Daily Bread
2 Peter 2:1 - "Now there were also false prophets among the people just as also false teachers shall be among you who shall sneak in destructive opinions also denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
In order to grasp the identity of these false teachers that will be among us we must understand the false prophets that they are compared to. The Greek word 'pseudoprophetai' is found 10 times in the Septuagint. Although there is no actual Hebrew word conveying the meaning of "false prophet" it is implied by the context. Of the 10 times that 'pseudoprophetai' is found in the Septuagint it occurs 9 times in Jeremiah. It is in this context then that we can further understand the impact of false prophets and the impact that they can have. Unfortunately, we discover that the false prophets were accepted while Jeremiah was rejected. The popular opinion of the people refused to accept that they were wrong and needed to repent and conform to the sanctity of and obedience to God's word. The issue of God's controversy against His people has always been over purity and obedience rather than minor issues or details associated with style and ritual. Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets that look like sheep but are actually wolves (Matthew 7:15). Jesus also identifies these false prophets as those who His rebellious people spoke well of warning His disciples to beware of such expectations (Luke 6:26). Jesus credits these false prophets with the ability to do great signs and wonders thereby increasing their ability to deceive (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22). John associates false prophets with the antichrist power that was already at work among the churches in his day (1 John 4:1). Although the Greek word for false teacher is only found here, Paul describes false teachers in his Epistles to Timothy. The description of false teachers is as follows: 1- They do not consent to the sound word of God. 2- They do not consent to the doctrines of godliness. 3- They create strife, envy, evil speaking, and suspicion of others. 4- They suppose gain to be godliness (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:6-7; Titus 1:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Peter 2:1 - "Now there were also false prophets among the people just as also false teachers shall be among you who shall sneak in destructive opinions also denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
The Greek word that is used here (translated 'sneak') is very descriptive of how destructive heresies find their way into the community of the church; they come along side of true doctrines and less harmful opinions. Although there may be opinions about the scripture that are not destructive, one falsehood is the foundation on which more destructive falsehoods are built. The word used here is a compound Greek word 'paraeisago' which literally means to "bring in along with" or to "lead in along with others". Thus we catch a glimpse of the way that false doctrines begin. These opinions are grouped along with Bible facts and become the subtleties by which wrong conclusions are derived and thus destructive opinions are precipitated.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
2 Peter 2:1 - "Now there were also false prophets among the people just as also false teachers shall be among you who shall sneak in destructive opinions also denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
The Greek word that is used here (translated 'sneak') is very descriptive of how destructive heresies find their way into the community of the church; they come along side of true doctrines and less harmful opinions. Although there may be opinions about the scripture that are not destructive, one falsehood is the foundation on which more destructive falsehoods are built. The word used here is a compound Greek word 'paraeisago' which literally means to "bring in along with" or to "lead in along with others". Thus we catch a glimpse of the way that false doctrines begin. These opinions are grouped along with Bible facts and become the subtleties by which wrong conclusions are derived and thus destructive opinions are precipitated.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Daily Bread
John 14:3 - "And if I go away and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself that where I am you may also be."
The Greek word translated "come again" is 'parousia.' This word is used elsewhere in association with the return of Jesus and thus became a theological word used to describe His return. The parousia of Christ Jesus took place in part when the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, came. The Paraclete came to bring to us the abiding presence of Jesus and, in turn, we are seated with Jesus in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3). However, the bigger meaning is the return of Jesus which will result in our being with Him in heaven. The church will then return with Him to fight against the armies of the antichrist and Satan and afterward we will rule for 1000 years with Christ Jesus upon the earth (Revelation 19:14; 20:6; Jude 1:14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
John 14:3 - "And if I go away and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself that where I am you may also be."
The Greek word translated "come again" is 'parousia.' This word is used elsewhere in association with the return of Jesus and thus became a theological word used to describe His return. The parousia of Christ Jesus took place in part when the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, came. The Paraclete came to bring to us the abiding presence of Jesus and, in turn, we are seated with Jesus in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3). However, the bigger meaning is the return of Jesus which will result in our being with Him in heaven. The church will then return with Him to fight against the armies of the antichrist and Satan and afterward we will rule for 1000 years with Christ Jesus upon the earth (Revelation 19:14; 20:6; Jude 1:14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Daily Bread
Acts 1:11 - "And they said, 'Men of Galilee why do you stand looking into the heavens this same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven shall certainly come in the same way as you watched Him go into heaven.' "
The Greek 'theomai' denotes careful observation. The announcement given by these two angels about the 'parousia' or coming of Jesus should be given special attention. Perhaps the posture of watching or carefully observing His return is as important as how He will return. Paul reveals that Jesus will appear to those who look for Him in Hebrews 9:28, Philippians 3:20, and Titus 2:13. We also know that Jesus emphasized the importance of our watching for His return: "Remember then what you have received and heard and keep it and repent. However, if you do not watch I will come like a thief and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you" (Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:36). Let us all say: "even so come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 1:11 - "And they said, 'Men of Galilee why do you stand looking into the heavens this same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven shall certainly come in the same way as you watched Him go into heaven.' "
The Greek 'theomai' denotes careful observation. The announcement given by these two angels about the 'parousia' or coming of Jesus should be given special attention. Perhaps the posture of watching or carefully observing His return is as important as how He will return. Paul reveals that Jesus will appear to those who look for Him in Hebrews 9:28, Philippians 3:20, and Titus 2:13. We also know that Jesus emphasized the importance of our watching for His return: "Remember then what you have received and heard and keep it and repent. However, if you do not watch I will come like a thief and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you" (Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:36). Let us all say: "even so come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, July 24, 2006
Daily Bread
Revelation 4:1 - "After these things I looked and saw a door open in heaven and the first voice like a trumpet which I heard spoke to me saying come up here and I will show you what must happen after these things."
