by Jamie Pantastico | May 19, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
Ephesians 1:19
The power of the gospel is heart transformative and unparalleled. Ephesians 1:19 speaks of “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe (the gospel alone by faith alone), according to the working of His mighty power.” This power, available to all who believe, is not just an abstract concept but a dynamic force that was mightily displayed in Christ’s resurrection.
The Mighty Power of Resurrection
Ephesians 1:20 states, “Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” This same power that brought Jesus back to life is at work in believers. The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, demonstrating the ultimate power of God over sin, the law, Satan and death.
Christ’s Exalted Position
Ephesians 1:21 declares, “Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come.” Christ’s name is above all names, now and forever. No power or authority can compare to Him, underscoring His supreme position and the completion of His redemptive work.
The Finished Work of Redemption
The completion of Christ’s work is highlighted in Hebrews. After achieving redemption (2 Corinthians 5:20-21), He sat at the right hand of the Father, signaling that nothing more is needed for our salvation. Hebrews 1:3 says, “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.” This profound truth assures believers that salvation is secure and complete in Christ.
Superior to All
Hebrews constantly compares the old covenant with the new, showing how Christ’s sacrifice is far superior to the law. Hebrews 1:4 states, “Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” This comparison emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s redemptive work, providing believers with a firm foundation and unshakable hope.
Encouragement for Believers
The power of the gospel is the foundational sole source of encouragement for believers. It (the gospel) reminds us that our faith is grounded in the mighty power of God, evidenced by the resurrection and exaltation of Christ. This power is available to all who believe, assuring us of our secure and complete salvation.
Believers can rest in the knowledge that no more priestly work is needed; Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all (Hebrews 10:10-18). His position at the right hand of the Father assures us of His continued intercession (on the believers behalf) and supreme authority over all things. These truths provide unending encouragement and steadfast hope for all who believe the gospel.
In summary, the gospel’s power is a testament to God’s mighty works, especially in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ. Believers are encouraged to hold firm to this truth, knowing that our salvation is secure and complete in Him.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 18, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’
Philippians 3:13-14
In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul delivers a powerful message that resonates deeply with those seeking encouragement to forget the past and move forward to better days. Amidst a backdrop of trials and tribulations, Paul declares, “This one thing I do.” These words, simple yet profound, and which are most often overlooked by the rest of the verse, serve as a call to action, urging believers to focus on a singular, transformative purpose: forgetting what lies behind and pressing forward toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Too often, we find ourselves burdened by the weight of past mistakes, death of loved ones, toxic relationships, failures, and regrets. We allow the shadows of yesterday to cast doubt and fear over our present circumstances, hindering our progress and stifling our growth. But Paul, through his own experience and wisdom, reminds us that dwelling on the past serves no purpose in our pursuit of God’s calling for our lives. Instead, he exhorts us to forget those things which are behind us and embrace the boundless possibilities of tomorrow.
“This one thing I do,” Paul declares. In these words, he encapsulates the essence of wholehearted devotion and unwavering determination. He sets aside distractions and diversions, focusing his energy and attention on the singular task before him: moving forward in faith. Likewise, we are called to adopt this mindset, casting off the chains of the past and fixing our eyes on the path ahead with the word of God as our guide.
As we heed Paul’s exhortation to forget what lies behind and press forward, we discover a newfound sense of freedom and joy. We no longer allow past failures to define, we no longer allow toxic people or situations to dictate and control our future. Instead, we step forward boldly, confident in the knowledge that God is leading us onward toward a future that brings honor and glory to Him.
So let us embrace Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired instructions with unwavering conviction: “This one thing I do.” Let us break the grip of the past (because God has already forgotten and forgiven you), and move forward, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all that is ahead of us.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 21, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
As believers we are to know what we believe, we are not to believe in vain. It’s not about rituals, traditions, or even our own works—it’s about believing, faith, and trust. Believing the gospel message is what brings us into a right relationship with God. The Apostle Paul, through his letters, consistently emphasizes this central truth: salvation is appropriated by believing the gospel alone, by faith alone.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“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,”
Here, Paul lays out the core of the gospel message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. This is the foundation of our faith and the means by which we are saved.
Romans 3:21-26
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Paul underscores that righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. It’s not about our deeds or the law but about faith in finished work of the cross.
