by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 14, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 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. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 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. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
These passages address the blessed hope of the rapture, a distinctive aspect of the believer’s salvation. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, emphasizes the importance of understanding the process and implications of believers’ physical death. He urges against sorrow without hope, distinguishing believers’ experience from the lost person who has no faith in Christ.
Verse 14 underscores a crucial foundation: the centrality of faith in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for salvation. It’s not by works but through faith that believers participate in the rapture. Paul highlights the assurance that those who have died in Christ will accompany Him when He returns to the clouds for His Church, which is His Body.
Again, Verse 14 is pivotal in highlighting the central truth of salvation by faith alone. Paul states that “if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” This emphatically underscores that the basis for participating in the rapture of the body of Christ is faith alone in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It’s not about our works, merit, or personal achievements. Instead, it’s the faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross that unites us with Him.
In verse 15, Paul clarifies that the living won’t precede the departed in the rapture event. Instead, both groups will share in the joyous reunion with Christ. Verse 16 depicts the rapture’s awe-inspiring moment: the Lord’s descent, heralded by a shout, an archangel’s voice, and the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ (believers who died), having slept, will rise first, followed by the living believers.
Verse 17 paints the climactic picture of the rapture itself: the living, remaining believers are caught up together with resurrected believers to meet the Lord in the air. The passage resonates with the truth of Christ’s imminent return and believers’ unity with Him forever.
Finally, verse 18 encourages believers to comfort one another through these profound truths. Paul’s words offer our greatest hope, affirming that those in Christ (the dead in Christ and those of us alive) will be with the Lord forever. Thus, faith in Christ’s redemptive work alone stands as the only way to participate in the rapture, apart from a works-based approach to salvation.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 26, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.
In this verse, the apostle Paul humbly acknowledges that our strength and abilities are inadequate to accomplish anything of eternal value. We can do nothing apart from Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we rely on our own efforts, we fall short, but when we trust in God’s sufficiency, His grace empowers us to fulfill His purposes.
We must put all of our trust and full confidence in Christ alone. Only in Christ, by and through His grace, do we find peace, purpose, and the ability to bring glory and honor to God in all we do.
Here are six Bible verses that clearly state God’s grace is sufficient: These verses remind us that God’s grace is more than enough for every aspect of our lives – in our weaknesses, in our good works, in our salvation, and in times of need. We can find strength, mercy, and help in His abundant and unmerited favor.
‘Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, ‘
Romans 5:20
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) – “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
Hebrew 4:16 (NKJV) – “Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV) – “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 22, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Romans 5:17
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
In Christ alone, we find an overflowing abundance of grace. By faith alone, we are justified through His finished work on the cross. This grace is not meager; it is immeasurable, extravagant, and freely poured out upon us. It far surpasses our sins, failures, troubles, pain, and shortcomings. God’s grace reigns in our lives (whether we feel it or not), breaking the chains of sin and death. As believers, we are His and, destined to reign with Christ. Glory to God!
We can revel and rest in this abundant grace by embracing it with unwavering faith. When doubts arise, we can turn to His Word and trust His promises. Let us never forget that our righteousness comes not from our works but from the precious gift of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Today and every day let’s revel in the superabundance of grace God has freely poured out on us. It covers us completely, fills us with hope, and empowers us to walk in victory. As we face challenges, we can rely on His grace to sustain and guide us. Take a look at what the Lord tells the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9
Takeaway
The very moment you start to get discouraged, and the pressure is upon you, go immediately to the throne of grace, boldly! Look at what Hebrews 4:16 admonishes us to do;
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 21, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Ephesians 1:8
‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ‘
Ephesians 3:20
The abundant life, oh how can we truly put it into words? It’s beyond explanation, yet its essence is found in the complete package of God’s grace. In Ephesians 1:8, we glimpse the riches of His grace poured out upon us, leading to assurance of salvation, eternal security, and His constant presence.
Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ, and Ephesians 1:18 opens our eyes to the hope of His calling and the glorious inheritance awaiting us. The abundant life doesn’t always promise constant happiness, but the joy of the Lord remains steadfast.
In Ephesians 3:18, we are encouraged to grasp the vastness of Christ’s love that surpasses all understanding, enabling us to experience the fullness of God. Our circumstances may not always be ideal, but the abundant life is living in the joy of our salvation and constant communion with our Heavenly Father.
Even in the midst of trials, as Paul demonstrated in Philippians (remember, Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians and Ephesians), we can rejoice because “the abundant” life doesn’t depend on material possessions. It is the assurance of our redemption, eternal life, and unhindered access to God’s presence. The wisdom and prudence He grants freely through His word allow us to navigate life’s challenges victoriously.
So, if you feel overwhelmed or burdened, remember that the abundant life is not about worldly possessions, or how we feel but it’s the immeasurable richness of God’s grace, the depth of His love, and the unshakable hope in Christ. Embrace His complete grace, and you will find strength, joy, and assurance in every step of your journey. Because His grace is sufficient.
Trust in Him, for the abundant life is a gift He longs for you to enjoy fully.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 17, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
It’s crucial to avoid the “Headline Hysteria” coming in like a tsunami across Christendom and focus on studying the word of God. Believers will not be accountable to the Lord Jesus at the “Bema Seat” for knowing the latest headline news story but for our knowledge of His word (His revealed will) and what we did as ambassadors for Christ.
The apostle Paul makes it clear that we are to Study the Bible.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
It is impossible for Christians to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord by allowing ourselves to be caught up and dwelling in the daily “headline hysteria”. The ONLY way to grow in grace and knowledge and be pleasing to the Lord is by studying His word and letting it “dwell in us richly…”
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Takeaway
Of course, we are to be aware and ever discerning the times but we can not be ambassadors for Christ without studying His word. Our salvation is more than just a fire escape! We are to study the Bible daily and share the gospel daily period.
‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
Here are five Bible verses from the apostle Paul that parallel Colossians 3:16, along with a short comment on each verse:
- Ephesians 5:19: “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to engage in joyful worship through music and songs. Singing praises to the Lord not only uplifts our spirits but also fosters unity and edification among believers.
- Romans 15:14: “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”
- Comment: Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being filled with knowledge and goodness. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, we are equipped to encourage and admonish one another in love, fostering spiritual growth and maturity.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to provide comfort and edification to one another. By offering encouragement, support, and building one another up in faith, we contribute to a positive and nurturing community of believers.
- Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
- Comment: Paul emphasizes the importance of our words and how we communicate with others. Our speech should be filled with grace and wisdom, seasoned with the salt of kindness and truth. This enables us to respond to others in a way that reflects Christ’s love and brings glory to God.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to actively participate and contribute to the edification of the church when they come together. Each member has something to offer, whether it’s a psalm, teaching, spiritual gift, or revelation. When we come together, our focus should be on building up one another in faith.
Recommended Reading
Sensationalism vs. Scripture: Don’t Get Caught Up in End Time Speculation