Daily Bread
1 Peter 1:2 "According to Father God's foreknowledge in sanctification of Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, grace to you and peace be multiplied."
The Greek word 'hagiasmo' means to be made holy. We were made holy by the Spirit because it was through the Holy Spirit that we were born of God. God made us holy through the new birth so that we could agree with Him and be obedient to His ways. God made us holy and this is far better than if he had made us kings. We should delight in holiness and feel fortunate that we are allowed to participate in the ways of the Almighty. He made us holy by giving us a divine nature and filling us with His Holy Spirit. When we were made a new creation we were renewed in righteousness and true holiness after the image of God (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). God wants us to be renewed in the Spirit of our minds. He wants us to think differently about ourselves. The renewed thoughts or the new way that you are supposed to think about what God has done for you through Jesus Christ is that you are a holy man or woman (Ephesians 4:23; Acts 10:15).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, May 19, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/18
Daily Bread
Acts 1:2 "Until the day He was taken up, having given commandments by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen."
Those things which Jesus did He did through complete submission to the Holy Spirit who empowered Him with the divine ability to do the works. Everything that Jesus did and said He attributed to the Father who was doing the work. Jesus came not to do His own will but the will of the Father who had sentHim. He never said anything unless He heard the Father say it. The Father showed Him what works He was supposed to do and He did them in total submission and obedience. The commands that Jesus gave to the disciples hinged upon their being empowered with the same divine power that He had received (Acts 10:38). His commandments to them demanded that they have the same obedience and submission that He had. Before Jesus began His ministry it was necessary for Him to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. It was therefore essential that those who would represent Him be endued with the same power. The commandments that Jesus gave to His apostles focused on their responsibility to represent Him and to advance the Kingdom of God after His departure. He said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18). "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. You shall go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:18-20). In summation, Luke writes an overview of the commandments that Jesus gave underscoring their need to "wait" until they were empowered with the same divine ability, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but wait in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:46-49).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 1:2 "Until the day He was taken up, having given commandments by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen."
Those things which Jesus did He did through complete submission to the Holy Spirit who empowered Him with the divine ability to do the works. Everything that Jesus did and said He attributed to the Father who was doing the work. Jesus came not to do His own will but the will of the Father who had sentHim. He never said anything unless He heard the Father say it. The Father showed Him what works He was supposed to do and He did them in total submission and obedience. The commands that Jesus gave to the disciples hinged upon their being empowered with the same divine power that He had received (Acts 10:38). His commandments to them demanded that they have the same obedience and submission that He had. Before Jesus began His ministry it was necessary for Him to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. It was therefore essential that those who would represent Him be endued with the same power. The commandments that Jesus gave to His apostles focused on their responsibility to represent Him and to advance the Kingdom of God after His departure. He said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18). "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. You shall go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:18-20). In summation, Luke writes an overview of the commandments that Jesus gave underscoring their need to "wait" until they were empowered with the same divine ability, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but wait in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:46-49).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/17
Daily Bread
Ephesians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the holy ones, which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus;"
Those who have been born of God are called saints in the New Testament 60 times and are only referred to as Christians three times. Therefore, it is more proper to refer to a New Testament child of God as a saint. Many think of this as an earned status but in reality it is part of God's unspeakable gift to us. The Greek adjective 'hagios' may be translated 'sacred, holy or saint.' It is used of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, of angels, and of men who are consecrated to God. Its meaning implies that which is made pure, perfect, worthy of God, and that which is set apart unto the service of God. This word is used 233 times in the New Testament and 831 times in the Septuagint. It first occurs in the Old Testament in Exodus 3:5, when God commanded Moses to remove his shoes because he stood upon holy ground. The Greek word 'hagios' is translated from the Hebrew word 'kodesh.' The first occurrence in the New Testament of 'hagios' is in Matthew 1:18 "and she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Those who are holy or saints are those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus (Acts 26:18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 2;11; 10:10; 13:12). Holiness or purity is