Daily Bread
Acts 2:1 - "And in the day that Pentecost was fulfilled everyone had one passion before Him."
The Greek word 'homothumadon,' translated passion, is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison." This compound word literally means with the 'same passion' or 'same fierceness.' "The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of the church of Christ" (James Strong). The intensity of this word serves to communicate both the commitment and excitement that united them as they waited for the Promise of the Father. Of the 12 times that this word is found in the New Testament, 11 of them are in the book of Acts. This word helps to communicate the dedication that those in the church had for one another. In their passion of love and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, they were one. Through this scripture God has shown to us the model of what He expects if we are to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and Fire in our meetings.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Friday, September 08, 2006
Daily Bread
1 Peter1:22 - "Whom having purified your souls by the obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love, love one another fervently from a pure heart."
In order to cooperate with God we must know His will. His will is expressed to us by His word. However, if our hearts are hard and callous against God then we cannot be subject to His word. The unredeemed person has a stony and callous heart which is described by the prophet Ezekiel when he announced what God would do to change the heart: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them" (36:26-27). When a person is born of the Spirit and of the Word they receive a new heart that is sensitive and yielded to God (Colossians 2:11; Romans 2:2). God writes His words on these fleshly tables of our heart so that we may know them, be inspired by them, and sensitive to them (2 Corinthians 3:3). It is His word that builds us up and give us an inheritance among all the saints (Acts 20:32). It is His word that strengthens, quickens, and causes us to grow (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). We must recognize that sin hardens the heart and makes it hard against the word of God. However, through an obedient and submissive heart to the Holy Spirit we are able to lay aside all of those things that oppose us. Through a new and sensitive heart toward God we are able to receive the fresh nourishment of the word that causes us to grow and mature (Hebrews 3:13; Psalms 66:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Peter1:22 - "Whom having purified your souls by the obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love, love one another fervently from a pure heart."
In order to cooperate with God we must know His will. His will is expressed to us by His word. However, if our hearts are hard and callous against God then we cannot be subject to His word. The unredeemed person has a stony and callous heart which is described by the prophet Ezekiel when he announced what God would do to change the heart: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them" (36:26-27). When a person is born of the Spirit and of the Word they receive a new heart that is sensitive and yielded to God (Colossians 2:11; Romans 2:2). God writes His words on these fleshly tables of our heart so that we may know them, be inspired by them, and sensitive to them (2 Corinthians 3:3). It is His word that builds us up and give us an inheritance among all the saints (Acts 20:32). It is His word that strengthens, quickens, and causes us to grow (Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). We must recognize that sin hardens the heart and makes it hard against the word of God. However, through an obedient and submissive heart to the Holy Spirit we are able to lay aside all of those things that oppose us. Through a new and sensitive heart toward God we are able to receive the fresh nourishment of the word that causes us to grow and mature (Hebrews 3:13; Psalms 66:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Daily Bread
1 Peter 1:14-15 - "As obedient children not conforming to the former desires in your ignorance. But according to His holy calling you shall also be Holy in all conversation."
The former desires are those desires that ruled the passions before the new birth. The former desires are inspired by the god of this world, the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. Satan attacks the child of God and attempts to impose his desires upon them. The satanic desire is expressed by all that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. However, the Holy Calling has not only called us to be totally separate from all these things, but has also empowered us with the desires of the Father. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, the joy and wellsprings of holiness flow out of us as rivers of living water. We find ourselves having only one desire, and that is to please the Father. His ways become our ways and His desires our desires. In this realm of Holy Spirit inspiration we are called to resist the devil steadfast in the faith and not allow those former desires to have any place in our lives.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Peter 1:14-15 - "As obedient children not conforming to the former desires in your ignorance. But according to His holy calling you shall also be Holy in all conversation."
The former desires are those desires that ruled the passions before the new birth. The former desires are inspired by the god of this world, the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. Satan attacks the child of God and attempts to impose his desires upon them. The satanic desire is expressed by all that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. However, the Holy Calling has not only called us to be totally separate from all these things, but has also empowered us with the desires of the Father. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, the joy and wellsprings of holiness flow out of us as rivers of living water. We find ourselves having only one desire, and that is to please the Father. His ways become our ways and His desires our desires. In this realm of Holy Spirit inspiration we are called to resist the devil steadfast in the faith and not allow those former desires to have any place in our lives.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Daily Bread
Ephesians 1:18 - "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened to know His calling which is your confidence and which is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the holy ones."
The notion of "His calling" conveys a profound meaning; for we know from Hebrews 3:1 that His calling is a heavenly calling and from 2 Timothy 1:9 that it is a holy calling. The calling is to represent Jesus, to be His ambassadors, and to stand in His place. We have been called to be His witnesses which necessitates being endued with power from On High. His calling is a call for us to stand in the place of Jesus Christ and minister to mankind just as His only begotten Son Jesus did. We have been called to cast out devils, to lay hands on the sick, and proclaim the day of deliverance to all mankind. We are called not only to do the works that Jesus did but even greater works (John 14:12). This holy calling that we have been called unto is one that demonstrates that Jesus abolished death with all of its pain, sickness, sin, and suffering and has brought life and immortality into the brilliantly visible light of heaven so that all mankind might see that Jesus is Lord over all things and through His mighty redeeming power has destroyed the works of the devil (2 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 3:8). The Holy Spirit has come to make known to us all that Jesus has supplied to us (John 16:12-15). It is only by the revelation of the Spirit that we are able to know these things that eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, nor has entered into the heart of man (1 Corinthians 2: 9-10). I pray that you will be filled with this wisdom and revelation today!
