Daily Bread
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God."
These are the first three words of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning." The connection is made between the one who created all things and the one who has redeemed all things, "And you, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the works of Your hands," Heb. 1:10 also see Colossians 1:16. The whole world, all of creation, was created by Jesus Christ and He claims both personal ownership and power over it (John 1:10, Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6). The pre-existence of Jesus is declared 7 times in the first chapter of John (John 1:1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 27, 30). The Greek word 'logos,' takes on a new dimension of meaning by its association with the Eternal God who was made flesh. The usage of logos here is that of a title instead of an act. Hebrews 11:3 refers to the action of God speaking wherein "the world was framed by the word (rhema) of God." The Hebrew equivalent for 'logos' is 'emrah' which is used for the word of God in the Torah as in Deuteronomy 33:9, and 'davar' which is used as the spoken word of God as in Exodus 4:28. The use of the Word as a title implies the revelation of God. The title given to Jesus Christ as the Word is not limited to a revelation at the time of redemption for the Word is not only eternally existing in the past as God and with God but also in the future as revealed in Revelation 19:13, "his name is called the Word (logos) of God." The fact that the Word was with God makes Him distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit who are also identified many times throughout the scripture as God and unique from Jesus Christ. In fact in the New Testament there are 152 scriptures that specifically state a unique difference between Jesus Christ and the Father proving that they are two different individuals (Mt 2:21; 10:32, 33; 11:25, 27; 12:50; 15:13; 16:17; 18:10, 19, 35; 24:36; 25:34; 26:39, 42, 53; Mk 8:38; Lk 10:21, 22; 22:29; 23:34, 46, 49; Jn 4:21; 5:17, 19, 30; 6:32, 65; 8:16, 19, 28, 38, 42, 49, 54; 10:15, 17, 18, 29, 30, 32, 37; 11:41; 12:26, 27 13:1; 14:1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 23, 24, 26, 28, 31; 15:1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 26; 16:3, 10, 15, 16, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32; 17:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26; 18:11; 20:17; 20:21; Rom 1:7; 15:6; 1 Cor 1:3; 8:6; 2 Cor 1:2, 3; 11:31; Gal 1:1,3; Eph 1:2, 3, 17; 3:14; 5:20; 6:23; Php 1:2; 2:11; Col 1:2, 3; 3:17; 1 Th 1:1, 3; 3:11; 2 Th 1:1,2; 2:16; 1 Ti 1:2; 2 Ti 1:2; Tit 1:4; Phm 3; Heb 1:5; 1 Pe 1:2, 3; 2 Pe 1:17; 1 Jn 1:3; 2:1; 2:22; 2 Jn 3; Jude 1; Rev 2:27; 3:5, 21). In the gospel of John, Jesus refers to God as His Father 87 times. There are 25 scriptures that show a distinction between Jesus and the Holy Spirit as unique individuals (Mt 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; Lk 4:1; 14; Jn 3:5; 7:39; 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:7, 8, 13, 14, 15; Acts 1:16; 2:38; 7:55; 10:38; Rom 8:11; 15:16; 1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2). There are four unique dimensions of Jesus Christ the Eternal Word revealed in this opening statement: 1- Jesus as the Word was there in the beginning. 2- He was with God and as such distinct from God. 3- He also was God, which both makes Him eternal and equal with God. 4- He was not only in the beginning of creation but was in the beginning with God, which further emphasizes both His eternalness and His uniqueness from the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus as the Word is the one who spoke all things into being (Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3. According to 1 John 1:1, 2, He is the Word of life who was manifested to reveal the glory of God to all mankind. He has always existed because He is God (Micah 5:2; Colossians 1;17; 1 John 1;1; Hebrews 13:8; Genesis 21:3; Isaiah 40:28). The preexistence of Jesus is further proved by His own testimony that He existed before Abraham (John 8:58). John the Baptist announced Him as the one who existed before him; a preexistence not as man nor an angel but as God. In the incarnation God, the Word laid aside His position and power and took on the form of a human being (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8). After His resurrection He was again glorified with the same glory that He had with the Father before the world came into existence (1 John 17:5, 20:28; Revelation 1:8, 22:12-13, 16; Matthew1:23; 1 John 1:2; Hebrews 1:3, 8; Acts 10:36; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Psalms 24:8-10; Isaiah 9:6). After Jesus the eternal Word redeemed everything that He had created the Father highly exalted Him above everything and gave Him a name that is greater than all other names yet He is still called the Word (Ephesians 1:21; Acts 2:33; Revelation 19:13). Jesus is definitely distinct from the Father for Jesus Himself said, "the Father is greater than I" (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24, 27-28; John 20:17; Acts 7:55-56; Ephesians 1:20). Jesus also made it clear that He was going to return to the Father and called the Father His God (John 17; 20:17; Matthew 26:64).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/26
Daily Bread
Acts 3:16 "And the faith upon His name has made this one whom you see and know strong; and the faith that is through Him gave to him this perfect health before you all."
