by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 7, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Introduction
In a world of uncertainty and shifting values, there’s one constant that remains unchanged: God’s unwavering desire for mankind to believe what He says, faith. Hebrews 11:6 encapsulates this truth, affirming that faith is not merely a desirable trait but an indispensable one not only for our salvation but in our walk with God. But what exactly does it mean to have faith? And why does God place such paramount importance on it? Let’s delve deeper into the essence of faith and its significance in our lives.
‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’
Hebrews 11:6
Firstly, let’s define faith. Faith is simply believing what God says. As Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In other words, we can’t have faith in something until we’ve heard about it. God doesn’t expect us to believe something we’ve never been told. However, when God reveals His word to us, He expects us to believe Him.
A perfect example of faith is seen in Abraham. Romans 4:3 states, “For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.'” Abraham believed God’s word, and it was credited to him as righteousness. We see this demonstrated in Genesis 15, where the chapter begins with “the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision saying.” God speaks to Abraham, making him a promise. Then, after hearing God’s promises, Abraham believed in the LORD, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).
For us today, the principle remains the same. Since the revelation of the gospel of the grace of God was given to Paul around 38 AD, salvation has been offered to all based solely on faith. Salvation doesn’t require us to do anything but believe by faith alone that Jesus Christ accomplished everything necessary for our salvation through His finished work on the cross. Therefore, for those who have heard this message proclaimed for almost 2000 years, God expects us to believe Him, to trust in what He says about our salvation.
The Tiny Seed of Faith
Jesus, in Matthew 17:20, illustrates that even a tiny mustard seed of faith can move mountains. This imagery emphasizes that God isn’t looking for elaborate displays of faith but rather a simple, childlike trust in Him and His promises. This foundational principle echoes throughout the writings of the apostle Paul, who repeatedly emphasizes that salvation and righteousness come through faith alone.
Faith vs. Works
Paul’s letters to the Romans and Ephesians underscore the primacy of faith in the Christian life. In Romans 3:24-28, Paul declares that justification comes freely through faith, not by works of the law. He further expounds on Abraham’s faith as the basis for righteousness in Romans 4, highlighting that salvation is not earned through human effort but received through faith in God’s promises.
Peace and Access Through Faith
In Romans 5:1-2, Paul reveals the profound implications of faith for believers. Through faith alone in the gospel, we are justified and have peace with God, gaining access to His grace and rejoicing in the hope of glory. This assurance of salvation by faith alone underscores the unmerited favor and love that God extends to all those who believe.
The Gift of Salvation
Ephesians 2:8 reaffirms the foundational truth that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith. Our works, no matter how noble, cannot earn us salvation; it is solely by God’s grace, appropriated by faith, that we are saved. This highlights the essence of faith as the conduit through which God’s saving power operates in our lives.
Conclusion
In a world with no absolutes, where uncertainty abounds, faith remains an absolute that mankind can not ignore when comes to pleasing a Holy God. Faith remains the anchor of our souls and the key to our relationship with God. Through faith, we lay hold of God’s promises, receive His grace, and experience the transformative power (salvation; Romans 1:16) of His love (the cross). Let us, therefore, nurture and strengthen our faith, by studying His word daily, knowing that faith is the sine qua non, the essential ingredient, to please God.
‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.’
Hebrews 11:6
Believe and Be Saved: The Transformative Power of Faith
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 5, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Romans 16:25 reveals a biblical truth ignored by most of Christendom—the distinction between Paul’s gospel and the gospel of the kingdom preached by Jesus and the twelve apostles. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul sheds light on a mystery hidden since before the world began, emphasizing the unique revelation entrusted to him alone.
Truth Over Tradition
Paul did not come on the scene until 37 AD. Then Paul spent 3 years in the desert of Arabia (most likely Mt. Sinai) with the Lord. Then Paul began, his ministry to the Gentiles in 40 AD. It is imperative to understand the time factor this is 11 years after Pentecost. To repeat, Paul began preaching eleven years after Pentecost. There was no message of salvation or doctrine to the Gentile world prior to Paul being chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
The verse reads, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began.” Here, Paul distinguishes his gospel from the message proclaimed by Jesus during His earthly ministry and by the twelve apostles. While the gospel of the kingdom focused on the imminent establishment of God’s earthly kingdom through Israel, Paul’s gospel reveals a mystery—a divine secret hidden from ages past.
Paul’s gospel emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, apart from the law, extending God’s redemptive plan to both Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:8-9). These new revelations, entrusted to Paul as the steward of the mysteries of God’s grace (1 Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:1-11), chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13).
The significance of Romans 16:25 lies in its unveiling of this mystery—a revelation that underscores the sovereign plan of God for redemption. Romans 11:32 clarifies that God, in His foreknowledge, knew that Israel would reject in unbelief and that the mystery was already part of His eternal purposes. God has temporarily blinded the nation of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles will at some time in the future be complete (Romans 11:25), revealing another mystery or secret.
As we examine Romans 16:25 alongside Romans 11:32 and 2 Peter 3:15-16, we uncover the profound contrast between Paul’s gospel and the divine wisdom (the mysteries) bestowed upon him by the Lord Jesus, surpassing the message preached by Peter and the 11. We need only to look to what the apostle Peter admonishes his readers at the very end of his great ministry.
‘and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.’
II Peter 3:15-16
In Peter’s final words, he emphasizes the significance of turning to Paul for matters of salvation. Take notice (because most do not) how Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, directs his readers to Paul’s teachings rather than referring to Christ’s earthly ministry, such as the sermon on the mount or referring to his own ministry. Peter’s admonishment is Holy Spirit inspired and underscores his recognition that salvation hinges on the new revelations and wisdom given to Paul, highlighting the fact that it was Paul’s gospel that saves sinners.
May we marvel at the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, recognizing His unsearchable judgments and His ways past finding out.
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.”