supplied to us through the purification that is in the blood of Jesus. The blood purifies by absorbing all sin and transmitting it into the offering, which in this case is not a goat or calf but the Lamb of God, Christ Jesus. Jesus took all sin and bore it in his body and carried it away to Calvary where it was justly put to death. Our sanctification is found in the fact that we were crucified with Christ, we were buried by baptism into His death, we were raised up together with Him, and we are now placed in a position of authority with Him in the Heavens. Our life of sin, the old nature, was crucified with Christ insomuch that Christ is not only our representative but we were also crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed (Romans 6:3; Colossians 2:11-12). As new creatures begotten of the Father being born by the Spirit we are holy and pure (1 Timothy 1;5; 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 1:15; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 3:1; Matthew 5:8).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:1- Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the holy ones, which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus;"
Those who have been born of God are called saints in the New Testament 60 times and are only referred to as Christians three times. Therefore, it is more proper to refer to a New Testament child of God as a saint. Many think of this as an earned status but in reality it is part of God's unspeakable gift to us. The Greek adjective 'hagios' may be translated 'sacred, holy or saint.' It is used of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, of angels, and of men who are consecrated to God. Its meaning implies that which is made pure, perfect, worthy of God, and that which is set apart unto the service of God. This word is used 233 times in the New Testament and 831 times in the Septuagint. It first occurs in the Old Testament in Exodus 3:5, when God commanded Moses to remove his shoes because he stood upon holy ground. The Greek word 'hagios' is translated from the Hebrew word 'kodesh.' The first occurrence in the New Testament of 'hagios' is in Matthew 1:18 "and she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Those who are holy or saints are those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus (Acts 26:18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 2;11; 10:10; 13:12). Holiness or purity is supplied to us through the purification that is in the blood of Jesus. The blood purifies by absorbing all sin and transmitting it into the offering, which in this case is not a goat or calf but the Lamb of God, Christ Jesus. Jesus took all sin and bore it in his body and carried it away to Calvary where it was justly put to death. Our sanctification is found in the fact that we were crucified with Christ, we were buried by baptism into His death, we were raised up together with Him, and we are now placed in a position of authority with Him in the Heavens. Our life of sin, the old nature, was crucified with Christ insomuch that Christ is not only our representative but we were also crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed (Romans 6:3; Colossians 2:11-12). As new creatures begotten of the Father being born by the Spirit we are holy and pure (1 Timothy 1;5; 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 1:15; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 3:1; Matthew 5:8).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/16
Daily Bread
Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we possess redemption through his blood, the release of trespasses according to the riches of his grace."
Have you ever wondered just how forgiven you are? Has forgiveness just excused your debt or has it removed it? When you forgive others is the debt excused or is it totally released and forever canceled? When God forgives you does He restore you to the inheritance and position that you previously had with Him? Are you able to restore others to the position that they had with you before they trespassed against you? The answer to these questions is realized in the meaning of forgiveness! Sometimes the meaning of words such as forgiveness can be confused by misapplication and improper context. However, when we take a moment to remind ourselves of the definition we get a fresh look at the meaning. Forgiveness plays a crucial role in our walk with God because it is the means by which we have been restored to a place of relationship with Him. Forgiveness is also a responsibility that God has placed upon us. If we are unwilling to forgive then we will not be forgiven. However, if we will forgive those who trespass against us our Father in heaven will forgive us 490 times in a day if we need it. The fact is that forgiveness literally means 'release'. The Greek word 'aphesis' comes from the word 'aphiemi' which means 'sent away.' It also translates the Hebrew words 'shalch' and 'deror' in the Septuagint as in Isaiah 61:1 it mean 'sent away' and 'released' respectively. The Greek word 'aphesis' appears 50 times in the Septuagint. It translates the Hebrew word 'Jubile' in Numbers 36:4 and 'release' in Deuteronomy 15:2 which describes God's release of debts at the end of every seven years or the release and complete restoration at the end of every 50 years. Forgiveness completely erases the offense so that there are no future repercussions of the wrongdoing. Forgiveness also restores everything to the offender so that they may enjoy the position that they held prior to the trespass. When we forgive others from our heart then we can never allow ourselves to treat that individual on the basis of their offense. We must look at their debt as paid in full and the relationship totally restored to the place of a perfect friend. This is the kind of forgiveness that our Heavenly Father has provided for us so long as we will provide the same to those who trespass against us.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we possess redemption through his blood, the release of trespasses according to the riches of his grace."
