by Jamie Pantastico | May 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
The current global financial crisis, wars, and the rise of apostate Christianity have led many believers to indulge in the sensationalism of these events. Some ministries are excessively preoccupied with the end-time events and the coming of the Antichrist and the Beast System, with no teaching, only using scripture to sensationalize current events. Although it’s crucial to study end-time events and understand the “signs of the times,” it’s no more or less important than any other doctrine in scripture.
Clear Signs of the End Times for Grace Age Believers
As grace age believers, the apostle Paul writes in II Timothy chapter 3 and makes it abundantly clear what the world will look like just before the Lord comes for His church – His body or the rapture. The cataclysmic events mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are related to the Lord’s second coming, not the rapture of the Church. The only sign grace age believers are to look for is the complete moral breakdown of society delineated in the verse below.
‘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!’
II Timothy 3:1-5
As believers, we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by speculation on end-time events. Instead, we must focus on sharing the Gospel and living a life that pleases God. We must remember that God is sovereign and in control of all things, including the end times. Our mission is to serve Him as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), love others, and be ready for Christ’s return whenever it happens.
Let’s not be distracted by end-time sensationalism and instead focus on what really matters – studying the word of God daily, living a life that honors God, and sharing the good news of salvation with those around us.
https://mesabiblestudy.com/before-the-end-of-all-things-and-the-new-heaven-new-earth/
by Jamie Pantastico | May 9, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In a world filled with chaos and darkness, the gospel of Jesus Christ remains the only truth that guides our lives. And in our day-to-day lives, we must focus on what is good, and the only source of good in this wicked world is the word of God. In Philippians 4:8-9 the apostle Paul makes it so clear what we are to be thinking about on a daily basis.
‘Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.’
Philippians 4:8
Remember, the only place we can find the “good” things mentioned in the verse above is in and through His word (the Bible).
As believers, we can not look to anything this evil world has to offer as a source of truth, we will always be led astray and have no hope. Instead, let’s meditate daily on the Word of God and His promises. By doing so, we will experience the peace of God, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
- Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
- Isaiah 26:3-4 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” ‘Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord , is everlasting strength.’
by Jamie Pantastico | May 5, 2023 | Devotionals |
Psalm 90:14
“O satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
Devotional
As you start your day, ask the Lord to fill your heart with His mercy and grace. His love and kindness will satisfy your soul and enable you to rejoice and be glad, even amidst the day’s challenges. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Trusting in God’s mercy will help us maintain a joyful spirit and provide strength during difficult times.
Daily Reading:
Each of these passages echoes the sentiment of Psalm 90:14, emphasizing the importance of rejoicing, being patient during tribulations, and finding renewal in the Lord’s mercy each day.
Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
As you go through this devotional and Bible reading, remember that God’s mercy and grace are available to you every day. Allow His love and kindness to bring joy and gladness into your life, even during challenging times. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer, knowing that the Lord is your strength and your salvation.
Please consider sharing this with someone. Or on social media. The word of God is powerful.
Have a blessed day!
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by Jamie Pantastico | May 2, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Part 1 of “The God of All Comfort,” we discovered that God is our ultimate source of comfort and strength during difficult times. In Part 2, we look at the foundation for this divine support: the gospel.
‘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
The gospel, as defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, is the core reason for everything God does on our behalf. The death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the power and source of all comfort, hope, strength, and eternal life for all believers.
Romans 1:16 reminds us that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, while 1 Corinthians 15:55–57 declares the gospel’s victory over Satan, sin, the law, and even death itself. The gospel’s transformative power overcame all of Satan’s power as a result believers have comfort and strength amidst life’s challenges.
‘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. ‘
Romans 1:16
‘“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
I Corinthians 15:55-57
As believers, let us rejoice in the gospel, remembering that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the very foundation of our faith and the source of our comfort. Through the gospel, we are empowered to face tribulation with confidence, knowing that we are more than conquerors in Christ.
‘Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ‘
Romans 8:37
Study these verses to deepen your understanding: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:55–57. Embrace the power of the gospel in your life and let it be your constant source of hope, strength, and comfort.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 30, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ‘
Titus 2:13
!!The picture in this post was taken while I was driving through downtown Phoenix, Arizona, a week ago. I couldn’t make out the church name to give credit. Nevertheless, it’s awesome to see this posted randomly on a wall. Praise God.
In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, it’s essential for believers to fix their eyes on the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ. In Titus 2:13-14, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the “blessed hope” that we have as Christians: the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Christ’s return is not only a promise for the future but also a source of strength and encouragement for today. He “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). This means that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross not only saves us from the consequences of sin but also empowers us to live godly lives in this present evil and dark world. Where Paul makes so clear in Titus 2:11 – 12, that it is possible for believers to live soberly, righteously, and godly lives in this present age.
‘For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ‘
Titus 2:11-12
So don’t be discouraged! As we eagerly await Christ’s return, let us be encouraged by the knowledge that He is at work in our lives, transforming us into a people who reflect His love, grace, and righteousness. May the blessed hope of our Savior’s return inspire us to share our faith with our loved ones who do not yet know the Lord, knowing that our redemption draws near.