Daily Bread - MAR/03/07
Ephesians 6:17 - "And receive the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the proclamation of God."
When we consider the weapons of our warfare mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:4, nothing stands out as much as the sword of the Spirit. Although there are two weapons mentioned in the New Testament, the Sword of the Spirit has the supreme position (Romans 6:13). The real challenge that we face in every trial that we encounter is whether or not we are going to believe God's word or the report of man. If we take up God's word, it becomes the sword of the Lord in our hand and in our mouth that destroys all of those things that would attempt to destroy us and steal the blessings of God from us. The only way to effectively stand fast against all that Satan would do to oppose us whether spiritual, physical, or financial is to have the high praises of God upon our lips and this sharp two-edged sword in our hands (Psalms 149:6).
Just as our Lord Jesus Christ will slay the enemies of God with the sword of His mouth, we too will destroy every opposing force of man and devils by the word of God (Revelation 19:15, 21; 1 John 2:14). The Greek phrase "rhema Theo" (word of God) is found 4 times in the New Testament. The first time is in Luke 3:2, "the rhema of God came upon John." In John 8:47, Jesus said, "he that is of God hears God's rhema." Paul uses this phrase in Romans 10:17, "Faith is from hearing and the hearing through the rhema of God." And then finally in Hebrews 11:3, "We understand faith framed the ages by the rhema of God" (keeping in mind that in Psalms 33:6, logos is used, "by the logos of YHWH the heavens were made").
The first time that "rhema" is found in the Old Testament is in Genesis 15:1, "After these things the rhema of YHWH came to Abram in a vision." The Greek word "rhema" is derived from the word "rheo" which means "to speak" or "to utter.". However, the primary Greek word for "word" in both the Old and New Testaments is "logos". The Greek word "logos" occurs 330 times whereas "rhema" occurs 70 times in the New Testament. The Greek word "logos" is found 1239 times in the Septuagint and "rhema" is found 546 times. The Greek words "logos and rhema" are translated by the same Hebrew words. However, 90% of the time "logos" translated the Hebrew word "dabar", which is the exclusive word for the "written word" or Mosaic Law in Biblical Hebrew. Yet at the same time "rhema" dominates the translation for "dabar" in the Pentateuch whereas "logos" is dominate among the prophets.
The word "logos" is used to identify the Lord Jesus Christ as the Word (logos) of God (John 1:1) but rhema is never is used in this way. Although, "logos" is primarily used to identify the written word of God "rhema" is also used for the written word of God in Matthew 4:4. The phrase "logos tou Theo" (the word of God) is found a total of 12 times in the New Testament (Luke 8:11, John 10:35, Acts 6:7, 12:24, 17:13, Romans 9:6, 1 Corinthians 14:36, 2 Timothy 2:9, Titus 2:5, Hebrews 4:12, 1 John 2:14, Revelation 19:13). Even though both "logos" and "rhema" are accurately translated "word," there is reason to believe that "logos" is the more exclusive word for denoting the written word of God. Obviously, God gave a special meaning to the word "logos" by identifying it with the Eternal Word who became His only begotten Son. "What characterizes the use of logos in the NT is not some new meaning for the word beyond what is found in the Septuagint but its reference to the divine revelation of God through Jesus Christ and his messengers" (The Anchor Bible Dictionary). On the other hand, rhema may be understood to have a unique role in referring to the proclamations, or utterances of God, which extend beyond the written word and includes those who have been given the Spirit to speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Note: scripture references will be linked on Monday as I don't currently have access to that functionality. Blessings!!! Carol :)
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Friday, March 02, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/02/07
Ephesians 5:18 - "And be not drunk with wine which is as one unsaved but be filled with the Spirit."
The Greek word used here is "asotia" which is a compound word of "a" and "sozo;" this word literally means "not saved" or "unsaved." The Greek word "sozo" is the primary New Testament word used to describe the salvation that comes through the name of Jesus Christ. The Greek letter "a" is used just as in the English language as a negative prefix to emphasize the complete absence of something.
The context of "asotia" in 1 Peter 4:3 leaves no doubt concerning the meaning of this word; it means unsaved referring to those who have not been made a new creation. This word is found one time in the Old Testament, and it translates the Hebrew word 'zala" which means "worthless," "vile." It is found three times in the New Testament: Ephesians 5:18, and then in Titus 1:6 and 1 Peter 4:4 where it is translated "riot" by the Authorized Version.
