our spirits.

Again, it has a lot to do with our worship of God. We need to spend time praying in the spirit to see the power of God increasing in our lives.

The word, strengthen, in the above verse is not a one-time thing. That word implies an ongoing strengthening. We need to become spiritually stronger day by day. It’s a lot like becoming strong in the natural. I had to learn that lesson.

Now that we’re in the Spring season, my mind starts to think about hiking. Those who have read this blog for a long time will know that I love to get out and walk the Appalachian Trail. In order to be ready, I’ve been out walking whenever I can. I want to strengthen those lazy winter muscles.

Strength is a necessary part of the outdoors experience. When my wife and I started to add children to our family we stopped hiking because of the limited time we had. Since I’ve started back up again, I’ve lost 30 pounds. (Pounds that I had “found” up till that time!)

I can tell you by experience that out of shape people cannot enjoy hiking as fully as those used to the rigors of trail life. I remember well the pain in my legs and back when I first started. I had to stop every few feet while going uphill, just to breathe. Thank God, I’m starting to get in shape again!

More important than physical condition, however, is the shape of your inner being. The spiritual trail we’re on is far tougher than any wilderness trail. God wants to strengthen you for that journey.

It is going to take quality time spent in the presence of the Lord. That’s why prayer in the spirit is so beneficial. It builds you up internally. To do this you must free yourself from distractions so that you can concentrate on Christ.

As I’ve been saying, that’s what worship is all about. Spend time before Him just drinking in His Spirit. Take the time necessary so that your inner man is ready for the road ahead, no matter how rough the path.

Question: How strong is your inner man?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 5, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Prayer, Prayer in the Spirit, Revival, Spiritual Walk, Worship

 

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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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God’s Wisdom

31 Mar
God’s Wisdom

We’re going through the Epistle to the Ephesians. Paul is talking about his calling and ministry. He knows that it’s not about himself.

Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Ephesians 3:8-9 NIV

This is the heart of how Paul sees himself. He says that he’s less than the least. That’s because he looks at how he started out. He was a prosecutor, arresting and murdering the saints of God.

Even though he knows the forgiveness of God, it still weights on him. He had to learn how to move forward in the Lord in spite of his past. We need to do the same.

How did he overcome these thoughts? He looked to the grace of God at work in his life. He was given grace – the power and ability of the Holy Spirit working in him – to bring the message of Christ to the Gentiles.

That’s a big deal. According to Paul, he preaches the unsearchable riches of Christ. That word, unsearchable, means that these Gentiles, us included, had absolutely no ability to find the riches of the Hebrew Messiah.

The Gentile world was ignorant of the plan of God. They knew nothing about sin, Christ’s redemption, and God’s forgiveness. But God gave Paul, a Jewish scholar, the ability to bring this Good News to a lost and dying world.

Verse 9 is really a wonderful statement in the Greek language. Paul says that his ministry is to shine a light on the fellowship of the mystery that was hidden in God. This is what was unsearchable by the Gentiles. There is now a fellowship between Jew and Gentile because of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

God has brought all people into one new man – the body of Christ on earth. The walls between us are gone. We’re all one in Christ. There’s a purpose to why God did this.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 3:10-11 NIV

God was very intentional in what He did through Christ. He brought us all together into one body of believers. The church is made up of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and people groups.

God wants to make something clear, to angels and demons alike. Through the church, the Lord wants to show forth His multicolored wisdom. It’s a wisdom that goes beyond anything we could come up with on earth.

God can do things through the church that no one could have ever imagined. Of course, that assumes we’re listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. If we’re in step with the Spirit, we display God’s wisdom.

We have to learn this lesson. God doesn’t just react to things that are going on down here. His purpose is eternal. He had His plan in place before anything was ever created. God is working all things out to the end He decided upon.

When I bow my knee to Christ, I begin my participation in that plan. My life starts to show God’s wisdom to the universe. Not because I’m great, but because He’s great in me.

If we could just get a grasp of who we are in Christ, it would make all the difference. I’m not just a product of my past. I now have the Creator of the universe at work in my life.

We go through our day, with all the little challenges that we face. Sometimes we focus on the problems. They don’t define us. We are who God says we are. We are a part of the body of Christ on the earth. Let that give you the attitude of victory needed to overcome the daily struggles.

