Daily Bread - FEB/10/07
Revelation 1:12 - And I turned to see the voice which spoke with me, and having turned I saw seven golden menorahs.
When John turned to see Jesus, he first encountered His church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all things and His representative on the earth. God instructed Moses to make a seven-branched Menorah (Gr-luchnia) which was to be placed in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-37).
The Tabernacle on earth was a figure and representation of the heavenly one which John saw in this vision. A new dimension of meaning was given to the lamps by this revelation. We discover that the churches are symbolized by the menorah. The church is the light of the world as Jesus said "a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:14-16).
The prophet Zachariah saw a similar vision in Zachariah 4:2: the seven-branched Menorah was associated with the fullness of the Spirit of God and with the eyes of Yahoah (Zachariah 4:6, 10). A similar revelation is also drawn out here in the book of Revelation where we observe the seven Spirits indirectly associated with the menorah. The difference is that the church is now revealed, and the seven Spirits are associated directly with the seven churches rather than the menorah.
When we consider the seven Spirits of God, we may either understand it as the fullness of God's Spirit or more specifically as seven attributes of the Spirit. The prophet Isaiah revealed that the Messiah would come in the fullness of the Spirit of God and listed these seven attributes of the Spirit: 1-The Spirit of Yahweh; 2- The spirit of wisdom; 3- The spirit of understanding; 4- The spirit of counsel; 5- The spirit of might; 6- The spirit of knowledge; 7- The spirit of the fear of Yahweh.
God placed the fullness of His Spirit and power in the church insomuch that He refers to the church as the fullness of Him that fills all things (Ephesians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 12:28). It is through the church that God communicates His will and makes Himself known revealing Jesus by His Spirit (John 16:13-15; Colossians 1:18, 24; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/09/07
Revelation 1:7 - Behold He comes with clouds and every eye shall see Him and they which pierced Him. Yes, and all the tribes of the earth shall wail on account of Him amen.
When God came to rescue Israel out of the land of Egypt, He appeared in a cloud, Gr-nephele, (Exodus 13:21-22). When Yahweh God came to speak with Israel so that all of the people could hear His voice, He came in a cloud (Exodus 19:9). When Yahweh God called Moses to come up into the mountain to meet with Him, Moses went up into a cloud (Exodus 24:15-18).
The event that most clearly captivates the fact that the person Yahweh God was actually in the midst of this cloud is found in Exodus 14. When the cloud of God stood between Israel and Egypt to prevent the Egyptians from overtaking the Israelites, Yahweh God looked out of the cloud at the host of the Egyptians.
Evidently, the Egyptians were able to see Yahweh when He poked His head out of the cloud; for the scripture says He caused a destructive panic among the army of the Egyptians (Exodus 14:24). The cloud of God was seen in Israel after Solomon had finished building the temple. His presence so overwhelmed the people that the priest could not perform their priestly duties (2 Chronicles 5:14).
The last time that the glory cloud of God was seen in the Old Testament times was when Jerusalem was overthrown by Babylon (Ezekiel 10:4). When the prophet Daniel prophesied of the last days and the coming of the Messiah, he pictured the Son of man coming with the clouds to the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13). The cloud of God was not seen again until Jesus went up into the mountain to pray with Peter, James, and John.
The glory cloud overshadowed them, and Yahweh God spoke out of the midst of the excellent glory and said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" (Mark 9:7; Luke 9:34-35; 2 Peter 1:17). The cloud of God is associated with the return of the Lord Jesus at the time of the first resurrection and the catching away of the church and also at His second coming (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Matthew 24:30; 26:40; Mark 13:26;14:26; Luke 21:27).
Be ready,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Revelation 1:7 - Behold He comes with clouds and every eye shall see Him and they which pierced Him. Yes, and all the tribes of the earth shall wail on account of Him amen.
