Jamie Pantastico - Free Bible Study Classes - Genesis through Revelation

The Power of the Tongue: The Highest Good and Greatest Harm

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 16, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.’

Proverbs 18:21

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue has the power of life and death. The words we use have a tremendous impact on ourselves and those around us. We can use our words to bring encouragement, comfort, and healing, or we can use them to tear down, criticize, and hurt others. As Christians, we should strive to use our words for good and to build others up.

The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 4:29, he instructs believers to only speak words that are good for building others up according to their needs, so that it may benefit those who listen. In Colossians 4:6, Paul urges us to let our conversations be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.

The Bible teaches that our words reflect the condition of our hearts. If our hearts are filled with love, joy, peace, and goodness, our words will reflect these things. However, if our hearts are filled with anger, bitterness, jealousy, and hatred, our words will reflect these negative traits.

As believers, we must strive to use our words to build up others and to speak the truth, the truth of the gospel into their situations. We are admonished to avoid negative speech, gossip, and slander. Instead, we are encouraged to, bless, and uplift others with our words. Let us be mindful of the power of our words and use them to bring glory to God and to be a blessing to others.

Here are verses from the Apostle Paul that parallel the message of Proverbs 18:21:

Get your Bible our and study these passages!

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” – Colossians 4:6

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32

All of these verses emphasize the importance of speaking in a way that builds up others, rather than tearing them down. They also emphasize the importance of speaking truthfully and avoiding falsehood, as well as avoiding bitterness, anger, and slander. By using our words in a positive and uplifting way, we can make a positive impact on those around us and bring glory to God.

Even more Bible verses that support this theme include Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 12:18, Matthew 12:36-37, James 3:5-6, James 1:26, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Peter 3:10, and Philippians 4:8.

Finding Peace and Truth in a Chaotic, Deceptive World

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 15, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

In a world gripped by chaos and deception, including ongoing wars and rumors of wars, failing economies, famine, flooding, volcanic eruptions, disease, death, the decline of the church, and the spread of false teachings, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and worried about the future. Amidst these difficult times, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34 to focus on the present, trusting God to handle our tomorrows.

As we embrace today, we can find comfort in Psalm 46:1, which assures us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Despite the turmoil around us, God is with us, providing the strength and guidance we need to face each day’s challenges.

The Apostle Paul also encourages us in Philippians 4:6 to bring our concerns to God through prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

In the midst of world chaos, let us remember to trust in God’s presence and providence each day. God has given us not only our greatest comfort but also the only weapon that can defeat the snares of the god of this world, Satan: the Bible, His Word. Studying the Bible daily is essential, as it must be our only source of truth in this cursed world filled with deception and lies. By focusing on the present, seeking God’s guidance, and relying on His Word, we can experience peace and joy, knowing that He is not only in control of our present but of our tomorrow.

The Four Common Beliefs Regarding End Times Bible Prophecy

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 13, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

There are four common sets of beliefs regarding end-times prophecy: amillennial and three pre-millennial beliefs which are post-tribulational rapture, mid-tribulation rapture, and pre-tribulation rapture.

On the other hand, the belief of Amillennialists is in complete opposition to the word of God when it comes to end-time events. Amillennialists reject the idea of a literal rapture and the belief in a future tribulation period. The amillennialists’ view calls God a liar.

Important Note:

The timing of the rapture is a hot topic among believers. Unfortunately, some believers can let their pride and emotions get the better of them, which is not in line with what God wants for us. However, it’s important to remember that there are many believers who have faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but interpret the timing of the rapture differently, such as a post-tribulation or mid-tribulation rapture. They are still part of the body of Christ and should not be considered anything but, just because they have a different interpretation of the timing of the rapture. We have to be able to sit down and demonstrate how we come to our conclusions on the timing of the rapture from scripture.

The Rapture Revealed to Paul

Before exploring the various perspectives, let’s first examine the Bible passages where the Apostle Paul describes the rapture. This event was a secret, known only to God, until it was revealed to Paul. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, Paul provides a clear explanation of the rapture.