The Greek preposition 'epi' is translated most often 'on, upon,' and although it is awkward, it is accurate. The next phrase uses yet another preposition 'dia' which is most commonly translated through, on account of, because of.' The healing power of God is manifested by "the faith upon His name" and "the faith that is through the name of Jesus." Jesus made it known that all power was given unto Him in heaven and in earth. Therefore, He commanded that when we preach or minister we are to do it in His name. The name of Jesus communicates faith and by the name of Jesus the miracle power of faith is released. Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe, in my name," devils will be cast out, the believer will "speak with new tongues," they will "lay hands on the sick and they will recover" (Mark 16:17; Luke 24:47). Jesus is still at work today because He is the unchanging Savior who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the unchanging Savior whose government is forever increasing. When Paul cast out devils or ministered healing he used the name of Jesus just as Peter and John used the name of Jesus. The sons of Sceva failed when they used the name of Jesus because they had no authority to use His name. They could not speak of Jesus as their Lord but only Jesus whom Paul preached. As a result, the evil spirit did not have to listen to them but rather attacked and hurt them (Acts 19:13). "But as many as would receive Him, who having faith in His name, to them He gave authority to be the sons of God" (John 1:12).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 3:16 "And the faith upon His name has made this one whom you see and know strong; and the faith that is through Him gave to him this perfect health before you all."
The Greek preposition 'epi' is translated most often 'on, upon,' and although it is awkward, it is accurate. The next phrase uses yet another preposition 'dia' which is most commonly translated through, on account of, because of.' The healing power of God is manifested by "the faith upon His name" and "the faith that is through the name of Jesus." Jesus made it known that all power was given unto Him in heaven and in earth. Therefore, He commanded that when we preach or minister we are to do it in His name. The name of Jesus communicates faith and by the name of Jesus the miracle power of faith is released. Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe, in my name," devils will be cast out, the believer will "speak with new tongues," they will "lay hands on the sick and they will recover" (Mark 16:17; Luke 24:47). Jesus is still at work today because He is the unchanging Savior who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the unchanging Savior whose government is forever increasing. When Paul cast out devils or ministered healing he used the name of Jesus just as Peter and John used the name of Jesus. The sons of Sceva failed when they used the name of Jesus because they had no authority to use His name. They could not speak of Jesus as their Lord but only Jesus whom Paul preached. As a result, the evil spirit did not have to listen to them but rather attacked and hurt them (Acts 19:13). "But as many as would receive Him, who having faith in His name, to them He gave authority to be the sons of God" (John 1:12).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/25
Daily Bread
Colossians 1:11- "In all power strengthened according to His glorious might unto all enduring patience and patience."
There are two Greek synonyms used here at the end of this verse, 'hupomone' and 'makrothumia.' The first one used in this verse, 'hupomone' refers tothe temper that will not break down under pressure. It may be translated as enduring or enduring patience. The second one 'makrothumia' refers to patience that does not retaliate when wronged. In order to deal with the disappointments and challenges of life correctly God has given us a divine empowerment. The challenges and responsibilities that are before us in obeying the great commission can be overwhelming. The earnest desire to mature to the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ unto a fully matured saint does not happen as quickly as many of us expect (Ephesians 1:13). In order to allow patience to have her perfect work so that we may be matured and lack nothing we need to be strengthened so that we will both continue to move in faith to do the things that are before us to do as well as remain confident that what God has begun in us He will also finish (James 1:4).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Colossians 1:11- "In all power strengthened according to His glorious might unto all enduring patience and patience."
There are two Greek synonyms used here at the end of this verse, 'hupomone' and 'makrothumia.' The first one used in this verse, 'hupomone' refers tothe temper that will not break down under pressure. It may be translated as enduring or enduring patience. The second one 'makrothumia' refers to patience that does not retaliate when wronged. In order to deal with the disappointments and challenges of life correctly God has given us a divine empowerment. The challenges and responsibilities that are before us in obeying the great commission can be overwhelming. The earnest desire to mature to the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ unto a fully matured saint does not happen as quickly as many of us expect (Ephesians 1:13). In order to allow patience to have her perfect work so that we may be matured and lack nothing we need to be strengthened so that we will both continue to move in faith to do the things that are before us to do as well as remain confident that what God has begun in us He will also finish (James 1:4).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/24
Daily Bread
Ephesians 3:7 "Of which I have become a servant according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the working power of His power."
