by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 19, 2020 | Daily Encouragement |
The Bible is not just the single most powerful weapon in the universe it is also the believer’s greatest source of hope and comfort. It is the Word of God.
No doubt these are perplexing and troubling times for all.
The absence of regular worship, Bible study, and fellowship with believers have left many without what the body of Christ needs most of all. Spiritual edification and nurturing to prepare and equip the body of Christ for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16).
Neverending Uncertainty
Since COVID19 nothing has been normal especially how we worship. Lockdowns and the endless stream of uncertainty have pushed the pause button on spiritual growth. COVID19 has so dramatically changed every aspect of a believer’s life, not just in how we worship, but even how we exist in the world.
But God hasn’t Changed…He Will Never Leave Us… We are Never Alone…
Trust in His promises. We are members of the body of Christ, His possession, blood-bought, sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise as the guarantee of our inheritance (our new glorious body). Nothing can change our eternal destiny which is with our Lord and Savior in glory.
There is no greater source of comfort for Christians than reading and understanding God’s Word. There are so many encouraging passages to turn to in the context of this post but Hebrews 13:5-6 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 fit perfectly and will provide the encouragement and edification needed in view of current events.
Ultimately, we are promised persecution and difficult times but we are also promised; God is always with us.
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6
‘But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.’
II Corinthians 4:7-15
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 15, 2020 | Daily Encouragement |
No way! Never!
God has promised believers our salvation is eternal because of the Cross. Not because of anything that we have done, only because of what Christ has done. We must never forget our salvation and earthly sojourn are all about Jesus Christ and what He has done on our behalf.
As Christians, we must never think for a second that the assurance of our Salvation is based on who we think we are or in anything we do. That thinking is in opposition to all of Scripture and everything Christ did. Everything that keeps us secure is by and through the cross; the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ‘
Romans 8:35
‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Romans 8:37-39
The principalities, who are the men and women in high positions are given authority and the energy by Satan himself to do everything that they can to take us away from the love of Christ. But they will fail.
Beloved, stand firm in what God has promised. Pray continually, fellowship with other believers, and study the word daily.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 13, 2020 | Daily Encouragement |
*This post is in response to several emails received from Pastors about teaching that there were at one time two gospels. These Pastors as do many falsely believe that there has only ever been one gospel. Yes, today there is just one gospel that saves mankind. Just a cursory read of Scripture demonstrates that there ‘were’ two gospels. Twisting Scripture, denying what words mean to fit a ‘man-made’ theology is anathema. Bible Teachers, Pastors, or anyone for that matter teaching any other gospel than what was revealed to the apostle Paul will be accursed by God.
There is only one gospel that can save mankind today, and that is the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. That Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day. Appropriated by faith alone apart from the Mosaic law (Romans 3:20,21).
The gospel of grace and doctrines for the body of Christ, the Church, was a secret (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-11) hidden in the mind of God until revealed to the apostle Paul. In other words, between the time God called Abraham and the calling of the apostle Paul, there was NO message of salvation to the Gentile world (Ephesians 2:11,12).
The gospel of grace is most clearly defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
‘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
Paul’s Gospel
The apostle Paul Holy Spirit inspired of course, repeatedly referred to the gospel of grace as “my gospel” (Romans 2:16, 16.25; Galatians 2:2, 7: 2 Timothy 2:8). Paul could say this because the gospel of grace was in fact revealed to Paul alone and he was chosen by the ascended and risen Lord Himself to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13). These new revelations came approximately 10 years after Pentecost (Galatians 1:1,11-12;17).
All mankind during the age of grace will be judged according to Paul’s gospel.
‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.’
Romans 2:16
The Warning!
Paul warned mankind twice in Galatians, anyone that preached any other gospel then what was revealed to him by the ascended Lord Himself will be cursed.
‘But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.’
