by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 7, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?’
Galatians 4:16
Nothing has changed since the day the apostle Paul wrote Galatians. No one wants to hear the truth.
In Galatians 4:16, the apostle Paul expresses his concern for the church in Galatia (and for us today). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote this passage to address a pressing issue: false teachers had infiltrated the congregation, leading believers astray with a distorted and counterfeit gospel. This warning holds significance for us today, reminding us to be vigilant against false teachings that seek to distort the true gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
To understand the gravity of Paul’s words in Galatians 4:16, we can refer to Galatians chapters 1 and 2 and Acts chapter 15. In these passages, Paul recounts his encounters with the Jerusalem church leaders, including Peter, James, and John. Where God instructed Paul to go to the Jerusalem church to set them straight on what the gospel will be moving forward. They affirmed the message (Acts 15:11) Paul preached—the gospel of grace through faith in Christ alone in the finished work of the cross alone apart from the law and temple worship. However, false teachers infiltrated the Galatian church (spy’s from the Jerusalem church) challenging Paul’s authority and perverting the true gospel, the gospel by which all mankind will be judged.
‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my (the gospel of grace that the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus revealed to Paul, not the gospel of the kingdom) gospel.’
Romans 2:16
Paul’s purpose in writing Galatians was to reaffirm the authenticity of the gospel he preached (the gospel of the grace of God) and to correct the false teachings that threatened the Galatian believers (which was that Paul’s converts could not be saved by faith alone in the finished work but they need to keep the law, temple worship and be circumcised). He passionately defends the truth that salvation comes through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, apart from any works or adherence to the law. Read Acts 15 and Galatians 2 for the details.
This serves as a timely reminder for us today. We must remain discerning, guarding ourselves against false teachings and distortions of the true gospel. Let us hold steadfastly to the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), embracing the fact that our salvation rests solely on the finished work of Christ. We must be rooted in sound doctrine and truth, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and protect us from the allure of counterfeit gospels.
As we are witnessing unprecedented false teaching and the prophesied apostasy of the church, we must test everything against the truth of God’s Word. By diligently studying Scripture daily, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and remaining faithful to the true gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), we can navigate the spiritual challenges and the doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1) coming in like a tsunami and stand firm in the unchanging truth of Christ.
Takeaway
The takeaway is a warning from the apostle Paul. That there is only one gospel that saves mankind today and deviating from the one true gospel will bring condemnation.
‘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
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 29, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
As you read these Bible verses remember that Paul was in prison when he wrote this and it is breaking his heart that false teachers had come into this church in Philippi. Being in prison he can’t confront them only by the written Word.
Philippians 3:18
‘For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:’
Despite sharing some similarities with Paul’s teachings, these false teachers have twisted the Gospel message, resulting in their own condemnation and enmity against the cross of Christ. While they may believe they are proclaiming the Gospel and leading others in the right direction, the apostle’s words reveal the truth and evoke deep sorrow in him. Now, turning to verse 19, one would expect this to instill fear in some of them.
Philippians 3:19
‘whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.’
!! whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly… is this not crystal clear? It is their appetite for physical things that are most important to these or any false teachers. And what does it take to acquire “things”, money!
Today, we see it everywhere in “almost” every church. The body of Christ was never meant to have gigantic campuses with coffee bars, pools, basketball courts, a constant drive to gain more YouTube subscribers (under the guise of spreading the word), the neverending push to build a platform for “your church”, again under the guise that we can reach more people with the truth. Beloved, don’t believe it for a second. The gospel of grace does not need a platform, it needs faithful men proclaiming the good news. ‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. II Timothy 2:2’.
There are men, who sound great on “YouTube” or some other platform that fall in line with this warning from the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:18, 19. Because their god is their belly.
Just to clarify, there is nothing wrong with having nice things or even being wealthy. But when it comes to the body of Christ, which is His church money spent on anything other than preaching the gospel and edifying the saints falls under “whose god is their belly”. You can figure out for yourself what it cost and whats needed to spread the gospel.
To clarify, the Lord makes it crystal clear what He expects of men who preach and teach His Word, and what they are to expect in doing so. Read the verses below (and there are many more verses but these are explicit and so clear) and tell me if this lines up with massive church facilities, coffee bars, basketball courts, swimming pools, game rooms, and media centers for Christ.
‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.’
II Timothy 2:2-5,7
Takeaway
These passages by the apostle Paul highlight the pervasive presence of false teachings and the imminent danger they pose to the church. They serve as timely reminders for believers to stay vigilant, rooted in sound doctrine, and discerning of the deceptions that can lead to the falling away from the truth; the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. As the return of the Lord draws nearer, we must hold fast to the unchanging truths of Scripture and be diligent in guarding against false teachings that can erode our faith.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 28, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
“I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name.”
