Daily Bread

2 Peter 1:5- "And this is it also bringing in all diligence you supply in the faith virtue and with the virtue the knowledge. "

The Greek phrase "en te pistei" ("in the faith" or "by the faith"), takes this activity way beyond both the Law and human discipline. In the faith is not to be understood as "in religion" or some other concept of religious conviction. Faith is much more than these things; it is the activity of the supernatural and divine working of God's grace. Faith is how God created everything. It is how the mouths of lions were shut and how the violence of fire was quenched (Hebrews 11). Faith is how every miracle that Jesus worked by the Spirit took place (Acts 3:16; Galatians 3:5). Faith is always equated to the miracles that Jesus did throughout the gospels (Matthew 8:10, 26; 9:2, 22, 29; 14:31; 15:28; 17: 20; 21:21; Mark 11:22; Luke 17:5, 19; 18:42) The miracles which were done by those who believed on Jesus were done by the activity of faith (Acts 3:16; 6:8; 14:9; Galatians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; James 5:15; Jude 21). These attributes of God's nature and God's people are to be supplied by faith not by human discipline.Therefore virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love will be supplied through the faith realm. The Greek phrase "en te pistei" is found 4 times in the New Testament as such it is in the dative form and translated "in the faith" in every case except 2 Peter 1:5 in the Authorized Version, (1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5¹ Titus1:13; 2 Peter 1:5).

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved do not be surprised by the fiery trial which tries you as though a strange event happened to you."

Fiery trials are inevitable and no one should be concerned that something is happening out of the ordinary. We know that God allows the tests that we face but He does not allow us to be tested above what we are able to bear (1 Cor. 10:13 ). We know that God makes a way for us to escape every trial that we have to go through. It would be wrong to submit to a trial just as it would be wrong to submit to a temptation to sin. God expects that we should rise up in faith and bring an end to every opposition that we face; for it is the shield of faith that quenches every fiery trial of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16). The way that we escape these fiery trials is to submit to God and resist the devil. Peter also said that we are to resist the devil,"firmly in the faith knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished by your brethren who are in the world: (1 Peter 5:9). The Psalmist said, "many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalms 34:19). James said, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for after that he is tried he shall receive a crown of life which fades not away" (James 1:12). Jesus said, "in this world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Because He overcame we are also able to overcome.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

1 John 3:5 "And we know that He was revealed to take away sins and in Him is no sin."

The only place that men can find freedom from the dominion of sin and power to live in the purity and splendor of God's Holiness is in Christ Jesus. Being "in Christ," is an expression of the relationship that we have been given through His salvation. Instead of continuing to live our own life of defeat and failure we now live a victorious life in Him. John also refers to this place of purity and glory as being "in the Light as He is in the Light" (1 John 1:7). It is His presence that results in purity and the power to live Holy. Purity and holiness belongs to all who are willing to abide in Christ which is emphasized in the next verse, "Everyone who abides in Him has no sin; everyone that sins has not seen Him nor known Him." When one remains in agreement and submission to Christ Jesus there cannot be sin because Christ Jesus will never lead us into such things. The same is true of being led by the Holy Spirit. We know that all who are led by theSpirit are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). If a person is always insubmission to the Holy Spirit then they will never be led to do anything contrary to the will of God. A similar concept is found in verse 9 below which includes agreement and submission to the Word of God resulting in a realm of absolute purity. Being "in Christ" is a message that is delivered many times by the Apostle Paul, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature," (2 Corinthians 5:17). The fact that the benefits of salvation are only received through our willingness to be "in Christ" is communicated in many verses of scripture throughout the New Testament such as; Romans 8:1, 2, 39; 12:5; 3:24; 1 Co. 1:2, 30; 15:18, 22; 2 Co. 1:21; 2:14, 17; Ga. 3:28; 6:15; Eph. 1:3, 10; 2:6, 10, Col. 1:28.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

Romans 9:10 "But if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."

