Be Steadfast and Alert Because Satan Seeks to Destroy You and the Church

Be Steadfast and Alert Because Satan Seeks to Destroy You and the Church

by | Nov 26, 2019 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

 ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: ‘

1 Peter 5:8

The promise of salvation we have from God does not mean Christians’ can live utterly unconcerned about the consequences of actions surrounding their daily lives; living without caution; or carelessly.

Believers are admonished to be steadfast, standing firm in the Word of God and “vigilant” always alert and aware of Satan and his many deceptions that come at believers twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. Satan is real, has great power and he is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 11:15; John 12:31).

 

The devil is not just “the instigator” of all deceit, a murderer from the beginning (the fall, Genesis 2:17; 3:17-24; Romans 5:12), and father of lies (John 8:44) he is also the “accuser” and “slanderer” of the saints.

Yes, Satan has access to heaven where he is accusing believers day and night of their sins before God the Father. But we have our Advocate (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 2:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:5), Jesus Christ who is at the right hand of the Father as our defense attorney guaranteeing our acquittal because we believed the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

 

As grace age believers we are warned constantly about the devil and his deceptive tactics in many forms; false teachers, doctrines of demons, the world system, deceiving spirits, and the list goes on, all led by and powered by Satan (1 Timothy 4:1-3;2 Timothy 3:1-6,13; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Romans 1:18-22; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 13:11-17; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Colossians 2:8; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-16).

‘lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.’

II Corinthians 2:11

Now doesn’t that just say it all?

“Take Advantage” “Ignorant” What does the devil focus on? Our mind!

 

Its not possible for Christians to be sober (steadfast and standing firm, confident in the Scripture, able to identify and resist Satan’s attacks) or is it possible for believers to be vigilant (keenly alert and able to identify Satan’s never-ending attacks of deception in whatever form Eph 6:11) if the believer is not studying the Bible daily and praying always. It’s just not possible.

 

Our Defense

The answer is simple but hard to follow through on consistently because of our flesh.

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Galatians 5:17

But we must fight. We must dedicate time everyday to the Lord.

How?

Pray

Pray without ceasing, means pray without ceasing! We all have something to pray about or someone to pray for. We have access to God anytime, at any moment. Go boldly to God with everything you have, casting it all on Him.

‘Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ‘

Hebrews 4:14-15

‘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 

Study the Bible (Sound Doctrine)

The only way for Christians to be vigilant, staying alert to Satan’s non-stop attacks is to be rooted in the Word of God (sound doctrine). And the only way to do that is to study the bible daily.

Only standing firm in the truth of God’s Word can we defeat Satan’s deceitful schemes and falsehoods.

What does the Scripture say…

‘For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.’

II Corinthians 10:3-6

 

 

Christians can't have one foot in the world and one foot in the Church

Christians can’t have one foot in the world and the other in the Church!

 

Going to Church regularly and fellowship with God’s people are also important parts of the believers maturity but for the purposes of this post the focus is on what is done least of all.

To that end I hope that this has been encouraging and in some way edifying. Please consider sharing on social media.

 

Thank you,

 

Mesa Bible Study

Jamie Pantastico,

Faith, Sine Qua Non

 

 

Sing Praises to God for His Power and His Great Love Shown through His Son ‘Jesus Christ’

Sing Praises to God for His Power and His Great Love Shown through His Son ‘Jesus Christ’

by | Nov 25, 2019 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

‘But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.’

Psalms 59:16

The Lord Jesus Christ is the believers’ source of joy and the object of heart filled praise.

Rejoice and sing praises to the God of glory, who saved us not because of anything we did but because of His mercy and great love for us.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Ephesians 2:4-5

Even when we were dead in trespasses…

We don’t deserve anything! We were all born sons and daughters of Adam, born in sin (Romans 5:12). Living out our daily lives according to our fleshly desires, in bondage, slaves to Satan, who is the god of this world (Ephesians 2:2,3;2 Corinthians 4:4).

