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Suffering with Christ

29 Sep
Suffering with Christ

We’re continuing through the epistle of 1 Peter. In my last post, I started talking about trials and tests. According to Peter, trials should cause us to rejoice.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV

I concluded by saying that we must first understand the sufferings of Christ in order to know if we are participating in them. Now I want to continue this line of teaching.

In talking about why Christ is qualified to be our High Priest, Hebrews says…

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 2:18 NIV

We have to understand that both tempt and test are the same word in the Greek language. The question is, how did Christ suffer.

I believe that it was more than just the physical pain of crucifixion. Most of His suffering was in the choosing. He could have turned His back on the cross, but He chose to do it.

The Lord could see in the Spirit that there was an army of angels waiting for His command to get Him off the cross. But He chose to ignore them.

How could Jesus choose rightly all the time? The writer of Hebrews goes on and explains it to us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

We’re told that Christ chose the suffering because He saw the joy that was before Him. We sometimes lose sight of the promise given to us in the verse from 1 Peter.

When it says we will be overjoyed, the literal translation is that we will jump for joy when we see His glory revealed in us. Peter goes on to say…

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1 Peter 4:14 NIV

If you are defamed because of Christ, then you are supremely blessed, fortunate, well-off. That’s because the Spirit of glory and of God rests superimposed upon you.

This tells me that trials are a glorious thing. The glory of the Holy Spirit is superimposed upon us. That’s when others truly see Christ in us. Of course, they may either love or hate the Christ they see. But we will continue to glorify the Lord.

Question: How have you experienced suffering in choosing to do right?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 29, 2025 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Trials and Attitudes

26 Sep
Trials and Attitudes

We’re going through the Apostle Peter’s first letter. At this point he’s been dealing with leadership characteristics. He’s now going into a subject that is especially applicable in our generation.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 4:12 NIV

The apostle has already talked about having a self-controlled mind, love, hospitality, and administering God’s grace. That’s not an easy calling. However, I believe that the number one thing on the horizon for the church is an increase in tribulations.

We’re in the last days and it’s not going to be easy as we approach the return of Christ. You may not like it, but the last days requires us to participate in the sufferings of Christ.

Peter tells us not to be surprised when a trial is ignited. He literally says that when these trials come, don’t think that something alien is walking with you.

That brings up the question; what is a trial? That word actually is talking about a trial as in an experiment. It’s when you’re trying to prove or disprove a theory.

So, this is really a faith experiment. The goal is to see whether your faith is real or not.

The first thing we see is what they’re not. Trials are not a strange thing. They’re a normal part of life as a believer. This is how growth takes place.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 NIV

We like the “not lacking anything” part. But the words “many kinds” would imply that these trials are showing up all the time.

James says it’s to be considered as pure joy, and Peter agrees.

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:13 NIV

We’re told to be happy, cheerful, well-off. Consider trials a joyful thing. But there’s a catch. Peter literally says to rejoice in the proportion that you share Christ’s suffering.

That means you must first understand the suffering of Christ in order to know if you are participating in it. This is one of the most important things we can grasp as Christians.

I’m going to go into this in detail in my next post.

Question: What’s your attitude toward the trials you face?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 26, 2025 in Faith, Return of Christ, Spiritual Walk

 

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God as Choreographer

24 Sep
God as Choreographer

We’re currently going through the epistle of 1 Peter. In my last post, I talked about making sure the glory goes to God. Today I’ll continue with that thought.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11

In this verse Peter is telling us that when we speak, we should speak as God Himself speaking. He literally tells us that when we serve, our words are originating from the force of which God is the dance-leader.

Peter actually uses the Greek word for choreographer, in speaking about God. Think about it. God is the great universal Choreographer.

I encourage you, then you pray for sick, when they’re healed, they go and evangelize the lost. It’s like one great dance.

We all need to be involved in God’s choreography. Instead, we sit back and wait for others to do the work of the Lord. Think about what the Nutcracker Suite would be like with only three dancers. Then we complain, “God isn’t blessing this church.”