Question: How does a knowledge of God’s plan change your view of the world?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 31, 2023 in Fellowship, Ministry, Power of God, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church, The Gospel

 

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Serving the Word

29 Mar
Serving the Word

We’re continuing through Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church. The apostle is now talking about his ministry to those under his care.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

Ephesians 3:2-3 NIV

Paul uses a very interesting phrase here that I don’t think we fully understand. He calls it the administration of God’s grace. This is an important concept.

The word, administration, specifically speaks of the management of a household. In a wealthy household, there was a manager who had oversight, making sure that everyone had what they needed. They distributed the food, clothing, wages, etc.

As an apostle, Paul was given the responsibility of distributing God’s grace to those under his care. As church leaders, we have that same responsibility. Jesus referred to this in Luke 12:42.

Power and authority always flow downward from God. That’s why I always need to make sure I’m submitted according to God’s plan. Then, I can receive all that the Lord has for me.

Paul says that there’s a mystery involved in this. He goes on to explain it.

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

Ephesians 3:6-7 NIV

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has far-reaching effects. Paul tells us about the power of this Good News.  As it started to do its work in establishing him, the grace of God began to have an effect. It called out to him – and he listened. In the same way, it’s clear that the Good News calls us to that same place of servanthood.

This means that we’re to become servants of the Good News and not servants of the law. This is the servanthood that we’re called to. Sons of God are servants of the Good News. We must live to serve the Good News.

What do I mean by this? We must serve the Good News just like a waiter serves your food. Think about it. In a rat-infested dive of a restaurant, they throw your food at you.

In a restaurant where they have “cuisine,” however, they’re not really serving you, but the food. Why do they have white tablecloths on the tables? Why the silver utensils, crystal goblets, and fine China? Do you think that the waiters wear tuxedos for you? Absolutely not!! All that finery is because they believe that THE FOOD is worthy.

Now think about church. It’s not a place of reverence anymore. Most congregations don’t even dress up these days. Spiritually speaking, people are coming out to eat less and less at these “restaurants of the Word.” This causes me to think that maybe the food isn’t as good as it once was. It just might be that we’re not serving the Gospel like we used to.

As a local pastor, I’m the executive chef of my spiritual restaurant. That makes me as much to blame as anyone for the quality of the spiritual food at my church. Then there’s the leadership team – they are the souse-chefs and maître de. Our church members are the waiters and waitresses.

Then there’s the fact that at a “high class” restaurant there are no prices on the menus. If you go there, you expect to pay whatever the meal costs. As the saying goes, “If you need to ask what the price is, then eat somewhere else.” Could it be that many American churches today are “spiritual dives?”

The truth is that we need a deeper understanding of the God’s grace. I need to understand my role as a servant. We need to learn to administer God’s grace and serve the Gospel as they did in the early church.

Question: What can we do to better serve the Good News of Jesus Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 29, 2023 in Leadership, Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church, The Gospel

 

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Prisoner of Christ

27 Mar
Prisoner of Christ

We’re now starting chapter 3 in the letter to the Ephesians. Here Paul talks a little about his ministry to the Gentile people.

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles…

Ephesians 3:1 NIV

This is an interesting way for Paul to refer to himself. Not an apostle or an elder, but a prisoner of Christ. Why would he use this terminology? What causes someone to view themselves this way?

There was a reason that he considered himself a prisoner of Christ. Prisoners of Christ have a purpose. It was for the sake of the Gentiles. That’s what we need to know.

The word, prisoner, means to be bound or captive by someone. In this case, he’s a captive of Christ Jesus.

That’s why Paul is a prisoner. It wasn’t by his will, but the will of the Lord. If it were up to Paul – the Pharisee – he would go to the Jews. Many times, Paul had an argument with the Lord over this issue. Listen to his own testimony.

“When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking. ‘Quick!’ he said to me. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’”

Acts 22:17-18 NIV

What was Paul’s response?

“‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’”

Acts 22:19-20 NIV

Really? Did he just tell Jesus that He was wrong? That’s how we get sometimes when we’re too focused on what we think we should be doing for God. We need to listen to what the Spirit speaks to us.

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'”

Acts 22:21 NIV

Sometimes my will and God’s won’t line up. That’s when I have to remember I chose to be His prisoner. I need to bow my knee to His desire for my life, even when it’s not convenient.

This is how Paul viewed himself. He saw no life other than the calling of God. We need to walk in that same view. We’re captive to the plan of God for our lives.

