by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 26, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Galatians 6:14
As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.
15. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 16. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. Galatians 6:15-16
Let’s celebrate the power of the cross daily!
In this, we find our redemption, freedom, and the victory over everything that seeks to entangle us. All the cares of this world, every worry, every struggle—nailed to His cross. Our boasting is in His finished work, and in this truth, we discover true joy, peace, and a life intertwined with the eternal.
No need for worldly accolades or temporary treasures, for at the cross, everything finds its rightful place. Today, let’s revel in the transformative power of the cross, where Christ’s death, burial and resurrection has forever changed our narrative; we are a new creation and heavenly bound.
✝️ #CrossOfChrist #VictoryInTheCross #EmbraceTheCross #GraceUponGrace
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 21, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In a world filled with various messages of hope and salvation, Romans 1:16 stands as the worlds only of hope: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
The power of salvation lies not in our deeds or merits but in the profound simplicity of the gospel message. Found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, the gospel reveals the redemptive work of Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection. It’s not a complicated formula or a list of burdensome tasks; it’s a message that resonates with the heart: believe – FAITH.
As believers, we carry this powerful message, unashamed and unwavering. It has the unmatched ability to transform lives, bringing salvation to all who trust, believe, have faith alone in it. The gospel is not a call to strive for perfection or earn our way into God’s favor. Instead, it invites us to simply believe in the finished work of Christ.
Let us boldly embrace and share this message, recognizing its unparalleled power to transform hearts. Salvation is not contingent on our efforts; it is a gift received through faith. May we find joy and assurance in the truth that the gospel’s power is more than sufficient for our salvation and the salvation of everyone who believes.
The Gospel
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,
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 20, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Mention anything about Jesus Christ, sin, or the Bible you will be faced with accusations of hypocrisy, a weighty label that can burden the soul. It’s crucial to remember that being a Christian does not make us perfect, but it does make us justified in the eyes of God. The moment we believe the gospel, our salvation is secured by grace through faith alone. Yet, the reality is, we continue to battle with sin.
The Imperfect Journey of Sanctification
Acknowledging our imperfections is a cornerstone of the Christian walk. Despite being a new creation in Christ, we grapple with the remnants of our old selves (the old Adam). Sanctification is a process—a transformative journey that unfolds over time. While our old appetites may no longer dominate our lives, the struggle with sin remains. It may take a life time of growth, maturing in faith and knowledge of God’s Word.
The Battlefield of the Spiritual Realm
As believers, our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Living in a fallen world, we confront the reality of our own fleshly desires—the old Adam within us. Ephesians 6:12 vividly portrays the unseen battle: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.”
Understanding the Struggle: Romans 7:14-20
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 7:14-20, candidly articulates the tension between our desire to do good and the ongoing battle with sin (old Adam). This raw honesty serves as a beacon for believers, reassuring us that the struggle is a real and shared experience amongst all believers. But sin or our “old Adam” does not have dominion over us because we are not under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14).
Facing Ridicule with Grace
In moments when unbelieving friends or loved ones hurl accusations, understand that their ridicule is not directed solely at you but at God. Their contempt for God is rooted in a resistance to the divine truth; that they are sinners and they love their sin more than God. Instead of discouragement, respond with grace knowing that your struggle with ridicule and scorn is a testament to the ongoing work of God’s grace in your life. Count it all joy… James 1:2-3.
Prayers for Transformation
In the face of mockery, let your response be rooted in prayer. Pray for those who ridicule you, recognizing that their unbelief is rooted in their position as lost souls chained to the slave market of sin, in the domain of darkness. Pray for their salvation, that their hearts may be opened to the transformative power of gospel of the grace of God. That they may be moved from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13).
We as believers must stand strong in the knowledge that our imperfections are part of the Christian life. Embrace the sanctifying process by studying the word of God daily, fellow ship with other believers, praying always, and let the joy found in Christ shine through your imperfect vessel.