When Adam sinned, one of the judgments that came upon him was that his body - which was made from the dust of the earth - would return to the dust. This process of corruption made the body the host of disease and sickness. When the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is being preached it targets as its number two enemy: sickness and disease. When Jesus was anointed of God to preach, His mission was to go about healing all those who were oppressed of the devil. He was manifested to destroy the works of the devil - which are not only the activities of sin but also the activities of sickness. When Jesus anointed His disciples He sent them to do the same thing: to cast out devils and to heal every kind of sickness and disease (the same is true of the seventy others also and of us today). In fact the anointing of this Gospel was so strong upon the Apostle Paul's life that handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from his body and placed upon the sick and the demon possessed; as a result, the diseases and the devils would depart out of their bodies (Acts 19:12). The Spirit is life because of righteousness must be understood as the remedy for the body that is under the death sentence because of sin. In the next verse we learn that if the Spirit of God dwells in you then He will make alive your mortal body. This may certainly be applied to the resurrection of the body from the dead but it also includes healing from sickness and disease. Paul said to the church at Galatia, "If you sow to the flesh you shall of the flesh reap corruption, but if you sow to the Spirit you shall reap everlasting life," (Galatians 6). Everlasting life is not only a duration of time but also a quality of life. The Lord Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. It is a verified biblical fact that a person living in a natural body can live without corruption for 2600 years. Elijah was taken up into the presence of God with an earthly body where he stands at this very time awaiting the time that he will return to the earth as one of the two witnesses in the last days. Peter also spoke of the fact that the divine nature which we have received has resulted in having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:4). In fact, what we may understand from these passages of scripture is that walking in righteousness and sowing to the Spirit results in the benefits of divine health. Even in the Old Testament God blessed the people of Israel with protection against "these diseases" (Ex 15:26; Deut 7:15; 28:60). The Psalmist reminds us that we should not forget all of His benefits; for He cleanses all of our iniquities and heals all of our diseases (Psalms 103:3).

Blessings

Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

Acts 10:36 "The word that was sent to the sons of Israel announcing peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all."

The Hebrew word 'shalom' (peace) is far more than just a Hebrew way of saying hello. The expression declares a state of plenty and wellbeing and includes security, empowerment, and prosperity. When God's people walk inobedience to Him they enjoy His blessings and their "peace is like a river, and their righteousness as the waves of the sea" (Isaiah 48:18). Peace speaks of the fellowship and communion that God's people enjoy with Him exemplified in the Peace offerings (Exodus 20:24; Leviticus 3). God both secured Gideon's life and empowered Him with the words "Peace to you" insomuch that Gideon built an altar and called it YHWH is the source of our peace (Judges 6:23-24). God's peace is a "covenant of peace" that causes the wild beast to leave, brings safety in the wilderness, makes His people and their dwelling a blessing, results in showers of blessings which causes the trees to produce fruit and the earth to produce a harvest, it breaks the yoke of slavery and oppression giving God's people the dominion over all other powers (Ezekiel 34:25-29; Leviticus 26:6; Numbers 25:12). The peace that God gives is part of His armor and one of the benefits of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:15; Gal 5:22). This peace comes to us through Jesus Christ who has removed the offence and disobedience and bestowed all theblessing of God upon us.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily bread

Acts 4:12 - And there is no salvation in any other one, indeed neither is there another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.

The Greek word 'soteria' is the corresponding noun to 'sotzo' (save, heal) and may be translated either salvation or deliverance. It was used for the first time in Exodus 14:13 when God was about to part the Red Sea so that the children of Israel could escape from the power of Pharaoh. The meaning of 'soteria' is deliverance from evil, whether political, physical, moral or cataclysmic and subsequently coming into a state of wholeness. The Greek word 'soteria' translates the Hebrew word 'Yeshuah' or 'Yasha' a total of 138 times from which the name of Jesus is derived 'Yehoshua' which means Yehoah's (Yahweh) salvation. There should be no question in anyone's mind as to God's intention when He uses the word salvation. It is the word that describes the complete and total deliverance from the power of sin and Satan. Let Jesus be your saviour!

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

Romans 8:4 "That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit."

Paul provides insight to the facts regarding the righteousness of the Law and man's inability to walk in it in Romans chapter 7. He proves those who were depending upon the Law for righteousness were, in reality, under the law of sin and death and, therefore, unable to fulfill the righteousness of the Law. Paul argues that the Law was just, good, and holy but that those attempting to keep the Law were themselves sold under sin and, as a result, the law of sin was at work in their members (Romans 7:14, 21, 22, 23, 25 also 5:14, 17, 21). Now through the new birth which has brought the believer into Christ Jesus and thus into the life of the Spirit the righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us by the divine ability that has been given to us. The righteousness of the Law is fulfilled because the believer does not depend upon human ability dominated by the law of sin but the Spirit of God reigning over a new creation. Now that the curse of the law of sin and death has been broken and the Spirit of God has come into the life of the believer sin has no more dominion. The child of God has been lifted beyond their strength and human discipline to the realm of the operation of Holy Spirit who is at work in their members (Romans 6:4-14). Obviously, we must choose to be obedient and walk in this grace that empowers us to please Father in all that we say and do. If we justify disobedience and friendship with the world we will find ourselves as defeated as those who were under the Law.

Be Blessed

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

1 Corinthians 12:4 "Now there are divisions of Charismata but the same Spirit."

The best way to translate 'charismata' is "gifts of grace." The word charismata is derived from the Greek root 'charis' which means 'grace.' Grace means far more than just favor; grace is revealed to be the divine empowerment that supplies the saints with the ability to do and be everything that God has purposed for our lives. Grace may be extended to mean any divine act of God which results in either His protection or help but more than anything else His empowerment of an individual. Charismata (gifts) is found 17 times in the New Testament. It first appears in Romans 1:11, "that I may give you a share of spiritual 'charisma' (gift) to establish you." Although this word is used to refer to the gift of salvation in Romans 5:15, 16 and 6:23 it is also used of the spiritual gifts of prophecy, faith, and ministry in Romans 12:6-7. Paul opens up his letter to the Corinthians with this word recognizing that those at Corinth had the testimony of Christ confirmed in them which resulted in them having all of the 'charismata' (1:7). Charismata is used five times in the 12th chapter of 1 Corinthians all with respect to the gifts that are manifested as signs and wonders in the church (1 Corinthians 12: 4, 9, 28, 30, 31).

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and he said, Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

John gave witness to Jesus before Satan was allowed to tempt Him in the wilderness and now again after the temptation. Jesus was the spotless Lamb who was without sin before He went up into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Jesus also remained the spotless Lamb after the temptation to which John once again gave testimony. This examination by John was similar to the examination that the priest had to give to ensure that the offerings were without blemish. Jesus was not just any kind of lamb; He was the Passover Lamb. The Passover was used by Jesus to declare the New Covenant and in fact was changed by Him to be the occasion of celebrating the birth of the New Covenant. It is the Passover supper which is the model for New Testament communion (1 Corinthians 11:20-30). The fact that Jesus is represented by the Passover lamb of the Old Testament is further emphasized in that He was killed at the time of the slaying of the Passover lamb (John19:14, 31; 18:28; also Jub. 49:10, 19; m Pesach 5:1; Philo, Laws 2.145; R. Natan in Mek. Bo 5). Jesus was shown to be a Lamb without spot or blemish and His body was to be taken an eaten and not a bone was to be broken, a treatment specifically required of the Passover lamb (John 19:31-37; Exodus 12:26; Numbers 9:12). Paul taught that Jesus was the Passover Lamb in 1 Corinthians 5:7. "for Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." Peter also taught that Jesus was a "lamb without blemish and without spot." Finally, Isaiah the prophet called him a lamb (Isaiah 53:7; Acts 8:32). The blood of the Passover lamb represents the power that broke the yoke of the 10th plague and of the domination and trickery that Pharaoh exercised over Israel (Exodus 11:1). The Passover night was the time that God laid the sins of the people upon the firstborn. Only the blood of Passover lamb, which represented the blood of the firstborn, could expiate for a family that night (Exodus 13:2; 11-16). The blood of the Passover lamb represents redemption; for it was on that night that God redeemed all of Israel through their firstborn (Exodus 13:15; 6:6). It represents deliverance because God delivered Israel from bondage (Exodus 12:27). It represents the beginning ofGod's Covenant with Israel for it is "the beginning of months" and it is the event that set the covenant into motion that was promised to Abraham (Exodus12:1; 13:9; 6:4,7,8; Hebrews 8:9). The Passover represents the very day that Israel was born as a nation and, as such, the covenant people of God. Finally, it is the time that Israel was released from slavery to serve God and be His people (Exodus 13:3). The particular Greek word used for lamb in Exodus 12:5 is 'arnos.' This Greek word first occurs in Exodus 12:5 and then is used 33 times in the Septuagint afterwards. The Hebrew word that 'arnos' translatesis 'seh,' (lamb), which first occurs in Genesis 22:7 and 8 when Isaac askAbraham his father "where is the lamb" Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself a Lamb," a statement that can be easily understood as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The offering of Isaac as a whole burnt offering unto God is the perfect typology for the offering of Jesus Christ by God the Father. Jesus said that Abraham saw His day, and it makes perfect sense that at the moment that Abraham was offering the ultimate sacrifice of His only begotten son on what would become the temple mount that he would have looked up and not only seen a lamb caught in the thicket but also the Lamb of God which John the Baptist announced in this verse.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

