Daily Bread - Dec 20 2006
Acts 3:16 - "And the faith upon His name has made this one whom you see and know strong; and the faith that is through Him gave to him this perfect health before you all."
The Greek preposition 'epi' is translated most often 'on' or 'upon,' and, although it is awkward, it is accurate. The next phrase uses yet another preposition 'dia,' which is most commonly translated 'through,' 'on account of' or 'because of.' The healing power of God is manifested by "the faith upon His name" and "the faith that is through the name of Jesus." Jesus made it known that all power was given unto Him in heaven and in earth, therefore, He commanded that when we preach or minister we are to do it in His name.
The name of Jesus communicates faith, and by the name of Jesus, the miracle power of faith is released. Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe, in my name," devils will be cast out, the believer will "speak with new tongues," they will "lay hands on the sick and they will recover" (Mark 16:17; Luke 24:47). Jesus is still at work today because He is the unchanging Savior who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the unchanging Savior whose government is forever increasing.
When Paul cast out devils or ministered healing, he used the name of Jesus just as Peter and John used the name of Jesus. The sons of Sceva failed when they used the name of Jesus because they had no authority to use His name. They could not speak of Jesus as their Lord but only Jesus whom Paul preached. As a result, the evil spirit did not have to listen to them but rather attacked and hurt them (Acts 19:13). "But as many as would receive Him, who having faith in His name, to them He gave authority to be the sons of God" (John 1:12).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 19 2006
1 Peter 3: 4 - "But the hidden man of the heart in the incorruptible - even a gentle and quiet spirit - which is of great value before God."
The heart of man is the "hidden man" or the inner man. It is that immortal dimension of ourselves that now exists in this mortal body. When our bodies die, our inner man departs either to be with the Lord or into the punishment of eternal death. The heart is that hidden dimension of man where God desires His truth and wisdom to dwell (Psalms 51:6). Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus have had their hearts liberated from the darkness of sin by the circumcision of Christ which removed its foreskin (Colossians 2:13). The hard and calloused heart of man has been softened by redemption's transformation which created a new heart and a new man (Ezekiel 36:26; Ephesians 4:24).
God has made our hearts His dwelling place, and because He dwells there, our inward man grows and is strengthened every day (2 Corinthians 4:16). In that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ dwells in our hearts, His word also dwells there, and it is from our hearts that His peace rules our lives (Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 3:16; 3:15; Philippians 4:7). It is from our heart that the Spirit of God cries out unto the Father (Galatians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 1:22). It is with our heart that we believe unto righteousness (Romans 10:10).
God in His loving kindness and tender mercies has caused the light of His glorious gospel to shine into our hearts and, as a result, His nature and ways are inscribed there (2 Corinthians 4:6; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23-24; Romans 8:4). It is our responsibility to treasure what God has done for us and adorn our hearts with the beauty of holiness. God has brought His Glory into our hearts, and all we must do is yield to Him and let Him reign.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
1 Peter 3: 4 - "But the hidden man of the heart in the incorruptible - even a gentle and quiet spirit - which is of great value before God."
The heart of man is the "hidden man" or the inner man. It is that immortal dimension of ourselves that now exists in this mortal body. When our bodies die, our inner man departs either to be with the Lord or into the punishment of eternal death. The heart is that hidden dimension of man where God desires His truth and wisdom to dwell (Psalms 51:6). Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus have had their hearts liberated from the darkness of sin by the circumcision of Christ which removed its foreskin (Colossians 2:13). The hard and calloused heart of man has been softened by redemption's transformation which created a new heart and a new man (Ezekiel 36:26; Ephesians 4:24).
God has made our hearts His dwelling place, and because He dwells there, our inward man grows and is strengthened every day (2 Corinthians 4:16). In that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ dwells in our hearts, His word also dwells there, and it is from our hearts that His peace rules our lives (Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 3:16; 3:15; Philippians 4:7). It is from our heart that the Spirit of God cries out unto the Father (Galatians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 1:22). It is with our heart that we believe unto righteousness (Romans 10:10).
God in His loving kindness and tender mercies has caused the light of His glorious gospel to shine into our hearts and, as a result, His nature and ways are inscribed there (2 Corinthians 4:6; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23-24; Romans 8:4). It is our responsibility to treasure what God has done for us and adorn our hearts with the beauty of holiness. God has brought His Glory into our hearts, and all we must do is yield to Him and let Him reign.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Monday, December 18, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 16 2006
John 3:34 - "He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit to Him without measure."