The idea of drinking alcohol is condemned in the Old Testament as exemplified by these scriptures: "Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it gives its color in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at its last it bites like a snake, and it stings like a basilisk. Your eyes shall look on strange women, and your heart shall speak perverse things;" also, "But they also have gone astray by wine and have erred through fermented drink; priest and prophet have erred through fermented drink; they have been swallowed by wine; they strayed from fermented drink; they err in seeing; they stumble in judgment;" (Proverbs 23:31-33; Isaiah 28:7 - Greens Literal Translation). Furthermore, no one could come into the presence of the Lord if they had partaken of wine or strong (fermented) drink or they would have been put to death by the Lord (Leviticus 10:9; Ezekiel 44:21).
During Old Testament times, the strongest alcoholic drink that they could make would be equivalent to our modern day beer. The word drunkenness - which is condemned as one of the seventeen works of the flesh - may literally be translated intoxication. Paul announced twice in scripture that those who practice getting intoxicated have no inheritance the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 6:10). Paul tells the church not to so much as eat with someone who practices intoxication (1 Corinthians 5:11). Intoxication is marked as a practice of the children of disobedience a total of 10 times in the New Testament (Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Luke 21:34; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:7; Matthew 24:49; Luke 12:45).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 5:18 - "And be not drunk with wine which is as one unsaved but be filled with the Spirit."
The Greek word used here is "asotia" which is a compound word of "a" and "sozo;" this word literally means "not saved" or "unsaved." The Greek word "sozo" is the primary New Testament word used to describe the salvation that comes through the name of Jesus Christ. The Greek letter "a" is used just as in the English language as a negative prefix to emphasize the complete absence of something.
The context of "asotia" in 1 Peter 4:3 leaves no doubt concerning the meaning of this word; it means unsaved referring to those who have not been made a new creation. This word is found one time in the Old Testament, and it translates the Hebrew word 'zala" which means "worthless," "vile." It is found three times in the New Testament: Ephesians 5:18, and then in Titus 1:6 and 1 Peter 4:4 where it is translated "riot" by the Authorized Version.
The idea of drinking alcohol is condemned in the Old Testament as exemplified by these scriptures: "Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it gives its color in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at its last it bites like a snake, and it stings like a basilisk. Your eyes shall look on strange women, and your heart shall speak perverse things;" also, "But they also have gone astray by wine and have erred through fermented drink; priest and prophet have erred through fermented drink; they have been swallowed by wine; they strayed from fermented drink; they err in seeing; they stumble in judgment;" (Proverbs 23:31-33; Isaiah 28:7 - Greens Literal Translation). Furthermore, no one could come into the presence of the Lord if they had partaken of wine or strong (fermented) drink or they would have been put to death by the Lord (Leviticus 10:9; Ezekiel 44:21).
During Old Testament times, the strongest alcoholic drink that they could make would be equivalent to our modern day beer. The word drunkenness - which is condemned as one of the seventeen works of the flesh - may literally be translated intoxication. Paul announced twice in scripture that those who practice getting intoxicated have no inheritance the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 6:10). Paul tells the church not to so much as eat with someone who practices intoxication (1 Corinthians 5:11). Intoxication is marked as a practice of the children of disobedience a total of 10 times in the New Testament (Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Luke 21:34; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:7; Matthew 24:49; Luke 12:45).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/01/07
Ephesians 5:9 - "For the fruit of the Spirit, in all goodness and righteousness and truth..."
Our primary focus must be on righteousness which has been both imputed and imparted to us by the grace of our Righteous God. God's righteousness is supplied to us by the Holy Spirit and operates in our lives through His working power which works in our lives (Romans 8:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness is the chief characteristic of the Kingdom of God and that which is to receive the foremost attention in our lives (Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17).
Righteousness is to be the focus of our faith and the desire of our heart every day (Romans 10:6, 10; Galatians 3:11; Philippians 3:9). God demands that we awake to the righteousness that we have been given and sin no more (1 Corinthians 15:34). We should recognize that we live under the administration of righteousness and that we are to walk with the protective armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (2 Corinthians 3:9; 6:7; 1 Timothy 6:11). Walking in righteousness is the proof that we have been born of God, and it is the light that the world needs to see (1 John 2:29; 3:7; Matthew 5:14-16).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 5:9 - "For the fruit of the Spirit, in all goodness and righteousness and truth..."
