Daily Bread - Dec 29 2006

John 4:23 - "But an hour of the true worshipper is coming and now is when they shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth."

We now live in the time of the true worshipper. Not because of a special creed or liturgical practice but because God has poured out the water from on high (Isaiah 41:18; 44:3). The worshipper referred to here is a unique kind of worshipper never before talk about in the scripture. The true worshipper worships in a different way than any worshipper of the past has ever been able to worship. The true worshipper must worship in Spirit and Truth, something that is only possible through the living water that Jesus causes to come up out of our innermost being through the gift of God.

Jesus invited this woman - as well as all men in every generation - to come and draw water from the true well of life (Isaiah 12:3; John 7:38-39). The gift of God is supplied to us as a satisfying drink to a thirsty soul. When we drink of this water it becomes a wellspring and a river producing the limitless supply of Holy Spirit inspiration. Through receiving the miracle supply of the Spirit that Jesus desires to give, rivers from the deep places of our souls are released in worship unto God.

Jesus, who is the rock in the wilderness, now offers spiritual drink to everyone who is thirsty (1 Corinthians 10:4; Psalms 78:15; 105:14). He has come down to us like rain upon the mown grass as showers that water the earth (Psalms 72:6). For those who will receive the water that He gives, He turns the wilderness of our life into a standing water and the dry ground into water springs (Psalms 107:35).

Drinking is something that we do regularly because of a deep physical need. No matter who we are we also have a deep spiritual need for the living water. What many of God's people fail to recognize is that we need to come just as regularly to the fountain of life to satisfy the spiritual thirst that we have. Every time we drink of this spiritual water, the Holy Spirit will cause rivers of His pleasure to flow out of our innermost being. As we allow God to supply our deepest spiritual need, rivers of worship and truth flow out in praise unto our God.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 28 2006

Acts 20:7 - "And on the first of the week, the disciples having come together to break bread, Paul addressed them being about to depart the next morning and continued to speak until midnight."

This is the first time that church services are mentioned as being held on the first day of the week other than the fact that it is implied in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Also, the idea conveyed in the meaning of the Lord's Day in Revelation 1:10 implies the day that Jesus arose from the dead. The fact that the disciples were assembled on the first day of the week, one week after the resurrection, seems to imply that the tradition of assembling to worship on Sunday began immediately after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (John 20:26).

Certainly, the first day of the week was chosen as the time to assemble together in that Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the week and then appeared to the disciples two consecutive times on the first day of the week (John 20:1,19, 26). The Greek phrase that is used here to express "the first of the week" is "mia ton sabbaton." This particular phrase - along with two other closely related phrases - is used 8 times in the New Testament (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). It is used almost exclusively to describe the day that Jesus arose from the dead which was Sunday. A fact that further substantiates that this was not merely an event when the disciples just happened to be gathered together is the use of the verb "sunago." The verb "sunago" refers to a formal gathering as opposed to "episuagoghn" which would be used of a regular gathering (A.T. Robertson; Acts 20:7).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 27 2006

Acts 13:34 - "And that He raised Him from the dead never again to return to corruption; therefore, He has said, 'I will give you the holy things of faithful David. '"

This quote is found in Isaiah 55:3, "I will cut an everlasting covenant for you of faithful David's mercies (covenant love)." The last five Greek words used here in Acts 13:34 are identical to those found in the Septuagint, "ta hosia David ta pista" (the holy things of David's faithfulness). In the Hebrew Bible, this same passage reads, "mercies (covenant love) of David's faithfulness" ("chasdey david hanneemaneem"). Those who translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek understood the Hebrew word that many translate 'mercy' (chesed) to mean holy or sacred things.

What we can understand from looking at all of these texts is that the holy things of David was the covenant love that he had with God - a covenant love that was established by the mercies of God. The covenant love that God cut with David He also cut with Jesus, His only begotten Son. This same lovingkindness and tender mercies has been extended to us today through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 26 2006

John 4:10 - "Jesus replied and said to her, "If you knew about the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him and He would give you living water."

The gift of God is the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Hebrews 6:4). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we could receive the transformation of nature and be made a new creation (John 3:5-6, 8; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:24; John 1:13; Romans 8:9). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given so that we could be empowered with divine power (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:8). The gift of God is a treasure on the inside of us that produces the excellence of God's power (2 Corinthians 4:7).

The gift is a wellspring producing spirit and truth, a river producing all that was seen on the day of Pentecost and more, the Comforter who abides with us forever, Christ in us the hope of glory, our seal of redemption, the teacher who leads and guides us into all truth, God's power on the inside of us producing all His fruits and testifying of all His glory (John 4:10; 7:38- 39; John 14:16; Colossians 1:27; 1John 4:24; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22).

The gift of God brought forth the Spirit of the Son, the divine nature, the new man and the new creation (Galatians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The gift of the Holy Spirit is received by asking the Father who has made it known that it is His good pleasure to give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 24 2006

Ephesians 1:13-14 - "In whom you also heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation - in whom also you, believing, were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the first installment of our inheritance as a ransom payment for the purchase unto the praise of His glory."

The noun 'arrabon' may be translated either 'first installment,' 'deposit,' 'down payment,' or 'pledge' all of which denote paying the first part of a purchase price. Jesus told the disciples in Luke 24:49 to go and wait until they received the "Promise of my Father." The Spirit of promise then hearkens back to the glorious day that the promise of the Father was poured out upon the 120 on the day of Pentecost. It was on that day that God made His first payment to us and sealed us as His sons and heirs (Acts 1:4; Acts 2:1; Luke 24:49).

It seems that we should be making a payment to Him for redeeming us. Instead, God made a payment to us providing proof that we have been "bought with a price," the precious blood of Jesus. The terms of this transaction is that we agreed to belong entirely to God and, in exchange, the Father through Christ Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

This experience of His grace is the initial evidence that we agreed to be purchased. Subsequently, in keeping with the covenant, we no longer live to ourselves; rather, we glorify God in our bodies and spirits which He has purchased.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 23 2006

1 Peter 1:25 - "But the word of the Lord remains unto eternity, and this is the word which has been proclaimed to you."

There are two words used in the Greek language for "word:" 'logos' and 'rhema.' However, these two words are translated by one Hebrew word many times and especially when the word of the Lord is being referred to; the Hebrew word is 'dabar.' A classic example of this is in Exodus 19:6-9 where we find 'dabar' translated as 'rhema' twice and 'logos' twice. This synonymous interchange between the Greek word 'rhema' and 'logos' is further emphasized in 1-Kings 12:24 and 1-Samuel 15:23 where the expression "the word of the Lord" is found in each case twice, and in both instances it is translated using 'rhema' and then 'logos.' This interchange is observed many times throughout the Bible leaving us little doubt that there is any difference between the two.

The one interesting thing to note is that the expression the "word of the Lord" in the five books of Moses exclusively uses 'rhema' beginning with Genesis 15:1 through Deuteronomy 34:5. Peter also uses these two words somewhat interchangeably having said that we are born of the 'logos' in verse 23 and then describes that 'logos' of which we were born to be the 'rhema' that endures forever.

This same revelation that God's word is eternal is found in Isaiah 40:8. Jesus said that heaven and earth shall pass away but my word will not pass away (Mark 13:31). The Psalmist says that God's word is forever settled in heaven and that He has exalted it above His own name (Psalms 119:89; Psalms 138:2). Jesus said that it was the words that He had spoken that would judge men in the last day (John 12:48). The word of God reveals to us the will of God which is unchanging. The word of God is living, revealing, life giving, faith imparting, supernatural creative power of God at work on the inside of those who will believe.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 22 2006

Acts 10:35 - "But in every nation he who fears Him and practices righteousness is acceptable."

The Greek word 'dekton,' which means "acceptable," is used often in the Old Testament of the quality of sacrifice that is acceptable to God. The acceptable offerings are those offerings which a worshiper can worship God with. "If his offering is a whole burnt offering of the oxen it shall be a perfect male which he shall bring to the door of the tent of meeting; he shall come near; for it is acceptable before YHWH" (Leviticus 1:3).

Through the transformation of life that was brought to us by the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, we are made holy and acceptable so that we may present our lives as an offering to God (Romans 12:1). Paul said that the Gentile were made acceptable to God because they were sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16). In Proverbs, God says to do righteousness and judgment is more acceptable than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3).

