Daily Bread - Dec 9 2006
Acts 10:4 - "And he stared at him in fear and said, 'What is it Lord?' And he said, 'Your prayer and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.' "
These prayers and offerings of Cornelius were accepted by God as the ascent offering (whole burnt offering) and memorial portions of the Old Testament that were turned into smoke for a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 2:2,9,16; 5:12; 6:15). Paul also likens the offering in which the saints sow into the ministry as an ascent offering that the Lord receives as a sweet smelling aroma because it is holy an acceptable to Him (Philippians 4:18). More important than anything else, the giving of an offering is an act of worship, a time where we pour out our love and affection for God. The response of God's favor towards those who offer such offerings is underscored here. Because of the prayers and offerings that Cornelius gave, he was chosen to be the first among the gentiles to receive the riches of heaven, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
With the message of the offering occurring over 813 times it is singled out as one of the most important subjects in the Bible. There were nine offerings highlighted by God in the New Testament:
1- The wise men who brought gifts to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-16).
2- The widow who gave all that she had (Mark 12:42).
3- The woman at Nain who worshipped with an alabaster box of oil (Luke 7:38).
4- The woman at Bethany who poured expensive oil upon Jesus at Simon the Lepers house (Mark 14:3).
5- Mary who worshipped with costly ointment in Bethany just before the death of Jesus (John 12:3).
6- The offering of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10).
7- The offerings of Cornelius.
8- The offerings of those of Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8-9).
9- The offering that God gave of His Son (John 3:16).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 8 2006
Ephesians 5:11 - "Be endued with the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the craft of the Devil."
The whole armor of God is more than a metaphor; it is the supernatural ability given to the saint to deal with every deceitful trick and enticement that Satan can bring against God's people. The armor of God is the armor of light and the armor of righteousness on the right and on the left hand (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7). This armor is to be put on by yielding to the Holy Spirit and being endued with it. Through the act of submitting ourselves to God the Holy Spirit becomes our shield and strength (James 4:7; Psalms 3:3; 18:35; 28:7; 33:20; 84:11).
The Holy Spirit, who has come to lead and guide us, stands ready to protect and defend us against everything that Satan attempts to throw at us. Thus, He empowers us with the shield of faith that quenches every fiery dart of the wicked one. He gives us gospel shoes to tread over all the power of the enemy and nothing can hurt us (Luke 10:19). If we are willing to yield ourselves completely to the Holy Spirit and walk in obedience to Him, then we will find the provision and strength for everything that we need to stand against our enemy, the devil.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 5:11 - "Be endued with the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the craft of the Devil."
The whole armor of God is more than a metaphor; it is the supernatural ability given to the saint to deal with every deceitful trick and enticement that Satan can bring against God's people. The armor of God is the armor of light and the armor of righteousness on the right and on the left hand (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7). This armor is to be put on by yielding to the Holy Spirit and being endued with it. Through the act of submitting ourselves to God the Holy Spirit becomes our shield and strength (James 4:7; Psalms 3:3; 18:35; 28:7; 33:20; 84:11).
The Holy Spirit, who has come to lead and guide us, stands ready to protect and defend us against everything that Satan attempts to throw at us. Thus, He empowers us with the shield of faith that quenches every fiery dart of the wicked one. He gives us gospel shoes to tread over all the power of the enemy and nothing can hurt us (Luke 10:19). If we are willing to yield ourselves completely to the Holy Spirit and walk in obedience to Him, then we will find the provision and strength for everything that we need to stand against our enemy, the devil.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 7 2006
Ephesians 4:8 - "On which account He said, Ascending up on high He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men."
The first time that this message appears in the Bible is in Psalms 68:18, "You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them." The gifts that Jesus received and then gave to the church are listed below in verse 11 as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. These special abilities and anointings exist in the church so that God may dwell in our midst in a special way. It is through these gifts that Jesus ministers to His church.
The supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the church from the head, which is Christ Jesus (4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). However, each member must make their proper connection to the head according to the divine order that God has established in His church. It is through these gifts that God supplies to His church the riches of the Spirit that perfects, matures, and produces the work of the ministry so that everyone may grow up into the fullness of Christ (4:12-13). If we fail to cooperate with and submit to God's divine order then we will miss out on the supply of the Spirit and the work of Grace that is being given by God who dwells in our midst.
The word "doma" or "gifts" is found four times in the New Testament. It is used twice in the gospels, "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him" (Luke 11:13; Matthew 7:11). Then Paul uses it in Philippians 4:17 in the context of an offering. The word "doma" may be understood as something given that is essential to survival.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 4:8 - "On which account He said, Ascending up on high He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men."
The first time that this message appears in the Bible is in Psalms 68:18, "You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them." The gifts that Jesus received and then gave to the church are listed below in verse 11 as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. These special abilities and anointings exist in the church so that God may dwell in our midst in a special way. It is through these gifts that Jesus ministers to His church.
The supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the church from the head, which is Christ Jesus (4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). However, each member must make their proper connection to the head according to the divine order that God has established in His church. It is through these gifts that God supplies to His church the riches of the Spirit that perfects, matures, and produces the work of the ministry so that everyone may grow up into the fullness of Christ (4:12-13). If we fail to cooperate with and submit to God's divine order then we will miss out on the supply of the Spirit and the work of Grace that is being given by God who dwells in our midst.
The word "doma" or "gifts" is found four times in the New Testament. It is used twice in the gospels, "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him" (Luke 11:13; Matthew 7:11). Then Paul uses it in Philippians 4:17 in the context of an offering. The word "doma" may be understood as something given that is essential to survival.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 6 2006
Ephesians 5:20 - "Giving thanks at all times for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The giving of thanks is not only recognizing that God is leading, protecting, and providing for you, it is also the realm of the Spirit where miracles take place. The first time this word 'euchariteo,' "giving thanks," is used in the New Testament is in Matthew 15:36. It was at this giving of thanks by Jesus that the miraculous event of the multiplication of the seven loaves and a few fish took place.
The very next time that this is used is when Jesus took the cup on Passover. He gave thanks and declared "this is my blood of the New Testament" (Matthew 26:27). The blood and body of Christ Jesus represents our communion or fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 10:16; John 6:53-58). It is this Eucharist, or communion, that should give us confidence that the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us into all truth, and, therefore, whatever situation we find ourselves in, all things are working together for our good (Romans 8:28).
There were many adverse situations that Israel found themselves in during the first few months of their travel from Egypt to the promised land. Unfortunately, they were unwilling to recognize that God was leading them and protecting them, and as a result they were unthankful and murmured against the situation and their leadership which ultimately was directed at God Himself. There is a warning in the book of Hebrews that we should not fall into the same state of unbelief lest we end up like those unthankful Israelites (Hebrew 3:7-19). Romans 1:21 drives home the same point emphasizing that the lack of thankfulness is a chief characteristic of the unbeliever.
The passage of scripture in Colossians that is almost a perfect match to this passage here in Ephesians says, "whatsoever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the heavenly realm, then the word of Christ will dwell in us and we will view things from the faith perspective and realize that all things are working together for our good. Be certain of this one thing, that whatever situation you find yourself in, God is establishing and building confidence, persistence, faithfulness, and trust.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 5:20 - "Giving thanks at all times for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The giving of thanks is not only recognizing that God is leading, protecting, and providing for you, it is also the realm of the Spirit where miracles take place. The first time this word 'euchariteo,' "giving thanks," is used in the New Testament is in Matthew 15:36. It was at this giving of thanks by Jesus that the miraculous event of the multiplication of the seven loaves and a few fish took place.
The very next time that this is used is when Jesus took the cup on Passover. He gave thanks and declared "this is my blood of the New Testament" (Matthew 26:27). The blood and body of Christ Jesus represents our communion or fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 10:16; John 6:53-58). It is this Eucharist, or communion, that should give us confidence that the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us into all truth, and, therefore, whatever situation we find ourselves in, all things are working together for our good (Romans 8:28).