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:18 - "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened to know His calling which is your confidence and which is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the holy ones."
The notion of "His calling" conveys a profound meaning; for we know from Hebrews 3:1 that His calling is a heavenly calling and from 2 Timothy 1:9 that it is a holy calling. The calling is to represent Jesus, to be His ambassadors, and to stand in His place. We have been called to be His witnesses which necessitates being endued with power from On High. His calling is a call for us to stand in the place of Jesus Christ and minister to mankind just as His only begotten Son Jesus did. We have been called to cast out devils, to lay hands on the sick, and proclaim the day of deliverance to all mankind. We are called not only to do the works that Jesus did but even greater works (John 14:12). This holy calling that we have been called unto is one that demonstrates that Jesus abolished death with all of its pain, sickness, sin, and suffering and has brought life and immortality into the brilliantly visible light of heaven so that all mankind might see that Jesus is Lord over all things and through His mighty redeeming power has destroyed the works of the devil (2 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 3:8). The Holy Spirit has come to make known to us all that Jesus has supplied to us (John 16:12-15). It is only by the revelation of the Spirit that we are able to know these things that eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, nor has entered into the heart of man (1 Corinthians 2: 9-10). I pray that you will be filled with this wisdom and revelation today!
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Daily Bread
John 3:8 - "The Spirit breathes out where He wills and His voice you hear but you do not know where He comes from and where He is going, so are those who are begotten by the Spirit."
The Greek word, 'pneuma,' is found both at the beginning and at the end of this verse. One of the important issues under consideration is that as the Spirit is so are those begotten by the Spirit. Now it would make no sense at all if for the sake of consistency pneuma was translated wind for then as the wind is so are those begotten of the wind. Although 'pneuma' can be translated wind, of the 360 times that it occurs in the New Testament it never means wind. There is no reason to translate pneuma, wind even though it may be translated both wind and spirit. The Latin version also translates 'pneuma' as "Spirit" in this verse. The Holy Spirit is not only the subject of this passage He is the one who we are begotten by. The mystery surrounding the Spirit's activity also surrounds those begotten of Him, for as the world cannot know Him neither can the world know those begotten of Him (John 14:17; 17:14; 1 John 4:17). In support of this translation is Green's Literal Translation by JP Green Sr., "The Spirit breaths where he desires and you hear His voice; but you do not know from where He comes, and where he goes - so is everyone who has received birth from the Spirit."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
John 3:8 - "The Spirit breathes out where He wills and His voice you hear but you do not know where He comes from and where He is going, so are those who are begotten by the Spirit."
The Greek word, 'pneuma,' is found both at the beginning and at the end of this verse. One of the important issues under consideration is that as the Spirit is so are those begotten by the Spirit. Now it would make no sense at all if for the sake of consistency pneuma was translated wind for then as the wind is so are those begotten of the wind. Although 'pneuma' can be translated wind, of the 360 times that it occurs in the New Testament it never means wind. There is no reason to translate pneuma, wind even though it may be translated both wind and spirit. The Latin version also translates 'pneuma' as "Spirit" in this verse. The Holy Spirit is not only the subject of this passage He is the one who we are begotten by. The mystery surrounding the Spirit's activity also surrounds those begotten of Him, for as the world cannot know Him neither can the world know those begotten of Him (John 14:17; 17:14; 1 John 4:17). In support of this translation is Green's Literal Translation by JP Green Sr., "The Spirit breaths where he desires and you hear His voice; but you do not know from where He comes, and where he goes - so is everyone who has received birth from the Spirit."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Daily Bread
1 John 3:9-10 - "Everyone who has been begotten of God does not sin because His seed abides in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God. In this is manifested the children of God and the children of the devi: everyone who does not act righteously is not of God, neither is he who loves not his brother."
The seed or word of God produces a new spirit and heart within the believer (Ezekiel 36:26; John 3:5,6). The new spirit and the new heart that we have received are joined unto the Lord Jesus. It is the Spirit and nature of Christ Jesus that is formed in us through the new birth (Colossians 1:27, Ephesians 3:17; 1 John 3:24, Romans 8:9,10; 13:14; Galatians 3:27; 4:19; Ephesians 2:10; 1 John 4:4). It is because of the new birth that the divine nature resides in us. It is His nature that produces the ability to please God and empowers us with the ability to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:5; Ephesians 4:24). Paul makes a similar connection between Christ Jesus and the word proving that the word of God is in our heart and in our mouth (Romans 10:8). As those begotten of God and ruled by the Spirit of God, the word of God, and Christ Jesus, we cannot sin. As John previously said, the anointing that we have received of Him teaches us to abide in Him, and abiding in Him will only produce righteousness (1 John 2:27). So long as we remain submitted and yielded to His rulership we will find ourselves enjoying His abundant life of purity, joy, righteousness, and peace. In reality, abiding in the word and keeping the word are one in the same. Those who keep His word have the love of God perfected in them (1 John 2:5). Abiding in the word, doing righteousness, and loving the brethren are reemphasized in the following two verses. We may understand from both the preceding and following verses that those who are born of God cannot hate their brethren.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 3:9-10 - "Everyone who has been begotten of God does not sin because His seed abides in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God. In this is manifested the children of God and the children of the devi: everyone who does not act righteously is not of God, neither is he who loves not his brother."
