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Category Archives: The Gospel

Repentance Breaks the Curse

27 Feb
Repentance Breaks the Curse

We’re currently going through the book of Jude. He’s writing about false teachers.

Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain…
Jude 11a

I’m posting about Cain’s experience. He murdered his own brother because he thought that it would allow him to worship God on his own terms. It didn’t work.

He found himself away from his calling, and hidden from God’s presence. He even feared that he would be killed for his actions. But God did something surprising.

But the Lord said to him, “Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.
Genesis 4:15

God gave Cain the world’s first tattoo. It read, “Kill him and answer to Me – signed – GOD.”

Why would God do such a thing? Throughout His Word the Lord has said that murder is punishable by death. The answer is in His mercy.

Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
Genesis 4:25

This is a very strange statement for Eve to make. At this point she already had over 100 children. Why did she see the need to specifically replace Abel? The name Seth means to place in as a substitute.

Here’s where we see God’s mercy.

Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord.
Genesis 4:26

What this verse tells us is that something happened when Seth was old enough to have children. The Bible literally says that calling on the name of the Lord was opened up. (The word men is not in the original Hebrew)

Why did God not allow Cain to be killed? The Lord wanted Cain to see the day when a new prophet would rise up. Seth could now offer the sin-offering for Cain’s forgiveness. I’d like to think that Cain took God’s offer of a second chance. I believe that we’ll see him in Heaven.

Remember – Cain’s curse was that he would be a restless wanderer.

Cain lay with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.
Genesis 4:17

Do you hear that? Cain built a city. He’s not a wanderer anymore. It sounds like the curse was broken over his life. I believe it’s because he took God’s offer of forgiveness.

What can we learn from all of this – the way of Cain? I can’t worship God on my own terms. It’s an epidemic of our generation of believers.

Many people say that they’re pursuing God. The truth is that I can only pursue God the way God wants to be pursued. Anything else and I’m just a spiritual wanderer.

We must worship God the way He wants to be worshiped – in spirit and in truth. Anything else misses the mark.

Question: What curses has God broken from over your life?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 27, 2026 in Faith, Power of God, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Worship

 

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Worship on My Terms

25 Feb
Worship on My Terms

As we go through Jude’s epistle, I’ve been posting about the offerings of Cain and Abel.

Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain…
Jude 11a

What we’ve seen is that Abel was God’s designated prophet. If Cain’s gift was to be accepted, he had to bring it to Abel. This would have required Cain to humble himself.

“You mean I have to go to my little brother for God to accept my offering?”

The truth is that there’s only one way to worship God acceptably – God’s way. Cain had a problem with that.

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
Genesis 4:8

The result was that Cain killed Abel. Cain’s thinking was that God wanted him to worship through the prophet. But what if there was no prophet? Then God would have to accept an offering from Cain’s hand.

Cain wanted to worship God on his own terms. He thought that God would have to accept his offering regardless of how he brought it. But that wasn’t the case.

Cain became the world’s first murderer. He was cursed for this sin.

The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”
Genesis 4:10-12

What was Cain’s response?

Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”
Genesis 4:13-14

Cain said that his punishment would be unbearable. Why? Not only was he driven from the land, but he would be hidden from God’s presence.

Does that sound like an angry, hardened reprobate to you? I don’t see any of that as he stands before God.

He is starting to understand his situation. He can no longer fulfill his calling – being driven from the land. He can’t find forgiveness in the presence of God. The only advocate that he could have gone to – Abel – is dead. It even dawns on him that he deserves death.

His answer to God sounds sorrowful to me. He sounds more humble that Adam and Eve did when they sinned.

This shows the mercy of God. The conversation between Cain and God still sounds like the interactions of a father and a wayward son.

We serve a God who always desires restoration over judgment. The outcome of this event is no different. Cain was sorry for what he had done. God had a remedy.

In my next post you’ll see how the story ends. It’s probably different than you think.

Question: How has God’s forgiveness affected your life?