The Greek phrase 'meta tauta,' after these things, signifies a shift in events. This phrase 'meta tauta' which on its own may be considered a chronological marker is definitely a chronological marker in Revelation. This chronological marker is emphasized in this verse by the fact that it both begins and ends this verse. In Revelation 1:19, God gave John the instructions of how he was to lay out the book of Revelation, "Write therefore what you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which are about to take place after these things". At this point, the events of the church have come to an end and the church will not be addressed again in the book of Revelation except in the final exhortation in 22:16. What John has seen up to this point concerning the churches he was able to view from an earthly position, but now God must call him up into heaven in order to show him the "things which shall be hereafter." The first time the Greek phrase 'meta tauta' is used in the book of Revelation is in 1:19 where it is identified as the marker for the last section of the book of Revelation. John wrote about the "things that he saw" in chapter 1, and the "things which are" in chapters 2 and 3, and finally, the "things which shall take place hereafter" beginning in chapter 4. The Greek phrase 'meta tauta' was first shown to be a chronological marker in John 3:22, designating the event that followed Jesus' visit to Jerusalem. It is also used as a chronological marker in John 5:1; 5:24; 6:1; 7:1; 13:7 and 21:1. The first time that 'meta tauta' is found in the New Testament is in Luke 5:27 where, once again, it serves as a chronological marker. If 'meta tauta' of Revelation 1:19 refers to the 'meta tauta' of 4:1, then the church must be removed before the tribulation of the book of Revelation begins. The first time that these catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 are mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 which refer to the events of Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Revelation 13:5 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Revelation chapter 4 begins the series of events that will take place over the course of seven years. The first in these series of events in Revelation focuses on the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3 and Revelation 6:1). Now there is only one primary event that must take place before the revelation of the man of sin spoken by the prophet Daniel, the "one who now withholds" must come (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). This verse may also imply the removal of something. There are only three powers that may be viewed as hindering lawlessness: Human Government, The Holy Spirit, and The Church. We know for certain that through Revelation 4 through 19 we see the working of both Human Government and the Holy Spirit. Human Government is represented as the nations warring against each other, the Ten Kings which are also represented by Daniel's vision as the Ten Toes of the Great image (Daniel 2:34, 44; Rev 16:12; 17:12; 18:9). These governmental powers will ultimately be destroyed when Jesus returns with His saints and fights against the kings of the earth who are led by the Man of Lawlessness or the Antichrist (Dan 2:34, 44; Rev 19:15). The Holy Spirit will still be present because there will be many who will turn to Jesus and there will be the working of miracles all of which are the function of the Holy Spirit. The only power that remains to be taken out of the way is the Church. In Luke 21:36 Jesus tells his disciples to pray that they may be worthy to escape all of the catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 and stand before the Son of Man (Jesus). Of course we know where Jesus is standing before these disasters begin to take place; for this is primarily what chapters 4 and 5 are devoted to; He is in heaven (Rev 4:3; 5:9). The point of convergence for all of these passages of scripture is the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness, or the Antichrist, who will commit the abomination that makes the temple of God desolate by proclaiming himself to be God. We know that when Paul spoke of these final days of the church on earth it was revealed to him that not everyone would die because there would be an event for those who were alive which would cause them to be caught up into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). There are no reasons to believe that this catching away takes place at any other juncture in the book of Revelation than here.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Revelation 4:1 - "After these things I looked and saw a door open in heaven and the first voice like a trumpet which I heard spoke to me saying come up here and I will show you what must happen after these things."
The Greek phrase 'meta tauta,' after these things, signifies a shift in events. This phrase 'meta tauta' which on its own may be considered a chronological marker is definitely a chronological marker in Revelation. This chronological marker is emphasized in this verse by the fact that it both begins and ends this verse. In Revelation 1:19, God gave John the instructions of how he was to lay out the book of Revelation, "Write therefore what you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which are about to take place after these things". At this point, the events of the church have come to an end and the church will not be addressed again in the book of Revelation except in the final exhortation in 22:16. What John has seen up to this point concerning the churches he was able to view from an earthly position, but now God must call him up into heaven in order to show him the "things which shall be hereafter." The first time the Greek phrase 'meta tauta' is used in the book of Revelation is in 1:19 where it is identified as the marker for the last section of the book of Revelation. John wrote about the "things that he saw" in chapter 1, and the "things which are" in chapters 2 and 3, and finally, the "things which shall take place hereafter" beginning in chapter 4. The Greek phrase 'meta tauta' was first shown to be a chronological marker in John 3:22, designating the event that followed Jesus' visit to Jerusalem. It is also used as a chronological marker in John 5:1; 5:24; 6:1; 7:1; 13:7 and 21:1. The first time that 'meta tauta' is found in the New Testament is in Luke 5:27 where, once again, it serves as a chronological marker. If 'meta tauta' of Revelation 1:19 refers to the 'meta tauta' of 4:1, then the church must be removed before the tribulation of the book of Revelation begins. The first time that these catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 are mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 which refer to the events of Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Revelation 13:5 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Revelation chapter 4 begins the series of events that will take place over the course of seven years. The first in these series of events in Revelation focuses on the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3 and Revelation 6:1). Now there is only one primary event that must take place before the revelation of the man of sin spoken by the prophet Daniel, the "one who now withholds" must come (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). This verse may also imply the removal of something. There are only three powers that may be viewed as hindering lawlessness: Human Government, The Holy Spirit, and The Church. We know for certain that through Revelation 4 through 19 we see the working of both Human Government and the Holy Spirit. Human Government is represented as the nations warring against each other, the Ten Kings which are also represented by Daniel's vision as the Ten Toes of the Great image (Daniel 2:34, 44; Rev 16:12; 17:12; 18:9). These governmental powers will ultimately be destroyed when Jesus returns with His saints and fights against the kings of the earth who are led by the Man of Lawlessness or the Antichrist (Dan 2:34, 44; Rev 19:15). The Holy Spirit will still be present because there will be many who will turn to Jesus and there will be the working of miracles all of which are the function of the Holy Spirit. The only power that remains to be taken out of the way is the Church. In Luke 21:36 Jesus tells his disciples to pray that they may be worthy to escape all of the catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 and stand before the Son of Man (Jesus). Of course we know where Jesus is standing before these disasters begin to take place; for this is primarily what chapters 4 and 5 are devoted to; He is in heaven (Rev 4:3; 5:9). The point of convergence for all of these passages of scripture is the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness, or the Antichrist, who will commit the abomination that makes the temple of God desolate by proclaiming himself to be God. We know that when Paul spoke of these final days of the church on earth it was revealed to him that not everyone would die because there would be an event for those who were alive which would cause them to be caught up into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). There are no reasons to believe that this catching away takes place at any other juncture in the book of Revelation than here.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 4:3 - "And every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that antichrist, that you heard would come and now is already in the world."