This very unique phrase "ek metrou" (by measure) does not appear anywhere else in the Bible nor in Greek writings (The Gospel According to John, Raymond Brown). This expression could be translated "boundless" and refers to the fact that Jesus came ministering with the fullness of God's Spirit. As the only begotten Son of God who was God incarnated into flesh, Jesus holds the supreme place of receiving the Spirit in a way superior to all others (Hebrews 1:1). Although many men received special anointings of the Spirit in the Old Testament Jesus was the first to be honored with the Spirit without measure.
An example of the measure of the Spirit received by the Old Testament saints may be observed in the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha sought for a double portion of the Spirit that was upon Elijah and as a result he did twice the miracles of Elijah (2 Kings 2:9). Moses was anointed with the Spirit when He stood before the fire of God and was empowered to do extraordinary miracles (Exodus 3). In fact, when Moses was allowed to look on the glory of God on Mount Sinai, the anointing of the Spirit and presence of God was so great that his face shone with the glory of God (Exodus 34:29-33, 35; 2 Corinthians 3:7, 13). There was enough of the Spirit of God on Moses that it could be taken from him and placed upon seventy men selected to help Moses (Numbers 11:16-17, 25).
There was never a prophet like Moses in all of the Old Testament who talked with God face to face, yet he received the Spirit by measure (Deuteronomy 34:10; Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:8). God never honored anyone in the Old Testament with the fullness of the Spirit, yet today the same anointing and glory that Jesus received when He was baptized with the Spirit is made available to anyone who asks (John 7:38-39; John 16:13-15; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33;17:22; 14:12).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
John 3:34 - "He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit to Him without measure."
This very unique phrase "ek metrou" (by measure) does not appear anywhere else in the Bible nor in Greek writings (The Gospel According to John, Raymond Brown). This expression could be translated "boundless" and refers to the fact that Jesus came ministering with the fullness of God's Spirit. As the only begotten Son of God who was God incarnated into flesh, Jesus holds the supreme place of receiving the Spirit in a way superior to all others (Hebrews 1:1). Although many men received special anointings of the Spirit in the Old Testament Jesus was the first to be honored with the Spirit without measure.
An example of the measure of the Spirit received by the Old Testament saints may be observed in the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha sought for a double portion of the Spirit that was upon Elijah and as a result he did twice the miracles of Elijah (2 Kings 2:9). Moses was anointed with the Spirit when He stood before the fire of God and was empowered to do extraordinary miracles (Exodus 3). In fact, when Moses was allowed to look on the glory of God on Mount Sinai, the anointing of the Spirit and presence of God was so great that his face shone with the glory of God (Exodus 34:29-33, 35; 2 Corinthians 3:7, 13). There was enough of the Spirit of God on Moses that it could be taken from him and placed upon seventy men selected to help Moses (Numbers 11:16-17, 25).
There was never a prophet like Moses in all of the Old Testament who talked with God face to face, yet he received the Spirit by measure (Deuteronomy 34:10; Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:8). God never honored anyone in the Old Testament with the fullness of the Spirit, yet today the same anointing and glory that Jesus received when He was baptized with the Spirit is made available to anyone who asks (John 7:38-39; John 16:13-15; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33;17:22; 14:12).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Friday, December 15, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 15 2006
John 15:4 - "Dwell in me and I in you. Just as the branch has no power to bring forth fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me."
Jesus has made the reality of God's will very plain to us by the use of this allegory. The life that God offers to us is one that is totally united with Him that functions as a result of His care and provision. A botanical understanding of a vine thoroughly and simply drives home the point. The vine is the only connection that the branch has to the source of the life-giving nutrients essential to its survival. The vine supplies the structure and resources from which the branch can produce the fruit. The fruit that the vine produces is specific to the DNA of the vine - which in this case is the fruit of God's own nature. It is the gardener's objective to tend the branches in such a way as to maximize, first, the quality of the fruit and, then, as the branch matures, the quantity.
Both the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ have not only purposed that we bring forth fruit but they have dedicated themselves to supply everything that we need in order to do so. Our role as the branch is very simple; all that we must do is obediently respond to the will of the Father who is cultivating our lives to fulfill the very specific objective of producing the fruit of the vine. As a branch, we must see our whole identity and purpose defined by the vine from which we grow. This intimate relationship and absolute identity ultimately results in Father doing whatever we ask (John 15:7; 14:13-14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
John 15:4 - "Dwell in me and I in you. Just as the branch has no power to bring forth fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me."
Jesus has made the reality of God's will very plain to us by the use of this allegory. The life that God offers to us is one that is totally united with Him that functions as a result of His care and provision. A botanical understanding of a vine thoroughly and simply drives home the point. The vine is the only connection that the branch has to the source of the life-giving nutrients essential to its survival. The vine supplies the structure and resources from which the branch can produce the fruit. The fruit that the vine produces is specific to the DNA of the vine - which in this case is the fruit of God's own nature. It is the gardener's objective to tend the branches in such a way as to maximize, first, the quality of the fruit and, then, as the branch matures, the quantity.
