Daily Bread - APR/03/07
Romans 8:13 - For if we live after the flesh we are about to die but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you shall live.
The Greek word 'praxtis' (deeds) may be translated 'function, activities, deeds,' implying sustained activity as in Romans 12:4, "and all these parts have different functions." Now Paul uses this word to describe all the possible activities that can take place in the mortal body. He is dealing with every activity or function of the body whether it is sin, sickness, or disease. It must be remembered in understanding the message of this text that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, it belongs to the Lord, it is blameless, it is the place where God is to be glorified, and it is not the residing place of sin (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:13, 18, 19, 20; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; James 2:26).
Sin and the consequence of sin - which are sin, sickness, and disease - have no right to have any control over the mortal body (Romans 6:12). In fact, we are instructed to put all of these things to death by the Spirit (Colossians 3:5). There is a war that is being waged against the saints by all of the demonic powers and their influences (2 Corinthians 10:3-4; 1 Timothy 1:18; 1 Peter 2:11; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 12:4). There is a spirit that now works in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). It is the power of darkness that rules in the realm of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). These fleshly lusts are at war against the saints in an attempt to subjugate us to its demonic realm, whom we are to resist steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 2:11). As much as Israel was commanded to put to death anyone who committed high treason against God even so the New Testament saint is commanded to put to death sin, sickness, and disease.
We may view ourselves in some respects as both the temple and the temple guards. It was the responsibility of the temple guards to insure that no one brought anything into the temple that would defile or profane the temple. It is essential to remember that we can only effectively deal with these things by the Spirit. God has given to us strength and His power and has insured that we will triumph in every temptation (2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 6:10; 3:16; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Colossians 1:11)
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Monday, April 02, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/02/07
Colossians 3:5 - Therefore put to death your members which are upon the earth fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desires, covetousness which is idolatry.
Members (melos) may be used of either the physical parts or the spiritual parts of man. Our members may be yielded to God and used as weapons of righteousness or to sin as weapons of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians 6:15). In the spiritual dimension, man's members refer to his attitudes, affections, emotions, passions, and thoughts. We may also think of our unseen members as the spirit, soul, mind, heart, will, conscience, and thought. In this passage, earthly members are identified as fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil desires, and covetousness.
When the power of sin would attempt to influence us we are to yield our members unto God as weapons of righteousness. By the act of yielding our members to God those evil things that would attempt to work in our members through the power of sin are destroyed. All that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life will war against us, but as we allow the Holy Spirit to wield our members as weapons of righteousness the power of sin cannot exercise dominion over us (Romans 6:7; 12; 1 Peter 2:1) .
When the physical member the eye looks and beholds that which the realm of sin would turn into adultery or fornication, Jesus said it would be better to pluck it out so that such influence would not lead the whole body into eternal destruction (Matthew 5:29). In this sense, Paul is addressing the church into absolute conformity to God's rule. Therefore, the members must be put to death that would cause an offense. Not that God would require self-mutilation but an absolute conformity to His word. An excellent example of this is given by the Theological Dictionary with regard to the disposition that God's people should have toward the things they speak, "This means that the sinful use of the tongue, being radically condemned to death, can have no more place" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. S. 4:565). Paul takes us one step further with our members and reveals to us that our members are joined to one another and unto Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15, 17; Ephesians 5:30; John 6:56; 14:20, 23; 15:5; 17:11, 21-23, 26; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 4:13, 15-16; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:9-11).
Keeping in mind that Paul likens our members to slaves and the slaves can only do what their master allows (Romans 6:19). As the redeemed of the Lord, our Master Christ Jesus rules over us in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18). God has called us to set all of our affections on things above and not on things of this earth. Sin would like to play its melody (melos) in our members but the people of God are to only yield their members to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 3:5 - Therefore put to death your members which are upon the earth fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desires, covetousness which is idolatry.
Members (melos) may be used of either the physical parts or the spiritual parts of man. Our members may be yielded to God and used as weapons of righteousness or to sin as weapons of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians 6:15). In the spiritual dimension, man's members refer to his attitudes, affections, emotions, passions, and thoughts. We may also think of our unseen members as the spirit, soul, mind, heart, will, conscience, and thought. In this passage, earthly members are identified as fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil desires, and covetousness.
When the power of sin would attempt to influence us we are to yield our members unto God as weapons of righteousness. By the act of yielding our members to God those evil things that would attempt to work in our members through the power of sin are destroyed. All that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life will war against us, but as we allow the Holy Spirit to wield our members as weapons of righteousness the power of sin cannot exercise dominion over us (Romans 6:7; 12; 1 Peter 2:1) .
When the physical member the eye looks and beholds that which the realm of sin would turn into adultery or fornication, Jesus said it would be better to pluck it out so that such influence would not lead the whole body into eternal destruction (Matthew 5:29). In this sense, Paul is addressing the church into absolute conformity to God's rule. Therefore, the members must be put to death that would cause an offense. Not that God would require self-mutilation but an absolute conformity to His word. An excellent example of this is given by the Theological Dictionary with regard to the disposition that God's people should have toward the things they speak, "This means that the sinful use of the tongue, being radically condemned to death, can have no more place" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. S. 4:565). Paul takes us one step further with our members and reveals to us that our members are joined to one another and unto Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15, 17; Ephesians 5:30; John 6:56; 14:20, 23; 15:5; 17:11, 21-23, 26; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 4:13, 15-16; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:9-11).
Keeping in mind that Paul likens our members to slaves and the slaves can only do what their master allows (Romans 6:19). As the redeemed of the Lord, our Master Christ Jesus rules over us in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18). God has called us to set all of our affections on things above and not on things of this earth. Sin would like to play its melody (melos) in our members but the people of God are to only yield their members to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - MAR/31/07
Romans 5:9 - Much more then being now made righteous by his blood we shall be saved by Him from the wrath.
The blood of Jesus has made us righteous because the blood has both erased the former life and its sin and imparted the life of God into us (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). Paul said that if there had been a law that could have given life then righteousness would have been by the Law (Galatians 3:21). The blood of Jesus, which purifies us is also the blood that gives us life. The blood of Jesus produces a fellowship that results in our lives being knit together with the fabric of the life of Jesus insomuch that when we partake of His blood He dwells in us and we dwell in Him (John 6:56; John 15:4-5; 17:22; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
Righteousness was imparted to us because the life of Jesus was imparted to us by the activity of the blood and the Spirit (1 John 3:24; 4:12,15- 16). Of course the water of the word that was supplied to us by the announcement of the gift of God through the preaching of the Gospel produced within us the faith to respond to the miracle of the new birth (1 John 5:8; John 4:10; Romans 10:14-15). It may be argued that the translation of this Greek word (dikaiothentes- rt:dikaioo) should be 'declared to be righteous' or 'proven righteous'.
