Bible Study Archives - Mike Signorelli

Aug 08

0

The 7 Key Differences Between Catholicism and Protestant Christianity

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study, Tough Questions | No Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuMITFr8QYw

As a pastor and church planter, I’ve discussed the differences between Catholicism and Protestant Christianity countless times. Recently, I joined ministers Isaiah Saldivar, Pastor Vlad Savchuk, and Apostle Alexander Pagani for an in-depth conversation on this topic. I’ll share my perspective on the seven key differences we identified, drawing from our discussion and my experiences as a Protestant pastor with Italian Catholic roots.

We do not intend this discussion to cause division or belittle anyone’s faith. Our ultimate goal aims to point people to the truth found in Jesus. We believe examining these differences can help believers grow in their understanding of God’s Word and deepen their relationship with Him.

We must approach this topic with humility. Sincere believers exist in both Catholic and Protestant traditions. We don’t seek to judge or condemn but to encourage thoughtful reflection on biblical teachings. As we explore these differences, I invite you to consider them prayerfully in light of Scripture. Always seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your pursuit of truth.

We’ll examine various doctrines and practices, comparing them to our understanding of biblical teachings. We hope this examination will deepen your appreciation of the gospel and strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

1. Praying to Saints: A Controversial Practice

One of the most significant differences between Catholicism and Protestant Christianity is the practice of praying to saints. As Protestants, we believe that prayer should be directed solely to God. The Bible instructs us to pray to the Father through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Catholics, on the other hand, teach that there’s value in praying to deceased saints who can intercede on our behalf. This practice, however, is not found in scripture. In fact, it could be seen as a form of necromancy, which is prohibited in the Bible.

From my perspective, this practice undermines the sufficiency of Christ as our mediator. As 1 Timothy 2:5 states, “There is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” By praying to saints, we risk creating a spiritual hierarchy that isn’t supported by scripture.

2. The Eucharist vs. Communion: Understanding Transubstantiation

Another major difference lies in the understanding of communion. In Catholicism, the doctrine of transubstantiation teaches that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist. This is seen as a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice.

As Protestants, we view communion as symbolic. We believe that when Christ said, “It is finished” on the cross, He meant it literally. The idea that a priest can repeatedly “crucify” Christ through the Eucharist is, in our view, problematic.

I believe this doctrine can inadvertently diminish the role of the Holy Spirit. Instead of recognizing Christ dwelling within believers through the Holy Spirit, it can lead to an overemphasis on external, physical representations.

3. Confession: To Priest or to God?

In Catholicism, confessing sins to a priest is a sacrament. Catholics believe that priests have been given authority by Christ to forgive sins, based on their interpretation of John 20:21-23.

As Protestants, we believe in the priesthood of all believers and that confession should be made directly to God. While James 5:16 encourages us to confess our sins to one another, this is for accountability and support, not for forgiveness, which comes from God alone.

This practice, in my view, can create an unnecessary intermediary between the believer and God. It may also lead to a dependence on human authority rather than fostering a direct relationship with God.

4. Holy Relics: Objects of Veneration or Idolatry?

The Catholic Church places significant importance on holy relics – objects associated with saints or Christ himself. These might include the rosary, crucifixes, holy water, or statues of saints.

As Protestants, we’re cautious about such practices, seeing them as potential violations of the second commandment against creating or worshiping idols. While God can use physical objects (as seen in scripture with items like Paul’s handkerchiefs), we believe it’s problematic when these objects become the focus of veneration or are seen as means to draw closer to God.

In my pastoral experience, I’ve seen how easily well-intentioned practices can slip into idolatry. Our focus should always be on Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, not on physical objects.

5. The Afterlife: Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory

A significant theological difference between Catholicism and Protestantism is the concept of purgatory. Catholics believe in an intermediate state where souls undergo purification before entering heaven.

As Protestants, we believe that upon death, believers go directly to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), while unbelievers face judgment. We don’t find biblical support for a “middle ground” or waiting room.

This doctrine of purgatory can lead to practices like praying for the dead or giving financial donations to speed up a soul’s purification. From a Protestant perspective, these practices can detract from the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and potentially exploit people’s grief for financial gain.

6. Salvation: Faith Alone or Faith Plus Works?

Perhaps the most crucial difference lies in our understanding of salvation. The Catholic Church teaches that salvation involves faith, baptism, good works, and remaining in good standing with the church.

As Protestants, we believe in salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

This difference is not just theological hair-splitting. It impacts how believers view their relationship with God and can significantly affect their spiritual and emotional well-being. In my pastoral work, I’ve seen how a works-based understanding of salvation often leads to guilt, shame, and a constant feeling of inadequacy.

7. Baptism: Sacrament of Salvation or Symbol of Faith?

Finally, there’s a significant difference in how we view baptism. In Catholicism, baptism is seen as a sacrament that cleanses original sin, which is why infants are baptized.

As Protestants, we view baptism as a public declaration of faith, performed after a person has made a conscious decision to follow Christ. We don’t believe baptism itself saves a person or washes away original sin – only the blood of Jesus can do that.

This difference reflects our broader understanding of salvation and the nature of faith. We believe that faith must be personal and conscious, not something that can be imparted to an infant who cannot yet understand or choose.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap with Love and Understanding

As I reflect on these differences, I’m reminded of the importance of approaching these discussions with love, respect, and a commitment to biblical truth. While we may disagree with Catholic doctrine on these points, it’s crucial to remember that many sincere believers are found within the Catholic Church.

My hope in sharing these differences is not to create division, but to foster understanding and encourage all believers to examine their faith in light of scripture. As Protestant Christians, we believe in the principle of Sola Scriptura – that the Bible is our ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.

At the same time, we must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Many beautiful traditions and practices within Catholicism can enrich our faith when properly understood and aligned with scripture. For instance, the emphasis on community, the reverence for God’s holiness, and the rich history of theological reflection are all aspects we can appreciate and learn from.

As we navigate these differences, let’s do so with grace, always seeking to point people to the sufficiency of Christ and the transforming power of the gospel. After all, what unites us – our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – is far greater than what divides us.

In the end, our goal should be to foster a vibrant, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the truth of God’s Word. That, I believe, is the heart of true Christian faith, whether Catholic or Protestant.

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Mar 30

0

What Happened on Good Friday?

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study | One Comment

Biblical scholars have recreated a timeline for the day of Christ’s crucifixion. Although it’s not down to the minute, they can get it within the hour. In addition, there was a high value in Judaism for record-keeping to substantiate their claims. Because of the accuracy of the gospel accounts, we can recreate Jesus’ steps in those final hours, so I’m going to take you on a journey from the early morning hours until the end of the day. And as we walk through those hours, I will show you how Jesus’ experience in each of these hours parallels our own experience. What Jesus suffered and went through in each part of Good Friday was for us. Because He did it, we can, too.