#ImperfectYetJustified #GraceInImperfection #PrayForTheScoffers
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 19, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In the day to day of our life as believers we will encounter challenges that test the strength of their convictions. One particularly daunting hurdle is the criticism and accusations of hypocrisy hurled by unbelievers. The Bible acknowledges these struggles and offers profound guidance on how to navigate such trials with resilience and grace.
Embracing Blessings in the Face of Ridicule
As followers of Christ, it’s not uncommon to face ridicule and be labeled as hypocrites by those who may not share our beliefs. Yet, let us find comfort and even joy in the words of Jesus from Matthew 5:11-12, reminding us that we are blessed when others revile us on account of Him. The Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us when we endure insults for the sake of Christ (1 Peter 4:14-16).
Overcoming Evil with Good
In the midst of accusations, Romans 12:21 encourages believers not to be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good. Responding with kindness and love in the face of criticism is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ’s love within us.
A Firm Stand in Faith
Even if the world despises our beliefs, as stated in John 15:18-19, we are reminded that we do not belong to the world, and our allegiance is to a higher calling. Romans 8:31 reassures us that if God is for us, who can be against us? Our foundation is in Him, and no accusation or mockery can shake the solid ground of our faith.
The Blessed Path of Perseverance
2 Timothy 3:12 forewarns that all who desire to live a godly life will face persecution. However, this should not discourage us but instead serve as a confirmation that we are on the right path. Trials, accusations, and ridicule can be stepping stones to spiritual maturity and steadfastness (James 1:2-3).
Navigating Trials with Unshakable Joy
In the face of these challenges, let us not be dismayed but remember Isaiah 41:10—God is with us, strengthening and upholding us. Our joy is not dependent on the opinions of others but grounded in the unchanging love of our Creator God, Jesus Christ.
Dear believer, if you find yourself labeled a hypocrite, stand firm in the joy and peace secured in Christ. You are not alone in your daily walk, and the accusations of today may be the stepping stones to a more profound and resilient faith. Keep shining your light, overcoming evil with good, and embracing the blessings that come with standing strong in Christ through the study of His word daily.
#JoyInPersecution #StandStrongInFaith #OvercomeWithLove
by Jamie Pantastico | Feb 17, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In 1 Timothy 4:16, the apostle Paul charges Timothy with a crucial directive: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” The context here is paramount, pointing to the significance of sound doctrine, not as a broad set of teachings from cover to cover but specifically as the mysteries revealed to Paul for the Church.
Paul expands on this in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, describing believers as “stewards of the mysteries of God” entrusted by Christ to be faithful servants. These mysteries, hidden since the foundation of the world and revealed to Paul after Christ’s ascension, form the core of Pauline theology.
Remember, Peter’s last words before he is martyred admonishes his readers to read read Paul’s epistles for things regarding salvation. Not Peter’s sermon at Pentecost! Not Christ’s earthly ministry!
As stewards of these divine secrets, believers are called to a faithful adherence to the revealed truths concerning the Church, the Body of Christ, and the gospel of grace. The mysteries include the unique blessings and responsibilities of the Church distinct from Israel’s prophetic program.
To “take heed” implies vigilance and careful consideration. Believers are urged not only to understand these mysteries but to guard them against distortion or dilution. The mysteries are the very essence of Paul’s gospel, centered on faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, distinct from the teachings during Christ’s earthly ministry. Where the focus was the promised (promised to Israel) King and the kingdom is at hand.
By holding fast to these mysteries, believers fulfill their role as stewards, faithfully conveying the distinct truths of the Church Age. The charge to be faithful stewards aligns with Timothy’s responsibility to “save both yourself and those who hear you.” The salvation here pertains not to eternal salvation but to the preservation of doctrinal purity and the impact of sound teaching on the lives of believers. Saving them and us today from false teaching and the tsunami of deception and persecution poured out on believers.
In conclusion, believers are called to be faithful stewards of the mysteries revealed to Paul, diligently preserving and proclaiming these truths for the edification of the Church and the glory of God.