All worshipers along with the Psalmist cry out to God and say, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer" (Psalms 19:14). When Jesus began His ministry He introduced the acceptable day of the Lord wherein God is calling all men to repent and turn back to the way of righteousness, purity, and holiness for which we were created (Luke 4:19; Isaiah 61:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9). God has called us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost to which Paul says that they who serve God in these things are acceptable to God and approved of men (Romans 14:17-18).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 21 2006

Leviticus 1:7 - "The sons of Aaron the priest shall stoke the fire on the altar and lay out wood on the fire."

It was not the responsibility of the Priest to light the fire for they were specifically commanded to keep the fire burning by stocking and adding wood to it (Leviticus 6:5-9, 12-13). The fire that burned upon the altar was lit by God (Leviticus 9:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26; 2 Chronicles 7:1,3; 1 Kings 18:38; Acts 2:3). It was from this divine fire that all other fires and lights in the sanctuary were to be made (Leviticus 16:12; Numbers 16:46).

God would not tolerate a fire that was produced by man in His house. Such a fire whether on a candle or in the bowl of incense was considered strange fire and carried with it the penalty of death (Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4; 26:61). It was out of the fire of God that Moses received the revelation of who Yahowah God is (Exodus 3:2; 19:18; 24:17; Deuteronomy 4:12,33, 36,5:4,22,24; 9:10; 10:4). It was by the fire of God that the Israelites were led and given light in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). The fire of God sanctified the place that God had ordained and designed for worship (Exodus 40:38). It was by the fire of God that all who desired to worship would present their offerings (Exodus 30:20; Leviticus 1:9; 2:2).

The fire of God is also central to worship in the New Testament ( John 4:23; Philippians 3:3; Jude 20). Jesus Christ is given the ministry of baptizing those who come to Him with the fire of God. Those who were baptized in the Holy Ghost and Fire on the day of Pentecost spoke forth the word of God and worshiped in Spirit as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 14:2). Every offering and act of worship is to be produced by the same fire of the Holy Spirit that Jesus has come to baptize us with. To arise and shine with the glory of God as lights unto the world we must be set on fire by the Holy Ghost (Isaiah 60:1; Ephesians 5:8; Matthew 5:14).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 20 2006

Acts 3:16 - "And the faith upon His name has made this one whom you see and know strong; and the faith that is through Him gave to him this perfect health before you all."

The Greek preposition 'epi' is translated most often 'on' or 'upon,' and, although it is awkward, it is accurate. The next phrase uses yet another preposition 'dia,' which is most commonly translated 'through,' 'on account of' or 'because of.' The healing power of God is manifested by "the faith upon His name" and "the faith that is through the name of Jesus." Jesus made it known that all power was given unto Him in heaven and in earth, therefore, He commanded that when we preach or minister we are to do it in His name.

The name of Jesus communicates faith, and by the name of Jesus, the miracle power of faith is released. Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe, in my name," devils will be cast out, the believer will "speak with new tongues," they will "lay hands on the sick and they will recover" (Mark 16:17; Luke 24:47). Jesus is still at work today because He is the unchanging Savior who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the unchanging Savior whose government is forever increasing.

When Paul cast out devils or ministered healing, he used the name of Jesus just as Peter and John used the name of Jesus. The sons of Sceva failed when they used the name of Jesus because they had no authority to use His name. They could not speak of Jesus as their Lord but only Jesus whom Paul preached. As a result, the evil spirit did not have to listen to them but rather attacked and hurt them (Acts 19:13). "But as many as would receive Him, who having faith in His name, to them He gave authority to be the sons of God" (John 1:12).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 19 2006

1 Peter 3: 4 - "But the hidden man of the heart in the incorruptible - even a gentle and quiet spirit - which is of great value before God."

The heart of man is the "hidden man" or the inner man. It is that immortal dimension of ourselves that now exists in this mortal body. When our bodies die, our inner man departs either to be with the Lord or into the punishment of eternal death. The heart is that hidden dimension of man where God desires His truth and wisdom to dwell (Psalms 51:6). Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus have had their hearts liberated from the darkness of sin by the circumcision of Christ which removed its foreskin (Colossians 2:13). The hard and calloused heart of man has been softened by redemption's transformation which created a new heart and a new man (Ezekiel 36:26; Ephesians 4:24).

God has made our hearts His dwelling place, and because He dwells there, our inward man grows and is strengthened every day (2 Corinthians 4:16). In that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ dwells in our hearts, His word also dwells there, and it is from our hearts that His peace rules our lives (Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 3:16; 3:15; Philippians 4:7). It is from our heart that the Spirit of God cries out unto the Father (Galatians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 1:22). It is with our heart that we believe unto righteousness (Romans 10:10).

God in His loving kindness and tender mercies has caused the light of His glorious gospel to shine into our hearts and, as a result, His nature and ways are inscribed there (2 Corinthians 4:6; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23-24; Romans 8:4). It is our responsibility to treasure what God has done for us and adorn our hearts with the beauty of holiness. God has brought His Glory into our hearts, and all we must do is yield to Him and let Him reign.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Daily Bread - Dec 16 2006

John 3:34 - "He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit to Him without measure."

This very unique phrase "ek metrou" (by measure) does not appear anywhere else in the Bible nor in Greek writings (The Gospel According to John, Raymond Brown). This expression could be translated "boundless" and refers to the fact that Jesus came ministering with the fullness of God's Spirit. As the only begotten Son of God who was God incarnated into flesh, Jesus holds the supreme place of receiving the Spirit in a way superior to all others (Hebrews 1:1). Although many men received special anointings of the Spirit in the Old Testament Jesus was the first to be honored with the Spirit without measure.

An example of the measure of the Spirit received by the Old Testament saints may be observed in the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha sought for a double portion of the Spirit that was upon Elijah and as a result he did twice the miracles of Elijah (2 Kings 2:9). Moses was anointed with the Spirit when He stood before the fire of God and was empowered to do extraordinary miracles (Exodus 3). In fact, when Moses was allowed to look on the glory of God on Mount Sinai, the anointing of the Spirit and presence of God was so great that his face shone with the glory of God (Exodus 34:29-33, 35; 2 Corinthians 3:7, 13). There was enough of the Spirit of God on Moses that it could be taken from him and placed upon seventy men selected to help Moses (Numbers 11:16-17, 25).

There was never a prophet like Moses in all of the Old Testament who talked with God face to face, yet he received the Spirit by measure (Deuteronomy 34:10; Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:8). God never honored anyone in the Old Testament with the fullness of the Spirit, yet today the same anointing and glory that Jesus received when He was baptized with the Spirit is made available to anyone who asks (John 7:38-39; John 16:13-15; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33;17:22; 14:12).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Daily Bread - Dec 15 2006

John 15:4 - "Dwell in me and I in you. Just as the branch has no power to bring forth fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me."

Jesus has made the reality of God's will very plain to us by the use of this allegory. The life that God offers to us is one that is totally united with Him that functions as a result of His care and provision. A botanical understanding of a vine thoroughly and simply drives home the point. The vine is the only connection that the branch has to the source of the life-giving nutrients essential to its survival. The vine supplies the structure and resources from which the branch can produce the fruit. The fruit that the vine produces is specific to the DNA of the vine - which in this case is the fruit of God's own nature. It is the gardener's objective to tend the branches in such a way as to maximize, first, the quality of the fruit and, then, as the branch matures, the quantity.

Both the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ have not only purposed that we bring forth fruit but they have dedicated themselves to supply everything that we need in order to do so. Our role as the branch is very simple; all that we must do is obediently respond to the will of the Father who is cultivating our lives to fulfill the very specific objective of producing the fruit of the vine. As a branch, we must see our whole identity and purpose defined by the vine from which we grow. This intimate relationship and absolute identity ultimately results in Father doing whatever we ask (John 15:7; 14:13-14).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Daily Bread - Dec 14 2006

Ephesians 5:8 - "Indeed you were once darkness but now light in the Lord; walk as children of Light."

