by Jamie Pantastico | Oct 4, 2025 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
It is because of our faith in the finished work of the cross we overcome the world.
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
—1 John 5:4
Born from Above
The apostle John reminds us that the believer’s identity begins with new birth. To be “born of God” is to receive life from Him through faith in Christ (John 3:3). This new life gives us the ability to resist the pull of the world and its systems, which stand opposed to God.
Overcoming the World
The word “overcome” comes from the Greek nikao, meaning to conquer or prevail. The believer’s victory is not through strength of will, wealth, or influence—but through spiritual life in Christ. By His Spirit within us, we are no longer enslaved to sin, fear, or the world’s values.
The Victory of Faith
John makes it plain: “This is the victory… our faith.” Faith is the channel through which God’s power flows. Faith lays hold of Christ’s finished work on the cross and the reality of His resurrection. It doesn’t deny hardship but trusts God in the midst of it, knowing that Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33).
‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”’
John 16:33
Encouragement for Today
You may feel overwhelmed by the trials of life, but in Christ you are already an overcomer. Your victory is not about what you see or feel—it’s rooted in your faith in Him. When doubts arise, remember: your faith connects you to the One who has already conquered sin, death, and the world.
Walk in that victory today.
📖 Reading Plan:
- John 16:33 – Christ has overcome the world.
- Romans 8:37 – We are more than conquerors through Him.
- Revelation 12:11 – Believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
by Jamie Pantastico | Oct 4, 2025 | Daily Encouragement, Israel |
📖 8 Part Series: Why Israel Matters — God’s Chosen People in Scripture, Prophecy, and Eternity
Introduction
Why is it so difficult for pastors and theologians to answer a simple question? Why are the Jews the chosen people? Too often, the word “chosen” is blurred into something vague. Some say it is applied to many groups in Scripture and therefore hard to define. But God’s Word is not unclear. The Bible gives a direct answer: Israel is chosen because God Himself created a new race of people for Himself, beginning with Abraham and Sarah, and set them apart from all other nations of the world.
Two Types of “Chosen”
Before going further, we need to clarify the word chosen.
- God’s chosen people (Israel): A new nation created by God through Abraham and Sarah, separated from the Gentile world to be His covenant people.
- The chosen in Christ (the Church): Believers in this present age of grace, chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) to be holy and blameless in Him.
Same God. Same love for all mankind. But a clear distinction in purpose and calling. Confusing these truths is at the heart of much false teaching in Christendom.
God Created and Separated Israel
When God called Abraham in Genesis 12, He was not merely selecting a man; He was creating a people set apart for Himself.
Genesis 12:1–3
“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”
From the very beginning, Israel’s identity was defined by separation. God separated Abraham from his land, family, and pagan surroundings. This pattern of separation continues throughout the Old Testament as Israel is commanded to remain distinct from Gentile nations (Leviticus 20:26; Deuteronomy 7:6).
Even Paul later points back to this truth:
Ephesians 2:11–13
“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—
that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
For centuries, Israel was separated from the Gentile world by God’s command. Only through Paul’s revelation of the mystery do we learn that, in Christ, the dividing wall has been broken down.
Why Did God Choose Israel?
The Bible answers directly:
- Not because of Israel’s greatness.
- Not because of their strength.
- But because of God’s love and His covenant promise to Abraham.
Deuteronomy 7:6–8
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples;
but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers…”
God’s choosing of Israel was an act of sovereign love and faithfulness.
Believers Chosen Today — By the Gospel of Grace
Here is where the distinction must be clear. Israel was chosen as a nation, separated from the Gentiles. But today — for almost 2,000 years — believers are chosen in a different way: through the gospel of the grace of God revealed to Paul.
Ephesians 3:6
“that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.”
Ephesians 2:13
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Believers today are chosen not by nationality or covenant lineage, but by faith in Christ and His finished work at the cross. We are part of the one body, the Church, a mystery hidden in ages past but revealed through Paul.
The Tragic Twisting of “Chosen”
Throughout church history, false teachers blurred the distinction between Israel and the Church. The so-called “church fathers” introduced ideas like Replacement Theology and Amillennialism — doctrines that claimed the Church had permanently replaced Israel in God’s plan. This distortion laid the groundwork for centuries of antisemitism, culminating in horrific events like the Holocaust.
Today, hatred toward Israel is once again on the rise globally. But this hatred is not merely political — it is spiritual. The enemy has always targeted God’s chosen people because through them came the promises, the covenants, and ultimately the Messiah (Romans 9:4–5).
Takeaway
Israel is chosen because God created them, separated them, and covenanted Himself to them. Their chosenness is not about superiority, but about God’s eternal purpose — to bring forth His Word, His promises, and His Son into the world.
Believers today are chosen not through Abraham’s covenant but through the gospel of grace. By faith in Christ, both Jew and Gentile are brought near, reconciled into one body.
