by Jamie Pantastico | May 15, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Revelation 20:1-10
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‘Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’
Revelation 20:1-6
The Millennial Kingdom is a 1000-year period in which Jesus will reign on earth as King of kings from Jerusalem on David’s throne. Israel will be the top nation among all nations. Fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant, Jesus made Himself with Abraham in Genesis 12. During the thousand-year reign of Christ, Satan will be bound and unable to deceive the nations. But at the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be set free and will lead one last rebellion against God. This rebellion will end in the Battle of Armageddon, where the Lord Jesus, the King of kings, will destroy and crush Satan’s armies. Satan will be tossed into the lake of fire where the antichrist and the false prophet have been for 1000 years.
The One Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ Mentioned in the Old and New Testament
The prophet Isaiah provides us some insight into this period in Isaiah 65:20-25. Here, he mentions that during God’s reign, human lifespans will be notably lengthened, reminiscent of the ages before the Great Flood. It’s a time when people will bear children, construct houses, and cultivate crops. Interestingly, physical death will still be present, suggesting that this kingdom endures a considerable period in human terms. However, the Old Testament doesn’t specify its exact duration.
The book of Revelation 20:2-7 sheds light on this mystery, revealing that this kingdom will prevail for a thousand years. To emphasize the thousand-year reign of Christ, the book of Revelation mentions one thousand years six times. Following this epoch, the existing heaven and earth will face destruction, the last judgments will transpire, and a new heaven and earth will be created.
Amillennialists, those who believe the millennium is a symbolic period, often cite 2 Peter 3:10 to argue that the earth will be annihilated immediately after the rapture within a single day. The verse reads, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” However, this interpretation seems to overlook the context of the passage.
Just two verses earlier, Peter clarifies: “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). This statement suggests that what we perceive as a ‘day’ could actually signify a thousand years. Therefore, Peter’s writing doesn’t contradict the depictions of the millennial kingdom in Revelation or the prophecies in Isaiah.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 14, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Proverbs 31:28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we honor the invaluable role of mothers and the love they selflessly pour into their children. A mother’s love reflects the tender care and nurturing nature of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Proverbs 31, we find a beautiful tribute to a virtuous woman, highlighting her wisdom, strength, and compassion.
Reflecting God’s Love
Mothers have the incredible ability to shape lives, imparting not only knowledge and guidance but also love and support. Mothers of faith open their mouths with wisdom, teach kindness, and offer comfort, just as our Heavenly Father does for us (Proverbs 31:26; Isaiah 66:13). A mother’s words and actions leave a lasting impact, fostering a foundation of faith and character in her children.
‘As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”’
Isaiah 66:13
Blessed and Praised
A mother’s sacrificial love is treasured and appreciated. As children, we rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also recognizes her worth and praises her. This acknowledgment brings joy and affirmation, reminding mothers of the profound influence they have in their families (Proverbs 31:28).
A Life of Good Works
Motherhood is a calling filled with various responsibilities. A godly mother exhibits good works, showing hospitality, caring for the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work (1 Timothy 5:10). Through her love and selflessness, she sets an example for her children to follow.
Celebrating Mothers
On this special day, let us celebrate and honor mothers for their unwavering love, dedication, and nurturing spirit. May we express our gratitude for their guidance, sacrifice, and the countless prayers offered on our behalf.
Remember, mothers, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your role in shaping lives and pointing your children to God is immeasurable. Your love reflects the heart of our Heavenly Father. May you be encouraged and blessed today and always.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of mothers. We honor and appreciate their love, sacrifices, and guidance. Bless them abundantly and strengthen them in their important role. May they find joy, fulfillment, and wisdom as they reflect your love in their families. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Happy Mother’s Day!
by Jamie Pantastico | May 11, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the midst of chaos, unprecedented rejection of Jesus Christ (Truth), the rise of the apostate church, and a world in turmoil, it’s essential to turn to the Word of God for truth and guidance. Today’s world, plagued by war, lawlessness, and gross immorality, mirrors the days of Noah and Lot described in the Bible.
Ezekiel 16:49 highlights the sins of Sodom—pride, abundance, and neglect of the poor and needy. Similarly, Matthew 24:37-39 and Luke 17:26-28 recount the conditions before the Flood and in Sodom, emphasizing that people carried on with their lives, oblivious to the coming judgment.
Just as in those times, today’s society is engulfed in selfishness and sin, echoing the prophecy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 about the end times. As believers, we must be vigilant, aware of the signs, and seek refuge in the Lord, who remains our hope and salvation.
As the world spirals into chaos, let us hold fast to our faith in Jesus Christ, preparing ourselves for His return (by studying His Word) and sharing the Gospel with others. May we be ready when He comes for His church, and may our lives reflect His love and righteousness amidst the darkness.
Bible Reading
‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 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 3:1-4
‘Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit.’
Ezekiel 16:49-50
‘But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.’
Matthew 24:37-39
by Jamie Pantastico | May 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
The current global financial crisis, wars, and the rise of apostate Christianity have led many believers to indulge in the sensationalism of these events. Some ministries are excessively preoccupied with the end-time events and the coming of the Antichrist and the Beast System, with no teaching, only using scripture to sensationalize current events. Although it’s crucial to study end-time events and understand the “signs of the times,” it’s no more or less important than any other doctrine in scripture.
Clear Signs of the End Times for Grace Age Believers
As grace age believers, the apostle Paul writes in II Timothy chapter 3 and makes it abundantly clear what the world will look like just before the Lord comes for His church – His body or the rapture. The cataclysmic events mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are related to the Lord’s second coming, not the rapture of the Church. The only sign grace age believers are to look for is the complete moral breakdown of society delineated in the verse below.
‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 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, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!’
II Timothy 3:1-5
As believers, we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by speculation on end-time events. Instead, we must focus on sharing the Gospel and living a life that pleases God. We must remember that God is sovereign and in control of all things, including the end times. Our mission is to serve Him as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), love others, and be ready for Christ’s return whenever it happens.
Let’s not be distracted by end-time sensationalism and instead focus on what really matters – studying the word of God daily, living a life that honors God, and sharing the good news of salvation with those around us.
Before the End of All Things and the New Heaven & New Earth
by Jamie Pantastico | May 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In a world filled with chaos and darkness, the gospel of Jesus Christ remains the only truth that guides our lives. And in our day-to-day lives, we must focus on what is good, and the only source of good in this wicked world is the word of God. In Philippians 4:8-9 the apostle Paul makes it so clear what we are to be thinking about on a daily basis.
‘Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.’
Philippians 4:8
Remember, the only place we can find the “good” things mentioned in the verse above is in and through His word (the Bible).
As believers, we can not look to anything this evil world has to offer as a source of truth, we will always be led astray and have no hope. Instead, let’s meditate daily on the Word of God and His promises. By doing so, we will experience the peace of God, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
- Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
- Isaiah 26:3-4 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” ‘Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord , is everlasting strength.’