1 Corinthians 12: 1 - Now concerning the spiritual brethren I would not have you ignorant.

Paul lays out in this chapter and in Chapter 14 very specific details as to how the saints should function in the context of the church. In the opening statements that Paul made in this letter he testified that the saints at Corinth were not lacking in any of the 'charismata' (gifts), 1 Corinthians 1:7. However, Paul is now speaking of something that extends beyond the charismata.' At this juncture Paul is talking about the 'pneumatikos' (the spiritual). The Authorized Version adds a word that does not exist in any Greek manuscripts, 'gift.' To include this word actually narrows the focus from a broader application of the 'spiritual.' The 'spiritual' is the realm of the Spirit - including all of the activities of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual refers to everything that pertains to the Kingdom of God, the realm in which God and all of His heavenly host function. As Jesus said inMatthew 12:28, "If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God then the Kingdom of God is come to you." When the Kingdom of God is revealed it is revealed through the spiritual activity of the Holy Spirit. In fact, when Jesus ministered, the scripture says that he "went about all of the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all sickness and every disease among the people (Matthew 9:35). He also told His disciples to go and preach the gospel of the Kingdom by healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, casting out devils (Matthew 10:8; Luke 9:1-2). After that, Jesus sent out seventy other to declare the things of the Kingdom by the same signs and wonders(Luke 10:1,9,17). Finally, the same commission was given to everyone who believes, "These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name they will cast out devils; they will speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing it will not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17). At the time that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost the realms of the spiritual began to manifest through those in the church. They were baptized in Holy Spirit even as one may be baptized in water. And just as Jesus had promised out of their bellies began to flow rivers of living water, which is unlimited manifestations of the spiritual. Of the 27 times that this word is found in the New Testament Paul uses it 26 times to express the operation of the Holy Spirit through the saints in signs and wonders or to express that which belongs to the realms of God. The first time that Paul uses this word is in Romans 1:11 for the impartation of the spiritual into the saints. The first time that he uses the word in this letter to the church at Corinth is in 2:13 in which he describes how he ministers and uses it as the contrast to the realm of the natural. In chapter 2, Paul contrasts the spiritual 'pneumatikos,' which is the realm of God to the natural 'psuchikos,' which is the realm of men. The same contrast between the spiritual and the natural are made in 1 Corinthians 15:44-46). And, finally, both Jude and James define that which is of the natural realm 'psuchikos' as that which has not the Spirit (Jude 19; James 3:15).

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

Daily Bread

1 John 3:5 "And we know that He was revealed to take away sins and in Him is no sin."

The only place that men can find freedom from the dominion of sin and power to live in the purity and the splendor of God's Holiness is in Christ Jesus. Being "in Christ," is an expression of the relationship that we have been given through His salvation. Instead of continuing to live our own life of defeat and failure, we now live a victorious life in Him. John refers to this place of purity and glory in chapter 1 verse 7 in terms of being "in the Light as He is in the Light." It is His presence that results in purity and power to live Holy. The sinless state of the saint who is willing to abide in Christ is emphasized in the next verse, "Everyone who abides in Him has no sin; everyone that sins has not seen Him nor known Him." When one remains in agreement and submission to Christ Jesus there cannot be sin because Christ Jesus will never lead us into such things. The same is true of being led by the Holy Spirit. We know that all who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). If a person is always in submission to the Holy Spirit then they will never be led to do anything contrary to the will of God. A similar concept is found in verse 9 below which includes agreement and submission to the Word of God resulting in a sinless state. Being "in Christ" is a message that is delivered many times by the Apostle Paul, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature," (2 Corinthians 5:17). The fact that the benefits of salvation are only received through our willingness to be "in Christ" is communicated in many verses of scripture throughout the New Testament such as; Romans 8:1,2,39; 12:5; 3:24;1 Co. 1:2,30; 15:18, 22; 2 Co. 1:21; 2:14, 17; Ga. 3:28; 6:15; Eph. 1:3, 10;2:6, 10, Col. 1:28, etc.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Daily Bread

Daily Bread

Colossians 2:2 "That your hearts might be encouraged joined together in love and unto all riches of the full assurance of the understanding unto an exact knowledge of the mystery of the Father God and the Christ."

