Daily Bread - Dec 28 2006
Acts 20:7 - "And on the first of the week, the disciples having come together to break bread, Paul addressed them being about to depart the next morning and continued to speak until midnight."
This is the first time that church services are mentioned as being held on the first day of the week other than the fact that it is implied in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Also, the idea conveyed in the meaning of the Lord's Day in Revelation 1:10 implies the day that Jesus arose from the dead. The fact that the disciples were assembled on the first day of the week, one week after the resurrection, seems to imply that the tradition of assembling to worship on Sunday began immediately after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (John 20:26).
Certainly, the first day of the week was chosen as the time to assemble together in that Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the week and then appeared to the disciples two consecutive times on the first day of the week (John 20:1,19, 26). The Greek phrase that is used here to express "the first of the week" is "mia ton sabbaton." This particular phrase - along with two other closely related phrases - is used 8 times in the New Testament (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). It is used almost exclusively to describe the day that Jesus arose from the dead which was Sunday. A fact that further substantiates that this was not merely an event when the disciples just happened to be gathered together is the use of the verb "sunago." The verb "sunago" refers to a formal gathering as opposed to "episuagoghn" which would be used of a regular gathering (A.T. Robertson; Acts 20:7).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, January 05, 2007
Daily Bread - Dec 27 2006
Acts 13:34 - "And that He raised Him from the dead never again to return to corruption; therefore, He has said, 'I will give you the holy things of faithful David. '"
This quote is found in Isaiah 55:3, "I will cut an everlasting covenant for you of faithful David's mercies (covenant love)." The last five Greek words used here in Acts 13:34 are identical to those found in the Septuagint, "ta hosia David ta pista" (the holy things of David's faithfulness). In the Hebrew Bible, this same passage reads, "mercies (covenant love) of David's faithfulness" ("chasdey david hanneemaneem"). Those who translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek understood the Hebrew word that many translate 'mercy' (chesed) to mean holy or sacred things.
What we can understand from looking at all of these texts is that the holy things of David was the covenant love that he had with God - a covenant love that was established by the mercies of God. The covenant love that God cut with David He also cut with Jesus, His only begotten Son. This same lovingkindness and tender mercies has been extended to us today through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 13:34 - "And that He raised Him from the dead never again to return to corruption; therefore, He has said, 'I will give you the holy things of faithful David. '"
This quote is found in Isaiah 55:3, "I will cut an everlasting covenant for you of faithful David's mercies (covenant love)." The last five Greek words used here in Acts 13:34 are identical to those found in the Septuagint, "ta hosia David ta pista" (the holy things of David's faithfulness). In the Hebrew Bible, this same passage reads, "mercies (covenant love) of David's faithfulness" ("chasdey david hanneemaneem"). Those who translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek understood the Hebrew word that many translate 'mercy' (chesed) to mean holy or sacred things.
What we can understand from looking at all of these texts is that the holy things of David was the covenant love that he had with God - a covenant love that was established by the mercies of God. The covenant love that God cut with David He also cut with Jesus, His only begotten Son. This same lovingkindness and tender mercies has been extended to us today through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Daily Bread - Dec 26 2006
John 4:10 - "Jesus replied and said to her, "If you knew about the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him and He would give you living water."
The gift of God is the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Hebrews 6:4). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we could receive the transformation of nature and be made a new creation (John 3:5-6, 8; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:24; John 1:13; Romans 8:9). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given so that we could be empowered with divine power (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:8). The gift of God is a treasure on the inside of us that produces the excellence of God's power (2 Corinthians 4:7).
The gift is a wellspring producing spirit and truth, a river producing all that was seen on the day of Pentecost and more, the Comforter who abides with us forever, Christ in us the hope of glory, our seal of redemption, the teacher who leads and guides us into all truth, God's power on the inside of us producing all His fruits and testifying of all His glory (John 4:10; 7:38- 39; John 14:16; Colossians 1:27; 1John 4:24; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
The gift of God brought forth the Spirit of the Son, the divine nature, the new man and the new creation (Galatians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The gift of the Holy Spirit is received by asking the Father who has made it known that it is His good pleasure to give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 4:10 - "Jesus replied and said to her, "If you knew about the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him and He would give you living water."