As long as these truths remain blurred, confusion and antisemitism will flourish. But Scripture is clear: Israel remains God’s covenant people, and believers today are chosen in Christ through the gospel of grace.
by Jamie Pantastico | Oct 1, 2025 | Daily Encouragement, Israel |
Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement and Its Fulfillment in Christ
Introduction
Today is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement — the holiest day in Judaism. For Israel, it is a solemn day of fasting, repentance, and sacrifice, rooted in the Mosaic covenant. But for the believer in Christ, Yom Kippur points to a greater and finished work: the once-for-all atonement accomplished at the cross.
The Old Testament Foundation
Yom Kippur is described in Leviticus 16. On this day, the high priest would:
- Offer sacrifices for his own sins and for the sins of the people.
- Enter the Holy of Holies with the blood of the sacrifice.
- Lay hands on the scapegoat, symbolically transferring Israel’s sins, and send it into the wilderness.
This was done every year because the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). It was a temporary covering (atonement = “kippur”) pointing to something greater.
Paul reminds us in Romans 15:4:
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
The Old Testament is not the foundation of the Church, but it is the building block of our understanding. Without studying it, we cannot fully grasp what Christ has accomplished. Yom Kippur teaches us why we needed a better sacrifice and a perfect High Priest.
The Fulfillment in Christ
When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, shed His blood on the cross, He accomplished what Yom Kippur foreshadowed:
- Hebrews 9:12 – “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
- Hebrews 10:10 – “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Unlike the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies year after year, Jesus entered once with His own blood, fully satisfying God’s justice. The work is finished.
Israel’s Future and Yom Kippur
Prophetically, Yom Kippur also points to a future day when Israel will recognize their true Atonement:
- Zechariah 12:10 – “They will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son.”
At Christ’s return, Israel will experience a national day of atonement when they repent and believe on their Messiah.
What It Means for Believers Today
For us in the Body of Christ:
- We don’t wait for an annual atonement. We rest in Christ’s finished work.
- We don’t cover sins temporarily. We trust in the once-for-all payment at the cross.
- We don’t fear rejection. We rejoice in being accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6).
This is why Paul exhorts us in 2 Timothy 2:15:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Ashamed of what? Ashamed of misrepresenting God’s Word. The One we must never shame is Christ Himself — the Author of Scripture and the One who finished the work of atonement. To mishandle His Word is to dishonor Him. To rightly divide it is to glorify Him.
Every day is a reminder that “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Conclusion
Yom Kippur is a holy day for Israel — but for the believer in Christ, it is a vivid picture of what Jesus accomplished once for all at the cross. As Israel fasts and reflects today, may we thank God for the eternal redemption we already have in Christ. And may we study diligently, rightly dividing the Word, so that we grow in understanding and never bring shame to the Lord who gave Himself for us.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 30, 2025 | Bible Prophecy, Daily Encouragement |
The Claim of “Eternal Peace”
To God be all the glory. No man can claim what belongs only to Him. The prophet said, “I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another” (Isaiah 42:8). When leaders boast that they will deliver eternal peace in the Middle East, they tread on holy ground that belongs to the Prince of Peace alone (Isaiah 9:6–7). Recently, sweeping promises were made: “eternal peace in the Middle East.” Leaders congratulated one another, plans were unveiled, and applause filled the room. But Scripture is clear: no man can usurp the glory that belongs to God alone. When human rulers claim they can deliver what only Christ will bring, they rob God of the honor due to Him.
Who gets the glory?
- God does—not man. “I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another” (Isa. 42:8, NKJV; cf. Isa. 48:11; Ps. 115:1).
- When any leader says or implies he will deliver “eternal peace”, that encroaches on what Scripture reserves for the Prince of Peace alone (Isa. 9:6–7). Christ will establish peace by His rule, not by human diplomacy (Isa. 2:2–4; Mic. 4:1–4; Zech. 14).
What does the Bible say about “peace” before the Day of the Lord?
- False assurances will multiply. “When they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them” (1 Thess. 5:3).
- Superficial peace is a prophetic marker: “They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14; 8:11).
- Deceptive diplomacy is foretold: “By peace he shall destroy many” (Dan. 8:25) and a coming “covenant with many” for one week that is broken midway (Dan. 9:27). I’m not assigning that prophecy to this plan—but Scripture warns that man-made peace frameworks can be instruments of deception in the last days.
Jerusalem and the nations
- God makes Jerusalem the world’s pressure point: “a cup of drunkenness…a very heavy stone for all peoples” (Zech. 12:2–3). The repeated claim to solve “the whole deal” and bring “eternal peace in the Middle East” collides with God’s warning that the nations will not resolve Jerusalem on their own terms.
- God judges nations that divide His land (Joel 3:2). Any peace formula that trades land for promises should be viewed with extreme caution.
The plan’s pillars—biblical concerns
From their own words: rapid hostages-for-amnesty exchange, outside “Board of Peace” oversight, phased Israeli withdrawals, regional security guarantees, promises of “eternal” or “everlasting” peace.
- Speed + leverage. Scripture doesn’t adjudicate the tactics, but prophetic patterns warn against premature “all clear” declarations (1 Thess. 5:3).
- Global oversight. The Bible anticipates increasing centralized control in the end times (Rev. 13). A supranational body that supervises security, movement, and governance isn’t itself the mark of the beast, but it rhymes with the trajectory Revelation describes—concentrated authority that can be weaponized.