Galatians 1:8-9
The Gospel of the Kingdom
Jesus and the 12 preached the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:17; Matthew 9:35; Acts 3:19). Which was for the Jew only (Matthew 10:5,6; Luke 9,10; Matthew 15:24; John 4:22; Matthew 18:11; Romans 15:8). Appropriated by repentance, baptism, faith plus works. The content of the gospel of the kingdom was Jesus was Israel’s promised Messiah, the Son of God.
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
Matthew 9:35
The Apostle Peter’s Profession of Faith
Peter’s profession of faith was that he believed Jesus was in fact the Christ, the Son of God. Not that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead three days later. No way, how could that be Jesus was still alive! And the gospel of grace wouldn’t be revealed for another 10 years.
Yes, of course! Everything is based on the finished work of the cross but in time, at that time, that was all Peter or any other Jewish person was to believe for salvation.
‘He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar–jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. ‘
Matthew 16:15-17
The gospel of the kingdom began with John the Baptizer and ended during the Acts period (Acts 15:11). The gospel of the kingdom will pick up again when the body of Christ is raptured and the Lord turns His attention back to Israel to fulfill the remaining 7 years of the 490 years prophesied in Daniel 9. Also known as the tribulation, Jacob’s Trouble, or Daniel’s 70th week.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 24:14
Conclusion
The culmination of the gospel of the kingdom was an earthly kingdom by which Israel’s Messiah, Israel’s King, Jesus Christ would crush Israel’s enemies and rule over all the nations from David’s throne in Jerusalem. The entire old testament from Genesis 12, through the four gospels and into the early chapters of Acts, proclaims nothing but the King and the kingdom. God chose Israel to be the vehicle by which the world would be blessed. But in unbelief, just like Israel did at Kadesh Barnea, Israel rejected Jesus’ claims; ‘we will not have this man reign over us’ (Luke 19:14). And together with the Romans crucified the Prince of Life.
Because of Israel’s unbelief, God has temporarily blinded the Jewish people (Romans 11:25), destroyed the temple (as prophesied), and dispersed the Jewish people into every nation on the planet.
For the past 2000 years, since the time God called Saul who we know as Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles. It is the gospel of grace, appropriated by faith alone in the “finished” of the cross apart from the law that saves mankind.
‘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. ‘
Ephesians 2:11-12
But Now…
‘But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.’
Ephesians 2:13
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 7, 2020 | Daily Encouragement |
Glorifying God is the reason for mankind’s existence and for the believer, it is our chief purpose in everything we do
And rejoicing always, praying with supplication, and being thankful is a great way to bring honor and glory to God. This is the will of God.
‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
REJOICE – Believers are to have a spirit of Joy all the time regardless of what’s going on around us. Though the darkest times and in the best of times Joy is commanded. Why? Because Jesus Christ was victorious over sin, the law, Satan and even death and so too are we. This isn’t our home. Our home is with the Lord and soon we will be with Him bodily in glory forever. That’s a promise from God and that’s the “Joy” we rest in, always.
‘Rejoice always,’
I Thessalonians 5:16
Do all things without complaining and disputing,
Philippians 2:14
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
PRAY ALWAYS – God answers the prayers of believers! It may not be the answer we want but He will ALWAYS ANSWER. In Philippians 4:6 & 7, we have the command to worry about nothing but pray about everything, the criteria; to pray with thanksgiving and the promise; that no matter what happens God will give us peace. We Must Pray! No matter what trials and tribulations we face no matter how bleak the situation is, God WILL ALWAYS answer our prayers by imparting to us peace; God’s peace will guard believers from doubt, fear, distress, and anxiety. God’s peace will comfort and watch over our hearts and mind.
‘pray without ceasing, ‘
I Thessalonians 5:17
‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ‘
Philippians 4:6
‘praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— ‘
Ephesians 6:18
BE THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING – Simple, in every aspect of our daily lives we are to give thanks to God in Jesus Christ’s name. In other words, we can’t approach God with our request without first thanking Him in advance as you’re praying. Being thankful to God must be part of all our prayer requests. One of most significant traits of the unsaved world is that they are “thankless”. Paul makes that so clear in 2 Timothy 3:1,2.