 

But God saved us even while we were sinners (Romans 5:6,8), not because of ANYTHING WORK OR GOOD DEED WE DID but because of His mercy and immeasurable love. It’s mind-boggling!

 

Reflecting back to the place we were (Ephesians 2:2,3; Colossians 1:21;Ephesians 2:12) prior to our hearing the gospel and believing by faith alone in the gospel should make recognize how much God loves us and why we should sing praises of His Sovereignty, His power, His mercy and His great love for us. 

 

Sing Praises to God

‘speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ‘

Ephesians 5:19

 

Thanks for reading. Please consider sharing.

 

Mesa Bible Study

Jamie Pantastico

Faith, Sine Qua Non

 

Our Promise is Sealed with the Holy Spirit

Our Promise is Sealed with the Holy Spirit

by | Nov 17, 2019 | Devotionals | 0 comments

What a Promise!

 

Ephesians 1:13 – “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

This verse encapsulates the security of our salvation: trusting in Christ after hearing the gospel. Our belief in His death, burial, and resurrection secures our salvation and promises so much more than just escaping judgment. It signifies an eternal promise from God.

 

Understanding Our Trust

When Paul says, “In Him you also trusted,” he refers to Christ, as mentioned in Ephesians 1:12: “That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.” Our faith rests solely in Christ for salvation, as reinforced by Romans 10:13: “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'”

 

Hearing the Truth

Paul addresses believers, emphasizing that salvation comes after hearing the gospel. It’s crucial to share the gospel because, as Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We are ambassadors for Christ, as urged in 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us.”

 

The Gospel of Salvation

The gospel that saves us today is clearly defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. This gospel was revealed to Paul by Christ Himself (Galatians 1:11-12), marking a shift from the previous message to a new, inclusive salvation for all.

 

Sealed with the Holy Spirit

Upon believing, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). This seal signifies God’s ownership and His promise of our future with Him. We are co-heirs with Christ, as described in Romans 8:17-18: “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”

 

Our Glorious Inheritance

Believers are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). God the Son, Jesus Christ is the heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), and we share in this inheritance, reflecting God’s incredible love and grace.

This promise ensures that someday we will reign with Christ, co-heirs in His eternal kingdom. What a profound and glorious promise!

 

Reflection

Our faith in Christ not only secures our salvation but also guarantees a glorious future. Let’s live in the light of this promise, sharing the gospel and glorifying God in all we do.

 

Thank you for reading. If this post was encouraging and or edifying in anyway please consider sharing.

 

Our Greatest Hope

Our Greatest Hope

by | Nov 14, 2019 | Devotionals | 0 comments

Are You Ready for 2020?

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Today’s Scripture Reading

smileColossians 3:4

smile1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

‘When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.’

Colossians 3:4

What ever it is you’re carrying today, no matter how heavy it is, I pray that the Scripture verses in this post provide you comfort, courage and strength to overcome.

The Key Passage for this post is Colossians 3:4.

Let’s examine the Colossians 3:4:

Colossians 3:4a

‘When Christ who is our life,…’

It is Christ who saved us from the bondage of sin and the law and given us our new life (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christ is now our life, God the Holy Spirit indwells believers as a guarantee that whatever happens to you while on earth or in death we are with the Lord.

So in this new life, Christians’ should have NO FEAR and lets look at Romans 8:14-15, to find out why? 

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Romans 8:14

Because we believed the gospel, we are now children of God, indwelled with the Holy Spirit. Verse 15 explains why we should have ‘no fear’ at all.

‘For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ‘

Romans 8:15

We have no fear because the finished work of the cross severed the chains of bondage by which Satan had us as his slaves. Ultimately, it is what Christ did on our behalf that freed us from sin, the law, Satan and death itself. And that same Spirit and power that was victorious over sin, the law, Satan and death lives in us and we cry out to “Abba, Father”.

That’s enough to make anyone jump for joy.

It keeps getting better, now the last part of verse four.

Colossians 3:4b

…appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

This is what all Christians’ should be looking for, this is our greatest hope. 