God gives grace and choreographs His will to be accomplished on earth. We do the performance, and God gets the glory in everything through Christ. The Lord receives glory, dominion, power, and strength forever and ever.

If you remember from a previous post, we are the administrators of God’s grace. Allowing God to use us in His choreography is a big part of this.

Paul understood the truth of this teaching.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you…

Ephesians 3:2 NIV

Do you hear what the apostle is saying here? It’s in the administration of God’s grace that He gives me His grace. But, more importantly, the grace He gives me is actually for you.

I would be doing a grave disservice to God if I failed to pass on that grace. Unfortunately, we do that all the time. We either don’t follow through with what God is doing in us, or we ignore His calling altogether.

Much of the grace God gives to us is for someone else. I heard a great preacher once say, “God always blesses you with someone else in mind!” We need to live with that truth before us.

Always remember that God is the great Choreographer. It’s up to us to be a part of what He’s doing in this generation. Don’t be left out of the blessing; join the dance!!!

Question: How have you experienced God as Choreographer in your life?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 24, 2025 in Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

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For God’s Glory

22 Sep
For God’s Glory

As we continue through the book of 1 Peter, he is exhorting us about the characteristics of Christian leaders. Actually, I believe that all Christians are called to some form of leadership. Now, Peter gets into a subject that’s important for us to hear.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11

We sometimes get the impression that it doesn’t matter what people think about us. After all, “I’ll live the way I want. I don’t care what you think about me.” As Christian leaders, we have to be careful about that attitude.

Whatever we say or do should be praiseworthy. Of course, that in itself can bring on another set of problems.

We all like to be praised. When we accomplish something worthwhile, we expect people to notice and appreciate us. It makes us feel good about ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with accepting praise for a job well done.

The problem we get into, is wanting to keep it ALL for ourselves. If we live independent of God, then we don’t have to give Him any praise. The fact is that my wisdom isn’t good enough. My strength will never overcome all the obstacles before me. I need to rely upon God.

So, there are the two ditches on the side of our path. Not caring at all about how we affect people or living for praise. Either way, we miss out on God’s best. I need to learn to live with the knowledge that my life and my words represent someone other than myself.

I belong to Christ. I’m a citizen of the Kingdom of God. I’m an ambassador for a realm that’s beyond this world. As such, I can’t allow myself to pick up the attitudes of this world.

When I spend time in the presence of the Lord, I begin to live on a higher level. Then, when someone is touched by my words, I can’t take the credit for it. God gets the glory.

When I do something sacrificial that my flesh would have never agreed to apart from God’s prompting, He gets the praise for it.

We should seek to live our lives in such a way that God receives continual praise. This requires us to spend time with Him, meditating on His Word, and listening to His Spirit.

Yes, there will still be things that we’re praised for, but our goal should be for the Lord to receive most of the glory for how we live. In that way our lives will be a continual testimony to the greatness of our God.

Question: How has something that you’ve said brought praise to God?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 22, 2025 in Leadership, Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Grace Distributors

19 Sep
Grace Distributors

I’m continuing to go through Peter’s first epistle. So far in this section, he’s talked about the leadership characteristics of self-control, love, and hospitality. The next one ties them all together.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

The word for gift in this verse is the Greek word, charisma. The root is charis, which means grace. So, Peter is talking about grace-gifts in this verse.

The thing about grace-gifts that we need to know is they are not like normal presents that we receive. These are gifts that God gives, but He still maintains control over them. The Lord tells you how He wants you to use them. You’ve received them from God. Now you must serve – wait on – one another.

By doing this, you become an administrator of God’s grace. The literal word used there is a house-distributor. That was the title given to the servant in charge of the house while the master was away.

We receive grace gifts from God. Then, we serve, wait on one another. God has made us administrators of His grace.

This verse says that you must administer the different graces of God. That’s something we’re missing in our generation of Christianity. It requires spiritual sensitivity.

First, I must recognize the graces I’ve received. Then I must distribute them to those God has called me to minister to.