Our primary focus must be on righteousness which has been both imputed and imparted to us by the grace of our Righteous God. God's righteousness is supplied to us by the Holy Spirit and operates in our lives through His working power which works in our lives (Romans 8:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness is the chief characteristic of the Kingdom of God and that which is to receive the foremost attention in our lives (Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17).
Righteousness is to be the focus of our faith and the desire of our heart every day (Romans 10:6, 10; Galatians 3:11; Philippians 3:9). God demands that we awake to the righteousness that we have been given and sin no more (1 Corinthians 15:34). We should recognize that we live under the administration of righteousness and that we are to walk with the protective armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (2 Corinthians 3:9; 6:7; 1 Timothy 6:11). Walking in righteousness is the proof that we have been born of God, and it is the light that the world needs to see (1 John 2:29; 3:7; Matthew 5:14-16).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/28/07
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 - "But brothers I make known to you the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received, in which you also stand. Through which you are also being kept safe, if you hold fast to the word, which I preached to you, lest you believed in vain.
The context demands a rendering of either "safe" or "whole." Although the Greek word "sotzo" is the common word for "saved" there are several places in the New Testament where the context calls for different aspects of this word to be brought out. For example, the meaning of sotzo is properly rendered "made whole" with respect to physical health in Matthew 9:21, 22; Mark 5:23, 28, 34; 6:56; 10:52; Luke 8:48, 50; 17:19; Acts 4:9; 14:9; also the meaning of "keep safe" may be observed in 2 Timothy 4:18 and John 12:27. In fact, "sotzo" may refer to either spiritual, physical, or financial rescue from God. The context of 1 Corinthians 15:2 is more suited to the good health and well-being of a person rather than the salvation of the soul.
Some even attempt to make the salvation of the soul a work in process instead of the miracle transformation which it is (John 3:5-6; Colossians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:9). This phrase is also rendered, "by which you also are being kept safe" by Green's Literal Translation. The fact is that the word of God reveals to us that we have been saved from the former way of life. We have been made new creatures; old things have passed away, and all things have been made new (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15).
When we define salvation as the act whereby we were redeemed, then the testimony of the New Testament gives us the assurance that we are redeemed and that we belong wholly to God. Without looking beyond the letters that Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, we find the absolute testimony of this salvation. The opening statements to the church of Corinth set the tone for this in that Paul wrote, "to the sanctified ones who were called to be holy ones" (1 Corinthians 1:2). There are numerous verses of scripture in this first letter to the Corinthians that testify to the fact that Paul believed and taught that salvation was an event that had already taken place for those who believed (1 Corinthians 1:8-9, 18, 21; 2:12, 16; 3:9, 16, 23; 4:17, 19-20; 6:1-2, 10, 15, 17, 19-20; 7:23; 10:17; 12:13, 27; 15:17).
When we consider Paul's writings as a whole, then the present reality of salvation is witnessed hundreds of times. We are presently being kept safe by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5; John 10:28; 17:11, 15). But it is essential that we stand in the power and authority that He has entrusted us with. If we do not hold fast to the word of the gospel, then we will find ourselves without the blessings and promises of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 - "But brothers I make known to you the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received, in which you also stand. Through which you are also being kept safe, if you hold fast to the word, which I preached to you, lest you believed in vain.
The context demands a rendering of either "safe" or "whole." Although the Greek word "sotzo" is the common word for "saved" there are several places in the New Testament where the context calls for different aspects of this word to be brought out. For example, the meaning of sotzo is properly rendered "made whole" with respect to physical health in Matthew 9:21, 22; Mark 5:23, 28, 34; 6:56; 10:52; Luke 8:48, 50; 17:19; Acts 4:9; 14:9; also the meaning of "keep safe" may be observed in 2 Timothy 4:18 and John 12:27. In fact, "sotzo" may refer to either spiritual, physical, or financial rescue from God. The context of 1 Corinthians 15:2 is more suited to the good health and well-being of a person rather than the salvation of the soul.
Some even attempt to make the salvation of the soul a work in process instead of the miracle transformation which it is (John 3:5-6; Colossians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:9). This phrase is also rendered, "by which you also are being kept safe" by Green's Literal Translation. The fact is that the word of God reveals to us that we have been saved from the former way of life. We have been made new creatures; old things have passed away, and all things have been made new (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15).
