by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 17, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
It’s crucial to avoid the “Headline Hysteria” coming in like a tsunami across Christendom and focus on studying the word of God. Believers will not be accountable to the Lord Jesus at the “Bema Seat” for knowing the latest headline news story but for our knowledge of His word (His revealed will) and what we did as ambassadors for Christ.
The apostle Paul makes it clear that we are to Study the Bible.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
It is impossible for Christians to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord by allowing ourselves to be caught up and dwelling in the daily “headline hysteria”. The ONLY way to grow in grace and knowledge and be pleasing to the Lord is by studying His word and letting it “dwell in us richly…”
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Takeaway
Of course, we are to be aware and ever discerning the times but we can not be ambassadors for Christ without studying His word. Our salvation is more than just a fire escape! We are to study the Bible daily and share the gospel daily period.
‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
Here are five Bible verses from the apostle Paul that parallel Colossians 3:16, along with a short comment on each verse:
- Ephesians 5:19: “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to engage in joyful worship through music and songs. Singing praises to the Lord not only uplifts our spirits but also fosters unity and edification among believers.
- Romans 15:14: “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”
- Comment: Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being filled with knowledge and goodness. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, we are equipped to encourage and admonish one another in love, fostering spiritual growth and maturity.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to provide comfort and edification to one another. By offering encouragement, support, and building one another up in faith, we contribute to a positive and nurturing community of believers.
- Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
- Comment: Paul emphasizes the importance of our words and how we communicate with others. Our speech should be filled with grace and wisdom, seasoned with the salt of kindness and truth. This enables us to respond to others in a way that reflects Christ’s love and brings glory to God.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to actively participate and contribute to the edification of the church when they come together. Each member has something to offer, whether it’s a psalm, teaching, spiritual gift, or revelation. When we come together, our focus should be on building up one another in faith.
Recommended Reading
Sensationalism vs. Scripture: Don’t Get Caught Up in End Time Speculation
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 14, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. ‘
II Corinthians 5:9-10
Verse 9: “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”
In this verse, Paul expresses the purpose and goal that drives him and should drive all believers. Regardless of our physical presence with Christ or being separated from Him while on earth, our ultimate aim is to be pleasing to the Lord. This speaks to the desire for believers to honor God with their actions and conduct.
Verse 10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Here, Paul highlights the reality that all believers will face a future judgment, known as the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment is distinct from the judgment of condemnation for sin, as believers have already been justified through faith in Christ. Instead, this judgment focuses on evaluating believers’ actions and deeds during their earthly lives.
These passages remind us that our choices and actions on earth have eternal consequences. While salvation is a free gift received by faith alone, the judgment seat of Christ underscores the importance of living for Christ and striving to be well-pleasing to Him. Let us seize every opportunity to fulfill our calling as ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation and building up the body of Christ, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded at the appointed time of the judgment seat of Christ.
We are Saved Unto (to do) Good Works
‘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. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.’
Ephesians 2:8-10
It is important to note that this judgment is not for the purpose of determining salvation. Rather, it is a reckoning of our works as believers. Did we fulfill our calling as ambassadors for Christ, sharing the gospel and living out the implications of our reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 5:20)? This passage underscores the significance of our role and actions as representatives of Christ. The emphasis is on the heart-led quality of their service and their faithfulness in proclaiming the message of reconciliation to others.
While all believers will stand before the Bema seat judgment, the rewards received will vary. Some may receive significant rewards for their faithful service, while others may receive few or none. However, the absence of rewards does not imply the loss of eternal salvation or fellowship with God. Paul illustrates this in 2 Timothy 2:20, where he refers to vessels of different materials in a great house. Some vessels are honorable, while others are less honorable. In the same way, even within God’s household, there will be variations in the rewards received at the Bema seat.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
II Timothy 2:20
As believers, we are encouraged to live purposefully, investing our time, talents, and resources in fulfilling God’s will and sharing the gospel. While the Bema seat judgment may reveal areas where we fell short, our eternal salvation remains secure through faith in the finished work of the cross. Our focus should be on faithfully serving and glorifying God, rather than solely seeking worldly gain and personal rewards.
