by Jamie Pantastico | May 31, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.’
Psalms 34:18-19
Life can be filled with constant turmoil and tribulation, where heartache seems never-ending. In these moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lose hope. But take heart, for even in the midst of your trials, God is near. He sees your pain, and He is faithful to bring you comfort and peace.
In the Old Testament, we find the psalmist proclaiming the goodness of the Lord, assuring us that He is close to the brokenhearted. In times of distress, remember that God’s love and presence are unwavering. He is your refuge and strength, ready to carry you through every trial.
We are never promised a life of smooth sailing and roses. On the contrary, we are promised trials and much tribulation. Here are three Bible verses from the apostle Paul that highlight the reality of struggles and trials in the life of a believer:
2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Romans 8:35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Turning to the four Gospels, we see Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offering solace to the weary and burdened. He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Find refuge in Jesus’ open invitation. Seek His presence, surrender your burdens to Him, and allow Him to bring you true rest and restoration.
The apostle Paul, who faced numerous tribulations from the moment God saved him reminds us of the glory ahead. He writes, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Our trials may seem overwhelming now, but they are temporary. In the grand scheme of eternity, they pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us in Christ.
So, hold on to hope. Let the promises of God’s nearness, the rest found in Jesus, and the blessed hope offered by Paul’s words strengthen and encourage you. Remember that God is working in and through your tribulations, molding you into the person He created you to be for His purposes.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in the midst of my turmoil and tribulation, I thank You for Your nearness and saving grace. Help me find rest, comfort, and strength to endure, knowing that Your plans for me are good and that what lay ahead for me is glorious. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 29, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Throughout the pages of the Bible, we witness a remarkable progression of God’s purpose and plan of salvation for humanity. One significant aspect of this progression is the distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles, first observed in Exodus 11:7. This separation continued until the revelations given to Paul regarding the mystery of the Gospel of Grace, some 2000 years later. Furthermore, in Romans 11, the apostle Paul writes ‘For God has committed them all (the nation of Israel) to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all (the Gentile world). Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Romans 11:32-33.
What an amazing and completely overlooked passage Romans 11:32 is, as is the entire chapter 11 of the book of Romans. Where God reveals to Paul that it was predetermined that He would commit ‘all’ His chosen people to disobedience so that He could pour out His grace unto ALL MANKIND with the gospel of grace! AMAZING BIBLICAL TRUTH…that not only shows God sovereignly separated the Jews from the Gentile world for almost 2000 years but that He also predetermined to make salvation available to ALL MANKIND, by faith alone in the finished work of the cross alone apart from the Mosaic law and temple worship. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Jew Only
In Acts 11:19, we see that the preaching of the word which was Old Testament, that Jesus was Israel’s promised Messiah (there was no New Testament or Paul’s epistles as yet), was to whom? Jew only! These were Jews that scattered after the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7, and who was one of the main characters leading this persecution of the Jews that recognized that Jesus was the Christ? Saul, who we now know as the apostle Paul.
‘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
This division between Jews and Gentiles traces back to around 2000 BC, as depicted in Genesis 12. It is vital to understand the Bible to grasp that before the calling of Abraham and the establishment of this distinction, God directly interacted with all of mankind, who shared a common language. Yet due to humanity’s continual defiance of God’s commands, He chose one man—Abram, known as Abraham—to create a people for Himself, the Jewish people, and would reveal Himself only to the nation of Israel.
Through the nation of Israel, the Jewish people, God’s chosen ones, brought forth Scripture, the Ten Commandments, the gospel, and the teachings for righteous living. And it is through the nation of Israel that our Savior, who is Jewish, Jesus Christ, God the Son, will come on the scene in the flesh as the once for all sacrifice for the sin of the world.
One of the keys to truly understanding the Bible is understanding the difference between Israel and the body of Christ, which is His church. The theme of Scripture until we, the body of Christ, are even revealed is all Jewish, all to the nation of Israel, that one day a Messiah would come to the nation of Israel (not Gentiles) and be their King, crushing Israel’s enemies (who are Gentiles, read Luke 1:67-75), with the nation of Israel as the top nation above all nations with their King, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ruling from David’s throne in Jerusalem.
Before we delve into the following five verses that delineate this separation of Jew and Gentile, let us first turn our attention to Exodus 33:12-17, where a profound declaration is made—Israel, the chosen people of God, is unmistakably revealed. Additionally, in Exodus 33:18-19, God openly proclaims to both the world and Moses the reasons behind His choosing of Israel as His own. His sovereign nature shines through as He bestows His grace and mercy upon those He chooses.
The following verses clearly and unmistakably declare that the Jewish people are God’s chosen people, not the Gentile world. I know most of Christianity does not accept this truth, but God Himself makes this graphically clear in these verses and in all of the Old and New Testaments. God does not change, nor can He lie (Psalm 89:33-37).
Exodus 33:12-17
‘Then Moses said to the Lord , “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.”’
Then God gives the reason why He chose Abraham to create a people for Himself.
God proclaims to Moses and the world, “Why? “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
Exodus 33:18-19
‘And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”’
Here are five key passages that trace this theme of the separation of Jews from the Gentile world:
#1
Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3): God promises Abraham that he will become a great nation, blessed and separate from others. This is the foundational promise of Israel’s distinction from the Gentiles.