When we define salvation as the act whereby we were redeemed, then the testimony of the New Testament gives us the assurance that we are redeemed and that we belong wholly to God. Without looking beyond the letters that Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, we find the absolute testimony of this salvation. The opening statements to the church of Corinth set the tone for this in that Paul wrote, "to the sanctified ones who were called to be holy ones" (1 Corinthians 1:2). There are numerous verses of scripture in this first letter to the Corinthians that testify to the fact that Paul believed and taught that salvation was an event that had already taken place for those who believed (1 Corinthians 1:8-9, 18, 21; 2:12, 16; 3:9, 16, 23; 4:17, 19-20; 6:1-2, 10, 15, 17, 19-20; 7:23; 10:17; 12:13, 27; 15:17).
When we consider Paul's writings as a whole, then the present reality of salvation is witnessed hundreds of times. We are presently being kept safe by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5; John 10:28; 17:11, 15). But it is essential that we stand in the power and authority that He has entrusted us with. If we do not hold fast to the word of the gospel, then we will find ourselves without the blessings and promises of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/27/07
Ephesians 4:16 - "From whom all the body fit together and joined together through that which every joint supplies according to the working of each part as one unit the body grows by building itself in love."
One of the themes of Ephesians is the "love of Christ." It is here that we find the key to not only our individual maturity and success but also to that of the local church to which we belong. First, on an individual basis, Paul opens this address to the Ephesians by drawing their attention to the fact that from the very foundation of the earth we were created to be holy and without blame before God in love (Ephesians 1:4). By being established in this love, we are able to comprehend with all saints the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of every dimension of God's plan and purpose for our lives (Ephesians 3:17). It is also through knowing the love of Christ that we are individually filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).
Then Paul brings us to this point in Ephesians Chapter Four where he shows us how to function together in love which results in the building up and the full maturity of the local church. The local church, which Paul revealed to be the fullness of God in Chapter One, is also in a maturing process. The maturity of the church is dependent upon the individuals within the church walking in love and then ministering that love one to another. The result of this maturity is the full expression of the glory and power of Jesus Christ in our meetings, who is the head of the church.
Walk in love,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 4:16 - "From whom all the body fit together and joined together through that which every joint supplies according to the working of each part as one unit the body grows by building itself in love."
One of the themes of Ephesians is the "love of Christ." It is here that we find the key to not only our individual maturity and success but also to that of the local church to which we belong. First, on an individual basis, Paul opens this address to the Ephesians by drawing their attention to the fact that from the very foundation of the earth we were created to be holy and without blame before God in love (Ephesians 1:4). By being established in this love, we are able to comprehend with all saints the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of every dimension of God's plan and purpose for our lives (Ephesians 3:17). It is also through knowing the love of Christ that we are individually filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).
Then Paul brings us to this point in Ephesians Chapter Four where he shows us how to function together in love which results in the building up and the full maturity of the local church. The local church, which Paul revealed to be the fullness of God in Chapter One, is also in a maturing process. The maturity of the church is dependent upon the individuals within the church walking in love and then ministering that love one to another. The result of this maturity is the full expression of the glory and power of Jesus Christ in our meetings, who is the head of the church.
Walk in love,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, February 26, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/26/07
Ephesians 4:13 - "Until we all come to the oneness of faith and the full knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man to the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ."
There are two challenging and yet glorious privileges expressed in this verse: First "the measure of the maturity of Christ" and second "the fullness of Christ." The fullness of Christ in ministry is promised to the believer by Jesus when He said, "He that believes on me the works that I do shall he do also and greater" (John 14:12).
When Jesus was baptized in the Spirit, He was filled with the Spirit without measure (John 3:34; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203:16;&version=9;). Jesus came as the express image of the Father filled with all of the fullness of God (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). God made it possible for us to be filled with all of the fullness of Christ Jesus, first, by the new birth, and, secondly, through the Baptism of the Spirit. When we were born of the Spirit, Christ Jesus was formed in us (Colossians 1:27; Galatians 4:19; 1 John 4:4; Romans 8:29). This new creature that is created in Christ Jesus possesses both the abiding presence of the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (John 14:23; 1 John 3:24).
