by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul makes crystal clear the calling and role of every believer as an ambassador for Christ. As members of the body of Christ, we are entrusted with the task of representing Christ and sharing the gospel of the grace of God with others.
This imagery carries significant weight, as it reflects our role in representing and embodying Christ’s message of reconciliation to the world.
An ambassador serves as a representative of their country, carrying the authority and message of the one they represent. As ambassadors for Christ, we bear the responsibility of representing Him to a world that desperately needs to hear the “good news”.
Our calling as ambassadors emphasizes the significance and responsibility of our role in proclaiming the good news of salvation. Through the finished work of the cross, God has already reconciled mankind to Himself. However, this reconciliation cannot be appropriated by individuals unless they hear and believe in the message of salvation.
Referring to Romans 10:13-18, we understand that the process of salvation begins with someone sharing or proclaiming the gospel. As ambassadors for Christ, we have the privilege and obligation to communicate the message of God’s grace and His redemptive work in Christ.
Romans 10:13-18
‘For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “ Lord , who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.”’
Additionally, the response of the hearer is crucial. Salvation is received by faith alone. Those who hear the gospel message have the opportunity to believe in it, trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross as the means of their reconciliation with God.
Takeaway
Therefore, as ambassadors for Christ, we are commissioned to fulfill our calling diligently. We are to boldly proclaim the gospel, demonstrating God’s love, mercy, and grace to a world in need of salvation. Our role as ambassadors is not to impose or coerce but to faithfully share the truth, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who hear, leading them to believe and receive the gift of salvation.
Let us embrace our calling as ambassadors for Christ, driven by love and compelled by the urgency of sharing the gospel of the grace of God. May we faithfully proclaim the message of reconciliation, knowing that through our testimony and obedience, individuals can encounter the transformative power of God’s grace and experience eternal reconciliation with Him.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ‘
II Timothy 3:1
In 2 Timothy 3:1, Paul urges believers, “But know (we are to KNOW, we are to see the signs of times) this, that in the last days, perilous times will come.” These words alert us to the signs that will accompany the end of the Church Age, leading up to the biblical event known as the rapture. It is crucial to understand that these signs indicate the imminent return of Christ for His body, the Church, and should not be confused with worldwide cataclysmic stage-setting events we are witnessing today prior to the beginning of the seven years of tribulation and then our Lord’s second coming.
‘For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ‘
II Timothy 3:2-4
As we witness the fulfillment of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and other prophecies, such as those found in 1 Timothy 4:1-3, and Romans 1, we can see the stage being set for God’s divine plan with the nation of Israel. We are approaching the conclusion of the Church Age, and God is aligning events to resume the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David during the final seven years, known as the Tribulation, “Jacob’s Trouble”.
It is crucial to differentiate between the signs leading up to the rapture, when believers will be caught up to meet Christ in the air, and the signs indicating Christ’s second coming. The signs of the departure or rapture of the body of Christ are described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and Romans 1:18-32 (speaking of the world in general will fall under these verses). They involve moral and spiritual decay, a complete rejection of truth (as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Romans 1:18-32), and a climax of apostasy (false teachers, so this is related to “Christendom”), as outlined in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. Yes, the world has always been immoral and there have always been false teachers but these verses along with other prophecies make clear that we will see signs reach a tipping point. AND WE ARE AT THAT TIPPING POINT NOW. These are the days of Noah, the days of Lot.
Remember at the Rapture, the Lord Jesus Christ comes for the Saints. And at the Second Coming, the Lord Jesus comes with the Saints. Let’s take a look at the Old Testament, the Book of Zechariah 14 verse 4. Understanding context and language is crucial, this is clearly speaking of the Lord’s Second Coming. The Old Testament prophecy says:
Zechariah 14:4
“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,…”
The apostle Paul writes in I Thessalonians 4:17;
‘Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ‘
That could not be any more clear. For the Church, the Lord only comes to the air. For the Second Coming, He comes to the Mount of Olives.
Takeaway
Currently, we are witnessing a global fulfillment of the signs mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. It is alarming to see the celebration and promotion of teachings aligned with the doctrines of demons. Take a moment to carefully read through these verses and discern the gravity of the situation.
‘Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ‘
I Timothy 4:1-3
Today, in the world and in the church we are witnessing “the signs of the times” mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and Romans 1. These signs must be a reminder that we are without a doubt closer than ever to the departure of the body of Christ which is His church – Amen. As believers, we need to stay alert, recognizing the signs and understanding the context in which they are unfolding. Rather than being fearful, we should be filled with hope and anticipation, ‘sharing the gospel of grace at all cost’, knowing that our redemption draws near.
It is important for individuals of all ages, to grasp the significance of these signs and their connection to biblical prophecy. As we witness the signs of the last days, let us remain steadfast in our faith, continually seeking God’s guidance and living in readiness for the Lord’s return. May we be encouraged by the fulfillment of Scripture and the assurance that God’s plans are unfolding just as He has ordained.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 7, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Exodus 33:19, we witness a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” These words reveal the depths of God’s authority and control over all things. He dispenses His grace and compassion according to His divine will and purpose.
As believers, we should revel in the fact that we serve a God who is in absolute control. This is His world; we are His people, intricately crafted by His hands. Even the cattle on a thousand hills belong to Him (Psalm 50:10). As believers we should find great comfort and assurance in knowing that every aspect of our lives is under His watchful care.