When God came to rescue Israel out of the land of Egypt, He appeared in a cloud, Gr-nephele, (Exodus 13:21-22). When Yahweh God came to speak with Israel so that all of the people could hear His voice, He came in a cloud (Exodus 19:9). When Yahweh God called Moses to come up into the mountain to meet with Him, Moses went up into a cloud (Exodus 24:15-18).
The event that most clearly captivates the fact that the person Yahweh God was actually in the midst of this cloud is found in Exodus 14. When the cloud of God stood between Israel and Egypt to prevent the Egyptians from overtaking the Israelites, Yahweh God looked out of the cloud at the host of the Egyptians.
Evidently, the Egyptians were able to see Yahweh when He poked His head out of the cloud; for the scripture says He caused a destructive panic among the army of the Egyptians (Exodus 14:24). The cloud of God was seen in Israel after Solomon had finished building the temple. His presence so overwhelmed the people that the priest could not perform their priestly duties (2 Chronicles 5:14).
The last time that the glory cloud of God was seen in the Old Testament times was when Jerusalem was overthrown by Babylon (Ezekiel 10:4). When the prophet Daniel prophesied of the last days and the coming of the Messiah, he pictured the Son of man coming with the clouds to the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13). The cloud of God was not seen again until Jesus went up into the mountain to pray with Peter, James, and John.
The glory cloud overshadowed them, and Yahweh God spoke out of the midst of the excellent glory and said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" (Mark 9:7; Luke 9:34-35; 2 Peter 1:17). The cloud of God is associated with the return of the Lord Jesus at the time of the first resurrection and the catching away of the church and also at His second coming (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Matthew 24:30; 26:40; Mark 13:26;14:26; Luke 21:27).
Be ready,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, February 09, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/08/07
Revelation 1:6 - And has made us kings and priests to God and His Father; glory and might to Him unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
Central to the New Testament is the fact that the Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. God is called the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ three times in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 11:31; Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3). Jesus calls God His Father 65 times (Matthew 10:32,33; 11:25,26,27; 12:50; 15:13; 16:17,27; 18:10,19,35; 20:23; 24:36; 25:34; 26:29,39,42,53; Mark 14:36; Luke 2:49; 9:26; 10:21,22; 22:29,42; 23:34,46; 24:49; John 2:16; 5:17,18; 6:32; 8:19; 8:28,38,49,54; 10:17,18,25,29,30,32,37;12:26; 14:2,7,20,21,23,28; 15:1,8,10,15,23,24; 16:10; 18:11; 20:17,21; Revelation 2:27; 3:5,21).
Jesus is also called God's Son 69 times (Matthew 1:23; 4:3; 4:6; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 26:63; 27:40,43,54; Mark 1:1; 3:11; 5:7; 15:39; Luke 1:32,35; 4:41; 22:70; John 1:14,18,34,49; 3:16,17,18,36; 5:25; 6:69; 9:35; 10:36; 11:4,27; 19:7; 20:31; Acts 3:13,26; 8:37; 9:20; 13:33; Romans 1:4, 9; 5:10; 8:3; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 15:28; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 2:20; 4:4; Ephesians 4:13; Titus 1:4; Hebrews 1:8; 4:14; 6:6; 10:29; 2 Peter 1:17; 1 John 3:8; 4:9,10,15; 5:5,9,10,11,12,13,20; 2 John 3,9; Revelation 2:18.) Jesus is the eternal God who was both God and with God throughout eternity, whom John referred to as the Word (John 1:1,14; Revelation 19:13).