The gift of God is the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Hebrews 6:4). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we could receive the transformation of nature and be made a new creation (John 3:5-6, 8; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:24; John 1:13; Romans 8:9). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given so that we could be empowered with divine power (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:8). The gift of God is a treasure on the inside of us that produces the excellence of God's power (2 Corinthians 4:7).
The gift is a wellspring producing spirit and truth, a river producing all that was seen on the day of Pentecost and more, the Comforter who abides with us forever, Christ in us the hope of glory, our seal of redemption, the teacher who leads and guides us into all truth, God's power on the inside of us producing all His fruits and testifying of all His glory (John 4:10; 7:38- 39; John 14:16; Colossians 1:27; 1John 4:24; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
The gift of God brought forth the Spirit of the Son, the divine nature, the new man and the new creation (Galatians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The gift of the Holy Spirit is received by asking the Father who has made it known that it is His good pleasure to give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Dec 24 2006
Ephesians 1:13-14 - "In whom you also heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation - in whom also you, believing, were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the first installment of our inheritance as a ransom payment for the purchase unto the praise of His glory."
The noun 'arrabon' may be translated either 'first installment,' 'deposit,' 'down payment,' or 'pledge' all of which denote paying the first part of a purchase price. Jesus told the disciples in Luke 24:49 to go and wait until they received the "Promise of my Father." The Spirit of promise then hearkens back to the glorious day that the promise of the Father was poured out upon the 120 on the day of Pentecost. It was on that day that God made His first payment to us and sealed us as His sons and heirs (Acts 1:4; Acts 2:1; Luke 24:49).
It seems that we should be making a payment to Him for redeeming us. Instead, God made a payment to us providing proof that we have been "bought with a price," the precious blood of Jesus. The terms of this transaction is that we agreed to belong entirely to God and, in exchange, the Father through Christ Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
This experience of His grace is the initial evidence that we agreed to be purchased. Subsequently, in keeping with the covenant, we no longer live to ourselves; rather, we glorify God in our bodies and spirits which He has purchased.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:13-14 - "In whom you also heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation - in whom also you, believing, were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the first installment of our inheritance as a ransom payment for the purchase unto the praise of His glory."
The noun 'arrabon' may be translated either 'first installment,' 'deposit,' 'down payment,' or 'pledge' all of which denote paying the first part of a purchase price. Jesus told the disciples in Luke 24:49 to go and wait until they received the "Promise of my Father." The Spirit of promise then hearkens back to the glorious day that the promise of the Father was poured out upon the 120 on the day of Pentecost. It was on that day that God made His first payment to us and sealed us as His sons and heirs (Acts 1:4; Acts 2:1; Luke 24:49).
It seems that we should be making a payment to Him for redeeming us. Instead, God made a payment to us providing proof that we have been "bought with a price," the precious blood of Jesus. The terms of this transaction is that we agreed to belong entirely to God and, in exchange, the Father through Christ Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
This experience of His grace is the initial evidence that we agreed to be purchased. Subsequently, in keeping with the covenant, we no longer live to ourselves; rather, we glorify God in our bodies and spirits which He has purchased.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Dec 23 2006
1 Peter 1:25 - "But the word of the Lord remains unto eternity, and this is the word which has been proclaimed to you."
There are two words used in the Greek language for "word:" 'logos' and 'rhema.' However, these two words are translated by one Hebrew word many times and especially when the word of the Lord is being referred to; the Hebrew word is 'dabar.' A classic example of this is in Exodus 19:6-9 where we find 'dabar' translated as 'rhema' twice and 'logos' twice. This synonymous interchange between the Greek word 'rhema' and 'logos' is further emphasized in 1-Kings 12:24 and 1-Samuel 15:23 where the expression "the word of the Lord" is found in each case twice, and in both instances it is translated using 'rhema' and then 'logos.' This interchange is observed many times throughout the Bible leaving us little doubt that there is any difference between the two.
