Mike Giordano Go2819

2009-04-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

My Gospel

Paul the apostle was bold enough to include in his writings the phrase “My Gospel”. At first glance, that doesn’t seem too earth shattering, does it? However, a closer look at Paul reveals something about his passion for the Gospel and the Gospel alone. As we read in 2 Timothy 2:8:

8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel.
I often wonder if our Gospel is the Gospel that Paul preached. In a day of man-centered messages, do we here in 21st century America capture the essence of the Gospel? Let me state emphatically that I believe that there are no problems with the Gospel foretold in the Scriptures. However, maybe we have some missing components of the Gospel. Paul seemed in every difficult church situation to turn the gaze of the church he was mentoring back to the Gospel. The Gospel was the solution for heresy in Galatia, for division in Corinth, and everything that plagued the early church. Paul brought the infant church back to the basics of the Gospel. I would like to offer some insights into some very simple but yet profound basics of the Gospel that might be missing in our Gospel.

Paul seemed to focus on these.
1) An Indwelling Christ

Christ in you, the Hope of Glory. In a day with so much focus on our needs as humans, we seem to forget the power of His resurrection that now dwells within us. Paul stated in Romans, “Let the same Spirit Who raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you. And it will quicken your mortal body.” Jesus is telling the disciples “it is to your advantage that I go away; unless I go away the Comforter will not come”. In essence, Jesus was stating that when He leaves the Spirit will come and dwell within us, and actually make His home in us!
That’s Gospel, my friends. Christ Jesus possessing you and I. Let’s exchange our emptiness for his fullness.

2) The Greatness of Jesus

In regards to the statements Jesus made about Himself, let’s include them in the Gospel. Here are a few:
• Word of God
• Light of the World
• Alpha and Omega
• Bread of Life
• Way, Truth, and Life
• Resurrection and the Life

I was recently at a Thai restaurant with some friends having dinner. As I approached the cashier to pay the bill, I asked the lady if she was a Buddhist. A young man standing near spoke up and said, “She is, and I am a Hindu”.

Sensing I had an open door, I quoted 3 former religious figures:

Buddha said “There is no Truth”
Mohamed said “ I am still looking for the Truth”
Jesus said “I am the Truth”

Those words pierce the heart and proclaim the greatness of Jesus in the Gospel.

3) The Eternal Purpose of God

Paul’s Gospel started with God’s purpose instead of man’s need. Man has need, no doubt. But as we read Ephesians and Colossians, Paul uses these words in his writings: as we read from Ephesians 3:11:

“…according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord”

What does Paul mean by this? God’s intention is to reveal the reason Christ Jesus came. It wasn’t just so we can manage sin. His purpose is to bring us into the fullness of his Son. The purpose that Jesus came was to connect us to the Father in reality of relationship.

I liken God’s eternal purpose to watching the Star Wars movies. You’re introduced to all the characters in episodes 4, 5, and 6. But it’s not until you see 1, 2, and 3 that you understand the fullness of the movies. In our case, the Gospels in the Bible are the middle of the drama, and Ephesians and Colossians show us God’s purpose before creation, and thus we see the whole picture of God’s eternal purpose.

I pray that our Gospel will become Paul’s Gospel.

Peace,
Mike

Gmail - Missionary Guide - Inspirational Missionary Quotes - mikeggo2819@gmail.com

2008-03-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Gmail - Missionary Guide - Inspirational Missionary Quotes - mikeggo2819@gmail.com

just give the boy a chance

2008-02-26T05:54:00.000-08:00

Bright eyed and bushy tailed is an old southern term to bascially say someone is really not prepared for what is put before them. I was a young man ambitious and anxious thinking I knew everything there was to know about gospel ministry and how church was supposed to be done. I was 22 and thought I have no degree no experience and no open doors. How could I fulfill what was burning in my heart? What shall this man do?

God brought a man into my life some 27 years ago who gave this boy a shot. His name is Pastor Raymond Biard. Just a little info about Pastor Biard. He has Pastored Jackson Revival center for 55 years. He is the first Pastor to open his doors to the african-amercian community in the racially segerated south. He has fathered young men all over the world. He truly is a forerunner.. To hear him preach you would think you would be listening to a 40 year old man. He preaches with passion and has such a heart of generosity. You can tell alot about a Pastor by the people he pastor's. Jackson revival center has some of the most God filled people I have every met. Pastor Biard's wife is a saint, His daughter Jennifer is such a great preacher............His associate Steve Mitchell has been with him for 34 years.

Pastor Biard gave me my chance on the mission field. He sent me to Haiti by myself for 10 days in the early 80's. He told me you will know if you are called real quick.
The DNA I have now is in part to Pastor Biard. He was the first to invest into me by saying to me that if you are called to make a living in this you must learn to trust God for my provision.

I owe much to Pastor Biard and to Jackson Revival center for giving me a chance when no one really believed in me. Pastor I thank you and honor you today for your Kingdom service.

meet Peter and Annie

2008-01-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

Very few of us know what it is like to run for our lives. This short entry is to introduce you to my friends Peter and Annie. Two of the most gentle and humble people I know. They are from Bangladesh. They have lived in America for 5 short years.

Peter and Annie had to escape Bangladesh due to the fact that they are Christians. They lived apart for a year and half as Peter lived in hiding due to the fact the Muslim extemeist threatened his life and the life of his family.

Peter and Annie are planning to return to Bangladesh this October. When you consider the trials of life and our own hardships. Let the picture of these 2 sweet saints burn in your memory.