Both the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ have not only purposed that we bring forth fruit but they have dedicated themselves to supply everything that we need in order to do so. Our role as the branch is very simple; all that we must do is obediently respond to the will of the Father who is cultivating our lives to fulfill the very specific objective of producing the fruit of the vine. As a branch, we must see our whole identity and purpose defined by the vine from which we grow. This intimate relationship and absolute identity ultimately results in Father doing whatever we ask (John 15:7; 14:13-14).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread - Dec 14 2006
Ephesians 5:8 - "Indeed you were once darkness but now light in the Lord; walk as children of Light."
Jesus Christ is first and foremost, the true Light that has come into the world (John 1:7-9; 8:12; 9:5). Jesus came to give this light to everyman that is in the world (Luke 1:79; 2:32; John 1:9; Matthew 4:16;). Those who believe are empowered to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7; Ephesians 5:8; John 8:12). It is God's desire that His redeemed saints be the light of the world, a city set upon a hill so that all men might see Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16; John 12:36; Acts 13:47; 1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Light is used figuratively of truth, life, vision, redemption, purity and righteousness (John 1:4; 11:9; 12:35, 46; Luke 11:34-36; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:5). Light, as a metaphor of righteousness, is set in contrast to darkness and evil (Matthew 6:23; Luke 11:34; John 3:19; Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 John 2:9). It is that which the unrighteous are unwilling to come to because it is light that reveals the truth and reproves unrighteous deeds (John 3:20). To understand the true meaning of light, we look to the fact that it represents who God is in His moral perfection and holiness.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Ephesians 5:8 - "Indeed you were once darkness but now light in the Lord; walk as children of Light."
Jesus Christ is first and foremost, the true Light that has come into the world (John 1:7-9; 8:12; 9:5). Jesus came to give this light to everyman that is in the world (Luke 1:79; 2:32; John 1:9; Matthew 4:16;). Those who believe are empowered to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7; Ephesians 5:8; John 8:12). It is God's desire that His redeemed saints be the light of the world, a city set upon a hill so that all men might see Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16; John 12:36; Acts 13:47; 1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Light is used figuratively of truth, life, vision, redemption, purity and righteousness (John 1:4; 11:9; 12:35, 46; Luke 11:34-36; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:5). Light, as a metaphor of righteousness, is set in contrast to darkness and evil (Matthew 6:23; Luke 11:34; John 3:19; Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 John 2:9). It is that which the unrighteous are unwilling to come to because it is light that reveals the truth and reproves unrighteous deeds (John 3:20). To understand the true meaning of light, we look to the fact that it represents who God is in His moral perfection and holiness.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread - Dec 13 2006
Ephesians 5:8-9 "Indeed you were once darkness but now light in the Lord, walk as children of Light. For the fruit of the Spirit, in all goodness and righteousness and truth."
Our primary focus must be on righteousness, which has been both imputed and imparted to us by the Grace of our Righteous God. God's righteousness is supplied to us by the Holy Spirit and operates in our lives through His vital working power (Romans 8:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness is the chief characteristic of the Kingdom of God and that, which is to receive the foremost attention in our lives (Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17). Righteousness is to be the focus of our faith and the desire of our heart every day (Romans 10:6,10; Galatians 3:11; Philippians 3:9). God demands that we awake to the righteousness that we have been given and sin no more (1 Corinthians 15:34). We should recognize that we live under the administration of righteousness and that we are to walk with the protective armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (2 Corinthians 3:9; 6:7; 1 Timothy 6:11). Walking in righteousness is the proof that we have been born of God and it is the light that the world needs to see (1 John 2:29; 3:7; Matthew 5:14-16).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Ephesians 5:8-9 "Indeed you were once darkness but now light in the Lord, walk as children of Light. For the fruit of the Spirit, in all goodness and righteousness and truth."
Our primary focus must be on righteousness, which has been both imputed and imparted to us by the Grace of our Righteous God. God's righteousness is supplied to us by the Holy Spirit and operates in our lives through His vital working power (Romans 8:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness is the chief characteristic of the Kingdom of God and that, which is to receive the foremost attention in our lives (Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17). Righteousness is to be the focus of our faith and the desire of our heart every day (Romans 10:6,10; Galatians 3:11; Philippians 3:9). God demands that we awake to the righteousness that we have been given and sin no more (1 Corinthians 15:34). We should recognize that we live under the administration of righteousness and that we are to walk with the protective armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (2 Corinthians 3:9; 6:7; 1 Timothy 6:11). Walking in righteousness is the proof that we have been born of God and it is the light that the world needs to see (1 John 2:29; 3:7; Matthew 5:14-16).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 12 2006
2 Peter 2:5 - "And did not spare the ancient world but kept Noah, eighth, a preacher of righteousness bringing a flood upon a world of ungodliness."