The one interesting thing to note is that the expression the "word of the Lord" in the five books of Moses exclusively uses 'rhema' beginning with Genesis 15:1 through Deuteronomy 34:5. Peter also uses these two words somewhat interchangeably having said that we are born of the 'logos' in verse 23 and then describes that 'logos' of which we were born to be the 'rhema' that endures forever.
This same revelation that God's word is eternal is found in Isaiah 40:8. Jesus said that heaven and earth shall pass away but my word will not pass away (Mark 13:31). The Psalmist says that God's word is forever settled in heaven and that He has exalted it above His own name (Psalms 119:89; Psalms 138:2). Jesus said that it was the words that He had spoken that would judge men in the last day (John 12:48). The word of God reveals to us the will of God which is unchanging. The word of God is living, revealing, life giving, faith imparting, supernatural creative power of God at work on the inside of those who will believe.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 1:25 - "But the word of the Lord remains unto eternity, and this is the word which has been proclaimed to you."
There are two words used in the Greek language for "word:" 'logos' and 'rhema.' However, these two words are translated by one Hebrew word many times and especially when the word of the Lord is being referred to; the Hebrew word is 'dabar.' A classic example of this is in Exodus 19:6-9 where we find 'dabar' translated as 'rhema' twice and 'logos' twice. This synonymous interchange between the Greek word 'rhema' and 'logos' is further emphasized in 1-Kings 12:24 and 1-Samuel 15:23 where the expression "the word of the Lord" is found in each case twice, and in both instances it is translated using 'rhema' and then 'logos.' This interchange is observed many times throughout the Bible leaving us little doubt that there is any difference between the two.
The one interesting thing to note is that the expression the "word of the Lord" in the five books of Moses exclusively uses 'rhema' beginning with Genesis 15:1 through Deuteronomy 34:5. Peter also uses these two words somewhat interchangeably having said that we are born of the 'logos' in verse 23 and then describes that 'logos' of which we were born to be the 'rhema' that endures forever.
This same revelation that God's word is eternal is found in Isaiah 40:8. Jesus said that heaven and earth shall pass away but my word will not pass away (Mark 13:31). The Psalmist says that God's word is forever settled in heaven and that He has exalted it above His own name (Psalms 119:89; Psalms 138:2). Jesus said that it was the words that He had spoken that would judge men in the last day (John 12:48). The word of God reveals to us the will of God which is unchanging. The word of God is living, revealing, life giving, faith imparting, supernatural creative power of God at work on the inside of those who will believe.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Daily Bread - Dec 22 2006
Acts 10:35 - "But in every nation he who fears Him and practices righteousness is acceptable."
The Greek word 'dekton,' which means "acceptable," is used often in the Old Testament of the quality of sacrifice that is acceptable to God. The acceptable offerings are those offerings which a worshiper can worship God with. "If his offering is a whole burnt offering of the oxen it shall be a perfect male which he shall bring to the door of the tent of meeting; he shall come near; for it is acceptable before YHWH" (Leviticus 1:3).
Through the transformation of life that was brought to us by the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, we are made holy and acceptable so that we may present our lives as an offering to God (Romans 12:1). Paul said that the Gentile were made acceptable to God because they were sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16). In Proverbs, God says to do righteousness and judgment is more acceptable than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3).
All worshipers along with the Psalmist cry out to God and say, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer" (Psalms 19:14). When Jesus began His ministry He introduced the acceptable day of the Lord wherein God is calling all men to repent and turn back to the way of righteousness, purity, and holiness for which we were created (Luke 4:19; Isaiah 61:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9). God has called us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost to which Paul says that they who serve God in these things are acceptable to God and approved of men (Romans 14:17-18).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 10:35 - "But in every nation he who fears Him and practices righteousness is acceptable."
The Greek word 'dekton,' which means "acceptable," is used often in the Old Testament of the quality of sacrifice that is acceptable to God. The acceptable offerings are those offerings which a worshiper can worship God with. "If his offering is a whole burnt offering of the oxen it shall be a perfect male which he shall bring to the door of the tent of meeting; he shall come near; for it is acceptable before YHWH" (Leviticus 1:3).
