Daily Bread
1 John 2:4 - "The one who says, I know Him but does not keep His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him."
Jesus spoke a number of different times about the commandment that He received of the Father to lay down His life (John 10:18; 12:49, 50; 14:31; 15:10). Jesus also gave commandments to his disciples. These commandments were directed at their love one for another (John 13:34; 15:12; 14:15,21; 15:10; 1 John 2:7-8; 3:23; 4:21; 2 John 5-6). In fact, when we understand that God's commandments are focused on our loving one another and that this love is divine love then we also realize that such a love is only possible by yielding to the operation of the Holy Spirit. The key to walking in all the ways of God is to be ruled by divine love. The only way to be governed by divine love is to allow the Holy Spirit to rule our life and be our inspiration at every turn of our behavior. The love of God is the fulfillment of the whole Law because it works no wrong against anyone (Romans 13:10;8:4). To walk in love is to walk in the Light, which is the glory of God being revealed in His people (2 Peter 1:3-5). The commandments of Jesus are not a set of rules but rather this is God's commandment to a whole new way of life. The New Testament believer is called to a realm that goes far beyond the 10 commandments of the Old Testament. Through the divine nature that was given to us when we were born of God we are empowered to walk in all the ways of God, which are made know to us by His word (Romans 8:4). One may correctly view 'logos' (word) as interchangeable with 'entole' (commandment) in both the Old and New Testament (John 8:51; 8:55; 14:23, 24; 15:20; 1 John 2:5). The technical name for the Ten Commandments is "The Decalogue" which means "The Ten Words" (Exodus 20:1; 34:28; Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:4). In Deuteronomy for example the passage refers to the whole of the Law code as "all the words of this Law", translated by the Septuagint as "all these commandments". Also, to further drive home this point the opening statement of the following verse serves to further equate commandment with word, "But whoever keeps his words". Thus the commandments that Jesus refers to may be understood as all the Word of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, August 04, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 2:5 - "But whoever keeps His word truly in him is the love of God perfected. This is how we know that we are in Him."
The word 'agape,' 'love,' is defined by its New Testament application as divine love or the love that God loves with, thus, "the love of God." The usage of 'agape' in classic Greek is rare. When it is found it is neither dramatic nor colorful. It was usually translated, "to like, prefer, be content." However, when it appears in the New Testament Greek it defines the kind of Love that the Father has for the Son and the kind of Love that the Christian has since the Paraclete has come to dwell in them, John 13:34; 14:15; 14:21; 14:31; 15:10; 15:12; 15:17; 17:23. This kind of love does not have a human origin but is purely divine flowing into and out of us by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Raymond Brown writes "Agape is not a love originating in the human heart and reaching out to possess noble goods needed for perfection; it is spontaneous, unmerited, creative love flowing from God to the Christian, and from the Christian to a fellow Christian." (The Epistles of John, pages 254-255) The Hebrew word for love is 'ahav' and is translated in the Septuagint exclusively by 'agapan.' Jeremiah writes, that love comes through a circumcised heart, Jeremiah 31:33. Proverbs says that God loves us as a Father loves his son, Proverbs 3:12. Perhaps the closest example to the New Testament usage of 'agape' is found in the Hebrew 'chesed' in Exodus 34:6. The Hebrew word 'chesed' means 'covenant love' or loyal unfailing love.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
1 John 2:5 - "But whoever keeps His word truly in him is the love of God perfected. This is how we know that we are in Him."
The word 'agape,' 'love,' is defined by its New Testament application as divine love or the love that God loves with, thus, "the love of God." The usage of 'agape' in classic Greek is rare. When it is found it is neither dramatic nor colorful. It was usually translated, "to like, prefer, be content." However, when it appears in the New Testament Greek it defines the kind of Love that the Father has for the Son and the kind of Love that the Christian has since the Paraclete has come to dwell in them, John 13:34; 14:15; 14:21; 14:31; 15:10; 15:12; 15:17; 17:23. This kind of love does not have a human origin but is purely divine flowing into and out of us by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Raymond Brown writes "Agape is not a love originating in the human heart and reaching out to possess noble goods needed for perfection; it is spontaneous, unmerited, creative love flowing from God to the Christian, and from the Christian to a fellow Christian." (The Epistles of John, pages 254-255) The Hebrew word for love is 'ahav' and is translated in the Septuagint exclusively by 'agapan.' Jeremiah writes, that love comes through a circumcised heart, Jeremiah 31:33. Proverbs says that God loves us as a Father loves his son, Proverbs 3:12. Perhaps the closest example to the New Testament usage of 'agape' is found in the Hebrew 'chesed' in Exodus 34:6. The Hebrew word 'chesed' means 'covenant love' or loyal unfailing love.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Daily Bread
Colossians 1:9 - "Because of this also from the day we heard ceased not to pray for you also asking that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."
The knowledge of God's will is something that an individual is filled with just as a person is filled with the Spirit. The knowledge of God does not come to man through his own works and efforts. It is not attained through natural means of intellect and reason but rather by the gift of God. The knowledge of God's will gives wisdom and revelation and spiritual understanding (Ephesians 1:17). Paul prayed that the Ephesians would have this spiritual knowledge so that their spiritual eyes would be opened to know: 1- The confidence of the calling.2- The riches of the glory.3- The greatness of His power according to the working of His mighty power.Spiritual understanding is that which eyes have never seen nor ears have ever heard nor hearts have ever understood but is revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Spiritual understanding is the way that God thinks about things, it is the "mind of Christ" and the "mind of the Spirit" (Romans 8:27; Philippians 2:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Colossians 1:9 - "Because of this also from the day we heard ceased not to pray for you also asking that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."