However, in the Septuagint 'dikaiousthai' normally translates the Hebrew word 'tzedek' which means 'be righteous, 'stand a righteous' and is used with respect to God (Ps 18:10; 50:6; Isa 42:21) and man (Isaiah 43:9,26; 45:25; Ps 142:2). It may be concluded then, that from a "legal sense a judicial exercise of justice reveals the uprightness of a person," The Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. "Thus dikaioo does not mean the mere declaration of innocence, but the liberation from sin which holds man a prisoner" (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament- G1344).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 5:9 - Much more then being now made righteous by his blood we shall be saved by Him from the wrath.
The blood of Jesus has made us righteous because the blood has both erased the former life and its sin and imparted the life of God into us (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). Paul said that if there had been a law that could have given life then righteousness would have been by the Law (Galatians 3:21). The blood of Jesus, which purifies us is also the blood that gives us life. The blood of Jesus produces a fellowship that results in our lives being knit together with the fabric of the life of Jesus insomuch that when we partake of His blood He dwells in us and we dwell in Him (John 6:56; John 15:4-5; 17:22; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
Righteousness was imparted to us because the life of Jesus was imparted to us by the activity of the blood and the Spirit (1 John 3:24; 4:12,15- 16). Of course the water of the word that was supplied to us by the announcement of the gift of God through the preaching of the Gospel produced within us the faith to respond to the miracle of the new birth (1 John 5:8; John 4:10; Romans 10:14-15). It may be argued that the translation of this Greek word (dikaiothentes- rt:dikaioo) should be 'declared to be righteous' or 'proven righteous'.
However, in the Septuagint 'dikaiousthai' normally translates the Hebrew word 'tzedek' which means 'be righteous, 'stand a righteous' and is used with respect to God (Ps 18:10; 50:6; Isa 42:21) and man (Isaiah 43:9,26; 45:25; Ps 142:2). It may be concluded then, that from a "legal sense a judicial exercise of justice reveals the uprightness of a person," The Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. "Thus dikaioo does not mean the mere declaration of innocence, but the liberation from sin which holds man a prisoner" (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament- G1344).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, March 30, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/30/07
Colossians 2:13 - And you being dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having pardoned all your trespasses.
Another synonym for forgiveness is used in this verse adding yet more meaning to the gift of God's grace that has been given to us through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. The best way to translate this word here in this passage is either 'pardoned' or 'forgiven' (charizomai). This Greek word is derived from a word which means 'gift of grace' (charisma). The Lord has given to us generously of His forgiveness having cancelled (charizomai) all of our debt through the death of Jesus Christ (Luke 7:42-43). Our debts were canceled with our former life. The old life ladened with sin and guilty of death was crucified with Christ and now new life has been given in Christ Jesus.
God has bestowed this new life on us just as Jesus bestowed (charizomai) sight to many who were blind and as God bestowed (charizomai) a name to Jesus that is above every name (Luke 7:21; Philippians 2:9). All of our former deeds have been cut off and nothing of the past can be associated with the life that we now have in Christ Jesus. Faith in Christ Jesus demands that we too let go of the past. Those memories and the things that the enemy of our soul would use to condemn us with must be rejected as a false testimony of a life that no longer exists. Our standing with God now in Christ Jesus is such that He will graciously (charizomai) give us all things (Romans 8:32).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 2:13 - And you being dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having pardoned all your trespasses.
Another synonym for forgiveness is used in this verse adding yet more meaning to the gift of God's grace that has been given to us through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. The best way to translate this word here in this passage is either 'pardoned' or 'forgiven' (charizomai). This Greek word is derived from a word which means 'gift of grace' (charisma). The Lord has given to us generously of His forgiveness having cancelled (charizomai) all of our debt through the death of Jesus Christ (Luke 7:42-43). Our debts were canceled with our former life. The old life ladened with sin and guilty of death was crucified with Christ and now new life has been given in Christ Jesus.
God has bestowed this new life on us just as Jesus bestowed (charizomai) sight to many who were blind and as God bestowed (charizomai) a name to Jesus that is above every name (Luke 7:21; Philippians 2:9). All of our former deeds have been cut off and nothing of the past can be associated with the life that we now have in Christ Jesus. Faith in Christ Jesus demands that we too let go of the past. Those memories and the things that the enemy of our soul would use to condemn us with must be rejected as a false testimony of a life that no longer exists. Our standing with God now in Christ Jesus is such that He will graciously (charizomai) give us all things (Romans 8:32).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/29/07
Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness the firstborn from among the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. The One who loves us and has freed us from our sins with His own blood.
One of the most important doctrines that is essential for salvation is "Faith in the Blood of Jesus to Cleanse from Sin." We find a word used here in Revelation 1:5 that emphasizes the radical effect that the blood of Jesus has on sin; the blood has 'loosed it from off of us' or 'freed' us from its hold. The Greek verb that is used here is found 43 times in the New Testament. The basic meaning of 'luo' is to set free, untie, or loose. The opposite of 'luo' is 'deo' which means to bind (Matthew 18:18). One of the many ways that it can be translated is 'destroy' as in 1 John 3:8, "...that he might destroy the works of the devil."
The verb occurs in its "aorist active" form 20 times (Mark 11:2; John 2:19; 11:44: Acts 7:33; Rev 9:14; Acts 22:30; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; Acts 13:25; Rev 5:2; 1:5; Matt 21:2; Luke 19:30; Acts 2:24; Eph 2:14; Matt 5:19; 16:19; 18:18; John 1:27; 1 John 3:8). In all of these verses it is primary translated, destroy, loose, and untie. Other Greek words that are used to express the effect of the blood is 'katharitzo' which is also used many times in the gospels to describe lepers being cleansed after Jesus had healed them. The word is used concerning our hearts having been purified (Acts 15:9), a people purified for God (Titus 2:14), the blood that purifies the conscience (Hebrews 9:14, 23), that cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7); and that cleanses from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is a striking change of tense in this verse that helps to underscore the fact that the blood of Jesus has freed us from every sin. The change in tense is between 'loves' (agaponti) and 'freed/washed' (lusanti/lousanti). While 'love' is in the present tense, 'freed' is in the past tense. This alludes to the fact that Jesus freed us from our sins at the moment that we received His forgiveness, yet His love is present and forever ongoing.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness the firstborn from among the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. The One who loves us and has freed us from our sins with His own blood.
One of the most important doctrines that is essential for salvation is "Faith in the Blood of Jesus to Cleanse from Sin." We find a word used here in Revelation 1:5 that emphasizes the radical effect that the blood of Jesus has on sin; the blood has 'loosed it from off of us' or 'freed' us from its hold. The Greek verb that is used here is found 43 times in the New Testament. The basic meaning of 'luo' is to set free, untie, or loose. The opposite of 'luo' is 'deo' which means to bind (Matthew 18:18). One of the many ways that it can be translated is 'destroy' as in 1 John 3:8, "...that he might destroy the works of the devil."