4:00-6:00 a.m. (Mark 14:53-65 ESV)

We start at 4:00–6:00 a.m. Jesus’ first trial began, and He was on trial among the High Priest and Chief Priest. You may have considered this, but there were two trials that Jesus faced. One was political (we will see that one later), but the first trial happened among His people.

Shockingly, this trial happened very early in the morning. Why is that important? I believe it’s important because many of us wake up early and begin our own kind of trial immediately. The voice of the accuser asks us:

“Who do you think you are trying to be a good mom today?”

“Who do you think you are trying to be a good husband and father?”

“Who do you think you are trying to live this single life?”

We wake up early every day to work our jobs and live our lives, and just like Jesus, we stand trial before the accuser. We hear the voice of condemnation from our own people and sometimes from our own conscience. Biblical scholars confirm that Jesus’ trial was first thing in the morning. Because he endured and survived that trial, we can survive the voice of condemnation that comes at us. And not only can we survive it, but we can also overcome it.

6:00-8:00 a.m. (Mark 15:1-15 ESV)

From there, Jesus was condemned a second time. After being charged by his own people, it escalated to a Roman judicial process. So between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning, Jesus was put on trial before Pontius Pilate and Herod. Jesus appeared before Pilate, was sent to Herod, and then back to Pilate, where he was sentenced to be crucified. After being rejected by his own, the people of Israel, he was now rejected in the public square.

Jesus Faced Public Scrutiny Just Like You Do

So, Jesus knows that we’re going to face criticism and the condemnation of our mind, and we’ve got to suffer that mental trial by jury every morning when we wake up. But then we enter into the public, just as He did. We go to school, to our jobs, to our community, and in those places, we suffer ridicule. We receive judgment. I believe that just as he was going through the Pontius Pilate-inherited judicial process from 6:00 to 8:00, He was saying, “I’m going to face this for you so that when you go into the public sphere, you know that your Savior, Master, and Leader has survived public scrutiny as well. Because I faced their opinion in public, you can too.” Jesus went first.

8:00 – 8:30 am (Mark 15:21-23 ESV)

From 8:00 – 8:30 a.m., Jesus began to carry his cross to Golgotha with Simon of Cyrene’s help. Why was Simon of Cyrene’s name mentioned? Many of these people were still alive when the gospel accounts were written. So it was an invitation to talk to him yourself. Simon could substantiate Christ’s story. If you wanted to know, you could talk to Simon (and not just any Simon, Simon of Cyrene – ask him what it was like!).

9:00-9:30 a.m. (Mark 15:25 ESV)

At 9:00 a.m., we begin the crucifixion. Mark 15:25 says it was the third hour for the Jewish people. At this time, Jesus began the process of dying on the cross. The soldiers divided Jesus’ clothing, and He prayed for them within the first half hour.

At this point, He had been up since 4:00 a.m. He had been through two judicial processes. It had been a long day already by 9 a.m. Yet, in the midst of that personal anguish and pain, He prayed for the soldiers who divided his clothing.

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. (Matthew 15:29-32 ESV)

The soldiers began to mock him. Finally, they said, “Why don’t you come down from there, Son of God.”

11:00 a.m. – noon (Luke 23:39-43 ESV)

Jesus spoke from the cross to the thieves on either side. Now mind you, an audience watched Him pray for those who divided his clothes. An audience watched as he was mocked and ridiculed. And then He turned to the repentant thief and said, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

Good Works Don’t Earn You Anything

Suppose you have been raised in a tradition and religion that has convinced you that you will find redemption by earning it through your own good works and actions. In that case, I want to remind you that the man crucified next to Jesus on the cross could not come off that cross to be baptized, pay his tithes, or volunteer. There is nothing that he could have brought to Jesus.

Jesus loves you the same at your darkest as after your 143rd service in a row of paying tithes and volunteering. You bring nothing to Him that changes the magnitude of the love that drove Him to the cross for you. So if you believe a lie that says because you haven’t done specific good works, you’re distant from God, wake up to the truth that all you need to do is respond to the inner working of the Holy Spirit as He reveals the reality of who Jesus is.

When that man hanging on the cross next to Jesus said, “I acknowledge You as Savior, I know who you are, will you remember me?” Jesus said, “Surely today you will be with me in paradise.” Now that doesn’t mean we don’t serve, and it doesn’t mean that we don’t tithe, but the inner working of the Holy Spirit begins to provoke us to want to serve God and live for Him. We don’t do those things for relationship, we do those things from relationship.

Jesus Cares About Our Family Connections

There is no more precise picture of this than what happened between 11 a.m. and noon. Jesus said to His mother, Mary, and to John, “Woman, here is your son; John, here is your mother.” Here is an acknowledgment of relationship and connection. Jesus was showing us the link that we have to family. Maybe you’ve been praying for your family to receive Jesus. Perhaps you’re a praying mother who feels powerful but helpless in carrying the cross. Jesus was speaking to the divinity and the humanity of that moment. He was saying that he was vulnerable, too. He loved His family, too.

Noon – 3:00 p.m. (Mark 15:38, John 19:26-27, 34 ESV)

At noon, a 3-hour darkness descended upon the land. From noon to 3:00, we come now into the final threshold. The earth began to quake, and the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. Jesus began to thirst.

When I was in Israel recently, I had the opportunity to go into the catacombs underneath the Temple Mount. While in these dark, hollow spaces, we reached the point closest to where the Holy of Holies would have been. In modern days in this area of the catacombs, Jewish women have been praying for years and years because they want to get closest to where the glory of God would reside. I saw them with my own eyes and bumped into one. It was such a profound moment for me, knowing these women crawl down to these catacombs just to get close to where the presence of God used to dwell. These women pray there in an effort to get the last remnant of God’s presence.

The Veil Was Torn

The temple veil was torn, so how much does this grieve the Holy Spirit who is with us and actually in the earth, drawing us to the person of Jesus Christ? The barrier is completely removed. Instead of being afraid, thinking, “I’m not good enough; I haven’t done all the right things,” we can boldly go before the throne of grace because of the sacrifice of Jesus. I don’t have to wonder, “Am I close to God?” God is close to the brokenhearted. It’s my brokenness that gives Him an avenue by which to come into my life. The cracks and crevices of abuse, trauma, and pain give him an entry point into my heart. It’s easiest to see him through the cracks and the crevices of my pain.