- Amnesty + demilitarization guarantees. Human covenants are fragile (Dan. 9:27; Ps. 2:1–3). Scripture repeatedly shows trust misplaced in princes (Ps. 118:8–9).
- “Eternal peace” language. Only Christ’s kingdom brings permanent peace (Isa. 9:7; Zech. 14:9). Until He returns, Jesus said wars and rumors of wars continue (Matt. 24:6–8).
Israel’s future—why man cannot close the story
- God’s covenant purposes for Israel stand (Rom. 11:1–2, 25–29).
- End-time scenes include sieges, supernatural deliverance, and national repentance (Zech. 12:9–10; 13:8–9; 14:1–4). No human roadmap overrides this.
- Christ Himself will speak peace to the nations and rule (Zech. 9:10; Rev. 19:11–16). Any claim to finalize “eternal” peace before the King returns is overreach.
Remembering the Nature of Leaders
As we weigh the words of world leaders, we must remember that they are men—fallen men—just like us. Every ruler on earth shares the same Adamic nature we inherited from Adam (Romans 5:12). No matter how powerful their office, they remain sinners in need of grace.
That is why Scripture commands us: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
We must pray for President Donald Trump and for the leaders of every nation. Pray that God would give them humility—to recognize their limits—and wisdom that is godly, not worldly (James 3:17). Only then can they govern with any measure of righteousness. But even then, our ultimate trust is not in men, but in the Lord who raises up kings and brings them down (Daniel 2:21).
How should believers respond?
- Discern the language. Grand phrases like “historic,” “everlasting,” and “eternal peace” sound hopeful but can numb watchfulness. Jesus told us to watch (Mark 13:33–37).
- Refuse to relocate your hope. “He Himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:14); “My peace I give to you…not as the world gives” (John 14:27).
- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6), which ultimately means praying for Messiah’s reign and the salvation God has promised (Zech. 12:10; Rom. 11:26).
- Give God the glory. Any progress that spares lives in any conflict not just the middle east is common grace, and we can be thankful. But the glory for true and lasting peace belongs to the Lord Jesus alone (Isa. 42:8).
Word of Encouragement
We rejoice at every spared life in all conflicts and take joy in every returned hostage. We pray for justice and mercy. But we will not surrender God’s glory to any man or committee. The Scriptures foretell false assurances of peace and the heavy stone of Jerusalem that no coalition can lift. Our eyes are on Christ—the Prince of Peace—who alone will establish righteous, eternal peace when He returns. Until then, we pray, we watch, and we anchor our hope in His promises.
Key Scriptures to anchor this discussion
- God’s glory alone: Isa. 42:8; Ps. 115:1
- False “peace and safety”: 1 Thess. 5:3; Jer. 6:14; 8:11; Ezek. 13:10–16
- Deceptive diplomacy: Dan. 8:25; 9:27
- Jerusalem in the last days: Zech. 12:2–3; 14:1–4
- Dividing the land: Joel 3:2
- Wars until He comes: Matt. 24:6–8
- True peace in Christ: John 14:27; Eph. 2:14; Col. 1:20
- Prince of Peace & His kingdom: Isa. 9:6–7; Mic. 4:1–4
- Hope and watchfulness: Mark 13:33–37; Ps. 122:6
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 30, 2025 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
In Everything Give Thanks | Devotional
1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Not For Everything, But In Everything
Paul does not tell us to give thanks for everything. He says to give thanks in everything. That’s a crucial difference many miss. As humans, when trials come—when the bills pile up, when sickness strikes, when relationships strain—thankfulness doesn’t come naturally. Our first response is often fear, frustration, or despair.
But as believers, we are called to live differently. Gratitude is not denial of pain, but an act of faith in the middle of it. We don’t thank God for evil, loss, or hardship—but we can thank Him in those moments, because He is still present, still faithful, and still working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Gratitude Anchors the Heart
Gratitude has a way of anchoring us in the storm. It shifts our eyes from what is lacking to what has already been given. At the very center of that gift is Christ Himself: “…the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
No matter how dark the valley, the cross and empty tomb remind us that God has already met our greatest need—salvation. Everything else we face must be seen in light of that finished work. Gratitude becomes a lens that keeps us from drowning in despair and helps us rest in His love.
The Will of God for You
So many ask, “What is God’s will for my life?” Here Paul gives a clear answer: to give thanks in everything. This is God’s will because it glorifies Him, strengthens our faith, and testifies to the world that our hope is not in circumstances but in Christ.
Encouragement for Today
Are you walking through something heavy right now? Begin with gratitude. Thank Him for breath in your lungs, for all that He has already provided for His Word, for His Spirit within you, for the promise of eternal life, and above all, for the cross. Gratitude will not erase your trial, but it will guard your heart with peace and keep your eyes fixed on the One who never fails.
📖 Reading Plan:
- Colossians 3:15–17 – Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, and be thankful.
- Philippians 4:6–7 – In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Galatians 2:20 – Christ loved me and gave Himself for me.