‘looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ‘

Titus 2:13

What an amazing prospect we have in spite of the turmoil and persecution we face here on earth. The glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

‘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. ‘

I Thessalonians 4:16-17

Again, this is the believers greatest hope, to be in the presence of the Lord, and Scripture teaches us that those who believed the gospel (1 Thessalonians 4:13) will be with the Lord forever.

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.

I Corinthians 15:51-52

This is a promise from God, to the children of God and we have the Holy Spirit living inside us as a guarantee that we’re His and we will be glorified with Him in our new glorified bodies at the trumpet call (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). 

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.

I Thessalonians 4:13-17

 

The future is a glorious one, and the prospect of spending eternity with our Lord and Savior should give us the courage and strength to make it through any temporary tribulation we face while on earth.

‘For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ‘

Romans 8:18

 

My hope is that this post may be encouraging and edifying. Please consider sharing.

All the glory to God.

 

Thank you for reading. 

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

 

 

 

 

‘No Fear’ Christians are In the Safest Place in the Universe ‘Hidden with Christ in God’

‘No Fear’ Christians are In the Safest Place in the Universe ‘Hidden with Christ in God’

by | Nov 10, 2019 | Devotionals | 0 comments

You Are Already…with Christ

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Today’s Scripture Reading

smileColossians 3:1-4

smilePhilippians 1:28

‘For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

 

Colossians 3:3

 

Wow!!! Just WOW!

 

This verse should comfort all Christians, providing encouragement and the assurance we need to stand and overcome the never-ending spiritual attacks brought on by Satan and his minions.

 

Side note: Cute quotes, words of encouragement from mankind, and words of wisdom from so-called spiritual leaders are meaningless. We have the Word of God. And God says man’s ways are not His ways and man’s way is foolishness. God doesn’t care what some man has to say about spiritual things. So why should Christians? “For what saith the Scripture…”

 

Let’s take a look at Colossians 3:3 and compare Scripture with Scripture to unpack the tremendous truths in this passage.

 

Colossians 3:3a   

 

For you died,…

So what does “For you died…” mean? It means exactly what it says!

 

Scripture teaches us that when we believed the gospel we identify with Christ in His death and in that death our sin nature or old Adam (Romans 6:6) was nailed to the cross and put to death (Romans 6:3).

 

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 

Romans 6:3

 

Not only did we die with Christ, we were buried (Romans 6:4) with Christ and praise God Almighty we were raised with Christ (Romans 6:5), and because He lives we live.

 

And it keeps getting better, now the remainder of verse three.

 

Colossians 3:3b

…and your life, hidden with Christ in God.

 

In our new life (2 Corinthians 5:17) comes a new home and position. We are hidden in Christ in God. 

 

That’s where we are right now in God. (see image below)

 

Christians are in the safest place in the Universe

 

We are hidden in Christ, and Christ is hidden in God, and there is no way possible for you to get out, or is it possible for anyone or anything going through God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit to get to you.

 

A couple passages come to mind…

‘For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Romans 8:38-39

 

Amazing how all Scripture fits perfectly. The reason nothing in the Universe can separate us from the love of God is because where we are, “hidden in Christ in God”.

 

Knowing this: as Christians we should have NO FEAR!

 

and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

Philippians 1:28

 

More than Just a Fire Escape

 

Our salvation is more than just avoiding the lake of fire.

 

The moment we believed the gospel God severed the chains of bondage in which we were held by Satan because of sin (Adam’s Disobedience in the garden Romans 5:12) and delivered us into the kingdom of His Son Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13).

 

That is where we are “right now” even while we’re here on earth ‘hidden with Christ in God’…

 

Do you believe it?

Then live every day of your life with No Fear. 

 

Believers are with the Lord now, our home is in heaven even while we are present in the flesh on earth. (Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:6).

 

While on earth God indwells us with His Spirit the Holy Spirit as a guarantee that we are His and either by death or rapture we will be with the Lord forever (Ephesians 1:13,14; 2 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

 

What an amazing prospect! What a promise!

 

Absolutely mind-boggling and impossible for anyone to comprehend but it’s true and we take it by faith because the Lord said it.