There are two Greek words used here for power, 'energeia' (working power/supernatural strength/God's working) and 'dunamis' (the power of Pentecost/God's power). The ability that Paul had to represent Jesus and live the Christian life was supplied directly to him through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit desires to supply us with supernatural strength every day. It is through a continual and ongoing empowerment by the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to live the life of Christ Jesus. There is nothing that man can do for God in his own ability and strength that will amount to anything. We must learn to depend upon the ability which God supplies to us through His working (energia). Paul makes it clear by using the words, 'given,' 'gift of the grace,' and 'His power' that he was doing nothing of himself; rather, it was God at work in him. It is not human discipline or religious practices that will enable us to do what God wants us to do. Jesus did nothing of Himself and it is certain that we can do nothing of ourselves. Right now the Holy Spirit has a supernatural supply of power for you and it is God's will that you be endued with His ability.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 3:7 "Of which I have become a servant according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the working power of His power."
There are two Greek words used here for power, 'energeia' (working power/supernatural strength/God's working) and 'dunamis' (the power of Pentecost/God's power). The ability that Paul had to represent Jesus and live the Christian life was supplied directly to him through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit desires to supply us with supernatural strength every day. It is through a continual and ongoing empowerment by the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to live the life of Christ Jesus. There is nothing that man can do for God in his own ability and strength that will amount to anything. We must learn to depend upon the ability which God supplies to us through His working (energia). Paul makes it clear by using the words, 'given,' 'gift of the grace,' and 'His power' that he was doing nothing of himself; rather, it was God at work in him. It is not human discipline or religious practices that will enable us to do what God wants us to do. Jesus did nothing of Himself and it is certain that we can do nothing of ourselves. Right now the Holy Spirit has a supernatural supply of power for you and it is God's will that you be endued with His ability.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
5/23
Daily Bread
Ephesians 1:19 "and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working power of His mighty power."
Our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has really loaded us up with all of the divine power and ability that we will ever need for anything that we will ever face. The biggest challenge is on our part to believe Him and look to Him for help in time of need. If we are willing to look to Him for help then He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory. There are four 'power' words in this one verse of scripture: 1- dunamis; 2- energia; 3- kratos; 4- ischus. The Greek word 'dunamis' is defined by the virtue that went out of Jesus to heal the woman with the issue of blood and the power that the church would receive once the Holy Spirit came upon them. It has been said that dunamis is the ability to accomplish the promise; energeia is brute or muscular power or working efficiency, but by application "supernatural strength" (Philippians 3:21, Colossians 1:29); kratos is the power to overcome obstacles, have dominion or controlling power; and ischus is the potential power the power that will come to bear when needed (1 Peter 4:11). The word 'ischus' is first used in Genesis 4:12 "When you till the ground it will not yield her strength to you." This use of four synonyms for power in one verse is similar to Ephesians 6:10, which commands the saints to be endunamoo (powerful) in the Lord and in the kratos of His ischus. The Almighty wants us to have a strong assurance of the faith to know for certain that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Father so wanted Abraham to be certain of the promise that He swore an oath to him; and in order to make us certain Jesus sent the promise of the Father to both endue us and seal us with His Spirit (Luke 24:49; Hebrews 6:13-19; Hebrews 10: 22-23).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:19 "and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working power of His mighty power."
Our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has really loaded us up with all of the divine power and ability that we will ever need for anything that we will ever face. The biggest challenge is on our part to believe Him and look to Him for help in time of need. If we are willing to look to Him for help then He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory. There are four 'power' words in this one verse of scripture: 1- dunamis; 2- energia; 3- kratos; 4- ischus. The Greek word 'dunamis' is defined by the virtue that went out of Jesus to heal the woman with the issue of blood and the power that the church would receive once the Holy Spirit came upon them. It has been said that dunamis is the ability to accomplish the promise; energeia is brute or muscular power or working efficiency, but by application "supernatural strength" (Philippians 3:21, Colossians 1:29); kratos is the power to overcome obstacles, have dominion or controlling power; and ischus is the potential power the power that will come to bear when needed (1 Peter 4:11). The word 'ischus' is first used in Genesis 4:12 "When you till the ground it will not yield her strength to you." This use of four synonyms for power in one verse is similar to Ephesians 6:10, which commands the saints to be endunamoo (powerful) in the Lord and in the kratos of His ischus. The Almighty wants us to have a strong assurance of the faith to know for certain that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Father so wanted Abraham to be certain of the promise that He swore an oath to him; and in order to make us certain Jesus sent the promise of the Father to both endue us and seal us with His Spirit (Luke 24:49; Hebrews 6:13-19; Hebrews 10: 22-23).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, May 22, 2006
Fresh Bread - 5/22
Daily Bread
Ephesians 1:10- Finally be powerful in the Lord and in the strength of His manifest power.