God demands righteousness and there is no possibility that He will in any way compromise the necessity of it. In fact, when we consider the potential result of God making a compromise and allowing unrighteousness to exist in His kingdom we would conclude that it would be the ultimate ruin of everything that is good.
Righteousness is a word that is clearly defined by its frequent use in the Bible. It appears 249 times in the Bible and is primarily translated from the Hebrew word "tsedakah" and the Greek word "dikaiosune". From its first appearance in Genesis 15:6 to its final occurrence in Revelation 22:11, it speaks of obedience to God's will and describes purity and moral integrity.
In this passage here in Second Peter Noah is set in contrast to the rest of the world (Genesis 6:9; 7:1). Noah was the one that God called righteous while all the others were unrighteous or ungoldly. Righteousness by definition means one who is pure and virtuous. Through God's amazing love and grace we are made the righteousness of God. When we think about this level of righteousness we are confronted with the purest and most exact righteousness that exist.
Even though Noah was righteous and it was by his righteousness that he was saved God has given us a greater righteousness. We were not given the righteousness of Noah or Abraham but the righteousness of God. How? Because Jesus who knew no sin became the sin offering for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 2:21; Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 4:24; 5:9; 6:14; Romans 8:4; Philippians 1:11; 1 Timothy 6:11). God has given us this wonderful free gift and we must give His righteousness first place in our life (Matthew 6:33).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
2 Peter 2:5 - "And did not spare the ancient world but kept Noah, eighth, a preacher of righteousness bringing a flood upon a world of ungodliness."
God demands righteousness and there is no possibility that He will in any way compromise the necessity of it. In fact, when we consider the potential result of God making a compromise and allowing unrighteousness to exist in His kingdom we would conclude that it would be the ultimate ruin of everything that is good.
Righteousness is a word that is clearly defined by its frequent use in the Bible. It appears 249 times in the Bible and is primarily translated from the Hebrew word "tsedakah" and the Greek word "dikaiosune". From its first appearance in Genesis 15:6 to its final occurrence in Revelation 22:11, it speaks of obedience to God's will and describes purity and moral integrity.
In this passage here in Second Peter Noah is set in contrast to the rest of the world (Genesis 6:9; 7:1). Noah was the one that God called righteous while all the others were unrighteous or ungoldly. Righteousness by definition means one who is pure and virtuous. Through God's amazing love and grace we are made the righteousness of God. When we think about this level of righteousness we are confronted with the purest and most exact righteousness that exist.
Even though Noah was righteous and it was by his righteousness that he was saved God has given us a greater righteousness. We were not given the righteousness of Noah or Abraham but the righteousness of God. How? Because Jesus who knew no sin became the sin offering for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 2:21; Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 4:24; 5:9; 6:14; Romans 8:4; Philippians 1:11; 1 Timothy 6:11). God has given us this wonderful free gift and we must give His righteousness first place in our life (Matthew 6:33).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Monday, December 11, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 11 2006
Acts 15:10-11 - "Now then why tempt God to lay a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor us had strength to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in the same manner also."
The first definition of "saved" cited in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) is, "delivered from sin." Peter suggests that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile and that if anyone is going to be saved it will be by the same Jesus through the same faith. The Jews who had depended upon the Law for salvation were faced with the crisis of an instantaneous righteousness through the miracle of salvation instead of a righteous status maintained by strict observance of the Law. The transition that they were engaged in was that there was now no more need for the Law and that the Gentiles were being granted equal position with them in God.
The salvation that is in Christ Jesus is so radically different because the dominance of sin is removed. The revelation of the purity and righteousness that comes by the miracle of faith was also expressed by Paul in Acts 13:38-39 where he declared that all who believe in Jesus Christ "are shown to be righteous" which is something that the Law of Moses was powerless to do. The Law of Moses was weak in that it depended upon the ability of man - who themselves were governed by a disobedient nature (Romans 8:3; 7:5; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 7:9). However, through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, everyone who believes has the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in them because they are walking in the Spirit of God (Romans 8:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 15:10-11 - "Now then why tempt God to lay a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor us had strength to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in the same manner also."
