Daily Bread - MAR/30/07
Colossians 2:13 - And you being dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having pardoned all your trespasses.
Another synonym for forgiveness is used in this verse adding yet more meaning to the gift of God's grace that has been given to us through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. The best way to translate this word here in this passage is either 'pardoned' or 'forgiven' (charizomai). This Greek word is derived from a word which means 'gift of grace' (charisma). The Lord has given to us generously of His forgiveness having cancelled (charizomai) all of our debt through the death of Jesus Christ (Luke 7:42-43). Our debts were canceled with our former life. The old life ladened with sin and guilty of death was crucified with Christ and now new life has been given in Christ Jesus.
God has bestowed this new life on us just as Jesus bestowed (charizomai) sight to many who were blind and as God bestowed (charizomai) a name to Jesus that is above every name (Luke 7:21; Philippians 2:9). All of our former deeds have been cut off and nothing of the past can be associated with the life that we now have in Christ Jesus. Faith in Christ Jesus demands that we too let go of the past. Those memories and the things that the enemy of our soul would use to condemn us with must be rejected as a false testimony of a life that no longer exists. Our standing with God now in Christ Jesus is such that He will graciously (charizomai) give us all things (Romans 8:32).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/29/07
Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness the firstborn from among the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. The One who loves us and has freed us from our sins with His own blood.
One of the most important doctrines that is essential for salvation is "Faith in the Blood of Jesus to Cleanse from Sin." We find a word used here in Revelation 1:5 that emphasizes the radical effect that the blood of Jesus has on sin; the blood has 'loosed it from off of us' or 'freed' us from its hold. The Greek verb that is used here is found 43 times in the New Testament. The basic meaning of 'luo' is to set free, untie, or loose. The opposite of 'luo' is 'deo' which means to bind (Matthew 18:18). One of the many ways that it can be translated is 'destroy' as in 1 John 3:8, "...that he might destroy the works of the devil."
The verb occurs in its "aorist active" form 20 times (Mark 11:2; John 2:19; 11:44: Acts 7:33; Rev 9:14; Acts 22:30; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; Acts 13:25; Rev 5:2; 1:5; Matt 21:2; Luke 19:30; Acts 2:24; Eph 2:14; Matt 5:19; 16:19; 18:18; John 1:27; 1 John 3:8). In all of these verses it is primary translated, destroy, loose, and untie. Other Greek words that are used to express the effect of the blood is 'katharitzo' which is also used many times in the gospels to describe lepers being cleansed after Jesus had healed them. The word is used concerning our hearts having been purified (Acts 15:9), a people purified for God (Titus 2:14), the blood that purifies the conscience (Hebrews 9:14, 23), that cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7); and that cleanses from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is a striking change of tense in this verse that helps to underscore the fact that the blood of Jesus has freed us from every sin. The change in tense is between 'loves' (agaponti) and 'freed/washed' (lusanti/lousanti). While 'love' is in the present tense, 'freed' is in the past tense. This alludes to the fact that Jesus freed us from our sins at the moment that we received His forgiveness, yet His love is present and forever ongoing.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness the firstborn from among the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. The One who loves us and has freed us from our sins with His own blood.
One of the most important doctrines that is essential for salvation is "Faith in the Blood of Jesus to Cleanse from Sin." We find a word used here in Revelation 1:5 that emphasizes the radical effect that the blood of Jesus has on sin; the blood has 'loosed it from off of us' or 'freed' us from its hold. The Greek verb that is used here is found 43 times in the New Testament. The basic meaning of 'luo' is to set free, untie, or loose. The opposite of 'luo' is 'deo' which means to bind (Matthew 18:18). One of the many ways that it can be translated is 'destroy' as in 1 John 3:8, "...that he might destroy the works of the devil."
The verb occurs in its "aorist active" form 20 times (Mark 11:2; John 2:19; 11:44: Acts 7:33; Rev 9:14; Acts 22:30; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; Acts 13:25; Rev 5:2; 1:5; Matt 21:2; Luke 19:30; Acts 2:24; Eph 2:14; Matt 5:19; 16:19; 18:18; John 1:27; 1 John 3:8). In all of these verses it is primary translated, destroy, loose, and untie. Other Greek words that are used to express the effect of the blood is 'katharitzo' which is also used many times in the gospels to describe lepers being cleansed after Jesus had healed them. The word is used concerning our hearts having been purified (Acts 15:9), a people purified for God (Titus 2:14), the blood that purifies the conscience (Hebrews 9:14, 23), that cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7); and that cleanses from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is a striking change of tense in this verse that helps to underscore the fact that the blood of Jesus has freed us from every sin. The change in tense is between 'loves' (agaponti) and 'freed/washed' (lusanti/lousanti). While 'love' is in the present tense, 'freed' is in the past tense. This alludes to the fact that Jesus freed us from our sins at the moment that we received His forgiveness, yet His love is present and forever ongoing.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/28/07
Acts 22:16 - And now why delay rise up be baptized and calling on the name of the Lord wash away your sins.