4:00 p.m. (John 19:30 ESV, John 15:43)

At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” and said, “It is finished.” So many times in our lives, we work to finish what Jesus already completed on the cross. We pursue education and clout. We seek earthly riches, position, fame, and followers. But Jesus said, “It is finished.” There is absolutely nothing you can do to finish what He has finished already.

Jesus Is Placed In The Tomb

After this, the soldiers thrust a spear into Jesus’ side to ensure He was dead. Then they permitted Joseph of Arimathea to take down Jesus’ body and bury Him in a nearby grave. They sealed it with a large round stone built to roll like a giant wheel, covering the mouth of the tomb. Everyone expected that he would remain in that tomb because that’s what happens to dead people. They stay dead and buried.

Jesus had told them repeatedly what was going to happen, yet they still experienced fear as it happened. Isn’t that just what it feels like to be a disciple of Christ? Even though He told us we would have troubles and hard times but, “Take heart, I have overcome the world,” when we go through trials and testing, it still feels hard to bear. We can be intimidated by sharing our faith with somebody on the job because we worry about what they will think about us.

We look at the disciple Peter and think, “He got it wrong! I wouldn’t have denied Jesus if I saw Him face to face!” But it’s not true, friend. If we have trouble getting it right in our daily lives, what makes us think we would be any different than Peter or even Judas?

We are Judas

Judas is not the person who betrayed you! Judas isn’t your ex-husband or your ex-friend. He’s not a family member who turned his back on you or a business partner who robbed you. I’m Judas. You’re Judas. How do I know this? Because in the moment of our fear, we took the lesser destiny handed to us, just as Judas did. Good Friday is a reminder that we aren’t just any one disciple. We hold the faults and failures of all 12 of them simultaneously. Good Friday is a reminder that we play every part in this story. Our greatest hope is that we learn to carry our own cross like our Savior did, and that we step into this narrative. We hope that we stop being Judas and Peter before Pentecost.

This Crucifixion Was Different

To the first-century apostles and preachers, the main message that they preached repeatedly was the message of the resurrection. When you read the New Testament scriptures, they obsessively talk about the resurrection of Jesus. The authors’ mission was to help people understand that even though they’d seen hundreds and hundreds of people die on the cross, this crucifixion fulfilled prophecies. Jesus resurrected! They obsessively talked about the resurrection because they needed to let people know that Jesus was not a heretic; He was not a scandalous prophet. He was crucified. He was God in flesh. In the beginning, was the Word and the Word was with God (John 1:1). He was the Word. By and through Him, all things were established.

He Died For the Most Broken Part Of You

The Holy Spirit loves you just as you are. The world cannot love you the way He does. To the world, you’re never enough. You need to be physically attractive enough. You need to be educated more and rich enough. You’re never charming, funny, or engaging enough. In the world, there’s always a new algorithm to learn to get their attention. But as we look at the entire timeline of events on Good Friday, hear the Father say, I love you and died for the most broken part of you.

Understand this – Jesus went to the cross for us while we were yet sinners. He put His love on the line. Without guaranteeing that you would accept Him, He died for you at your darkest. And when the stench of your sin reached the nostrils of a just and holy God, when Jesus was on the cross and uttered “My God, why have you forsaken me?” it was because God could not stand the stench of the sin that Jesus was carrying at that moment. At that moment, he took every sin you would ever commit. You are more depraved and sinful than you could ever imagine, but the gospel’s good news is that you are loved more than you could ever fathom. There’s nothing you can do that will add to your worth. If you have received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, that means when God sees you, He sees the blood of His Son on your life. He sees the righteousness of Jesus. That’s why today we can come boldly.

The message of Good Friday is that when you look at yourself now, you don’t see a failure. You were a failure, before Christ. We were all dead and going to hell for our sins, but because of the power of Jesus at work within you, you are now more than a conqueror! You are a co-heir with Christ. So His victory at calvary becomes your victory!

Looking for a place to celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday? Join Pastor Mike at V1 Church in one of six international locations, or live online! Find out more here.

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider becoming a part of the Breakthrough Community!

Request prayer here.

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Prophetic Word: Be Still and Put Down Your Armor

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

The Urgent Message Few Are Hearing I've been feeling a strong urgency in my spirit lately about a message that God is speaking to His people, but many aren't listening.…

Urgent Warning: Prophetic Events Unfolding in Israel and Beyond

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

As a pastor and apostolic voice, I feel compelled to share an urgent message about the events unfolding in Israel and around the world. We are witnessing prophecy come to…

Prophetic Word: Overcoming Spiritual Lethargy

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

Lately, I've noticed a concerning trend sweeping across our communities. Many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of exhaustion, lethargy, and what social media has dubbed "couch rot." This phenomenon goes…

The Truth About Soul Ties: What They Are and How to Break Them

Mike Signorelli | Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, Tough Questions | No Comments

I've encountered many spiritual phenomena over the years, but few are as misunderstood and potentially harmful as soul ties. In this post, I want to share with you my experiences…

APPAREL THAT MAKES A STATEMENT

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Mar 22

0

How Do We Know The Resurrection Is Real?

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study, Tough Questions | No Comments

As we approach the Easter season, our hearts and minds turn toward the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith and it is believed to be the miraculous event that proved Jesus’ divinity and ultimate triumph over death. In fact, our faith hinges on the validity of this historical event. The credibility of the resurrection has been a subject of debate for centuries, among believers and nonbelievers.

In my studies, I have found six reasons that prove the credibility of the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

1. The empty tomb.

I find it strange that if someone of the stature of George Washington can establish the United States and we know where his body is, what about Jesus? Jesus’ life measures time – we mark it with A.D. and B.C. because of Him! When He showed up on the planet, he affected change in the entire world. If He is still dead and never rose again, why do we not know where His body is? We know where Shakespeare’s body is, and he only gave us good plays. We don’t know where Jesus’ body is, and He turned the world upside down. Someone as significant as Him would have a body in the grave that everyone knew where to find.

2. Women were eyewitnesses of the resurrection.

In the first century, if you were trying to convince people that your story was legitimate, you would never choose a woman. They weren’t permitted in a court of law to testify legally, so why would you choose them to prove your case? The woman who witnessed the empty tomb didn’t care whether others believed them or not. They were certain of what they saw with their own eyes. According to the New Testament accounts, many people witnessed the risen Jesus, including Mary Magdalene. The fact that so many women claimed to have seen the risen Jesus adds credibility to the resurrection account.