The first definition of "saved" cited in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) is, "delivered from sin." Peter suggests that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile and that if anyone is going to be saved it will be by the same Jesus through the same faith. The Jews who had depended upon the Law for salvation were faced with the crisis of an instantaneous righteousness through the miracle of salvation instead of a righteous status maintained by strict observance of the Law. The transition that they were engaged in was that there was now no more need for the Law and that the Gentiles were being granted equal position with them in God.
The salvation that is in Christ Jesus is so radically different because the dominance of sin is removed. The revelation of the purity and righteousness that comes by the miracle of faith was also expressed by Paul in Acts 13:38-39 where he declared that all who believe in Jesus Christ "are shown to be righteous" which is something that the Law of Moses was powerless to do. The Law of Moses was weak in that it depended upon the ability of man - who themselves were governed by a disobedient nature (Romans 8:3; 7:5; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 7:9). However, through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, everyone who believes has the righteousness of the Law fulfilled in them because they are walking in the Spirit of God (Romans 8:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 9 2006
Acts 10:4 - "And he stared at him in fear and said, 'What is it Lord?' And he said, 'Your prayer and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.' "
These prayers and offerings of Cornelius were accepted by God as the ascent offering (whole burnt offering) and memorial portions of the Old Testament that were turned into smoke for a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 2:2,9,16; 5:12; 6:15). Paul also likens the offering in which the saints sow into the ministry as an ascent offering that the Lord receives as a sweet smelling aroma because it is holy an acceptable to Him (Philippians 4:18). More important than anything else, the giving of an offering is an act of worship, a time where we pour out our love and affection for God. The response of God's favor towards those who offer such offerings is underscored here. Because of the prayers and offerings that Cornelius gave, he was chosen to be the first among the gentiles to receive the riches of heaven, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
With the message of the offering occurring over 813 times it is singled out as one of the most important subjects in the Bible. There were nine offerings highlighted by God in the New Testament:
1- The wise men who brought gifts to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-16).
2- The widow who gave all that she had (Mark 12:42).
3- The woman at Nain who worshipped with an alabaster box of oil (Luke 7:38).
4- The woman at Bethany who poured expensive oil upon Jesus at Simon the Lepers house (Mark 14:3).
5- Mary who worshipped with costly ointment in Bethany just before the death of Jesus (John 12:3).
6- The offering of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10).
7- The offerings of Cornelius.
8- The offerings of those of Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8-9).
9- The offering that God gave of His Son (John 3:16).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 10:4 - "And he stared at him in fear and said, 'What is it Lord?' And he said, 'Your prayer and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.' "
These prayers and offerings of Cornelius were accepted by God as the ascent offering (whole burnt offering) and memorial portions of the Old Testament that were turned into smoke for a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 2:2,9,16; 5:12; 6:15). Paul also likens the offering in which the saints sow into the ministry as an ascent offering that the Lord receives as a sweet smelling aroma because it is holy an acceptable to Him (Philippians 4:18). More important than anything else, the giving of an offering is an act of worship, a time where we pour out our love and affection for God. The response of God's favor towards those who offer such offerings is underscored here. Because of the prayers and offerings that Cornelius gave, he was chosen to be the first among the gentiles to receive the riches of heaven, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
With the message of the offering occurring over 813 times it is singled out as one of the most important subjects in the Bible. There were nine offerings highlighted by God in the New Testament:
1- The wise men who brought gifts to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-16).
2- The widow who gave all that she had (Mark 12:42).
3- The woman at Nain who worshipped with an alabaster box of oil (Luke 7:38).
4- The woman at Bethany who poured expensive oil upon Jesus at Simon the Lepers house (Mark 14:3).
5- Mary who worshipped with costly ointment in Bethany just before the death of Jesus (John 12:3).
6- The offering of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10).
7- The offerings of Cornelius.
8- The offerings of those of Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8-9).
9- The offering that God gave of His Son (John 3:16).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Friday, December 08, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 8 2006
Ephesians 5:11 - "Be endued with the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the craft of the Devil."
The whole armor of God is more than a metaphor; it is the supernatural ability given to the saint to deal with every deceitful trick and enticement that Satan can bring against God's people. The armor of God is the armor of light and the armor of righteousness on the right and on the left hand (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7). This armor is to be put on by yielding to the Holy Spirit and being endued with it. Through the act of submitting ourselves to God the Holy Spirit becomes our shield and strength (James 4:7; Psalms 3:3; 18:35; 28:7; 33:20; 84:11).