There is a key given to us throughout the scripture that allows us to understand how to come into all of the fullness of God. Paul revealed in Ephesians 3 that as a result of knowing the love of Christ we can be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). Jesus made loving one another the precursor to fullness of joy (John 15:11). He also made this love onefor another the means by which all men would know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). Jesus made it very clear that if we would love Him that both He and the Father would come and make their dwelling with us (John 14:23). The realm of love is the realm where God dwells and so when we dwell in love we dwell in God (1 John 4:16). We learn that love is the greatest and most important thing of all. It is by love that faith works and it is through love that salvation was brought to us (1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:6; John 3:16). With 115 commands and examples given to us of the importance of love we should make it the foremost priority of our lives. Perhaps we spend so much time and effort searching for a model and a hidden key to revival and an increase in the anointing and the manifest presence of God while all of the time we pass over the answer. If we would only give ourselves over to His love continually and completely we would realize all of the things in God that we have desired. I am certain that on the Day of Judgment we are going to be primarily brought into question on how well we loved.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Fresh Bread - 6/5

Daily Bread

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 the Spirit." Being "in the Spirit" is the result of having been born of the Spirit (John 3:6; Romans 8:9). The Greek phrase 'en pneumati' which literally means "in Spirit" is found 36 times in the New Testament. Jesus said if He cast out devils 'enpneumati' then the kingdom of God is come to you (Matthew 12:28). When Jesus was referring to the gift of prophecy recorded in scripture and spoken by David He said, "how then did David 'en pneumati' call him Lord" (Matthew22:43). Both of these scriptures serve to underscore the fact that 'inpneumati' refers to something that is produced by the Spirit through an individual whether it is love, faith, power to cast out devils, or the word of God spoken by prophecy.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Fresh Bread - 6/3

Daily Bread

Matthew 25:41 "And then He shall say to those at His left, depart from me you cursed into the eternal fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels."

The indication that Jesus gives is that hell was made for the devil and his angels. However, it is also certain that those who refuse the saving Grace of God that is only found in Christ Jesus will also be cast into this eternal judgment of fire. There is not much information in the Bible concerning the "devil's angels." In fact, of the 302 times that angels are mentioned in the Bible only eight of those times are evil angels mentioned (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 9:11; 12:7, 9; 14:15). There are also three additional times in the New Testament that we may assume that the devil's angels are being referred to, Romans 8:38, Galatians 1:8, and Ephesians 6:12. There are several things that we do know about these evil angels: 1- The fate of these angels are sealed. 2- Some of them are already bound in hell (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). 3- Michael and his angels will fight against the devil and his angels, and they will be cast into the earth during the tribulation (Revelation 12:7,9). Although we know that Satan has no more power over the saints, we are still in a battle against him and his angels (John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Ephesians 6:11-12). We have been given authority to drive back and destroy every work of Satan in the earth whether it comes in the form of sin, sickness, or disease. In fact, God desires that we even defeat Satan in the realms of death by raising the dead to life again. Finally, there are two other terms used in the Bible that refer to angels, sons of God, and stars (Genesis 6:2,4; Job 1:6, 2:1; 38:7 Isaiah 14;12-13; Daniel 8:10).

Daily Bread

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 washed us from our sins with His own blood."

There is a very 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 'agaponti' (loves) and 'lusanti/lousanti' (loosed/washed). While 'love' is in the present tense 'loosed' 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. By the blood of Jesus we were set free to go out from the land of bondage and captivity to sin just as the children of Israel were set free from slavery on the night of the Passover. They were not being set free every day little by little but God gave them a complete deliverance when He came and saved them from their oppressors. He set them free so that they could serve Him, be His people and live in His land. Equally, we were set free from sin when we called upon the name of the Lord Jesus. We had, as it were, our own individual Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). When we were set free we came into the realm of the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is the realm of our inheritance where we are protected, guided, and provided for by God. Here in this place of His goodness we grow and mature in every dimension of God's ways through the activity of His love that has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). In this grace and provision of God if we sin and confess our sin the blood of Jesus will cleanse us from any contamination that would separate us from God so that we can continue on in His blessings (1 John 1:9; 2:1).