3. After the resurrection, Jesus’ disciples suddenly had courage.

The disciples were previously weak. Peter acted like he was strong when he took out his sword and cut off the ear of the guard prior to Jesus’ death. But then, he turned around and denied Jesus to a servant girl! The disciples went from being fearful and disheartened after the crucifixion to being bold and courageous after encountering the risen Jesus. This transformation is difficult to explain if the resurrection did not actually occur. And they all faced martyrdom as a result of their transformation into bold believers.

4. His family believed.

James, the brother of Jesus, was skeptical of Jesus’ resurrection, but then eventually was stoned to death for his faith. The closer you get to someone, the less you see the reality of who someone is. The last person who’s going to see your divinity is your family. The Bible says that a prophet in his hometown is without honor. Sometimes the last person to recognize who you really are is the person closest to you. As long as James treated Him like his earthly brother, James could not receive from the Lord. But when he took a step back and said, “Jesus is my savior, not just my brother,” that is evidence of the resurrection. James the brother of Jesus was skeptical but then eventually stoned to death. What did James experience that was so palpable and so credible that he died for it, other than the truth of the resurrection?

5. Large crowds of eyewitnesses.

Only 20 years after Christ’s resurrection, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15 and he recorded that men and women were still alive at the time when he wrote the letter, which was about 55 AD. Undoubtedly they told others about the miracle and it began to spread. For us, the resurrection is more than 2000 years old, but at the time of Paul it was only 20 years old. He said there had been so many eyewitnesses, many still alive, and even named them by name and shared where they lived so you could go and find them and ask for yourself! The resurrection is credible!

6. The conversion of Saul.

Saul was a religious zealot. He believed in the old covenant sacrificial system. In other words, he believed that the pure blood of an animal was spilled for the remission of sins. When you were guilty, something blameless had to take your place. God instituted this practice. Paul understood the scriptures, but he didn’t understand who the scriptures were about.

Yet, Paul had an experience with the resurrected Jesus and suddenly went from killing Christians and commissioning their martyrdom to becoming a radical believer in Jesus. Over the course of time, he not only served Jesus, but he endured five floggings, three beatings, three shipwrecks, a stoning, extreme poverty, and years of ridicule. Then at the end of it, the Roman Emperor Nero had him beheaded because he refused to deny his faith in Jesus. How does a person change that radically? They experience the risen Jesus.

While there are those who dispute the credibility of the resurrection, the evidence suggests that this event is a historical fact and a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The empty tomb, the female eyewitnesses, the sudden courage infused into the disciples, the belief of his family, the large groups of eyewitnesses, and the conversion of Saul into a powerful witness for the gospel all prove that the resurrection is credible. We can trust that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical fact and base our faith upon it.

Looking for a place to celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday? Join Pastor Mike at V1 Church in one of six international locations, or live online! Find out more here.

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider becoming a part of the Breakthrough Community!

Request prayer here.

ACTIVATE YOUR PROPHETIC GIFT

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Prophetic Word: Be Still and Put Down Your Armor

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

The Urgent Message Few Are Hearing I've been feeling a strong urgency in my spirit lately about a message that God is speaking to His people, but many aren't listening.…

Urgent Warning: Prophetic Events Unfolding in Israel and Beyond

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

As a pastor and apostolic voice, I feel compelled to share an urgent message about the events unfolding in Israel and around the world. We are witnessing prophecy come to…

Prophetic Word: Overcoming Spiritual Lethargy

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

Lately, I've noticed a concerning trend sweeping across our communities. Many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of exhaustion, lethargy, and what social media has dubbed "couch rot." This phenomenon goes…

The Truth About Soul Ties: What They Are and How to Break Them

Mike Signorelli | Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, Tough Questions | No Comments

I've encountered many spiritual phenomena over the years, but few are as misunderstood and potentially harmful as soul ties. In this post, I want to share with you my experiences…

APPAREL THAT MAKES A STATEMENT

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Dec 07

0

Should Christians Read the Lost Books of the Bible?

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study | No Comments

When people refer to “the Lost Books of the Bible, they are usually referring to the apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, which are names for collections of ancient books. However, the term “Lost Books” is actually incorrect, as scholars have known about these books for centuries.

How Was the Bible Canonized?

There was a very rigorous process that went into bringing the 66 individual books together into the one cohesive book that we now know as the Bible. The books had to cross-reference themselves and could not contradict themselves in any way. Some would argue and say that there are contradictions in scripture. But I believe the Bible is perfect and infallible. When there are seeming contradictions in scripture, you have to examine the context. Also you have to take into account that the accounts of eyewitnesses might vary slightly from person to person in providing details.

Why Didn’t the Lost Books Make It?

These “Lost Books” are books that were written but didn’t meet the stringent requirements to be put into the canonized Bible. That means these books could have blatantly contradicted core fundamental beliefs that were explicitly said in other books of the Bible. It could mean that the manuscripts were written too late, outside the timeframe. It could have meant that the content was not edifying.

Dig Into the Bible

I personally wouldn’t get hung up on reading lost books. Instead, I would recommend reading the 66 canonized books. Start with the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Master the books that are canonized before you spend time on the Lost Books. There is so much treasure to be found within the Word of God and you can spend your entire life unearthing it before you ever need to go outside of it into a Lost book.

For More Information

For more information on where to start in reading your Bible, read my helpful blog, What Version of the Bible Should I Read?

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider becoming a part of the Breakthrough Community!

Request prayer here.

ACTIVATE YOUR PROPHETIC GIFT

Download our FREE 35-day devotional to learn to hear God’s voice and communicate it clearly.

DOWNLOAD NOW

PARTNER WITH US & SUPPORT MIKE SIGNORELLI MINISTRIES

Your generosity helps others experience breakthrough.

Give a one-time gift, or set up recurring giving.

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Prophetic Word: Be Still and Put Down Your Armor

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

The Urgent Message Few Are Hearing I've been feeling a strong urgency in my spirit lately about a message that God is speaking to His people, but many aren't listening.…

Urgent Warning: Prophetic Events Unfolding in Israel and Beyond

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

As a pastor and apostolic voice, I feel compelled to share an urgent message about the events unfolding in Israel and around the world. We are witnessing prophecy come to…

Prophetic Word: Overcoming Spiritual Lethargy

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

Lately, I've noticed a concerning trend sweeping across our communities. Many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of exhaustion, lethargy, and what social media has dubbed "couch rot." This phenomenon goes…

The Truth About Soul Ties: What They Are and How to Break Them

Mike Signorelli | Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, Tough Questions | No Comments

I've encountered many spiritual phenomena over the years, but few are as misunderstood and potentially harmful as soul ties. In this post, I want to share with you my experiences…

APPAREL THAT MAKES A STATEMENT

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Oct 20

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The New Covenant and Evangelism (The Breakers Challenge)

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study, Deliverance, Evangelism, The Breakers Challenge | No Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_GDenxKMys&t=190s

This is a guest teaching by Lisa Camme

Before there’s a mass deliverance, there’s a cry that God hears and there’s a counter from the enemy.