Through the transformation of life that was brought to us by the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, we are made holy and acceptable so that we may present our lives as an offering to God (Romans 12:1). Paul said that the Gentile were made acceptable to God because they were sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16). In Proverbs, God says to do righteousness and judgment is more acceptable than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3).
All worshipers along with the Psalmist cry out to God and say, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer" (Psalms 19:14). When Jesus began His ministry He introduced the acceptable day of the Lord wherein God is calling all men to repent and turn back to the way of righteousness, purity, and holiness for which we were created (Luke 4:19; Isaiah 61:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9). God has called us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost to which Paul says that they who serve God in these things are acceptable to God and approved of men (Romans 14:17-18).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Dec 21 2006
Leviticus 1:7 - "The sons of Aaron the priest shall stoke the fire on the altar and lay out wood on the fire."
It was not the responsibility of the Priest to light the fire for they were specifically commanded to keep the fire burning by stocking and adding wood to it (Leviticus 6:5-9, 12-13). The fire that burned upon the altar was lit by God (Leviticus 9:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26; 2 Chronicles 7:1,3; 1 Kings 18:38; Acts 2:3). It was from this divine fire that all other fires and lights in the sanctuary were to be made (Leviticus 16:12; Numbers 16:46).
God would not tolerate a fire that was produced by man in His house. Such a fire whether on a candle or in the bowl of incense was considered strange fire and carried with it the penalty of death (Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4; 26:61). It was out of the fire of God that Moses received the revelation of who Yahowah God is (Exodus 3:2; 19:18; 24:17; Deuteronomy 4:12,33, 36,5:4,22,24; 9:10; 10:4). It was by the fire of God that the Israelites were led and given light in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). The fire of God sanctified the place that God had ordained and designed for worship (Exodus 40:38). It was by the fire of God that all who desired to worship would present their offerings (Exodus 30:20; Leviticus 1:9; 2:2).
The fire of God is also central to worship in the New Testament ( John 4:23; Philippians 3:3; Jude 20). Jesus Christ is given the ministry of baptizing those who come to Him with the fire of God. Those who were baptized in the Holy Ghost and Fire on the day of Pentecost spoke forth the word of God and worshiped in Spirit as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 14:2). Every offering and act of worship is to be produced by the same fire of the Holy Spirit that Jesus has come to baptize us with. To arise and shine with the glory of God as lights unto the world we must be set on fire by the Holy Ghost (Isaiah 60:1; Ephesians 5:8; Matthew 5:14).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Leviticus 1:7 - "The sons of Aaron the priest shall stoke the fire on the altar and lay out wood on the fire."
It was not the responsibility of the Priest to light the fire for they were specifically commanded to keep the fire burning by stocking and adding wood to it (Leviticus 6:5-9, 12-13). The fire that burned upon the altar was lit by God (Leviticus 9:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26; 2 Chronicles 7:1,3; 1 Kings 18:38; Acts 2:3). It was from this divine fire that all other fires and lights in the sanctuary were to be made (Leviticus 16:12; Numbers 16:46).
God would not tolerate a fire that was produced by man in His house. Such a fire whether on a candle or in the bowl of incense was considered strange fire and carried with it the penalty of death (Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4; 26:61). It was out of the fire of God that Moses received the revelation of who Yahowah God is (Exodus 3:2; 19:18; 24:17; Deuteronomy 4:12,33, 36,5:4,22,24; 9:10; 10:4). It was by the fire of God that the Israelites were led and given light in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). The fire of God sanctified the place that God had ordained and designed for worship (Exodus 40:38). It was by the fire of God that all who desired to worship would present their offerings (Exodus 30:20; Leviticus 1:9; 2:2).
The fire of God is also central to worship in the New Testament ( John 4:23; Philippians 3:3; Jude 20). Jesus Christ is given the ministry of baptizing those who come to Him with the fire of God. Those who were baptized in the Holy Ghost and Fire on the day of Pentecost spoke forth the word of God and worshiped in Spirit as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 14:2). Every offering and act of worship is to be produced by the same fire of the Holy Spirit that Jesus has come to baptize us with. To arise and shine with the glory of God as lights unto the world we must be set on fire by the Holy Ghost (Isaiah 60:1; Ephesians 5:8; Matthew 5:14).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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