© 2026 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on February 25, 2026 in Prayer, Worship, The Gospel, Spiritual Walk

 

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Saved Through Difficulty

03 Oct
Saved Through Difficulty

We’re continuing our walk through the epistle of 1 Peter. I’ve been sharing about trials and difficulties. In my last post I talked about how our right choices can bring glory to God.

Today we’ll look at another frequently misunderstood Scripture.

And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

1 Peter 4:18 NIV

Some people look at this verse and use it as an excuse for their legalism. They have a list of rules that if any of them are broken, you’ll lose your salvation.

Jesus Christ went to the cross and gave His life to save us. I hardly think that it would then be God’s will for us to lose that salvation and end up in hell on a legal technicality.

Yes, this verse does say that the righteous are saved with difficult toil. This is the part that many use to teach that it’s harder to stay saved than it was to get saved. But it all comes down to the fact that they don’t understand what “saved” means. Scripturally, to be saved means to be delivered and protected. Understand this; because of Christ’s work on the cross, we’re not just saved from hell. We’re also saved form sickness, poverty, sin, depression, and all that would harm us.

The simple truth is that it’s difficult toil to bring salvation into my finances, my home, my mind, and my workplace. In saying this, Peter asks an interesting question.

It’s a very complicated question in the Greek language. But it all comes down to this: If we consider it painful toil to bring this salvation into our lives – how will non-worshippers and sinners become enlightened?

So, I will make the tough choices – in order for the world to see His light and glory. I base that upon the Scriptural context. This life is not all about me. The world needs me to be strong in the Lord so that they can see and understand this Good News.

As long as we have the attitude, “I’m not going to go to hell as long as I…” we’ll never be effective. The real question is “How many others around me will go to hell if I don’t live up to my salvation?”

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19 NIV

I need to make sure that if I suffer, it’s according to His will. That means it’s God’s choice, purpose, and determination for my life. If that’s the case then I am presenting my soul in well-doing before my Faithful Creator.

When I make the choice to follow the Lord’s plan, I put myself on the altar. Paul says the same thing in his writings.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him…

Philippians 1:29 NIV

That word, granted, means given to you as a favor. God has done us a favor by letting us participate in His sufferings. It’s time to stop thinking all about myself and embrace the trials.

Question: How have others seen God’s glory through the difficulties you’ve gone experienced?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 3, 2025 in Faith, Legalism, Ministry, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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The Time for Right Choices

01 Oct
The Time for Right Choices

As we go through 1 Peter, I’ve been talking about suffering for doing right. We’ve seen that the suffering is knowing that you could take the easy way out but choose to do right anyway.

Peter continues with this thought.

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

1 Peter 4:15-16 NIV

There are wrong choices that carry severe consequences if you get caught. However, that’s not the suffering he wants us to focus on.

The right choice is to live as a Christian. That word means you’re a follower or representative of Christ. It may be a modern cliché, but the truth is we should always ask; what would Jesus do? Or, even better, what would Jesus say? The world will always judge Christianity by what we do.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:17 NIV

This is a verse that’s frequently misunderstood. It’s all about understanding the season we’re living in. We’re in the last days before the Lord’s return.

According to this verse, it’s the set time for judgment to begin. That word, judgment, simply means decisions; specifically, the decisions made by God. In context, these decisions God makes are based upon our choices.

God sets up trials (faith experiments) for us. When we make the right choices, our faith is proved genuine, and God gets the glory. It becomes clear what we believe and is a witness to the world.

Now, those we share Christ with have to make the choice. Will they choose for or against the Lord? What will the outcome be? Hopefully, they’ll choose to obey the Good News they’ve seen and heard.

That’s the season we’re in right now. More and more, God is going to place us in the spotlight. Will we bring glory to God, or push our own political agenda?

We are not on this earth to promote a man-made philosophy, no matter how good we think it is. We’re here to lift up Christ and share His work of salvation with the world.

With the rise of social media, we have an unprecedented ability to share this Good News with masses of people. Yet what many believers get involved in is hatred, division, and blatant disrespect. God cannot and will not bless that kind of behavior.

It’s time for God’s people to make right choices. We need to be proclaiming Christ. That’s the season we live in. Choose to live as a representative of Christ.