(Psalm 138:2)
In the midst of wickedness, immorality, and uncertainty that surround us, it is essential for believers to recognize the paramount importance of God’s Word. Psalm 138:2 beautifully reminds us of the exalted position of God’s Word above all else, because the Lord Jesus Himself is the Word and the Word is God and God is faithful. This truth should deeply resonate with our hearts and guide us in our daily lives.
In these tumultuous times, when the world seems to be drifting further away from God, we can find solace and strength in the unchanging truth of His Word. It is through His Word that God reveals His lovingkindness and truth, serving as an unwavering anchor for our souls. As we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, we encounter the character and promises of our faithful and sovereign God.
The Apostle Paul, who is the apostle for the Gentiles, and who alone was given the gospel and doctrine for this age of grace magnifies the importance of God’s word. In his letter to the Romans, he writes:
Romans 15:4 –
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, were not only written for the believers of their time but also for us today (building blocks for what we have today). They serve as a timeless source of instruction, and guidance teaching us valuable lessons and providing us with hope and comfort in the midst of trials. As we study ALL of God’s Word, we discover the faithfulness of God throughout biblical history and find encouragement (because God is faithful) to trust Him in our present circumstances.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 –
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Paul reminds us of the divine origin (God-breathed) and purpose of each and every passage in the Bible. It is inspired by God Himself and holds immense value in shaping our lives. The Word of God serves multiple purposes: teaching us sound doctrine, convicting us of sin, correcting our ways, and training us in righteousness. Through Scripture, we are equipped to live out our faith, reflecting the character of Christ and fellow workers with God in His field to produce good works that bring glory to Him (1 Corinthians 3:9-12).
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.”
In this verse, the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, and by extension, all believers, to diligently engage in the study of God’s Word. The command to “study” implies a devoted effort, a disciplined pursuit of understanding and applying Scripture. The purpose of this diligent study is to gain God’s approval and to be recognized as faithful and competent in handling His Word.
Paul further emphasizes the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth. This involves correctly handling the Scriptures, and accurately interpreting and applying them within their appropriate contexts (who’s writing, who is the writer writing to, what are the circumstances, what came before and what came after). By doing so, believers become skilled workmen, able to discern and communicate the truth effectively.
In summary, 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages believers to prioritize the study of God’s Word, seeking His approval by becoming adept at handling the Scriptures with accuracy, discernment, and a deep desire to understand and live out its truths.
Takeaway
Believers, let us prioritize the study and meditation of God’s Word, especially in these challenging times. As we delve into the Scriptures, we encounter the lovingkindness and truth of our Heavenly Father, which provides strength, direction, and hope. Let us remain anchored in the unchanging truth of His Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. In doing so, we will be equipped to navigate the uncertainties of this world and shine brightly as beacons of God’s light and love.
Remember: God’s Word stands firm, steadfast, and relevant in every season of life. Let it be our daily source of comfort, guidance, and encouragement.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 26, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
II Timothy 3:1-13, 4:1-4
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 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! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.”
“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
In the face of today’s unfolding events, we stand in the very midst of the prophetic warnings penned by the Apostle Paul in II Timothy 3:1-13, 4:1-4. The rise of political and religious liberalism, intricately intertwined with the end-time scenario, relentlessly undermines the very foundations of Christianity and challenges the integrity of our cherished Constitutional form of government here in America. While reversing this course is impossible, yet as faithful believers, we are called to stand firm (like a dam holding back a river of evil) against these encroaching forces of evil with the truth (God’s Word/the Bible).
Admonition
Let these powerful verses resonate within us as a reminder of the perilous times in which we live. The Apostle Paul’s charge to Timothy and to all those who desire to teach the Word of God echoes through the ages, urging us to heed his admonition found in I Timothy 1:3-10. As darkness surrounds us, we must be unwavering in our commitment to preach the Word, remaining prepared at all times. With conviction, we must convince, rebuke, and exhort, demonstrating patience and steadfastness in our teaching. For there will come a time when people will reject sound doctrine, driven by their own desires, seeking teachers who cater to their itching ears, turning away from the truth, and embracing fables.
‘As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.’
I Timothy 1:3-11
In the midst of these perilous times, let us rise up as beacons of truth, unyielding in our defense of the Gospel, and unshakable in our commitment to stand for righteousness. May our actions reflect the unwavering faith that Paul entrusted to Timothy, as we navigate the false teaching and tumultuous events of this age with unwavering resolve, knowing that the Lord Himself will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 23, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Here are 10 Bible verses that highlight the transformative power of the gospel of grace, centered on the finished work of the cross:
These verses highlight the transformative power of the gospel, rooted in the finished work of the cross. Through Christ’s death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection, believers experience salvation, redemption, reconciliation, and newness of life. It is through faith alone in the gospel alone that we find forgiveness, freedom (from sin and the law), and the promise of eternal life.
‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ‘
II Corinthians 5:17
- Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 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.
- Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
- Colossians 1:20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
- 1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
- Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
- Colossians 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
We become a New Creation
https://mesabiblestudy.com/5-bible-verses-reminding-believers-that-we-are-a-new-creation/