The word 'antichrist' is found four times in the Bible and is a word that is only used by John in his Epistles (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). Although John refers to a specific individual that will come, he views a more subtle manifestation of the deception which will then be fully manifested in the one whom Paul calls the man of sin and the son of destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The deception begins subtly with slight variation about who Jesus is but ultimately ends in one who declares himself to be God in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31). The antichrist presents Himself as a savior and righteous, one as depicted in Revelation 6:2, but is ultimately revealed to be the one who subdues men to which war, famine, death, and hell will follow. Satan's power of deception will ultimately bring the nations to such a deception that they will gather themselves together to fight against Jesus Christ in the battle of Armageddon. It is little wonder then that men fight against the name of Jesus now.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 4:3 - "And every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that antichrist, that you heard would come and now is already in the world."
The word 'antichrist' is found four times in the Bible and is a word that is only used by John in his Epistles (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). Although John refers to a specific individual that will come, he views a more subtle manifestation of the deception which will then be fully manifested in the one whom Paul calls the man of sin and the son of destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The deception begins subtly with slight variation about who Jesus is but ultimately ends in one who declares himself to be God in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31). The antichrist presents Himself as a savior and righteous, one as depicted in Revelation 6:2, but is ultimately revealed to be the one who subdues men to which war, famine, death, and hell will follow. Satan's power of deception will ultimately bring the nations to such a deception that they will gather themselves together to fight against Jesus Christ in the battle of Armageddon. It is little wonder then that men fight against the name of Jesus now.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, July 21, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Thessalonians 2:6 - "And now you know what holds back the revealing of him in his time."
The antichrist cannot be revealed until the time of the administration of the church is complete. Jesus is the one that is now holding back the ultimate deception and rebellion of iniquity which cannot be revealed until He comes "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work only right now He holds it back from the midst until He comes. And at that time the lawless one shall be revealed whom the Lord shall destroy with the spirit of his mouth and wipe out with the appearance of His coming."(2:7-8). Jesus first comes to finalize the administration of the church age by receiving the church unto Himself, and then the lawless one shall be revealed. Jesus will then return with His saints to fight against the antichrist and his armies. Paul had already ministered to the church at Thessalonica concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus which we find in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Paul ministered concerning this event in light of the resurrection from the dead. The points that Paul makes is that when Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up together into the clouds to meet Jesus in the air. He describes the event as the time when Jesus comes with a shout and voice of an archangel and with God's trumpet. Paul also communicated this same event to the church at Corinth and once again spoke of it in context to the first resurrection or the resurrection of those who died in Christ. He also revealed once again that those who will be alive would be immediately changed from the corruptible and earthly into the immortal and heavenly. He spoke of it as a mystery but reveals the fact that it will happen at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51- 53). We know from the words of Jesus that it will be an event that He personally initiates as suggested by 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus said, "with absolute certainty I tell you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live". When we look for this most important event in the book of Revelation it is only discovered in the words "after these things" which refers to the church (Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The first mention of the resurrection of the dead is not until Revelation 20:5. Daniel speaks of the time of the resurrection of the just even though it is mentioned in association with the time of the Tribulation it is also grouped with the resurrection of the unjust which we know to be separated by 1000 years (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:5). The only event in the book of Revelation that describes a catching away is found in Revelation 12:5, which speaks of a man child that was born to a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars which is an Old Testament symbol for Israel (Genesis 37:9-10). The most appropriate understanding of this man child born of Israel is the 144,000 that is first mentioned as being sealed in Revelation 7:4 and then seen in heaven in Revelation 14:1 with the seal of the Father's name written in their forehead. When we examine the book of Revelation for the Trump of God or the last trump the only thing that can be found is in Revelation 10:7; 11:15-18. However, this does not concur with the fact that it is Jesus Himself who descends neither is there any mention of those who are alive in Christ being caught up. Jesus spoke of the time at the end of the Tribulation when he would send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet who will gather together His elect but by context this is associated with His return to the earth with His saints in Revelation 19:11-21. The reason that the events of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51 are not found in the book of Revelation is because they occur before the Tribulation of Revelation 4-19.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
