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Category Archives: Word of God

Passion and Pressure

04 Dec
Passion and Pressure

I’m continuing with my walk through Paul’s letter to the Colossian church. In my last post, I talked about faithfulness. Now Paul shares his passion for the church.

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

Colossians 1:24 NIV

Here we see the heart of Paul for the people of God. He rejoices in his suffering for the church. But we really need to understand that word.

The apostle is not talking about a physical hurt. This is an emotion type of suffering. It’s the passion he has to see these believers walking in their true potential.

Then he goes on to describe another thing that he’s feeling. Paul lives under the pressure of seeing what’s lacking in God’s children. That’s what the word affliction means in this verse.

This combination of passion and pressure is what drives him forward. It’s something that we need to learn in our ministries today. Do I feel the passion and pressure to advance the church of Jesus Christ?

This is what’s needed for effective ministry. Unfortunately, there are too many times when we look for the easy way forward. We shy away from any kind of emotional hardship.

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.

Colossians 1:25-26 NIV

It’s through the passion and pressure that Paul has become a servant in the body of Christ. The word, commissioned, in the above verse is a Greek word from which we get our English word, economy.

In God’s economy, Paul has become a servant to those he ministers to. That’s one of the problems we have with Christian “lingo”. The word, minister, actually means a servant. Somehow, we’ve elevated it in church circles to mean the person in charge.

Yes, it does speak of leading. But it’s a servant leadership. The kind of leadership exemplified by Christ Himself.

According to Paul, it’s this kind of service that brings God’s Word to light. He wants to see this Word fulfilled in the lives of God’s people.

Until that time there was a great mystery. What was this mystery? The fact that God was going to call Gentiles into His kingdom. Jesus Christ came to seek and save all of lost humanity.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27 NIV

Until this time, God’s glory was reserved only for the Jewish people. Now, all of mankind can be a part of the glorious kingdom.

This is where the passion and pressure come from. Knowing that we have the answer to what the world is hungering for. That should drive us forward to bring the message of Christ to the world.

Let the Gospel consume you. Let the world see the glory of God in you.

Question: How strong do you feel the passion and pressure of the Gospel?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on December 4, 2023 in Leadership, Ministry, Revival, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Dark Matter and the Word

27 Nov
Dark Matter and the Word

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, the apostle is giving them a clear picture of who Jesus Christ is. He explains the glory of God, the Son, in powerful terms.

But, before I start on today’s Scripture, I have to start with an introduction. As many of you know, I don’t have a religious degree. My degree is in the field of science. That gives me a unique perspective on the Word of God.

Contrary to what they say in the world, science does not disprove the Bible. Actually, in my experience, scientific FACTS only serve to prove who God is. The FACTS of science line up with the Word.

The problem comes in with the interpretation of those facts. Atheists come to the table with the foundational assumption that there’s no God. Therefore, they have to explain how those facts could work without God.

I see those same facts, and they only serve to increase my faith in the Lord. Today’s verse is one of those places that illustrate this. So, prepare yourself for a science lesson.

There are some things about this universe that baffle atheistic scientists. One of these is the FACT that there’s not enough mass in the universe to provide the gravity which holds it together. With the matter we see, everything should fly apart.

So, physicists have come up with a theoretical particle that they call dark matter. They say that in order for the universe to be stable, this dark matter has to provide the gravity necessary to hold everything together.

What baffles them is that you can’t see these particles. You can’t test for them. You can’t find them. You just have to take it on faith that they exist.

What does Scripture say? That brings me to today’s verse from Colossians. In talking about Christ, Paul says…

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17 NIV

According to the Word, the Creator made the universe in such a way that it needed to be held together. It is God, Himself who holds it together.

Atheistic physicists describe their belief in dark matter as an invisible “spider’s web” holding the universe together. That sounds like misplaced faith to me. In order to hold on to their belief in “no God”, they trust an invisible array of dark matter.