God created everything by Jesus Christ who Himself also was and is God (Ephesians 3:9; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). God, the Word, became the only begotten Son of God by being born of a woman to redeem all mankind making us kings and priests to God and heirs and joint heirs with Himself (Romans 8:17).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Revelation 1:6 - And has made us kings and priests to God and His Father; glory and might to Him unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
Central to the New Testament is the fact that the Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. God is called the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ three times in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 11:31; Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3). Jesus calls God His Father 65 times (Matthew 10:32,33; 11:25,26,27; 12:50; 15:13; 16:17,27; 18:10,19,35; 20:23; 24:36; 25:34; 26:29,39,42,53; Mark 14:36; Luke 2:49; 9:26; 10:21,22; 22:29,42; 23:34,46; 24:49; John 2:16; 5:17,18; 6:32; 8:19; 8:28,38,49,54; 10:17,18,25,29,30,32,37;12:26; 14:2,7,20,21,23,28; 15:1,8,10,15,23,24; 16:10; 18:11; 20:17,21; Revelation 2:27; 3:5,21).
Jesus is also called God's Son 69 times (Matthew 1:23; 4:3; 4:6; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 26:63; 27:40,43,54; Mark 1:1; 3:11; 5:7; 15:39; Luke 1:32,35; 4:41; 22:70; John 1:14,18,34,49; 3:16,17,18,36; 5:25; 6:69; 9:35; 10:36; 11:4,27; 19:7; 20:31; Acts 3:13,26; 8:37; 9:20; 13:33; Romans 1:4, 9; 5:10; 8:3; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 15:28; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 2:20; 4:4; Ephesians 4:13; Titus 1:4; Hebrews 1:8; 4:14; 6:6; 10:29; 2 Peter 1:17; 1 John 3:8; 4:9,10,15; 5:5,9,10,11,12,13,20; 2 John 3,9; Revelation 2:18.) Jesus is the eternal God who was both God and with God throughout eternity, whom John referred to as the Word (John 1:1,14; Revelation 19:13).
God created everything by Jesus Christ who Himself also was and is God (Ephesians 3:9; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). God, the Word, became the only begotten Son of God by being born of a woman to redeem all mankind making us kings and priests to God and heirs and joint heirs with Himself (Romans 8:17).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Daily Bread - Feb/07/07
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the releasing of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Jesus had commissioned the disciples to baptize in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Peter was not disregarding the instruction of his Lord in this sermon; rather, he is emphasizing in whose name they must believe and in whose authority their lives would be changed. In fact, it may be argued that it was not only water baptism that was being referred to but also baptism into the body of Christ and baptism into the Holy Spirit and fire (Acts 1:5; 1Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5; Colossians 2:12; Matthew 3:11; Acts 11:16; Hebrews 6:2).
Certainly, remission and cleansing from sin comes only by the blood of Jesus, and yet it is connected to baptism in this address. Therefore, the extent of what Peter was ministering reaches beyond just the baptism in water and certainly includes baptism into Jesus and into the Holy Spirit - all of which water baptism symbolizes (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Mark 16:16). As John baptized in water unto repentance, repentance is now granted in the name of Jesus and the remission of sin by His blood (Matthew 26:28; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:22; Acts 10:43). Paul was very careful to make certain that everyone understood that salvation only came by the blood of Jesus insomuch that he rarely baptized anyone (1 Corinthians 1:17). The message of being baptized in water was of the highest importance in the early church. As Philip communicated the gospel to the eunuch, the eunuch was brought to the question of water baptism (Acts 8:36).
The need for water baptism and its important role in the early church is emphasized by the disciples of Jesus baptizing, the Samaritans being baptized, those at Lydia, also of both Crispus, Cornelius, and their households, and of the disciples at Ephesus (John 3:22; 4:1-2; Acts 8:12; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15; 18:8; 19:5). In what name should we be baptized then? According to scripture, we should be baptized in the name of Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, and in the name of the Father, and in the name of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:16; 10:48; 19:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the releasing of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Jesus had commissioned the disciples to baptize in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Peter was not disregarding the instruction of his Lord in this sermon; rather, he is emphasizing in whose name they must believe and in whose authority their lives would be changed. In fact, it may be argued that it was not only water baptism that was being referred to but also baptism into the body of Christ and baptism into the Holy Spirit and fire (Acts 1:5; 1Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5; Colossians 2:12; Matthew 3:11; Acts 11:16; Hebrews 6:2).
