by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 3, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Philippians 2:8
And being found in fashion (form) as a man, (fully man, yet fully God) He humbled Himself, going so far as to become obedient unto the agonizing death on a cross (the most horrific death ever devised by man).
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’
Philippians 2:9-11
This is the unshakable bedrock of our salvation. We must grasp it, rest on the victory and power in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and of course, share the good news. It’s (the gospel) astonishingly simple, yet profoundly complex. The Cross is incomprehensible. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the culmination of all that God does – we could study it for millennia and only scratch the surface. Yet, in all its complexity, God asks one thing of mankind: Believe!
The world, however, stumbles over this simplicity. It rejects the simplicity and truth of the Cross.
‘For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ‘
I Corinthians 1:18
‘But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ‘
I Corinthians 2:14
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 2, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Exodus 19:1–5, we encounter a pivotal moment in biblical history, often subject to various interpretations over time. Nonetheless, it holds profound significance in understanding God’s divine plan. Here, God’s focus is unmistakably on the Israelites, His chosen people.
Verse 5 presents a distinct covenant with the nation of Israel, not the Gentile world: ‘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.’ (Exodus 19:5)
This verse establishes a clear distinction, addressing the Israelites (not the Gentile world), freshly delivered from Egypt, and outlining a covenant. God’s promise to them is twofold: obedience and compliance with His covenant would set them apart as a ‘special treasure’ among all nations.
This moment in history is significant to emphasize. At this juncture, God’s focus is exclusively on the Israelites, His chosen people. They are intended to be a kingdom of priests, with the prospect of eventually sharing the knowledge of their God and the message of salvation with the pagan Gentile world.
Throughout the Old Testament, the four Gospels, and the early chapters of Acts, it cannot be overstated: that God’s covenant dealings were exclusively with Israel. It is of utmost importance to grasp this unyielding focus on Israel in the biblical narrative. To forcefully insert Gentiles into the promises and purposes designated for Israel is to fundamentally misinterpret God’s divine plan.
Here is just one of many examples that show that many chapters into the book of Acts specifically chapter 11, God is dealing with Jews only:
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. ‘Acts 11:19
God’s plan of redemption for humanity is a meticulously progressive unfolding divine masterpiece, carefully unveiled according to His sovereign timetable. Notably, it remained veiled from earlier biblical characters such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and even Peter. The pivotal turning point in unveiling God’s eternal purposes arrived dramatically with the divine appointment of the apostle Paul around 37 AD. At this juncture, the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus Himself revealed to Paul the “Mystery” of the gospel of grace, a mind-boggling revelation that had been hidden until then. This monumental event marks the unsearchable riches of God’s plan of redemption, bringing clarity to His intricate design for the salvation of all, especially the Gentiles. Amazing!
The mystery of the gospel of grace revealed to the apostle Paul marks the profound culmination of the work of the cross. Beyond its victory over sin, Satan, the law, and death, this mystery unveils God’s eternal purposes. Israel’s initial rejection of their Messiah paved the way for this revelation (Romans 11:32). Since then, God has been pouring out His grace on all of humanity, not just the Jews. Salvation now comes by grace through faith in the finished work of the cross, apart from adherence to the Mosaic law, rituals, repentance, baptism for salvation, or temple worship. For over 1900 years, we’ve lived under grace, not the law.
In our examination of Exodus 19:1–5, we explore the sovereign design and framework of God’s chosen people, the Israelites, and the subsequent unveiling (the mystery) of His plan of salvation for all mankind. This divine plan extends beyond the initial boundaries of the Jewish nation, despite their temporary unbelief (Romans 11).
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 1, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the midst of this turbulent world, with chaos seemingly at every turn, let us find encouragement and strength in the unchanging embrace of our Lord. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God, the source of all comfort, extends His unwavering hand to uplift our weary hearts in these trying times. In our moments of tribulation, His grace provides the comfort and strength we desperately need.
Furthermore, as recipients of God’s grace and comfort, we are admonished: to share this same comfort with others enduring trials. Our unity in Christ strengthens our faith, enabling us to stand firm amid whatever trouble we encounter.
As Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, God’s Word is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, guiding us through the darkness. And just as Psalms 119:105 assures, His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
In these uncertain days, let us reaffirm the power of daily Bible study. The Word of God, sharp as a double-edged sword, guides our steps through the darkness. With the Bible as our beacon of truth, we march forward through life’s challenges standing firm, and immovable no matter what this evil world throws at us.
Read on…
‘“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid Of a man who will die, And of the son of a man who will be made like grass?’
Isaiah 51:12
‘As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”’
Isaiah 66:13
‘Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.’
II Corinthians 7:6-7
“In the end, it all comes down to faith. We have God’s promises in His word, the Bible. We believe because He said it, and His word is our assurance.” – JP
by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 30, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In life, all that truly matters is salvation. It’s the heart of God’s redemptive plan, laid out so clearly throughout the pages of the Old and New Testaments. Our primary purpose as believers is to share this heart-transforming message – the gospel of grace.
As 2 Corinthians 5:20 reminds us, we are ambassadors for Christ on this earth. Our mission is to shine the light of His love, to share the good news that Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross (the death, burial, and resurrection). Every interaction, every conversation, every moment carries the weight of eternity.
Yes, Everything is a Gospel Issue
Why?
Romans 2:16 poignantly reminds us that there’s a day coming when God will judge the secrets of every heart. This judgment hinges on the truth of the gospel. Those who reject the gospel in unbelief will face the devastating consequence of eternal separation from God.
In a world consumed by distractions and fleeting pursuits, let’s remember that every moment is an opportunity to engage the lost with the truth of the gospel. Let’s seize each chance to share the hope we have found in Christ. Our coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family members – they all need the gospel.
The urgency of this truth can’t be overstated. The lost are headed towards an eternity without God, while we who know the good news and have been transformed by the truth; Let’s heed the call to be bold, compassionate ambassadors of the good news. Let’s share the gospel, for it’s the eternal lifeline to the lost.
by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 29, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
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 2:3-4
In a world that values self-promotion and personal gain above all, these verses highlight the essence of true love as followers of Christ. Love, according to God’s Word, is the selfless pursuit of others’ well-being. It’s an intentional choice to put aside our own desires and genuinely care for the needs of those around us both saved and the unsaved.
As believers, we’re called to stand out from the self-centered norms of the world. The love described here isn’t merely a feeling; it’s an action rooted in humility and genuine concern. When we prioritize the interests of others, we mirror Christ’s sacrificial love on the cross.
‘But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
Romans 5:8
Let’s be people who exemplify this love in our interactions, both within the body of believers and with those outside our faith. By esteeming others above ourselves and actively seeking their highest good, we not only live out a Christ-like life but also provide a compelling example of love to a world that desperately needs it.
‘And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.’
I Corinthians 13:13