by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 19, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Father’s Day is a special occasion to honor and appreciate the fathers in our lives. As we celebrate fatherhood, it is important to reflect on the profound impact fathers have on their children. Here are five encouraging Bible verses that convey appreciation for fathers on any day of the week. These verses offer insights into the significance of fatherhood and provide a source of inspiration for celebrating and honoring fathers. Get out your Bible and dive into the heartwarming words of Scripture and discover how they relate to the joyous celebration of fatherhood.
God’s will for fathers is made crystal clear in Ephesians 6:4…
Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
1. Proverbs 23:24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him.
Takeaway: This verse highlights the joy and delights a father experiences when his child walks in righteousness and wisdom. It acknowledges the profound happiness and pride a father feels when his child reflects godly values and makes wise choices.
2. Psalm 103:13 As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him.
Takeaway: This verse compares the compassionate nature of a father to that of our heavenly Father. It reminds fathers of the importance of showing love, care, and empathy towards their children, mirroring the compassionate heart of God.
3. 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.
Takeaway: Love is the foundation of fatherhood. This verse encourages fathers to let love guide their actions, decisions, and interactions with their children. It reminds them that love is the driving force behind effective and meaningful fatherhood.
4. Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Takeaway: Fathers have a responsibility to nurture and guide their children in the ways of the Lord. This verse encourages fathers to provide a loving and supportive environment, where their children can grow in faith and character, avoiding actions or words that could cause anger or discouragement.
5. Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.
Takeaway: A father’s righteous living (not perfect but godly in all aspects of life) and integrity have a lasting impact on his children’s lives. This verse acknowledges the blessings that follow in the footsteps of a father who walks in godliness. It encourages fathers to be role models of righteousness and virtue, leaving a positive legacy for their children to inherit.
Happy Father’s Day
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 18, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Fathers, πατέρες (pateres)
Noun – Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong’s 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a ‘father’.
In this verse, the apostle Paul provides a clear instruction to fathers, highlighting the crucial role we play in the upbringing of their children. The phrase “in the training and admonition of the Lord” carries profound significance. It emphasizes the paramount importance of teaching our children about the Lord Jesus Christ and the sacrificial love He displayed on the cross.
As fathers, we have a responsibility to be examples to our children by reflecting the same sacrificial love that the Lord Jesus demonstrated. Our love should be selfless, patient, and compassionate, mirroring Christ’s sacrificial love. It is through this love that we can guide our children, teaching them the ways of the Lord and instilling in them a firm foundation of faith.
By embracing our role as fathers and embodying Christ’s sacrificial love, we create an environment that nurtures spiritual growth and development in our children. We must seize opportunities to teach them about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness, ensuring they understand the depth of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
As fathers, we are called to diligently train and admonish our children, not out of anger or harshness, but with the gentle guidance and compassion of the Lord. Our aim is to nurture their hearts, minds, and souls, leading them closer to God and preparing them to navigate life’s challenges with faith and wisdom.
Fulfilling the will of the Lord as described in Ephesians 6:4 requires a steadfast commitment to teaching, loving, and encouraging our children in the ways of the Lord. As we demonstrate sacrificial love, provide biblical instruction, and offer unwavering support, we empower our children to grow in their relationship with God and walk in His truth.
May every father embrace the calling to lead their children in the training and admonition of the Lord. Through the grace of God and the guidance of His Word, let us strive to be the fathers our children need, exemplifying the sacrificial love of Christ and pointing them toward a life of faith, hope, and purpose.
Happy Father’s Day
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by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 16, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
There are three chapters in the New Testament that so clearly point out that there were two gospels that the only way you can’t see it is to deny God’s word. Here are the three: Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapters 1 and 2. Take some time to read through these chapters more than once and you see the clear distinction between what Peter and the 11 preached and what the apostle Preached. Again, it is so graphically clear that Peter and Paul did not preach the same message that the only way not to see it is to deny what God has so plainly revealed and cling to tradition.
The Bible indeed presents a distinction between the gospel of the kingdom, which Jesus and the twelve disciples preached, and the gospel of the grace of God, proclaimed by the apostle Paul. To understand this distinction, let’s explore the chronological progression from Old Testament prophecy to the preaching of the gospel of grace.
1. Old Testament Prophecy and the Promised Kingdom:
In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and promised that through him, all the nations would be blessed. This promise included a future kingdom with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, ruling as King over the earth (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 14:9).