Certainly, remission and cleansing from sin comes only by the blood of Jesus, and yet it is connected to baptism in this address. Therefore, the extent of what Peter was ministering reaches beyond just the baptism in water and certainly includes baptism into Jesus and into the Holy Spirit - all of which water baptism symbolizes (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; Mark 16:16). As John baptized in water unto repentance, repentance is now granted in the name of Jesus and the remission of sin by His blood (Matthew 26:28; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:22; Acts 10:43). Paul was very careful to make certain that everyone understood that salvation only came by the blood of Jesus insomuch that he rarely baptized anyone (1 Corinthians 1:17). The message of being baptized in water was of the highest importance in the early church. As Philip communicated the gospel to the eunuch, the eunuch was brought to the question of water baptism (Acts 8:36).
The need for water baptism and its important role in the early church is emphasized by the disciples of Jesus baptizing, the Samaritans being baptized, those at Lydia, also of both Crispus, Cornelius, and their households, and of the disciples at Ephesus (John 3:22; 4:1-2; Acts 8:12; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15; 18:8; 19:5). In what name should we be baptized then? According to scripture, we should be baptized in the name of Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, and in the name of the Father, and in the name of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:16; 10:48; 19:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Daily Bread - Feb 06 07
Acts 9:31 - Then all of the churches had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria being built up and moving in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit multiplied.
The Old Testament teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). The Psalmist taught that through the fear of the Lord we would learn to keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking guile.
The fear of the Lord causes a person to depart from evil and pursue peace (Psalms 34:11-14). The fear of the Lord is the hating of evil, arrogance, and pride (Proverbs 8:13). The expression, "the fear of the Lord," is only found one time in the New Testament but an equivalent expression, "the fear of God," is found three times: 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:17. Peter also quotes Psalms 34:12-14 in the context of inheriting a blessing.
The most common characteristic of the fear of the Lord is the hating of evil and the loving of righteousness. It was Jesus who above all others modeled this consecration to life and the ways of the Father and was given this testimony,"You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of extreme joy above your fellows" (Hebrews 1:9; Psalms 45:6-7).
Be joyful,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 9:31 - Then all of the churches had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria being built up and moving in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit multiplied.
The Old Testament teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). The Psalmist taught that through the fear of the Lord we would learn to keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking guile.
The fear of the Lord causes a person to depart from evil and pursue peace (Psalms 34:11-14). The fear of the Lord is the hating of evil, arrogance, and pride (Proverbs 8:13). The expression, "the fear of the Lord," is only found one time in the New Testament but an equivalent expression, "the fear of God," is found three times: 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:17. Peter also quotes Psalms 34:12-14 in the context of inheriting a blessing.
The most common characteristic of the fear of the Lord is the hating of evil and the loving of righteousness. It was Jesus who above all others modeled this consecration to life and the ways of the Father and was given this testimony,"You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of extreme joy above your fellows" (Hebrews 1:9; Psalms 45:6-7).
Be joyful,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, February 05, 2007
Daily Bread - Feb 05 07
Acts 20:33-35 - I have desired no one's silver, gold, or clothing. But you yourselves know that these hands of mine and those with me served the hands of them. I have showed everyone of you how that laboring you should give aid to the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
There is a supernatural blessing in giving that Paul both modeled and revealed by the Holy Spirit for the New Testament Church. The example that Paul gave to the church was one of taking personal responsibility for the propagation of the gospel at his own expense (2 Thessalonians 3:8-13). A special blessing of prosperity is promised to those who give their finances for the advancement of the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul promised that God would cause all grace to abound to those Macedonians who had impoverished themselves by giving to the Church. When Paul wrote to the Macedonian church at Philippi who had given with such abandonment, he gave them the promise that "God would supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19). Surely, if it is God's will that we should support the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by supporting those whom He has anointed, then He is going to make sure that we are adequately blessed to do those things that we have set our hearts to do.