Paul continued with this theme later on in his letter.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 4:1 NIV

As a prisoner of Christ, he urged others to live worthy of their calling. He’s urging us, right now, to live a life worthy – deserving – of our high calling in Christ.

Yes, I know we’re made worthy of entering the Lord’s presence. We’re also worthy of eternal life in Christ. That’s not what he’s talking about here.

According to this verse, you’ve received a calling. Now you have to live a life deserving of it.

Think about it in the natural. You might be a great surgeon. You spent years of study and internship. Now, do you get drunk all night, and in the morning operate with a hangover? Absolutely not!

You have a calling. But do you see yourself as a prisoner of Christ? Paul could have said, “I don’t care about the Gentiles. I’ll preach the Gospel to who I want to reach.” But instead, he surrendered himself to Christ.

Some Christians have treated their calling like dirt. All for the sake of money, difficulty, or because they were treated badly. Paul had all of these issues, but he lived worthy of his calling.

There’s a great work to do for Christ. Don’t let the distractions of the world sidetrack you. It’s time to commit all to Christ. Like the song says, “I have decided to follow Jesus – no turning back.” Take on the attitude of a prisoner of Christ.

Question: What does being a prisoner of Christ look like in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 27, 2023 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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God’s House

24 Mar
God’s House

We’re continuing through our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. We’ve been talking about how God has brought us all together in Christ.

Paul gives us more teaching.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household…

Ephesians 2:19 NIV

In this verse, Paul talks about the blessing that we’ve received as Gentiles in Christ. It goes beyond anything that could have been possible under the Law of Moses.

Ephesians 2:12 tells us that under the Law, we were foreigners to God’s covenant. We had no access to the promises of blessing given to Abraham.

But, in Christ we’re foreigners no longer. And he makes it even clearer. The word, aliens, in that verse, literally means a foreigner who lives next door to you.

That’s Good News to me as a Gentile believer. We’re not just “next door” to the promises. We don’t just get a little taste of God’s goodness. We’re all in.

Throughout Scripture, the Jews were called God’s people. There was always a distinction between them and the rest of the world. Now, that’s not the case in Christ. We’re now fellow citizens of the same kingdom.

We’re now a part of God’s household. That’s an important term. It’s not just family. You can be a part of the family and live far away. By using the word, household, it means we all live in the same house. You can’t get any closer than that.

At this point, it’s important to understand the house that we live in. In Christ, God created a new place of residence for all of us.

…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

Ephesians 2:20 NIV

Here’s the foundation of everything we have in Christ. There are two parts to this foundation. First, are the apostles. I believe that Paul is referring to the ministry of the New Covenant. Everything is based upon the testimony and teaching of the early apostles.

But then, there’s also the side of the prophets. I believe Paul is talking about the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. That’s because the prophetic books speak more about the heart of God. As a Gentile, I’m glad that the Law is not a part of the foundation.

What we need to realize, however, is that these two sides of the foundation are not the most important parts. Christ Jesus, Himself, is the chief cornerstone. We need to understand that.

In ancient times, when a large structure was being built, they first needed a chief cornerstone. That was a block of stone that was a perfect cube. All of the angles had to be exactly 90 degrees. In that way they could line up all of the walls and know for sure that the building was level.

That speaks volumes to us as believers. Only in Jesus Christ do the Old and New Testaments have perfect alignment. I can’t possibly understand how to apply the Old Testament apart from the work of Jesus.

Too often, Christians try to set down a list of rules based on Old Testament Scriptures. What they end up with is a form of legalistic self-righteousness. Without an application of the work and teaching of Christ, I’ll be left with a dry, empty walk with God.

The Lord wants more for us than that kind of life.

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 2:21-22 NIV

His desire that that we walk by the spirit and not a set of rules. In that way, we can see consistent growth in our spiritual life. Along with that, the body of Christ as a whole is built up.

Question: Why does a spiritual walk bring more growth than following a set of rules?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 24, 2023 in Fellowship, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Church, The Gospel

 

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Created in Christ

17 Mar
Created in Christ

As we continue through Ephesians, Paul reveals the progression of God’s work in us. He now shows us another important aspect of our walk with the Lord.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

The apostle makes it clear that we’re God’s workmanship. That word is important because it has two parts to its meaning. First of all, it tells us that we are fashioned by God. He’s the One doing the work in us.