The knowledge of God's will is something that an individual is filled with just as a person is filled with the Spirit. The knowledge of God does not come to man through his own works and efforts. It is not attained through natural means of intellect and reason but rather by the gift of God. The knowledge of God's will gives wisdom and revelation and spiritual understanding (Ephesians 1:17). Paul prayed that the Ephesians would have this spiritual knowledge so that their spiritual eyes would be opened to know: 1- The confidence of the calling.2- The riches of the glory.3- The greatness of His power according to the working of His mighty power.Spiritual understanding is that which eyes have never seen nor ears have ever heard nor hearts have ever understood but is revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Spiritual understanding is the way that God thinks about things, it is the "mind of Christ" and the "mind of the Spirit" (Romans 8:27; Philippians 2:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, July 31, 2006
Daily Bread
Colossians 1:13 - "Who has delivered us from the authority of darkness and translated us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son."
The whole notion and concept of redemption is revealed to us in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. As certain as Israel was delivered from the rule and authority of Pharaoh, we have been delivered form the rule and authority of Satan. Concerning the absolute defeat of Satan and his power over us Jesus said, "Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the prince of this world be cast out" (John 12:31). Paul spoke with such finality in 2 Timothy 1:10 when he said that Jesus had "abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." The death of Jesus on the cross was the means by which Satan's power was destroyed, "through death He destroyed him that had the power of death that is the devil" (Hebrews 2:14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Colossians 1:13 - "Who has delivered us from the authority of darkness and translated us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son."
The whole notion and concept of redemption is revealed to us in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. As certain as Israel was delivered from the rule and authority of Pharaoh, we have been delivered form the rule and authority of Satan. Concerning the absolute defeat of Satan and his power over us Jesus said, "Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the prince of this world be cast out" (John 12:31). Paul spoke with such finality in 2 Timothy 1:10 when he said that Jesus had "abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." The death of Jesus on the cross was the means by which Satan's power was destroyed, "through death He destroyed him that had the power of death that is the devil" (Hebrews 2:14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Daily Bread
1 John 2 17 - "They went out from us but they were not of us. If they had been of us they would have remained with us. Nevertheless it is revealed that none of them are of us."
Betrayal and broken communion were evidence enough of the spiritual state of these people. One of the primary themes of the first Epistle of John is the love of the brethren and the communion that results. Those who refused to remain in fellowship with the apostles and their company were not in the Light (1 John 1:7), and were revealed to be of the devil. The fellowship that we have with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is equated to the fellowship that we have with those who are begotten of God. If an individual does not have fellowship with God then he cannot have fellowship with those who are begotten of God and conversely if there is no fellowship with the brethren there is no fellowship with God. The epistle of 1 John provides the proofs of fellowship to distinguish between those who are of God and those who are deceivers. Beloved let us love one another.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 2 17 - "They went out from us but they were not of us. If they had been of us they would have remained with us. Nevertheless it is revealed that none of them are of us."
Betrayal and broken communion were evidence enough of the spiritual state of these people. One of the primary themes of the first Epistle of John is the love of the brethren and the communion that results. Those who refused to remain in fellowship with the apostles and their company were not in the Light (1 John 1:7), and were revealed to be of the devil. The fellowship that we have with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is equated to the fellowship that we have with those who are begotten of God. If an individual does not have fellowship with God then he cannot have fellowship with those who are begotten of God and conversely if there is no fellowship with the brethren there is no fellowship with God. The epistle of 1 John provides the proofs of fellowship to distinguish between those who are of God and those who are deceivers. Beloved let us love one another.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, July 28, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Peter 2:1 - "Now there were also false prophets among the people just as also false teachers shall be among you who shall sneak in destructive opinions also denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
In order to grasp the identity of these false teachers that will be among us we must understand the false prophets that they are compared to. The Greek word 'pseudoprophetai' is found 10 times in the Septuagint. Although there is no actual Hebrew word conveying the meaning of "false prophet" it is implied by the context. Of the 10 times that 'pseudoprophetai' is found in the Septuagint it occurs 9 times in Jeremiah. It is in this context then that we can further understand the impact of false prophets and the impact that they can have. Unfortunately, we discover that the false prophets were accepted while Jeremiah was rejected. The popular opinion of the people refused to accept that they were wrong and needed to repent and conform to the sanctity of and obedience to God's word. The issue of God's controversy against His people has always been over purity and obedience rather than minor issues or details associated with style and ritual. Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets that look like sheep but are actually wolves (Matthew 7:15). Jesus also identifies these false prophets as those who His rebellious people spoke well of warning His disciples to beware of such expectations (Luke 6:26). Jesus credits these false prophets with the ability to do great signs and wonders thereby increasing their ability to deceive (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22). John associates false prophets with the antichrist power that was already at work among the churches in his day (1 John 4:1). Although the Greek word for false teacher is only found here, Paul describes false teachers in his Epistles to Timothy. The description of false teachers is as follows: 1- They do not consent to the sound word of God. 2- They do not consent to the doctrines of godliness. 3- They create strife, envy, evil speaking, and suspicion of others. 4- They suppose gain to be godliness (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:6-7; Titus 1:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
2 Peter 2:1 - "Now there were also false prophets among the people just as also false teachers shall be among you who shall sneak in destructive opinions also denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
