Having Bible knowledge and understanding is great, however if the scriptures are not living and active in our lives, it is all in vain (Hebrews 4:12-13). The life application selections contain thoughts provoking, real life challenges that will prayerfully transform us to be more like Jesus in our spiritual journey. James 1:23-27 challenges us to not just merely listen or read the scriptures, it says “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” Do not miss your blessings my friends!
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith."
We Need One Another
As a servant of Jesus Christ called to share the gospel through the lens of spiritual warfare, I never want to place myself above those I serve.
Paul’s message to the Roman church has taught me so much about humility in my walk with Jesus.
Can you see Paul’s humility in this week’s Scripture?
Paul was an apostle. God had given him extraordinary revelation. He had planted churches, preached the gospel across nations, endured persecution, and taught countless believers.
Yet Paul did not approach the Roman believers saying, “I want to come and teach you everything you need to know.” Instead, he spoke of partnership in the gospel: “I want to strengthen you—and I expect your faith to strengthen me.”
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake."
Serving God Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ
When was the last time you paused and asked yourself, "Why do I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ?"
I often ask myself this question. Six years ago, I faced it as Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, reminded me that He rescued me not for my glory, but for His glory and purpose.
Studying the Apostle Paul’s conviction in the book of Romans again in this season of my life is strengthening my foundation in Jesus Christ. He called me out of darkness to warn the world about the enemy’s schemes and invite humanity to see the path back to God.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong…"
Paul’s Desire Was to Strengthen Others
As I study Romans, Paul challenges me again to see my journey with Jesus through Jesus’ eyes.
One of the many lessons I have learned is that Paul’s ministry was focused on the community of faith. His longing to visit the church in Rome stemmed from his desire to help believers grow stronger in their faith.
We see that same desire throughout his ministry. Acts 14:21–22 (NIV) tells us that Paul and Barnabas returned to believers they had previously reached, “…strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” In 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV), Paul explains that Timothy was sent to “strengthen and encourage” the Thessalonian believers in their faith.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."
The Power That Saves
Have you ever taken time to consider why the Word of God continually reminds us that Jesus came to save us?
Why do we need the gospel to save us, and from whom?
My friend, when people seek to be saved, it is because they are trapped or in a situation where they are not safe. So why do we say we believe Jesus came to save us, yet fear talking about the one He came to save us from?
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” — 1 John 3:8 (NIV)
My friends, unless you ask God to help you see the spiritual warfare raging for your soul, you will never understand the magnitude of Jesus Christ dying for you. Like a snake’s venom running through the body, the enemy’s work can destroy.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
“God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you…”
Notice Paul’s words:
“God, whom I serve in my spirit…”
Paul’s ministry was not merely an occupation, a religious responsibility, or a public platform.
He served God from the depths of who he was.
And what was at the center of his service?
“…preaching the gospel of his Son.”
Jesus Christ was the center of Paul’s message.
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
GRATITUDE: WHAT IS YOUR LIFE TESTIFYING?
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
Gratitude! How is your gratitude?
When we think about gratitude, we often think about being thankful for the things God has given us: our families, our health, our provision, another day of life. But Apostle Paul’s life challenges us to look even deeper.
Paul lived a life of complete surrender to Jesus Christ because he understood the grace and mercy he had been given, grace he knew he did not deserve.
Paul never forgot who he was before Jesus encountered him. He had persecuted the followers of Jesus, yet instead of receiving the judgment he deserved, Paul encountered the grace of Jesus Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV), Paul declared:
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect."
Paul’s gratitude was not simply expressed through his words. His gratitude showed in how he lived.
Who Is This Jesus? Ministry, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina.