Daily Bread - MAR/17/07
Acts 15:11 - For we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in the same manner also.
The first definition of "saved" sited in Merriam- Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) is, "delivered from sin." Peter reveals that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile and that if anyone is going to be saved it will be by the same Jesus through the same faith. The Jews who had depended upon the Law for salvation were faced with the crisis of an instantaneous righteousness through the miracle of salvation instead of a righteous status maintained by strict observance of the Law. The transition that they were engaged in was that there was now no more need for the Law and that the Gentiles were being granted equal position with them in God.
The salvation that is in Christ Jesus is so radically different from the Law because the dominance of sin is removed. And even more the redeemed are given a new spirit so that their spirit can be unity to the Holy Spirit to both choose and do that which pleases God (1 Corinthians 6:17; John 3:6; John 14:20; 17:21-23). The revelation of the purity and righteousness that comes by the miracle of faith was also expressed by Paul when he declared that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ "are shown to be righteous" which is something that the Law of Moses was powerless to do (Acts 13:38-39; Galatians 3:21). The Law of Moses was weak in that it depended upon the ability of man who themselves were governed by a disobedient nature and dominated by sin (Romans 8:3; 7:5, 15; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 7:9). However, through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus everyone who believes has the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in them because they walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:4; 2 Coriinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/16/07
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. It is the Paraklete (Holy Spirit) 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; John 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).
The phrase "thn dorea tou Theo" (the gift of God) is found 2 times in the New Testatement and is inseparably linked to the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 4:10; Acts 8:20). The context in Acts 10:45 which uses this related phrase "h dorea tou hagiou pneumatos" (the gift of the Holy Spirit) further witnesses to this fact. Peter recounting this event to the council in Jerusalem says that God gave them the same gift as they had received on the day of Pentecost (Acts 11:17). Today, the same message is being spoken by the Holy Spirit who along with all who have ever drunk of this water calls out to anyone who is thirsty (Revelation 22:17).
Blessings,
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. It is the Paraklete (Holy Spirit) 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; John 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).
The phrase "thn dorea tou Theo" (the gift of God) is found 2 times in the New Testatement and is inseparably linked to the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 4:10; Acts 8:20). The context in Acts 10:45 which uses this related phrase "h dorea tou hagiou pneumatos" (the gift of the Holy Spirit) further witnesses to this fact. Peter recounting this event to the council in Jerusalem says that God gave them the same gift as they had received on the day of Pentecost (Acts 11:17). Today, the same message is being spoken by the Holy Spirit who along with all who have ever drunk of this water calls out to anyone who is thirsty (Revelation 22:17).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/15/07
1 Peter 2:23 - Who being insulted did not insult in return, suffering did not threaten but handed it over to righteous judgment.
One of the easiest pitfalls to stumble into is self-defense. We all want people to like us, and when that is undermined by false accusations then we simply find it nearly impossible to entrust the accusation and ourselves to the Lord. Instead, we move in self-defense - which usually results in speaking some evil thing against the person who spoke against us. However, this is not pleasing to the Father and it is behavior that will not be rewarded by Him.
We can choose to fight our own battles and live with whatever gains we acquire through such means or follow the example of the Lord Jesus and let God both fight our battles and uphold us in all of His blessings that He has blessed us with. The Greek word that is used here is "loidoreo" which may be translated "revile, abuse, insult, slander, reproach." There is nothing that can mess up your day like someone reviling, abusing, insulting, slandering, or reproaching you, but Father is asking us to follow the example of His Son Jesus and hand it all over to Him.
We are called to bless when we are insulted and as a result we will inherit a blessing even out of the midst of abuse (1 Peter 3:9; 1 Corinthians 4:12). But how is it possible to do that? First of all we must be willing to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20-21). Beyond that, we have to step back and allow God to give us a burden for the souls of those who have been ensnared by such wickedness.
God will give us wisdom and insight into the hurts and insecurity that caused someone to do such a thing. Then we will find ourselves moved with compassion and can begin to pray for them that their lives would be changed by the mercies of Christ Jesus and the power of God. The most important thing is to not retaliate but to make sure that as God's people we have the correct response. As Peter has already said previously in this chapter, "if we do well and suffer reproach for it then this is acceptable to God" (1 Peter 2:19-20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:23 - Who being insulted did not insult in return, suffering did not threaten but handed it over to righteous judgment.
One of the easiest pitfalls to stumble into is self-defense. We all want people to like us, and when that is undermined by false accusations then we simply find it nearly impossible to entrust the accusation and ourselves to the Lord. Instead, we move in self-defense - which usually results in speaking some evil thing against the person who spoke against us. However, this is not pleasing to the Father and it is behavior that will not be rewarded by Him.
We can choose to fight our own battles and live with whatever gains we acquire through such means or follow the example of the Lord Jesus and let God both fight our battles and uphold us in all of His blessings that He has blessed us with. The Greek word that is used here is "loidoreo" which may be translated "revile, abuse, insult, slander, reproach." There is nothing that can mess up your day like someone reviling, abusing, insulting, slandering, or reproaching you, but Father is asking us to follow the example of His Son Jesus and hand it all over to Him.
We are called to bless when we are insulted and as a result we will inherit a blessing even out of the midst of abuse (1 Peter 3:9; 1 Corinthians 4:12). But how is it possible to do that? First of all we must be willing to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20-21). Beyond that, we have to step back and allow God to give us a burden for the souls of those who have been ensnared by such wickedness.
God will give us wisdom and insight into the hurts and insecurity that caused someone to do such a thing. Then we will find ourselves moved with compassion and can begin to pray for them that their lives would be changed by the mercies of Christ Jesus and the power of God. The most important thing is to not retaliate but to make sure that as God's people we have the correct response. As Peter has already said previously in this chapter, "if we do well and suffer reproach for it then this is acceptable to God" (1 Peter 2:19-20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/14/07
1 Peter 2:21 - For you are called to this because also Christ suffered on your behalf leaving you an example that you should follow after His footsteps.
Jesus said that those who would be His disciples were called do what He did. If they were going to follow Him then they would have to take up their cross and deny themselves even as He did (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23-25). Although there is no need for us to actually go to a cross and die for the world, there is a need for us to deny our own self-will and live to do the will of the Father. The cross is the ultimate example of not living for oneself.
We were born of God to no longer live according to the will of man but to live according to God's will (1 Peter 4:2; Matthew 7:21; 12:50; John 5:30). We could equally say that we have no right to make our own choices but rather choose what God has chosen for us to do in any given situation. We are to overcome just as Jesus overcame and live in this present world just as He lives today (Revelation 3:21; John 4:17).
Jesus became our example and modeled what a son of God was supposed to be like and God has predetermined that we should be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). He not only modeled sonship but also gave us the power to be the sons of God (John 1:12). What Jesus asked of his disciples 2,000 years ago He also asks of us today, "If anyone serve me let him follow me and where I am there my servant will also be and my Father will prize him" (John 12:26).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:21 - For you are called to this because also Christ suffered on your behalf leaving you an example that you should follow after His footsteps.
Jesus said that those who would be His disciples were called do what He did. If they were going to follow Him then they would have to take up their cross and deny themselves even as He did (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23-25). Although there is no need for us to actually go to a cross and die for the world, there is a need for us to deny our own self-will and live to do the will of the Father. The cross is the ultimate example of not living for oneself.
We were born of God to no longer live according to the will of man but to live according to God's will (1 Peter 4:2; Matthew 7:21; 12:50; John 5:30). We could equally say that we have no right to make our own choices but rather choose what God has chosen for us to do in any given situation. We are to overcome just as Jesus overcame and live in this present world just as He lives today (Revelation 3:21; John 4:17).
Jesus became our example and modeled what a son of God was supposed to be like and God has predetermined that we should be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). He not only modeled sonship but also gave us the power to be the sons of God (John 1:12). What Jesus asked of his disciples 2,000 years ago He also asks of us today, "If anyone serve me let him follow me and where I am there my servant will also be and my Father will prize him" (John 12:26).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/13/07
John 15:7 - If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.
Jesus reveals how easy it is to receive the answer to your request. He simply tells us to ask. Jesus tells us 7 times in John chapters 14 through 16 to "ask." The kind of prayer that we are to pray is an asking prayer, one that expects God to do the impossible. Elijah prayed asking God to stop the rain, and it did not rain for 3.5 years; then when he asked God to cause it to rain it was so (James 5:17-18). James said, “you have not because you ask not.” Jesus said, “everyone who asks shall receive” and “all things whatsoever you ask in prayer believing you shall receive (Luke 11:9-10; Matthew 11:22). How simple can it be? Jesus reduces the impossible to nothing more than a basic request.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 15:7 - If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.
Jesus reveals how easy it is to receive the answer to your request. He simply tells us to ask. Jesus tells us 7 times in John chapters 14 through 16 to "ask." The kind of prayer that we are to pray is an asking prayer, one that expects God to do the impossible. Elijah prayed asking God to stop the rain, and it did not rain for 3.5 years; then when he asked God to cause it to rain it was so (James 5:17-18). James said, “you have not because you ask not.” Jesus said, “everyone who asks shall receive” and “all things whatsoever you ask in prayer believing you shall receive (Luke 11:9-10; Matthew 11:22). How simple can it be? Jesus reduces the impossible to nothing more than a basic request.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, March 12, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/12/07
John 4:4 - "You are from God little children and have conquered them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."
Jesus Christ - the one who conquered the devil and all of the power of sin - lives on the inside of every believer (1 John 3:8; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; Luke 10:19). Jesus Christ who is the truth, the way, and the life is the Greater One that "is in you." Jesus Christ both came in the flesh when He was born into the world and when he was born into the hearts of men by the Holy Spirit.
When we were born of the Spirit and became a new creation through the miracle of salvation, it was Christ Jesus who was formed in us (Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 1:6; John 17:23). That Christ Jesus dwells in those who are born of God is a well-established doctrine, (1 John 3:24; John 14:20, 23; 17:23, 26).
The power of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer enables us to overcome the spirit of antichrist, the spirit of the world, and the spirit of deception. We may be confident today that all of the power of iniquity that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life is not more powerful than Christ Jesus who lives within us. We are guaranteed by God Himself that He will go before us and fight all our battles. As we stand yielded to Him with our hands lifted in worship, God will destroy all the opposing forces that come out against us just as He did in the days of Moses (Exodus 17:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 4:4 - "You are from God little children and have conquered them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."
Jesus Christ - the one who conquered the devil and all of the power of sin - lives on the inside of every believer (1 John 3:8; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; Luke 10:19). Jesus Christ who is the truth, the way, and the life is the Greater One that "is in you." Jesus Christ both came in the flesh when He was born into the world and when he was born into the hearts of men by the Holy Spirit.
When we were born of the Spirit and became a new creation through the miracle of salvation, it was Christ Jesus who was formed in us (Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 1:6; John 17:23). That Christ Jesus dwells in those who are born of God is a well-established doctrine, (1 John 3:24; John 14:20, 23; 17:23, 26).
The power of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer enables us to overcome the spirit of antichrist, the spirit of the world, and the spirit of deception. We may be confident today that all of the power of iniquity that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life is not more powerful than Christ Jesus who lives within us. We are guaranteed by God Himself that He will go before us and fight all our battles. As we stand yielded to Him with our hands lifted in worship, God will destroy all the opposing forces that come out against us just as He did in the days of Moses (Exodus 17:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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