2. Israel’s Rejection of Jesus as the Messiah:
Jesus Christ came as the promised Messiah to fulfill the prophecies (given to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David), proclaim the kingdom of God, and offer salvation to Israel. However, the majority of the Jewish leadership and the people (the nation of Israel as a whole) rejected Him as their Messiah, which ultimately led to His crucifixion. The peak of the nation of Israel’s rejection (in unbelief) culminated in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7). This marked a turning point (predetermined) in God’s dealing with Israel (Romans 11:32; and all of Romans 11 make it so clear that God is not done with Israel and has temporarily blinded the nation as a whole).
3. God’s (Predetermined) Focus Shifts to the Gentiles:
‘For God has committed them (them is Israel) all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.’
Romans 11:32
Following Israel’s rejection, God turned His attention to the Gentiles, selecting the apostle Paul as the chosen vessel to bring the gospel to them (Acts 9:15; Galatians 2:7-9). This marked a new phase (predetermined and “mystery or secret” hidden in the mind of God since the world began; Romans 16:25) in God’s redemptive plan.
4. The Gospel of the Kingdom:
‘Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. ‘
Matthew 9:35
‘These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. ‘
Matthew 10:5-8
The gospel of the kingdom, preached by Jesus and the twelve disciples, centered on proclaiming the imminent arrival of the promised kingdom of God and the need for repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ) (Matthew 4:17; 10:5-7; Mark 1:14-15). This gospel was primarily directed to the nation of Israel with only two Gentile exceptions made by the Lord Jesus Himself; the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman.
5. The Gospel of the Grace of God:
‘Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, ‘
I Corinthians 15:1-4
‘But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.’
Acts 20:24
The gospel of the grace of God, which Paul preached, emphasized the finished work of the cross; the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 20:24) as the means of salvation. It highlighted that salvation is by grace through faith alone, apart from adherence to the Mosaic law and temple worship (Acts 13:38-39; Ephesians 2:8-9). These were new revelations not given to Peter and the eleven but to Paul alone (Galatians 1:11,12; Ephesians 3:1-6). Before the gospel of grace, there was no gospel “Good News” message to the Gentile world (Ephesians 2:11,12,13; Romans 16:25).
The transition from the gospel of the kingdom to the gospel of the grace of God occurred as God turned His focus from the nation of Israel to the Gentiles. This shift was prompted by Israel’s rejection of Jesus as their promised Messiah (predetermined/it was the mystery hidden in the mind of God). The apostle Paul was God’s divinely chosen vessel to proclaim the gospel of grace to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13). And it is by the gospel revealed to Paul by which all mankind will be judged at the Great White Throne (Romans 2:16; Revelation 20:11-12).
‘But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. ‘
Acts 9:15
‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.’
Romans 2:16
6. Back to the Gospel of the Kingdom during the 7 Years of Tribulation
After the rapture takes place, the Age of Grace will have ended. The Anti-Christ will come on the scene to sign a seven-year peace treaty to kick off the seven years of tribulation. Next, the two witnesses will come to the nation of Israel, and out of their ministry will come 144,000 young Jewish men who will be preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom around the planet. Not the gospel of grace. They will be preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom as it was being proclaimed at the time of Christ and Peter and the eleven.
It will be the same message, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the 12 preached during the Lord’s earthly ministry; the King is coming and the kingdom is at hand. And isn’t that exactly what will happen at the end of the seven years? Is the Lord’s second coming to crush Israel’s enemies and set up the promised kingdom. With the Son of God, Himself ruling from David’s throne in Jerusalem. Israel will be the preeminent nation above all nations evangelizing the world (Zechariah 8:20-23). All of Israel will be priests evangelizing the world with a knowledge of their God. That will be good news for those on the planet during that horrible time on earth.
Matthew 24:14
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall (at a future time.) be preached in all the world for a witness unto (how many?) all nations; and then shall the end come.”
Let’s examine Matthew 24:14:
“And this gospel of the kingdom…”
This verse refers to the Gospel of the Kingdom, not the Gospel of Grace. Today, we preach the Gospel of Grace for salvation, which is believing that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. The gospel of the grace of God was revealed to the Apostle Paul, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 1:11,12; Ephesians 3:1-6 among other passages in Paul’s writings. However, Jesus and the twelve disciples preached the Gospel of the Kingdom (to Jews only), which emphasized belief in Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ), the Son of God and later repentance, and baptism were added . This message can be found in various scriptures such as Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, and numerous others in the four Gospels and the Book of Acts up until at least Chapter 15.