Jesus Christ is first and foremost, the true Light that has come into the world (John 1:7-9; 8:12; 9:5). Jesus came to give this light to everyman that is in the world (Luke 1:79; 2:32; John 1:9; Matthew 4:16;). Those who believe are empowered to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7; Ephesians 5:8; John 8:12). It is God's desire that His redeemed saints be the light of the world, a city set upon a hill so that all men might see Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16; John 12:36; Acts 13:47; 1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Light is used figuratively of truth, life, vision, redemption, purity and righteousness (John 1:4; 11:9; 12:35, 46; Luke 11:34-36; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:5). Light, as a metaphor of righteousness, is set in contrast to darkness and evil (Matthew 6:23; Luke 11:34; John 3:19; Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 John 2:9). It is that which the unrighteous are unwilling to come to because it is light that reveals the truth and reproves unrighteous deeds (John 3:20). To understand the true meaning of light, we look to the fact that it represents who God is in His moral perfection and holiness.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Daily Bread - Dec 13 2006

Ephesians 5:8-9 "Indeed you were once darkness but now light in the Lord, walk as children of Light. 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 vital working power (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

Daily Bread - Dec 12 2006
2 Peter 2:5 - "And did not spare the ancient world but kept Noah, eighth, a preacher of righteousness bringing a flood upon a world of ungodliness."

God demands righteousness and there is no possibility that He will in any way compromise the necessity of it. In fact, when we consider the potential result of God making a compromise and allowing unrighteousness to exist in His kingdom we would conclude that it would be the ultimate ruin of everything that is good.

Righteousness is a word that is clearly defined by its frequent use in the Bible. It appears 249 times in the Bible and is primarily translated from the Hebrew word "tsedakah" and the Greek word "dikaiosune". From its first appearance in Genesis 15:6 to its final occurrence in Revelation 22:11, it speaks of obedience to God's will and describes purity and moral integrity.

In this passage here in Second Peter Noah is set in contrast to the rest of the world (Genesis 6:9; 7:1). Noah was the one that God called righteous while all the others were unrighteous or ungoldly. Righteousness by definition means one who is pure and virtuous. Through God's amazing love and grace we are made the righteousness of God. When we think about this level of righteousness we are confronted with the purest and most exact righteousness that exist.

Even though Noah was righteous and it was by his righteousness that he was saved God has given us a greater righteousness. We were not given the righteousness of Noah or Abraham but the righteousness of God. How? Because Jesus who knew no sin became the sin offering for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 2:21; Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 4:24; 5:9; 6:14; Romans 8:4; Philippians 1:11; 1 Timothy 6:11). God has given us this wonderful free gift and we must give His righteousness first place in our life (Matthew 6:33).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Daily Bread - Dec 11 2006

Acts 15:10-11 - "Now then why tempt God to lay a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor us had strength to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in the same manner also."

The first definition of "saved" cited in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) is, "delivered from sin." Peter suggests that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile and that if anyone is going to be saved it will be by the same Jesus through the same faith. The Jews who had depended upon the Law for salvation were faced with the crisis of an instantaneous righteousness through the miracle of salvation instead of a righteous status maintained by strict observance of the Law. The transition that they were engaged in was that there was now no more need for the Law and that the Gentiles were being granted equal position with them in God.

The salvation that is in Christ Jesus is so radically different because the dominance of sin is removed. The revelation of the purity and righteousness that comes by the miracle of faith was also expressed by Paul in Acts 13:38-39 where he declared that all who believe in Jesus Christ "are shown to be righteous" which is something that the Law of Moses was powerless to do. The Law of Moses was weak in that it depended upon the ability of man - who themselves were governed by a disobedient nature (Romans 8:3; 7:5; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 7:9). However, through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, everyone who believes has the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in them because they are walking in the Spirit of God (Romans 8:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 9 2006
Acts 10:4 - "And he stared at him in fear and said, 'What is it Lord?' And he said, 'Your prayer and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.' "

These prayers and offerings of Cornelius were accepted by God as the ascent offering (whole burnt offering) and memorial portions of the Old Testament that were turned into smoke for a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 2:2,9,16; 5:12; 6:15). Paul also likens the offering in which the saints sow into the ministry as an ascent offering that the Lord receives as a sweet smelling aroma because it is holy an acceptable to Him (Philippians 4:18). More important than anything else, the giving of an offering is an act of worship, a time where we pour out our love and affection for God. The response of God's favor towards those who offer such offerings is underscored here. Because of the prayers and offerings that Cornelius gave, he was chosen to be the first among the gentiles to receive the riches of heaven, the gift of the Holy Spirit.

With the message of the offering occurring over 813 times it is singled out as one of the most important subjects in the Bible. There were nine offerings highlighted by God in the New Testament:

1- The wise men who brought gifts to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-16).
2- The widow who gave all that she had (Mark 12:42).
3- The woman at Nain who worshipped with an alabaster box of oil (Luke 7:38).
4- The woman at Bethany who poured expensive oil upon Jesus at Simon the Lepers house (Mark 14:3).
5- Mary who worshipped with costly ointment in Bethany just before the death of Jesus (John 12:3).
6- The offering of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10).
7- The offerings of Cornelius.
8- The offerings of those of Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8-9).
9- The offering that God gave of His Son (John 3:16).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 8 2006

Ephesians 5:11 - "Be endued with the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the craft of the Devil."

The whole armor of God is more than a metaphor; it is the supernatural ability given to the saint to deal with every deceitful trick and enticement that Satan can bring against God's people. The armor of God is the armor of light and the armor of righteousness on the right and on the left hand (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7). This armor is to be put on by yielding to the Holy Spirit and being endued with it. Through the act of submitting ourselves to God the Holy Spirit becomes our shield and strength (James 4:7; Psalms 3:3; 18:35; 28:7; 33:20; 84:11).

The Holy Spirit, who has come to lead and guide us, stands ready to protect and defend us against everything that Satan attempts to throw at us. Thus, He empowers us with the shield of faith that quenches every fiery dart of the wicked one. He gives us gospel shoes to tread over all the power of the enemy and nothing can hurt us (Luke 10:19). If we are willing to yield ourselves completely to the Holy Spirit and walk in obedience to Him, then we will find the provision and strength for everything that we need to stand against our enemy, the devil.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 7 2006
Ephesians 4:8 - "On which account He said, Ascending up on high He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men."

The first time that this message appears in the Bible is in Psalms 68:18, "You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them." The gifts that Jesus received and then gave to the church are listed below in verse 11 as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. These special abilities and anointings exist in the church so that God may dwell in our midst in a special way. It is through these gifts that Jesus ministers to His church.

The supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the church from the head, which is Christ Jesus (4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). However, each member must make their proper connection to the head according to the divine order that God has established in His church. It is through these gifts that God supplies to His church the riches of the Spirit that perfects, matures, and produces the work of the ministry so that everyone may grow up into the fullness of Christ (4:12-13). If we fail to cooperate with and submit to God's divine order then we will miss out on the supply of the Spirit and the work of Grace that is being given by God who dwells in our midst.

The word "doma" or "gifts" is found four times in the New Testament. It is used twice in the gospels, "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him" (Luke 11:13; Matthew 7:11). Then Paul uses it in Philippians 4:17 in the context of an offering. The word "doma" may be understood as something given that is essential to survival.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 6 2006

Ephesians 5:20 - "Giving thanks at all times for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The giving of thanks is not only recognizing that God is leading, protecting, and providing for you, it is also the realm of the Spirit where miracles take place. The first time this word 'euchariteo,' "giving thanks," is used in the New Testament is in Matthew 15:36. It was at this giving of thanks by Jesus that the miraculous event of the multiplication of the seven loaves and a few fish took place.

The very next time that this is used is when Jesus took the cup on Passover. He gave thanks and declared "this is my blood of the New Testament" (Matthew 26:27). The blood and body of Christ Jesus represents our communion or fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 10:16; John 6:53-58). It is this Eucharist, or communion, that should give us confidence that the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us into all truth, and, therefore, whatever situation we find ourselves in, all things are working together for our good (Romans 8:28).

There were many adverse situations that Israel found themselves in during the first few months of their travel from Egypt to the promised land. Unfortunately, they were unwilling to recognize that God was leading them and protecting them, and as a result they were unthankful and murmured against the situation and their leadership which ultimately was directed at God Himself. There is a warning in the book of Hebrews that we should not fall into the same state of unbelief lest we end up like those unthankful Israelites (Hebrew 3:7-19). Romans 1:21 drives home the same point emphasizing that the lack of thankfulness is a chief characteristic of the unbeliever.

The passage of scripture in Colossians that is almost a perfect match to this passage here in Ephesians says, "whatsoever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the heavenly realm, then the word of Christ will dwell in us and we will view things from the faith perspective and realize that all things are working together for our good. Be certain of this one thing, that whatever situation you find yourself in, God is establishing and building confidence, persistence, faithfulness, and trust.

Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 05 2006

1 Peter 2:5 - "We also as living stones are built up a spiritual house into a holy priesthood lifting up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Peter does not use the word Church in either of his Epistles; instead, he refers to the Church as "a spiritual house" and "the people of God" (2:10). Peter refers to those in the church as a royal Priesthood and a holy nation. Even as it takes many members to be a body, it takes many stones to be a house. God has so ordained that the individual believers go beyond their individualism to find a unity which will result in a place from which spiritual sacrifices may be offered that are acceptable to God.

In the first covenant, God established a place of worship, a Priesthood, and the proper protocol for worship. Through Christ Jesus we are made those who worship God in the Spirit who are empowered to show forth His glory and announce the excellencies of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (Philippians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:10). The Church is the assembly of God's people who worship in Spirit and fellowship in the unity of the Spirit, a house from where God is praised.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 02 2006

Ephesians 1:22-23 - "And has placed all things under His feet, and appointed Him the head over all the church, who is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all."

The church, which is to be the fullness of God's glory revealed in the earth, has hundreds of passages of scripture devoted to its function and order. The word "church" is found 80 times in the New Testament. The church was first mentioned in Matthew 16:18 by Jesus in connection with the revelation of who He is. And it was in this context that Jesus promised that He would be the one who would build His church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).

The purpose of the church is to reveal Jesus - not in a unique way but by the same anointing and Spirit that rested upon Him. The church, by definition, is a gathering of many people that are to function as one person and, thus, reveal Jesus who is the head of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 11:26; 14:27, 15:4; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40). This miracle can only take place by the fact that the Holy Spirit baptizes us all into one body and thus creates a divine and glorious unity of God's presence and love (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Jesus established the leadership and authority in the church so that His people could be trained up in all of His ways (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 20:28; Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 3:5). It is through this holy interaction with one another in the context of the church that the supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the body. Without this divine function of the church in a community, God's people are deprived of the supply of the Spirit that result in their increase both individually and collectively (Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; James 5:14).

The church began as a meeting place where about 120 people had gathered together to wait on the Holy Spirit, and that model has never been altered by word or practice until this day. However, it is essential that the Holy Spirit takes over our meetings as He did in that first church meeting if the church is to function as it was ordained by God. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal Jesus, and if He is not given full control then that which God ordained cannot function; for it would be dead and lifeless without the Spirit.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Dec 01 2006

Acts 17:2 - "And according to Paul's custom he went to them and preached the word to them for three Sabbaths."

The idea that meeting in a church building took place as an evolution of Christian practices is simply not true. It was Paul's custom to meet in the Synagogues, which of course would be equivalent to the church meeting today (Acts 9:20; 13:5, 14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:10,17; 18:4, 19; 19:8; 28:17, 23). When Jesus was not preaching to the masses, He was also found ministering in the Synagogues (Matthew 12:9; 13:54; Mark 1:21; 3:1; 6:2; Luke 4:16; John 6:59).

The church today is a pattern of what the Holy Spirit established in the first century. The local church is an essential and vital part of both the witness of Jesus Christ in communities as well as the place of nurturing and training those who come to Him (Mathew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:17). The church is the place that God ordained for His saints to assemble (Hebrews 10:25). The church is where the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire empowered the believers (Acts 2:1-4). The church is the place where God placed the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:17). The local church is the place where all of the gifts of the Spirit are in full operation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12, 24-26). The church is the body of Christ where Jesus is revealed and the fullness of God is manifested (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is to the church that the Epistles of Paul are addressed. It is in the midst of the church that Jesus now stands (Revelation 1:12-20). It is the church which Jesus purchased with His own blood, and it is the church which is armed with the authority that the gates of hell cannot prevail against (Acts 20:28; Matthew 16:18).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 30 2006

Acts 10:35 - "But in every nation those who fear Him and practice righteousness are acceptable."

The Greek word, 'dekton,' which means, "acceptable," is used often in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The acceptable offerings are those offerings which a worshiper can worship God with. "If his offering is a whole burnt offering of the oxen, it shall be a perfect male which he shall bring to the door of the tent of meeting; he shall come near; for it is acceptable before YHWH" (Leviticus 1:3).

Through the transformation of life that was brought to us through Jesus Christ, God has made us holy and acceptable so that we can live our lives as an offering to God which is "holy and acceptable" (Romans 12:1). Paul said that the Gentiles were made acceptable to God because they were sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16). In Proverbs, God says "to do righteousness and judgment is more acceptable than sacrifice" (Proverbs 21:3). All worshipers, along with the Psalmist, cry out to God and say, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

When Jesus began His ministry He introduced the acceptable day of the Lord wherein God is calling all men to repent and turn back to the ways of righteousness, purity, and holiness for which we were created (Luke 4:19; Isaiah 61:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9). God has called us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost to which Paul says that those who serve God in these things are acceptable to God and approved of men (Romans 14:17-18).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 29 2006

Acts 11:18 - "And when they heard these things they grew silent and glorified God saying, also unto the Gentiles God has given repentance unto life."

The expression "repentance unto life" may be understood more clearly by analyzing the Greek word 'metanoian' which is translated "repentance." The Greek word 'metanoian' means "change of mind." Every time it occurs in the New Testament is translated "repentance." It is the noun of the Greek verb 'metanoeo' which is the primary word for "repent." The Greek word 'metanoeo' is derived from two Greek words 'meta' and 'noeo' which mean ''with" and "understanding" respectively. It may be said, then, that "repentance" means a change of life as a result of a change of thinking and attitude with regards to sin and righteousness.

Man is a deceived prisoner of sin. The eyes of his understanding are blinded to the truth and reality of God (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 13:14). When God granted repentance unto life He gave to whosoever will the ability to escape from the prison of deception and spiritual blindness and come into the revelation of the life that is in God through Jesus Christ the Messiah. Repentance, then, by definition, is a change that occurs in a person which allows them to change their attitudes and behaviors.

The closest Hebrew word in the Old Testament that conveys the meaning of repentance would be 'shuv' which is translated "turn or return" as in Malachi 2:6 and Isaiah 6:9-10. This word denotes the way one conducts their life in relationship to another person such as Israel with God, thus, walking in the way of the Lord (Psalms 1:1). The contrast associated with the meaning of this word is understood between the way of Israel and the way of Canaan, the way of the righteous with that of sinners, the way of the Lord with the way of the evildoers. Thus, to deviate from the way in which God required His people to walk would demand that there be repentance on their part which would then result in their walking again in the way of Lord, as underscored in Amos 4:6-13; Hosea 5:15-6:5; Jeremiah 3:12-14.

In both Hosea and in Jeremiah, the love relationship that God had for Israel was drawn out as the love that a man has for a woman, so in Hosea God says, "I will woo her. I will go with her into the wilderness and comfort her; there I will restore." (Hosea 2:14-15) and in Jeremiah He said, "I remember the unfailing devotion of your youth, the love of your bridal days when you followed me in the wilderness through a land unknown" (Jeremiah 2:2; 31:3).

Finally, although the Hebrew word 'shuv' carries with it the New Testament meaning of repentance it is translated in the Septuagint by the Greek word 'epistropho' which means "to turn or be converted." There are two passages of scripture in Acts that bring 'metanoeo' and 'epistrepho' together: Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore and turn back that your sins may be wiped out" and Acts 26:20, "repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." We may conclude that the act of true repentance results in one being converted and walking in the ways of God's righteousness. Calling men to repentance is calling men to come and to walk with God. It is the ministry of Jesus and all those who proclaim the good news (Luke 5:32; 24:47).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 28 2006

Acts 13:2 - "And while they performed the service of the Lord and fasted the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart now Barnabas and Saul unto the work which I have called them."

This is one example of how actively in charge the person the Holy Spirit is in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:28; 16:6; 20:28). The Holy Spirit not only proclaimed that they were to be separated unto Him but is also the one who sent them (Acts 13:4). The Holy Spirit is the one who is here to teach the church everything that it is supposed to do (John 14:26).

When anyone spoke to the leaders of the church they were actually addressing the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). When men spoke in the church they did so by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:23; 21:11). When men refused to listen to the gospel they were, in fact, refusing to listen to the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). It was the Holy Spirit who spoke the word of God through the prophets of old such as Isaiah, and it is the Holy Spirit that speaks through His servants today (Acts 28:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:14).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 27 2006

1 Peter 2:24 - "Who Himself carried our sins in his own body upon the tree so that the sins being removed we might live righteously by whose wound you were healed."