Covenant language is God talking to His people from before the foundations of the world. God said, “I will be God to you.” God makes the promises and keeps the promises. Then He works in us and through us.

The New Covenant frees us from the dominion of sin and the guilt that plagues us. The New Covenant is between the Father and the Son, not us and God.

2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)

Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

He gave it to us according to His own purpose which was given to us in Christ before the world began. You are not happenstance. You are not an accident. I don’t care how you came into this world, God is speaking to you and giving you purpose before you were even born, before you sinned, and before you got into the mess you were in.

Now we see this conversation that the Father is talking to the Son in Psalm 89. It’s a discourse and He says:

I have found David, my servant;

    with my holy oil I have anointed him,

so that my hand shall be established with him;

    my arm also shall strengthen him.

My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,

    and my covenant will stand firm[d] for him.

I will establish his offspring forever

    and his throne as the days of the heavens.

Psalm 40:7-8

Then I said, “Behold, I have come;

    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

I delight to do your will, O my God;

    your law is within my heart.”

It’s amazing because when the Old Covenant is obsolete, God comes and begins to write His instructions in your heart and in your mind. He engraves them and He not only gives you the information, but He also gives you the revelation and then gives you the power to do whatever He’s calling you to do. The cross is the fulfillment of the promise of God and the promise of God is the person of the Holy Spirit. We were never meant to get free in our own strength. And we were never meant to free people in our own strength. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it says that when we came to Christ, all things have gone and He makes all things new. He gives you a new heart, a new mind. He gives you new friends, a new church, new people, and a new prayer life. He makes all things new.

In Ezekiel 37, You can see the power and the equipping of the covenant. He talks about the “I will’s” of God. Whenever you see the “I Will’s” in the scripture, it is God keeping His covenant. He said:

I will take out your stony stubborn heart
I will give you a new heart
I will put my Spirit in you
I will CAUSE you to obey me

In short, we’re equipped and enabled to say yes to God. Sin is subdued, and the dominion of sin is broken.

Jesus frees us from sin and then He fills us with himself so we can be free, think free, talk free.

Jesus doesn’t want to come and make you a better you. He came to get rid of you so that you could be a supernatural vessel in this Kingdom. It’s not behavior modification, it’s total self-renunciation. You have to renounce self! Get rid of it!

Power was given to you when Jesus rebuked the devil at the cross! You can renounce self and whatever you need for chains to break. Renounce and rebuke unbelief in your life.

The Oneness of the Covenant

I want to touch on the oneness of the covenant. Free people free people. Delivered people deliver people.

David Wilkerson said, “God sent His Son to redeem a lost world, and Jesus fulfilled His mission through the Cross. Since every believer is one with Christ through faith, we are also partners In the work and ministry.”

We are vessels of the prophetic
We are vessels to evangelize
We are vessels of deliverance

When that Spirit is flowing through us there’s a free flow of evangelistic deliverance. The Holy Spirit will lead us to every bound-up, done-with-sin soul.

Jesus’ Covenantal Prayer Closet

In John 17 we see Jesus in his covenantal prayer closet. He is pulling us into the Covenant. He prays for himself, for his disciples, and prays for you and me, before we were ever born. This is an eternal, evangelistic power. He says:

Father, I finished the work, I did my work, now do yours. He’s pulling us into the covenant and asking the Father to give us everything He gave His Son. When you get the son, you get everything – All provision, all power, all protection, and all purity!

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. We are the answer to Jesus’ prayer. God has works prepared for us before the foundations of the world.

That all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. Oneness is the outflow of God’s love and power. This is evangelistic deliverance.

I in them and you in me, so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. When we are walking in covenant, we are walking in the pathway and power of Jesus’ intercession. When we got saved, we entered the pathway of prepared works that the Father and Son decided before we were born. Every one of our days were written in a book. You are not an accident. You are not a happenstance.

The Power of the Prayer Meeting

The coming revival will start with those who have red hot intercession privately that breaks out in bondage-breaking anointing corporately. Breakers get the breakthrough privately before they break out publicly. We must get back to the prayer meeting. The devil shut the mouth of the church and removed the prayer meeting. We must get together habitually and continually to push back the darkness and pray the devil back to hell.

Jesus promised, “greater works we will do.” Greater works are tied to answered prayer. Prayer does the work. Prayer is the work. Prayer can break any bondage. Our prayers create a modern-day exodus to bring those out of bondage and sin. Prayer drowns the devil in his own schemes. Demons can’t swim! The Holy Spirit leads us and guides us. He searches and seeks until every lost coin and lost sheep is delivered. When I’m moving from prayer, I’m not needs-driven, I’m Spirit-led. I’m not obligated to talk to everyone, but available to talk to anyone. It’s the Holy Spirit that does the work.

He Hears the Cry

Mark 5:1-20

They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

In Mark 5, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 61. He is evangelizing a man and destroying the demonic powers. There is a cry that reaches Jesus. God heard the cry and remembered His covenant and was ready to act. He heard the cry of His children bound in chains, in bitter bondage from taskmasters. He heard the cry of an addicted and afflicted generation. The demonized man was able to break the restraints of self-help programs, but he couldn’t break the devil’s chains.

God is raising up breakers to break the spirit of deception and rejection and pray the demons into pigs. Demons and pigs can’t swim! A cry was heard in the spirit on the other side of the lake! Jesus said, “Quick, get in the boat, we’re going to the other side!” The other side of prayer is deliverance ministry. The winds and waves were fierce, attempting to hinder deliverance. Jesus rebuked the elements. The word rebuked suggests to me that the devil was behind the hindrance. In another storm, Jesus spoke, “Peace, be still.” Sometimes before your greatest deliverance ministry, Jesus will allow the devil to whip up a storm so he can show you his power and authority over the elements and the demonic. In the storm, Jesus puts the devil on notice. He addresses the demons while delivering and evangelizing the demonized.

He teaches deliverance ministry as he breaks the bondages and breaks satan’s chains. This is the transforming power of covenantal evangelizing. He turns the demonized to the evangelized to the evangelist. Then he says, “Go home and tell your family all that God has done for you, and then go and do the same.” Free people free people.

By revealing his covenant to us, God wants to remove any doubts we have about His ability to keep us. It’s as if He’s saying, “I’m going to treat you as if you have no faith at all. I’ll make such a strong oath to you, you’ll have no choice but to believe in Me.”