The blood of Jesus was given to us to wash away all of our sins. God has made it all so very simple; all we must do is call on the name of the Lord Jesus and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Joel 2:32). The word that is translated washed here is used one other time in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:11. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul makes it even more clear that the sins of the past which were named in verses 9-10 were washed away in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The Greek word (apoluomai) may be translated 'make pure' or 'wash away.' The word is used in imagery of purification (as Philo, Mut Nom 49; Just, D. 13. 1; BDAG). The only possibility that we have been given to have all of the sins of our past erased is through the forgiveness that is in Christ Jesus. The means of that forgiveness is supplied to us through the blood of Jesus Christ which extinguishes every form of sin and death (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
The effect of the blood is to purify by eliminating every sin. In effect, the blood is a purification agent that absorbs all of the sin. It is the life that swallows up the death, the light that cancels the darkness, the power of God that overthrows the power of Satan, and the truth that sets free from every lie. Paul also calls this purification the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5). When John describes this redemption that removes our sin he uses a related word which is translated 'loosed,' 'released,' or 'washed' (lousanti), "...unto Him who loved us and loosed us from our sins in His own blood" (Revelation 1:5). In John's First Epistle, he uses yet another word to describe the effect of the blood of Jesus on those who call on the name of the Lord which means to purge or to cleanse (katharitzo). Every sin has been removed from our lives so that at this very moment we are pure, holy, and without blame in His sight. God so loved us and desired to fellowship with us that He provided this means of salvation so that we might spend today and every day for the rest of eternity with Him walking around in His love.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 22:16 - And now why delay rise up be baptized and calling on the name of the Lord wash away your sins.
The blood of Jesus was given to us to wash away all of our sins. God has made it all so very simple; all we must do is call on the name of the Lord Jesus and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Joel 2:32). The word that is translated washed here is used one other time in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:11. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul makes it even more clear that the sins of the past which were named in verses 9-10 were washed away in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The Greek word (apoluomai) may be translated 'make pure' or 'wash away.' The word is used in imagery of purification (as Philo, Mut Nom 49; Just, D. 13. 1; BDAG). The only possibility that we have been given to have all of the sins of our past erased is through the forgiveness that is in Christ Jesus. The means of that forgiveness is supplied to us through the blood of Jesus Christ which extinguishes every form of sin and death (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
The effect of the blood is to purify by eliminating every sin. In effect, the blood is a purification agent that absorbs all of the sin. It is the life that swallows up the death, the light that cancels the darkness, the power of God that overthrows the power of Satan, and the truth that sets free from every lie. Paul also calls this purification the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5). When John describes this redemption that removes our sin he uses a related word which is translated 'loosed,' 'released,' or 'washed' (lousanti), "...unto Him who loved us and loosed us from our sins in His own blood" (Revelation 1:5). In John's First Epistle, he uses yet another word to describe the effect of the blood of Jesus on those who call on the name of the Lord which means to purge or to cleanse (katharitzo). Every sin has been removed from our lives so that at this very moment we are pure, holy, and without blame in His sight. God so loved us and desired to fellowship with us that He provided this means of salvation so that we might spend today and every day for the rest of eternity with Him walking around in His love.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/27/07
Ephesians 3:7 - Of which I have become a minister 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, divine activity) 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. This is not some esoteric activity of God that takes place absent of our will and consciousness. This is an activity of the Holy Spirit in our life not unlike any other relationship. We must recognize His presence and both obey and yield to His direction. 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 given the ability to live the life of Christ Jesus.
There is nothing that man can do for God in his own human ability and strength that will really accomplish anything from an eternal perspective. We must learn to depend upon the ability which God supplies to us through His active power (energia) that is at work in the life of every saint. Through interacting with the Holy Spirit in praise and worship, reading of the Word of God, and giving ourselves to prayer He trains us to yield to Him. The first time that you yielded to the Holy Spirit was when you responded to the call of salvation and allowed Him to transform you and make you into a new creation. As we learn to walk in the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves continually overwhelmed with His direction and ability. Jesus did nothing of Himself and it is certain that we can do nothing of ourselves. If we will simply take hold of the reality that without Jesus we can do nothing then we will begin to put our faith in the activity of God working through us. 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.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 3:7 - Of which I have become a minister 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, divine activity) 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. This is not some esoteric activity of God that takes place absent of our will and consciousness. This is an activity of the Holy Spirit in our life not unlike any other relationship. We must recognize His presence and both obey and yield to His direction. 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 given the ability to live the life of Christ Jesus.
There is nothing that man can do for God in his own human ability and strength that will really accomplish anything from an eternal perspective. We must learn to depend upon the ability which God supplies to us through His active power (energia) that is at work in the life of every saint. Through interacting with the Holy Spirit in praise and worship, reading of the Word of God, and giving ourselves to prayer He trains us to yield to Him. The first time that you yielded to the Holy Spirit was when you responded to the call of salvation and allowed Him to transform you and make you into a new creation. As we learn to walk in the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves continually overwhelmed with His direction and ability. Jesus did nothing of Himself and it is certain that we can do nothing of ourselves. If we will simply take hold of the reality that without Jesus we can do nothing then we will begin to put our faith in the activity of God working through us. 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.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, March 26, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/26/07
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: 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 (strong) in the Lord and in the kratos (power) of His ischus (might). The Almighty wants us to have a strong assurance of faith to know for certain that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Father so wanted Abraham to be certain of the promise that He swore an oath to him. Yet now God has done something even greater for us; He sealed us and endued us with His Spirit (Luke 24:49; Hebrews 6:13-19; Hebrews 10:22-23).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
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: 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 (strong) in the Lord and in the kratos (power) of His ischus (might). The Almighty wants us to have a strong assurance of faith to know for certain that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Father so wanted Abraham to be certain of the promise that He swore an oath to him. Yet now God has done something even greater for us; He sealed us and endued us with His Spirit (Luke 24:49; Hebrews 6:13-19; Hebrews 10:22-23).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