However, if you listen to their belief, it’s even more incredible. One article I read (written by an atheist) actually said that our universe has been “finely tuned to support life”. Of course, they believe that nature finely tuned it.

Think about it. If I say that an Indy race car was finely tuned, does that sound like random chance to you? “Finely tuned” implies that someone took a lot of time and care to make it run exactly how it should.

These physicists say that our universe has exactly the right amount of dark matter to produce life. Too much and everything would come together in a big blob. Not enough, and everything would disintegrate. It had to be perfect.

Yes, I believe our universe was finely tuned. The Good News is that I know the Tuner and Creator. When I see the choice…an invisible spider’s web vs. A loving Creator…my decision is simple. I place my faith in the God who has revealed Himself through the Bible and in Jesus Christ.

That seems the simplest choice to me. Over and over again throughout my life, it has proven to be the exact, right choice.

Question: Where do you place your faith?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on November 27, 2023 in Creation, Faith, Power of God, Word of God

 

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Stay on the Clear Path

10 Nov
Stay on the Clear Path

We’re continuing our look at the book of Colossians. Paul started this letter by commending the faith and love that they’re walking in. Now he talks about who they learned it from.

You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Colossians 1:7-8 NIV

What we need to know about this epistle, is that in all probability, Paul did not establish the Colossian church. While he was in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul won Epaphras to the Lord. With Paul as his mentor, Epaphras established churches in Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossi – cities in Asia Minor.

At this point, Epaphras is the pastor of the Colossian church. It’s been a while since Paul was in this area and “wolves” were creeping into the churches with false doctrines. These doctrines eventually became known as Gnosticism.

To put it simply, Gnostics taught that everything in the material world is evil. God cannot touch it. But he can touch an angel a little lower than Himself. So, a large number of spiritual beings were created, a little lower than the one before. At the bottom of the spiritual ladder is Jesus.

This was a blatant denial of the Lord’s deity. They also taught that since the body is evil, it will be destroyed, so it doesn’t matter what your body does. You can fulfill all your fleshly desires with no consequences. Clearly this teaching was devastating the church.

Because of this, Epaphras goes to Rome to consult with Paul who then writes this letter. Because he’s dealing with this subject, Paul gives us one of the clearest pictures of Christ in this small letter.
Knowing all of this, helps us to understand Paul’s next statement.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9 NIV

The word, Gnostic, comes from the Greek word for knowledge. These heretics felt they had a knowledge that was above all other believers. Paul is letting the church know that there’s a knowledge even higher than what these wolves think they have.

Paul says that he’s praying for them. He’s expecting God to fill them up with the full knowledge of His will. This is a supernatural knowledge that goes beyond the normal human experience.

But, even more than that, God wants to give them all spiritual wisdom and understanding. These are two of the greatest gifts we can receive from God.

Wisdom is the ability to take the knowledge we have and use it to make right decisions. Understanding is the ability to take everything we see and put it together in order to understand the whole scope of what we’re experiencing.

What God has for us in Christ, is more powerful than anything these Gnostics were offering the church. So often, believers are looking for a shortcut to blessings. Unfortunately, these always lead to a dead end.

We need to keep to the path that the Lord has given us in His Word. That’s the true path to a blest and victorious life.

Question: What wisdom and understanding have you received from the Lord recently?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on November 10, 2023 in Faith, Spiritual Walk, The Church, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Growing Faith and Love

08 Nov
Growing Faith and Love

In my last post we started looking at Paul’s letter to the Colossian church. He was commending them for the faith and love that was manifest in them.

…because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.

Colossians 1:4-6a NIV

In these verses, Paul shows us where this faith and love comes from. If we want to walk in them, then it will be no different for us. There are two things that cause faith and love to spring up in us.

We’re told that they come through the hope of what’s reserved for us in Heaven. In order to understand this, you need to know what the word, hope, means in the Scripture. It’s not talking about a blind wishful thinking.

