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Tag Archives: Christ

Weakness + Grace = Power

25 Sep

In my last post, we looked at God’s answer to Paul’s weakness.  It’s something we need to apply to our own lives today.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

It all comes down to the grace of God.  We have to understand that this grace is everything God is working in us.  It’s the power He bestows on us whether we realize it or not.

What I also need to hear is that His power works perfectly in my weakness.  That goes contrary to what many people believe.

We sometimes get the idea that my weakness diminishes how God’s power can work in me.  That’s a lie we need to fight against.  If I had no weaknesses, I could never see the power of God at work in me.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

What Paul is saying here comes from years of experience walking with Christ.  He’s found that all of these challenges are really good things.  They’re invitations for the power of God to show up in your life.

Later on in this letter, Paul explains it in more detail concerning Christ.

For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power.  Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.
2 Corinthians 13:4

Here Paul equates the crucifixion with weakness.  That tells me that all the challenges we face are a part of the dying process in our flesh.

Spiritually speaking, we need to take them to the cross of Christ and leave them there.  Then, we look to the Lord with expectancy that His power will show up at just the right time.

That’s also why I need my mind to be renewed by the Word of God.  Instead of fear and doubt clouding my vision in times of trouble, I need to see things the way Paul does.  I must realize that problems and weaknesses are the preludes to my most powerful victories.

This means that I have to rely totally on the Holy Spirit of God at work within me.  After all, that’s why God chose to place Him in our lives.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26

Nothing can replace time spent praying in the spirit.  It will change our attitudes and ultimately our situations.  It gives God permission to change our weaknesses into His power.

Question: How do you view the challenges of life?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 25, 2020 in Faith, Power of God, Prayer in the Spirit, Spiritual Walk

 

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The Thorn

23 Sep

We’re continuing through Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.  He’s boasted about his sufferings as well as the revelations given to him by the Holy Spirit.

Now he talks about something that’s the subject of a lot of debate in Christian circles.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
2 Corinthians 12:7

There are many who use this verse to “prove” that healing is not provided for all in the atonement.  They teach that this thorn was a physical sickness – probably an issue with his eyes.

This line of thought says that Paul sought healing.  God said that he would receive grace instead, to help him in spite of the sickness.

I don’t go along with this reasoning.  I believe that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to use certain words for a reason.  These words don’t support the sickness theory.

The first thing I see is that this was not an ongoing issue – like a sickness – but something that occurred once in a while. Why do I say that?

Paul associates this thorn with his temptation to become conceited because of his revelations.  In order for that to happen, this thorn only showed up when Paul started to think too highly of himself.

Then there’s the word, torment.  That’s not a good translation of the actual Greek word used.  It literally means a punch, not ongoing torture.  In other words, Paul starts to get conceited, and he receives a smack in the head… spiritually speaking.

Another clue we have is the being that was sent to him. Paul calls it a messenger of Satan.  What does a messenger do?  He brings a message.

What is this message?  It’s from Satan, the accuser.  I assume it must be some sort of accusation.  I know from Paul’s writings that there’s something that plagued his memory.

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1 Corinthians 15:9

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
Galatians 1:13

I believe that whenever Paul was tempted to exalt himself, he heard the accusing voice of this messenger.  “Who do you think you are, Paul?  You’re nothing but a murderer.  No one should be listening to you.”

I believe that Paul tried to get the Lord to remove these thoughts from his head.  He wanted to be free of these memories.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

God made it clear to Paul that no matter what’s in the past, Christ can be glorified through his life.

Questions: What does the enemy try to use against you?  What’s God’s answer?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 23, 2020 in Healing, Power of God, Prayer, Spiritual Walk

 

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Burden of Ministry

21 Sep

As we continue through Second Corinthians, we see Paul beginning to do some boasting.  He felt the need to undermine the boasting of those who were simply masquerading as apostles of Christ.

This is a long section, so I don’t have the space to quote it all here.  You may want to read 2 Corinthians 11:16-12:6 before continuing.  Remember, this epistle was inspired by the Holy Spirit.  He must have wanted Paul to record these events for our encouragement in our struggles.

It’s amazing when you see all the difficulties that Paul had to endure.  That’s especially true when we realize that his imprisonment and shipwreck (in the book of Acts) is still ahead of him.

In spite of all these challenges, there’s something that sets him apart from the false ministers.  It’s his care for the churches under him.

Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.  Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?  Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
2 Corinthians 11:28-29

This is the mark of a true minister.  It’s also something that the normal church member will never understand.  That’s the burden of ministry.

Most people look at the daily life of a pastor and say, “That’s a pretty easy job.  You get to study or visit people all day.  Then you make a speech on Sunday.  No problems.”

People think like that and never see the other side.  When a true pastor – a shepherd – sees his or her congregation, there’s an unseen burden that comes with it.