The seed or word of God produces a new spirit and heart within the believer (Ezekiel 36:26; John 3:5,6). The new spirit and the new heart that we have received are joined unto the Lord Jesus. It is the Spirit and nature of Christ Jesus that is formed in us through the new birth (Colossians 1:27, Ephesians 3:17; 1 John 3:24, Romans 8:9,10; 13:14; Galatians 3:27; 4:19; Ephesians 2:10; 1 John 4:4). It is because of the new birth that the divine nature resides in us. It is His nature that produces the ability to please God and empowers us with the ability to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:5; Ephesians 4:24). Paul makes a similar connection between Christ Jesus and the word proving that the word of God is in our heart and in our mouth (Romans 10:8). As those begotten of God and ruled by the Spirit of God, the word of God, and Christ Jesus, we cannot sin. As John previously said, the anointing that we have received of Him teaches us to abide in Him, and abiding in Him will only produce righteousness (1 John 2:27). So long as we remain submitted and yielded to His rulership we will find ourselves enjoying His abundant life of purity, joy, righteousness, and peace. In reality, abiding in the word and keeping the word are one in the same. Those who keep His word have the love of God perfected in them (1 John 2:5). Abiding in the word, doing righteousness, and loving the brethren are reemphasized in the following two verses. We may understand from both the preceding and following verses that those who are born of God cannot hate their brethren.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 3:9 - "Everyone who has been begotten of God does not sin because His seed abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God."
The Greek word 'sperma' which is translated "seed" is used to represent the word of God. Another very familiar scripture that uses this Greek word is in the parable of the sower who "went forth to sow seed (sperma)," Matthew 13:24. Similarly, we read in James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23 that we were begotten by the word (spora) of God. Understanding the usage of this very potent word 'sperma' both here and in Matthew 13:24 causes us to see that the word of God is the life-giving reproducing power of God at work in us. If we remain in submission to the word of God and the Spirit of God (John 3:6) and walk in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17) that we received when we were born of God then we cannot sin. Why? Because in this state of surrender and submission to God we would only do His will. Both the Spirit of God and the word of God only lead us into truth and righteousness. However, this does not negate the fact that we can choose not to be submitted to God's Spirit and word. Because of God's unfailing mercy if we choose to be disobedient and sin then we have a means of forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 2:2).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 3:9 - "Everyone who has been begotten of God does not sin because His seed abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God."
The Greek word 'sperma' which is translated "seed" is used to represent the word of God. Another very familiar scripture that uses this Greek word is in the parable of the sower who "went forth to sow seed (sperma)," Matthew 13:24. Similarly, we read in James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23 that we were begotten by the word (spora) of God. Understanding the usage of this very potent word 'sperma' both here and in Matthew 13:24 causes us to see that the word of God is the life-giving reproducing power of God at work in us. If we remain in submission to the word of God and the Spirit of God (John 3:6) and walk in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17) that we received when we were born of God then we cannot sin. Why? Because in this state of surrender and submission to God we would only do His will. Both the Spirit of God and the word of God only lead us into truth and righteousness. However, this does not negate the fact that we can choose not to be submitted to God's Spirit and word. Because of God's unfailing mercy if we choose to be disobedient and sin then we have a means of forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 2:2).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, September 01, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 3:17 - "But he who has this world's living and sees his brother in need and shuts off his inward parts from him, how does the love of God dwell in him."
The Greek word 'splanchna' which is translated "inward parts" here, translates Hebrew words in the Septuagint such as, 'beten', "belly" and 'rechem', "womb". This word is considered to be allegorical in describing the emotions. The KJV translated 'splanchna' as "inward affection" in 2 Co. 7:15. In Philippians 1:8 Paul said, "I long after you all in the splanchna of Jesus Christ". Another similar anatomical word was used in John 7:38 to describe the Holy Spirit flowing out of the belly is the word 'koilia' from which colon is derived. Its usage in classical Greek implies deep passion and emotions. Though some have attempted to distinguish between the allegorical meanings of splanchna (intestines), kolia (belly), and nefros (kidney), it is extremely doubtful whether this is really possible or practical. The semantic focus in the use of these terms is clearly the deeper and more intimate feelings and emotions. What is certain is the realms of God flows forth from the deepest regions of our feelings, living nothing superficial or fake about our actions. We no longer do things out of a legal obligation but are motivated and moved by the Holy Spirit in our deepest desires. In some languages one can use a term, which literally means "belly" or "bowels", but more often than not, these emotions are associated with some particular organ of the body such as heart, spleen, liver, etc. Rather, than attempting to employ a figurative expression which may or may not be fully equivalent, it is often preferable to refer to the emotional content by using terms such as "feelings", "intents", "desires", or "compassion", depending upon the context. (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains, (New York: United Bible Societies) 1988, 1989.)
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 3:17 - "But he who has this world's living and sees his brother in need and shuts off his inward parts from him, how does the love of God dwell in him."