Let us, therefore, be motivated by love and gratitude for our Savior, knowing that our faithfulness in fulfilling our God-given responsibilities will be evaluated at the Bema seat. May we strive to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21), and eagerly anticipate the rewards that await us in eternity.
STRONGS NT 968: βῆμα “BEMA”
βῆμα, βήματος, τό (from ΒΑΩ, βαίνω) (fr. Homer (h. Merc.), Pindar down);
1. a step, pace: βῆμα ποδός the space which the foot covers, a foot-breadth, Acts 7:5 (for כַּף־רֶגֶל, Deuteronomy 2:5, cf. Xenophon, an. 4, 7, 10; Cyril 7, 5, 6).
2. a raised place mounted by steps; a platform, tribune: used of the official seat of a judge, Matthew 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 18:12, 16; Acts 25:6, 10,(17); of the judgment-seat of Christ, Romans 14:10 (L T Tr WH τοῦ Θεοῦ); 2 Corinthians 5:10; of the structure, resembling a throne, which Herod built in the theater at Caesarea, and from which he used to view the games and make speeches to the people, Acts 12:21; (of an orator’s pulpit, 2 Macc. 13:26; Nehemiah 8:4. Xenophon, mem. 3, 6, 1; Herodian, 2, 10, 2 (1, Bekker edition)).
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul makes crystal clear the calling and role of every believer as an ambassador for Christ. As members of the body of Christ, we are entrusted with the task of representing Christ and sharing the gospel of the grace of God with others.
This imagery carries significant weight, as it reflects our role in representing and embodying Christ’s message of reconciliation to the world.
An ambassador serves as a representative of their country, carrying the authority and message of the one they represent. As ambassadors for Christ, we bear the responsibility of representing Him to a world that desperately needs to hear the “good news”.
Our calling as ambassadors emphasizes the significance and responsibility of our role in proclaiming the good news of salvation. Through the finished work of the cross, God has already reconciled mankind to Himself. However, this reconciliation cannot be appropriated by individuals unless they hear and believe in the message of salvation.
Referring to Romans 10:13-18, we understand that the process of salvation begins with someone sharing or proclaiming the gospel. As ambassadors for Christ, we have the privilege and obligation to communicate the message of God’s grace and His redemptive work in Christ.
Romans 10:13-18
‘For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “ Lord , who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.”’
Additionally, the response of the hearer is crucial. Salvation is received by faith alone. Those who hear the gospel message have the opportunity to believe in it, trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross as the means of their reconciliation with God.
Takeaway
Therefore, as ambassadors for Christ, we are commissioned to fulfill our calling diligently. We are to boldly proclaim the gospel, demonstrating God’s love, mercy, and grace to a world in need of salvation. Our role as ambassadors is not to impose or coerce but to faithfully share the truth, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who hear, leading them to believe and receive the gift of salvation.
Let us embrace our calling as ambassadors for Christ, driven by love and compelled by the urgency of sharing the gospel of the grace of God. May we faithfully proclaim the message of reconciliation, knowing that through our testimony and obedience, individuals can encounter the transformative power of God’s grace and experience eternal reconciliation with Him.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ‘
II Timothy 3:1
In 2 Timothy 3:1, Paul urges believers, “But know (we are to KNOW, we are to see the signs of times) this, that in the last days, perilous times will come.” These words alert us to the signs that will accompany the end of the Church Age, leading up to the biblical event known as the rapture. It is crucial to understand that these signs indicate the imminent return of Christ for His body, the Church, and should not be confused with worldwide cataclysmic stage-setting events we are witnessing today prior to the beginning of the seven years of tribulation and then our Lord’s second coming.
‘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 3:2-5
As we witness the unfolding of 2 Timothy 3:1–5—along with the warnings of 1 Timothy 4:1–3 and Romans 1—we can see the stage being set for the next phase of God’s divine plan with the nation of Israel. The present Church Age is drawing to a close, and God is aligning world events to resume the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. These promises will come back into focus during the final seven years, the period Scripture calls the Tribulation, or “Jacob’s Trouble.”