If you would like more info on Peter and Annie feel free to contact me at Mikeggo2819@gmail.com

Unknown Heroes of the Faith

2008-01-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

When I read Hebrews 11 several thoughts enter my mind. One is the Hall of Fame. Being an avid football watcher, I anxiously await as the nominees are announced as who might make it to Canton Ohio and due to their accomplishments on the field will find their way to glory. The glory of the football Hall of fame.

I often think how surprising it will be when we get to heaven and who the real heroes will be. I think will I be able to meet William Carey the father of missions of India. CT Studd I just love to say his name, Studd. Also a man who made such a difference in India and Africa. When I travel to India my mind wanders as to think that the above men maybe walked these streets at some point. The price they paid, the sacrifices they have made. It humbles me to think they were so moved by the strangers and outcast and their condition that traveled great distances to reach a people who knew not who Jesus Christ was.

I would like to introduce you to man, many of you will have never ed heard his name. He is small in stature relatively quite. Not American born. His name is Pastor James Gill. He is from Lahore Pakistan. I met James one day in a Target store in Redlands California. I approached him and asked " Are you from India"? With a huge grin he responded "No Pakistan"! "I then asked are you Muslim"? He laughed with such a laugh that I will always recall. "Oh no he replied", I am a Christian and a Pastor. I was instantly drawn to this man. I later discovered through many conversation that Pastor James Gill at the age of 73 has come to America to be a missionary. He has told me that he heard that in America people his age retire to gamble and drive RV's all over the country and chase the American dream of retirement(my words not his).

James Gill is in my Faith Hall of Fame for many special reasons. He has undying devotion to Jesus Christ. Once I gave him a small offering and his response to me was "We must send this to the suffering Pastor's in Pakistan". He preaches with fire of man dying to communicate his message. For all that you are Pastor James, when I find myself in God's dwelling called Heaven. James Gill is one man I will seek out

Farewell to 2007

2007-12-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

It is early on December 31st a cold crisp morning and the end of one my most enjoyable years in life, family and ministry. I traveled to India,Oregon,Alabama,and Mississippi raising an awareness of what is happening in the world. I met wonderful people, raised funds for missions, got reconnected with old friends and made new ones.

I celebrated 28 years with my wife Kathy, gave away in marriage my oldest daughter Mary to her new hubby Tim Mason, went to see my youngest son Chris play in his Hard core band Split veil wore ear plugs and did what I swore I wouldn't do I complained about how loud the music was. I watched my daughter Leah lay hands on sick people and saw the Lord use her healing hands. Prayed for my son Shaun as he is working on his story of faith. I love you all dearly. Spent Christmas eve crying as I watched with such joy my kids affirm each other with words more precious that gold.

Got reconnected with old friends.kevinCooley a young world changer. Will McFarland broth life to our church and the men of Oasis. Hung out with my best friend Neil Silverberg who makes me laugh but is one the most Christlike men I know. Met Bill Hull who has become a mentor and a friend who speaks into my life and challenges me with humility and brokenness 2 things I seem to avoid allot in my life.Preached at the first church I was the Youth Pastor at 27 years ago. What an honor it was to be with Pastor Raymond Biard he has been in ministry 55 years amazing. 2007 has been amazing

The number 8 is typically referred to in Scripture as the number of new beginnings. I have travel plans to be in India, Nepal, Africa, Romania, South America and much of the US this year.To all my family and friends thanks to you for your prayers, love and giving over the last year. May God be glorified in us and through us in the up and coming year

2007-12-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

Number 5 Bill Johnson's Dreaming with God. Bill's words from Proverbs 13 have been a lifeline to me this year. Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is the tree of life. We focus so much on what God isn't doing instead of what he has done. Which brings such despair. When we focus on what God is doing and what he has done, Hope springs a fresh in our hearts. This is a must read if you have battled discouragement or depression.

2007-12-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

Number 4 is a once a year for me. It brings me back to the Gospel. James Boice does a masterful job of making sense of Reformed thought. I read this once a year so I might be challenged in theology. Allow yourself to be stretched. Doctrines of Grace is a must read for everyone who hungers for truth.

2007-12-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

Number 3 is The Vision and the Vow by Peter Greig

The earth shattering words Jesus is the vision. Wow how these words have changed my life in 2007. Living a life of the vow of the Count( You will understand when you read it). The Vow is simple: Be true to Christ. Be Kind to all people. Take the Gospel to all the Nations. This book will change you................................

Consider the Vision and the Vow.

2007-12-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

Number 2 on my list is organic church by Neil Cole. Neil excites me with the thought that we can return to the roots of an ACTS 2 church. I read this thinking why has church become an instution and is no longer a movement that invades a culture. Thanks Neil.

Go2819 Blog

2007-12-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

Today I celebrate my 28 anniv with the most beautiful woman I know. I met Kathy Keene in a living room at a halfway house in Jackson Ms. I was smitten the day I saw her. I knew she was to be my wife one day. When I finally had the courage to talk with her, her beauty became even more amazing. A woman who desired to travel the world and preach the Gospel.

For those of you who know my wife she truly is amazing the best friend any one can have. A great listener, a great cook ( look at me), funny she makes me laugh every day, she is the best mother I''ve ever met. Amazing is the word that comes to mind when I think of her talent, beauty, creativity, personality, a friend to the friendless. I could go on for hours and days talking about that she means to those who know her.

But I know her best at least I think I do. After all these years the flame is still hot. Our kids 50% married. You worship everyday because I hear this voice so angelic singing to the Most High. You even illicit the praise of our dog Kobe who worships you.

For you this day Decemeber 21st I am blessed because of you!

Mike Giordano Go2819

Gmail - Missionary Guide - Inspirational Missionary Quotes - mikeggo2819@gmail.com

just give the boy a chance

meet Peter and Annie

Unknown Heroes of the Faith

Farewell to 2007

Top 5 reads of 2007

Go2819 Blog