John also praised those who gave themselves to labor for the support of the ministry (3 John 1:4-7). The prosperity that John desired above all other things for those he addressed in his third Epistle was for those who gave themselves to work for the ministry.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 20:33-35 - I have desired no one's silver, gold, or clothing. But you yourselves know that these hands of mine and those with me served the hands of them. I have showed everyone of you how that laboring you should give aid to the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
There is a supernatural blessing in giving that Paul both modeled and revealed by the Holy Spirit for the New Testament Church. The example that Paul gave to the church was one of taking personal responsibility for the propagation of the gospel at his own expense (2 Thessalonians 3:8-13). A special blessing of prosperity is promised to those who give their finances for the advancement of the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul promised that God would cause all grace to abound to those Macedonians who had impoverished themselves by giving to the Church. When Paul wrote to the Macedonian church at Philippi who had given with such abandonment, he gave them the promise that "God would supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19). Surely, if it is God's will that we should support the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by supporting those whom He has anointed, then He is going to make sure that we are adequately blessed to do those things that we have set our hearts to do.
John also praised those who gave themselves to labor for the support of the ministry (3 John 1:4-7). The prosperity that John desired above all other things for those he addressed in his third Epistle was for those who gave themselves to work for the ministry.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Feb 03 07
1 John 2:10 - He who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.
Walking in the light allows us to see very clearly where we are to walk. When we have light before us we can see clearly the choices that we are to make at every turn in the road. This verse helps us to more fully understand what it means to walk in the Light as He is in the Light (1 John 1:7). Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you that you love one another with the same love that I have loved you" (John 13: 34; 15:12; 1 John 3:23). God has called us to walk in His divine love (15:19; 17:26; 1 John 2:15; 4:7-8).
We know that love is the fulfillment of the law because love works no evil (Romans 13:10). We also know that God's divine love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). All we have to do is to yield our members unto God and the glory of His love will flow out of us as rivers of living water. The Greek word for divine love is "agape;" it is found 116 times in the New Testament.
Father has made it very clear to us that He demands that we walk in His kind of love. If we fail to recognize that this love only flows from the Spirit of God then we have missed the most important point of the New Testament. Walking in love is the realm where there is no occasion or opportunity to stumble or fall (2 Peter 1:10).
Everyone who has been transformed by the life-giving power of the Name of Jesus has been given the life of the Holy Spirit. The very essence and proof of this life in God is expressed by the love of God (1 John 4:7-8; 1 John 3:14; John 13:35). All we have to do is to yield our members as instruments of righteousness unto God and allow these glorious realms of the love of God to flow out of our hearts.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 2:10 - He who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.
Walking in the light allows us to see very clearly where we are to walk. When we have light before us we can see clearly the choices that we are to make at every turn in the road. This verse helps us to more fully understand what it means to walk in the Light as He is in the Light (1 John 1:7). Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you that you love one another with the same love that I have loved you" (John 13: 34; 15:12; 1 John 3:23). God has called us to walk in His divine love (15:19; 17:26; 1 John 2:15; 4:7-8).
We know that love is the fulfillment of the law because love works no evil (Romans 13:10). We also know that God's divine love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). All we have to do is to yield our members unto God and the glory of His love will flow out of us as rivers of living water. The Greek word for divine love is "agape;" it is found 116 times in the New Testament.
Father has made it very clear to us that He demands that we walk in His kind of love. If we fail to recognize that this love only flows from the Spirit of God then we have missed the most important point of the New Testament. Walking in love is the realm where there is no occasion or opportunity to stumble or fall (2 Peter 1:10).
Everyone who has been transformed by the life-giving power of the Name of Jesus has been given the life of the Holy Spirit. The very essence and proof of this life in God is expressed by the love of God (1 John 4:7-8; 1 John 3:14; John 13:35). All we have to do is to yield our members as instruments of righteousness unto God and allow these glorious realms of the love of God to flow out of our hearts.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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