But this word also speaks of ownership. Because God made us, He also owns us. We are His creation and, therefore, His property. But what’s the work that Paul’s talking about here?

This verse tells us that it’s a creative work of God. It’s something that only works in us as believers in Christ Jesus. As a matter of fact, the verse clearly says that this creative act takes place IN Christ Jesus.

When I received the salvation of Christ, The Holy Spirit came and took up residence inside of me. At that point God began His creative work to make me into what He originally planned me to be.

In eternity past, God already knew me and you. He knew our personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. At that point He had an assignment that only we could carry out.

But, all of my life, I was living for myself. I had no desire to carry out God’s will and was not preparing for it. Now I’ve come to Christ. Now God has to miraculously prepare me for my destiny.

This verse has an interesting picture in the way it words it in the Greek. The verse literally says that God created us in Christ Jesus over the good works He prepared for us to accomplish.

Talk about “plug and play!” He re-creates us to fit perfectly into His will. Then the Lord can just drop us where we belong in His plan.

It makes me think about what Christ said about the way His salvation works in us.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

John 5:24 NIV

That’s a great truth. We were originally walking on a path that led directly to death. There were no exits, no crossroads, and there was no way off. The destination was set.

But there was another road. It led to life. The problem was that the two roads didn’t touch. I had no way to get from my path to the one that led to life.

Then I met Jesus Christ. I accepted His free gift of salvation. At that point, He picked me up off the death road and dropped me onto the path to life.

That was the start of a brand-new thing. I was now a new person, on a new path, with a new destination, and in a new kingdom. The old way of life was gone.

That’s what the verse in Ephesians is talking about. In this new life, God has re-created me for the work He’s called me to. I don’t have to worry about who I was or what I’ve done in the past. It’s all about where I’m headed now.

Don’t let your past hinder you from accomplishing God’s will in your life. Allow the Lord to do the work of preparing you for your calling in Him.

Question: How have you seen your life change since coming to Christ?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 17, 2023 in Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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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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Seated in Heaven

13 Mar
Seated in Heaven

In my last post, I started talking about a verse in Ephesians that often gets taken out of context. I want to continue with that verse today.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…

Ephesians 2:6 NIV

In my last post I emphasized the need to remain in Christ and be in fellowship with other believers that God has joined us to. This allows us to see the manifestation of our heavenly calling in Christ.

But there’s more to it than that. The above sentence continues into the next verse. That fact is a very import one in understanding what’s being said.

…in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:7 NIV

God has a purpose for seating me in heaven in Christ. It’s not just so I can get a better view of everything around me.

The Lord wants to do a work through us. There’s something that He wants to make clear to all of heaven and earth, and both the natural and the supernatural realms.

God’s desire is that through us, all of creation will see the excellent riches of His grace. The word, incomparable, in the above verse literally means to throw beyond. It’s an athletic term from the Olympic games.

There might be some competitors who throw the shot put, and they all end up around the same area. Then, someone steps up who throws it far beyond all the rest. That’s what this word means.

God’s grace is far beyond anything we could ask, imagine, or hope for. It’s well beyond anything anyone else has ever done for us. It was a grace that’s totally unexpected.

How does anyone see that grace? According to this verse, it’s found in the kindness that God has shown us in Christ Jesus. Kindness – now that’s an important word in Scripture – but do we fully understand it?

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…

Titus 3:3-5a NIV

Usually when we’re kind to someone, it’s because we feel they deserve it. We might feel sorry for someone and do a “random act of kindness.”

But that’s not the case with the Lord. His act of kindness was totally undeserved. After a lifetime of disregard for His ways, God saved us by the grace poured out through Christ.

The Lord didn’t ask us to change our ways before He would save us. He took us right where we were at and gave us a new life. That’s beyond anything we could have ever hoped for. His desire is to seat us in Christ to show the universe this great grace that was given to us.

This word, kindness, shows us something of God’s character. It implies that He’s a God who’s very easy to serve. It’s a joy being one of his subjects.

So often we pray The Lord’s Prayer from Scripture. We ask for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. How can God’s will be done on earth? It’s only as believers show forth the grace and kindness of God, and carry out His will, that we’ll see it take place in our generation.

Question: How has the grace and kindness of God manifested itself in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on March 13, 2023 in Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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