2 Thessalonians 2:6 - "And now you know what holds back the revealing of him in his time."
The antichrist cannot be revealed until the time of the administration of the church is complete. Jesus is the one that is now holding back the ultimate deception and rebellion of iniquity which cannot be revealed until He comes "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work only right now He holds it back from the midst until He comes. And at that time the lawless one shall be revealed whom the Lord shall destroy with the spirit of his mouth and wipe out with the appearance of His coming."(2:7-8). Jesus first comes to finalize the administration of the church age by receiving the church unto Himself, and then the lawless one shall be revealed. Jesus will then return with His saints to fight against the antichrist and his armies. Paul had already ministered to the church at Thessalonica concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus which we find in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Paul ministered concerning this event in light of the resurrection from the dead. The points that Paul makes is that when Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up together into the clouds to meet Jesus in the air. He describes the event as the time when Jesus comes with a shout and voice of an archangel and with God's trumpet. Paul also communicated this same event to the church at Corinth and once again spoke of it in context to the first resurrection or the resurrection of those who died in Christ. He also revealed once again that those who will be alive would be immediately changed from the corruptible and earthly into the immortal and heavenly. He spoke of it as a mystery but reveals the fact that it will happen at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51- 53). We know from the words of Jesus that it will be an event that He personally initiates as suggested by 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus said, "with absolute certainty I tell you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live". When we look for this most important event in the book of Revelation it is only discovered in the words "after these things" which refers to the church (Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The first mention of the resurrection of the dead is not until Revelation 20:5. Daniel speaks of the time of the resurrection of the just even though it is mentioned in association with the time of the Tribulation it is also grouped with the resurrection of the unjust which we know to be separated by 1000 years (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:5). The only event in the book of Revelation that describes a catching away is found in Revelation 12:5, which speaks of a man child that was born to a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars which is an Old Testament symbol for Israel (Genesis 37:9-10). The most appropriate understanding of this man child born of Israel is the 144,000 that is first mentioned as being sealed in Revelation 7:4 and then seen in heaven in Revelation 14:1 with the seal of the Father's name written in their forehead. When we examine the book of Revelation for the Trump of God or the last trump the only thing that can be found is in Revelation 10:7; 11:15-18. However, this does not concur with the fact that it is Jesus Himself who descends neither is there any mention of those who are alive in Christ being caught up. Jesus spoke of the time at the end of the Tribulation when he would send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet who will gather together His elect but by context this is associated with His return to the earth with His saints in Revelation 19:11-21. The reason that the events of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51 are not found in the book of Revelation is because they occur before the Tribulation of Revelation 4-19.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Daily Bread
1 Thessalonians 3:13 - "Unto the establishment of your hearts blameless in holiness before God and our Father in the coming of the Lord our Jesus with all His holy ones."
When the scripture refers to the coming of the Lord Jesus it is important to recognize that there are four separate events that are referred to. The first time that Jesus came was when He was incarnated and born of the virgin to live, die, and resurrect for all mankind. The second time that Jesus comes is when He comes to manifest himself to the believers (John 14:18, 23). In fact, every time that two or three are gathered together in His name He is there. The third time that Jesus will come is at the time of the "catching away" or "rapture of the church." This takes place at the end of the church age which is also the end of God calling the nations to salvation; rather, God will come to fight against the nations on behalf of Israel. God will only be calling the nation of Israel to repentance during the seven years of the Tribulation. The church age ends just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation or the chronology of events that begin in the fourth chapter of Revelation (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; John 14:3; James 5:7-8; Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The fourth time that Jesus will come is when He comes with all of His saints and will set up God's Kingdom on earth for 1000 years. This event is pictured in Revelation 19:11-20:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Matthew 24:3-31 and Jude 1:14-15). There are several Greek words that are used for the coming of the Lord. One of these Greek words is "parousia" which is the Greek word used in this verse. Another is "apokalupsis" which means revealing or revelation. This particular word was used by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:7 and also used by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:7. The Greek word "parousia" is used seven times in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. It is used of the coming of the Lord Jesus when He came 2000 years ago as well of His future coming (2 Peter 1:16). It is used of the catching away when Jesus meets His saints in the air. It is also used of the time when Jesus returns with His saints to fight in the Battle of Armageddon. And, finally, it is used of the coming of God when the New Heavens and the New Earth will be created at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ Jesus and His saints (2 Peter 3:12). When the scripture addresses the "parousia" of Jesus to the saints it is always referring to His coming at the time of the catching away (1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 John 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13). In summary, Jesus came to redeem, He comes to reveal Himself to His church, He will come to receive His church unto Himself, He will come with His saints to destroy the armies of the antichrist and set up his eternal Kingdom.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Thessalonians 3:13 - "Unto the establishment of your hearts blameless in holiness before God and our Father in the coming of the Lord our Jesus with all His holy ones."