Above all, let us rejoice in the astounding grace God has poured upon us. Because of His great love and mercy in sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, shed His blood, was buried and raised from the dead three days later (the gospel) – He has not only rescued us from eternal damnation but also guaranteed us eternal fellowship with Him in heaven. Our salvation rests entirely on His sovereignty and unwavering love.
In times of uncertainty or when faced with challenges, we can find comfort in the knowledge that our God is sovereign. He holds our lives in His hands, and His grace and compassion are lavished upon us. Let us humbly rest in His sovereignty, trust in His perfect plan, and live each day with gratitude for the immeasurable grace He has bestowed upon us.
‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.’
Galatians 2:20
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 7, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?’
Galatians 4:16
Nothing has changed since the day the apostle Paul wrote Galatians. No one wants to hear the truth.
In Galatians 4:16, the apostle Paul expresses his concern for the church in Galatia (and for us today). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote this passage to address a pressing issue: false teachers had infiltrated the congregation, leading believers astray with a distorted and counterfeit gospel. This warning holds significance for us today, reminding us to be vigilant against false teachings that seek to distort the true gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
To understand the gravity of Paul’s words in Galatians 4:16, we can refer to Galatians chapters 1 and 2 and Acts chapter 15. In these passages, Paul recounts his encounters with the Jerusalem church leaders, including Peter, James, and John. Where God instructed Paul to go to the Jerusalem church to set them straight on what the gospel will be moving forward. They affirmed the message (Acts 15:11) Paul preached—the gospel of grace through faith in Christ alone in the finished work of the cross alone apart from the law and temple worship. However, false teachers infiltrated the Galatian church (spy’s from the Jerusalem church) challenging Paul’s authority and perverting the true gospel, the gospel by which all mankind will be judged.
‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my (the gospel of grace that the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus revealed to Paul, not the gospel of the kingdom) gospel.’
Romans 2:16
Paul’s purpose in writing Galatians was to reaffirm the authenticity of the gospel he preached (the gospel of the grace of God) and to correct the false teachings that threatened the Galatian believers (which was that Paul’s converts could not be saved by faith alone in the finished work but they need to keep the law, temple worship and be circumcised). He passionately defends the truth that salvation comes through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, apart from any works or adherence to the law. Read Acts 15 and Galatians 2 for the details.
This serves as a timely reminder for us today. We must remain discerning, guarding ourselves against false teachings and distortions of the true gospel. Let us hold steadfastly to the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), embracing the fact that our salvation rests solely on the finished work of Christ. We must be rooted in sound doctrine and truth, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and protect us from the allure of counterfeit gospels.
As we are witnessing unprecedented false teaching and the prophesied apostasy of the church, we must test everything against the truth of God’s Word. By diligently studying Scripture daily, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and remaining faithful to the true gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), we can navigate the spiritual challenges and the doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1) coming in like a tsunami and stand firm in the unchanging truth of Christ.
Takeaway
The takeaway is a warning from the apostle Paul. That there is only one gospel that saves mankind today and deviating from the one true gospel will bring condemnation.
‘But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.’
Galatians 1:8-9
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 29, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
As you read these Bible verses remember that Paul was in prison when he wrote this and it is breaking his heart that false teachers had come into this church in Philippi. Being in prison he can’t confront them only by the written Word.
Philippians 3:18
‘For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:’
Despite sharing some similarities with Paul’s teachings, these false teachers have twisted the Gospel message, resulting in their own condemnation and enmity against the cross of Christ. While they may believe they are proclaiming the Gospel and leading others in the right direction, the apostle’s words reveal the truth and evoke deep sorrow in him. Now, turning to verse 19, one would expect this to instill fear in some of them.
Philippians 3:19
‘whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.’
!! whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly… is this not crystal clear? It is their appetite for physical things that are most important to these or any false teachers. And what does it take to acquire “things”, money!
Today, we see it everywhere in “almost” every church. The body of Christ was never meant to have gigantic campuses with coffee bars, pools, basketball courts, a constant drive to gain more YouTube subscribers (under the guise of spreading the word), the neverending push to build a platform for “your church”, again under the guise that we can reach more people with the truth. Beloved, don’t believe it for a second. The gospel of grace does not need a platform, it needs faithful men proclaiming the good news. ‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. II Timothy 2:2’.
There are men, who sound great on “YouTube” or some other platform that fall in line with this warning from the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:18, 19. Because their god is their belly.
Just to clarify, there is nothing wrong with having nice things or even being wealthy. But when it comes to the body of Christ, which is His church money spent on anything other than preaching the gospel and edifying the saints falls under “whose god is their belly”. You can figure out for yourself what it cost and whats needed to spread the gospel.
To clarify, the Lord makes it crystal clear what He expects of men who preach and teach His Word, and what they are to expect in doing so. Read the verses below (and there are many more verses but these are explicit and so clear) and tell me if this lines up with massive church facilities, coffee bars, basketball courts, swimming pools, game rooms, and media centers for Christ.
‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.’
II Timothy 2:2-5,7
Takeaway
These passages by the apostle Paul highlight the pervasive presence of false teachings and the imminent danger they pose to the church. They serve as timely reminders for believers to stay vigilant, rooted in sound doctrine, and discerning of the deceptions that can lead to the falling away from the truth; the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. As the return of the Lord draws nearer, we must hold fast to the unchanging truths of Scripture and be diligent in guarding against false teachings that can erode our faith.