Romans 4:5
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,”
Paul emphasizes that righteousness is not earned through works but is credited to us when we believe in Him who justifies the ungodly.
Galatians 2:16
“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
Paul makes it clear that justification comes through faith in Christ, when we believe the gospel (the death, burial and resurrection) not by adhering to the law or our works.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“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.”
Our salvation is a gift from God, received through faith alone in the finished work of the cross not by our own efforts or merits.
Beware of false teachers who pervert the simplicity of the gospel by adding conditions. Whether they say you must repent and be baptized to be saved, or they emphasize faith in the gospel but add steps like baptism or other works, they are misleading. This is akin to the Judaizers of Paul’s congregation in Galatia, who were add circumcision and law-keeping to Paul’s message salvation by faith alone in the finished work of the cross. Such teachings corrupt (ever so subtly) the gospel’s core message. Salvation is a free gift from God, received solely through believing by faith alone in the gospel alone. Let’s remain steadfast in this truth and rest in the simple and yet powerful gospel that saves souls.
There is Only One Way to Heaven ‘Jesus Christ’
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 17, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)
In a world that glorifies self-promotion, personal gain, and the pursuit of success at all costs, Philippians 2:3 stands as a powerful reminder of the Christian’s call to live counter-culturally. This verse is in stark opposition to the prevailing mindset of our society, where ambition and self-promotion are celebrated virtues.
Even the best of what the world offers, at its core, is driven by covetousness—a desire to have more, to be more, to outdo others. This pursuit inevitably leads to selfishness and self-gratification, leaving individuals empty and unfulfilled.
Yet, as believers, we are called to a different standard. We are not of this world; we are in Christ (John 17:14-16). Our motivation should not be driven by selfish ambition or conceit but by love and humility, reflecting the character of our Savior.
The essence of Philippians 2:3 is humility—esteeming others better than ourselves. It’s about putting others’ needs and interests ahead of our own, demonstrating a selfless love that mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ and the finished work of the cross.
Today and everyday, let us embrace the words of Philippians 2:3, choosing to live in a way that is radically different from the world around us. As we live with a spirit of humility and selflessness, may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others closer to Christ.
Bible Reading:
‘I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ‘
John 17:14-16
‘And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’
Romans 12:2
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 16, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Having a bad day, a bad week, month, or bad year? Feeling unsure, losing hope, with not much looking better in the future? Get into the transformative and encouraging words of Romans 8.
Romans 8 stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the boundless love and unshakable assurance we have in Christ. It declares with resounding clarity that nothing—no force, no power, not even death—can separate us from His love. It’s a chapter of triumph, a proclamation of victory over every trial and tribulation. So, I implore you, take out your Bible and read Romans 8. Not just once, but several times. Let its words of hope and assurance sink deep into your soul. In this chapter, we’re reminded of the indomitable victory we have in Christ, the unyielding assurance that we are eternally secure in His love and care right now, and forever. It’s an all-powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness of our God and the depth of His unending love for us.
So, grab your Bible, turn to Romans 8, and let these powerful words wash over you, and encourage you, reminding you of the unbreakable bond we have with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Here’s a list of five free Bible websites:
- Bible Gateway
- Website: www.biblegateway.com
- Features: Offers over 200 versions of the Bible in multiple languages. It also provides reading plans, devotionals, and study tools.
- YouVersion (The Bible App)
- Website: www.bible.com
- Features: A popular app available on various platforms that provides hundreds of Bible versions in over a thousand languages. It offers reading plans, devotionals, and audio versions.
- Blue Letter Bible
- Website: www.blueletterbible.org
- Features: Offers various translations and versions of the Bible, along with study tools, commentaries, and original language resources.
- Bible.is
- Website: www.bible.is
- Features: Provides audio Bibles in over 1,300 languages. It also offers text versions of the Bible, and the app allows users to listen to Scripture while reading along.
- Bible Hub
- Website: www.biblehub.com
- Features: Offers parallel Bible versions, commentaries, lexicons, and other study tools. It provides a comprehensive resource for in-depth Bible study.
These websites offer a range of features and resources to help individuals engage with the Bible in various ways, from reading to studying and even listening.
More Reading:
Believers are More than Conquerors Romans 8:37