‘Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”’

I Corinthians 15:51-55

‘But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 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. Therefore comfort one another with these words.’

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

The catching up of the body of Christ into the clouds that Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is the event that is commonly referred to as “the rapture”. At some future time, the trumpet will sound, and we who are alive will be caught up in the clouds to meet those who have died in Christ and our Lord Jesus Christ in the air. The dead in Christ will be resurrected into their immortal bodies first immediately followed by believers that remain alive. Then we all shall be with our Lord forever. What an amazing hope…Our Blessed Hope!

Now let’s look at the different viewpoints about the rapture and end times prophecy:

Amillennialists believe that God’s promises regarding the end times are figurative and will not be literally fulfilled, particularly the 1000-year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth.
Pre-millennialists believe that Jesus Christ will return to the earth prior to His literal reign on the earth for 1000 years. Three groups of pre-millennialists include the following:

a. Post-tribulationists believe that the rapture will not occur until the end of the seven-year tribulation, just prior to the beginning of the millennial kingdom.

b. Mid-tribulationists believe that the rapture will occur three and one-half years into the tribulation, at the beginning of the three-and-one-half-year great tribulation.

c. Pre-tribulationists believe that the rapture will occur prior to the seven-year tribulation, but not necessarily immediately before the tribulation.

Consolation in Christ – Unity of the Saints

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 7, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

In Philippians 2:1-4, the apostle Paul encourages believers to show humility, unity, and concern for others. He calls on us to be of the same mind, to love one another (especially other believers), and to consider others before ourselves. This is the mark of a true disciple of Christ.

‘Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’

Philippians 2:1-4

The word “consolation” in this passage can also be translated as “encouragement.” The Greek word used here “paraklesis” means to come alongside and help counsel, exhort, and comfort. It is a picture of our beloved Lord coming close to His own and encouraging us with words of cheer and encouragement (“comfort of love…).

As Christians, we are ambassadors for Christ always ready to show love and encouragement to those around us. We should seek to uplift and support others, to share their joys and sorrows, and to bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2). This is the essence of the gospel message and the heart of Christian living – that we love one another as Christ loved us.

In a world full of division, perplexity, strife, and self-centeredness, we must strive to stand for the Truth of God’s word (at all costs). We must seek to embody the love and encouragement of Christ in our daily lives. May we be a source of comfort and hope to those around us, just as Christ is to us.

The Stone was Rolled Away – “He is Risen” Mark 16:4

by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 6, 2023 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

The stone that covered the entrance to Jesus’ tomb was not rolled away so that Jesus could get out, for He had already risen. It was to display God’s power!

Mark 16:4 says, “And when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.” The stone that covered the entrance to Jesus’ tomb was not rolled away so that Jesus could get out, for He had already risen. Instead, it was rolled away so that the disciples could see that the tomb was empty and that Jesus had fulfilled the prophecy of His resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in human history. Ephesians 3:10–11 tells us that the resurrection of Jesus was the culmination of all that God does.

‘to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished (through the death, burial and resurrection, the gospel) in Christ Jesus our Lord,’

Ephesians 3:10-11

Without the resurrection, there is no Christianity, no eternal life, no salvation, and no redemption. Yes, the death, shed blood, and burial is crucial to our faith, but without the resurrection, we have nothing. There is no gospel without the resurrection of Jesus.

Resurrection Power

The stone being rolled away is a powerful symbol of the victory that Jesus won over Satan, death, and sin. It shows that the power of God is greater than anything in this world, even death. As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, let us remember that it is the cornerstone of our faith. Without it, we would have nothing to believe in, nothing to hope for, and nothing to look forward to.

As believers, we should rejoice in the fact that the resurrection is the ultimate display of God’s power and love for us. Let us never forget the significance of the empty tomb and continue to proclaim the good news of the gospel to all who will hear it.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »