by Jamie Pantastico | May 29, 2025 | Daily Devotional |
For Your Edification and Encouragement
God’s Plan Through Israel and the Church – Part 8
Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
Romans 15:8
Jesus came to fulfill the promises made to the fathers and offer the Kingdom to Israel. He came as the promised Messiah—performing miracles, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and confirming that the time had come.
“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
— Matthew 4:17
The majority of Christendom, whether Church members or not, assume that the opening of Matthew Chapter 1 marks the start of Christianity. That the Lord Jesus has arrived to start the Church, this is a misconception. At this point, the narrative remains an extension of God’s covenant with Israel, rooted in Old Testament promises. In Luke Chapter 1, as the angel’s announcement to Mary reveals, Jesus enters the scene not primarily to proclaim His death on the cross for the world’s sins—though that is undoubtedly part of God’s plan—but to fulfill the promises made to Israel. With 2 exceptions, the context of the Four Gospels is distinctly Jewish, and language and the context make it undeniable.
It’s also important to recognize that these events unfold under the Law. The Temple is still active, sacrifices continue, and even those who become followers of Christ (those who believed that Jesus was indeed Israel’s promised Messiah, the Son of God) retain their Jewish practices. Jesus does not rebuke them for this, quite the opposite. The Lord Jesus doesn’t tell them that they are Law no longer under the law—that’s a revelation that comes many years later (around 14 years later) through Paul. This reflects the Bible’s progressive revelation: God doesn’t disclose everything at once. And why it is so important to study the Bible in time, not getting ahead of events as they unfold. While prophecy abounds in the Old Testament, some truths remain hidden until God chooses to unveil them. In Luke Chapter 1, the angel’s announcement to Mary sets the stage for Christ’s first advent, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel.
Take time to read the passages below carefully—and pay close attention to the language. Read these verses in real time, as if the events are unfolding before your eyes. This will help you see clearly that the angel is announcing the imminent birth of Israel’s promised Messiah—the One who will crush Israel’s enemies and establish the promised kingdom, ruling and reigning from David’s throne in Jerusalem, on Mount Zion.
‘Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus . He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”’
Luke 1:30-33
The following passages make it even clearer that Christ’s first advent was to fulfill the covenant promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. In Luke 1:67–75, we find Zacharias—John the Baptist’s father and a priest—speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And what does he proclaim?
In the opening words of what many call the “New Testament,” Zacharias praises and exalts the Lord God of Israel. But notice what he emphasizes—not primarily salvation from sin (though that is part of the overall plan)—but deliverance from Israel’s enemies.
What enemies?
The same enemies that surround Israel today.
Read these verses carefully. Pay attention to the language. You don’t need to be a seminary graduate—just read the plain text. And do this: read the verses in real time, as if you’re watching the events unfold in the present moment. When you do, it becomes unmistakably clear:
- This passage is about Israel.
- It’s about the redemption of Israel.
- It’s about the fulfillment of the covenant God made with the patriarchs.
Luke 1:67-75
Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
Israel’s Rejection Was Foreknown
From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was opposed by the religious leaders. They questioned His authority, rejected His miracles, and attributed His works to Satan (Matthew 12:24).
This accusation marked a national turning point. From that moment, Jesus began to speak in parables and focus more on preparing His disciples for what was to come.
Betrayed by His Own
Though multitudes followed Him for miracles, the nation as a whole did not believe that He was indeed the Israel’s Messiah. When given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, they chose a murderer.
“We have no king but Caesar!”
— John 19:15
The Cross Was Not the End of the Offer
Even after the crucifixion, in the early chapters of Acts, God offered Israel the Kingdom again—through Peter and the apostles:
“Repent therefore and be converted… that He may send Jesus Christ… whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration…”
— Acts 3:19–21
But once again, the leaders rejected the message. The final act of national rejection came in Acts 7, with the stoning of Stephen.
Why This Matters
Jesus was the promised King. The Kingdom was offered. But Israel—as a nation—rejected it. They crucified their Messiah and refused to repent, even after the resurrection.
This doesn’t mean God’s promises failed. It simply means the prophetic program was paused—and something brand new was about to be revealed.
by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 20, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul encourages believers with three powerful exhortations: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” These verses form a simple yet profound guide for daily living as a follower of Christ.
Rejoice Always
Our joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but on our relationship with God. No matter what life throws at us, we can rejoice in the knowledge that we are loved, saved, and secure in Christ.
Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is our lifeline to God. It’s not just for emergencies or special occasions; it should be a constant, ongoing conversation with our Creator. When we pray continually, we keep our hearts aligned with His will, seeking His guidance and strength in everything we do.
Give Thanks in Everything
Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. When we thank God in all circumstances, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust that He is working all things together for our good. It’s a practice that deepens our faith and fills us with peace.
Daily Power-Up:
As you go through your day, remember these three commands: rejoice, pray, and give thanks. Let them guide your thoughts and actions, keeping you connected to God’s purpose for your life. No matter what challenges you face, know that in Christ, you have the strength to endure and the assurance of His unwavering love.
Reflect on these verses today and let them be a source of encouragement and empowerment as you navigate your daily walk in this ungodly world.
by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 14, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Devotional: Jesus never promised a life free from tribulations, but He did promise us peace in Him. His resurrection power has already overcome the world, and through His victory on the cross, we can find hope and courage. No matter what challenges we face, Christ’s triumph assures us that we, too, can overcome.
Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 15:54-56:
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption (by physical death or rapture), and this mortal has put on immortality (our glorified bodies), then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘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 (neither have any power over the believer).”
Beloved, our trials and tribulations on earth are temporary and pale in comparison to the mind-boggling, eternal life we will experience with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His victory at Calvary should fill us with joy and hope.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 15:57
by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 4, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
Romans 6:6 tells us, ‘knowing this, that our old self (our sin nature we are all born with) was crucified with Him in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;’
The Doctrine of Identification is truly mind-boggling. When someone believes the gospel by faith alone, God the Father identifies that person with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
This mindboggling truth means that when we believe the gospel by faith alone, we identify with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. When Christ hung on the Cross, He died our death. God saw you and me on the Cross. As He laid in the tomb for three days and nights, God saw you and me in that tomb. And when He arose victorious over sin and death, God saw you and me in resurrected life, a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You don’t get a
Our identification with Christ changes everything. We are no longer slaves to our old sinful nature (the old man), the law which gave sin(s) its power was nailed to the cross. The Lord Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf. The chains of the law no longer hold us, we are translated from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ, we are a new creation. This truth empowers us by the Holy Spirit that indwells us to live victoriously, knowing that our sin (the sin nature), and our sins were crucified, nailed to the cross, our past is buried, and we rise to walk in the newness of life. Amazing…all the glory to God.
Embrace this truth, study it, stand firm in your faith, and trust that God will see you through every trial, filling you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Daily Power-up
To deepen your understanding, meditate on these powerful scriptures:
- Old Testament: Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
- Gospels: John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'”
- Paul’s Letters: Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Reflect on these verses, the doctrine of identification is absolutely mind-boggling, our God is an Awesome God.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 29, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
Rejoice! Our God is truly awesome—sovereign over all things, mighty, and majestic. He intercedes for us as our Advocate before the Father, a thought that should fill us with awe. Imagine, at this very moment, God the Son is advocating for us, defending us against the accusations of Satan before God the Father. Our salvation is Secure.
Psalm 104:1 captures the majesty of our Lord: “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty.” This verse reminds us to praise God for His greatness and sovereignty. Hebrews 1:10 further highlights His creative power: “And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.'” God the Son, Jesus our Lord, spoke the words and created the universe, underscoring His supreme authority and control over all creation.
In Isaiah 45:12, God declares, “I have made the earth, And created man on it. I—My hands—stretched out the heavens, And all their host I have commanded.” This verse reaffirms that everything exists by His command and power.
For believers, the safest place to be is in Christ. As Colossians 3:3 tells us, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This verse assures us of our secure position in God’s care, protected from all harm. Even when we fall short, 1 John 2:1 offers comfort: “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Jesus stands as our righteous Advocate, interceding on our behalf before God when Satan comes before God the Father when we sin.
Romans 8:35 should bring hope and joy to believers when they believe God’s answer to: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” The answer is nothing— ‘Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who 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 created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
The culmination of it all is the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4); because our faith alone in the finished work of the cross we are not just saved from hell fire but we have victory now! Read on…from I Corinthians 15:55-57:
‘“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.’
Rejoice, give thanks and praise Him.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 21, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
As believers, we live and navigate in an ungodly world filled with temptations and sin. Daily immersion in God’s Word is crucial for our spiritual cleansing, staying aligned with His will, and ongoing sanctification. This post looks at the importance of studying the Bible daily, using Psalm 119:9, John 13:4-10, and Ephesians 5:26 to highlight the necessity of this practice.
Let’s commit to making daily Bible study a non-negotiable part of our lives.
Psalm 119:9 – Keeping Our Way Pure
Psalm 119:9 asks, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” This verse underscores the importance of God’s Word in guiding us toward purity.
Regular engagement with Scripture keeps us focused on God’s will for us, helping us resist the temptations and impurities that bombard us daily.
John 13:4-10 – Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
In John 13:4-10, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, symbolizing the need for daily cleansing. Jesus tells Peter, “He who is bathed (saved) needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you (speaking of Judas).”
This passage clarifies that, while our salvation is secure, we still need cleansing from the sin and temptation we encounter daily. By immersing ourselves in Scripture daily, we allow the Word (the Lord Jesus; John 1:1) to cleanse us continually.
Ephesians 5:26 – Sanctification Through the Word
Ephesians 5:26 speaks of Christ sanctifying the church, “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.”
This verse highlights the ongoing process of sanctification, which involves being purified and set apart for God’s purposes. Daily Bible study is essential for this process, as it renews our minds and transforms us to be more like Christ.
The Necessity of Daily Bible Study
These passages collectively emphasize that daily Bible study is vital for spiritual health. It cleanses us from the filthy ungodly world around us, aligns us with God’s will, and advances our sanctification. Just as our physical bodies need regular washing, our spirit requires daily cleansing through God’s Word.
Number one when it comes to Bible study is to be consistent
Set a Specific Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for Bible study. Consistency is key to forming a lasting habit.
Conclusion
In our daily walk as believers, we must recognize the importance of daily cleansing through God’s Word. Psalm 119:9, John 13:4-10, and Ephesians 5:26 remind us that while our salvation is secure, we need continual cleansing. By studying the Bible daily, we cleanse ourselves from the world’s filth, stay in alignment with God’s will for us, and progress in our sanctification. Let’s commit to making daily Bible study a non-negotiable part of our lives.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help us to commit to daily study, allowing Your truth to cleanse, guide, and sanctify us. Strengthen us to resist the temptations of this world and walk in Your will. Amen.
Daily Power-Up
Reflect on these passages today and consider how you can incorporate more time in God’s Word into your daily routine. Remember, consistent study leads to spiritual strength and growth. Here are a few verses that fit right into the absolute necessity of studying God’s word.
‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ‘
Ephesians 6:10-12
‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
II Timothy 3:16
‘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
‘For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.’
Romans 15:4