Sin is an incurable disease that is passed from generation to generation. The only cure for this terrible plague is the blood of Jesus. It was through the bloody wound that Jesus received on the cross that our sins were put to death and the sicknesses and diseases, which are a consequence of sin, were cured.

When a cure for sin was provided in Christ Jesus, the cure for all sickness and disease was also revealed. For in Christ Jesus we have forgiveness for all our iniquities and healing for all our diseases (Psalms 103:3). It is God's will that every man find freedom from sin through the power of the blood of Jesus and healing for all their diseases through the wound which He bore. When men are healed from their diseases and sicknesses it is made known that the Lord Jesus has power to forgive sin (Matthew 9:6). It is through the prayer of faith in what Jesus has already accomplished for us that the sick are saved and sins are forgiven (James 5:15).

In both the Hebrew Bible (Leningrad Text/Cairo Text) and the Septuagint this verse simply reads, "by His wound we were healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Peter, who was speaking for God in the first person, did not include himself and therefore used the word "you" in an address by God to all mankind. The Greek word 'molops' appears in the singular form in both Testaments and both languages it means "wound, bruise, strip, or mark". However, the Hebrew word in Isaiah 53:5, 'chaburah' primarily refers to 'wound'.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 25 2006

John 3:18 - "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned but whoever does not believe has already been condemned for refusing to believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

The Lord Jesus made freedom from condemnation and sin very easy; all one has to do is to believe in the Only Begotten Son, and they will be rescued from the imprisonment of spiritual death. The message of salvation that is contained within the title "Only Begotten Son" includes accepting that Jesus is God, that he became a human being to come and take upon himself the sins of the world, and that there is no other means of salvation but by Him.

We cannot trust in ourselves, our own good works or any other religious belief and Jesus too. The mixture will not do because it undermines the fact that unless man is born again and made a new creature he is unacceptable to God. All other religious activities are vain, including the Law because it cannot change the heart of man. There is only one possible way to be born of the Spirit and that is through the death of Jesus on the cross. For it was at the cross that Jesus broke the power of sin and Satan that took control of man when Adam sinned. When we believe on the Only Begotten Son we are taking notice that God has sent a personal invitation to us to come and join Him.

We are accepting the fact that God loves each of us personally (1 John 4:16). However, if we take a permanent position of refusing Jesus Christ as our savior then the result is eternal death. It is not that God chose death for us for He has chosen life for all mankind. In the very beginning it was man who walked away from God and became a prisoner to sin and death. God who is not willing that anyone perish has come to every person individually and given them the opportunity to accept what Adam refused (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16). The choice is ours, God has opened the door of escape for us but if we refuse then there is nothing left but an eternal condemnation that God pronounced on sin from the very beginning.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 24 2006

John 3:14 - "And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, likewise it is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up;"

Nicodemus being unwilling to simply accept the fact that God had made a way for him to be born of the Spirit continued to question Jesus as to how these things could be (3:9). Jesus then relates to him an incident in which the hardness of heart and the murmurings of Israel had made them victims to fiery serpents. As a remedy for the poison, God commanded Moses to place a serpent on a standard-bearing pole. Unfortunately for many of the Israelites, their stubbornness and hardness of heart prevented them from responding to God's remedy, and they died. They were unwilling to simply believe the remedy that God had provided for the poisonous venom that circulated through their blood (Numbers 21:8).

Just as many refused to be taken to the place of the pole to look upon their cure, many today refuse to be taken to the cross to see that it was Jesus who bore their sin away. Even as those Israelites only needed to look on the serpent in order to live, all we must do is to look to Jesus. If any man comes to the cross and believes in Jesus they are healed from the poison of the serpent that injected its venom into the heart of man in the garden.

Through the work of redemption accomplished for us when Jesus was lifted up, we are transformed into new creatures and translated into the Kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 23 2006
John 3:16 - "For God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that everyone who believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

God was so earnest to redeem man that "He spared not His own Son" in order to bring us into relationship with Himself (Romans 8:32). This amazing action of God's love underscores God's desperation to have fellowship with us. All that God asks of us is to believe (pisteuo) in Jesus (1 John 5:11, 13).

To believe is simply to act in faith. God did not even leave faith in the sphere of our own human ability but has supplied it to us by His Spirit which He has given to us (1 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 3:2; 5:22). Faith is a gift that has come to us from God and unless we move in this faith we cannot please Him (Romans 12:3; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11:6).

When we observe Abraham's life we learn that he was counted righteous because he believed what God said and was willing to obey Him.

If there is any one attribute that characterizes Job it was his absolute confidence in his relationship with God. When Job's wife and comforters attempted to convince Job to give up on God's favorable relationship with him he was unmovable. Job's confidence in God was fervently expressed in this verse: "My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live" (Job 27:6). Certainly, it was through Job's belief in his redeemer, whom he had come to know by revelation, that he was able to have such confidence - a belief expressed when he said, "For I know that my redeemer lives and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" (Job 19:25).

All that Father has asked of us is to believe the testimony that He has given to us of His Son. He wants us to lay hold on what Jesus has done for us and not doubt His love for us for one second. We must be willing to be unmovable and unshakeable from the fact that God so loved us that He gave Jesus to die for us so that we may possess His righteousness!

Do not allow yourself to waiver from this so great salvation. Never trust in yourself but trust in Jesus who died and rose again so that you might be saved. Never allow anything or anyone to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Never allow anyone to cause you to doubt the salvation that He has given to you. Find yourself safe and secure in Him where there is no condemnation.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 22 2006

Genesis 1:26 - "And God said we shall make Adam in Our image with Our likeness and they shall rule over the fish of the sea and over the foul of the heavens and over the animals and over all the earth and over all the moving things moving upon the earth."

The Hebrew word 'cidmutenu,' meaning "after our likeness," refers to the inward nature of God. God's unique purpose for man has never been fully realized. Paul expressed the will of God for man in Romans 8:29 when he said that we have been predestinated to be conformed to the image of the Son. Now because of His unspeakable gift and wonderful work of grace we are able to walk in His glorious likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The enemy of God, Satan, was able to deceive and corrupt man but God sent His Son to break the power of deception and corruption so that the redeemed man can be renewed in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness after the image of God (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Peter 1:4).

Will you participate with the will of God today and allow God's glory to be revealed through your life? All Father is asking us to do is to simply yield ourselves to Him so that He may be revealed through us (Romans 6:13; 8:14; Galatians 1:16; 5:16).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 21 2006

John 2:3 - "And having a shortage of wine, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'they are out of wine.' "

The first miracle that Jesus worked was to supply what seemed to only be an indulgence so that men could celebrate a joyous occasion. But what Jesus actually did was to begin to reveal who He was and what He was going to do for all mankind.

The majority of Jesus' ministry and teaching was focused on the water of the Spirit and the wine of His blood. When we consider the message of communion and fellowship in the Spirit and in the blood of Jesus, this miracle takes on a whole new dimension of meaning and purpose. Jesus liberally supplies communion to all those who are willing to drink and rejoice in the goodness of God. It is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we are giving the miracle of intimate and unlimited communion with God.

The prophets testified of the blessing of God and the abundance of wine that He would supply in the last days (Amos 9:13- 14; Hosea 14:7; Jeremiah 31;12). In fact, we may view this event and miracle as the proclamation of the Messianic Age as well as the beginning of the call to the New Covenant. God is calling all men everywhere to come and fellowship with Him and rejoice in His presence. And as recorded in Enoch 10:19, the vine has provided wine in abundance.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 20 2006

Jesus gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He did this in the body of his flesh through death, to present us holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. So that we may be a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that we should be holy and without blemish (Titus 2:14; Colossians 1:22; Ephesians 5:27).

It is Jesus who shall also confirm us unto the end, that we may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. For He has sanctify us wholly; so that our whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). So that we may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we shine as lights in the world.

Therefore, beloved, seeing that we look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless (Philippians 2:15; 2 Peter 3:14).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 18 2006

Colossians 2:19 - "And not strengthening the Head from whom all the body being supplied and being knit together through the joints and bands increases with the increase of God."

Jesus Christ is the head of all of those who have been redeemed. Every dimension of our life should be under his instruction and control.