The verb occurs in its "aorist active" form 20 times (Mark 11:2; John 2:19; 11:44: Acts 7:33; Rev 9:14; Acts 22:30; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; Acts 13:25; Rev 5:2; 1:5; Matt 21:2; Luke 19:30; Acts 2:24; Eph 2:14; Matt 5:19; 16:19; 18:18; John 1:27; 1 John 3:8). In all of these verses it is primary translated, destroy, loose, and untie. Other Greek words that are used to express the effect of the blood is 'katharitzo' which is also used many times in the gospels to describe lepers being cleansed after Jesus had healed them. The word is used concerning our hearts having been purified (Acts 15:9), a people purified for God (Titus 2:14), the blood that purifies the conscience (Hebrews 9:14, 23), that cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7); and that cleanses from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is a striking change of tense in this verse that helps to underscore the fact that the blood of Jesus has freed us from every sin. The change in tense is between 'loves' (agaponti) and 'freed/washed' (lusanti/lousanti). While 'love' is in the present tense, 'freed' is in the past tense. This alludes to the fact that Jesus freed us from our sins at the moment that we received His forgiveness, yet His love is present and forever ongoing.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/28/07
Acts 22:16 - And now why delay rise up be baptized and calling on the name of the Lord wash away your sins.
The blood of Jesus was given to us to wash away all of our sins. God has made it all so very simple; all we must do is call on the name of the Lord Jesus and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Joel 2:32). The word that is translated washed here is used one other time in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:11. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul makes it even more clear that the sins of the past which were named in verses 9-10 were washed away in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The Greek word (apoluomai) may be translated 'make pure' or 'wash away.' The word is used in imagery of purification (as Philo, Mut Nom 49; Just, D. 13. 1; BDAG). The only possibility that we have been given to have all of the sins of our past erased is through the forgiveness that is in Christ Jesus. The means of that forgiveness is supplied to us through the blood of Jesus Christ which extinguishes every form of sin and death (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
The effect of the blood is to purify by eliminating every sin. In effect, the blood is a purification agent that absorbs all of the sin. It is the life that swallows up the death, the light that cancels the darkness, the power of God that overthrows the power of Satan, and the truth that sets free from every lie. Paul also calls this purification the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5). When John describes this redemption that removes our sin he uses a related word which is translated 'loosed,' 'released,' or 'washed' (lousanti), "...unto Him who loved us and loosed us from our sins in His own blood" (Revelation 1:5). In John's First Epistle, he uses yet another word to describe the effect of the blood of Jesus on those who call on the name of the Lord which means to purge or to cleanse (katharitzo). Every sin has been removed from our lives so that at this very moment we are pure, holy, and without blame in His sight. God so loved us and desired to fellowship with us that He provided this means of salvation so that we might spend today and every day for the rest of eternity with Him walking around in His love.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 22:16 - And now why delay rise up be baptized and calling on the name of the Lord wash away your sins.
The blood of Jesus was given to us to wash away all of our sins. God has made it all so very simple; all we must do is call on the name of the Lord Jesus and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Joel 2:32). The word that is translated washed here is used one other time in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:11. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul makes it even more clear that the sins of the past which were named in verses 9-10 were washed away in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The Greek word (apoluomai) may be translated 'make pure' or 'wash away.' The word is used in imagery of purification (as Philo, Mut Nom 49; Just, D. 13. 1; BDAG). The only possibility that we have been given to have all of the sins of our past erased is through the forgiveness that is in Christ Jesus. The means of that forgiveness is supplied to us through the blood of Jesus Christ which extinguishes every form of sin and death (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
The effect of the blood is to purify by eliminating every sin. In effect, the blood is a purification agent that absorbs all of the sin. It is the life that swallows up the death, the light that cancels the darkness, the power of God that overthrows the power of Satan, and the truth that sets free from every lie. Paul also calls this purification the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5). When John describes this redemption that removes our sin he uses a related word which is translated 'loosed,' 'released,' or 'washed' (lousanti), "...unto Him who loved us and loosed us from our sins in His own blood" (Revelation 1:5). In John's First Epistle, he uses yet another word to describe the effect of the blood of Jesus on those who call on the name of the Lord which means to purge or to cleanse (katharitzo). Every sin has been removed from our lives so that at this very moment we are pure, holy, and without blame in His sight. God so loved us and desired to fellowship with us that He provided this means of salvation so that we might spend today and every day for the rest of eternity with Him walking around in His love.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/27/07
Ephesians 3:7 - Of which I have become a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the working power of His power.
There are two Greek words used here for power, "energeia (working power, supernatural strength, divine activity) and "dunamis" (the power of Pentecost, God's power). The ability that Paul had to represent Jesus and live the Christian life was supplied directly to him through the Holy Spirit. This is not some esoteric activity of God that takes place absent of our will and consciousness. This is an activity of the Holy Spirit in our life not unlike any other relationship. We must recognize His presence and both obey and yield to His direction. The Holy Spirit desires to supply us with supernatural strength every day. It is through a continual and ongoing empowerment by the Holy Spirit that we are given the ability to live the life of Christ Jesus.
There is nothing that man can do for God in his own human ability and strength that will really accomplish anything from an eternal perspective. We must learn to depend upon the ability which God supplies to us through His active power (energia) that is at work in the life of every saint. Through interacting with the Holy Spirit in praise and worship, reading of the Word of God, and giving ourselves to prayer He trains us to yield to Him. The first time that you yielded to the Holy Spirit was when you responded to the call of salvation and allowed Him to transform you and make you into a new creation. As we learn to walk in the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves continually overwhelmed with His direction and ability. Jesus did nothing of Himself and it is certain that we can do nothing of ourselves. If we will simply take hold of the reality that without Jesus we can do nothing then we will begin to put our faith in the activity of God working through us. Right now the Holy Spirit has a supernatural supply of power for you and it is God's will that you be endued with His ability.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 3:7 - Of which I have become a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the working power of His power.
There are two Greek words used here for power, "energeia (working power, supernatural strength, divine activity) and "dunamis" (the power of Pentecost, God's power). The ability that Paul had to represent Jesus and live the Christian life was supplied directly to him through the Holy Spirit. This is not some esoteric activity of God that takes place absent of our will and consciousness. This is an activity of the Holy Spirit in our life not unlike any other relationship. We must recognize His presence and both obey and yield to His direction. The Holy Spirit desires to supply us with supernatural strength every day. It is through a continual and ongoing empowerment by the Holy Spirit that we are given the ability to live the life of Christ Jesus.
There is nothing that man can do for God in his own human ability and strength that will really accomplish anything from an eternal perspective. We must learn to depend upon the ability which God supplies to us through His active power (energia) that is at work in the life of every saint. Through interacting with the Holy Spirit in praise and worship, reading of the Word of God, and giving ourselves to prayer He trains us to yield to Him. The first time that you yielded to the Holy Spirit was when you responded to the call of salvation and allowed Him to transform you and make you into a new creation. As we learn to walk in the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves continually overwhelmed with His direction and ability. Jesus did nothing of Himself and it is certain that we can do nothing of ourselves. If we will simply take hold of the reality that without Jesus we can do nothing then we will begin to put our faith in the activity of God working through us. Right now the Holy Spirit has a supernatural supply of power for you and it is God's will that you be endued with His ability.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, March 26, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/26/07
Ephesians 1:19 - "...and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working power of His mighty power."