There were many adverse situations that Israel found themselves in during the first few months of their travel from Egypt to the promised land. Unfortunately, they were unwilling to recognize that God was leading them and protecting them, and as a result they were unthankful and murmured against the situation and their leadership which ultimately was directed at God Himself. There is a warning in the book of Hebrews that we should not fall into the same state of unbelief lest we end up like those unthankful Israelites (Hebrew 3:7-19). Romans 1:21 drives home the same point emphasizing that the lack of thankfulness is a chief characteristic of the unbeliever.
The passage of scripture in Colossians that is almost a perfect match to this passage here in Ephesians says, "whatsoever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the heavenly realm, then the word of Christ will dwell in us and we will view things from the faith perspective and realize that all things are working together for our good. Be certain of this one thing, that whatever situation you find yourself in, God is establishing and building confidence, persistence, faithfulness, and trust.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 05 2006
1 Peter 2:5 - "We also as living stones are built up a spiritual house into a holy priesthood lifting up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Peter does not use the word Church in either of his Epistles; instead, he refers to the Church as "a spiritual house" and "the people of God" (2:10). Peter refers to those in the church as a royal Priesthood and a holy nation. Even as it takes many members to be a body, it takes many stones to be a house. God has so ordained that the individual believers go beyond their individualism to find a unity which will result in a place from which spiritual sacrifices may be offered that are acceptable to God.
In the first covenant, God established a place of worship, a Priesthood, and the proper protocol for worship. Through Christ Jesus we are made those who worship God in the Spirit who are empowered to show forth His glory and announce the excellencies of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (Philippians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:10). The Church is the assembly of God's people who worship in Spirit and fellowship in the unity of the Spirit, a house from where God is praised.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:5 - "We also as living stones are built up a spiritual house into a holy priesthood lifting up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Peter does not use the word Church in either of his Epistles; instead, he refers to the Church as "a spiritual house" and "the people of God" (2:10). Peter refers to those in the church as a royal Priesthood and a holy nation. Even as it takes many members to be a body, it takes many stones to be a house. God has so ordained that the individual believers go beyond their individualism to find a unity which will result in a place from which spiritual sacrifices may be offered that are acceptable to God.
In the first covenant, God established a place of worship, a Priesthood, and the proper protocol for worship. Through Christ Jesus we are made those who worship God in the Spirit who are empowered to show forth His glory and announce the excellencies of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (Philippians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:10). The Church is the assembly of God's people who worship in Spirit and fellowship in the unity of the Spirit, a house from where God is praised.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, December 04, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 02 2006
Ephesians 1:22-23 - "And has placed all things under His feet, and appointed Him the head over all the church, who is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all."
The church, which is to be the fullness of God's glory revealed in the earth, has hundreds of passages of scripture devoted to its function and order. The word "church" is found 80 times in the New Testament. The church was first mentioned in Matthew 16:18 by Jesus in connection with the revelation of who He is. And it was in this context that Jesus promised that He would be the one who would build His church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).
The purpose of the church is to reveal Jesus - not in a unique way but by the same anointing and Spirit that rested upon Him. The church, by definition, is a gathering of many people that are to function as one person and, thus, reveal Jesus who is the head of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 11:26; 14:27, 15:4; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40). This miracle can only take place by the fact that the Holy Spirit baptizes us all into one body and thus creates a divine and glorious unity of God's presence and love (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Jesus established the leadership and authority in the church so that His people could be trained up in all of His ways (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 20:28; Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 3:5). It is through this holy interaction with one another in the context of the church that the supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the body. Without this divine function of the church in a community, God's people are deprived of the supply of the Spirit that result in their increase both individually and collectively (Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; James 5:14).
The church began as a meeting place where about 120 people had gathered together to wait on the Holy Spirit, and that model has never been altered by word or practice until this day. However, it is essential that the Holy Spirit takes over our meetings as He did in that first church meeting if the church is to function as it was ordained by God. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal Jesus, and if He is not given full control then that which God ordained cannot function; for it would be dead and lifeless without the Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:22-23 - "And has placed all things under His feet, and appointed Him the head over all the church, who is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all."