Everything we do should be done to bring him glory and honor in the same way the natural body functions in obedience and support of its head. As we give Jesus His proper place in our life and the credit for every dimension of our salvation then we continue to increase and mature into every dimension of those things that he has purposed for our lives (Ephesians 4:16).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 17 2006

John 8:3 - "But the scribes and the Pharisees brought to Him a woman having been taken in adultery and stood her in their midst."

Many scholars believe that the passage contained in John 7:53 through John 8:11 is not original. The story of the woman caught in the act of adultery is considered by these scholars to have been an oral tradition in the early church but was not in the original manuscript of the gospel of John.

However, it is equally important to remember that most of these scholars doubt that John the brother of James the son of Zebedee and disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ wrote this gospel. Their basis for not believing that this passage is original is that approximately 27 manuscripts out 5130 omit this passage. In any other discipline, the 27 manuscripts would be viewed as being wrong and the majority would be considered as the more accurate representations of the original. Those who argue to omit this passage believe that they should give more weight to the older manuscripts such as a (Sinaiticus), B (Vaticanus), p66 and p75. The assumption is that these older manuscripts are more accurate. Unfortunately, there are many reasons to question the accuracy of some of these particular "older" manuscripts. There are also some of the oldest manuscripts which contain this passage, such as, p23, p25, p37 p45, A, and others.

Another bias of these scholars is the assumption that the shorter version of a passage is likely to be the original. This is yet another reason they argue to exclude this passage on the adulterous woman. It is argued that the list of manuscripts that do not contain this passage are diverse from different geographical areas, but the same argument can be used in favor of this passage. It is also argued that the majority of lectionaries do not mention this passage, yet in the legalistic and institutionalized Christian environment such as were in Rome, Greece, and Egypt it is not surprising that it would not have been popular to talk about an adulterous woman having been so favorably treated by Jesus.

Jerome said in (A.D. 346-420) that this passage was contained in "many Greek and Latin manuscripts" while he was yet alive. Certainly these manuscripts that were available to Jerome were an accurate representation of the original gospel.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 16 2006

1 Peter 2:5 -"We also as living stones are built up a spiritual house into a holy priesthood lifting up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Even as it takes many members to be a body, it takes many stones to be a house. God has so ordained that the individual believers go beyond their individualism to find a unity which will result in a place from which spiritual sacrifices may be offered that are acceptable to God. In the first covenant, God established a place of worship, a Priesthood, and the proper protocol for worship. Today that has all been changed. Father is now looking for those who will worship in Spirit and in truth and who are willing to walk in the unity of the Spirit that produces the house from which God is praised (John 4:24; Ephesians 2:20-22).

A spiritual house is produced when God's people gather together in unity and the Holy Spirit is allowed to take charge. The stones serve only that the house may exist and, as such, their individualism, while noted, is lost in the splendor of the building itself. The church is entirely a supernatural working of the grace of God governed by the Holy Spirit with one purpose: to reveal Jesus Christ. Those gatherings, which are merely the activities of men and of individual worth, cannot claim to be the church; for the church is the activity of Christ, the fullness of God (Ephesians 1:23).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingnplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 15 2006

1 Peter 4:5 - "Who shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."

One of the most important things that everyone must understand is that we will all give an account to God for the things that we have done in this life (Hebrews 9:27). Every person has been honored with the privilege of living in Father's sacred gift called life. The way in which we live our life is very important to God, and, make no mistake; He will judge us.

We are His workmanship and, as such, we have been endowed with the ability to do what is just and good. Consider the fact that we were created for His pleasure and He takes no pleasure in unrighteousness. We were created for His glory and there is no glory in wronging and abusing others. God wants us to walk in reverence of Him and He wants us to love every person. There are many people who think that they can do whatever they want to do and that somehow they can escape accountability. But God says there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed and that every secret will be shouted from the housetops (Luke 12:2-3). The way that we live our life is so important to God that He will even hold us accountable for every idle word that we speak (Matthew 12:36).

God has made known in His word what He will hold us accountable for. Jesus said that even though all judgment was committed to Him, He would judge no man; rather, the word that He had spoken would be our judge in the last day (John 12:48). It is Jesus who will judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42; Romans 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5). It is Jesus who will bring the hidden things to light and will reveal the counsels of the heart (1 Corinthians 4:5).

When the saints of God appear before Christ Jesus they will be judged for both the good and the bad things that they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 1:17). There are two places of judgment: the judgment seat of Christ where every redeemed person will be judged and the Great White Throne Judgment where all those who refused salvation will be judged (Romans 14:10; Revelation 20:11-12).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 14 2006

John 3:8 - "The Spirit breathes out where He wills and His voice you hear but you do not know where He comes from and where He is going; so is everyone who has been begotten of the Spirit."

The Greek word 'pneuma' is found both at the beginning and at the end of this verse. One of the important issues to consider is that as the Spirit is so are those begotten by the Spirit.

Now it would make no sense at all if, for the sake of consistency, 'pneuma' was translated wind; for then as the wind is so are those begotten of the wind. The issue is not the inability of man to understand the mysterious nature of the wind but the fact that man cannot understand the realm of the Kingdom of God unless they are born of the Spirit. Although 'pneuma' can be translated wind, of the 360 times that it occurs in the New Testament it never means wind (A.T. Robertson, Word Picture New Testament). Thus, there is no reason to translate 'pneuma' wind even though it may be translated both wind and spirit.

The Latin version also translates 'pneuma' as 'Spirit' in this verse. The Holy Spirit is not only the subject of this passage He is the one by whom we are begotten. The mystery surrounding the Spirit's activity also surrounds those begotten of Him; for as the world cannot know Him neither can the world know those begotten of Him (John 14:17; 17:14; 1 John 4:17).

Green's Literal Translation by JP Green Sr. also supports a similar translation of this passage: "The Spirit breathes where He desires and you hear His voice, but you do not know from where He comes and where he goes - so is everyone who has received birth from the Spirit."

Nicodemus was drawn to Jesus because of the sound of the Holy Spirit that he heard in the voice of Jesus and because of the miracles which He had done. Although many things about the life and ministry of Jesus seemed to be out of sync with the Pharisees' doctrine, the heart of Nicodemus was drawn by the voice of the Holy Spirit. If Nicodemus was ever to understand the ways of the Spirit of God he would first have to be born of the Spirit.

The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit because they make no sense to him (1 Corinthians 2:14). The world cannot receive the Spirit because it cannot see Him nor know Him (John 14:17). However, once we have been begotten of God our senses are awakened to the reality of the ways and nature of God, and we are allowed of God to see what eyes have not seen and ears have not heard nor the hearts of man ever pondered (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 13 2006

John 3:6 - "What is begotten of the flesh is flesh and what is begotten of the Spirit is Spirit."

It is worth taking note of the fact that the miracle birth of Jesus was described as being begotten of the Spirit, "for that which was begotten in Mary was of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20). Of course there is a unique and very important difference between the message to Nicodemus and the birth of Jesus - for Jesus was the Eternal God incarnated into flesh.

When a man is begotten of the Spirit a "new man" created in Christ Jesus is brought forth. This new creation does not co-exist with the corrupt nature of unredeemed man for Paul revealed that the "old man" was crucified with Christ that the body of sin might be destroyed and likens the new birth to being raised up with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11).

Paul further takes up the contrast between the "flesh" and the "Spirit" or the "unredeemed man" and "those born of the Spirit" in Romans 8. He makes it perfectly clear that when a person is redeemed they are no longer classified as being "in the flesh" but in Christ Jesus which he equates to being born of the Spirit (Romans 8:1-9). Jesus is not presenting a "Spirit Nature" that would co-exist with an "unredeemed nature" but rather an opportunity for a total regeneration of the nature of man (Titus 3:5).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 11 2006

John 10:10 - "The thief does not come except that he may steal, slaughter, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

The life that Jesus is referring to is a life full of the Holy Spirit; for it is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that Christ Jesus lives in us (1 John 3:24; 4:13;5:12; Galatians 2:20; John 14:23; 17:21). The life that is in Christ Jesus is the life that Father intended all men to have when He created Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 1:4; 2:10; 4:23; Colossians 3:10). It is a life that not only reveals His glory but enjoys all of His goodness (John 17:22; 1:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11; Romans 15:13; 14:17).