The Greek word 'splanchna' which is translated "inward parts" here, translates Hebrew words in the Septuagint such as, 'beten', "belly" and 'rechem', "womb". This word is considered to be allegorical in describing the emotions. The KJV translated 'splanchna' as "inward affection" in 2 Co. 7:15. In Philippians 1:8 Paul said, "I long after you all in the splanchna of Jesus Christ". Another similar anatomical word was used in John 7:38 to describe the Holy Spirit flowing out of the belly is the word 'koilia' from which colon is derived. Its usage in classical Greek implies deep passion and emotions. Though some have attempted to distinguish between the allegorical meanings of splanchna (intestines), kolia (belly), and nefros (kidney), it is extremely doubtful whether this is really possible or practical. The semantic focus in the use of these terms is clearly the deeper and more intimate feelings and emotions. What is certain is the realms of God flows forth from the deepest regions of our feelings, living nothing superficial or fake about our actions. We no longer do things out of a legal obligation but are motivated and moved by the Holy Spirit in our deepest desires. In some languages one can use a term, which literally means "belly" or "bowels", but more often than not, these emotions are associated with some particular organ of the body such as heart, spleen, liver, etc. Rather, than attempting to employ a figurative expression which may or may not be fully equivalent, it is often preferable to refer to the emotional content by using terms such as "feelings", "intents", "desires", or "compassion", depending upon the context. (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains, (New York: United Bible Societies) 1988, 1989.)
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 4:17 - "In this the love is perfected within us that we may have confidence in the day of judgment because as He is so are we in this world."
The most yielded state of the heart is being at rest knowing that you are loved. God wants us to know His love. In this state of confidence and faith we will receive everything that Jesus wants to transmit into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. When Father wanted to convince Abraham of the things that He promised He swore an oath to Him. Today, He has even done something greater for us. In order to convince us of His love and commitment to us He sent His only begotten Son to die for us at Calvary. We must respond to His love and accept the fact that He loves us and cares for us so intensely that He spared not His own Son for our sakes. In is essential that we continually recline in the love of God, that we may be "rooted and grounded in love in order to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge that you might be filled with all of the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 4:17 - "In this the love is perfected within us that we may have confidence in the day of judgment because as He is so are we in this world."
The most yielded state of the heart is being at rest knowing that you are loved. God wants us to know His love. In this state of confidence and faith we will receive everything that Jesus wants to transmit into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. When Father wanted to convince Abraham of the things that He promised He swore an oath to Him. Today, He has even done something greater for us. In order to convince us of His love and commitment to us He sent His only begotten Son to die for us at Calvary. We must respond to His love and accept the fact that He loves us and cares for us so intensely that He spared not His own Son for our sakes. In is essential that we continually recline in the love of God, that we may be "rooted and grounded in love in order to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge that you might be filled with all of the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Daily Bread
Acts 8:17 - "At that time they laid their hands upon them and they received the Holy Spirit."
Of the three times that the phrase "lambano pneuma agion" (received the Holy Spirit) is used in the New Testament two of them describe the fact that the recipients of the Holy Spirit received the language of the Spirit (Acts 10:47; 19:2,6). To conclude that the Samaritans were deprived of this same measure and blessing of the Holy Spirit is to step outside of revealed truth on the subject. The experience that the Samaritans had when they received the Holy Spirit was so impressive that Simon the Sorcerer was able to see the working of God's power to the extent that he was willing to pay to have it for himself (8:18). To conclude that what the Samaritans received and what Simon saw was different than the event of Acts 2:4 is to ignore the evidence of God's word. Similarly, the language of the Spirit is not expressly noted concerning Paul in Acts 9:17, yet we know for certain that he was not deprived of the full manifestation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit received by the disciples on the day of Pentecost (see footnote for Acts 9:17). Reception of the Holy Spirit became of such importance to the early church that Paul's first question to the men of Ephesus was "have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed" (Acts 19:2). To the early church the reception of the Holy Spirit was one of the primary testimonies of being a believer, Acts 2:38; 4:31; 6:3, 5; 7:55; 8:15-16, 19; 9:17; 10:44; 11:15-16; 13:9; 19:2. To subjectively alter the precedence set for the gift of the Holy Spirit given in Acts 2:4 is a violation of scripture.The gift of the Holy Spirit was emphasized by Jesus and his apostles and should also be emphasized by us as well: by Jesus - Matthew 3:11; 16:17; Acts 1:5,7,8; John 7:38, 39; Luke 24:49; John 14:16,17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:13-15.by Apostles and brethren -Acts 2:33, 38; 5:32; 6:3, 5; 7:55; 8:15-16; 9:17; 10:38, 44-45, 47; 11:15-16, 24; 13:4, 9; 15:8; 19:2, 6; Romans 5:5; 14;17; 15: 13, 16, 19; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 12:7-11;14; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 3:2-5, 14; Ephesians 3:16; 5:18; 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 4:8; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 8:17 - "At that time they laid their hands upon them and they received the Holy Spirit."