The church, which is to be the fullness of God's glory revealed in the earth, has hundreds of passages of scripture devoted to its function and order. The word "church" is found 80 times in the New Testament. The church was first mentioned in Matthew 16:18 by Jesus in connection with the revelation of who He is. And it was in this context that Jesus promised that He would be the one who would build His church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).
The purpose of the church is to reveal Jesus - not in a unique way but by the same anointing and Spirit that rested upon Him. The church, by definition, is a gathering of many people that are to function as one person and, thus, reveal Jesus who is the head of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 11:26; 14:27, 15:4; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40). This miracle can only take place by the fact that the Holy Spirit baptizes us all into one body and thus creates a divine and glorious unity of God's presence and love (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Jesus established the leadership and authority in the church so that His people could be trained up in all of His ways (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 20:28; Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 3:5). It is through this holy interaction with one another in the context of the church that the supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the body. Without this divine function of the church in a community, God's people are deprived of the supply of the Spirit that result in their increase both individually and collectively (Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; James 5:14).
The church began as a meeting place where about 120 people had gathered together to wait on the Holy Spirit, and that model has never been altered by word or practice until this day. However, it is essential that the Holy Spirit takes over our meetings as He did in that first church meeting if the church is to function as it was ordained by God. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal Jesus, and if He is not given full control then that which God ordained cannot function; for it would be dead and lifeless without the Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Dec 01 2006
Acts 17:2 - "And according to Paul's custom he went to them and preached the word to them for three Sabbaths."
The idea that meeting in a church building took place as an evolution of Christian practices is simply not true. It was Paul's custom to meet in the Synagogues, which of course would be equivalent to the church meeting today (Acts 9:20; 13:5, 14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:10,17; 18:4, 19; 19:8; 28:17, 23). When Jesus was not preaching to the masses, He was also found ministering in the Synagogues (Matthew 12:9; 13:54; Mark 1:21; 3:1; 6:2; Luke 4:16; John 6:59).
The church today is a pattern of what the Holy Spirit established in the first century. The local church is an essential and vital part of both the witness of Jesus Christ in communities as well as the place of nurturing and training those who come to Him (Mathew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:17). The church is the place that God ordained for His saints to assemble (Hebrews 10:25). The church is where the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire empowered the believers (Acts 2:1-4). The church is the place where God placed the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:17). The local church is the place where all of the gifts of the Spirit are in full operation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12, 24-26). The church is the body of Christ where Jesus is revealed and the fullness of God is manifested (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is to the church that the Epistles of Paul are addressed. It is in the midst of the church that Jesus now stands (Revelation 1:12-20). It is the church which Jesus purchased with His own blood, and it is the church which is armed with the authority that the gates of hell cannot prevail against (Acts 20:28; Matthew 16:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 17:2 - "And according to Paul's custom he went to them and preached the word to them for three Sabbaths."
The idea that meeting in a church building took place as an evolution of Christian practices is simply not true. It was Paul's custom to meet in the Synagogues, which of course would be equivalent to the church meeting today (Acts 9:20; 13:5, 14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:10,17; 18:4, 19; 19:8; 28:17, 23). When Jesus was not preaching to the masses, He was also found ministering in the Synagogues (Matthew 12:9; 13:54; Mark 1:21; 3:1; 6:2; Luke 4:16; John 6:59).
The church today is a pattern of what the Holy Spirit established in the first century. The local church is an essential and vital part of both the witness of Jesus Christ in communities as well as the place of nurturing and training those who come to Him (Mathew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:17). The church is the place that God ordained for His saints to assemble (Hebrews 10:25). The church is where the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire empowered the believers (Acts 2:1-4). The church is the place where God placed the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:17). The local church is the place where all of the gifts of the Spirit are in full operation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12, 24-26). The church is the body of Christ where Jesus is revealed and the fullness of God is manifested (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is to the church that the Epistles of Paul are addressed. It is in the midst of the church that Jesus now stands (Revelation 1:12-20). It is the church which Jesus purchased with His own blood, and it is the church which is armed with the authority that the gates of hell cannot prevail against (Acts 20:28; Matthew 16:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
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