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Fresh Bread - 6/1

Daily Bread

Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who has blessed us in Christ with all spiritual blessings in heaven."

The Greek word 'pneumatikos' (spiritual) is only found in the New Testament. It was first used in Romans 1:11 with respect to Paul's desire to impart spiritual abilities or gifts to the brethren. This word is used more in First Corinthians than anywhere else. Its meaning is defined by 1 Corinthians 12:1, "Now concerning spiritual I would not have you ignorant," and 1 Corinthians 14:1, "Follow after love and desire spiritual and especially that you may prophesy." The context of this word refers to the manifestation of the Spirit that results in miracles and signs and wonders. Of course the spiritual also includes every realm of the Kingdom of God and spiritual understanding but the emphasis is placed on the operation of the Spirit through those in the church. When God set up the church He empowered the church to fully reveal the power and glory of the risen Savior Jesus Christ. If Jesus is to be revealed then we must yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit whose purpose is to make Him known (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Fresh Bread - 5/31

Daily Bread

John 14:17 "He is the Spirit of Truth whom the world will not be able to receive because it neither sees Him nor recognizes Him. You know Him because He remains beside you and shall be in you."

The Holy Spirit who took the place of Jesus among the disciples and subsequently among the church came to dwell in them and also in all who will believe. This is the first time that it is made very clear just how the disciples will be one with Jesus and the Father. Although Jesus had previously revealed to them that "they who are born of the Spirit are Spirit," it is now made much plainer by the fact that God the Holy Spirit will come to live on the inside of all who believe. John also communicated this fact later in his First Epistle when he revealed that Jesus dwells on the inside of the believer "by the Spirit which He has given unto us" (1 John 3:24). According to 1 John 3:24, it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that results in our being one with Jesus. Subsequently, because we are one with Jesus we are also one with the Father (John 14:23). This unspeakable gift and blessing comes to us through simple obedience to God's word.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Fresh Bread - 5/30

Daily Bread

John 14:1 "Do not allow your heart to be troubled have faith in God also have faith in me."

The heart is the spiritual place in man where faith works. Paul said, that the faith is in the heart and in the mouth (Romans 10:10). In keeping with the simile of the heart, we may understand the spiritual heart to be that which supplies life to the whole of the inner man as the physical heart supplies blood to the organs of the body. In Proverbs we learn that the heart is the place where the word is to be kept and that the heart is to be kept with all diligence for the issues of life flow out of it (Proverbs 4:20-23). At the end of this chapter Jesus says, "let not your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" (14:27). Jesus reveals how that fear is opposed to faith in His commands to those who were looking for a miracle asin Luke 8:50, "Fear not; believe only and she shall be made whole." Jesus also draws out the association of fear and doubt in the situation of Peter walking on the water who when he became afraid began to sink. Jesus revealed that the fear was associated with the doubt when He said, "why did you doubt" (Matthew 14:30-31). Don't look to your human ability today but keep the eyes of your heart fixed on His Word.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Fresh Bread - 5/29

Daily bread

Acts 10:4 "And he starred 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 viewed 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 so win to 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). The response of God's favor towards those who offer such offerings is underscored here. Because of the prayers and offerings that Cornelius gave continually he was chosen to be the first gentile to receive the riches of heaven, the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org

Fresh Bread - 5/27

Daily Bread

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God."