When the scripture refers to the coming of the Lord Jesus it is important to recognize that there are four separate events that are referred to. The first time that Jesus came was when He was incarnated and born of the virgin to live, die, and resurrect for all mankind. The second time that Jesus comes is when He comes to manifest himself to the believers (John 14:18, 23). In fact, every time that two or three are gathered together in His name He is there. The third time that Jesus will come is at the time of the "catching away" or "rapture of the church." This takes place at the end of the church age which is also the end of God calling the nations to salvation; rather, God will come to fight against the nations on behalf of Israel. God will only be calling the nation of Israel to repentance during the seven years of the Tribulation. The church age ends just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation or the chronology of events that begin in the fourth chapter of Revelation (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; John 14:3; James 5:7-8; Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The fourth time that Jesus will come is when He comes with all of His saints and will set up God's Kingdom on earth for 1000 years. This event is pictured in Revelation 19:11-20:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Matthew 24:3-31 and Jude 1:14-15). There are several Greek words that are used for the coming of the Lord. One of these Greek words is "parousia" which is the Greek word used in this verse. Another is "apokalupsis" which means revealing or revelation. This particular word was used by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:7 and also used by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:7. The Greek word "parousia" is used seven times in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. It is used of the coming of the Lord Jesus when He came 2000 years ago as well of His future coming (2 Peter 1:16). It is used of the catching away when Jesus meets His saints in the air. It is also used of the time when Jesus returns with His saints to fight in the Battle of Armageddon. And, finally, it is used of the coming of God when the New Heavens and the New Earth will be created at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ Jesus and His saints (2 Peter 3:12). When the scripture addresses the "parousia" of Jesus to the saints it is always referring to His coming at the time of the catching away (1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 John 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13). In summary, Jesus came to redeem, He comes to reveal Himself to His church, He will come to receive His church unto Himself, He will come with His saints to destroy the armies of the antichrist and set up his eternal Kingdom.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Daily Bread
Acts 7:4 - "Then he came out from the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. And after that his father died he was made to move into this country where you now dwell."
Abraham was born in Ur, which was a town in southern Mesopotamia and southern Babylon (Genesis 11:28, 31; Genesis 15:7; Nehemiah 9:7). Evidently, Abraham's father was involved in this call to some degree. It may be that he came with Abraham because he believed in the call on Abraham's life. Terah began to have sons at 70 years of age and he died in Haran at the age of 205 (Genesis 11:26, 32). Abraham was 75 years old when he left Haran after his father's death. Therefore, Terah would have been 130 years old when Abraham was born (Genesis 12:4). We cannot be certain how old Abraham was when God first appeared to him in Ur but we do know that he was married to Sarai long enough for Sarai to be classified as barren, a title given to those who have little to no hope of ever having children. Abraham may have been 70 years old, which would have made Terah 200 years old. It may be that Abraham needed to take care of his aged father and also his orphaned nephew Lot and this is why they left Ur with Abraham. We know that Abraham was very prompt in obeying God as exemplified by his speedy response to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:3. It may be that God appeared to Abraham giving him the promise at 70 years of age at which time his sojourning began (Galatians 3:17; Hebrews 11:8; Exodus 12:40). The sojourning of Abraham and his descendents during the time of Promise would last a total of 430 years as testified by both Paul and Moses.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 7:4 - "Then he came out from the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. And after that his father died he was made to move into this country where you now dwell."
Abraham was born in Ur, which was a town in southern Mesopotamia and southern Babylon (Genesis 11:28, 31; Genesis 15:7; Nehemiah 9:7). Evidently, Abraham's father was involved in this call to some degree. It may be that he came with Abraham because he believed in the call on Abraham's life. Terah began to have sons at 70 years of age and he died in Haran at the age of 205 (Genesis 11:26, 32). Abraham was 75 years old when he left Haran after his father's death. Therefore, Terah would have been 130 years old when Abraham was born (Genesis 12:4). We cannot be certain how old Abraham was when God first appeared to him in Ur but we do know that he was married to Sarai long enough for Sarai to be classified as barren, a title given to those who have little to no hope of ever having children. Abraham may have been 70 years old, which would have made Terah 200 years old. It may be that Abraham needed to take care of his aged father and also his orphaned nephew Lot and this is why they left Ur with Abraham. We know that Abraham was very prompt in obeying God as exemplified by his speedy response to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:3. It may be that God appeared to Abraham giving him the promise at 70 years of age at which time his sojourning began (Galatians 3:17; Hebrews 11:8; Exodus 12:40). The sojourning of Abraham and his descendents during the time of Promise would last a total of 430 years as testified by both Paul and Moses.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 2: 27 - "And the anointing that you have received from Him abides in you and you do not need that anyone teach you, but just as the anointing teaches you about everything and is no lie and just as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him."
The anointing that we have received from the Holy One of verse 20, "charisma" is the anointing that teaches us all things. The anointing "charisma", in this respect is identified with the work of the Holy Spirit who was sent specifically to be our teacher and guide (John 16:13-15). Both John 14:17 and 1 John 3:24 teach us that the abiding presence of the Father and the Son are brought to us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. One of the specific attributes of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the "charisma". Jesus received the "charine" (anointing) after the Holy Spirit had come upon Him, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach" (Luke 4:18) also "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all those who were oppressed with the devil for God was with him" (Acts 10:38). Just as Jesus was empowered to function in His miracle ministry through the anointing, we are empowered to function in the divine life through the anointing. Thus through the anointing the Holy Spirit leads us, guides us and reveals the ways of the Father to us. The anointing is a divine empowerment and supernatural ability that has been given to the believer to live the life of a new creature. When Saul was anointed to be king he was given the divine ability to be a king; prior to the anointing he was an ordinary man. The same is true of all Old Testament prophets, priest, warriors and special workman. When the Spirit came upon them they were empowered with a specific ability to carry out their divine commission. The anointing supercedes the assistance and help of man, because it goes far beyond human capabilities. The message of the Gospel is that we are to abide in Jesus. It is through this abiding union that we have been given in the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to live the divine life of Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 2: 27 - "And the anointing that you have received from Him abides in you and you do not need that anyone teach you, but just as the anointing teaches you about everything and is no lie and just as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him."