They see individuals that need to be cared for, healed, fed spiritually, and protected.  Many times those that are hurting are fighting against the very thing that will help them the most.  A true pastor is burdened by things that a large percentage of people will never know.

So often when a member is struggling with sickness or tragedy, the pastor feels helpless.  I sometimes feel inferior only being able to listen to them and say, “I’m praying for you.”  I could sometimes wish that God would give us a super-power that could miraculously wipe away every problem our people face.

Then there’s the sin problem.  It happens when our people are led into the wrong areas.  The word Paul uses here means to be trapped, like an animal in a snare.

So often I could see the choices one of my people was making.  I knew exactly where it would lead them.  I’ve even tried to lovingly warn them about it.

Too often I’ve heard the words, “I know what you’re saying, Pastor, but that won’t happen to me.  I know what I’m doing.”  Then, months or years later, they need help and spiritual counsel to put their lives back together.

No, I’m not complaining about it.  These things come with the territory of being a minister of Christ.  I tell you about them so that you’ll be faithful in praying for your leaders.  In that way, we’ll all benefit from a strong healthy ministry.

Question: How often do you pray specifically for your pastor and church leadership?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 21, 2020 in Leadership, Ministry, Prayer, The Church

 

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Which Jesus?

14 Sep

In the final chapters of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about their comparing him to other apostles.  He also deals with their acceptance of differing messages.  It’s something that we have to work through in our generation.

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.  But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”  I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge.  We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
2 Corinthians 11:4-6

We see three things here that are a problem in our churches today, especially in the United States.  It deals with the mixed messages that come from “Christian” preachers around the country.

There is a true Jesus that we can follow.  He’s the Jesus of the Bible.  Yet so often we hear a sanitized version of His life and ministry.

There are many who try and portray the Lord as non-controversial and non-confrontational.  They say that He accepted everyone without judging them or their life choices.

But is all that true?  Here are some quotes from the real Jesus.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:11b

“See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”
John 5:14b

“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”
Matthew 23:33

Truly, Jesus is the God of love.  But, He never compromises His righteousness.

Another thing that Paul said was that this church put up with a different spirit than the one they first received.  That’s very telling in our generation.

I was at a pastor’s retreat recently.  One of the speakers said something very interesting.  In describing the church he grew up in, he said, “The Holy Spirit was invited to Sunday morning worship, but He had to sit in the back and behave Himself.”

Unfortunately, that’s the description of too many of our churches.  We need a Holy Spirit led revival.

Finally, this church put up with a different Gospel.  It was a “good news” that wasn’t based in the Scripture.

Today, many preach a gospel of self-realization.  “We can do it.”  “Everything I need is on the inside of me.”

Unfortunately, the truth says something different.  Without Christ, I can’t do anything worthwhile.  I need the Holy Spirit working in me.

But that is the Good News because anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved and changed from glory to glory!

Question: What are some of the different “gospels” that you’ve heard preached?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 14, 2020 in Faith, Revival, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel

 

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First, Second, Third

11 Sep

We’re continuing to go through Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church.  As we start chapter 11, Paul is beginning to wind down his final thoughts.

I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that.  I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.
2 Corinthians 11:1-2

Here he explains why he’s so forceful in his writings.  He actually could be writing this to any believer that’s reading this epistle.

He repeats himself.  He tells us that he’s passionate with a holy passion.  He was the one who preached the Gospel that they believed, accepted, and acted upon.

He sees himself as the one who betrothed them to one husband – Christ Himself.  His desire is for them to be holy and pure.  The goal is for them to have no other love interests.

For those of you who have been following this blog for some time, that theme should sound familiar.  Paul is not the first one to say this.

It’s the first thing we learned about the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.  (Remember…our Bible isn’t arranged in the order that God gave it to us.  James was the first of the New Testament books written.)

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?  Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.  Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?
James 4:4-5

The first thing in Scripture that the Holy Spirit reveals to the church is that He’s intensely jealous.  We can’t be chasing after other desires and not expect Him to be grieved by it.

That’s why I try so hard to convey to everyone that the church is not an organization with a bunch of rules to follow.  It’s a relationship with a person…Jesus Christ.  The way we communicate with Him is through the Holy Spirit.

In his passion for the church, Paul felt he had to remind them of this fact.  They seemed to be wavering in their commitment to the Lord.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3

There’s a deception that’s been dogging the church throughout history.  It’s the idea that I can give God first place.  That thought is a lie from the devil.

The Lord never said that He wants to be first among many.  He wants to be your all in all – your everything.

We need to come to the place where we once again understand that we’re in a covenant relationship with Christ.  That’s the same as a marriage. It’s not an agreement or a contract.

We need to place everything else in our lives under submission to the Lord.