Paul testified that he had received the fullness of Christ when he declared to the Romans that he would "come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ" (Romans 15:29) and then again when he made it known that he no longer lived but Christ which was in him (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21). Paul also revealed that the fullness of God was made available to all the saints through knowing the love of Christ: "to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge so that we might be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19). In fact, he revealed that the church was the fullness of Him who fills all things (Ephesians 1:23). Although we look at such a promise and are overwhelmed with amazement and a sense of impossibility, we must with awe and expectation embrace the call to this unspeakable gift of God. Father has revealed these things to us by His Spirit because it is His will for our lives. If we refuse to believe and take hold of the faith by both accepting and expecting this to be the reality of our lives, then we will certainly never realize this glorious privilege.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 4:13 - "Until we all come to the oneness of faith and the full knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man to the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ."
There are two challenging and yet glorious privileges expressed in this verse: First "the measure of the maturity of Christ" and second "the fullness of Christ." The fullness of Christ in ministry is promised to the believer by Jesus when He said, "He that believes on me the works that I do shall he do also and greater" (John 14:12).
When Jesus was baptized in the Spirit, He was filled with the Spirit without measure (John 3:34; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203:16;&version=9;). Jesus came as the express image of the Father filled with all of the fullness of God (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). God made it possible for us to be filled with all of the fullness of Christ Jesus, first, by the new birth, and, secondly, through the Baptism of the Spirit. When we were born of the Spirit, Christ Jesus was formed in us (Colossians 1:27; Galatians 4:19; 1 John 4:4; Romans 8:29). This new creature that is created in Christ Jesus possesses both the abiding presence of the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (John 14:23; 1 John 3:24).
Paul testified that he had received the fullness of Christ when he declared to the Romans that he would "come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ" (Romans 15:29) and then again when he made it known that he no longer lived but Christ which was in him (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21). Paul also revealed that the fullness of God was made available to all the saints through knowing the love of Christ: "to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge so that we might be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19). In fact, he revealed that the church was the fullness of Him who fills all things (Ephesians 1:23). Although we look at such a promise and are overwhelmed with amazement and a sense of impossibility, we must with awe and expectation embrace the call to this unspeakable gift of God. Father has revealed these things to us by His Spirit because it is His will for our lives. If we refuse to believe and take hold of the faith by both accepting and expecting this to be the reality of our lives, then we will certainly never realize this glorious privilege.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - FEB/24/07
Acts 3:19 - "And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
The very idea of the possibility of being filled with God's fullness is unimaginable. However, when we consider that we have been filled with the Holy Spirit and that Jesus and the Father have come to dwell in us we recognize that this is indeed the will of God for our lives (John 14:17, 23; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:9; Luke 3:16).
The indwelling fullness of God is viewed in chapter 4 as "the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). The growth and maturity that we are called to in God is directly related to knowing His love. John said that if we dwell in love then we dwell in God (1 John 4:16). If there is any principle and reality in God that we must grasp it is this: we must walk in love (Ephesians 5:2; John 13:34; Ephesians 4:15).
The way of love must decide all of our responses and direct all of our decisions. The child of God must be willing to actively participate with the working of the Holy Spirit whose desire is to reveal Jesus and express the love of God through our lives (Galatians 5:22; John 16:14; Acts 1:8; Galatians 1:16; 2:20; Philippians 1:2; Romans 5:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 3:19 - "And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
The very idea of the possibility of being filled with God's fullness is unimaginable. However, when we consider that we have been filled with the Holy Spirit and that Jesus and the Father have come to dwell in us we recognize that this is indeed the will of God for our lives (John 14:17, 23; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:9; Luke 3:16).
The indwelling fullness of God is viewed in chapter 4 as "the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). The growth and maturity that we are called to in God is directly related to knowing His love. John said that if we dwell in love then we dwell in God (1 John 4:16). If there is any principle and reality in God that we must grasp it is this: we must walk in love (Ephesians 5:2; John 13:34; Ephesians 4:15).
The way of love must decide all of our responses and direct all of our decisions. The child of God must be willing to actively participate with the working of the Holy Spirit whose desire is to reveal Jesus and express the love of God through our lives (Galatians 5:22; John 16:14; Acts 1:8; Galatians 1:16; 2:20; Philippians 1:2; Romans 5:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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