In order to grasp the identity of these false teachers that will be among us we must understand the false prophets that they are compared to. The Greek word 'pseudoprophetai' is found 10 times in the Septuagint. Although there is no actual Hebrew word conveying the meaning of "false prophet" it is implied by the context. Of the 10 times that 'pseudoprophetai' is found in the Septuagint it occurs 9 times in Jeremiah. It is in this context then that we can further understand the impact of false prophets and the impact that they can have. Unfortunately, we discover that the false prophets were accepted while Jeremiah was rejected. The popular opinion of the people refused to accept that they were wrong and needed to repent and conform to the sanctity of and obedience to God's word. The issue of God's controversy against His people has always been over purity and obedience rather than minor issues or details associated with style and ritual. Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets that look like sheep but are actually wolves (Matthew 7:15). Jesus also identifies these false prophets as those who His rebellious people spoke well of warning His disciples to beware of such expectations (Luke 6:26). Jesus credits these false prophets with the ability to do great signs and wonders thereby increasing their ability to deceive (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22). John associates false prophets with the antichrist power that was already at work among the churches in his day (1 John 4:1). Although the Greek word for false teacher is only found here, Paul describes false teachers in his Epistles to Timothy. The description of false teachers is as follows: 1- They do not consent to the sound word of God. 2- They do not consent to the doctrines of godliness. 3- They create strife, envy, evil speaking, and suspicion of others. 4- They suppose gain to be godliness (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:6-7; Titus 1:11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Peter 2:1 - "Now there were also false prophets among the people just as also false teachers shall be among you who shall sneak in destructive opinions also denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
The Greek word that is used here (translated 'sneak') is very descriptive of how destructive heresies find their way into the community of the church; they come along side of true doctrines and less harmful opinions. Although there may be opinions about the scripture that are not destructive, one falsehood is the foundation on which more destructive falsehoods are built. The word used here is a compound Greek word 'paraeisago' which literally means to "bring in along with" or to "lead in along with others". Thus we catch a glimpse of the way that false doctrines begin. These opinions are grouped along with Bible facts and become the subtleties by which wrong conclusions are derived and thus destructive opinions are precipitated.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
2 Peter 2:1 - "Now there were also false prophets among the people just as also false teachers shall be among you who shall sneak in destructive opinions also denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
The Greek word that is used here (translated 'sneak') is very descriptive of how destructive heresies find their way into the community of the church; they come along side of true doctrines and less harmful opinions. Although there may be opinions about the scripture that are not destructive, one falsehood is the foundation on which more destructive falsehoods are built. The word used here is a compound Greek word 'paraeisago' which literally means to "bring in along with" or to "lead in along with others". Thus we catch a glimpse of the way that false doctrines begin. These opinions are grouped along with Bible facts and become the subtleties by which wrong conclusions are derived and thus destructive opinions are precipitated.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Daily Bread
John 14:3 - "And if I go away and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself that where I am you may also be."
The Greek word translated "come again" is 'parousia.' This word is used elsewhere in association with the return of Jesus and thus became a theological word used to describe His return. The parousia of Christ Jesus took place in part when the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, came. The Paraclete came to bring to us the abiding presence of Jesus and, in turn, we are seated with Jesus in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3). However, the bigger meaning is the return of Jesus which will result in our being with Him in heaven. The church will then return with Him to fight against the armies of the antichrist and Satan and afterward we will rule for 1000 years with Christ Jesus upon the earth (Revelation 19:14; 20:6; Jude 1:14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
John 14:3 - "And if I go away and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself that where I am you may also be."
The Greek word translated "come again" is 'parousia.' This word is used elsewhere in association with the return of Jesus and thus became a theological word used to describe His return. The parousia of Christ Jesus took place in part when the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, came. The Paraclete came to bring to us the abiding presence of Jesus and, in turn, we are seated with Jesus in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:3). However, the bigger meaning is the return of Jesus which will result in our being with Him in heaven. The church will then return with Him to fight against the armies of the antichrist and Satan and afterward we will rule for 1000 years with Christ Jesus upon the earth (Revelation 19:14; 20:6; Jude 1:14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Daily Bread
Acts 1:11 - "And they said, 'Men of Galilee why do you stand looking into the heavens this same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven shall certainly come in the same way as you watched Him go into heaven.' "
The Greek 'theomai' denotes careful observation. The announcement given by these two angels about the 'parousia' or coming of Jesus should be given special attention. Perhaps the posture of watching or carefully observing His return is as important as how He will return. Paul reveals that Jesus will appear to those who look for Him in Hebrews 9:28, Philippians 3:20, and Titus 2:13. We also know that Jesus emphasized the importance of our watching for His return: "Remember then what you have received and heard and keep it and repent. However, if you do not watch I will come like a thief and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you" (Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:36). Let us all say: "even so come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 1:11 - "And they said, 'Men of Galilee why do you stand looking into the heavens this same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven shall certainly come in the same way as you watched Him go into heaven.' "
The Greek 'theomai' denotes careful observation. The announcement given by these two angels about the 'parousia' or coming of Jesus should be given special attention. Perhaps the posture of watching or carefully observing His return is as important as how He will return. Paul reveals that Jesus will appear to those who look for Him in Hebrews 9:28, Philippians 3:20, and Titus 2:13. We also know that Jesus emphasized the importance of our watching for His return: "Remember then what you have received and heard and keep it and repent. However, if you do not watch I will come like a thief and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you" (Revelation 3:3; Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:36). Let us all say: "even so come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, July 24, 2006
Daily Bread
Revelation 4:1 - "After these things I looked and saw a door open in heaven and the first voice like a trumpet which I heard spoke to me saying come up here and I will show you what must happen after these things."