Genesis 12:1-3
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”“`
#2
Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:4-6): God separates the Israelites as His “treasured possession” among all nations, further establishing their uniqueness.
Exodus 19:4-5
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 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. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’`
#3
Sabbatic Covenant (Exodus 31:12-18): This covenant sets the Israelites apart through the Sabbath, a sign between God and the Israelites throughout their generations.
#4
Land Covenant (Deuteronomy 9:1-29): God promises to give Israel a land where they will be established as a nation.
#5
Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:4-29): God promises David an eternal dynasty, further setting Israel apart.
Temporary Blinding of the Nation of Israel
In Acts 7, 36-37 AD, Stephen’s stoning marks Israel’s final rejection of Jesus as the Messiah (Israel’s promised King), which in turn allows (sovereignly and predetermined before time began) for the calling of Paul (approximately 37 AD). With the Apostle Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:1-2) comes the revelation of the Gospel of Grace, extending salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, as depicted in Acts 20:24 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This marks the temporary blinding of Israel (as the favored nation, temporarily), as mentioned in Romans 11, and the beginning of the Church Age, the age of grace, where there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ Jesus. The middle wall of partition has been broken down by the blood of Christ, and all mankind has access to Israel’s God apart from the law and temple worship (Ephesians 2:11-13; Romans 3:21).
Ephesians 2:11-12
‘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.’
But now, after the cross, after the stoning of Stephen, after God calls Saul, whom we now know as the apostle Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, the next verse…
‘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 | May 28, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Romans 3:21–26, the apostle Paul unveils a powerful truth that lies at the core of our faith: salvation through faith alone in the finished work of the cross. It is in this passage that the incredible magnitude of God’s redemptive plan unfolds.
We learn that regardless of our past failures and sins, God has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him. Through the sacrifice and shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, a path to righteousness and salvation is made available to all who believe. Our justification is not achieved through our own works or merit but by faith in what Christ has accomplished.
The blood shed by Jesus on Calvary’s hill has the power to cleanse us from sin and bring us into a right relationship with God. It is through His sacrifice that God’s justice is satisfied, and His love and mercy are poured out abundantly upon us.
Let us remember that our salvation is a gift, freely given by God’s grace. As we embrace this truth, our hearts are filled with gratitude, and our life is transformed, we are new creation. May we walk in the assurance that we are justified through faith in the finished work of the cross, trusting in God’s unfailing love and mercy.
Key Scripture:
‘being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, ‘
Romans 3:24-25
Bible Reading
Here are three Bible verses that affirm the truth of salvation by faith alone in the finished work of the cross:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV):
“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.”
Romans 3:28 (NKJV):
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”
Galatians 2:16 (NKJV):
“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
These verses make it clear that our salvation is not attained through our own efforts or good deeds, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ and the grace of God. It is through His finished work on the cross that we are justified and receive the gift of salvation.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 25, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In a chaotic, unloving world covered with darkness and deception, there is a desperate need for the Truth. It is the very essence of Christ’s sacrificial love—His crucifixion, shed blood, burial, and glorious resurrection. This is the gospel, the epitome of God’s extraordinary love for mankind.
Let us not shy away from sharing this heart-transforming message. The world around us thirsts for the hope, redemption, and eternal life found in this Truth. Amidst the darkness of this world ruled by Satan, we are called to be beacons of light, heralding the gospel with boldness and compassion.
As we boldly proclaim the Truth, hearts will be transformed, lives will be restored, and the world will witness the power of God’s love in action. Share the truth, for it has the power to break chains, heal wounds, and bring eternal salvation to those in need.
This is the gospel (Truth):
‘Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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: ‘
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
All mankind will be judged by this Truth (the gospel):
At the Great White Throne judgment, all the lost will be judged according to the gospel revealed to the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
‘in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. ‘
Romans 2:16
by Jamie Pantastico | May 22, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
In the light of God’s incredible love and mercy towards us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, we are called to a higher standard of living. Let go of ALL (not just what suits you) bitterness, anger, and judgment. Instead, embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Just as Christ forgave us completely, let us extend that same grace to others. We are to live a life marked by love, understanding, and reconciliation. Remember, as believers, we are all recipients of God’s boundless mercy and amazing grace (unmerited favor), and it is through our actions that His love shines brightly in this dark world around us.
Bible Reading
The Power of Bible Study: Understanding God’s Word
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
Don’t just skim through these passages; take out your Bible, open its pages, and dive deep into the Word of God. It’s not enough to read; we must study and meditate on the verses. The truth is, understanding Scripture requires repeated readings, prayerful reflection, and dedicated study. You don’t need advanced degrees to comprehend God’s message; all you need is a humble heart, a hunger for knowledge, and a willingness to invest time in studying His Word.
As you dig into the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit will illuminate your understanding. With each repetition, new insights will unfold, deeper meanings will surface, and the message of God’s love and truth will penetrate your soul, strengthening your faith which is your shield against the evil one; ‘above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one’ Ephesians 6:16. Embrace the transformative power of studying the Word, for it equips you as a faithful servant, approved by God, who rightly divides the truth.
Galatians 2:20
‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.’
Colossians 3:1-11
‘If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.’
II Corinthians 5:14-15,17
‘For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’