Of the three times that the phrase "lambano pneuma agion" (received the Holy Spirit) is used in the New Testament two of them describe the fact that the recipients of the Holy Spirit received the language of the Spirit (Acts 10:47; 19:2,6). To conclude that the Samaritans were deprived of this same measure and blessing of the Holy Spirit is to step outside of revealed truth on the subject. The experience that the Samaritans had when they received the Holy Spirit was so impressive that Simon the Sorcerer was able to see the working of God's power to the extent that he was willing to pay to have it for himself (8:18). To conclude that what the Samaritans received and what Simon saw was different than the event of Acts 2:4 is to ignore the evidence of God's word. Similarly, the language of the Spirit is not expressly noted concerning Paul in Acts 9:17, yet we know for certain that he was not deprived of the full manifestation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit received by the disciples on the day of Pentecost (see footnote for Acts 9:17). Reception of the Holy Spirit became of such importance to the early church that Paul's first question to the men of Ephesus was "have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed" (Acts 19:2). To the early church the reception of the Holy Spirit was one of the primary testimonies of being a believer, Acts 2:38; 4:31; 6:3, 5; 7:55; 8:15-16, 19; 9:17; 10:44; 11:15-16; 13:9; 19:2. To subjectively alter the precedence set for the gift of the Holy Spirit given in Acts 2:4 is a violation of scripture.The gift of the Holy Spirit was emphasized by Jesus and his apostles and should also be emphasized by us as well: by Jesus - Matthew 3:11; 16:17; Acts 1:5,7,8; John 7:38, 39; Luke 24:49; John 14:16,17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:13-15.by Apostles and brethren -Acts 2:33, 38; 5:32; 6:3, 5; 7:55; 8:15-16; 9:17; 10:38, 44-45, 47; 11:15-16, 24; 13:4, 9; 15:8; 19:2, 6; Romans 5:5; 14;17; 15: 13, 16, 19; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 12:7-11;14; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 3:2-5, 14; Ephesians 3:16; 5:18; 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 4:8; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Daily Bread
John 15:7 - "If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you."
The Greek word 'menein' may be translated "remain, abide, dwell, or stay." We are to let Christ dwell in our hearts by faith and we are to dwell in Him by faith (Ephesians 3:17). Dwelling in Christ is an ongoing commitment to the fact that He is our redeemer who paid the price for our salvation. We, therefore, refuse to doubt in His love and commitment to us and we refuse to doubt our love and commitment to Him. Dwelling in Christ is, in fact, a relationship word. It is a relationship of the highest order because dwelling in Christ speaks of our identity in Him. Being in Christ means, "that as He is in this world so are we," and "for me to live is Christ" (1 John 4:17; Philippians 1:21). In the gospel of John we observe how that it was through the relationship that Jesus had with His Father that He did the mighty miracles (John 11:41; 6:11; 5:19-23). It is through our relationship with Jesus that we are able to "ask what we desire and it shall be done."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
John 15:7 - "If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you."
The Greek word 'menein' may be translated "remain, abide, dwell, or stay." We are to let Christ dwell in our hearts by faith and we are to dwell in Him by faith (Ephesians 3:17). Dwelling in Christ is an ongoing commitment to the fact that He is our redeemer who paid the price for our salvation. We, therefore, refuse to doubt in His love and commitment to us and we refuse to doubt our love and commitment to Him. Dwelling in Christ is, in fact, a relationship word. It is a relationship of the highest order because dwelling in Christ speaks of our identity in Him. Being in Christ means, "that as He is in this world so are we," and "for me to live is Christ" (1 John 4:17; Philippians 1:21). In the gospel of John we observe how that it was through the relationship that Jesus had with His Father that He did the mighty miracles (John 11:41; 6:11; 5:19-23). It is through our relationship with Jesus that we are able to "ask what we desire and it shall be done."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, August 28, 2006
Daily Bread
Ephesians 2:15 - "Abolishing the law of commandments in ordinances so that in Himself He created of the two one new man, making peace."
Paul calls this the "certificate of indebtedness" in Colossians 2:14 instead of the "the law of commandments in ordinances." In both cases, this was removed through the death of Jesus Christ at the cross. These ordinances were abolished and blotted out when Jesus spoiled principalities and powers. These powers refer to the domination of Satan and his evil effects over man. Now there remains no more sacrifice for sin because Jesus has paid for the sins of man in full with His own blood. To continue on making sacrifices and carrying out the cultic ritual for sin described in the Law is an offense to Christ and an obvious rejection of His redeeming blood. The need for the temple ritual of sacrifices and offerings was brought to an end by Christ Jesus when He died and arose again. The keeping of the law in any form is no longer to be for righteousness, but now all who will believe will possess the righteousness of God that comes by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
God has provided a new covenant in Christ Jesus so that both the uncircumcised and circumcised are given the same opportunity. Therefore, God has provided a level playing field where there is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcision nor uncircumcision, but a "new creation" (Galatians 6:15; 5:6; 1 Corinthians 7:19). The new covenant allows all to come boldly into the Holies of Holies which before was forbidden to anyone except the High Priest and that only once a year (Hebrew 10: 19). Both the Jew and the Gentile come to God the same way and there is no difference between them now or in the future. If they are going to walk with God then they must be born from above and made a new creature. When Adam sinned and was separated from God it was not the Law that God desired to restore to man; rather, it was fellowship. The fellowship that God wants to have with man could not come by the Law because the Law could not impart the life of God into man (Galatians 3:21). The Law was just, good, and holy but it could only point out to man his sin nature. Paul speaking of "one new man" certainly refers to the believer becoming partakers with Christ so that we become those who are "in Him" thus establishing in Himself perfect fellowship and union for us. The "one new man" may be understood as a 'single new man' made from both Jew and Gentile. Both are referred to as one new man because all must be in Christ Jesus in order to be saved and established in the new covenant. The one new man may also be understood as the church which is His body. The church has already been mentioned in Ephesians 1:23 and is being alluded to in view of the fact that Jesus is described as the cornerstone of the house that God has built. Therefore, Jesus is both the head from which the whole body (His Church) functions and the cornerstone that holds the whole building (His Church) in place. That which Jesus created in His person from both Jew and Gentile may be understood as the new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6), the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the new man of Ephesians 4:24, all of which are the glorious newness given in Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:15 - "Abolishing the law of commandments in ordinances so that in Himself He created of the two one new man, making peace."