It is crucial to differentiate between the signs leading up to the rapture, when believers will be caught up to meet Christ in the air, and the signs indicating Christ’s second coming. The signs of the departure or rapture of the body of Christ are described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and Romans 1:18-32. They involve moral and spiritual decay, a complete rejection of truth worldwide both in the church and secular world (as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Romans 1:18-32). Combined with worldwide unprecedented apostasy across all of “Christendom”, as outlined in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. Yes, the world has always been immoral and there have always been false teachers but these verses along with other warning signs make clear that we will see all the signs converge. AND WE ARE AT CONVERGENCE RIGHT NOW.
Remember at the Rapture, the Lord Jesus Christ comes for the Saints. And at the Second Coming, the Lord Jesus comes with the Saints. Let’s take a look at the Old Testament, the Book of Zechariah 14 verse 4. Understanding context and language is crucial, this is clearly speaking of the Lord’s Second Coming. The Old Testament prophecy says:
Zechariah 14:4
“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,…”
What did the two angels say to the apostles as they witnessed the Lord Jesus ascend to glory?
‘who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”’
Acts 1:11
The angels were pointing directly to Zechariah 14:4—a passage that unmistakably describes the Lord’s glorious Second Coming. This is not symbolic or spiritual language. The same Jesus who ascended will return to the same place from which He departed—the Mount of Olives. When He does, His feet will touch the ground, triggering a great earthquake that will split the mount in two and create a vast valley. Scripture presents this in plain, unmistakable terms: the visible, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ as the conquering Warrior-King. Not a word about meeting believers in the clouds.
On the other hand:
The apostle Paul writes in I Thessalonians 4:17:
‘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.’
That could not be any more clear. For the Church, the Lord only comes to the air. For the Second Coming, He comes to the Mount of Olives.
Takeaway
Currently, we are witnessing a global fulfillment of the signs mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. It is alarming to see the celebration and promotion of teachings aligned with the doctrines of demons. Take a moment to carefully read through these verses and discern the gravity of the situation.
‘Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ‘
I Timothy 4:1-3
Today, in the world and in the church we are witnessing “the signs of the times” mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and Romans 1. These signs must be a reminder that we are without a doubt closer than ever to the departure of the body of Christ which is His church – Amen. As believers, we need to stay alert, recognizing the signs and understanding the context in which they are unfolding. Rather than being fearful, we should be filled with hope and anticipation, ‘sharing the gospel of grace at all cost’, knowing that our redemption draws near.
It is important for individuals of all ages, to grasp the significance of these signs and their connection to biblical prophecy. As we witness the signs of the last days, let us remain steadfast in our faith, continually seeking God’s guidance and living in readiness for the Lord’s return. May we be encouraged by the fulfillment of Scripture and the assurance that God’s plans are unfolding just as He has ordained.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 7, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Exodus 33:19, we witness a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” These words reveal the depths of God’s authority and control over all things. He dispenses His grace and compassion according to His divine will and purpose.
As believers, we should revel in the fact that we serve a God who is in absolute control. This is His world; we are His people, intricately crafted by His hands. Even the cattle on a thousand hills belong to Him (Psalm 50:10). As believers we should find great comfort and assurance in knowing that every aspect of our lives is under His watchful care.
Above all, let us rejoice in the astounding grace God has poured upon us. Because of His great love and mercy in sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, shed His blood, was buried and raised from the dead three days later (the gospel) – He has not only rescued us from eternal damnation but also guaranteed us eternal fellowship with Him in heaven. Our salvation rests entirely on His sovereignty and unwavering love.
In times of uncertainty or when faced with challenges, we can find comfort in the knowledge that our God is sovereign. He holds our lives in His hands, and His grace and compassion are lavished upon us. Let us humbly rest in His sovereignty, trust in His perfect plan, and live each day with gratitude for the immeasurable grace He has bestowed upon us.
‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.’
Galatians 2:20