by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 9, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Enveloped within the term “mystery” across Paul’s epistles (Romans 11:25, 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7, 4:1-2, 13:2, 14:2, 15:51; Ephesians 1:9, 3:3-6, 3:9, 6:19; Colossians 1:26-27, 2:2, 4:3; 1 Timothy 3:9, 3:16), unfolds divine wisdom given to Paul alone directly from the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus. Foremost among these revelations is the gospel of the grace of God—once veiled, now unveiled.
This new revelation, a new gospel message concealed throughout time, stands as a testament to the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God’s preordained plan of redemption. The term “mystery” encapsulates a body of new revelations, culminating in the disclosure of Christ’s finished work of the cross as the eternal purposes of all that God does on mankind’s behalf for His glory.
All mankind will either be saved or judged by Paul’s gospel.
‘in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. ‘
Romans 2:16
‘Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, ‘
Romans 16:25
To clarify what Paul means by “My Gospel”; he is simply saying that the gospel revealed to him alone by the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus is the only gospel that can save a person today. Furthermore, it is by this same gospel by which ALL mankind (the lost person) will be judged and the great white throne.
And what is Paul’s gospel?
‘Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 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:’
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 7, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Ephesians 6:19
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery (secret) of the gospel.” (As given to Paul and Paul alone in Acts 20:24; I Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:11-12.)
The apostle Paul reveals a mystery (or secret), previously concealed—a groundbreaking truth that both Gentiles and Jews can attain salvation through faith alone in the completed work of the cross. This unprecedented revelation marks the first time in biblical history (around 37-40AD) that Gentiles have direct access to Israel’s God. All through the Old Testament there was no provision for Gentile salvation except through the nation of Israel. God kept it secret that He would one day go to the Gentiles directly with a message of salvation based on grace through faith alone in the finished work of Christ apart from Israel, the Mosaic law, circumcision, and temple worship.
As Gentiles believers, we become joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:15-17) the moment we believe the gospel, not just for this life but for all eternity—an awe-inspiring salvation that should stir our souls and lift our hearts to praise Him. No looming doom or judgment, no uncertainty.
We stand unshakable in this mystery—the gospel of the grace of God—this fellowship that we, as Gentiles and members of the body of Christ, not only anticipate but are already partaking in.
The Word “Mystery”
‘The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.’
Deuteronomy 29:29
In Ephesians 6:19, the term “mystery” originates from the Greek word “musterion,” denoting a secret. Here, it reveals the profound truth of salvation accessible to both Gentiles and Jews through faith alone in the finished work of the cross apart from the law. The apostle Paul and Paul alone, entrusted with this revelation, unveils the hidden wisdom, making known the once-concealed plan of God for all mankind (Romans 11:25, 11:32-33).
Embodied in the word “mystery” across Paul’s epistles (Romans 11:25, 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 15:51; Ephesians 1:9, 3:3-6, 3:9, 6:19; Colossians 1:26-27, 2:2, 4:3; 1 Timothy 3:9, 1 Timothy 3:16), it unfolds divine wisdom—once concealed but now disclosed.
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 3, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of negativity, complaining about every twist and turn of life’s journey? It’s time to break free from the chains of the past, bitterness, despair and embrace the transformative power of gratitude. In a world that often feels overwhelming, God’s word offers the only guiding light—a collection of verses that encourage us to shift our focus from complaints to gratitude.
‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ‘
Galatians 2:20
1. Philippians 4:8 “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.”
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
3. Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
4. Psalm 100:4 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
5. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
6. Ephesians 5:20 “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
7. Colossians 4:2 “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”
8. Psalm 136:1 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
9. 1 Chronicles 16:34 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
10. Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Takeaway
It’s not about ignoring challenges, pain, loss and heartache, but choosing to dwell on the positive; God’s word. Embrace the admonition of these verses, urging us to give thanks in all circumstances. As you navigate life’s ups and downs, let the peace we have in Christ rule in your heart. It’s a call to strengthen our faith to foster a spirit of gratitude—praising God even in difficult times. Remember, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” So, let’s shift our perspective, choosing gratitude over grumbling, and embark on a daily life of transformation.
Rejoice in the Lord always and let thanksgiving be the melody of your heart. Together, let’s turn our complaints into celebrations, embracing the abundant goodness of God’s love. 🌟✨
by Jamie Pantastico | Jan 21, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
‘I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. ‘
Romans 11:11
In Romans 11:11, the apostle Paul is clearly stating when salvation came to the Gentile world. Answer: When the nation of Israel fell.
So when did the nation of Israel fall? When they rejected their Messiah their promised King, when they cried out “crucify Him” (Mark 15:13,14), and let it be known that they will not have this Jesus of Nazareth rule over us (Luke 19:14). That was the beginning of their fall with last straw soon thereafter when they stoned Stephen in Acts 7 around 36 AD. But what did the nation of Israel’s fall bring about? The apostle Paul was chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles with a new message of salvation by grace through faith alone in the finished work of the cross apart from the Mosaic law, circumcision, and temple worship.
Romans 11:11 (and all of Romans 11) establishes that salvation for the Gentile world occurred only after the fall of Israel and after God chose Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles. Which was sometime between 37 – 40 AD.
‘For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, ‘
Romans 11:13
Lastly, in Romans 11:32, Paul sums it all up in this amazing verse “For God has committed them all (the nation of Israel) to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all”
‘Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!’
Romans 11:33
by Jamie Pantastico | Jan 19, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
The signs of the times before the rapture are sadly missing in much of today’s conversations and teaching about end times. So much of the focus is on the answer the Lord Jesus gave to a question by the apostles in Matthew 24, and Matthew 24 is all tribulation ground. Yes, the body of Christ, will witness the beginnings of what the Lord told the apostles will be the sign of thy coming… But today, Paul tells us explicitly what things we, the body of Christ, which is His church should look for as signs of the rapture of the Church (which is what the body of Christ is waiting for not the second coming). Sadly, most Bible prophecy teaching is focused on what will happen after the church is gone and the events during the tribulation (7 years) itself as signs of the second coming of the Lord Jesus, not the rapture of the church. We won’t be here!!!!
‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! ‘
II Timothy 3:1-5
Paul Makes it Clear what the World Will Look Like before the Lord Jesus Comes for His Church
In II Timothy 3:1-6, Paul describes a world in a complete moral breakdown. Men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.
When reading these verses and looking around at the world near and afar (emphasis on “without natural affection”), it’s hard not to see that we are there. We see the evidence of a world in moral decay everywhere we turn, from abortion to child trafficking, to the murders, and the governments that support them. Sexual perversion runs rampant, despisers of those who are good are on the attack at unprecedented levels, the hatred for anyone claiming to be “Christian” is at levels never before seen in history, and people who claim to be “ever learning” are missing the mark when it comes to spiritual truth and sound doctrine.
For those of us wondering if it’s time for the rapture, we need to be aware of the signs that Paul delineates in 2 Timothy 3:1-6. The world is in complete moral decay, and it’s getting worse every hour. The rapture could very well happen at any time, and we need to be ready (by studying His word). Let us not be caught up in the decay of this world, but rather let us set our hearts on things above and be ready for His return.
What to do?
Study His Word!
We need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 …These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
As members of the body of Christ, we must study God’s word daily and always be praying to anchor ourselves in sound doctrine so we can stand against the onslaught of deception. Only with and by studying the word of God can put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Our battle is spiritual and God has given us the most powerful weapon so that we can win the battle, His word.
‘For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ‘
Hebrews 4:12