Our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has really loaded us up with all of the divine power and ability that we will ever need for anything that we will ever face. The biggest challenge is on our part to believe Him and look to Him for help in time of need. If we are willing to look to Him for help then He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory. There are four "power" words in this one verse of scripture: 1- dunamis; 2- energia; 3- kratos; 4- ischus.
The Greek word "dunamis" is defined by the virtue that went out of Jesus to heal the woman with the issue of blood and the power that the church would receive once the Holy Spirit came upon them. It has been said that dunamis is the ability to accomplish the promise; energeia is brute or muscular power or working efficiency: by application "supernatural strength" (Philippians 3:21, Colossians 1:29); kratos is the power to overcome obstacles: have dominion or controlling power; and ischus is the potential power the power that will come to bear when needed (1 Peter 4:11). The word "ischus" is first used in Genesis 4:12: "When you till the ground it will not yield her strength to you."
This use of four synonyms for power in one verse is similar to Ephesians 6:10 which commands the saints to be endunamoo (strong) in the Lord and in the kratos (power) of His ischus (might). The Almighty wants us to have a strong assurance of faith to know for certain that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Father so wanted Abraham to be certain of the promise that He swore an oath to him. Yet now God has done something even greater for us; He sealed us and endued us with His Spirit (Luke 24:49; Hebrews 6:13-19; Hebrews 10:22-23).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:19 - "...and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working power of His mighty power."
Our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has really loaded us up with all of the divine power and ability that we will ever need for anything that we will ever face. The biggest challenge is on our part to believe Him and look to Him for help in time of need. If we are willing to look to Him for help then He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory. There are four "power" words in this one verse of scripture: 1- dunamis; 2- energia; 3- kratos; 4- ischus.
The Greek word "dunamis" is defined by the virtue that went out of Jesus to heal the woman with the issue of blood and the power that the church would receive once the Holy Spirit came upon them. It has been said that dunamis is the ability to accomplish the promise; energeia is brute or muscular power or working efficiency: by application "supernatural strength" (Philippians 3:21, Colossians 1:29); kratos is the power to overcome obstacles: have dominion or controlling power; and ischus is the potential power the power that will come to bear when needed (1 Peter 4:11). The word "ischus" is first used in Genesis 4:12: "When you till the ground it will not yield her strength to you."
This use of four synonyms for power in one verse is similar to Ephesians 6:10 which commands the saints to be endunamoo (strong) in the Lord and in the kratos (power) of His ischus (might). The Almighty wants us to have a strong assurance of faith to know for certain that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Father so wanted Abraham to be certain of the promise that He swore an oath to him. Yet now God has done something even greater for us; He sealed us and endued us with His Spirit (Luke 24:49; Hebrews 6:13-19; Hebrews 10:22-23).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/24/07
Colossians 1:8 - Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
The love that is given to the New Testament saint far exceeds human love. The love of God that has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit is divine love or Father's love (Romans 5:5; 1 John 2:15). This love that we are commanded to have one for another is a love that only functions by the Holy Spirit therefore, to have it one must be 'in Spirit'. Being 'in the Spirit' begins in our life when we are born of the Spirit (John 3:6; Romans 8:9).
However, it is an ongoing act of our will to submit to the inspiration and leading of the Holy Spirit that is prompted by the Word of God. As we ask the Holy Spirit to love through us in the face of hate and rejection, refusing the human inspiration of self-defense, we find ourselves overwhelmed with the inspiration of divine love pouring out like a river.
The Greek phrase that is used here 'en pneumati', literally means 'in Spirit' and is found 36 times in the New Testament. The many context in which it is used helps to underscore the dependency that we must have on the Holy Spirit, if His fruits or characteristics are going to be revealed in our lives. Jesus said, "If I cast out devils 'en pneumati' then the kingdom of God is come" (Matthew 12:28). When David prophesied and foretold of the coming Messiah he did so 'in Spirit' - "how then did David 'en pneumati' call him Lord?" (Matthew 22:43). These are two scriptures out of many examples, which should serve to underscore that 'in pneumati' refers to something that is produced by the Spirit of God and not by any quality or attribute of an individual. Whether it is love, peace, joy, faith, power to cast out devils, miracles, healings or prophecy it only can function in our life as we give ourselves over to the working of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
Walk in love,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 1:8 - Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
The love that is given to the New Testament saint far exceeds human love. The love of God that has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit is divine love or Father's love (Romans 5:5; 1 John 2:15). This love that we are commanded to have one for another is a love that only functions by the Holy Spirit therefore, to have it one must be 'in Spirit'. Being 'in the Spirit' begins in our life when we are born of the Spirit (John 3:6; Romans 8:9).
However, it is an ongoing act of our will to submit to the inspiration and leading of the Holy Spirit that is prompted by the Word of God. As we ask the Holy Spirit to love through us in the face of hate and rejection, refusing the human inspiration of self-defense, we find ourselves overwhelmed with the inspiration of divine love pouring out like a river.
The Greek phrase that is used here 'en pneumati', literally means 'in Spirit' and is found 36 times in the New Testament. The many context in which it is used helps to underscore the dependency that we must have on the Holy Spirit, if His fruits or characteristics are going to be revealed in our lives. Jesus said, "If I cast out devils 'en pneumati' then the kingdom of God is come" (Matthew 12:28). When David prophesied and foretold of the coming Messiah he did so 'in Spirit' - "how then did David 'en pneumati' call him Lord?" (Matthew 22:43). These are two scriptures out of many examples, which should serve to underscore that 'in pneumati' refers to something that is produced by the Spirit of God and not by any quality or attribute of an individual. Whether it is love, peace, joy, faith, power to cast out devils, miracles, healings or prophecy it only can function in our life as we give ourselves over to the working of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
Walk in love,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, March 23, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/23/07
Colossians 1:11 - In all power strengthened according to his glorious might unto all enduring patience and forbearance with joy.
There are three attitudes that are named in this verse of scripture: patience, forbearance, and joy. These three attitudes are obviously very important to God and to our spiritual success. Therefore, God has given us His power so that we may be strengthened with His glorious might in order to maintain this disposition. The importance of these characteristics demands a closer look at the actual and practical meaning of these words.
The Greek word that is used for patience (hupomone) means patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance, and expectation (BDAG). One of many things that are being described is a relentless commitment to a course of action no matter what difficulties are presented. When we know that God has already planned our success and that the test is essential to being trained to handle that success then we can look up and see beyond the difficulties that we encounter. God is so devoted to us that He provides us with His own supernatural strength to bear up under these pressures. We are talking about something on the level of a defiant perseverance that holds up under every sort of delayed results of aggressive misfortune. This same word is used in the Septuagint about 25 times to which Psalms 62:5 captures the true essence of this word. The Psalmist commands his soul as to how it will behave: "My soul, you wait upon God; for my expectation (hupomone) is from Him".