The Greek phrase 'meta tauta,' after these things, signifies a shift in events. This phrase 'meta tauta' which on its own may be considered a chronological marker is definitely a chronological marker in Revelation. This chronological marker is emphasized in this verse by the fact that it both begins and ends this verse. In Revelation 1:19, God gave John the instructions of how he was to lay out the book of Revelation, "Write therefore what you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which are about to take place after these things". At this point, the events of the church have come to an end and the church will not be addressed again in the book of Revelation except in the final exhortation in 22:16. What John has seen up to this point concerning the churches he was able to view from an earthly position, but now God must call him up into heaven in order to show him the "things which shall be hereafter." The first time the Greek phrase 'meta tauta' is used in the book of Revelation is in 1:19 where it is identified as the marker for the last section of the book of Revelation. John wrote about the "things that he saw" in chapter 1, and the "things which are" in chapters 2 and 3, and finally, the "things which shall take place hereafter" beginning in chapter 4. The Greek phrase 'meta tauta' was first shown to be a chronological marker in John 3:22, designating the event that followed Jesus' visit to Jerusalem. It is also used as a chronological marker in John 5:1; 5:24; 6:1; 7:1; 13:7 and 21:1. The first time that 'meta tauta' is found in the New Testament is in Luke 5:27 where, once again, it serves as a chronological marker. If 'meta tauta' of Revelation 1:19 refers to the 'meta tauta' of 4:1, then the church must be removed before the tribulation of the book of Revelation begins. The first time that these catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 are mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 which refer to the events of Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Revelation 13:5 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Revelation chapter 4 begins the series of events that will take place over the course of seven years. The first in these series of events in Revelation focuses on the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3 and Revelation 6:1). Now there is only one primary event that must take place before the revelation of the man of sin spoken by the prophet Daniel, the "one who now withholds" must come (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). This verse may also imply the removal of something. There are only three powers that may be viewed as hindering lawlessness: Human Government, The Holy Spirit, and The Church. We know for certain that through Revelation 4 through 19 we see the working of both Human Government and the Holy Spirit. Human Government is represented as the nations warring against each other, the Ten Kings which are also represented by Daniel's vision as the Ten Toes of the Great image (Daniel 2:34, 44; Rev 16:12; 17:12; 18:9). These governmental powers will ultimately be destroyed when Jesus returns with His saints and fights against the kings of the earth who are led by the Man of Lawlessness or the Antichrist (Dan 2:34, 44; Rev 19:15). The Holy Spirit will still be present because there will be many who will turn to Jesus and there will be the working of miracles all of which are the function of the Holy Spirit. The only power that remains to be taken out of the way is the Church. In Luke 21:36 Jesus tells his disciples to pray that they may be worthy to escape all of the catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 and stand before the Son of Man (Jesus). Of course we know where Jesus is standing before these disasters begin to take place; for this is primarily what chapters 4 and 5 are devoted to; He is in heaven (Rev 4:3; 5:9). The point of convergence for all of these passages of scripture is the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness, or the Antichrist, who will commit the abomination that makes the temple of God desolate by proclaiming himself to be God. We know that when Paul spoke of these final days of the church on earth it was revealed to him that not everyone would die because there would be an event for those who were alive which would cause them to be caught up into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). There are no reasons to believe that this catching away takes place at any other juncture in the book of Revelation than here.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Revelation 4:1 - "After these things I looked and saw a door open in heaven and the first voice like a trumpet which I heard spoke to me saying come up here and I will show you what must happen after these things."
The Greek phrase 'meta tauta,' after these things, signifies a shift in events. This phrase 'meta tauta' which on its own may be considered a chronological marker is definitely a chronological marker in Revelation. This chronological marker is emphasized in this verse by the fact that it both begins and ends this verse. In Revelation 1:19, God gave John the instructions of how he was to lay out the book of Revelation, "Write therefore what you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which are about to take place after these things". At this point, the events of the church have come to an end and the church will not be addressed again in the book of Revelation except in the final exhortation in 22:16. What John has seen up to this point concerning the churches he was able to view from an earthly position, but now God must call him up into heaven in order to show him the "things which shall be hereafter." The first time the Greek phrase 'meta tauta' is used in the book of Revelation is in 1:19 where it is identified as the marker for the last section of the book of Revelation. John wrote about the "things that he saw" in chapter 1, and the "things which are" in chapters 2 and 3, and finally, the "things which shall take place hereafter" beginning in chapter 4. The Greek phrase 'meta tauta' was first shown to be a chronological marker in John 3:22, designating the event that followed Jesus' visit to Jerusalem. It is also used as a chronological marker in John 5:1; 5:24; 6:1; 7:1; 13:7 and 21:1. The first time that 'meta tauta' is found in the New Testament is in Luke 5:27 where, once again, it serves as a chronological marker. If 'meta tauta' of Revelation 1:19 refers to the 'meta tauta' of 4:1, then the church must be removed before the tribulation of the book of Revelation begins. The first time that these catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 are mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 which refer to the events of Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Revelation 13:5 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4. Revelation chapter 4 begins the series of events that will take place over the course of seven years. The first in these series of events in Revelation focuses on the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3 and Revelation 6:1). Now there is only one primary event that must take place before the revelation of the man of sin spoken by the prophet Daniel, the "one who now withholds" must come (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). This verse may also imply the removal of something. There are only three powers that may be viewed as hindering lawlessness: Human Government, The Holy Spirit, and The Church. We know for certain that through Revelation 4 through 19 we see the working of both Human Government and the Holy Spirit. Human Government is represented as the nations warring against each other, the Ten Kings which are also represented by Daniel's vision as the Ten Toes of the Great image (Daniel 2:34, 44; Rev 16:12; 17:12; 18:9). These governmental powers will ultimately be destroyed when Jesus returns with His saints and fights against the kings of the earth who are led by the Man of Lawlessness or the Antichrist (Dan 2:34, 44; Rev 19:15). The Holy Spirit will still be present because there will be many who will turn to Jesus and there will be the working of miracles all of which are the function of the Holy Spirit. The only power that remains to be taken out of the way is the Church. In Luke 21:36 Jesus tells his disciples to pray that they may be worthy to escape all of the catastrophic events of Revelation 4 through 19 and stand before the Son of Man (Jesus). Of course we know where Jesus is standing before these disasters begin to take place; for this is primarily what chapters 4 and 5 are devoted to; He is in heaven (Rev 4:3; 5:9). The point of convergence for all of these passages of scripture is the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness, or the Antichrist, who will commit the abomination that makes the temple of God desolate by proclaiming himself to be God. We know that when Paul spoke of these final days of the church on earth it was revealed to him that not everyone would die because there would be an event for those who were alive which would cause them to be caught up into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). There are no reasons to believe that this catching away takes place at any other juncture in the book of Revelation than here.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 4:3 - "And every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that antichrist, that you heard would come and now is already in the world."