When the Accuser Comes

We are to stay in Christ; abide in Him, trust in Him, and depend on Him. If we do, we will surely see His glory. The next time you struggle with a besetting sin, you may hear an accusing voice: “You’ve gone too far and sinned too often. God has turned you over to a reprobate mind. You’re unclean, unholy, no good, a disgrace to the gospel. You’ve driven the Holy Spirit from your life completely.”

When this happens, remind God, the Devil, and yourself: “I am one in covenant with the Father and Son. Jesus co-signed the covenant with His own blood, and the Father promised to keep me through all my trials. He’ll hold my hand no matter what comes and will never remove His love from me. He’ll lead me to victory!”

Further Resources

To learn more about The Breakers Challenge

📝Supernatural Healing as Evangelism

📝Does God Still Perform Miracles?

📺 THIS Will Make Your Friends Believe in Jesus!

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider becoming a part of the Breakthrough Community!

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Prophetic Word: Be Still and Put Down Your Armor

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

The Urgent Message Few Are Hearing I've been feeling a strong urgency in my spirit lately about a message that God is speaking to His people, but many aren't listening.…

Urgent Warning: Prophetic Events Unfolding in Israel and Beyond

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

As a pastor and apostolic voice, I feel compelled to share an urgent message about the events unfolding in Israel and around the world. We are witnessing prophecy come to…

Prophetic Word: Overcoming Spiritual Lethargy

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

Lately, I've noticed a concerning trend sweeping across our communities. Many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of exhaustion, lethargy, and what social media has dubbed "couch rot." This phenomenon goes…

The Truth About Soul Ties: What They Are and How to Break Them

Mike Signorelli | Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, Tough Questions | No Comments

I've encountered many spiritual phenomena over the years, but few are as misunderstood and potentially harmful as soul ties. In this post, I want to share with you my experiences…

APPAREL THAT MAKES A STATEMENT

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Sep 13

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100 Reasons Why You Should Go to Church

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study | No Comments

Here’s my list of 100 reasons you should go to Church this weekend.

1. The Bible indicates it’s what we should do. (Hebrews 10:25)

2. You will have the opportunity to worship God.

3. You will likely have some of life’s big questions answered.

4. You may come up with some new questions that you didn’t know you should be asking.

5. You will probably make some new friends.

6. You’ll probably see some old friends.

7. Being there is a sign of your discipleship.

8. Being there will encourage your pastors and leaders.

9. You’ll be encouraged in your walk with God.

10. You’ll likely encourage other people in their walk with God.

11. If you’re single, you may meet someone.

12. It will help you define what you believe.

13. It will help you understand the Bible.

14. If you have kids, it will teach them to value God and His Church.

15. People who attend church usually live longer (I didn’t make this one up… Google it!)

16. It will give you an outlet for service and ministry.

17. It will likely help you develop leadership.

18. You’ll sing inspirational songs that will carry you during the week.

19. It will encourage you that God is good (if it doesn’t, it should).

20. It will help you to look outside yourself.

21. It will provide an opportunity to give financially to those in need.

22. Because you’ll receive love from other people at Church.

23. You’ll be able to show love toward other people.

24. You’ll hear about great things God is doing in His Church locally and throughout the earth.

25. You’ll be prayed for if requested.

26. You will be able to pray for others.

27. You’re likely to hear about answered prayers.

28. You will be able to give praise reports and share your testimony.

29. You will be able to worship God with other like-minded people.

30. It’s an opportunity to introduce a friend who doesn’t know Christ.

31. You’ve probably got nothing better than Church to do (watching TV, or sleeping in certainly don’t count as better!)

32. Your family needs you to go.

33. It honors God.

34. Because gathering is part of what it means to be a Christian.

35. Because it’s good to have your views and opinions challenged.

36. Because we all need regular reminders of our position in Christ.

37. It will help you acknowledge and confess your sins.

38. It helps you to be in the world, but not of it.

39. It will help you end one week, and starts the next, with the right focus.

40. It’s a break from work.

41. It will help you re-order your priorities.

42. It’s where your real friends are.

43. It will help you put your life story into the grand narrative of scripture.

44. It will remind you that you have nothing to fear.

45. It helps to take your focus off yourself and onto God.

46. It helps bring perspective and feeds the soul.

47. Because gathering strengthens your faith.

48. The discipline of going will help you be disciplined across all areas of life.

49. It will allow for support in times of need.

50. It promotes stability in your life.

51. It helps to promote a happy marriage.

52. It gives you something great to do with your kids.

53. It will help you to improve your self-esteem.

54. You won’t feel guilty for not going (not that you should only go out of obligation!)

55. It will help increase your ability to cope with the trials of life.

56. It will help you to be a happy person.

57. It will positively influence future generations.

58. It will provide you with an opportunity to share in communion.

59. It will allow you to take an active role in missions work.

60. It will help you be a better member of your local community.

61. It will help develop your children’s self-confidence.

62. Your children will learn the Bible.

63. It may keep you out of trouble.

64. It will help give you a sense of purpose.

65. It will shape your vision of the future.

66. It will give you eternal hope.

67. It will help you to know what you believe.

68. It will help you to know what you stand for.

69. It will encourage creativity.

70. It will allow you to be disciplined, mentored, and pastored.

71. Because you’ll learn about Jesus and have the opportunity to get to know Him.

72. Because you want to go.

73. It’s a pleasant experience.

74. It will give you the opportunity to express yourself in song.

75. It beats staying at home and being alone.

76. You get to put your Sunday best on or your skinny jeans (depending on the church).

77. You’ll find acceptance.

78. You’ll be loved.

79. You can love others there.

80. Real forgiveness is found in Church.

81. The gathering of God’s people will help draw you closer to God.

82. You’ll meet like-minded people.

83. Jesus will be there.

84. It will remind you that you’re not alone.

85. It will help the process of sanctification.

86. You’re likely to learn something about God, the Bible, yourself, or others.

87. The growth of the fruit of the Spirit will likely happen.

88. It will bring with it a tangible and intangible blessing.

90. It’s a declaration that you’re a Christian.

91. It will give you something interesting to talk about on Monday at work.

92. Because being planted will help your life to flourish.

93. It reflects a life lived beyond yourself.

94. It will bring joy to your life.

95. A miracle you need may come to pass.

96. You’ve promised someone that you’d go and it’s time to make good on your word.

97. Because it’s the right thing to do.

98. Because faith without works is dead.

99. It will change your life for eternity.

100. Your reason to go to Church: _______ (comment below)

You’d be crazy not to be in church this weekend, especially with all these reasons to be there!! I’ll see you there!