This life that is in Chirst Jesus has joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, and divine love (1 Peter 1:8; Philippians 4:7; John 13:34; 15:12).
All of these glorious expressions of life flow out of us like rivers of living water.

The life of God produces the righteousness of God and the Holiness of God (Galatians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 3:21; Romans 14:17). The abundant life that is in Christ Jesus is eternal life which is not only a duration of time but a quality of life. Eternal life is not only for the future it is something that God's people possess now, and it is this life that is a light to the world and the salt of the earth (1 John 1:2; 3:15; 5:11,13; 5:20; John 3:15; 6:54; 17:3; Romans 5:21; 6:23;1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 5:13,14).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 10 2006

Ephesians 4:22 - "You shall lay aside concerning the former behavior the old man which is corrupt according to deceitful desires."

The old man refers to the condition of a person prior to salvation. The Greek word 'palaion' refers to the ancient state of things or the original condition. In this case it was the original condition of sinful man and his desires, thus, this is the spiritual paleontology of unredeemed man. The term 'old man' is used in Romans 6:6 and Colossians 3:9 in the same way that it is used here in Ephesians 4:22 to refer to the unredeemed and evil state of man. The old man has been crucified with Christ Jesus. It was destroyed so that the body or dominion of sin could also be destroyed. As a result, the redeemed individual who is made a new creation may now walk in newness of life having been freed from sin (Romans 6:4-7).

The very terminology leaves no doubt concerning the view of scripture with respect to the nature of sin; it has been entirely removed from man. However, the fact remains: every child of God must resist the temptations of the former behavior that would draw them back into the realm of the unredeemed. Just because our Savior Jesus Christ came and delivered us from the slavery and imprisonment of the devil does not mean that we cannot return into captivity and be imprisoned once again.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 9 2006

1 Peter 4:2 - "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 Jesus overcame we are also able to overcome through His divine power.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 8 2006

1 Peter 4:17 - "Because the time of judgment has begun from the house of God and if first from us what shall the end of the disobedient be who do not follow the gospel of God?"

The prophet Ezekiel described how God's judgment begins at His sanctuary. The ones who have been given the responsibility to oversee the house of God are those who are judged first (Ezekiel 9:6). The judgment that is referred to here by Peter has already begun among God's people. This judgment not only began with the house of Israel 2,000 years ago but is also ongoing today. Paul says that if we are chastened then we are judged of God so that we will not be condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 7 2006

1 Peter 1:14-16 - "As obedient children not conforming to the former desires in your ignorance. But according to His holy calling you shall also be Holy in all conversation. Because it has been written, Be Holy because I am Holy."

The call to Holiness is an absolute in both the New Testament and the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 20:7, 26). Everything that God redeemed in both covenants became holy and He demanded then and now that we remain holy.

God ordained from the very beginning that men should be holy and without blame before Him (Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; Rev 22:11). Father desires that we be consecrated to the realm of His righteousness and purity - which is the realm of life and truth. He has washed away our filthiness with the blood of Jesus and empowered us by His Holy Spirit to be exactly what He created us to be: holy even as He is Holy.

It is important to remember that Holiness is something that we have because we have His indwelling presence. As we walk in His presence we walk in Holiness.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 6 2006

Colossians 3:10 - "And being endued with the new which is renewed unto a full knowledge after the image of the One who created him."

God's predetermined plan was that we be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). When we were created in Christ Jesus having been made a new creature, God endued us with the ability to walk in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; 2:10; Hebrews 12:14).

The most important issue that confronts the believer today is holiness. It is absolutely imperative that those who call themselves the people of God lay hold on the power of godliness.

At the end of our church services and devotions there should be the manifestation and witness of the enduing power of God to walk uprightly. There should be the awesome awareness of the presence and purity that causes us to live consecrated to the ways of the Most High. If these fruits do not exist in our lives then there is something terribly wrong; for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, who is Holy by name, are the sons of God. If we are not allowing God to lead us into all the ways of His Holiness then we must ask ourselves if we are ready for heaven.

It is time for the people of God to rise up in total surrender to the Holy Spirit so that the name of the Lord is no longer polluted in the earth through the unrighteous behavior of His people (2 Timothy 2:19; Isa 48:11). It is important to remember that the Lord Jesus said that those who hear of the word but do not do it are like men without a foundation (Matthew 7:26; Luke 6:49; Luke 8:21; James 1:23).

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 4 2006

1 Peter 4:11 - "If anyone speaks then as an oracle of God if anyone ministers then as from out of the strength which God directs that in all things God may be glorified through Christ Jesus to whom be the glory and might unto the ages of the ages amen."

Every thing that we do should bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who we shall worship and adore throughout all eternity. The noted Greek scholar A.T. Robertson describes the meaning of oracle (logia) as the utterances of God through Christian teachers.

Paul said that when he ministered he would do so by the activity of the Spirit through revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or by doctrine (1 Corinthians 14:6). Paul also said that when he preached it would not be with the words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power (1 Corinthians 2:4). When God endued the saints with the power of the Holy Spirit, the first thing that happened was that the Holy Spirit took over what they were saying (Acts 2:4). When Peter spoke to the great crowd of people that had gathered that day, he did so by the power of the Holy Spirit. For the first time the true meaning of the passage of scripture in Joel 2:28-32 was set in its proper context. Through this mighty display of the power of the Holy Spirit speaking through men, God was glorified through Jesus Christ and 3,000 souls were added to the Kingdom (Acts 2:41).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 3 2006

Ephesianns 4:24 - "And be endued with the new man which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness."

The new man is the same as the new creation of 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 6:15. It is clearly God’s desire to equip us with a new identity of ourselves. He wants us to see ourselves as His children, and so He says that we are to be born from above (John 3:3), born of the Spirit (John 3:5), born of Word of God (1 Peter 1:23), and born of the resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). The new man is the miracle of the new birth. The new man possesses the nature of God, a divine nature (2 Peter 1:5). It is through this newness of life that we are empowered to walk as the sons of God (Romans 6:4; John 1:12; Romans 8:16; Colossians 3:9).

The new man has a new and pure heart, a new spirit, a purified soul and body that is the temple of God. As the workmanship of God, we have been made a holy dwelling place for God to live in (Ephesians 2:10; Ezekiel 36:26-27; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Matthew 5:8; 1 Ti 1:5; 2 Ti 2:22; Heb 10:22; 1 Peter 1:22).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 2 2006

Ephesians 4:23 - "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind."

God desires that we think differently about ourselves. If we continue to think of ourselves as anything less than co-inheritors with Christ then we are not thinking according to God's plan. Through the weapons of our warfare we are able to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4). By the power of the new man, the former behavior and the lust may be laid aside so that we can walk in God's image.

The corollary scripture in Colossians 3:10 informs us that we have been renewed in knowledge after the image of God. To continue to view oneself as weak, carnal, and unable to please God is the wrong way to think. We are to move in faith and say as Mary did, "be it unto me according to your word." If we are unwilling to obey God and think of ourselves as new creatures who are called to the fullness of the maturity of Christ then surely we will never realize such maturity and will find ourselves being tricked and mislead by deceivers (vs.14).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Nov 1 2006

Acts 1:3 - "To whom also He presented Himself alive by many convincing proofs after He had suffered being seen by them for forty days and speaking concerning the Kingdom of God."

Jesus continually presented the message of the Kingdom of God throughout the period of His earthly ministry. Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven 87 times. The first thing that Jesus said about the Kingdom of God was that it had to have first place in our lives if we wanted to be blessed, "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus testified that His power over all of the works of the devil was proof that the Kingdom of God had come (Matthew 12:28; Luke 8:1; Luke 9:11; 11:20). He also commanded the apostles and the seventy others whom He sent to demonstrate the authority of the Kingdom of God. They did so by exercising dominion and authority over every oppressing power of darkness that had afflicted man with devils, sickness, disease, and even death (Luke 9:2; 10:9).

Paul makes known to us that we have been translated from the kingdom of the world into the Kingdom of the Dear Son (Colossians 1:13; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14). We may understand the Kingdom of God as the realm of the Spirit - the place from which the Lord Jesus Christ reigns supreme and the will and blessings of God are fully realized.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 31 2006

1 Peter 2:11 - "Beloved I exhort you as strangers and sojourners stay away from the lust of the flesh which war against the soul."