The Holy Spirit, who has come to lead and guide us, stands ready to protect and defend us against everything that Satan attempts to throw at us. Thus, He empowers us with the shield of faith that quenches every fiery dart of the wicked one. He gives us gospel shoes to tread over all the power of the enemy and nothing can hurt us (Luke 10:19). If we are willing to yield ourselves completely to the Holy Spirit and walk in obedience to Him, then we will find the provision and strength for everything that we need to stand against our enemy, the devil.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 5:11 - "Be endued with the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the craft of the Devil."
The whole armor of God is more than a metaphor; it is the supernatural ability given to the saint to deal with every deceitful trick and enticement that Satan can bring against God's people. The armor of God is the armor of light and the armor of righteousness on the right and on the left hand (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7). This armor is to be put on by yielding to the Holy Spirit and being endued with it. Through the act of submitting ourselves to God the Holy Spirit becomes our shield and strength (James 4:7; Psalms 3:3; 18:35; 28:7; 33:20; 84:11).
The Holy Spirit, who has come to lead and guide us, stands ready to protect and defend us against everything that Satan attempts to throw at us. Thus, He empowers us with the shield of faith that quenches every fiery dart of the wicked one. He gives us gospel shoes to tread over all the power of the enemy and nothing can hurt us (Luke 10:19). If we are willing to yield ourselves completely to the Holy Spirit and walk in obedience to Him, then we will find the provision and strength for everything that we need to stand against our enemy, the devil.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 7 2006
Ephesians 4:8 - "On which account He said, Ascending up on high He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men."
The first time that this message appears in the Bible is in Psalms 68:18, "You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them." The gifts that Jesus received and then gave to the church are listed below in verse 11 as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. These special abilities and anointings exist in the church so that God may dwell in our midst in a special way. It is through these gifts that Jesus ministers to His church.
The supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the church from the head, which is Christ Jesus (4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). However, each member must make their proper connection to the head according to the divine order that God has established in His church. It is through these gifts that God supplies to His church the riches of the Spirit that perfects, matures, and produces the work of the ministry so that everyone may grow up into the fullness of Christ (4:12-13). If we fail to cooperate with and submit to God's divine order then we will miss out on the supply of the Spirit and the work of Grace that is being given by God who dwells in our midst.
The word "doma" or "gifts" is found four times in the New Testament. It is used twice in the gospels, "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him" (Luke 11:13; Matthew 7:11). Then Paul uses it in Philippians 4:17 in the context of an offering. The word "doma" may be understood as something given that is essential to survival.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 4:8 - "On which account He said, Ascending up on high He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men."
The first time that this message appears in the Bible is in Psalms 68:18, "You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them." The gifts that Jesus received and then gave to the church are listed below in verse 11 as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers. These special abilities and anointings exist in the church so that God may dwell in our midst in a special way. It is through these gifts that Jesus ministers to His church.
The supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the church from the head, which is Christ Jesus (4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). However, each member must make their proper connection to the head according to the divine order that God has established in His church. It is through these gifts that God supplies to His church the riches of the Spirit that perfects, matures, and produces the work of the ministry so that everyone may grow up into the fullness of Christ (4:12-13). If we fail to cooperate with and submit to God's divine order then we will miss out on the supply of the Spirit and the work of Grace that is being given by God who dwells in our midst.
The word "doma" or "gifts" is found four times in the New Testament. It is used twice in the gospels, "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him" (Luke 11:13; Matthew 7:11). Then Paul uses it in Philippians 4:17 in the context of an offering. The word "doma" may be understood as something given that is essential to survival.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 6 2006
Ephesians 5:20 - "Giving thanks at all times for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The giving of thanks is not only recognizing that God is leading, protecting, and providing for you, it is also the realm of the Spirit where miracles take place. The first time this word 'euchariteo,' "giving thanks," is used in the New Testament is in Matthew 15:36. It was at this giving of thanks by Jesus that the miraculous event of the multiplication of the seven loaves and a few fish took place.
The very next time that this is used is when Jesus took the cup on Passover. He gave thanks and declared "this is my blood of the New Testament" (Matthew 26:27). The blood and body of Christ Jesus represents our communion or fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 10:16; John 6:53-58). It is this Eucharist, or communion, that should give us confidence that the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us into all truth, and, therefore, whatever situation we find ourselves in, all things are working together for our good (Romans 8:28).
There were many adverse situations that Israel found themselves in during the first few months of their travel from Egypt to the promised land. Unfortunately, they were unwilling to recognize that God was leading them and protecting them, and as a result they were unthankful and murmured against the situation and their leadership which ultimately was directed at God Himself. There is a warning in the book of Hebrews that we should not fall into the same state of unbelief lest we end up like those unthankful Israelites (Hebrew 3:7-19). Romans 1:21 drives home the same point emphasizing that the lack of thankfulness is a chief characteristic of the unbeliever.