The anointing that we have received from the Holy One of verse 20, "charisma" is the anointing that teaches us all things. The anointing "charisma", in this respect is identified with the work of the Holy Spirit who was sent specifically to be our teacher and guide (John 16:13-15). Both John 14:17 and 1 John 3:24 teach us that the abiding presence of the Father and the Son are brought to us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. One of the specific attributes of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the "charisma". Jesus received the "charine" (anointing) after the Holy Spirit had come upon Him, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach" (Luke 4:18) also "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all those who were oppressed with the devil for God was with him" (Acts 10:38). Just as Jesus was empowered to function in His miracle ministry through the anointing, we are empowered to function in the divine life through the anointing. Thus through the anointing the Holy Spirit leads us, guides us and reveals the ways of the Father to us. The anointing is a divine empowerment and supernatural ability that has been given to the believer to live the life of a new creature. When Saul was anointed to be king he was given the divine ability to be a king; prior to the anointing he was an ordinary man. The same is true of all Old Testament prophets, priest, warriors and special workman. When the Spirit came upon them they were empowered with a specific ability to carry out their divine commission. The anointing supercedes the assistance and help of man, because it goes far beyond human capabilities. The message of the Gospel is that we are to abide in Jesus. It is through this abiding union that we have been given in the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to live the divine life of Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, July 17, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Thessalonians 1:3 - "We owe it to give thanks to God always for you brethren as it is right because your faith increases beyond measure and the love of each one of you abounds toward one another."
In 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul reveals his desire to come to the Thessalonians to perfect that which was lacking in their faith which, afterward, resulted in their faith having increased beyond measure. He also prayed that God would make them to increase and abound in love one toward another which prayer was certainly answered (1 Thessalonians 3:12). This is the only time that this Greek word, "huperauxano" is used in the Bible. It is a compound word from "huper" which means "beyond or more than, exceedingly" and "auxano" which means "grow or increase." Faith is a gift that comes from God to which He supplies everyone with a measure (Romans 12:3). Faith is not only likened unto a mustard seed, but is also likened unto something that grows and may be increased (2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 10:15). We know that Jesus referred to situations with the disciples where they had no faith (Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25). There were also those who had great faith (Matthew 15:28; Luke 7:9)). Faith may be weak in one who believes and it may also be strong (Acts 6:8; Romans 14:1). From the ministry that Paul was able to supply to the Thessalonians, he was able to take them from a place of lack to abundance in the realm of faith. God has invited all men into the realm of His faith and even commands that we "have God's faith" (Mark 11:22; Acts 6:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Abiding Place: www.abidingplace.org
2 Thessalonians 1:3 - "We owe it to give thanks to God always for you brethren as it is right because your faith increases beyond measure and the love of each one of you abounds toward one another."
In 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul reveals his desire to come to the Thessalonians to perfect that which was lacking in their faith which, afterward, resulted in their faith having increased beyond measure. He also prayed that God would make them to increase and abound in love one toward another which prayer was certainly answered (1 Thessalonians 3:12). This is the only time that this Greek word, "huperauxano" is used in the Bible. It is a compound word from "huper" which means "beyond or more than, exceedingly" and "auxano" which means "grow or increase." Faith is a gift that comes from God to which He supplies everyone with a measure (Romans 12:3). Faith is not only likened unto a mustard seed, but is also likened unto something that grows and may be increased (2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 10:15). We know that Jesus referred to situations with the disciples where they had no faith (Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25). There were also those who had great faith (Matthew 15:28; Luke 7:9)). Faith may be weak in one who believes and it may also be strong (Acts 6:8; Romans 14:1). From the ministry that Paul was able to supply to the Thessalonians, he was able to take them from a place of lack to abundance in the realm of faith. God has invited all men into the realm of His faith and even commands that we "have God's faith" (Mark 11:22; Acts 6:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Abiding Place: www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Daily Bread
John 1:32: "And John was able to make him known pointing out that he was able to see with his eyes the Spirit come down upon him as a dove out of heaven and remain upon him."
Jesus was lacking this dimension of the Glory and Power of God until this event. Although Jesus was the only begotten Son of God who was perfectly pure and holy having no nature of sin within Himself, He had not received the Spirit without measure until He was baptized of John in the Jordan. As Jesus submitted Himself to the ministry that had gone before Him and fulfilled all righteousness, the Heavens were open and Father endued Him with power from on high. It is at this moment that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and Power to preach the gospel to the meek, bind up the broken in heart, proclaim deliverance to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, set at liberty those who are bruised, and proclaim the acceptable day of the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
John 1:32: "And John was able to make him known pointing out that he was able to see with his eyes the Spirit come down upon him as a dove out of heaven and remain upon him."
Jesus was lacking this dimension of the Glory and Power of God until this event. Although Jesus was the only begotten Son of God who was perfectly pure and holy having no nature of sin within Himself, He had not received the Spirit without measure until He was baptized of John in the Jordan. As Jesus submitted Himself to the ministry that had gone before Him and fulfilled all righteousness, the Heavens were open and Father endued Him with power from on high. It is at this moment that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and Power to preach the gospel to the meek, bind up the broken in heart, proclaim deliverance to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, set at liberty those who are bruised, and proclaim the acceptable day of the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Friday, July 14, 2006
Daily Bread
Acts 2:16-18: "But this is that spoken through the prophet Joel. And it shall be in the last days" says God, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams. And upon my male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they shall prophesy."