Now, let’s continue with Matthew 24:14b:
“…shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
This verse clearly states that the Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a witness to all nations during the seven years of tribulation. It signifies that before the end comes, this particular gospel will be preached globally.
Scripture is Clear there “WERE” Two Gospels
To understand the distinction between these two gospels, we can turn to Galatians 2:7-9. Paul explains that there were (today there is just one) indeed two gospels: one that he preached to the Gentiles (the uncircumcision) through revelation from Jesus Christ, and another that John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, and the twelve disciples preached to the Jews or the nation of Israel (the circumcision). It is essential to pay attention to who is speaking and who the audience is as we study the Bible.
It is important to note that while these clear distinctions in gospel messages exist, the overarching theme throughout the Bible is God’s redemptive plan for humanity, culminating in the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. As the apostle Peter makes so clear in one of the very last passages he would write.
‘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, ‘
II Peter 3:15
Takeaway
Recognizing the Bible as a progressive revelation unveils the truth that God’s dealings with mankind evolve over time. It is of utmost importance to rightly divide the truth within the Scriptures, avoiding the mistake of indiscriminately blending passages to suit our personal theology or denominational beliefs. While the entire Bible is profitable for us, it is essential to differentiate between the portions intended as doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction. This discernment is key to understanding how we are saved and establishing a solid foundation of faith.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 12, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
50 Days After the Lord’s Ascension
Peter, in his earnestness, continues to appeal to the nation of Israel, urging them to repent for the grave act of killing their own Messiah, their promised King. He passionately pleads with them to accept the One they Killed (Jesus) as their King, and God will still send His Son to set up the promised Kingdom. However, despite Peter’s heartfelt appeals, the nation of Israel stubbornly rejects this offer.
Does this mark the pinnacle of Israel’s final rejection? Well, it is not the absolute end, but it certainly signifies a significant turning point. The nation of Israel reaches its height of rejection when they stone Stephen in Acts 7:54-60. From that moment onward, Israel begins its descent into dispersion, and their beloved Temple is ultimately destroyed in 70 A.D, with Jesus’ prophetic words in Matthew 24:1-2 regarding the destruction of the temple. At this juncture, God shifts His focus to the Gentiles, NOT to change His plan but to fulfill His predetermined plan (Acts 2:23; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32; Ephesians 3:1-11).
This brings us to the mystery or secret that has been hidden in the mind of God since before the world began (Romans 16:25; 11:25; Colossians 1:24-27; Ephesians 3:1-11). The concept of God calling out a distinct group of people for His name (Act 15:14). This group, often referred to by Paul as the Body of Christ or the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Colossians 1:24), is the chosen bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). The body of Christ, which is His church purchased by the Lord’s shed blood (Acts 20:28) is made up of both Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:28) but mostly Gentiles (Romans 11:25). All saved in this dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 3:1-3) by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) in the finished work of the cross alone (Romans 4:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9) apart from keeping the Mosaic law and temple worship (Romans 3:21).
The Gospel
‘Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, ‘
I Corinthians 15:1-4
Get out your Bible and Study. Listed below are the verses as they appear in the post. Use the timeline as a reference.
Acts 2:22-38
Acts 3:19
Acts 7:54-60
Matthew 24:1-2
Acts 2:23
2 Timothy 1:9
Romans 11:32
Ephesians 3:1-11
Romans 16:25
Romans 11:25
Colossians 1:24-27
Ephesians 3:1-11
Acts 15:14
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Colossians 1:24
Ephesians 5:25-27
Acts 20:28
Galatians 3:28
Romans 11:25
Ephesians 3:1-3
Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 4:4-5
Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 3:21
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Please note that some verses are mentioned multiple times throughout the post.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 10, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Throughout the pages of the Bible, we witness a remarkable progression of God’s purpose and plan of salvation for humanity. One significant aspect of this progression is the distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles, first graphically observed in Exodus 11:7. This separation continued until the revelations given to Paul regarding the mystery of the Gospel of Grace, some 2000 years later, where God would pour out His grace unto both Jew and Gentile apart from the Law.
This division between Jews and Gentiles traces back to around 2000 BC, as depicted in Genesis 12. First, it is crucial to understand that for the first 2000 years, (From Genesis chapter one to Genesis chapter 12), of biblical and human history God dealt directly with all of mankind, and all of mankind spoke one language. Yet due to humanity’s continual defiance of God’s commands, He sovereignly chose one man—Abram, who we now know as Abraham—to create a people for Himself, the Jewish people, and would reveal Himself only to the nation of Israel through Jewish prophets (with few “ONLY 9” Gentile exceptions ).
