by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 20, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
Imagine a moment unlike any other in history—a day when an entire generation of believers will never experience death! Instead, in the blink of an eye, they will be transformed, caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and enter into eternal glory! This is not speculation or wishful thinking—it is a solid promise from the Word of God!
The apostle Paul revealed this incredible truth in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52:
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
This is the blessed hope of every believer! While many saints throughout history have passed on and gone to be with the Lord, there will be one final generation of Christians who will never see death! Instead of facing the grave, they will experience instant transformation, exchanging their mortal bodies for glorious, incorruptible bodies fit for eternity.
The Greatest Reunion of All Time
Paul expands on this breathtaking event in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
What a glorious comfort this is! The rapture is not just about escaping tribulation—it is about being united with Jesus forever! The moment that trumpet sounds, both the living and the resurrected saints will be gathered together in the air.
Imagine the joy of that moment! Families reunited. Friends reunited. Every believer, from every nation and generation, meeting together in the presence of the Lord. All joy, forever and ever!
Are You Ready?
Jesus is coming soon! The world may scoff, but God’s promises never fail. The signs of the times are all around us, pointing to the soon return of our Lord Jesus for His church. As believers, we are called to live expectantly, knowing that at any moment, we could be caught up to be with the Lord!
This is not the time to be discouraged. It is the time to be watching, praying, and proclaiming the gospel! If you know Jesus as your Savior, then this promise is for you! If you don’t, today is the day of salvation—don’t wait another moment to put your faith in Christ!
“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Stay encouraged, stay ready, and keep looking up—Jesus is coming for His Church!
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 19, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
Salvation is a gift so simple that a child can understand it, yet so profound that we will never fully grasp its depth until we stand in glory. It is not a process but an event—one that transforms us from spiritual death to life in Christ.
The Problem: Sin and Separation from God
The first law God gave humanity was clear: sin results in death. When Eve responded to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, she acknowledged God’s command:
“But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ‘Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.'” (Genesis 3:2-3)
The same principle is echoed throughout Scripture:
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4)
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
No matter how good we try to be, we all fall short. The first step to salvation is recognizing our need for it—understanding that we are sinners in need of a Savior.
The Solution: The Gospel of Christ
If sin results in death, then payment must be made. But instead of leaving us in our fallen state, God provided a way through Jesus Christ:
‘For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.’ (II Corinthians 5:21)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 1:16)
What is the Gospel? The Apostle Paul gives the clearest definition in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4:
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Jesus Christ took our place. He bore the punishment for sin so that we wouldn’t have to. His death on the Cross paid the penalty, and His resurrection secured our victory over death.
Faith: The Only Requirement
Salvation is not about cleaning up our lives first. It’s not about joining a church, performing good works, or following rituals. Just as a dead battery cannot recharge itself, we cannot bring spiritual life to ourselves. Outside power must be applied. That power is the Gospel (Read Romans 1:16), and we receive it by faith:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith is not merely acknowledging Christ’s existence—it is trusting in His finished work on the Cross. It is believing that His sacrifice was enough to pay for our sins and that His resurrection guarantees our eternal life.
The New Birth: Becoming a Child of God
When we place our faith in Christ and believe the gospel, something incredible happens:
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection.” (Romans 6:5)
We identify with Christ—Our old sinful nature is crucified with Christ, and we are born again, restored to fellowship with God. We receive His righteousness, and His Spirit comes to dwell in us. This marks the beginning of our Christian walk, a journey of growth in grace and knowledge.
The Choice is Yours
God does not force salvation upon anyone. He offers it freely, but we must receive it by faith. The Gospel is not about religion; it is about a relationship with the living God. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. Believe the gospel, and you will be saved.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
The question is not whether salvation is available—it is whether you will believe. The work has been done, the price has been paid, and the door is open. Will you walk through it?
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 16, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
Why Understanding Amillennialism Matters
Understanding Amillennialism is crucial because it directly impacts how we interpret God’s promises to Israel and the Church. This false theology denies a literal future for Israel, claiming that the Church has replaced God’s chosen people. But if God could break His covenant with Israel, what assurance do we have of His promises to us? Knowing the truth helps us trust in God’s faithfulness and rightly divide His Word, standing firm against doctrines that distort His plan for the ages.
Amillennialism is a man-made theology that undermines God’s clear promises in Scripture. It arose from a failure to reconcile how God could still remain faithful to Israel after they rejected their Messiah and, along with the Romans, crucified the Prince of Peace. Instead of trusting in God’s ability to fulfill His covenants with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, some early Church fathers devised a theological system that conveniently transferred Israel’s promises to the Church.
This false doctrine—often referred to as replacement theology—teaches that God has permanently cast aside Israel and that the Church is now the new Israel. But this is not what Scripture teaches. In fact, God’s Word is clear:
- God’s covenant with Israel is eternal.
- “Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for a light by day, the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night… If those ordinances depart from before Me, says the LORD, then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nation before Me forever.” (Jeremiah 31:35-36)
- Paul explicitly refutes replacement theology.
- “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” (Romans 11:25)
- “Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:28-29)
If God’s promises to Israel were merely symbolic or transferred to the Church, then He would be a liar. But God does not break His covenants (Numbers 23:19). The rejection of a literal future for Israel was not based on faith in God’s Word but on human reasoning.