Paul calls this the "certificate of indebtedness" in Colossians 2:14 instead of the "the law of commandments in ordinances." In both cases, this was removed through the death of Jesus Christ at the cross. These ordinances were abolished and blotted out when Jesus spoiled principalities and powers. These powers refer to the domination of Satan and his evil effects over man. Now there remains no more sacrifice for sin because Jesus has paid for the sins of man in full with His own blood. To continue on making sacrifices and carrying out the cultic ritual for sin described in the Law is an offense to Christ and an obvious rejection of His redeeming blood. The need for the temple ritual of sacrifices and offerings was brought to an end by Christ Jesus when He died and arose again. The keeping of the law in any form is no longer to be for righteousness, but now all who will believe will possess the righteousness of God that comes by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
God has provided a new covenant in Christ Jesus so that both the uncircumcised and circumcised are given the same opportunity. Therefore, God has provided a level playing field where there is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcision nor uncircumcision, but a "new creation" (Galatians 6:15; 5:6; 1 Corinthians 7:19). The new covenant allows all to come boldly into the Holies of Holies which before was forbidden to anyone except the High Priest and that only once a year (Hebrew 10: 19). Both the Jew and the Gentile come to God the same way and there is no difference between them now or in the future. If they are going to walk with God then they must be born from above and made a new creature. When Adam sinned and was separated from God it was not the Law that God desired to restore to man; rather, it was fellowship. The fellowship that God wants to have with man could not come by the Law because the Law could not impart the life of God into man (Galatians 3:21). The Law was just, good, and holy but it could only point out to man his sin nature. Paul speaking of "one new man" certainly refers to the believer becoming partakers with Christ so that we become those who are "in Him" thus establishing in Himself perfect fellowship and union for us. The "one new man" may be understood as a 'single new man' made from both Jew and Gentile. Both are referred to as one new man because all must be in Christ Jesus in order to be saved and established in the new covenant. The one new man may also be understood as the church which is His body. The church has already been mentioned in Ephesians 1:23 and is being alluded to in view of the fact that Jesus is described as the cornerstone of the house that God has built. Therefore, Jesus is both the head from which the whole body (His Church) functions and the cornerstone that holds the whole building (His Church) in place. That which Jesus created in His person from both Jew and Gentile may be understood as the new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6), the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and the new man of Ephesians 4:24, all of which are the glorious newness given in Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Daily Bread
Ephesians 4:1- "I call to you myself as the prisoner of the Lord; walk worthy of the calling to which you are called."
There is no other book in the Bible where the calling of God is spelled out in loftier words. Beginning in chapter 1 with the statement "Blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies" to "being filled with all of the fullness of God" in Ephesians 3:19. However, what the believer must learn is that this realm of greatness and glory in Christ Jesus functions through humility and servitude. The fact is that the greatest in the Kingdom is the servant of all. If we are to walk in the heights of God then we must be willing to allow this same mind that was in Christ Jesus to also be in us (Philippians 2:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 4:1- "I call to you myself as the prisoner of the Lord; walk worthy of the calling to which you are called."
There is no other book in the Bible where the calling of God is spelled out in loftier words. Beginning in chapter 1 with the statement "Blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies" to "being filled with all of the fullness of God" in Ephesians 3:19. However, what the believer must learn is that this realm of greatness and glory in Christ Jesus functions through humility and servitude. The fact is that the greatest in the Kingdom is the servant of all. If we are to walk in the heights of God then we must be willing to allow this same mind that was in Christ Jesus to also be in us (Philippians 2:5).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, August 25, 2006
Daily Bread
John 17:22 - "And I have given them the glory that you have given me so that they may be one just as we are one."
John reveals many things specific to the glory that Jesus had received from the Father. He begins with the glory that they beheld in Him "as the glory of an only begotten from the Father full of grace and truth" (1:14). When Jesus turned the water into wine in Cana of Galilee He was manifesting His glory (2:11). When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead it was for the purpose of revealing the glory of God that was in Him (11:4). Jesus was given the Spirit without measure to empower Him to reveal the Father's glory (3:34). The glory that Father gave to Jesus, Jesus has given us as a free gift: the glory of sonship through the new birth and the glory of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit which includes the glory to both speak the words of the Father and do the works of Jesus and even greater works. It is through this glory that the child of God is made one with the Father and with His Son. Paul also revealed to the saints in Corinth that the glory of Jesus was in them when he said, "But we all, with an unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory - even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
John 17:22 - "And I have given them the glory that you have given me so that they may be one just as we are one."