There is no reason for the child of God to ever suffer defeat. God who is faithful and cannot lie has given us his power and strength. In fact, this is a command directly from the Holy Spirit. God demands that we be strong or powerful in Him. It is His spoken word that produces the faith in those who hear. If we agree with God the Holy Spirit will empower us and we will find that the Omnipotent One has given us His power. The Greek word is 'endunamoo' which is a compound word of 'en' and 'dunamoo.' The Greek word 'dunamoo' is a verb derived from the noun 'dunamis,' which is defined by its New Testament usage as the power or divine ability that is given to the saints through baptism in the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). The Greek word 'kratos' may be understood as 'manifest power.' It is primarily used of God's power or strength in the New Testament in association with a deed manifesting great power (Luke 1:51; Acts 2:22). It may also be understood as the power to rule or to control.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:10- Finally be powerful in the Lord and in the strength of His manifest power.
There is no reason for the child of God to ever suffer defeat. God who is faithful and cannot lie has given us his power and strength. In fact, this is a command directly from the Holy Spirit. God demands that we be strong or powerful in Him. It is His spoken word that produces the faith in those who hear. If we agree with God the Holy Spirit will empower us and we will find that the Omnipotent One has given us His power. The Greek word is 'endunamoo' which is a compound word of 'en' and 'dunamoo.' The Greek word 'dunamoo' is a verb derived from the noun 'dunamis,' which is defined by its New Testament usage as the power or divine ability that is given to the saints through baptism in the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). The Greek word 'kratos' may be understood as 'manifest power.' It is primarily used of God's power or strength in the New Testament in association with a deed manifesting great power (Luke 1:51; Acts 2:22). It may also be understood as the power to rule or to control.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Fresh Bread - 5/20
Daily Bread
1 John 2:16 "Because all that is in the world: the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world."
The satanic forces of hell operate in the realm of the world. Their primary means of enticing men and leading them away from God is through that which may be seen, felt, and gained. One of the first things that we may ask iswhat is the difference between the "desire of the flesh" and "the desire ofthe eye." The "desire of the eye" are those things that are attractive to view that could led you away from the will of God and His purpose. For example, Eve saw the forbidden tree in Genesis 3:6 as, "pleasurable to the eye and desirable." She did not have this attraction because of an evil nature at work in her nor was it an evil act in and of itself; rather it became the means by which she was enticed to eat of that which God had forbidden. When men look on things that are forbidden by God they open themselves up to be lead away into an evil desire that results in immorality and ungodliness. Therefore, we need to recognize that it is essential for us to make a covenant with our eyes to turn away and not behold that which could lead us into disobedience. It may be said that "the desire of the eye" is that which entices the eye and "the desire of the flesh" is that which entices the body. The eye looks for that which is beautiful and the body for that which is pleasurable. Now one may say God made that which is beautiful and pleasurable and that is true; however, we must also recognize that it is in this material realm that the satanic forces have set up their offensive against man and the will of God. It is absolutely essential they we learn to choose good and refuse evil. In the Old Testament, God expected His people to discipline themselves and be committed to obeying Him in all things. Even though they were not born from above and were without the change of heart and motive that is given to us by the divine nature yet it was their responsibility not to be involved with following after those things that would lead them into sin. "You shall remember all the commandments of the Lord to do them, and you shall not turn back toward the desire of your own heart and your eyes" (Numbers 15:39).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 2:16 "Because all that is in the world: the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world."
The satanic forces of hell operate in the realm of the world. Their primary means of enticing men and leading them away from God is through that which may be seen, felt, and gained. One of the first things that we may ask iswhat is the difference between the "desire of the flesh" and "the desire ofthe eye." The "desire of the eye" are those things that are attractive to view that could led you away from the will of God and His purpose. For example, Eve saw the forbidden tree in Genesis 3:6 as, "pleasurable to the eye and desirable." She did not have this attraction because of an evil nature at work in her nor was it an evil act in and of itself; rather it became the means by which she was enticed to eat of that which God had forbidden. When men look on things that are forbidden by God they open themselves up to be lead away into an evil desire that results in immorality and ungodliness. Therefore, we need to recognize that it is essential for us to make a covenant with our eyes to turn away and not behold that which could lead us into disobedience. It may be said that "the desire of the eye" is that which entices the eye and "the desire of the flesh" is that which entices the body. The eye looks for that which is beautiful and the body for that which is pleasurable. Now one may say God made that which is beautiful and pleasurable and that is true; however, we must also recognize that it is in this material realm that the satanic forces have set up their offensive against man and the will of God. It is absolutely essential they we learn to choose good and refuse evil. In the Old Testament, God expected His people to discipline themselves and be committed to obeying Him in all things. Even though they were not born from above and were without the change of heart and motive that is given to us by the divine nature yet it was their responsibility not to be involved with following after those things that would lead them into sin. "You shall remember all the commandments of the Lord to do them, and you shall not turn back toward the desire of your own heart and your eyes" (Numbers 15:39).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
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