Why Was Amillennialism So Convenient?
- It required no faith in God’s ability to restore Israel as He promised.
- It made no effort to wrestle with prophecies that clearly state Israel’s future restoration.
- It aligned with the growing anti-Jewish sentiment in parts of the early Church.
- It placed Gentiles at the center of God’s plan, rather than acknowledging that we, as Gentiles, are partakers of the promises made to Israel—not the original recipients. The covenants God made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David were given to Israel alone. As Paul explains in Romans 11:16-18, Israel is the root that supports the wild branches, not the other way around. The Church does not replace Israel; rather, believing Gentiles are graciously grafted in, sharing in the blessings but never usurping the promises.
It was convenient for the progenitors of this false teaching because they saw that the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, and the Jews were out of their land, scattered into every nation on the planet. The Church fathers looked at Israel’s diaspora as an opportunity to take what God promised Israel as their own. Horrors! Again, these so-called Church fathers lacked faith—they simply could not believe that God would keep the promises He made to His chosen people. This comes down to coveting, pure and simple. They saw what belonged to Israel, desired it for themselves, and instead of trusting in God’s Word, they rewrote it to fit their own reasoning.
Ammillennialist have “spiritualized” Israel’s promises, dismissing them as allegorical while eagerly claiming all the blessings for themselves. But God is not done with Israel! The return of the Jewish people to their land and the ongoing conflicts surrounding Jerusalem confirm that God’s prophetic timeline is still unfolding exactly as He declared.
Final Thoughts
Amillennialism may be convenient, but it is not biblical. The promises God made to Israel remain intact, and His faithfulness to Israel is proof of His faithfulness to all who trust in Him. We must reject any theology that distorts God’s Word and hold fast to the truth that what He has spoken, He will surely fulfill.
Are you trusting in God’s promises, even when they seem inconvenient?
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 14, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul shares a powerful roadmap for believers to maintain peace in a troubled world: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
In a world where chaos, fear, and darkness seem to multiply daily, Paul encourages us to train our minds to focus on what’s good. He’s telling us to not just read or think about these things, but to truly meditate on them, to center our minds and implant them in our hearts. This isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a daily discipline—every moment, every day. When we fill our hearts and minds with these virtues, the God of peace, who is our only true source of hope and comfort, promises to be with us.
This verse is especially crucial because, as Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1, we are indeed living in perilous times. The spiritual battle has never been more intense, and as we draw nearer to the return of our Lord Jesus, the world will only grow darker. In 2 Timothy 3:12-13, Paul warns that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ will face persecution because evil men and imposters will grow worse, deceiving and being deceived. Yet, even amid these challenging times, we are not left without hope.
When we keep our minds fixed on God’s truth, when we meditate on the word of God and rest in the power of the gospel, we find a peace that the world cannot offer. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we’re reminded that God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. He meets us in our struggles and gives us the strength to carry on.
Once again, on a personal note, I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me over the past few months. I truly believe that without God’s grace and the many prayers lifted on my behalf, I would not be sharing this with you today. I am deeply grateful to each one of you who supported me during this time.
Let’s lift each other up in prayer and meditate on what is noble, pure, and praiseworthy. May the God of peace be with us all as we walk through the good and bad days ahead, hand in hand with Jesus.
Are you spending time daily to study God’s word? Are you meditating on what is noble, pure, and praiseworthy?
‘Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart). The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do (daily–all day everyday), and the God of peace (Who is our only source of hope, comfort and peace) will be with you.’
Philippians 4:8-9
‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ‘
II Corinthians 1:3-4
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 13, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
Psalm 19:1 proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” This verse beautifully illustrates that all of creation is a testament to the majesty and power of God. Yet Scripture reveals that it is Jesus Christ, God the Son, who spoke creation into existence and brought all things into being.
Hebrews 1:1–3 and verse 10 tell us that through Jesus, God made the universe and that Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory who upholds all things by His word. It is Jesus who laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of His hands.
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who, being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
— Hebrews 1:1–3
“And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.'”
— Hebrews 1:10
Colossians 1:15–16 further supports this truth, declaring:
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”
Creation itself is not only a testimony to God’s existence but also serves as a warning to the world. Romans 1:18–20 reminds us that God’s invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature are clearly seen in what has been made. Through creation, God has revealed Himself to all mankind, leaving them without excuse.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
— Romans 1:18–21
This revelation of God in creation is not just a testimony—it also carries a solemn warning. Scripture makes it clear that mankind is accountable to God, and a day is coming when all will be judged by Jesus Christ.
Romans 2:16 warns:
“In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”— Romans 2:16
What is Paul’s gospel?
“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,”
— I Corinthians 15:1-4
For believers, the awe-inspiring truth is this: our Redeemer, God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is not only the One who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day—paying the full price for the sins of the world—but He is also the very Creator of all things. By the power of His word, He spoke the universe into existence, bringing forth everything from nothing.
We do not worship a distant or impersonal deity; we worship the One True and Living God, the very Word who became flesh and dwelt among mankind. His handiwork is displayed in creation, and His love is revealed in the gospel.
For those who do not yet believe, the evidence of His existence is all around—declared in the heavens, written in His Word, and made manifest in Jesus Christ.
Let this truth bring joy to your heart, rejoice in the Lord and His glory, pray for one another that we may continue to stand firm in the power of His word.