The characteristic that is expressed in the next Greek word which we usually translate longsuffering (makrothumia) is somewhat similar. This Greek word is considered a synonym to the Greek word for patience. However, there are some unique qualities to this word that demands our attention. This word not only includes patience, steadfastness, endurance but also forbearance and tolerance or self-control in the face of provocation (BDAG). Forbearance is the ability to maintain an emotional quietness in the face of opposing circumstances. Many times it is because of our outburst of self-defense and emotional hurt that we create problems for ourselves and the ones that we love. Our Heavenly Father has modeled forbearance for us in the way that He deals with the wickedness of man in the face of His unfailing love. God does not pour out His just wrath upon the transgressors but instead forgives and saves. In Isaiah 57:15 this Greek word is used in such a way as to help us understand both the nature of forbearance and what God will do for those who walk in it "For this is what the High and the Lofty One says that inhabits eternity whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place with him also of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble (makrothumia) and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 1:11 - In all power strengthened according to his glorious might unto all enduring patience and forbearance with joy.
There are three attitudes that are named in this verse of scripture: patience, forbearance, and joy. These three attitudes are obviously very important to God and to our spiritual success. Therefore, God has given us His power so that we may be strengthened with His glorious might in order to maintain this disposition. The importance of these characteristics demands a closer look at the actual and practical meaning of these words.
The Greek word that is used for patience (hupomone) means patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance, and expectation (BDAG). One of many things that are being described is a relentless commitment to a course of action no matter what difficulties are presented. When we know that God has already planned our success and that the test is essential to being trained to handle that success then we can look up and see beyond the difficulties that we encounter. God is so devoted to us that He provides us with His own supernatural strength to bear up under these pressures. We are talking about something on the level of a defiant perseverance that holds up under every sort of delayed results of aggressive misfortune. This same word is used in the Septuagint about 25 times to which Psalms 62:5 captures the true essence of this word. The Psalmist commands his soul as to how it will behave: "My soul, you wait upon God; for my expectation (hupomone) is from Him".
The characteristic that is expressed in the next Greek word which we usually translate longsuffering (makrothumia) is somewhat similar. This Greek word is considered a synonym to the Greek word for patience. However, there are some unique qualities to this word that demands our attention. This word not only includes patience, steadfastness, endurance but also forbearance and tolerance or self-control in the face of provocation (BDAG). Forbearance is the ability to maintain an emotional quietness in the face of opposing circumstances. Many times it is because of our outburst of self-defense and emotional hurt that we create problems for ourselves and the ones that we love. Our Heavenly Father has modeled forbearance for us in the way that He deals with the wickedness of man in the face of His unfailing love. God does not pour out His just wrath upon the transgressors but instead forgives and saves. In Isaiah 57:15 this Greek word is used in such a way as to help us understand both the nature of forbearance and what God will do for those who walk in it "For this is what the High and the Lofty One says that inhabits eternity whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place with him also of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble (makrothumia) and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/22/07
John 14:27 - "I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid."
It is an awesome thought to realize that the Prince of Peace has given us His Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This is a Peace that passes all understanding that commands every fear and worry to be silenced and every storm to be stilled (Philippians 4:7; Matthew 8:26; Luke 8:24). The Peace of God gives us the confidence and assurance that it is impossible for us to fail (Isaiah 30:15; 33:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 4:19; John 14:13-14). Peace is something that only comes from God, and through Christ Jesus we have received it without measure (Job 25:2; Romans 1:7; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3; 2 John 1:3; Acts 10:36).
One of the chief descriptions of God in the New Testament is that He is a God of Peace (Philippians 4:9; Romans 15:33; 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). The Kingdom of God of which we are a part is a Kingdom of Peace (Isaiah 9:7; Romans 14:17). The good news of the New Testament that we preach is a gospel of Peace (Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15; Romans 10:15). Power has been given to us in the name of Jesus is to proclaim Peace to every situation of life and to every person we encounter who are near to God and also to those who are far away from Him (Isaiah 57:19; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 10:5-6; Matthew 10:13).
We are to live under the rule of Peace and to be dominated by its effects so that it rules our hearts and minds thus governing every thought (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:16). God has given us His Peace so that we can be empowered against all fear that would attempt to overwhelm our hearts. If we are going to walk with God in the realm of faith, then we must not allow our hearts to be troubled neither be afraid. It is this glorious Peace that is the witness that we are submitted to the realm of the Kingdom of God and under the rule of the Holy Spirit and government of Jesus (Galatians 5:23; Romans 14:17; 8:16; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 14:27 - "I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid."
It is an awesome thought to realize that the Prince of Peace has given us His Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This is a Peace that passes all understanding that commands every fear and worry to be silenced and every storm to be stilled (Philippians 4:7; Matthew 8:26; Luke 8:24). The Peace of God gives us the confidence and assurance that it is impossible for us to fail (Isaiah 30:15; 33:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 4:19; John 14:13-14). Peace is something that only comes from God, and through Christ Jesus we have received it without measure (Job 25:2; Romans 1:7; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3; 2 John 1:3; Acts 10:36).
One of the chief descriptions of God in the New Testament is that He is a God of Peace (Philippians 4:9; Romans 15:33; 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). The Kingdom of God of which we are a part is a Kingdom of Peace (Isaiah 9:7; Romans 14:17). The good news of the New Testament that we preach is a gospel of Peace (Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15; Romans 10:15). Power has been given to us in the name of Jesus is to proclaim Peace to every situation of life and to every person we encounter who are near to God and also to those who are far away from Him (Isaiah 57:19; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 10:5-6; Matthew 10:13).
We are to live under the rule of Peace and to be dominated by its effects so that it rules our hearts and minds thus governing every thought (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:16). God has given us His Peace so that we can be empowered against all fear that would attempt to overwhelm our hearts. If we are going to walk with God in the realm of faith, then we must not allow our hearts to be troubled neither be afraid. It is this glorious Peace that is the witness that we are submitted to the realm of the Kingdom of God and under the rule of the Holy Spirit and government of Jesus (Galatians 5:23; Romans 14:17; 8:16; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/21/07
John 14:27 - I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
We have been given the Peace of God by the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can live our lives safe and secure in Him (Romans 10:15; 8:6; 15:13; John 16:33; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 1:79; Malachi 2:6). The relationship that He has provided for us should leave us worry-free. Just knowing that we do not have to really have faith for the difficult situations that we find ourselves in, we need only have faith in Him and He will do whatever we ask (John 14:11-14). He will take care of us and provide for us according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Mathew 7:11; Luke 11:13). His love and care for us is so great that He laid His own life down so that we might live.