In our society we say things like, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.” It has no basis in fact. We’re simply voicing what we’d like to happen.

That’s not biblical hope. The Greek word used in Scripture means an expectation. It’s something that, based upon God’s Word, we fully expect and look forward to. In 1 Corinthians, Paul talks about these as eternal qualities.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

When we walk in the expectation of what God will accomplish, then faith and love are the natural results. But how do I get that kind of expectation?

Paul reminds them that they received it when they heard the Word of truth from the Gospel. This is key to us walking in the hope of what’s reserved for us in Heaven.

As we sit under anointed preaching and teaching, we hear Good News. We receive something we’ve never had access to before. As it does its work in us, hope – the expectation of God’s grace – is born in us.

Then, when we learn what our calling is all about, we walk in the faith and obedience to that Word. But, more than that, calling is about ministry to others. God starts to place a love in our hearts for the people around us.

This is what the Colossian Christians experienced. They learned to listen to, believe, and obey God’s Word. It’s how we should follow in their footsteps.

All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.

Colossians 1:6b NIV

Paul makes it clear that it’s the Word of truth in that Gospel that produces fruit. It’s not my good intentions, will-power, or work ethic. The fruit of the spirit can only come as a result of the Word working in me.

This is why it’s so important to hear godly, anointed preaching and teaching. And it’s not just a matter of hearing it. You need to lay hold of the truth. You must come to the point of understanding how it applies to your life.

That’s where the blessing of faith and love is born. When we hear, understand, and obey the Word of God, a whole new world of spiritual growth opens up to us.

Question: How have you seen faith and love grow in your life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on November 8, 2023 in Faith, Ministry, Power of God, Relationships, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Your Thought Life 1

25 Oct
Your Thought Life 1

As we go through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, the apostle is giving some final exhortations before closing. He now deals with our thought-life.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

This is one of the most important areas of your life. It will either make or break you. It’s always interesting to see what people do with their “down time”. I’m talking about the time during the day that you’re not having to concentrate on what you’re doing.

This is the time that you’re getting dressed, driving to work, or doing other things that don’t require a lot of thought. These are times where you have nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company. Using the time wisely can be very challenging.

Of course, with many people, this time is filled by their radio or smart phone. The last thing this society wants, is to think too deeply. Like it or not, we need to take the time to think about important issues.

It has become abundantly clear to me, through the Word of God and my own experience, that what you meditate on during these times will ultimately shape your character. If you are to achieve the maximum benefit from this, then you need to focus on what is spiritual – the Word of God, God’s calling on your life, and songs of praise and worship.

As these thoughts start to fill your mind, a change starts to take place in your heart. You start to be drawn upward to God. This idle time will now become a time of spiritual growth, renewal, and refreshing.

Take the opportunity today to turn off the external “noise”. Begin to steer your thoughts toward the things of the Lord. Discover the power you need for living as you fill your heart with the only thoughts that can bring lasting change to your life.

I want to take a couple of posts to talk about these “thought lines” that Paul tells us to dwell on. It’s a very important part of our Christian walk.

He first mentions things that are true. This doesn’t simply mean true things, such as one plus one equals two. The word Paul uses means things that are not hidden. That’s important.

There are times when I’m reading the Scripture, when suddenly it opens up to me. The Holy Spirit shows me something I’ve never seen before. It was always there, but before now, it was hidden to me.

That’s what Paul’s talking about when he tells us to think on these things. Think deeply about the things from God’s Word that He has personally revealed to you. The Lord has a reason that He shows you these things. It’s up to you to find out why.

Next, he tells us to think about things that are noble. That’s a word that not many people use anymore. The Greek word comes from a root that means devout or religious. It’s speaking of something that’s worshipful.

We need to be thinking on things that cause us to worship God. No, I’m not talking about praise. We praise God for things He has done. We worship God for who He is.