The lust of the flesh wars against the soul of the redeemed - it does not rule it. To believe that the lust of the flesh rules the soul is to be defeated before the battle begins. The lust of the flesh, which is the realm of the spirit of disobedience, wars against the soul of the redeemed to subvert and ultimately overthrow the faith of God's people (Ephesians 2:2-3). Satan and demon spirits lost their right to control and rule the appetites of the redeemed child of God. Yet they seek to regain control by tempting the sons and daughters of God even as they did Adam and Eve in the beginning (Genesis 3:1-6).

The noted scholars Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, explain this war as follows: "As Samson in the lap of Delilah, the believer, the moment that he gives way to fleshly lusts, has the locks of his strength shorn and ceases to maintain that spiritual separation from the world and the flesh of which the Nazarite vow was the type."

The believer must not allow himself to be lured into any form of subjugation to those things which we have been completely delivered from.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 30 2006

John 3:5 - "Jesus answered, with absolute certainty I assure you, without being begotten of water and of Spirit no one is able to enter into the kingdom of God."

To be born of water is more difficult to understand than being born of the Spirit but one thing is for certain they both speak of a spiritual new birth. Nicodemus was not surprised by the expression of being born of water for it had been a practice of the Jews to receive Gentiles as proselytes through water baptism. What did take Nicodemus by surprise was the idea of actually being born from above. God demands a thorough spiritual purification and new creation, which may only be accomplished by the operation of the Holy Ghost.

These two agencies of water and of the Spirit are brought together in the prophecies of Ezekiel "Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean. I will cleanse you from all of your defilement and from all your idols. And I will also give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give to you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes; and you shall keep my judgments and do them" (Ezekiel 36:25-27). There are two other applications of water: - one being water baptism a symbol of being baptized into Christ, His body and His death; and the other an allegorical representation of the Word of God (Isa. 55:10-11; Eph. 5:26).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 28 2006

John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said to him, with absolute certainty I assure you, without being begotten from above no one is able to see the kingdom of God."

To be born from above is to have a miracle birth by the Holy Spirit. Paul calls it the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Ezekiel described it as a new heart and a new spirit along with the Spirit of God given to the redeemed (Ezek. 36:26). But the most radical description of all is the one given by Jesus when He described the miracle of the new birth as being born all over again.

The only detailed description given to us in the New Testament of someone being born of the Spirit is that of the Birth of Jesus. Matthew says, that Mary "was found with child of the Holy Ghost" (Mt 1:18, 20). Luke records the testimony of the angel Gabriel who said, " The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you; therefore, that Holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the son of God" (Luke 1:35).

Now the birth of Jesus was the literal and physical incarnation of the Word into flesh, whereas, He is spiritual born into the heart of the believer. Paul refers to the new creation as "Christ in you the hope of glory" (Col 1:27). John says that He "dwells in us by the Spirit which he has given us" and that, as a result, "greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world" (1 John 3:24, 4:4). Peter says that "we have been born of the incorruptible seed by the Word of God which lives and abides for ever" and that through the activity of God's Grace we were made "partakers of the divine nature" (1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:5).

Paul also compares this radical transformation of nature to being crucified, buried, and resurrected along with Jesus. Thus the former person or old man is totally destroyed and a new man is raised up with Christ (Romans 6:4, 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:5, 6; Philippians 1:21).

The Greek 'anothen' means both 'again' and 'from above.' There is no Hebrew or Aramaic word of similar meaning with such ambiguity. Although in verse 4 Nicodemus takes Jesus to have meant "again," Jesus' primary meaning in verse 3 is "from above." This is indicated from the parallel in 3:31 as well as from the two other Johannine uses of 'anothen' (19:11,23), (Dean Raymond E. Brown, The Gospel According to John 1-12, page 130).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 27 2006

John 2:11 - "This Jesus did as the beginning of His signs in Cana of Galilee and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed on Him."

There are two dimensions of the glory of God revealed in the Old Testament: First - The visible manifestation of the glory (Hebrew 'kavod') wherein God revealed the majesty of His person. When Moses desired to see the 'kavod' (glory), God showed him a dimension of His own person (Exodus 33:22). Secondly -The invisible manifestation of God's 'kavod' which are acts of His power. Moses when telling the children of Israel that God was going to give them manna said, "In the morning you shall see the glory of God" (Exodus16:7-10).

Both of these two dimensions of the 'kavod' were embodied in the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. As the incarnate Word He was the express image of the Father and the fullness of God dwelling in man (Hebrews 1:3; John 14:9; Col 1:15). Through the signs and wonders and acts of power, such as, turning the water into wine, Jesus revealed the invisible glory of God (John 14:10; 10:38; 5:19).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 26 2006

John 1:4 - "In Him was the life and the life was the light of man."

Jesus stepped into a dark and chaotic world, one that was empty and desolate and became the only source of light. He was just as the light that God commanded to shine into a desolate and chaotic world in Genesis 1:3.

When the light began to shine into the world in Genesis chapter one, God began to create and make all things new. And as it was for the redemption of the earth, even so, John taught that men must come into the Light by receiving Jesus; otherwise, they walk in the lifeless chaos of darkness. John equates the light of God to the life of God and therefore where there is no light there is no life. He is not only speaking of the light of revelation but more importantly the light of God's presence.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 25 2006
John 1:9 - "The true Light which gives light to every man which comes into the world."

The doctrine of who can be saved finds its support in this verse of scripture. Jesus is the one who gives the light - or the revelation knowledge of God - to everyone who comes into the world. John will testify many times to the fact that God desires all men to be saved by the use of the Greek word "pas" which may be translated all, anyone, everyone, or whosoever. Two examples of John's witness to God's grace are "that all who believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" and "If I be lifted up I will draw everyone unto me" (John 3:16; John 12:32).

Paul also testifies many times to God's will concerning who can be saved; two examples are "For anyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" and "the Grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" (Romans 10:13; Titus 2:12). Finally, Peter testifies that the Lord, "is not willing that anyone perish but all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:8).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 24 2006
John 1:51 - "And He said to him I tell you for certain, from now on you will see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

The first chapter of John thoroughly identifies who Jesus Christ was and is today. The 15 titles given to Jesus Christ our Lord in the first chapter of the gospel of John are: The Word, God, The Light, The Only Begotten, the Only Begotten Son, The Only Begotten Son of the Father, Lamb of God, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, The Son of God, Rabbi, The Messiah, The Christ, Jesus the son of Joseph, King of Israel, and Son of Man.

The first chapter of the Gospel of John establishes that Jesus is the Eternal God and was also the One alongside of God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all three identified in this chapter. The fact that Jesus is the life and the creator of all things is established here. As the Light, Jesus is the one who gives the revelation of the truth to all men and is also the one who has come to reveal the Father. He is the one who gives to all who will receive the authority to be sons of God. The incarnation and, thus, the virgin birth are established. That Jesus is the author of the New Covenant, the Lamb of God, the Redeemer of man, and the one who came to take the sin of the world away is made known here. He was the one whom the Spirit came upon and remained and the one who is the baptizer of men in the Holy Spirit. The operation of the gifts of the Spirit to open the hearts of men such as Nathaniel is revealed - and, finally, the divine aid and communication of angels to assist Jesus in His ministry.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread - Oct 23 2006
John 1:13 - "Who not of blood descent neither of a fleshly will nor of man's will but were begotten of God."

This verse of scripture may be regarded as having a dual meaning - both with regard to the birth of Jesus and the miracle new birth of those who believed and were made sons of God. The authority to be sons of God came as a direct result of having be born of God. One of the clues that this verse is referring to the new birth of the believer is the usage of the plural form of the Greek word 'egennethesan' which speaks of more than one person having been begotten of God, "were begotten" (John 3: 3-6).

God has used the most radical terminology possible to make us aware of the absolute transformation of our life and nature which took place when we were born again (1Peter 1:23; 1 John 2:28; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18). John will use this word again in chapter 3 a total of seven times to describe the essential will of God for everyman to be born of the Spirit (John 3:3,4,5,6,7,8). Everywhere the new birth is mentioned the authority and power given to the saint is also revealed:
1- They are in the Spirit not in the flesh;
2- They do righteousness;
3- They do not sin;
4- They keep themselves;
5- They love as Christ Jesus loves;
6- They overcome the world;
7- The wicked one cannot touch them.

Jesus, who is the eternal God, was miraculously incarnated into flesh and born of a virgin who was genealogically of the house of David. We who were born of flesh are given the privilege to receive a miracle birth by the Spirit and be transformed into a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org