John reveals many things specific to the glory that Jesus had received from the Father. He begins with the glory that they beheld in Him "as the glory of an only begotten from the Father full of grace and truth" (1:14). When Jesus turned the water into wine in Cana of Galilee He was manifesting His glory (2:11). When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead it was for the purpose of revealing the glory of God that was in Him (11:4). Jesus was given the Spirit without measure to empower Him to reveal the Father's glory (3:34). The glory that Father gave to Jesus, Jesus has given us as a free gift: the glory of sonship through the new birth and the glory of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit which includes the glory to both speak the words of the Father and do the works of Jesus and even greater works. It is through this glory that the child of God is made one with the Father and with His Son. Paul also revealed to the saints in Corinth that the glory of Jesus was in them when he said, "But we all, with an unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory - even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 4:4 - "You are from God little children and have conquered them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."
The Greater One that "is in you" is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ both came in the flesh when He was born into the world and when he was born into the hearts of men by the Holy Spirit. That Christ Jesus dwells in those who are born of God is a well-established doctrine, (1 John 3:24; 14:20, 23; 17:23, 26). Therefore, we may understand that there is a dual meaning to "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh;" for Jesus was both manifested in the flesh when He was born of the virgin Mary and when He came to dwell on the inside of the child of God. Jesus Christ who was manifested to destroy the works of darkness is now manifested through everyone who has received Him. Thus, the Greater One that is in us opposes all that is in the world (Galatians 5:17; John 14:17; 1 John 2:16-16. The power of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer enables us to conquer the spirit of antichrist, the spirit of the world, and the spirit of deception (1 John 3:6-7).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 4:4 - "You are from God little children and have conquered them because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."
The Greater One that "is in you" is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ both came in the flesh when He was born into the world and when he was born into the hearts of men by the Holy Spirit. That Christ Jesus dwells in those who are born of God is a well-established doctrine, (1 John 3:24; 14:20, 23; 17:23, 26). Therefore, we may understand that there is a dual meaning to "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh;" for Jesus was both manifested in the flesh when He was born of the virgin Mary and when He came to dwell on the inside of the child of God. Jesus Christ who was manifested to destroy the works of darkness is now manifested through everyone who has received Him. Thus, the Greater One that is in us opposes all that is in the world (Galatians 5:17; John 14:17; 1 John 2:16-16. The power of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer enables us to conquer the spirit of antichrist, the spirit of the world, and the spirit of deception (1 John 3:6-7).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Daily Bread
1 John 4:13 - "By this we know that we abide in Him and He abides in us because of the Spirit that He has given us."
Jesus dwells in us by the Spirit which He has given unto us (1 John 3:23; John 14:23). And it is through our love one for another that this union with God is revealed. It is by this divine love that all men will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). The Holy Spirit has poured the love of God into our hearts (Romans 5:5). It is this divine love of the Father that is the evidences or fruits that the Spirit dwells in us. This kind of love does not have a human origin and is not to be placed on the same level as "love your neighbor as your self." The kind of love that the Father commands us to have for one another is the same love that Jesus has for us (John 13:34). This love is only manifested as we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to love through us.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 John 4:13 - "By this we know that we abide in Him and He abides in us because of the Spirit that He has given us."
Jesus dwells in us by the Spirit which He has given unto us (1 John 3:23; John 14:23). And it is through our love one for another that this union with God is revealed. It is by this divine love that all men will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). The Holy Spirit has poured the love of God into our hearts (Romans 5:5). It is this divine love of the Father that is the evidences or fruits that the Spirit dwells in us. This kind of love does not have a human origin and is not to be placed on the same level as "love your neighbor as your self." The kind of love that the Father commands us to have for one another is the same love that Jesus has for us (John 13:34). This love is only manifested as we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to love through us.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Daily Bread
1 Peter 1:2 - "According to Father God's foreknowledge in sanctification of Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, grace to you and peace be multiplied."
It was the plan or foreknowledge of the Father that we should be chosen by being set apart or sanctified by the Spirit. The foreknowledge of God in every case has to do with God's plan and not the individuals in the plan. We may be confident that it is God's will that all men be saved for, "He is not willing that anyone perish" and, therefore, "the grace of God has appeared to all men" (1 Corinthians 1 Peter 5; Titus 2:11). The Greek word 'prognosis,' was used by the ancients as a medical term which is still in use today; and may be defined as "a prediction about how a given situation will develop." This word, which is derived from the compound word 'pro-ginosko,' may be literally translated to "know before." It is only used twice in the New Testament, here and in Acts 2:23. The tragedy of the misunderstanding of God's foreknowledge cannot be said better than John Wesley said it so many years ago," but the doctrine of predestination is entirely changed from what it formerly was. Now it implies neither faith, peace, nor purity. It is something that will do without them all. Faith is no longer, according to the modern predestinarian scheme, a divine "evidence of things not seen," wrought in the soul by the immediate power of the Holy Ghost; not an evidence at all; but a mere notion. Neither is faith made any longer a means of holiness; but something that will do without it. Christ is no more a Savior from sin; but a defense, a countenancer of it. He is no more a fountain of spiritual life in the soul of believers, but leaves his elect inwardly dry, and outwardly unfruitful; and is made little more than a refuge from the image of the heavenly; even from righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Peter 1:2 - "According to Father God's foreknowledge in sanctification of Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, grace to you and peace be multiplied."