We need to be dwelling on who God is. Who is God to you? How has He revealed Himself in Scripture? Healer, Creator, Redeemer, Provider. He is all these things and more. These thoughts bring us into a place of worship. That’s the place of power in the spirit.

Then Paul tells us to think on things that are right. This actually means to think about things that are just. Our problem is that we think about things in terms of fair. Just is very different. One thing you have to realize is that God is not fair – and I’m so grateful for that.

Fair would mean that I paid for my own sin. It was supremely unfair for Christ to take my sin upon Himself and go to the cross. But, justice, was satisfied by what He did. God is not fair, but He is just.

That’s what we need to be thinking on. The justice of God should motivate us to tell others about what Christ has done. Forgiveness is available for all who ask.

In my next post, I’ll continue with this.

Question: How do these things affect your thought life?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on October 25, 2023 in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

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Grace, Faith, and Works

22 Sep
Grace, Faith, and Works

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

Paul told them these things…

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

Philippians 2:16 NIV

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

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

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

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

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

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

This faith has a relationship with grace.

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

Romans 5:1-2a NIV

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

James understood this concept.

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

James 2:20 NIV

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

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

Let that be the desire of your heart!

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

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

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

 

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Bright Stars

20 Sep
Bright Stars

We’re going through Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. The apostle has been showing the example that Christ laid down for us to follow. We need to show His life to the world.

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…

Philippians 2:14-16a NIV

The first thing he tells us is to live without quiet complaining and open debating. We should be living according to the Word of God, and not by feelings or human reasoning.

In that way, we will be without blame and without being mixed with the world’s thinking. That will set us apart from the world around us. Their walk is a winding path and distorted thinking.

At that point our light will be seen. It may be spiritually dark, but stars are very visible in the night sky.

We need to show the light of Christ to the world around us. The enemy would try to blind their spiritual eyes to the truth. But he can’t stop the power of God.

That’s because the light takes many forms. The prophet Malachi foresaw this day.

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Malachi 4:2 NIV

He saw righteousness rising like the sun. Have you ever seen sunbeams breaking through the clouds? In the ancient Hebrew culture, they called them the “wings” of the sun. So, Malachi saw healing beaming out from righteousness.

That’s a part of the light that we shine. That’s why we pray for the sick, especially for an unsaved person. When God brings healing, that’s the light of Christ breaking through to them.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

But we always have to remember, it’s not our light but His. Peter talked about having the Word in you and allowing it to grow and produce fruit in your life. In speaking about this fruitfulness…

But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

2 Peter 1:9 NIV

Peter calls unfruitful Christians, blind and nearsighted. He says that you’ve forgotten about your past being cleansed by the blood of Christ.

That’s because this person is blind to what God is doing. They’re also nearsighted; they can only see what’s right in front of them. They major on the temporary things of this world.

We need 20/20 vision in the spirit.

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:12 NIV

It’s interesting to see the contrast here between deeds of darkness vs. armor of light. That’s because the armor is all about action.

The truth, righteousness, the Gospel, and faith – all of these things must be visible. It’s up to us to make the light accessible to the world.

We’re the ones looking into the light. We should be walking in it, letting it change us.

The question is, how do we shine like stars? The last part of the passage in Philippians tells us. It’s as we hold out the Word of life. The Word is the light. We hold it out. Not everybody wants it; but some people are touched and changed by it. We need to live in such a way that the light is seen in us.

Question: How have people seen the light of Christ in your life lately?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 20, 2023 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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Together in Spiritual Warfare

01 Sep
Together in Spiritual Warfare

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

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

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

Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 32:30-31 NIV

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

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

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

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

Philippians 1:29-30 NIV

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

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

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

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

 

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Moving Forward in Faith

30 Aug
Moving Forward in Faith

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

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

Philippians 1:18b-19 NIV

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philippians 1:20-21 NIV

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

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

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

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

Philippians 1:22-26 NIV

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

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

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

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

Question: How does hearing from God produce faith?

© 2023 Nick Zaccardi

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

 

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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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