Here’s the problem: Brother Jones has the grace of the healing gifts. But he wants to do nothing in the church and only shows up once a month. Pastor Nick wants to see people healed and prays for everybody – with no results. This is the condition of much of the church today.

What is your grace-gift given by the Lord? Is it encouragement, wealth, teaching, healing, prophecy, helps, intercession, etc.?

That’s why Paul says…

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

2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV

If Paul is giving us this warning, then it’s possible to receive God’s grace in vain. That means you received it and don’t use it.

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NIV

The Bible says that we are both servants and house managers. The key to these positions is being faithful. We are to receive grace, and we give grace.

Why does there seem to be no grace in some churches? It’s not being distributed. The more grace distributed, greater the flow of God’s power is seen.

Question: How open are you to distribute God’s grace?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 19, 2025 in Leadership, Ministry, Revival, The Church

 

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The Forms of Love

17 Sep
The Forms of Love

As we continue through 1 Peter, he’s now giving us the exhortations that develop leadership character in our walk with the Lord. In my last post, I talked about the ability to pray effectively. Now Peter moves forward.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8 NIV

Now the apostle talks about something that’s above all. Before you do anything else, you must learn to love. That’s the agape love of God. It’s the non-emotional choice to positively participate in the lives of others.

But more than that, as leaders, we must love deeply. This means that it must be done intently, fervently, and without ceasing. As believers, we must learn to love one another.

This will be the greatest need of the church as we get further into the last days. This means not just showing love by our words. There must be a willingness to participate in each other’s lives.

That’s how the world will know we’re His disciples. Not loving by emotion, but by our actions.

Peter tells us that this is because love covers over a multitude of sins. Sin is missing the mark. You can miss the mark in a lot of things. But if you’re known for your love – it covers a lot of the other areas where YOU miss it.

Along those same lines, Peter tells us…

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:9 NIV

This concept of hospitality is important for us as believers. It seems to be a lost art in the body of Christ. He literally says we must be alien lovers. That’s the word the Greeks used for being fond of guests.

The Lord wants us to learn to become hospitable. For too long we viewed the church as “that building.” I see a trend taking place. Because of world events, the church is moving back into homes.

There have been burnings, attacks, and anger. Many times, we’re labeled as “Right-wing extremists”.

Look at the early church. According to Acts 2, believers devoted themselves to teaching and fellowship.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46b-47 NIV

Notice how Peter says they met together in their homes – without grumbling.

“I’ll let people in my house, but I won’t be happy about it.”

In actuality, the house owner receives a special blessing. Hospitality is a big way that we can show love to one another.

Question: How well do you show hospitality?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 17, 2025 in Fellowship, Leadership, Relationships, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Church

 

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Sober Prayers

15 Sep
Sober Prayers

We’ve been going through Peter’s first epistle to the church. He laid the groundwork for living a victorious Christian walk. Now the apostle transitions to his main subject.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

1 Peter 4:7 NIV

In this new section of Scripture, Peter gives us a glimpse into what the church needs to be like in the last days.

He literally tells us that the point everything is aimed at is approaching. If it was approaching back then, it’s now upon us.

This calls for a different level of living. He’s now showing us what Christians need to be like in the last days (right now!). We cannot get away with things the church used to do.

First, we’re told to be clear-minded or what the KJV calls a sound mind. That Greek word is actually a compound word. It’s saved and mind together. So, we are to operate with a saved mind.

The Apostle Paul tells us the same thing.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV

He tells us that we’re not given a spirit of timidity, but a saved mind. He uses the same word that’s in 1 Peter. I believe that they’re both talking about having our mind renewed by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Getting back to 1 Peter, we’re also told to be self-controlled. This is an important thing to understand. What Peter actually wrote was don’t be drunk. In the context of this verse, I believe he’s not talking about alcohol, but not being drunk by the world.

It’s all about being able to pray effectively. You won’t be able to pray correctly unless you have a saved mind and you’re not distracted by the world. You can’t give in to all the attractions of society around you.

“O God, I NEED that new, big screen TV!”. That’s most likely a drunken prayer.