It was the plan or foreknowledge of the Father that we should be chosen by being set apart or sanctified by the Spirit. The foreknowledge of God in every case has to do with God's plan and not the individuals in the plan. We may be confident that it is God's will that all men be saved for, "He is not willing that anyone perish" and, therefore, "the grace of God has appeared to all men" (1 Corinthians 1 Peter 5; Titus 2:11). The Greek word 'prognosis,' was used by the ancients as a medical term which is still in use today; and may be defined as "a prediction about how a given situation will develop." This word, which is derived from the compound word 'pro-ginosko,' may be literally translated to "know before." It is only used twice in the New Testament, here and in Acts 2:23. The tragedy of the misunderstanding of God's foreknowledge cannot be said better than John Wesley said it so many years ago," but the doctrine of predestination is entirely changed from what it formerly was. Now it implies neither faith, peace, nor purity. It is something that will do without them all. Faith is no longer, according to the modern predestinarian scheme, a divine "evidence of things not seen," wrought in the soul by the immediate power of the Holy Ghost; not an evidence at all; but a mere notion. Neither is faith made any longer a means of holiness; but something that will do without it. Christ is no more a Savior from sin; but a defense, a countenancer of it. He is no more a fountain of spiritual life in the soul of believers, but leaves his elect inwardly dry, and outwardly unfruitful; and is made little more than a refuge from the image of the heavenly; even from righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, August 21, 2006
Daily Bread
Ephesians 3:17 - "That Christ may dwell in your heart through faith being rooted and founded in love."
There is a double allegory in this thought: being rooted as a tree and founded as a building on a good foundation. Both express the stability and commitment to what our primary responsibility is as God's people. We are called to walk in love, a love that is in fact supernatural because it is divine love or the same love that Father has for us. Jesus said that by our love one for another all men would know that we are His disciples (John 13:35; 1 John 4:7). It is in knowing and believing that Christ dwells in us that the faith of God is released to produce all of the benefits of His divine nature.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 3:17 - "That Christ may dwell in your heart through faith being rooted and founded in love."
There is a double allegory in this thought: being rooted as a tree and founded as a building on a good foundation. Both express the stability and commitment to what our primary responsibility is as God's people. We are called to walk in love, a love that is in fact supernatural because it is divine love or the same love that Father has for us. Jesus said that by our love one for another all men would know that we are His disciples (John 13:35; 1 John 4:7). It is in knowing and believing that Christ dwells in us that the faith of God is released to produce all of the benefits of His divine nature.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Daily Bread
Ephesians 2:2 - "According to that which you once walked in the age of this world according to the ruler the authority of the atmosphere the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience."
The "spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience" is the demonic realm which has dominated men since the day that Adam sinned. The spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience is also the god of this world that blinds the minds of the unbeliever (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is the same power which Paul spoke of in Romans as "the motions of sins", and "sin that dwells in me" (Romans 7:17); the power of sin entered into the world through Adam's transgression and then passed upon all men (Romans 5: 12). Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil and for all those who will believe in the redemption that is in Christ Jesus this power and dominion of the Satanic realm has been destroyed (1 John 3:5; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14). Jesus conquered Satan and now the church is commissioned to enforce His conquest.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:2 - "According to that which you once walked in the age of this world according to the ruler the authority of the atmosphere the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience."
The "spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience" is the demonic realm which has dominated men since the day that Adam sinned. The spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience is also the god of this world that blinds the minds of the unbeliever (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is the same power which Paul spoke of in Romans as "the motions of sins", and "sin that dwells in me" (Romans 7:17); the power of sin entered into the world through Adam's transgression and then passed upon all men (Romans 5: 12). Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil and for all those who will believe in the redemption that is in Christ Jesus this power and dominion of the Satanic realm has been destroyed (1 John 3:5; John 12:31; Hebrews 2:14). Jesus conquered Satan and now the church is commissioned to enforce His conquest.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, August 18, 2006
Daily Bread
Ephesians 1:23 - "Who is His body the fullness of Him that fills all in all."
The church is able to be the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the fullness of the Holy Spirit that has been given. The Greek word 'pleroma' designates that which is filled up and overflowing. This same word is used in John 1:16 which declares of all the saints "And of His fullness have all we received." It is also used of the believer in Ephesians 3:19, "that you may be filled with all of the fullness of God." And again in Ephesians 4:13, "come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." All fullness dwells in Christ and Christ dwells in us (Colossians 1:19, 1 John 4:4; 3:24; John 14:23). Those who would relegate the function of the Holy Spirit and the measure that was given to the apostles solely to the first century church have no basis to do so. In fact, scriptures such as these emphasize that the same revelation and measure of the Spirit is available to all for all time (John 14:16; 16:13-15; Colossians 1:26; Galatians 3:14; Luke 11:13; Acts 2:39; 11:15-16; 15:8-9).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:23 - "Who is His body the fullness of Him that fills all in all."
The church is able to be the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the fullness of the Holy Spirit that has been given. The Greek word 'pleroma' designates that which is filled up and overflowing. This same word is used in John 1:16 which declares of all the saints "And of His fullness have all we received." It is also used of the believer in Ephesians 3:19, "that you may be filled with all of the fullness of God." And again in Ephesians 4:13, "come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." All fullness dwells in Christ and Christ dwells in us (Colossians 1:19, 1 John 4:4; 3:24; John 14:23). Those who would relegate the function of the Holy Spirit and the measure that was given to the apostles solely to the first century church have no basis to do so. In fact, scriptures such as these emphasize that the same revelation and measure of the Spirit is available to all for all time (John 14:16; 16:13-15; Colossians 1:26; Galatians 3:14; Luke 11:13; Acts 2:39; 11:15-16; 15:8-9).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
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