Question: How do your daily choices glorify God?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 1, 2025 in Faith, Ministry, Return of Christ, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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Our Righteous Witness

09 Jul
Our Righteous Witness

We’re continuing our walk through 1 Peter. He’s been teaching about having a change of attitude by the renewing of your mind.

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do — living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

1 Peter 4:3 NIV

Peter now appeals to our spiritual experience. He tells us that we’ve spent enough time trying to accomplish what the Pagans are doing. We found out that it doesn’t work. All of that sinful lifestyle leads nowhere.

He uses some clear descriptions that sound very close to home in our generation. Peter talks about out of control desires, too much wine, letting loose, drinking bouts, and unlawful image worship. That’s how the world views having a good time. I let loose on the weekend, destroying my body, then feeling like dirt on Monday.

It should be different for us as believers. If you remember from the end of chapter 3, we’ve cried out to God. Through baptism we craved and demanded a good conscience before God. Our life has been totally renovated.

They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

1 Peter 4:4 NIV

The world thinks we’re crazy for not running after these things. He literally says that it’s alien to them. It’s strange that we don’t want to rush together with them into the same excess of unsavedness.

So, they speak evil of you. That’s because your lifestyle of radical righteousness convicts them. They realize that their lifestyle is only providing a temporary happiness.

But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

1 Peter 4:5-6 NIV

This is what should fuel our evangelistic burden for the lost. Everyone will go before God in judgment. I believe that this knowledge is built into our DNA as humans.

And this verse gives us some insight into what Christ was doing while His body rested in the grave. First, Jesus went into hell and proclaimed to the unrighteous dead. Then, He preached the good news to the righteous dead. After proclaiming His triumph over death, Christ lead them out victoriously.

This is why the Gospel message is so important. The Lord wants no one to perish. He wants as many as possible to enter into the joy of His kingdom. We all have to do our part in accomplishing this mission.

Question: How well are you advancing God’s kingdom?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 9, 2025 in Ministry, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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Our Salvation

18 Jun
Our Salvation

In going through Peter’s first letter, my last post was about the once and for all victory of Christ. Today I want to continue that thought.

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18 NIV

The Scripture is clear that there was a purpose for His death on the cross. Christ died in order that He might lead us toward God. But even though His flesh was killed, the Lord was resurrected by the Spirit.

That brought Him to a new place of ministry.

He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.

1 Peter 3:18b-20a NIV

This is a very interesting portion of Scripture. I believe it’s talking about what Christ was doing while His body was in the grave for three days. He wasn’t just “sleeping.”

While the Lord was in the Spirit, He was actually preaching. It literally says that He was proclaiming something, but it wasn’t the Good News. There are important truths here that we need to see.

Christ was preaching to those who were willfully disobedient during the days of Noah. During that time, God was looking with expectation, as the ark was being prepared. It was the means of physical salvation for that generation.

In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand — with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

1 Peter 3:20b-22 NIV

This is what Peter is really trying to get us to think about. It’s how you view your salvation and baptism. Why did you come to Christ and receive the sacrament of baptism in water?

It was obviously not the laying aside of dirt from the flesh. What it really is, is a demand, a craving for, a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Along with that is the knowledge that all of creation is in obedience to Him.

Because of this, you can successfully face the trials of life. When you crave a good conscience toward God, then your expectation is in the Lord.

With that attitude, we must expect the move of God in our lives and situations.

Question: What is your attitude toward the salvation Christ bought for you?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 18, 2025 in Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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Once For All Victory

13 Jun
Once For All Victory

We’re continuing our study through 1 Peter. The apostle has been talking about suffering because you’re living righteously. He gives us the conclusion.

It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:17 NIV

Now he goes on to give us the example of Christ.

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18 NIV

I love that phrase, “once for all.” Let me explain. I live in the Boston area. I have to admit that I was excited when the New England Patriots won the Superbowl year after year. That probably doesn’t sound very spiritual.

Actually, there’s a truth here that we need to understand. It hurts me to tell you this, but once the Superbowl is over, every team is tied for last place.