“Bring souls into Your kingdom” or “Strengthen us for the battle” are prayers that come from a renewed mind.

Remember, Peter is writing this letter to train leaders for the body of Christ. These issues are not about whether you’re save or not. It’s about how deep you want to go in the Lord.

We need to desire to follow the Holy Spirit as far as He wants to lead us. Keep moving forward in your walk with the Lord.

Question: How far are you willing to go in Christ?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 15, 2025 in Leadership, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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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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The Attitude of Change

07 Jul
The Attitude of Change

We’re studying through the first epistle of Peter. In my last post, I began talking about taking on the attitude of Christ.

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

1 Peter 4:1-2 NIV

Our lives will begin to change when we take on the attitude of Christ. That means taking on the Lord’s burden for the lost. The problem is that we’re afraid of what will change if we’re burdened with the same burden God has.

Peter literally writes that this happens because he that is burdened has stopped, paused from sin. Unfortunately, in many instances we like sin. We can’t see how we can enjoy life without it.

Also, we don’t want to be viewed as alien. We want to be accepted by the world. We want what the world is after. It’s all about our attitude.

The simple fact is that a change in attitude leads to change in direction. Taking on an attitude like Christ will lead us away from sin.

We spend so much time struggling to stop sin. But, according to the apostle, the way to defeat sin is to pick up a new attitude from Christ. Then sin will be on hold.

Peter then brings us to the result of all this. The original Greek of verse 2 tells us that taking on the attitude of Christ will cause you to reach the point where you no longer exist in the flesh lusting of men.

It’s having the attitude of Christ that overcomes the flesh. That’s because your mind is in control of the flesh. So, your flesh spends all its time trying to convince the mind to agree with him.

But, if your mind has an attitude like Christ, it will never agree. If your mind is burdened to fulfill the will of God, it doesn’t have time to listen to the flesh.

Peter’s conclusion is that an attitude like Christ leads us toward God’s will. So, how do you fulfill God’s will for your life? ATTITUDE!!!

The Apostle Paul said the same thing.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

If you renew your mind to pick up His attitude, then you can test and approve God’s will. God’s will is not something you can know. It’s something you test and approve by faith.

So, if you want to see transformative change in your life, then you need to renew your mind by God’s Word. Only then will your life have a true change of direction.

Question: How have you seen the Word of God changing you so far?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 7, 2025 in Faith, Spiritual Walk, Word of God

 

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Happy Fourth of July

04 Jul
Happy Fourth of July

Fourth of July

I’m going to take a break from my 1 Peter series. Today, in the USA, is Independence Day – the day we declared ourselves an independent nation.

I love the Fourth of July. It’s one of my favorite holidays. Picnics with family, outdoor fun, not to mention fireworks at night. Even more than that, I thank God for a nation where I’m granted the freedom to do all these things without fear.

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13

We’re called to be free. Freedom is something that God wants for all humanity. Unfortunately, what most people consider freedom isn’t the real thing.

Society thinks that freedom is the ability to do what I want, whenever I want. Their opinion is that freedom means that I can feel good all of the time.

That’s a very selfish definition. Freedom is not all about me.  Our founding fathers gave selflessly in the cause of freedom. It was definitely not about their personal good, but for the betterment of everyone that drove them to resist the most powerful nation on earth at that time. Many lost their lives to win this precious gift for us.

There are still those in the armed forces and public safety positions that lay their lives on the line each day so that we can continue to live free. Freedom is more of a responsibility than a pleasure. I have to put as much into it as I receive from it.

That’s what Paul was trying to tell us in the verse above. Freedom is not all about indulging my every desire, but the ability to serve one another unhindered. We need to listen to his exhortation. As believers, we’ve not only been blessed with our spiritual freedom in Christ, but our physical freedom in the USA.

Let’s live out that freedom responsibly. Not in the granting of our every desire, but in seeking the blessing of all through a life of service.

Live free. Be a blessing to all those around you. And thank God for the freedom we share.

Question: How do you use your freedom to benefit others?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 4, 2025 in Encouragement

 
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