by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 8, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’
Philippians 2:4
In this verse, Paul encourages us to adopt an attitude that goes beyond mere self-interest. He isn’t promoting envy or coveting what others possess. Instead, he emphasizes a mindset focused on the welfare of those around us. In essence, he’s saying that in every interaction we have with friends, neighbors, and family, we should approach it with the sincere desire to promote their highest good.
In a world characterized by selfishness and pride, this verse and the overarching theme of Christian love serve as a stark contrast. While the world may exalt self-centeredness, and personal gain above all else, as believers, we are called to put others first, reflecting the love of Christ in a world desperately in need of it.
This truth echoes beautifully with the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “love chapter.” Let’s take a look at verse 3:
“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profiteth me nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:3
Here, Paul underlines the significance of love in our actions. Even if we were to perform remarkable deeds, like giving all our possessions to the poor or making the ultimate sacrifice, without love, it would amount to nothing.
So, just as Paul encouraged the Philippians, he urges us to embrace a mindset of love (or ‘Christ’ Philippians 2:5) and genuine concern for others. This means that in all our interactions and endeavors, we should seek the well-being and benefit of those we encounter. It’s a beautiful biblical truth that reflects the selfless love we find in Christ Himself.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 6, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the Christian life, one thread stands out above all: love.
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.”
1 John 3:14
John paints a clear picture here: Love is the litmus test of our faith. It’s the hallmark of a transformed heart. Our love for fellow believers and the world around us is the tangible evidence that we’ve moved from the realm of spiritual death into the glorious realm of eternal life (Colossians 1:13).
This truth aligns seamlessly with what we find in Galatians 5:22 – the fruit of the Spirit includes love, for it’s the foremost virtue that characterizes the life of a believer. Love for others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, is the most recognizable attribute we can possess.
Conversely, Galatians 5:19-21 defines a starkly different picture. Those who walk in the flesh, rather than the Spirit, exhibit qualities that are the antithesis of love – hatred, contentions, jealousies, and more. These are traits of spiritual death, signifying that one remains in the kingdom of darkness.
So, let us remember that love is not merely one of the many Christian virtues; it’s the essence of our faith. As we love, we reflect the life-giving transformation that Christ has brought to our hearts; by the work of the cross. It’s the assurance that we have indeed passed from death to life, proclaiming to the world that we are His disciples (John 13:35).
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 6, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Romans 4:4-5, the Apostle Paul delineates the essence of salvation by grace through faith. He goes back into the Old Testament and the account of Abraham, who was the epitome of faith, whose trust in God’s promise was accounted to him as righteousness. Paul connects Abraham’s salvation to the Gospel of Grace, drawing a direct line to our salvation today.
Romans 4:4-5 says:
“Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”
In these verses, Paul emphasizes that salvation is achieved not through our actions but solely by faith. Just like Abraham’s unwavering belief in God’s promises, we too are urged to have faith in what God has declared about the work of His Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf.
‘And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.’
Genesis 15:6
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 defines this Gospel: Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. Our part? To believe.
Ephesians 2:8–9 reinforces this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Just as Abraham’s faith alone was credited to him as righteousness, today, faith alone (believing) in what Christ did on our behalf brings us salvation. It’s not about what we do, but about what Christ has already done.
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).