When you look at the world of sports, the game gets reset every year. What you did last season doesn’t mean anything during the next season.

From this point on it’s all about winning next year. In our society, championships are a temporary thing. You can be a world champion today and scraping the bottom the next season.

I’m glad Jesus wasn’t this kind of champion. The victory that He won was once and for all. There will be no rematch, no do overs, and no replays. It is finished.

Under the Old Covenant it was much different. The death of a bull or goat today had no power to help you a year later. The sacrifices had to be repeated over and over again.

The work that Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross will never lose its effectiveness. It will never fade or wear out. The Lord is eternally victorious.

But there’s more to the story. Christ has passed this victory on to all who will trust in Him.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV

As I said before – I’m glad for the Patriots past victories. The problem is that their victory didn’t do anything for me. After the Superbowl, my health, finances, and attitudes were the same as they were before. They got the glory, and I got to watch.

Christ, on the other hand, allowed me to share in His victory. Even though there was nothing I could to do to help, I benefit from all that He did. All I had to do was to trust in Him as my Lord and Savior.

…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:4 NIV

In one decisive act, Jesus Christ accomplished freedom, salvation, healing, and restoration for all. We just need to get in on it by faith in Him.

Spend some time with the Lord today. Let His victory spill over into your life. Don’t walk around as if you’re defeated, hoping to win the next round. You can walk in his freedom right now.

Question: How has the victory of Christ been effective in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 13, 2025 in Encouragement, Faith, Healing, Power of God, The Gospel

 

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A Good Conscience

11 Jun
A Good Conscience

We’re currently going through Peter’s first epistle. In my last post, I talked about how to be prepared to answer those who ask about the hope driving your actions.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

Continuing with that thought, there’s an assumption that you’re watching your attitude. When we deal with the unsaved, we need to keep our emotions in check. We must not operate in an arrogant or condemning manner.

When we act in a “holier than thou” way, we actually push people away from the Gospel. They need to understand that we had issues as well. The only difference between them and us is Christ.

Most importantly, we must hold on to a good conscience. We need to guard our conscience from anything that would stain it. What does this mean?

The Greek word for conscience, literally means seeing together. It’s how we view the totality of our life and actions. It’s not about just one incident that happened 3 years ago.

Too many believers find themselves stuck because they’re continually replaying a mistake they made years ago. You are washed by the blood of Christ if you repented of it. Stop letting the past keep you from your destiny in the Lord.

The real question is; am I living for self, or becoming like Christ? That’s what’s the important aspect of our conscience.

Paul explained the same thing to his spiritual son, Timothy. We need this to become effective in ministry.

…holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.

1 Timothy 1:19 NIV

How can you trust God if your own mind is accusing you of disobedience? In that case, your faith is being shipwrecked. If you haven’t done it yet, go before God and repent over those areas of guilt. Then move on in Christ.

These four things that Peter dealt with in chapter 3, are the bedrock for being victorious in trials. Don’t fear what the world fears, set apart Christ as Lord, be ready to explain your hope, and hold on to a good conscience.

The result of these characteristics is worth the hardship. Peter explains why in verse 16. He says that even though those in the world may publicly slander you as criminals, privately they will actually be ashamed of themselves.

By living this way, you’re giving the Holy Spirit something to work with. He can bring conviction into the hearts of those who know you. The Lord is able to “ripen” their hearts to receive the Gospel message.

Eventually, the Lord will lead someone, maybe even you, to share Christ with them. At that time, they’ll be ready and willing to bow their knee to the Lord and accept Him as their Savior.

Question: How close does your life line up to this way of living?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 11, 2025 in Faith, Ministry, The Gospel

 

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Be Prepared

02 Jun
Be Prepared

We’re continuing our walk through 1 Peter. In my last post, I started talking about living a radically righteous life. When you live “all in” for Christ, you start to get some resistance from the world, but we don’t have to be afraid.

Now Peter continues with this thought.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.

1 Peter 3:15a

The next thing Peter tells us is to revere Christ as Lord. That word, revere, actually means to set apart. In our hearts, we must set Christ apart as Lord. This is the absolute key.