The word 'antichrist' is found four times in the Bible and is a word that is only used by John in his Epistles (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). Although John refers to a specific individual that will come, he views a more subtle manifestation of the deception which will then be fully manifested in the one whom Paul calls the man of sin and the son of destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The deception begins subtly with slight variation about who Jesus is but ultimately ends in one who declares himself to be God in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31). The antichrist presents Himself as a savior and righteous, one as depicted in Revelation 6:2, but is ultimately revealed to be the one who subdues men to which war, famine, death, and hell will follow. Satan's power of deception will ultimately bring the nations to such a deception that they will gather themselves together to fight against Jesus Christ in the battle of Armageddon. It is little wonder then that men fight against the name of Jesus now.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 4:3 - "And every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that antichrist, that you heard would come and now is already in the world."
The word 'antichrist' is found four times in the Bible and is a word that is only used by John in his Epistles (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). Although John refers to a specific individual that will come, he views a more subtle manifestation of the deception which will then be fully manifested in the one whom Paul calls the man of sin and the son of destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The deception begins subtly with slight variation about who Jesus is but ultimately ends in one who declares himself to be God in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31). The antichrist presents Himself as a savior and righteous, one as depicted in Revelation 6:2, but is ultimately revealed to be the one who subdues men to which war, famine, death, and hell will follow. Satan's power of deception will ultimately bring the nations to such a deception that they will gather themselves together to fight against Jesus Christ in the battle of Armageddon. It is little wonder then that men fight against the name of Jesus now.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, July 21, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Thessalonians 2:6 - "And now you know what holds back the revealing of him in his time."
The antichrist cannot be revealed until the time of the administration of the church is complete. Jesus is the one that is now holding back the ultimate deception and rebellion of iniquity which cannot be revealed until He comes "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work only right now He holds it back from the midst until He comes. And at that time the lawless one shall be revealed whom the Lord shall destroy with the spirit of his mouth and wipe out with the appearance of His coming."(2:7-8). Jesus first comes to finalize the administration of the church age by receiving the church unto Himself, and then the lawless one shall be revealed. Jesus will then return with His saints to fight against the antichrist and his armies. Paul had already ministered to the church at Thessalonica concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus which we find in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Paul ministered concerning this event in light of the resurrection from the dead. The points that Paul makes is that when Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up together into the clouds to meet Jesus in the air. He describes the event as the time when Jesus comes with a shout and voice of an archangel and with God's trumpet. Paul also communicated this same event to the church at Corinth and once again spoke of it in context to the first resurrection or the resurrection of those who died in Christ. He also revealed once again that those who will be alive would be immediately changed from the corruptible and earthly into the immortal and heavenly. He spoke of it as a mystery but reveals the fact that it will happen at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51- 53). We know from the words of Jesus that it will be an event that He personally initiates as suggested by 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus said, "with absolute certainty I tell you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live". When we look for this most important event in the book of Revelation it is only discovered in the words "after these things" which refers to the church (Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The first mention of the resurrection of the dead is not until Revelation 20:5. Daniel speaks of the time of the resurrection of the just even though it is mentioned in association with the time of the Tribulation it is also grouped with the resurrection of the unjust which we know to be separated by 1000 years (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:5). The only event in the book of Revelation that describes a catching away is found in Revelation 12:5, which speaks of a man child that was born to a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars which is an Old Testament symbol for Israel (Genesis 37:9-10). The most appropriate understanding of this man child born of Israel is the 144,000 that is first mentioned as being sealed in Revelation 7:4 and then seen in heaven in Revelation 14:1 with the seal of the Father's name written in their forehead. When we examine the book of Revelation for the Trump of God or the last trump the only thing that can be found is in Revelation 10:7; 11:15-18. However, this does not concur with the fact that it is Jesus Himself who descends neither is there any mention of those who are alive in Christ being caught up. Jesus spoke of the time at the end of the Tribulation when he would send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet who will gather together His elect but by context this is associated with His return to the earth with His saints in Revelation 19:11-21. The reason that the events of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51 are not found in the book of Revelation is because they occur before the Tribulation of Revelation 4-19.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
2 Thessalonians 2:6 - "And now you know what holds back the revealing of him in his time."
The antichrist cannot be revealed until the time of the administration of the church is complete. Jesus is the one that is now holding back the ultimate deception and rebellion of iniquity which cannot be revealed until He comes "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work only right now He holds it back from the midst until He comes. And at that time the lawless one shall be revealed whom the Lord shall destroy with the spirit of his mouth and wipe out with the appearance of His coming."(2:7-8). Jesus first comes to finalize the administration of the church age by receiving the church unto Himself, and then the lawless one shall be revealed. Jesus will then return with His saints to fight against the antichrist and his armies. Paul had already ministered to the church at Thessalonica concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus which we find in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Paul ministered concerning this event in light of the resurrection from the dead. The points that Paul makes is that when Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up together into the clouds to meet Jesus in the air. He describes the event as the time when Jesus comes with a shout and voice of an archangel and with God's trumpet. Paul also communicated this same event to the church at Corinth and once again spoke of it in context to the first resurrection or the resurrection of those who died in Christ. He also revealed once again that those who will be alive would be immediately changed from the corruptible and earthly into the immortal and heavenly. He spoke of it as a mystery but reveals the fact that it will happen at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51- 53). We know from the words of Jesus that it will be an event that He personally initiates as suggested by 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus said, "with absolute certainty I tell you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live". When we look for this most important event in the book of Revelation it is only discovered in the words "after these things" which refers to the church (Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The first mention of the resurrection of the dead is not until Revelation 20:5. Daniel speaks of the time of the resurrection of the just even though it is mentioned in association with the time of the Tribulation it is also grouped with the resurrection of the unjust which we know to be separated by 1000 years (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:5). The only event in the book of Revelation that describes a catching away is found in Revelation 12:5, which speaks of a man child that was born to a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars which is an Old Testament symbol for Israel (Genesis 37:9-10). The most appropriate understanding of this man child born of Israel is the 144,000 that is first mentioned as being sealed in Revelation 7:4 and then seen in heaven in Revelation 14:1 with the seal of the Father's name written in their forehead. When we examine the book of Revelation for the Trump of God or the last trump the only thing that can be found is in Revelation 10:7; 11:15-18. However, this does not concur with the fact that it is Jesus Himself who descends neither is there any mention of those who are alive in Christ being caught up. Jesus spoke of the time at the end of the Tribulation when he would send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet who will gather together His elect but by context this is associated with His return to the earth with His saints in Revelation 19:11-21. The reason that the events of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51 are not found in the book of Revelation is because they occur before the Tribulation of Revelation 4-19.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Daily Bread
1 Thessalonians 3:13 - "Unto the establishment of your hearts blameless in holiness before God and our Father in the coming of the Lord our Jesus with all His holy ones."