Question: Are there things in your life that are a close second to your devotion to Christ?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 11, 2020 in Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Spiritual Boasting

09 Sep

We’re continuing through the epistle of Second Corinthians.  We’re seeing Paul as he talks about the field to which God has sent him.

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.
2 Corinthians 10:13

Having talked about the ministries that commend themselves, now Paul wants to deal with the fruit of his own ministry.  According to the apostle, there is a place for boasting.

He says that the limits involve what God has called you to do.  The Corinthian church was a part of the mission field that he was called to.  So it’s proper for Paul to boast about the work being done there.

We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.  Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others.  Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.  For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man’s territory.
2 Corinthians 10:14-16

Paul is very careful to confine his boasting to the work he has been assigned to.  We have to be careful about how we talk about our ministry.

Before COVID, I was able to travel and preach at a number of churches.  Just because I spoke at a church that was growing, doesn’t mean that this growth was a direct result of my ministry.  I can’t take any credit for it.

I can’t boast about what God is doing in that church.  The problem comes in when we feel the need to make ourselves look good by claiming someone else’s victory.  Too often we boast beyond the limits God has set for us.

Paul’s desire was for the church to continue to grow and mature in the faith.  Because they were within the field of his calling, their growth means his growth as well.

The apostle doesn’t want to be constantly babysitting them.  He wants them to get beyond the correction stage.  In that way, he can move on to further expansion in the ministry.

I like the way Paul gives us the bottom line of this boasting.

But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18

Ultimately, everything we accomplish is because of what Christ has done.  I might have obeyed Him and saw the results of that obedience.  But the ultimate glory belongs to the Lord.

In the final analysis, it’s not what I think that counts.  My approval is going to come from God.  He’s the One I should be trying to please.

Question: What victories has God accomplished through you lately?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 9, 2020 in Ministry, Power of God, Spiritual Walk

 

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Looking Below the Surface

02 Sep

As we continue through Second Corinthians, Paul is talking about the authority we have in Christ.  We’ve been given powerful spiritual weapons that everyone needs to know how to use.

He now talks about why this is the case.

And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:6

The way this verse is written in English makes it sound like we get spanked for our wrongdoings after we’ve already started obeying.  That’s not really what it says.

In Greek, both the words disobedience and obedience have the root word of hearing.  There is no word, act, in the original.  This is about hearing and doing God’s will.

The disobedience that Paul is talking about could be either a misunderstanding or a willful ignoring of God’s will.  Now that the church has received correction from the apostle in his first letter, this has been resolved.

So, in essence, Paul is telling them that there is vindication because they’re now walking in obedience to God’s plan for them.  They listened to, and are now following Paul’s correction.

The key is, how well are they listening?  It goes toward motive.  When we know what God wants us to do, are we willing to obey?

This goes right along with something Paul wrote earlier in this epistle.  He referred to the sorrow and repentance that his first letter caused.

See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
2 Corinthians 7:11

They had done some things that looked like they were ignoring God’s desire for them.  It might have been done innocently or willfully.  The point is that when Paul brought it to their attention, they repented and turned back to obedience.

That is what vindicated them.  Now they need to examine their inner man.

You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he.
2 Corinthians 10:7

In this verse, Paul is simply talking about drawing logical conclusions.  Looking on the surface it’s clear that the Corinthian people belonged to Christ.  By that same line of reasoning, Paul and his ministry team belong to Christ as well.

We need to see through the eyes of Christ.  Sometimes what believers do, doesn’t exactly line up with what the Lord wants them to do.  However, that doesn’t make them any less a follower of Christ.

We need to give people the opportunity to grow and mature without judging and accusing them.  Allow the Holy Spirit to work in His own way.

Question: What are some things that you’ve changed as you’ve matured in Christ?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on September 2, 2020 in Ministry, Revival, Spiritual Walk

 

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Giving Results in Thanksgiving

26 Aug

I’ve been posting about the outcome of a lifestyle of giving.  What’s the result of walking regularly in the grace of giving?

We’ve seen how God increases the seed and the harvest of those who sow into His kingdom.  Now Paul continues this thought.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11

I know there are many who get upset when you talk about God’s abundant financial blessings on the lives of giving Christians.  But, I have to be true to what the Bible says.

This verse literally says that in everything you will be made wealthy.  Of course, in context, he’s talking about sowers.  But this is a verse that you cannot deny or explain away.  It says what it says.

There’s more to it than just getting wealthy.  According to the above verse, there’s a point that this wealth is taking you to.  The purpose of this blessing is to bring you to generosity in all things.

God doesn’t want to bring you a financial blessing just you can sit on a fat bank account.  He wants you to do something with it – be generous with others.

Then, there’s an even further result.  As you bless others, thanksgiving will go up to God.