If God loved us so much before we had any kind of relationship with Him, how much more will that love and care be expressed toward us now that we know Him and serve Him (Romans 5:10; 8:32; Luke 12:32)? The love that God has for us should give us boldness and confidence no matter what situation we find ourselves in (1 John 4:17; Ephesians 3:12). In fact, keeping ourselves in this love is key to the miracle of God's provision for every one of our needs (1 John 4:16-17; Galatians 5:6; Jude 1:20-21; Joshua 1:6-8). Doubt and unbelief work in the realm of fear and self reliance (1 John 4:18; Luke 8:50; 12:32). The enemy of our soul constantly attacks and slanders God's character and commitment to us. Yet we are able to find our repose in the Peace that has been given to us by Christ Jesus so that we may boldly say, "if God be for us who can be against us" (Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 14:27 - I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
We have been given the Peace of God by the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can live our lives safe and secure in Him (Romans 10:15; 8:6; 15:13; John 16:33; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 1:79; Malachi 2:6). The relationship that He has provided for us should leave us worry-free. Just knowing that we do not have to really have faith for the difficult situations that we find ourselves in, we need only have faith in Him and He will do whatever we ask (John 14:11-14). He will take care of us and provide for us according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Mathew 7:11; Luke 11:13). His love and care for us is so great that He laid His own life down so that we might live.
If God loved us so much before we had any kind of relationship with Him, how much more will that love and care be expressed toward us now that we know Him and serve Him (Romans 5:10; 8:32; Luke 12:32)? The love that God has for us should give us boldness and confidence no matter what situation we find ourselves in (1 John 4:17; Ephesians 3:12). In fact, keeping ourselves in this love is key to the miracle of God's provision for every one of our needs (1 John 4:16-17; Galatians 5:6; Jude 1:20-21; Joshua 1:6-8). Doubt and unbelief work in the realm of fear and self reliance (1 John 4:18; Luke 8:50; 12:32). The enemy of our soul constantly attacks and slanders God's character and commitment to us. Yet we are able to find our repose in the Peace that has been given to us by Christ Jesus so that we may boldly say, "if God be for us who can be against us" (Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/20/07
Acts 22:6 - And while I was on my journey and coming near to Damascus about noon suddenly a bright light shown about me from heaven.
The word "hikanos" is found 41 times in the New Testament. This adjective is used more by Luke than anyone else occurring 10 times in Luke and 19 times in Acts. It usually refers to a sufficient quantity whose magnitude would be defined by what is being contrasted; for example sufficient light to be seen at noon. It is translated in various ways in the Septuagint but one of the more notable words that it often translates is "Shaddai" which as a name of God refers to the all sufficient one or the "Almighty", El Shaddai (Ruth 1:20, 21).
Keeping this in mind Paul's special usage in 2 Corinthians sheds more light on the idea of being sufficient, "our sufficiency (hikanoi) is from God, who has made us sufficient (hikanotes) ministers of the new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Knowing that our ministry is of God and that it is to be a supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit working through us the word sufficient cannot be mistaken for just satisfactory.
For our ministry to be sufficient to God then it must be at the magnitude that He has desired it to be. Thus by His grace He has supplied us with His power so that we may function in a realm superior to human ability (Romans 15:19,29; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Matthew 10:20; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29; Luke 9:1; 10:1,9; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; 4:33). If our ministry depends on our own human effort then it is not sufficient (2Corinthins 4:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 3:7; Romans 8:2-9). When we consider that the event of this passage took place at noon when the sun was the brightest then we understand that a sufficient amount of light would need to be very bright, which leads us to the most appropriate translation of "hikanos" in this verse, 'bright'. This translation is further justified by the wording of Acts 26:13 where the Greek word "lamprotes" (brightness) is used to describe this same event.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 22:6 - And while I was on my journey and coming near to Damascus about noon suddenly a bright light shown about me from heaven.
The word "hikanos" is found 41 times in the New Testament. This adjective is used more by Luke than anyone else occurring 10 times in Luke and 19 times in Acts. It usually refers to a sufficient quantity whose magnitude would be defined by what is being contrasted; for example sufficient light to be seen at noon. It is translated in various ways in the Septuagint but one of the more notable words that it often translates is "Shaddai" which as a name of God refers to the all sufficient one or the "Almighty", El Shaddai (Ruth 1:20, 21).
Keeping this in mind Paul's special usage in 2 Corinthians sheds more light on the idea of being sufficient, "our sufficiency (hikanoi) is from God, who has made us sufficient (hikanotes) ministers of the new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Knowing that our ministry is of God and that it is to be a supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit working through us the word sufficient cannot be mistaken for just satisfactory.
For our ministry to be sufficient to God then it must be at the magnitude that He has desired it to be. Thus by His grace He has supplied us with His power so that we may function in a realm superior to human ability (Romans 15:19,29; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Matthew 10:20; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29; Luke 9:1; 10:1,9; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; 4:33). If our ministry depends on our own human effort then it is not sufficient (2Corinthins 4:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 3:7; Romans 8:2-9). When we consider that the event of this passage took place at noon when the sun was the brightest then we understand that a sufficient amount of light would need to be very bright, which leads us to the most appropriate translation of "hikanos" in this verse, 'bright'. This translation is further justified by the wording of Acts 26:13 where the Greek word "lamprotes" (brightness) is used to describe this same event.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, March 19, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/19/07
Acts 2:24 - Whom God raised up loosing the pains of death because it was not possible for its power to hold Him.
The power of death that seized Adam was not powerful enough to hold Jesus. In fact, through His death He abolished death (2 Timothy 1:10). As the power of death entered into the world by Adam even so by Jesus Christ came the resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:21; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:21;&version=9;). Jesus, through His death, stripped principalities and powers and proved their defeat (Colossians 2:15). He effectively destroyed the devil by destroying his reign of death and his power to dominate man with sin and death (Hebrews 2:14; Romans 5:14; 8:2).
The final outcome of the resurrection is that Jesus - the son of David and the Son of God who is the Alpha and Omega and forever the Eternal King - possesses the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:18). Everyone who will have faith in His name He gives resurrection life and power to (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:21). The power that is in the resurrection of Jesus is power over eternal death (Revelation 20:6).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 2:24 - Whom God raised up loosing the pains of death because it was not possible for its power to hold Him.
The power of death that seized Adam was not powerful enough to hold Jesus. In fact, through His death He abolished death (2 Timothy 1:10). As the power of death entered into the world by Adam even so by Jesus Christ came the resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:21; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:21;&version=9;). Jesus, through His death, stripped principalities and powers and proved their defeat (Colossians 2:15). He effectively destroyed the devil by destroying his reign of death and his power to dominate man with sin and death (Hebrews 2:14; Romans 5:14; 8:2).
The final outcome of the resurrection is that Jesus - the son of David and the Son of God who is the Alpha and Omega and forever the Eternal King - possesses the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:18). Everyone who will have faith in His name He gives resurrection life and power to (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:21). The power that is in the resurrection of Jesus is power over eternal death (Revelation 20:6).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/17/07
Acts 15:11 - For we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in the same manner also.
The first definition of "saved" sited in Merriam- Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) is, "delivered from sin." Peter reveals that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile and that if anyone is going to be saved it will be by the same Jesus through the same faith. The Jews who had depended upon the Law for salvation were faced with the crisis of an instantaneous righteousness through the miracle of salvation instead of a righteous status maintained by strict observance of the Law. The transition that they were engaged in was that there was now no more need for the Law and that the Gentiles were being granted equal position with them in God.