When the scripture refers to the coming of the Lord Jesus it is important to recognize that there are four separate events that are referred to. The first time that Jesus came was when He was incarnated and born of the virgin to live, die, and resurrect for all mankind. The second time that Jesus comes is when He comes to manifest himself to the believers (John 14:18, 23). In fact, every time that two or three are gathered together in His name He is there. The third time that Jesus will come is at the time of the "catching away" or "rapture of the church." This takes place at the end of the church age which is also the end of God calling the nations to salvation; rather, God will come to fight against the nations on behalf of Israel. God will only be calling the nation of Israel to repentance during the seven years of the Tribulation. The church age ends just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation or the chronology of events that begin in the fourth chapter of Revelation (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; John 14:3; James 5:7-8; Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The fourth time that Jesus will come is when He comes with all of His saints and will set up God's Kingdom on earth for 1000 years. This event is pictured in Revelation 19:11-20:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Matthew 24:3-31 and Jude 1:14-15). There are several Greek words that are used for the coming of the Lord. One of these Greek words is "parousia" which is the Greek word used in this verse. Another is "apokalupsis" which means revealing or revelation. This particular word was used by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:7 and also used by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:7. The Greek word "parousia" is used seven times in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. It is used of the coming of the Lord Jesus when He came 2000 years ago as well of His future coming (2 Peter 1:16). It is used of the catching away when Jesus meets His saints in the air. It is also used of the time when Jesus returns with His saints to fight in the Battle of Armageddon. And, finally, it is used of the coming of God when the New Heavens and the New Earth will be created at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ Jesus and His saints (2 Peter 3:12). When the scripture addresses the "parousia" of Jesus to the saints it is always referring to His coming at the time of the catching away (1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 John 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13). In summary, Jesus came to redeem, He comes to reveal Himself to His church, He will come to receive His church unto Himself, He will come with His saints to destroy the armies of the antichrist and set up his eternal Kingdom.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Thessalonians 3:13 - "Unto the establishment of your hearts blameless in holiness before God and our Father in the coming of the Lord our Jesus with all His holy ones."
When the scripture refers to the coming of the Lord Jesus it is important to recognize that there are four separate events that are referred to. The first time that Jesus came was when He was incarnated and born of the virgin to live, die, and resurrect for all mankind. The second time that Jesus comes is when He comes to manifest himself to the believers (John 14:18, 23). In fact, every time that two or three are gathered together in His name He is there. The third time that Jesus will come is at the time of the "catching away" or "rapture of the church." This takes place at the end of the church age which is also the end of God calling the nations to salvation; rather, God will come to fight against the nations on behalf of Israel. God will only be calling the nation of Israel to repentance during the seven years of the Tribulation. The church age ends just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation or the chronology of events that begin in the fourth chapter of Revelation (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; John 14:3; James 5:7-8; Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The fourth time that Jesus will come is when He comes with all of His saints and will set up God's Kingdom on earth for 1000 years. This event is pictured in Revelation 19:11-20:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Matthew 24:3-31 and Jude 1:14-15). There are several Greek words that are used for the coming of the Lord. One of these Greek words is "parousia" which is the Greek word used in this verse. Another is "apokalupsis" which means revealing or revelation. This particular word was used by the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:7 and also used by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:7. The Greek word "parousia" is used seven times in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. It is used of the coming of the Lord Jesus when He came 2000 years ago as well of His future coming (2 Peter 1:16). It is used of the catching away when Jesus meets His saints in the air. It is also used of the time when Jesus returns with His saints to fight in the Battle of Armageddon. And, finally, it is used of the coming of God when the New Heavens and the New Earth will be created at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ Jesus and His saints (2 Peter 3:12). When the scripture addresses the "parousia" of Jesus to the saints it is always referring to His coming at the time of the catching away (1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 John 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13). In summary, Jesus came to redeem, He comes to reveal Himself to His church, He will come to receive His church unto Himself, He will come with His saints to destroy the armies of the antichrist and set up his eternal Kingdom.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Daily Bread
Acts 7:4 - "Then he came out from the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. And after that his father died he was made to move into this country where you now dwell."
Abraham was born in Ur, which was a town in southern Mesopotamia and southern Babylon (Genesis 11:28, 31; Genesis 15:7; Nehemiah 9:7). Evidently, Abraham's father was involved in this call to some degree. It may be that he came with Abraham because he believed in the call on Abraham's life. Terah began to have sons at 70 years of age and he died in Haran at the age of 205 (Genesis 11:26, 32). Abraham was 75 years old when he left Haran after his father's death. Therefore, Terah would have been 130 years old when Abraham was born (Genesis 12:4). We cannot be certain how old Abraham was when God first appeared to him in Ur but we do know that he was married to Sarai long enough for Sarai to be classified as barren, a title given to those who have little to no hope of ever having children. Abraham may have been 70 years old, which would have made Terah 200 years old. It may be that Abraham needed to take care of his aged father and also his orphaned nephew Lot and this is why they left Ur with Abraham. We know that Abraham was very prompt in obeying God as exemplified by his speedy response to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:3. It may be that God appeared to Abraham giving him the promise at 70 years of age at which time his sojourning began (Galatians 3:17; Hebrews 11:8; Exodus 12:40). The sojourning of Abraham and his descendents during the time of Promise would last a total of 430 years as testified by both Paul and Moses.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 7:4 - "Then he came out from the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. And after that his father died he was made to move into this country where you now dwell."