Many Christians have set themselves in that position. They act as the lords of their own life. Christ is merely an advisor.

It’s like the bumper sticker I’ve seen from time to time. “God is my co-pilot.” In my opinion, if God is your co-pilot, then you have a fool for a pilot.

Much of the problem is that we have no concept of what a lord is in our culture. The lord is the supreme ruler. Saying, “No Lord,” is not an option.

It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”

Romans 14:11

We know from Scripture that at the judgment, every created being will declare the Lordship of Christ. Every knee WILL bow. So, why not acknowledge it now. Don’t wait until you have no choice but to admit it.

Your submission to Christ will be obvious to those around you. You have to be ready for it. Peter explains how we should be prepared.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15b-16

We’re told to be ready at all times. But, ready to do what? Ready to give an answer. That’s a Greek word from which we get our English word, apology.

That Greek word is actually a technical judicial term. It means your final defense of  your actions. We must always beready to explain our actions. Remember, Peter is talking about doing radical goodness.

This is the basis for a powerful witness for Christ. You live a cutting edge, radically good lifestyle. That’s what gets people’s attention.

It prompts people to ask, “Why do you live like that?”

Remember what the verse says. Give an answer to everyone who asks. Sometimes our trouble is that we want to explain to those who don’t care.

When He saw the crowds of people coming towards Him to hear His words, Jesus told His disciples to look at the fields that are white for harvest. We’ve got to be looking for the white fields. Not everyone is ready to hear the good news.

They want a particular explanation. They want to understand the hope that’s driving us to do what we do. That’s especially true when we show love in a way the world never could.

So, live radically for Christ and be ready to explain God’s goodness to those around you.

Question: Have you ever encountered questions about your righteous lifestyle?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 2, 2025 in Faith, Ministry, The Gospel

 

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Suffering for Doing Good

19 May
Suffering for Doing Good

We’re continuing to go through Peter’s first letter. The apostle is now going to talk about how to handle resistance from the world. It’s something we will all experience, even if we don’t live in an area with heavy persecution.

Remember, Peter’s goal is always to portray Christ to the world.

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

1 Peter 3:13 NIV

Peter asks us, who is it that will bring evil against you? He’s talking about any kind of evil, from injury to exasperation. This is especially true if you’re eager to do good.

The word he uses for eager is important for understanding this question. He’s literally saying if you become a Zealot for good. One thing we need to know is that this word, Zealot, referred to a group of Jews who were anti-Roman terrorists at that point in history.

This seems like an oxymoron. A terrorist for good. But I believe that’s from the world’s perspective.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

John 3:19-20 NIV

We can see from this verse, that light terrorizes those who love darkness. That’s what happens when we live a “radically good” life. When someone acts in an evil way against us and we go out of our way to bless them.

So, Peter asks who would try to hurt you for that? Then, he thinks about his experience in this area.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”

1 Peter 3:14 NIV

What if you’re passionately burdened to do righteousness? Here’s what Peter has learned from his experiences.

First, you’re supremely blessed, well off, happy, fortunate. That’s the first and most important thing you need to know. That’s the basis for overcoming in spite of this resistance.

You had better prepare for this, just like Christ. Because we will all have to face these issues at some point.

The apostle starts by telling us to not be afraid or shaken. He lets us know that we don’t have to fear the things that frighten the world. And we’re not shaken by the things that toss them.

The world gets all upset and fearful about politics, the economy, and natural disasters. We must not give in to fear because we know who controls our life and our world.

This is one of the biggest areas we need to work on as Christians in our generation. When you see what’s taking place online and in social media, many times believers seem as stressed out as the world. We can’t be acting like people without the hope of Christ Jesus in us.

It’s time for us to start acting like Jesus is Lord and God is in control. Stop running around like the world and settle down to be accomplishing the will of the Father. Spend time in His presence to pick up His heartbeat. Then, do what you’re called to do.

Question: How free are you from the anxiety we see in the world?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on May 19, 2025 in Ministry, Power of God, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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