These are the first three words of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning." The connection is made between the one who created all things and the one who has redeemed all things, "And you, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the works of Your hands," Heb. 1:10 also see Colossians 1:16. The whole world, all of creation, was created by Jesus Christ and He claims both personal ownership and power over it (John 1:10, Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6). The pre-existence of Jesus is declared 7 times in the first chapter of John (John 1:1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 27, 30). The Greek word 'logos,' takes on a new dimension of meaning by its association with the Eternal God who was made flesh. The usage of logos here is that of a title instead of an act. Hebrews 11:3 refers to the action of God speaking wherein "the world was framed by the word (rhema) of God." The Hebrew equivalent for 'logos' is 'emrah' which is used for the word of God in the Torah as in Deuteronomy 33:9, and 'davar' which is used as the spoken word of God as in Exodus 4:28. The use of the Word as a title implies the revelation of God. The title given to Jesus Christ as the Word is not limited to a revelation at the time of redemption for the Word is not only eternally existing in the past as God and with God but also in the future as revealed in Revelation 19:13, "his name is called the Word (logos) of God." The fact that the Word was with God makes Him distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit who are also identified many times throughout the scripture as God and unique from Jesus Christ. In fact in the New Testament there are 152 scriptures that specifically state a unique difference between Jesus Christ and the Father proving that they are two different individuals (Mt 2:21; 10:32, 33; 11:25, 27; 12:50; 15:13; 16:17; 18:10, 19, 35; 24:36; 25:34; 26:39, 42, 53; Mk 8:38; Lk 10:21, 22; 22:29; 23:34, 46, 49; Jn 4:21; 5:17, 19, 30; 6:32, 65; 8:16, 19, 28, 38, 42, 49, 54; 10:15, 17, 18, 29, 30, 32, 37; 11:41; 12:26, 27 13:1; 14:1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 23, 24, 26, 28, 31; 15:1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 26; 16:3, 10, 15, 16, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32; 17:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26; 18:11; 20:17; 20:21; Rom 1:7; 15:6; 1 Cor 1:3; 8:6; 2 Cor 1:2, 3; 11:31; Gal 1:1,3; Eph 1:2, 3, 17; 3:14; 5:20; 6:23; Php 1:2; 2:11; Col 1:2, 3; 3:17; 1 Th 1:1, 3; 3:11; 2 Th 1:1,2; 2:16; 1 Ti 1:2; 2 Ti 1:2; Tit 1:4; Phm 3; Heb 1:5; 1 Pe 1:2, 3; 2 Pe 1:17; 1 Jn 1:3; 2:1; 2:22; 2 Jn 3; Jude 1; Rev 2:27; 3:5, 21). In the gospel of John, Jesus refers to God as His Father 87 times. There are 25 scriptures that show a distinction between Jesus and the Holy Spirit as unique individuals (Mt 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; Lk 4:1; 14; Jn 3:5; 7:39; 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:7, 8, 13, 14, 15; Acts 1:16; 2:38; 7:55; 10:38; Rom 8:11; 15:16; 1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2). There are four unique dimensions of Jesus Christ the Eternal Word revealed in this opening statement: 1- Jesus as the Word was there in the beginning. 2- He was with God and as such distinct from God. 3- He also was God, which both makes Him eternal and equal with God. 4- He was not only in the beginning of creation but was in the beginning with God, which further emphasizes both His eternalness and His uniqueness from the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus as the Word is the one who spoke all things into being (Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3. According to 1 John 1:1, 2, He is the Word of life who was manifested to reveal the glory of God to all mankind. He has always existed because He is God (Micah 5:2; Colossians 1;17; 1 John 1;1; Hebrews 13:8; Genesis 21:3; Isaiah 40:28). The preexistence of Jesus is further proved by His own testimony that He existed before Abraham (John 8:58). John the Baptist announced Him as the one who existed before him; a preexistence not as man nor an angel but as God. In the incarnation God, the Word laid aside His position and power and took on the form of a human being (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8). After His resurrection He was again glorified with the same glory that He had with the Father before the world came into existence (1 John 17:5, 20:28; Revelation 1:8, 22:12-13, 16; Matthew1:23; 1 John 1:2; Hebrews 1:3, 8; Acts 10:36; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Psalms 24:8-10; Isaiah 9:6). After Jesus the eternal Word redeemed everything that He had created the Father highly exalted Him above everything and gave Him a name that is greater than all other names yet He is still called the Word (Ephesians 1:21; Acts 2:33; Revelation 19:13). Jesus is definitely distinct from the Father for Jesus Himself said, "the Father is greater than I" (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24, 27-28; John 20:17; Acts 7:55-56; Ephesians 1:20). Jesus also made it clear that He was going to return to the Father and called the Father His God (John 17; 20:17; Matthew 26:64).

Blessings

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org