So there’s a test you can take.  If you have wealth, is it the source of thanksgiving to the Lord?  If not, then you’re not using your finances correctly.

Paul goes on to elaborate on this.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.  Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.  And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:12-15

I really need to tell you what Paul means when he says it’s the service that you perform.  He uses very detailed Greek words.  He is actually saying that this is a liturgy of servanthood.

Giving generously is actually a spiritual exercise.  It’s a part of the mature Christian walk with Christ.

The apostle tells us that it’s the proof of your obedience to God.  It shows that your confession of Christ as Lord is not just lip service.

It becomes obvious to all who see you that God is bestowing upon you this grace of giving.  It’s not from your own abilities or actions.  It’s His power working through you.

Thanksgiving to God will be multiplied as others begin to follow your example of giving.  This is truly a great gift to walk in.

Question: How have you experienced God’s blessings?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on August 26, 2020 in God's Provision, Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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Growing in Christ

22 Jul

As we continue through the epistle of Second Corinthians, we see that Paul is now transitioning to a new subject.

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1

There are some important points to glean from this Scripture.  The first is that there are things we allow into our lives that not only contaminate our body but our spirit as well.

That caught me by surprise.  I thought that my spirit was beyond contamination.  Now I realize that there are things that can hinder my fellowship with the Lord.

That’s because my spirit is the part of my being that communicates with God on His level.  That’s the part of me that the Holy Spirit inhabits.  So I have to be vigilant to keep it clear of anything that would defile it.

The second important issue is that our holiness needs to be perfected.  That word literally means to fulfill further or to bring to completion.

When we bow our knee to Christ, He imparts His holiness into us.  But it doesn’t end there.  This holiness has a work that it needs to accomplish in me.  It is cleaning up my life and setting me apart for God’s exclusive use.

That means that I need to cooperate with God’s plan for me.  This consists of me continually seeking God’s Word and then obeying what I hear.

Most people would agree with this line of thinking.  The challenge comes when we see how Paul then applies this truth.

Make room for us in your hearts.  We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.  I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.  I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you.  I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
2 Corinthians 7:2-4

If you remember the flow of this blog, I’m going through the New Testament in the order that the Holy Spirit revealed it to the church.  So far we’ve gone through groups of books that were foundational.  Then we went through the books that were for personal growth.

Now we’re in the books that deal with our corporate walk – our relationship with the church.

Part of cooperating with the Holy Spirit at work in you is found in your relationship to the body of Christ.  We need each other.  We will never reach our full potential in Christ without being a part of a local body of believers.

We also need pastors, teachers, and other leaders to help mentor us.  That’s what Paul is getting at.  We need each other if we’re going to become the church that Christ is returning for.

Question: How has your growth been affected by other Christians?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on July 22, 2020 in Encouragement, Fellowship, Relationships, Spiritual Walk

 

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Ministry Qualities Part 4 – The Word of Truth

19 Jun

I’m continuing my look at the qualities Paul describes to the church at Corinth.

…in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left…
2 Corinthians 6:7

As I was studying for this installment, this verse caught me totally off guard.  The phrase, in truthful speech, is not what Paul wrote.  He literally said, in the Word of truth.

That made a big difference to me.  That’s especially the case because we’re talking about the earmarks of true ministry.  One of the defining qualities of ministry is that it proclaims the Word of truth.

That phrase is found throughout the New Testament.  So I felt led to devote this whole article to it.  The question is; how do I know if someone or some group is declaring the Word of truth?

Here’s what to look for.  Keep in mind that even though you may not like the methods of some ministry, that doesn’t mean that they’re not walking in the truth.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…
Ephesians 1:13

This is an important point.  The Word of truth is synonymous with the Gospel of your salvation.  Simply put, the Word of truth gets people saved.

The Word of truth releases the Holy Spirit to convict the unsaved and draw them to Christ.  So the first thing to look for is the saving work of the Spirit.  Are people receiving Christ as their Lord and Savior through this ministry?

But there’s more to it than that.  Jesus prayed for His disciples as He was preparing them for His departure.

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
John 17:17

Not only does the Word of truth bring salvation, but it sanctifies us as well.  As we continue to receive this Word, our lives are changed.  Most of us can look back to who we were when we were first saved and we don’t even recognize that person.

The Word of truth is anointed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  It does continual work in us.  As we submit to the Lord’s presence, we find that change is an ongoing process.

We can ask, are lives being changed through this ministry?

In writing to the Colossian church, Paul comments about their faith and love…

…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. 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 1:5-6

This is the power of the Word of truth.  It should be a part of every Christian ministry.

Question: How have you seen this demonstrated in a Gospel ministry?

© 2020 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on June 19, 2020 in Ministry, Spiritual Walk, The Gospel, Word of God

 

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