The passage of scripture in Colossians that is almost a perfect match to this passage here in Ephesians says, "whatsoever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the heavenly realm, then the word of Christ will dwell in us and we will view things from the faith perspective and realize that all things are working together for our good. Be certain of this one thing, that whatever situation you find yourself in, God is establishing and building confidence, persistence, faithfulness, and trust.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 5:20 - "Giving thanks at all times for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The giving of thanks is not only recognizing that God is leading, protecting, and providing for you, it is also the realm of the Spirit where miracles take place. The first time this word 'euchariteo,' "giving thanks," is used in the New Testament is in Matthew 15:36. It was at this giving of thanks by Jesus that the miraculous event of the multiplication of the seven loaves and a few fish took place.
The very next time that this is used is when Jesus took the cup on Passover. He gave thanks and declared "this is my blood of the New Testament" (Matthew 26:27). The blood and body of Christ Jesus represents our communion or fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 10:16; John 6:53-58). It is this Eucharist, or communion, that should give us confidence that the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us into all truth, and, therefore, whatever situation we find ourselves in, all things are working together for our good (Romans 8:28).
There were many adverse situations that Israel found themselves in during the first few months of their travel from Egypt to the promised land. Unfortunately, they were unwilling to recognize that God was leading them and protecting them, and as a result they were unthankful and murmured against the situation and their leadership which ultimately was directed at God Himself. There is a warning in the book of Hebrews that we should not fall into the same state of unbelief lest we end up like those unthankful Israelites (Hebrew 3:7-19). Romans 1:21 drives home the same point emphasizing that the lack of thankfulness is a chief characteristic of the unbeliever.
The passage of scripture in Colossians that is almost a perfect match to this passage here in Ephesians says, "whatsoever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the heavenly realm, then the word of Christ will dwell in us and we will view things from the faith perspective and realize that all things are working together for our good. Be certain of this one thing, that whatever situation you find yourself in, God is establishing and building confidence, persistence, faithfulness, and trust.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 05 2006
1 Peter 2:5 - "We also as living stones are built up a spiritual house into a holy priesthood lifting up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Peter does not use the word Church in either of his Epistles; instead, he refers to the Church as "a spiritual house" and "the people of God" (2:10). Peter refers to those in the church as a royal Priesthood and a holy nation. Even as it takes many members to be a body, it takes many stones to be a house. God has so ordained that the individual believers go beyond their individualism to find a unity which will result in a place from which spiritual sacrifices may be offered that are acceptable to God.
In the first covenant, God established a place of worship, a Priesthood, and the proper protocol for worship. Through Christ Jesus we are made those who worship God in the Spirit who are empowered to show forth His glory and announce the excellencies of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (Philippians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:10). The Church is the assembly of God's people who worship in Spirit and fellowship in the unity of the Spirit, a house from where God is praised.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:5 - "We also as living stones are built up a spiritual house into a holy priesthood lifting up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Peter does not use the word Church in either of his Epistles; instead, he refers to the Church as "a spiritual house" and "the people of God" (2:10). Peter refers to those in the church as a royal Priesthood and a holy nation. Even as it takes many members to be a body, it takes many stones to be a house. God has so ordained that the individual believers go beyond their individualism to find a unity which will result in a place from which spiritual sacrifices may be offered that are acceptable to God.
In the first covenant, God established a place of worship, a Priesthood, and the proper protocol for worship. Through Christ Jesus we are made those who worship God in the Spirit who are empowered to show forth His glory and announce the excellencies of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (Philippians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:10). The Church is the assembly of God's people who worship in Spirit and fellowship in the unity of the Spirit, a house from where God is praised.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, December 04, 2006
Daily Bread - Dec 02 2006
Ephesians 1:22-23 - "And has placed all things under His feet, and appointed Him the head over all the church, who is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all."
The church, which is to be the fullness of God's glory revealed in the earth, has hundreds of passages of scripture devoted to its function and order. The word "church" is found 80 times in the New Testament. The church was first mentioned in Matthew 16:18 by Jesus in connection with the revelation of who He is. And it was in this context that Jesus promised that He would be the one who would build His church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).
The purpose of the church is to reveal Jesus - not in a unique way but by the same anointing and Spirit that rested upon Him. The church, by definition, is a gathering of many people that are to function as one person and, thus, reveal Jesus who is the head of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 11:26; 14:27, 15:4; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40). This miracle can only take place by the fact that the Holy Spirit baptizes us all into one body and thus creates a divine and glorious unity of God's presence and love (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Jesus established the leadership and authority in the church so that His people could be trained up in all of His ways (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 20:28; Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 3:5). It is through this holy interaction with one another in the context of the church that the supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the body. Without this divine function of the church in a community, God's people are deprived of the supply of the Spirit that result in their increase both individually and collectively (Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; James 5:14).