This is not an exact quote of what is written in either the Septuagint or the Hebrew Bible (MT). However, the differences are only minor and may be understood in light of the Holy Spirit speaking expressly through Peter of its New Covenant application. The following is a quote from both the Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint, "And it will happen after this that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your elders will dream dreams your young men will see visions. And also upon the slaves and upon the maidservants in those days I will pour out My Spirit. I will give wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall turn to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of YHWH. And it will be that anyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved" (Joel 3:1-4). Peter makes a few initial changes by the Holy Spirit; he changes "after this" to "in the last days" and he adds "says God." Both of these changes result in a clearer picture of the prophecy by establishing that this is an event for the last days and that this was said by God and not merely by a prophet named Joel. Also "your servants" is changed to "my servants," removing the limitation of servants just to the nation of Israel and opening the door to all of God's servants in very nation. Finally, "they shall prophesy" is added underscoring that the effect of the outpouring of the Spirit will be the same for the servants as for the masters. Now this broadened scope of servants would include all men everywhere that are the servants of God such as the Samaritans and the house of Cornelius (Acts 8,10).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Acts 2:16-18: "But this is that spoken through the prophet Joel. And it shall be in the last days" says God, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams. And upon my male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they shall prophesy."
This is not an exact quote of what is written in either the Septuagint or the Hebrew Bible (MT). However, the differences are only minor and may be understood in light of the Holy Spirit speaking expressly through Peter of its New Covenant application. The following is a quote from both the Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint, "And it will happen after this that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your elders will dream dreams your young men will see visions. And also upon the slaves and upon the maidservants in those days I will pour out My Spirit. I will give wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall turn to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of YHWH. And it will be that anyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved" (Joel 3:1-4). Peter makes a few initial changes by the Holy Spirit; he changes "after this" to "in the last days" and he adds "says God." Both of these changes result in a clearer picture of the prophecy by establishing that this is an event for the last days and that this was said by God and not merely by a prophet named Joel. Also "your servants" is changed to "my servants," removing the limitation of servants just to the nation of Israel and opening the door to all of God's servants in very nation. Finally, "they shall prophesy" is added underscoring that the effect of the outpouring of the Spirit will be the same for the servants as for the masters. Now this broadened scope of servants would include all men everywhere that are the servants of God such as the Samaritans and the house of Cornelius (Acts 8,10).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Daily Bread
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Daily Bread
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Thessalonians 1:11: "Unto which we also pray continually for you that our God would count you worthy of the calling and fill you will all the goodness of His good pleasure and work of faith in power."
Paul relates the similar message in Ephesians 4:1: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where with ye are called."; Colossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." and 1 Thessalonians 2:12: "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."In each case, the Greek word 'axios' is used which is derived from the root word used here which is 'axioo,' to count worthy. When Paul ministered the gospel to the Jews in Acts chapter 13, they refused to listen and rejected the good news, therefore, because of their rejection of the gospel Paul said that they judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46). Therefore, we may suppose that Paul's usage of this word underscores that the rejection of the gospel makes one unworthy, whereas, the acceptance and obedience to the gospel makes one worthy. If we are willing to believe all that God has said we will discover that He will make it a reality in our lives. We simply accept His love, and believe on the Lord Jesus, and we are saved. If we will accept the commission and believe in the work of the Holy Spirit we will discover all of His works of power in our lives as well.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
2 Thessalonians 1:11: "Unto which we also pray continually for you that our God would count you worthy of the calling and fill you will all the goodness of His good pleasure and work of faith in power."
Paul relates the similar message in Ephesians 4:1: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where with ye are called."; Colossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." and 1 Thessalonians 2:12: "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."In each case, the Greek word 'axios' is used which is derived from the root word used here which is 'axioo,' to count worthy. When Paul ministered the gospel to the Jews in Acts chapter 13, they refused to listen and rejected the good news, therefore, because of their rejection of the gospel Paul said that they judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46). Therefore, we may suppose that Paul's usage of this word underscores that the rejection of the gospel makes one unworthy, whereas, the acceptance and obedience to the gospel makes one worthy. If we are willing to believe all that God has said we will discover that He will make it a reality in our lives. We simply accept His love, and believe on the Lord Jesus, and we are saved. If we will accept the commission and believe in the work of the Holy Spirit we will discover all of His works of power in our lives as well.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Daily Bread
Romans 8:14: "For as many as are Spirit of God led these are the sons of God."
The responsibility of everyone that has been born of the Spirit is that they allow the Holy Spirit to lead them. The Spirit of God has come to personally instruct and train everyone who has been made a son of God (John 16:13-15). It is the responsibility of every child of God to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth. He will teach us to do everything that pleases the Father. He will train us to walk in all of the ways of righteousness and holiness; all we must do is yield to Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Romans 8:14: "For as many as are Spirit of God led these are the sons of God."
The responsibility of everyone that has been born of the Spirit is that they allow the Holy Spirit to lead them. The Spirit of God has come to personally instruct and train everyone who has been made a son of God (John 16:13-15). It is the responsibility of every child of God to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth. He will teach us to do everything that pleases the Father. He will train us to walk in all of the ways of righteousness and holiness; all we must do is yield to Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, July 10, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Peter 1:10 "On account of this brethren, instead be diligent to make your calling and election sure for doing these things you shall never fall."
