by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 12, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
In this powerful verse, Paul reminds us of our position in Christ. Sin no longer reigns over believers because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. To understand this victory, we can turn to 1 Corinthians 15:56-57, which states that the strength of sin is the law.
‘The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
I Corinthians 15:56-57
Before Christ’s work at the cross and before we believed the gospel, sin held us captive through the condemnation of the law. We were bound by its demands and faced the consequences of our sin which was death (spiritual death). But Christ, through His death, burial, and resurrection, conquered sin, death, and even Satan himself. He took our sins upon Himself and bore the penalty in our place.
Now, as believers, we stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free (Galatians 5:1), not law. Sin’s power is broken, because the demands of the law were fulfilled by Christ at the cross (Romans 8:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21) and Satan’s dominion over us (believers) is shattered, for he was defeated at the cross. We have victory because He was victorious. We can walk in freedom, knowing that the condemning power of the law has been nailed to the cross (Romans 7:4; Colossians 2:14).
Let this truth encourage you today: in Christ, you are no longer under the dominion of sin, the law, or Satan. You are under the unmerited favor and grace of God, walking in the victory won by our Savior at the cross.
These are simple truths not taught in Sunday school that should reign uppermost in our daily lives. Get your Bible out and study the passages in this post.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 11, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
In this chaotic world of life’s challenges, remember this: God is your steadfast sanctuary. When wave after wave of trouble surges, He stands unshaken, offering refuge and unwavering strength. His presence is not distant; it’s near, a timely aid in every trial.
God is your mighty fortress, an impenetrable shield against adversity. Lean on His boundless strength; it’s more than sufficient. In moments of weakness, find comfort and encouragement in His enduring grace.
‘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. ‘
II Corinthians 12:9
Today, whatever you face, know that God is with you. His help is not a distant promise, but an immediate reality. Take refuge in His love, draw strength from His power, and find peace in His abiding presence. With the Lord Jesus, you can face anything that comes your way.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 8, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’
Philippians 2:4
In this verse, Paul encourages us to adopt an attitude that goes beyond mere self-interest. He isn’t promoting envy or coveting what others possess. Instead, he emphasizes a mindset focused on the welfare of those around us. In essence, he’s saying that in every interaction we have with friends, neighbors, and family, we should approach it with the sincere desire to promote their highest good.
In a world characterized by selfishness and pride, this verse and the overarching theme of Christian love serve as a stark contrast. While the world may exalt self-centeredness, and personal gain above all else, as believers, we are called to put others first, reflecting the love of Christ in a world desperately in need of it.
This truth echoes beautifully with the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “love chapter.” Let’s take a look at verse 3:
“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profiteth me nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:3
Here, Paul underlines the significance of love in our actions. Even if we were to perform remarkable deeds, like giving all our possessions to the poor or making the ultimate sacrifice, without love, it would amount to nothing.
So, just as Paul encouraged the Philippians, he urges us to embrace a mindset of love (or ‘Christ’ Philippians 2:5) and genuine concern for others. This means that in all our interactions and endeavors, we should seek the well-being and benefit of those we encounter. It’s a beautiful biblical truth that reflects the selfless love we find in Christ Himself.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 6, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the Christian life, one thread stands out above all: love.
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.”
1 John 3:14
John paints a clear picture here: Love is the litmus test of our faith. It’s the hallmark of a transformed heart. Our love for fellow believers and the world around us is the tangible evidence that we’ve moved from the realm of spiritual death into the glorious realm of eternal life (Colossians 1:13).
This truth aligns seamlessly with what we find in Galatians 5:22 – the fruit of the Spirit includes love, for it’s the foremost virtue that characterizes the life of a believer. Love for others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, is the most recognizable attribute we can possess.
Conversely, Galatians 5:19-21 defines a starkly different picture. Those who walk in the flesh, rather than the Spirit, exhibit qualities that are the antithesis of love – hatred, contentions, jealousies, and more. These are traits of spiritual death, signifying that one remains in the kingdom of darkness.
So, let us remember that love is not merely one of the many Christian virtues; it’s the essence of our faith. As we love, we reflect the life-giving transformation that Christ has brought to our hearts; by the work of the cross. It’s the assurance that we have indeed passed from death to life, proclaiming to the world that we are His disciples (John 13:35).
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 6, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Romans 4:4-5, the Apostle Paul delineates the essence of salvation by grace through faith. He goes back into the Old Testament and the account of Abraham, who was the epitome of faith, whose trust in God’s promise was accounted to him as righteousness. Paul connects Abraham’s salvation to the Gospel of Grace, drawing a direct line to our salvation today.
Romans 4:4-5 says:
“Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”
In these verses, Paul emphasizes that salvation is achieved not through our actions but solely by faith. Just like Abraham’s unwavering belief in God’s promises, we too are urged to have faith in what God has declared about the work of His Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf.
‘And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.’
Genesis 15:6
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 defines this Gospel: Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. Our part? To believe.
Ephesians 2:8–9 reinforces this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Just as Abraham’s faith alone was credited to him as righteousness, today, faith alone (believing) in what Christ did on our behalf brings us salvation. It’s not about what we do, but about what Christ has already done.