Abraham was born in Ur, which was a town in southern Mesopotamia and southern Babylon (Genesis 11:28, 31; Genesis 15:7; Nehemiah 9:7). Evidently, Abraham's father was involved in this call to some degree. It may be that he came with Abraham because he believed in the call on Abraham's life. Terah began to have sons at 70 years of age and he died in Haran at the age of 205 (Genesis 11:26, 32). Abraham was 75 years old when he left Haran after his father's death. Therefore, Terah would have been 130 years old when Abraham was born (Genesis 12:4). We cannot be certain how old Abraham was when God first appeared to him in Ur but we do know that he was married to Sarai long enough for Sarai to be classified as barren, a title given to those who have little to no hope of ever having children. Abraham may have been 70 years old, which would have made Terah 200 years old. It may be that Abraham needed to take care of his aged father and also his orphaned nephew Lot and this is why they left Ur with Abraham. We know that Abraham was very prompt in obeying God as exemplified by his speedy response to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:3. It may be that God appeared to Abraham giving him the promise at 70 years of age at which time his sojourning began (Galatians 3:17; Hebrews 11:8; Exodus 12:40). The sojourning of Abraham and his descendents during the time of Promise would last a total of 430 years as testified by both Paul and Moses.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 2: 27 - "And the anointing that you have received from Him abides in you and you do not need that anyone teach you, but just as the anointing teaches you about everything and is no lie and just as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him."
The anointing that we have received from the Holy One of verse 20, "charisma" is the anointing that teaches us all things. The anointing "charisma", in this respect is identified with the work of the Holy Spirit who was sent specifically to be our teacher and guide (John 16:13-15). Both John 14:17 and 1 John 3:24 teach us that the abiding presence of the Father and the Son are brought to us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. One of the specific attributes of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the "charisma". Jesus received the "charine" (anointing) after the Holy Spirit had come upon Him, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach" (Luke 4:18) also "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all those who were oppressed with the devil for God was with him" (Acts 10:38). Just as Jesus was empowered to function in His miracle ministry through the anointing, we are empowered to function in the divine life through the anointing. Thus through the anointing the Holy Spirit leads us, guides us and reveals the ways of the Father to us. The anointing is a divine empowerment and supernatural ability that has been given to the believer to live the life of a new creature. When Saul was anointed to be king he was given the divine ability to be a king; prior to the anointing he was an ordinary man. The same is true of all Old Testament prophets, priest, warriors and special workman. When the Spirit came upon them they were empowered with a specific ability to carry out their divine commission. The anointing supercedes the assistance and help of man, because it goes far beyond human capabilities. The message of the Gospel is that we are to abide in Jesus. It is through this abiding union that we have been given in the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to live the divine life of Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 2: 27 - "And the anointing that you have received from Him abides in you and you do not need that anyone teach you, but just as the anointing teaches you about everything and is no lie and just as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him."
The anointing that we have received from the Holy One of verse 20, "charisma" is the anointing that teaches us all things. The anointing "charisma", in this respect is identified with the work of the Holy Spirit who was sent specifically to be our teacher and guide (John 16:13-15). Both John 14:17 and 1 John 3:24 teach us that the abiding presence of the Father and the Son are brought to us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. One of the specific attributes of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the "charisma". Jesus received the "charine" (anointing) after the Holy Spirit had come upon Him, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach" (Luke 4:18) also "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all those who were oppressed with the devil for God was with him" (Acts 10:38). Just as Jesus was empowered to function in His miracle ministry through the anointing, we are empowered to function in the divine life through the anointing. Thus through the anointing the Holy Spirit leads us, guides us and reveals the ways of the Father to us. The anointing is a divine empowerment and supernatural ability that has been given to the believer to live the life of a new creature. When Saul was anointed to be king he was given the divine ability to be a king; prior to the anointing he was an ordinary man. The same is true of all Old Testament prophets, priest, warriors and special workman. When the Spirit came upon them they were empowered with a specific ability to carry out their divine commission. The anointing supercedes the assistance and help of man, because it goes far beyond human capabilities. The message of the Gospel is that we are to abide in Jesus. It is through this abiding union that we have been given in the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to live the divine life of Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, July 17, 2006
Daily Bread
2 Thessalonians 1:3 - "We owe it to give thanks to God always for you brethren as it is right because your faith increases beyond measure and the love of each one of you abounds toward one another."
In 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul reveals his desire to come to the Thessalonians to perfect that which was lacking in their faith which, afterward, resulted in their faith having increased beyond measure. He also prayed that God would make them to increase and abound in love one toward another which prayer was certainly answered (1 Thessalonians 3:12). This is the only time that this Greek word, "huperauxano" is used in the Bible. It is a compound word from "huper" which means "beyond or more than, exceedingly" and "auxano" which means "grow or increase." Faith is a gift that comes from God to which He supplies everyone with a measure (Romans 12:3). Faith is not only likened unto a mustard seed, but is also likened unto something that grows and may be increased (2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 10:15). We know that Jesus referred to situations with the disciples where they had no faith (Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25). There were also those who had great faith (Matthew 15:28; Luke 7:9)). Faith may be weak in one who believes and it may also be strong (Acts 6:8; Romans 14:1). From the ministry that Paul was able to supply to the Thessalonians, he was able to take them from a place of lack to abundance in the realm of faith. God has invited all men into the realm of His faith and even commands that we "have God's faith" (Mark 11:22; Acts 6:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Abiding Place: www.abidingplace.org
2 Thessalonians 1:3 - "We owe it to give thanks to God always for you brethren as it is right because your faith increases beyond measure and the love of each one of you abounds toward one another."