The salvation that is in Christ Jesus is so radically different from the Law because the dominance of sin is removed. And even more the redeemed are given a new spirit so that their spirit can be unity to the Holy Spirit to both choose and do that which pleases God (1 Corinthians 6:17; John 3:6; John 14:20; 17:21-23). The revelation of the purity and righteousness that comes by the miracle of faith was also expressed by Paul when he declared that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ "are shown to be righteous" which is something that the Law of Moses was powerless to do (Acts 13:38-39; Galatians 3:21). The Law of Moses was weak in that it depended upon the ability of man who themselves were governed by a disobedient nature and dominated by sin (Romans 8:3; 7:5, 15; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 7:9). However, through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus everyone who believes has the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in them because they walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:4; 2 Coriinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 15:11 - For we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in the same manner also.
The first definition of "saved" sited in Merriam- Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) is, "delivered from sin." Peter reveals that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile and that if anyone is going to be saved it will be by the same Jesus through the same faith. The Jews who had depended upon the Law for salvation were faced with the crisis of an instantaneous righteousness through the miracle of salvation instead of a righteous status maintained by strict observance of the Law. The transition that they were engaged in was that there was now no more need for the Law and that the Gentiles were being granted equal position with them in God.
The salvation that is in Christ Jesus is so radically different from the Law because the dominance of sin is removed. And even more the redeemed are given a new spirit so that their spirit can be unity to the Holy Spirit to both choose and do that which pleases God (1 Corinthians 6:17; John 3:6; John 14:20; 17:21-23). The revelation of the purity and righteousness that comes by the miracle of faith was also expressed by Paul when he declared that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ "are shown to be righteous" which is something that the Law of Moses was powerless to do (Acts 13:38-39; Galatians 3:21). The Law of Moses was weak in that it depended upon the ability of man who themselves were governed by a disobedient nature and dominated by sin (Romans 8:3; 7:5, 15; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 7:9). However, through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus everyone who believes has the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in them because they walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:4; 2 Coriinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, March 16, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/16/07
John 4:10 - Jesus replied and said to her, If you knew about the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him and he would give you living water.
The gift of God is the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Hebrews 6:4). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we could receive the transformation of nature and be made a new creation (John 3:5-6, 8; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:24; John 1:13; Romans 8:9). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given so that we could be empowered with divine power (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:8). The gift of God is a treasure on the inside of us that produces the excellence of God's power (2 Corinthians 4:7).
The gift is a wellspring producing spirit and truth, a river producing all that was seen on the day of Pentecost and more. It is the Paraklete (Holy Spirit) who abides with us forever, Christ in us the hope of glory, our seal of redemption, the teacher who leads and guides us into all truth, God's power on the inside of us producing all His fruits and testifying of all His glory (John 4:10; 7:38-39; John 14:16; Colossians 1:27; John 4:24; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22). The gift of God brought forth the Spirit of the Son, the divine nature, the new man and the new creation (Galatians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The gift of the Holy Spirit is received by asking the Father who has made it known that it is His good pleasure to give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).
The phrase "thn dorea tou Theo" (the gift of God) is found 2 times in the New Testatement and is inseparably linked to the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 4:10; Acts 8:20). The context in Acts 10:45 which uses this related phrase "h dorea tou hagiou pneumatos" (the gift of the Holy Spirit) further witnesses to this fact. Peter recounting this event to the council in Jerusalem says that God gave them the same gift as they had received on the day of Pentecost (Acts 11:17). Today, the same message is being spoken by the Holy Spirit who along with all who have ever drunk of this water calls out to anyone who is thirsty (Revelation 22:17).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 4:10 - Jesus replied and said to her, If you knew about the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him and he would give you living water.
The gift of God is the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Hebrews 6:4). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we could receive the transformation of nature and be made a new creation (John 3:5-6, 8; Titus 3:5; 1 John 3:24; John 1:13; Romans 8:9). The gift of the Holy Spirit was given so that we could be empowered with divine power (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:8). The gift of God is a treasure on the inside of us that produces the excellence of God's power (2 Corinthians 4:7).
The gift is a wellspring producing spirit and truth, a river producing all that was seen on the day of Pentecost and more. It is the Paraklete (Holy Spirit) who abides with us forever, Christ in us the hope of glory, our seal of redemption, the teacher who leads and guides us into all truth, God's power on the inside of us producing all His fruits and testifying of all His glory (John 4:10; 7:38-39; John 14:16; Colossians 1:27; John 4:24; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22). The gift of God brought forth the Spirit of the Son, the divine nature, the new man and the new creation (Galatians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The gift of the Holy Spirit is received by asking the Father who has made it known that it is His good pleasure to give us the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11).
The phrase "thn dorea tou Theo" (the gift of God) is found 2 times in the New Testatement and is inseparably linked to the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 4:10; Acts 8:20). The context in Acts 10:45 which uses this related phrase "h dorea tou hagiou pneumatos" (the gift of the Holy Spirit) further witnesses to this fact. Peter recounting this event to the council in Jerusalem says that God gave them the same gift as they had received on the day of Pentecost (Acts 11:17). Today, the same message is being spoken by the Holy Spirit who along with all who have ever drunk of this water calls out to anyone who is thirsty (Revelation 22:17).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/15/07
1 Peter 2:23 - Who being insulted did not insult in return, suffering did not threaten but handed it over to righteous judgment.
One of the easiest pitfalls to stumble into is self-defense. We all want people to like us, and when that is undermined by false accusations then we simply find it nearly impossible to entrust the accusation and ourselves to the Lord. Instead, we move in self-defense - which usually results in speaking some evil thing against the person who spoke against us. However, this is not pleasing to the Father and it is behavior that will not be rewarded by Him.
We can choose to fight our own battles and live with whatever gains we acquire through such means or follow the example of the Lord Jesus and let God both fight our battles and uphold us in all of His blessings that He has blessed us with. The Greek word that is used here is "loidoreo" which may be translated "revile, abuse, insult, slander, reproach." There is nothing that can mess up your day like someone reviling, abusing, insulting, slandering, or reproaching you, but Father is asking us to follow the example of His Son Jesus and hand it all over to Him.
We are called to bless when we are insulted and as a result we will inherit a blessing even out of the midst of abuse (1 Peter 3:9; 1 Corinthians 4:12). But how is it possible to do that? First of all we must be willing to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20-21). Beyond that, we have to step back and allow God to give us a burden for the souls of those who have been ensnared by such wickedness.
God will give us wisdom and insight into the hurts and insecurity that caused someone to do such a thing. Then we will find ourselves moved with compassion and can begin to pray for them that their lives would be changed by the mercies of Christ Jesus and the power of God. The most important thing is to not retaliate but to make sure that as God's people we have the correct response. As Peter has already said previously in this chapter, "if we do well and suffer reproach for it then this is acceptable to God" (1 Peter 2:19-20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:23 - Who being insulted did not insult in return, suffering did not threaten but handed it over to righteous judgment.
