by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 5, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, ‘
Romans 15:8
In Romans 15:8, the Apostle Paul underscores a pivotal truth: that Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry was to the nation of Israel not Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), referred to here as “the Circumcision.” The Lord Jesus earthly ministry was not arbitrary; it was a fulfillment of God’s eternal plan and the promises He made to the patriarchs. These promises were encapsulated within the framework of covenants, most notably the Abrahamic Covenant, which laid the foundation for God’s redemptive plan moving forward. Beyond Abraham, these covenants constituted a divine promise between God and Israel, addressing both their immediate needs and their future glory.
Despite Israel’s rejection of their Messiah, God’s faithfulness to these covenants remains unwavering. Rather than discarding them, God has temporarily postponed their fulfillment by committing them (Israel, the Jewish people) all to disobedience (Romans 11:32), temporarily blinding (Romans 11:25) Israel in part until the last Gentile is saved and the body of Christ is full. Then God will return to dealing with His chosen people; fulfilling all the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David.
Thus, John 1:11; Romans 15:8; Matthew 10:5-6; Romans 11:25; Romans 11:32 underscore the intricacies of God’s plan, revealing His faithfulness to His promises and His enduring commitment to His chosen people.
The Mystery or Secret of the Gospel of Grace
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 29, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Psalms 16:9 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.”
In the ups and downs of life, our hearts find comfort in the unshakable hope found in God’s promises. Psalms 16:9 paints a portrait of steadfast joy and unwavering confidence—a heart anchored in the assurance of God’s eternal hope. When the waves of uncertainty crash against our shores, we find refuge in the firm foundation of our faith.
The psalmist’s declaration resonates deeply with believers today, echoing the sentiments of the apostle Paul in Romans 15:13. Just as David found gladness and rejoicing in the hope set before him, we too can abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let this verse be a source of strength in your darkest moments, a reminder that our hope is not in fleeting circumstances but in the unchanging character of our faithful God. As you navigate the highs and lows of life, may your heart find rest in the unwavering hope found in Christ alone.
Supporting Passage:
Romans 15:13
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of our hope and the anchor of our souls. As we meditate on Your promises, fill us with joy and peace, knowing that our hope rests securely in You. Help us to trust You more deeply each day and to abound in hope by the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 28, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
If you are struggling with physical pain, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. Yet, the Scriptures offer a beacon of hope, assuring us that God intimately understands our suffering. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that the Lord draws near to the brokenhearted, delivering comfort and strength amidst our distress.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus extends a tender invitation, urging us to find rest and comfort in Him amid our weariness. His promise of comfort for our weary souls brings a profound sense of peace and relief.
‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ‘
Matthew 11:28
The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, proclaiming God as the ultimate source of comfort in all our afflictions. Through His boundless compassion, He provides strength and peace beyond measure.
‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ‘
II Corinthians 1:3-4
Even when plagued by physical affliction, Paul found strength in God’s grace, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Despite his suffering, he rejoiced in the Lord’s promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9).
‘And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’
II Corinthians 12:7-10
Let us, too, find strength in God’s abounding grace, trusting that His comforting presence sustains us through every trial and affliction. As we navigate the challenges of physical pain, may we rest in the assurance that God’s strength is perfected in our weakness.
Encouragement to your heart
The power is in His word: Please get out your Bible and study these passages. If you don’t have a Bible the full text of each verse is in this post. It’s important, because the power is in His word.
“As we conclude, I encourage you to take some time to delve deeper into these passages. Open your Bible, meditate on the comforting words of Psalm 34:18, the inviting invitation of Matthew 11:28, the assurance of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, and the profound lesson from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 about finding strength in weakness. Allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart and bring you the peace and comfort that only He can provide. May these verses serve as anchors of hope and strength as you navigate through physical pain. God’s Word is living and powerful, and it holds the key to enduring comfort and encouragement in every situation.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 26, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In the complex landscape of relationships, the Bible offers timeless wisdom, especially when it comes to the sacred institution of marriage. The apostle Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians, provides invaluable guidance regarding the importance of spiritual compatibility in the union between believers. While he doesn’t directly address the scenario of believers marrying unsaved partners, his counsel on being unequally yoked with unbelievers sheds light on the matter.
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, Paul cautions against forming deep bonds with those who do not share our faith, highlighting the stark contrast between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness. This principle underscores the significance of spiritual harmony in relationships, particularly in the sacred covenant of marriage.
‘Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? ‘
II Corinthians 6:14-15
Moreover, in 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul stresses the importance of marrying “only in the Lord,” indicating that believers should seek partners who share their commitment to Christ. This admonition extends to both men and women, emphasizing the need for spiritual alignment in marital unions.
‘A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. ‘
I Corinthians 7:39
While the decision to marry is deeply personal, rooted in love and companionship, believers are urged to consider the spiritual implications of their choices. Marrying an unbeliever can introduce significant challenges and potential conflicts, particularly in matters of faith and values.
Throughout Scripture, we find examples of godly men who faced consequences for marrying unsaved women. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, suffered the spiritual consequences of marrying foreign wives who led him astray from God (1 Kings 11:1-4). Similarly, Samson’s marriage to a Philistine woman brought him grief and ultimately led to his downfall (Judges 14-16).
As followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to Him, and our relationships should reflect this foundational truth. By prioritizing spiritual compatibility and seeking partners who share our devotion to Christ, we honor God’s design for marriage and safeguard against unnecessary strife and discord.
In conclusion, let us heed Paul’s counsel and pursue relationships grounded in faith, the gospel, and mutual devotion to live godly lives. May we entrust our hearts and futures to the guidance of God’s Word, trusting in His perfect plan for our lives and relationships.
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 25, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 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. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.’
Colossians 3:12-17
Friends, we need doctrine more than ever, all the time. We must be in Paul’s letters, examining, studying his epistles as he is the apostle to the Gentiles. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another… Colossians 3:16.
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul provides a powerful blueprint for living a life that reflects the transformative power of Christ’s love. He urges believers to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and above all, love—the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:12-14).
As children of God, we are called to emulate Christ in our interactions with others, extending grace and forgiveness as He has done for us. In a world marked by strife and division, our conduct should stand as a beacon of Christ’s love, drawing others to Him through our words and deeds.
Moreover, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, encouraging us to bear with one another and to forgive as Christ forgave us. This unity is not merely a superficial harmony but a deep-seated bond rooted in our shared identity in Christ.
Central to Paul’s exhortation is the supremacy of Christ’s peace ruling in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). When we allow His peace to reign within us, it transcends our circumstances and empowers us to approach life with gratitude and thanksgiving.
Furthermore, Paul underscores the significance of God’s Word dwelling richly in us, guiding our thoughts, words, and actions (Colossians 3:16). As we meditate on His Word and sing praises to His name, we are filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reverence for all that He has done for us.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, which illuminates our path and guides us in righteousness. Clothe us, O Lord, with Your virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, and love, that we may reflect Your image to the world. May Your peace rule in our hearts, and may Your Word dwell richly within us, shaping us into vessels of honor for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Study:
Colossians 3:12-17