‘in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’
I Thessalonians 5:18
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— ‘
Ephesians 6:18
‘giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. ‘
Colossians 1:12
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 6, 2020 | Bible Prophecy, Daily Encouragement |
The Spirit of Anti-Christ
The violent protesters and rioting are not just manifestations of sin and the curse and mankind’s Adamic nature doing what comes naturally. This is the overt and active spirit of anti-Christ spreading like fire across the planet. Which all part of the end-time scenario.
‘By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.’
I John 4:2-3
Organizations like Black Lives Matter, Antifa, and the Democratic Party are just “proxies” for the coming Beast and his beast system. Just like Iran has Hezbollah and Houthis the Beast has Black Lives Matter, Antifa, and the Democratic Party. All in line with one single goal to destroy everything and anything in its path. Demonically powered, preaching a gospel of death and despair under the guise of equality, justice, and a “New and Better World Order”.
These groups are bestial in nature just like their father (John 8;44) and in complete opposition to the Word of God. There is NO Scripture support for any of their demands or policies. Sadly, these entities are just a pretext and preparation for the beast: “the Anti-Christ”; “the lawless one”; “the man of sin”; “the son of perdition”, the one who will claim to be God. And his bestial world system.
‘Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.’
II Thessalonians 2:3-4
The spirit of anti-Christ has been on the scene since the fall of mankind back in Genesis 3. Jump ahead to the violent protest and riots of 2020 we have not just unprecedented destruction and violence. We are witnessing government leaders systematically impose decrees and policies that at any other time would seem moronic and delusional but because of the prevalent spirit of anti-Christ, they have successfully convinced the masses that good is bad and bad is good.
Unprecedented… I’ve Never Seen This Before…Not in My life Time…
Words heard more and more every day by people from all walks of life and belief systems. Speaking about the worldwide violence, murder, wars and rumors of war, blanket despair, famine, floods, and earthquakes in diverse places. All occurring at once along with the great apostasy and deception in the Church, we are right now at a point where there isn’t much further down in the gutter mankind can go.
The apostle Paul makes it clear to grace age believers and to the world in general exactly what the planet will look like just before the Lord comes for His Church. Let’s read 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Carefully read these verses, it is always a good idea to read a section of passages a few times before we can really latch on. Here in 2 Timothy verse 1, Paul is referring to the end of the Church Age (the gospel of grace and the body of Christ) and God is getting the stage set to pick up where He left off with the Nation of Israel and those final seven years. Remember 483 years of the 490 prophesied have been fulfilled on Palm Sunday.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 Timothy 3:1
In verses 2-5, you see an exact snapshot of what is going on in America
2 Timothy 3:2a
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
Are you seeing who is doing all the protesting and rioting? Kids… Yes, 90% of the protesters and rioters are just kids in their late teens and 20’s. The scripture is exact! It’s all part and parcel of the end-time scenario.
2 Timothy 3:2b-3a
“…unthankful, unholy, 3. Without natural affection…
When we hear about a mother drowning her kids or teenagers setting a police officer on fire and laughing while they film it, it’s frightening. It’s all part of the end-time scenario. And don’t expect things to change or go back to normal because it’s going to get worse, and not better. Finishing out verse 3 and reading into verse 4 we find more unholy attributes that are in our social media feeds daily and on television for the whole world to see.
2 Timothy 3b
… trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Timothy 3:4
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Lastly, and rounding out Paul’s warning of “perilous times” is the great deception in the Church which will be covered in another post. But rest assured Satan has his emissaries of light working overtime deceiving the masses. In 2 Timothy 3:5, Paul is referring to false teachers, that look great, sound great, but they are offspring of the evil one.
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
II Timothy 3:5
As believers today, what is our longing? For the Lord to come and “come quickly”. As we see America and the world falling apart, and literally going into the lap of the evil one, how can we help but cry out, “Lord come quickly.”
I’ll leave you with these encouraging passages from Romans 8.
‘For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.’
Romans 8:22-25