Have you ever wondered just how forgiven you are? Has forgiveness just excused your debt or has it removed it? When you forgive others is the debt excused or is it totally released and forever canceled? When God forgives you does He restore you to the inheritance and position that you previously had with Him? Are you able to restore others to the position that they had with you before they trespassed against you? The answer to these questions is realized in the meaning of forgiveness! Sometimes the meaning of words such as forgiveness can be confused by misapplication and improper context. However, when we take a moment to remind ourselves of the definition we get a fresh look at the meaning. Forgiveness plays a crucial role in our walk with God because it is the means by which we have been restored to a place of relationship with Him. Forgiveness is also a responsibility that God has placed upon us. If we are unwilling to forgive then we will not be forgiven. However, if we will forgive those who trespass against us our Father in heaven will forgive us 490 times in a day if we need it. The fact is that forgiveness literally means 'release'. The Greek word 'aphesis' comes from the word 'aphiemi' which means 'sent away.' It also translates the Hebrew words 'shalch' and 'deror' in the Septuagint as in Isaiah 61:1 it mean 'sent away' and 'released' respectively. The Greek word 'aphesis' appears 50 times in the Septuagint. It translates the Hebrew word 'Jubile' in Numbers 36:4 and 'release' in Deuteronomy 15:2 which describes God's release of debts at the end of every seven years or the release and complete restoration at the end of every 50 years. Forgiveness completely erases the offense so that there are no future repercussions of the wrongdoing. Forgiveness also restores everything to the offender so that they may enjoy the position that they held prior to the trespass. When we forgive others from our heart then we can never allow ourselves to treat that individual on the basis of their offense. We must look at their debt as paid in full and the relationship totally restored to the place of a perfect friend. This is the kind of forgiveness that our Heavenly Father has provided for us so long as we will provide the same to those who trespass against us.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, May 15, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/15
Romans 8:29- Who knowing beforehand and having predestined us to beconformed to the image of His Son that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
The calling and purpose for which God has predestined all who will believe is to be in every way just like Jesus (Isaiah 60:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 1:15-16; John 17:22; 1:16). Jesus is the express image of the Father and we were created in Christ Jesus to be conformed to His image (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the pattern Son. He is God's example that is set before us and we are called to live and to overcome even as He did (1 Peter 2:21-22; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; 4:17; Revelation 3:21). It is the Spirit of the Son that has come into our hearts that imparts the divine power and authority to walk in the image of the only begotten Son, Christ Jesus. God desires absolute conformity. Will you participate? All we must do is yield to the Spirit of Grace who will do the work.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.com
Note: If you would like to start receiving these emails daily in your Inbox, go to http://www.abidingplace.org/. You can start receiving these daily morsels one of 2 ways: either click on "Email the Pastor" and send an email or simply provide your email address at the bottom of the home page in the box where it says, "Join Our Mailing List."
The calling and purpose for which God has predestined all who will believe is to be in every way just like Jesus (Isaiah 60:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 1:15-16; John 17:22; 1:16). Jesus is the express image of the Father and we were created in Christ Jesus to be conformed to His image (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is the pattern Son. He is God's example that is set before us and we are called to live and to overcome even as He did (1 Peter 2:21-22; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; 4:17; Revelation 3:21). It is the Spirit of the Son that has come into our hearts that imparts the divine power and authority to walk in the image of the only begotten Son, Christ Jesus. God desires absolute conformity. Will you participate? All we must do is yield to the Spirit of Grace who will do the work.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.com
Note: If you would like to start receiving these emails daily in your Inbox, go to http://www.abidingplace.org/. You can start receiving these daily morsels one of 2 ways: either click on "Email the Pastor" and send an email or simply provide your email address at the bottom of the home page in the box where it says, "Join Our Mailing List."
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