Through the nation of Israel, the Jewish people, God’s chosen people, brought forth Scripture, the Ten Commandments, the gospel, and the teachings for righteous living. And it is through the nation of Israel that our Savior, who is Jewish, Jesus Christ, God the Son, will come on the scene in the flesh as the once for all sacrifice for the sin of the world.
One of the keys to truly understanding the Bible is understanding the difference between Israel (God dealing with Jews only) and the body of Christ (the mystery revealed that God will save both Jew and Gentile apart from the law for an unspecified time period called the dispensation of grace), which is His church. The theme of Scripture until we, the body of Christ, is revealed to Paul is all Jewish. All scripture up until Paul is prophetic and direct only to the nation of Israel, that one day a Messiah would come to the nation of Israel (not Gentiles) and be their King, crushing Israel’s enemies (who are Gentiles, read Luke 1:67-75), with the nation of Israel as the top nation above all nations with their King, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ruling from David’s throne in Jerusalem. Through this kingdom, Gentiles would be blessed (Zechariah 8.23; Isaiah 42.1). This kingdom was to be the fulfillment of all that the Jewish prophets had proclaimed and the promise God had given to Abraham (Genesis 12.1-3).
Before we delve into the following five verses that delineate this separation of Jew and Gentile, let us first turn our attention to Exodus 33:12-17, where a profound declaration is made—Israel, the chosen people of God, is unmistakably revealed. Additionally, in Exodus 33:18-19, God openly proclaims to both Moses and the world the reasons behind His choosing of Israel as His own. His sovereign nature shines through as He bestows His grace and mercy upon those He chooses.
The following verses clearly and unmistakably declare that the Jewish people are God’s chosen people, not the Gentile world. I know most of Christianity does not accept this truth, but God Himself makes this graphically clear in these verses and in all of the Old and New Testaments. God does not change, nor can He lie (Psalm 89:33-37).
Exodus 33:12-17
‘Then Moses said to the Lord , “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.”’
Then God gives the reason why He chose Abraham to create a people for Himself.
God proclaims to Moses and the world, “Why? “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
Exodus 33:18-19
‘And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”’
Here are five key passages that trace this theme of the separation of Jews from the Gentile world:
#1
Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3): God promises Abraham that he will become a great nation, blessed and separate from others. This is the foundational promise of Israel’s distinction from the Gentiles.
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.”“`
#2
Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:4-6): God separates the Israelites as His “treasured possession” among all nations, further establishing their uniqueness.
Exodus 19:4-5
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’`
#3
Sabbatic Covenant (Exodus 31:12-18): This covenant sets the Israelites apart through the Sabbath, a sign between God and the Israelites throughout their generations.
#4
Land Covenant (Deuteronomy 9:1-29): God promises to give Israel a land where they will be established as a nation.
#5
Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:4-29): God promises David an eternal dynasty, further setting Israel apart.
Here is another verse of many during the Lord’s earthly ministry that clearly makes the distinction between Jew and Gentile. But this verse is so graphically clear that it is impossible not to see that up until this time in Biblical and human history God was dealing only with His chosen people, not Gentiles.
‘“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones be lost. “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax collector.’
Matthew 18:12-17
Temporary Blinding of the Nation of Israel
In Acts 7, 36-37 AD, Stephen’s stoning marks Israel’s final rejection of Jesus as the Messiah (Israel’s promised King), which in turn allows (sovereignly and predetermined before time began) for the calling of Paul (approximately 37 AD). With the Apostle Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:1-2) comes the revelation of the Gospel of Grace, extending salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, as depicted in Acts 20:24 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This marks (sometime around 40 AD, and not before) the temporary blinding of Israel (as the favored nation, temporarily), as mentioned in Romans 11, and the beginning of the Church Age, the age of grace, where there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ Jesus. The middle wall of partition has been broken down by the blood of Christ, and all mankind has access to Israel’s God apart from the law and temple worship (Ephesians 2:11-13; Romans 3:21).
Ephesians 2:11-12
‘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, after the cross, after the stoning of Stephen, after God calls Saul, whom we now know as the apostle Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, writes the next verse…
‘But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.’
Ephesians 2:13