The doctrine of election as taught by the scripture is, in fact, a divine selection of all men unto salvation. The divine selection of all men to salvation is stated in no uncertain terms when Paul said that God has "commanded all men everywhere to repent." The Greek noun 'ekloge' is used only seven times in the New Testament. It is not used at all in any of the canonized books of the Septuagint. The word means "divine selection." The doctrine of "election" or 'divine selection' can easily be understood once a person decides whom it is that God loves and who it was that Christ died for. Upon the realization that God loves the whole world and that Christ died that all men might be saved, the doctrine of election becomes easy to understand.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
2 Peter 1:10 "On account of this brethren, instead be diligent to make your calling and election sure for doing these things you shall never fall."
The doctrine of election as taught by the scripture is, in fact, a divine selection of all men unto salvation. The divine selection of all men to salvation is stated in no uncertain terms when Paul said that God has "commanded all men everywhere to repent." The Greek noun 'ekloge' is used only seven times in the New Testament. It is not used at all in any of the canonized books of the Septuagint. The word means "divine selection." The doctrine of "election" or 'divine selection' can easily be understood once a person decides whom it is that God loves and who it was that Christ died for. Upon the realization that God loves the whole world and that Christ died that all men might be saved, the doctrine of election becomes easy to understand.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, July 07, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Peter 1:5- "And this is it also bringing in all diligence you supply in the faith virtue and with the virtue the knowledge. "
The Greek phrase "en te pistei" ("in the faith" or "by the faith"), takes this activity way beyond both the Law and human discipline. In the faith is not to be understood as "in religion" or some other concept of religious conviction. Faith is much more than these things; it is the activity of the supernatural and divine working of God's grace. Faith is how God created everything. It is how the mouths of lions were shut and how the violence of fire was quenched (Hebrews 11). Faith is how every miracle that Jesus worked by the Spirit took place (Acts 3:16; Galatians 3:5). Faith is always equated to the miracles that Jesus did throughout the gospels (Matthew 8:10, 26; 9:2, 22, 29; 14:31; 15:28; 17: 20; 21:21; Mark 11:22; Luke 17:5, 19; 18:42) The miracles which were done by those who believed on Jesus were done by the activity of faith (Acts 3:16; 6:8; 14:9; Galatians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; James 5:15; Jude 21). These attributes of God's nature and God's people are to be supplied by faith not by human discipline.Therefore virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love will be supplied through the faith realm. The Greek phrase "en te pistei" is found 4 times in the New Testament as such it is in the dative form and translated "in the faith" in every case except 2 Peter 1:5 in the Authorized Version, (1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5¹ Titus1:13; 2 Peter 1:5).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
2 Peter 1:5- "And this is it also bringing in all diligence you supply in the faith virtue and with the virtue the knowledge. "
The Greek phrase "en te pistei" ("in the faith" or "by the faith"), takes this activity way beyond both the Law and human discipline. In the faith is not to be understood as "in religion" or some other concept of religious conviction. Faith is much more than these things; it is the activity of the supernatural and divine working of God's grace. Faith is how God created everything. It is how the mouths of lions were shut and how the violence of fire was quenched (Hebrews 11). Faith is how every miracle that Jesus worked by the Spirit took place (Acts 3:16; Galatians 3:5). Faith is always equated to the miracles that Jesus did throughout the gospels (Matthew 8:10, 26; 9:2, 22, 29; 14:31; 15:28; 17: 20; 21:21; Mark 11:22; Luke 17:5, 19; 18:42) The miracles which were done by those who believed on Jesus were done by the activity of faith (Acts 3:16; 6:8; 14:9; Galatians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; James 5:15; Jude 21). These attributes of God's nature and God's people are to be supplied by faith not by human discipline.Therefore virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love will be supplied through the faith realm. The Greek phrase "en te pistei" is found 4 times in the New Testament as such it is in the dative form and translated "in the faith" in every case except 2 Peter 1:5 in the Authorized Version, (1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5¹ Titus1:13; 2 Peter 1:5).
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Daily Bread
1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved do not be surprised by the fiery trial which tries you as though a strange event happened to you."
Fiery trials are inevitable and no one should be concerned that something is happening out of the ordinary. We know that God allows the tests that we face but He does not allow us to be tested above what we are able to bear (1 Cor. 10:13 ). We know that God makes a way for us to escape every trial that we have to go through. It would be wrong to submit to a trial just as it would be wrong to submit to a temptation to sin. God expects that we should rise up in faith and bring an end to every opposition that we face; for it is the shield of faith that quenches every fiery trial of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16). The way that we escape these fiery trials is to submit to God and resist the devil. Peter also said that we are to resist the devil,"firmly in the faith knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished by your brethren who are in the world: (1 Peter 5:9). The Psalmist said, "many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalms 34:19). James said, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for after that he is tried he shall receive a crown of life which fades not away" (James 1:12). Jesus said, "in this world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Because He overcame we are also able to overcome.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved do not be surprised by the fiery trial which tries you as though a strange event happened to you."
Fiery trials are inevitable and no one should be concerned that something is happening out of the ordinary. We know that God allows the tests that we face but He does not allow us to be tested above what we are able to bear (1 Cor. 10:13 ). We know that God makes a way for us to escape every trial that we have to go through. It would be wrong to submit to a trial just as it would be wrong to submit to a temptation to sin. God expects that we should rise up in faith and bring an end to every opposition that we face; for it is the shield of faith that quenches every fiery trial of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16). The way that we escape these fiery trials is to submit to God and resist the devil. Peter also said that we are to resist the devil,"firmly in the faith knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished by your brethren who are in the world: (1 Peter 5:9). The Psalmist said, "many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalms 34:19). James said, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for after that he is tried he shall receive a crown of life which fades not away" (James 1:12). Jesus said, "in this world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Because He overcame we are also able to overcome.
Blessings
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
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