One of the easiest pitfalls to stumble into is self-defense. We all want people to like us, and when that is undermined by false accusations then we simply find it nearly impossible to entrust the accusation and ourselves to the Lord. Instead, we move in self-defense - which usually results in speaking some evil thing against the person who spoke against us. However, this is not pleasing to the Father and it is behavior that will not be rewarded by Him.
We can choose to fight our own battles and live with whatever gains we acquire through such means or follow the example of the Lord Jesus and let God both fight our battles and uphold us in all of His blessings that He has blessed us with. The Greek word that is used here is "loidoreo" which may be translated "revile, abuse, insult, slander, reproach." There is nothing that can mess up your day like someone reviling, abusing, insulting, slandering, or reproaching you, but Father is asking us to follow the example of His Son Jesus and hand it all over to Him.
We are called to bless when we are insulted and as a result we will inherit a blessing even out of the midst of abuse (1 Peter 3:9; 1 Corinthians 4:12). But how is it possible to do that? First of all we must be willing to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20-21). Beyond that, we have to step back and allow God to give us a burden for the souls of those who have been ensnared by such wickedness.
God will give us wisdom and insight into the hurts and insecurity that caused someone to do such a thing. Then we will find ourselves moved with compassion and can begin to pray for them that their lives would be changed by the mercies of Christ Jesus and the power of God. The most important thing is to not retaliate but to make sure that as God's people we have the correct response. As Peter has already said previously in this chapter, "if we do well and suffer reproach for it then this is acceptable to God" (1 Peter 2:19-20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/14/07
1 Peter 2:21 - For you are called to this because also Christ suffered on your behalf leaving you an example that you should follow after His footsteps.
Jesus said that those who would be His disciples were called do what He did. If they were going to follow Him then they would have to take up their cross and deny themselves even as He did (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23-25). Although there is no need for us to actually go to a cross and die for the world, there is a need for us to deny our own self-will and live to do the will of the Father. The cross is the ultimate example of not living for oneself.
We were born of God to no longer live according to the will of man but to live according to God's will (1 Peter 4:2; Matthew 7:21; 12:50; John 5:30). We could equally say that we have no right to make our own choices but rather choose what God has chosen for us to do in any given situation. We are to overcome just as Jesus overcame and live in this present world just as He lives today (Revelation 3:21; John 4:17).
Jesus became our example and modeled what a son of God was supposed to be like and God has predetermined that we should be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). He not only modeled sonship but also gave us the power to be the sons of God (John 1:12). What Jesus asked of his disciples 2,000 years ago He also asks of us today, "If anyone serve me let him follow me and where I am there my servant will also be and my Father will prize him" (John 12:26).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:21 - For you are called to this because also Christ suffered on your behalf leaving you an example that you should follow after His footsteps.
Jesus said that those who would be His disciples were called do what He did. If they were going to follow Him then they would have to take up their cross and deny themselves even as He did (Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23-25). Although there is no need for us to actually go to a cross and die for the world, there is a need for us to deny our own self-will and live to do the will of the Father. The cross is the ultimate example of not living for oneself.
We were born of God to no longer live according to the will of man but to live according to God's will (1 Peter 4:2; Matthew 7:21; 12:50; John 5:30). We could equally say that we have no right to make our own choices but rather choose what God has chosen for us to do in any given situation. We are to overcome just as Jesus overcame and live in this present world just as He lives today (Revelation 3:21; John 4:17).
Jesus became our example and modeled what a son of God was supposed to be like and God has predetermined that we should be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). He not only modeled sonship but also gave us the power to be the sons of God (John 1:12). What Jesus asked of his disciples 2,000 years ago He also asks of us today, "If anyone serve me let him follow me and where I am there my servant will also be and my Father will prize him" (John 12:26).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/13/07
John 15:7 - If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.
Jesus reveals how easy it is to receive the answer to your request. He simply tells us to ask. Jesus tells us 7 times in John chapters 14 through 16 to "ask." The kind of prayer that we are to pray is an asking prayer, one that expects God to do the impossible. Elijah prayed asking God to stop the rain, and it did not rain for 3.5 years; then when he asked God to cause it to rain it was so (James 5:17-18). James said, “you have not because you ask not.” Jesus said, “everyone who asks shall receive” and “all things whatsoever you ask in prayer believing you shall receive (Luke 11:9-10; Matthew 11:22). How simple can it be? Jesus reduces the impossible to nothing more than a basic request.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 15:7 - If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.
Jesus reveals how easy it is to receive the answer to your request. He simply tells us to ask. Jesus tells us 7 times in John chapters 14 through 16 to "ask." The kind of prayer that we are to pray is an asking prayer, one that expects God to do the impossible. Elijah prayed asking God to stop the rain, and it did not rain for 3.5 years; then when he asked God to cause it to rain it was so (James 5:17-18). James said, “you have not because you ask not.” Jesus said, “everyone who asks shall receive” and “all things whatsoever you ask in prayer believing you shall receive (Luke 11:9-10; Matthew 11:22). How simple can it be? Jesus reduces the impossible to nothing more than a basic request.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, March 12, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/12/07
John 4:4 - "You are from God little children and have conquered them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."
Jesus Christ - the one who conquered the devil and all of the power of sin - lives on the inside of every believer (1 John 3:8; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; Luke 10:19). Jesus Christ who is the truth, the way, and the life is the Greater One that "is in you." Jesus Christ both came in the flesh when He was born into the world and when he was born into the hearts of men by the Holy Spirit.
When we were born of the Spirit and became a new creation through the miracle of salvation, it was Christ Jesus who was formed in us (Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 1:6; John 17:23). That Christ Jesus dwells in those who are born of God is a well-established doctrine, (1 John 3:24; John 14:20, 23; 17:23, 26).
The power of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer enables us to overcome the spirit of antichrist, the spirit of the world, and the spirit of deception. We may be confident today that all of the power of iniquity that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life is not more powerful than Christ Jesus who lives within us. We are guaranteed by God Himself that He will go before us and fight all our battles. As we stand yielded to Him with our hands lifted in worship, God will destroy all the opposing forces that come out against us just as He did in the days of Moses (Exodus 17:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 4:4 - "You are from God little children and have conquered them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."
Jesus Christ - the one who conquered the devil and all of the power of sin - lives on the inside of every believer (1 John 3:8; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; Luke 10:19). Jesus Christ who is the truth, the way, and the life is the Greater One that "is in you." Jesus Christ both came in the flesh when He was born into the world and when he was born into the hearts of men by the Holy Spirit.
When we were born of the Spirit and became a new creation through the miracle of salvation, it was Christ Jesus who was formed in us (Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 1:6; John 17:23). That Christ Jesus dwells in those who are born of God is a well-established doctrine, (1 John 3:24; John 14:20, 23; 17:23, 26).
The power of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer enables us to overcome the spirit of antichrist, the spirit of the world, and the spirit of deception. We may be confident today that all of the power of iniquity that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life is not more powerful than Christ Jesus who lives within us. We are guaranteed by God Himself that He will go before us and fight all our battles. As we stand yielded to Him with our hands lifted in worship, God will destroy all the opposing forces that come out against us just as He did in the days of Moses (Exodus 17:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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