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider becoming a part of the Breakthrough Community!

Request prayer here.

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Prophetic Word: Be Still and Put Down Your Armor

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

The Urgent Message Few Are Hearing I've been feeling a strong urgency in my spirit lately about a message that God is speaking to His people, but many aren't listening.…

Urgent Warning: Prophetic Events Unfolding in Israel and Beyond

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

As a pastor and apostolic voice, I feel compelled to share an urgent message about the events unfolding in Israel and around the world. We are witnessing prophecy come to…

Prophetic Word: Overcoming Spiritual Lethargy

Mike Signorelli | Spiritual Warfare, The Prophetic | No Comments

Lately, I've noticed a concerning trend sweeping across our communities. Many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of exhaustion, lethargy, and what social media has dubbed "couch rot." This phenomenon goes…

The Truth About Soul Ties: What They Are and How to Break Them

Mike Signorelli | Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, Tough Questions | No Comments

I've encountered many spiritual phenomena over the years, but few are as misunderstood and potentially harmful as soul ties. In this post, I want to share with you my experiences…

APPAREL THAT MAKES A STATEMENT

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Aug 23

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Bible Verses About Marriage

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study, Relationships | No Comments

Marriage was God’s idea. From the beginning, He made male and female and blessed their union. It’s no wonder the enemy tries so hard to destroy the thing that God has blessed. When a marriage is operating according to God’s design, it’s a powerful force for the Kingdom! We have collected these Bible verses about marriage to help strengthen your marriage.

Bible Verses About Marriage

We pray that these scriptures will help you discover God’s purpose for marriage. God wants your marriage to be blessed, prosperous, and fruitful. If your marriage has drifted off course, allow the Word of God to help you get back on track. Recalibrate your marriage according to the truths found in God’s word. Get these verses in your Spirit and use them in your prayer life.

Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV)

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 2:20-24 (ESV)

The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

Genesis 2:24 (ESV)

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2:25 (ESV)

And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:14 (ESV)

House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Proverbs 27:15 (ESV)

A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike;

Proverbs 31:10 (ESV)

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Isaiah 62:5 (ESV)

For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

Malachi 2:13-16 (ESV)

And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

Matthew 5:32 (ESV)

But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Matthew 19:4-6 (ESV)

He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Mark 10:6-9 (ESV)

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

1 Corinthians 7:2 (ESV)

But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:3 (ESV)

The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:12-15 (ESV)

To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.

1 Corinthians 7:27 (ESV)

Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

1 Corinthians 7:38 (ESV)

So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (ESV)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

Ephesians 5:22-33 (ESV)

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

1 Peter 3:1-5 ESV

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Colossians 3:18-19 (ESV)

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Interested in reading more about marriage from Pastor Mike? Check out these blogs:

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider becoming a part of the Breakthrough Community!

Request prayer here.

ACTIVATE YOUR PROPHETIC GIFT

Download our FREE 35-day devotional to learn to hear God’s voice and communicate it clearly.

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Jul 19

0

Bible Verses About Healing

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study | No Comments

Prayer for healing One of God’s names in the Bible is Jehovah Rapha (Exodus 15:26), which means “the God who heals.” Healing is a part of God’s character and one way that He reveals Himself to us. 3 John 3:1-2 says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” When we are confronted with the mental battle of wondering if God wants to heal us or someone we’re praying for, like a friend or family member, we need to remember 2 Corinthians 10:5. We are instructed to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,” and “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We can do that through reading and memorizing Bible verses about healing.

Speaking the Word of God over our body, soul, and spirit can have a powerful effect on our thought life and the spirit realm. We have collected some scripture verses on healing for you to meditate upon and pray over yourself. Write these Bible verses about healing in your journal, put them on your bathroom mirror or on your desk at work, and declare them out loud over your body until the voice of the Lord becomes louder than the voice of doubt.

Exodus 23:25 (ESV)

You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.

Psalm 30:2 (ESV)
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.

Psalm 103:2-4 (ESV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

Psalm 107:20-21 (ESV)
He sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from their destruction.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!

Psalm 146:8 (ESV)
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 54:17 (ESV)
no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,
and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.

Matthew 9:35 (ESV)
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

Malachi 4:2 (ESV)
But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

John 14:27 (ESV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 5:14-16 (ESV)
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

1 Peter 2:24 (ESV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

3 John 1:2 (ESV)
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

We pray that you experience the power of God as Jehovah Rapha as you pray these healing scriptures over your or your loved ones’ life! To request prayer, click here.

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May 20

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How to Host the Holy Spirit

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study, Uncategorized | No Comments

To host means to receive or welcome a guest. It is possible for us to get really good at hosting worship experiences but not yet have learned how to host the Holy Spirit. We can be in large worship gatherings and yet not welcome the Holy Spirit. We can host Bible studies but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Holy Spirit is present.

Matthew 7:12-14

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Who you host is determined by how you host. If you put a Starbucks in a retail store and put tons of kitschy housewares in the impulse buy section, you will attract a certain kind of customer: my wife. And if you have a Home Depot or Lowes, you will host another type of customer: men who think they can repair things.

There are four things to keep in mind when you would like to welcome the Holy Spirit into your life, your gathering, or your midst. I use the acronym H.O.S.T.

Holiness

We have constructed the image of holiness as wearing three-piece suits, long skirts, and no jewelry. We’ve reduced it down to an outward appearance. But Galatians 5:22 says,

”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Long skirts and uncut hair don’t indicate holiness. These fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 are the things that indicate that the Holy Spirit is present because these are the fruit of His presence.

We think that we can host the Holy Spirit through behavior modification. But if you host the Holy Spirit, He will go beyond simple outward behavior modification. He will reveal the innermost parts of the heart. He’ll reveal the trauma that is at the root of the sin so that you can have complete victory over the sin you wrestle with.

Overflowing Grace

Philippians 2:13

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

If you see anything good in me, it’s God. If I’m a good husband, it’s God through me. If I’m a good preacher or pastor, it’s God through me. I am who I am because of the overflowing grace of God. For the Holy Spirit to be present, we need an atmosphere of overflowing grace.

Sanctification

Deuteronomy 23:12-14

You shall have a place outside the camp, and you shall go out to it. And you shall have a trowel with your tools, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig a hole with it and turn back and cover up your excrement. Because the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy, so that he may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you.

As you work out your salvation here on earth, some cycles will be broken and there will be sins you won’t return to. However, you won’t reach a place of perfection until heaven. Sanctification isn’t the absence of sin, it means having the tools to deal with sin.