In 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul reveals his desire to come to the Thessalonians to perfect that which was lacking in their faith which, afterward, resulted in their faith having increased beyond measure. He also prayed that God would make them to increase and abound in love one toward another which prayer was certainly answered (1 Thessalonians 3:12). This is the only time that this Greek word, "huperauxano" is used in the Bible. It is a compound word from "huper" which means "beyond or more than, exceedingly" and "auxano" which means "grow or increase." Faith is a gift that comes from God to which He supplies everyone with a measure (Romans 12:3). Faith is not only likened unto a mustard seed, but is also likened unto something that grows and may be increased (2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 10:15). We know that Jesus referred to situations with the disciples where they had no faith (Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25). There were also those who had great faith (Matthew 15:28; Luke 7:9)). Faith may be weak in one who believes and it may also be strong (Acts 6:8; Romans 14:1). From the ministry that Paul was able to supply to the Thessalonians, he was able to take them from a place of lack to abundance in the realm of faith. God has invited all men into the realm of His faith and even commands that we "have God's faith" (Mark 11:22; Acts 6:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Abiding Place: www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Daily Bread
John 1:32: "And John was able to make him known pointing out that he was able to see with his eyes the Spirit come down upon him as a dove out of heaven and remain upon him."
Jesus was lacking this dimension of the Glory and Power of God until this event. Although Jesus was the only begotten Son of God who was perfectly pure and holy having no nature of sin within Himself, He had not received the Spirit without measure until He was baptized of John in the Jordan. As Jesus submitted Himself to the ministry that had gone before Him and fulfilled all righteousness, the Heavens were open and Father endued Him with power from on high. It is at this moment that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and Power to preach the gospel to the meek, bind up the broken in heart, proclaim deliverance to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, set at liberty those who are bruised, and proclaim the acceptable day of the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
John 1:32: "And John was able to make him known pointing out that he was able to see with his eyes the Spirit come down upon him as a dove out of heaven and remain upon him."
Jesus was lacking this dimension of the Glory and Power of God until this event. Although Jesus was the only begotten Son of God who was perfectly pure and holy having no nature of sin within Himself, He had not received the Spirit without measure until He was baptized of John in the Jordan. As Jesus submitted Himself to the ministry that had gone before Him and fulfilled all righteousness, the Heavens were open and Father endued Him with power from on high. It is at this moment that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and Power to preach the gospel to the meek, bind up the broken in heart, proclaim deliverance to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, set at liberty those who are bruised, and proclaim the acceptable day of the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Friday, July 14, 2006
Daily Bread
Acts 2:16-18: "But this is that spoken through the prophet Joel. And it shall be in the last days" says God, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams. And upon my male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they shall prophesy."
This is not an exact quote of what is written in either the Septuagint or the Hebrew Bible (MT). However, the differences are only minor and may be understood in light of the Holy Spirit speaking expressly through Peter of its New Covenant application. The following is a quote from both the Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint, "And it will happen after this that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your elders will dream dreams your young men will see visions. And also upon the slaves and upon the maidservants in those days I will pour out My Spirit. I will give wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall turn to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of YHWH. And it will be that anyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved" (Joel 3:1-4). Peter makes a few initial changes by the Holy Spirit; he changes "after this" to "in the last days" and he adds "says God." Both of these changes result in a clearer picture of the prophecy by establishing that this is an event for the last days and that this was said by God and not merely by a prophet named Joel. Also "your servants" is changed to "my servants," removing the limitation of servants just to the nation of Israel and opening the door to all of God's servants in very nation. Finally, "they shall prophesy" is added underscoring that the effect of the outpouring of the Spirit will be the same for the servants as for the masters. Now this broadened scope of servants would include all men everywhere that are the servants of God such as the Samaritans and the house of Cornelius (Acts 8,10).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Acts 2:16-18: "But this is that spoken through the prophet Joel. And it shall be in the last days" says God, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams. And upon my male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they shall prophesy."
This is not an exact quote of what is written in either the Septuagint or the Hebrew Bible (MT). However, the differences are only minor and may be understood in light of the Holy Spirit speaking expressly through Peter of its New Covenant application. The following is a quote from both the Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint, "And it will happen after this that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your elders will dream dreams your young men will see visions. And also upon the slaves and upon the maidservants in those days I will pour out My Spirit. I will give wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall turn to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of YHWH. And it will be that anyone who calls on the name of YHWH will be saved" (Joel 3:1-4). Peter makes a few initial changes by the Holy Spirit; he changes "after this" to "in the last days" and he adds "says God." Both of these changes result in a clearer picture of the prophecy by establishing that this is an event for the last days and that this was said by God and not merely by a prophet named Joel. Also "your servants" is changed to "my servants," removing the limitation of servants just to the nation of Israel and opening the door to all of God's servants in very nation. Finally, "they shall prophesy" is added underscoring that the effect of the outpouring of the Spirit will be the same for the servants as for the masters. Now this broadened scope of servants would include all men everywhere that are the servants of God such as the Samaritans and the house of Cornelius (Acts 8,10).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Daily Bread
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Daily Bread
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:5: "Even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ, by Grace you are saved."
The work of salvation takes place in our lives simply because we are willing to accept that Jesus died for us and through His death He paid our just penalty for sin. It is necessary then that we fully embrace His life and identity as well. For He is in fact more than our substitute or representative for we died with Him that we might live with Him. The miracle of the new birth is the result of the former things having been put to death through our death with Christ Jesus for we were "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). Because we are "buried with him by baptism into His death" the entirety of our existence now is to be in Him (Romans 6:4). "For we thus judge if one died for all then all are dead that we should no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us" (2Cor.5:14-15). As a result we are alive together with Him, we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavens, this is Grace! God's Grace produces for us what we could never supply for ourselves. All we have to do is accept what He has done for us and surrender ourselves to His work of Grace that has both changed us and perfects us. Because of God's great love and unspeakable gift we are given co-life, co- resurrection and co-enthronement. All we have to do is to trust in Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
email: awakesd@earthlink.net
Phone: 858-566-1700
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org
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