When you mess up, get a shovel. Say to God, “I made a mess again, but I’m going to designate a place for this mess in prayer. And I’m going to cover it up with the blood of Jesus because I want your protection, provision, and favor on my life.”

All of the kings of Israel sinned, but some were called righteous and some were not. What’s the difference? Some had a shovel and some didn’t. David had a shovel and when he sinned with Bathsheba and caused her husband to be murdered, he knew that he needed to use his spiritual shovel to cover his sin through repentance. Saul didn’t do this.

As Christians, we still make mistakes. However, we know where to take our mistakes.

Teachable

1 Timothy 4:8

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Stay teachable. Stay vulnerable. I was in New York City doing a church service just like this. At the end of the service, I told the crowd that we were going to host the presence of the Holy Spirit. I felt the Holy Spirit nudge my heart and so I said, “Who wants to receive Him as a father?” A tall gentleman, all the way in the back, began to wave his arms like he was landing a plane. I met him after service and asked to hear his story.

He said, “I’m a multi-generational Hindu. My father just recently died. In hinduism, the practice is that we watch the deceased body burn for hours as part of our grieving. The entire time I watched my father’s body burn, I kept thinking about how I would never have a father again. My friend invited me to church today and when you kept saying God could be my father.” After that day, this young man went on a discipleship journey with our church, and I saw him baptized.

The Holy Spirit was present in this young man’s life profoundly because he was vulnerable and teachable.

Host the Presence

The Holy Spirit is welcomed by the type of atmosphere you create for Him. If you’d like to host Him, create an atmosphere where He is welcome.

Pray with me:

Holy Spirit, I want to host you. Beyond religion, beyond tradition, beyond a song. I want to host you, Holy Spirit. I want to attract your manifest presence in my life like never before. I say yes to you. Father, I thank you for what you’re stirring here right now God. I thank you for fanning the flame in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider joining the Breakthrough Community!

Request prayer here.

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Feb 11

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Why Can’t I Hear God?

By Mike Signorelli | Bible Study, Tough Questions | No Comments

God can always hear you. But there are hindrances to us hearing God. First, I want to start by saying that the best way to hear God is to read His Word. There are a lot of people who want to replace reading and studying the Bible to show themselves approved by getting prophetic words from God. They want to get a new, fresh word. Don’t be mistaken – there is no shortcut to hearing God’s voice. If you want to hear God, read your Bible. If you want to hear God out loud, read your Bible out loud. Instead of getting a “new Word”, get a fresh revelation on an old one!

Here are several reasons why you may not be able to hear God clearly.

Unconfessed Sin

Isaiah 59:1-3 (ESV)
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
    or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
but your iniquities have made a separation
    between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
    so that he does not hear.
For your hands are defiled with blood
    and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies;
    your tongue mutters wickedness

Unconfessed sin is a barrier to hearing God. Jesus is faithful and just to forgive when you confess your sins (1 John 1:9). But you can’t say, “Oh I confessed my sins once,” and then continue to live in sin the rest of your life. A good habit to get into in your prayer time is confession. Take a moment in prayer to quiet your heart and allow the Holy Spirit bring to light any sin in your heart that you might be unaware of. Then, bring it before the Lord and confess it. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, he said, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” (Luke 11:4). Make confession a part of your daily discipline.

Rebellion

Rebellion is another barrier to hearing God. God has placed spiritual authority in our lives. I say this in love: if we are rebellious and disobedient toward the delegated spiritual authority of our pastors and leadership, how can we promise God that we will be obedient to His authority? Rebellion is a major blockage to prayer. If you feel as if your prayers are not being heard, ask yourself, am I in rebellion to God’s delegated authority? Every believer should be under spiritual authority, no matter what ministry position or office they hold. If you’re not currently under authority, you should not be in authority. For those who desire to move in the prophetic gift, you cannot be prophetic without a pastor. Get under authority and submit yourself to leadership, and you’ll be able to hear the voice of God clearly again.

Busyness and Distraction

The God of the universe wants to spend intimate time with us, but busyness and distraction are barriers to hearing Him. The Lord will meet us wherever and whenever we choose to spend time in His presence, but we often neglect to show up due to our overcrowded schedules and busy lives.

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The story of Mary and Martha is a perfect example of the way we can be so busy, even while in His presence. Jesus is beckoning us to choose what is better over what is good. His presence is better than our full schedules and busy lives. Sitting at his feet is better than checking everything off our to-do list. This applies to people in ministry too. We can be so busy working for God that we forget to spend time with God. Set aside time every day to be with God. Put your phone away – your phone is robbing you of your destiny – and focus on Him.

Are You Listening?

These three things – unconfessed sin, rebellion, and busyness and distraction – are three things that might be obscuring you from hearing the voice of the Lord. If you find yourself identifying any of these three issues in your own life, confess them to the Lord, repent, and make a change so that you can hear Him speak. He is talking – are you listening?

My Breakthrough Community is full of people just like you who are hungry for more of God. If you are interested in learning more, consider joining the Breakthrough Community!

Request prayer here.

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Bible Study

1. Praying to Saints: A Controversial Practice

2. The Eucharist vs. Communion: Understanding Transubstantiation

3. Confession: To Priest or to God?

4. Holy Relics: Objects of Veneration or Idolatry?

5. The Afterlife: Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory

6. Salvation: Faith Alone or Faith Plus Works?

7. Baptism: Sacrament of Salvation or Symbol of Faith?

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap with Love and Understanding

4:00-6:00 a.m. (Mark 14:53-65 ESV)

6:00-8:00 a.m. (Mark 15:1-15 ESV)

Jesus Faced Public Scrutiny Just Like You Do

8:00 – 8:30 am (Mark 15:21-23 ESV)

9:00-9:30 a.m. (Mark 15:25 ESV)

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. (Matthew 15:29-32 ESV)

11:00 a.m. – noon (Luke 23:39-43 ESV)

Good Works Don’t Earn You Anything

Jesus Cares About Our Family Connections

Noon – 3:00 p.m. (Mark 15:38, John 19:26-27, 34 ESV)

The Veil Was Torn

4:00 p.m. (John 19:30 ESV, John 15:43)

Jesus Is Placed In The Tomb

We are Judas

This Crucifixion Was Different

He Died For the Most Broken Part Of You

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PARTNER WITH US & SUPPORT MIKE SIGNORELLI MINISTRIES

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3. After the resurrection, Jesus’ disciples suddenly had courage.

4. His family believed.

5. Large crowds of eyewitnesses.

6. The conversion of Saul.

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