The church began as a meeting place where about 120 people had gathered together to wait on the Holy Spirit, and that model has never been altered by word or practice until this day. However, it is essential that the Holy Spirit takes over our meetings as He did in that first church meeting if the church is to function as it was ordained by God. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal Jesus, and if He is not given full control then that which God ordained cannot function; for it would be dead and lifeless without the Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Ephesians 1:22-23 - "And has placed all things under His feet, and appointed Him the head over all the church, who is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all."
The church, which is to be the fullness of God's glory revealed in the earth, has hundreds of passages of scripture devoted to its function and order. The word "church" is found 80 times in the New Testament. The church was first mentioned in Matthew 16:18 by Jesus in connection with the revelation of who He is. And it was in this context that Jesus promised that He would be the one who would build His church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47).
The purpose of the church is to reveal Jesus - not in a unique way but by the same anointing and Spirit that rested upon Him. The church, by definition, is a gathering of many people that are to function as one person and, thus, reveal Jesus who is the head of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 11:26; 14:27, 15:4; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40). This miracle can only take place by the fact that the Holy Spirit baptizes us all into one body and thus creates a divine and glorious unity of God's presence and love (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Jesus established the leadership and authority in the church so that His people could be trained up in all of His ways (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 20:28; Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 3:5). It is through this holy interaction with one another in the context of the church that the supply of the Spirit flows to every member of the body. Without this divine function of the church in a community, God's people are deprived of the supply of the Spirit that result in their increase both individually and collectively (Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:19; James 5:14).
The church began as a meeting place where about 120 people had gathered together to wait on the Holy Spirit, and that model has never been altered by word or practice until this day. However, it is essential that the Holy Spirit takes over our meetings as He did in that first church meeting if the church is to function as it was ordained by God. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal Jesus, and if He is not given full control then that which God ordained cannot function; for it would be dead and lifeless without the Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Dec 01 2006
Acts 17:2 - "And according to Paul's custom he went to them and preached the word to them for three Sabbaths."
The idea that meeting in a church building took place as an evolution of Christian practices is simply not true. It was Paul's custom to meet in the Synagogues, which of course would be equivalent to the church meeting today (Acts 9:20; 13:5, 14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:10,17; 18:4, 19; 19:8; 28:17, 23). When Jesus was not preaching to the masses, He was also found ministering in the Synagogues (Matthew 12:9; 13:54; Mark 1:21; 3:1; 6:2; Luke 4:16; John 6:59).
The church today is a pattern of what the Holy Spirit established in the first century. The local church is an essential and vital part of both the witness of Jesus Christ in communities as well as the place of nurturing and training those who come to Him (Mathew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:17). The church is the place that God ordained for His saints to assemble (Hebrews 10:25). The church is where the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire empowered the believers (Acts 2:1-4). The church is the place where God placed the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:17). The local church is the place where all of the gifts of the Spirit are in full operation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12, 24-26). The church is the body of Christ where Jesus is revealed and the fullness of God is manifested (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is to the church that the Epistles of Paul are addressed. It is in the midst of the church that Jesus now stands (Revelation 1:12-20). It is the church which Jesus purchased with His own blood, and it is the church which is armed with the authority that the gates of hell cannot prevail against (Acts 20:28; Matthew 16:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 17:2 - "And according to Paul's custom he went to them and preached the word to them for three Sabbaths."
The idea that meeting in a church building took place as an evolution of Christian practices is simply not true. It was Paul's custom to meet in the Synagogues, which of course would be equivalent to the church meeting today (Acts 9:20; 13:5, 14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:10,17; 18:4, 19; 19:8; 28:17, 23). When Jesus was not preaching to the masses, He was also found ministering in the Synagogues (Matthew 12:9; 13:54; Mark 1:21; 3:1; 6:2; Luke 4:16; John 6:59).
The church today is a pattern of what the Holy Spirit established in the first century. The local church is an essential and vital part of both the witness of Jesus Christ in communities as well as the place of nurturing and training those who come to Him (Mathew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:17). The church is the place that God ordained for His saints to assemble (Hebrews 10:25). The church is where the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire empowered the believers (Acts 2:1-4). The church is the place where God placed the gift of apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:17). The local church is the place where all of the gifts of the Spirit are in full operation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12, 24-26). The church is the body of Christ where Jesus is revealed and the fullness of God is manifested (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is to the church that the Epistles of Paul are addressed. It is in the midst of the church that Jesus now stands (Revelation 1:12-20). It is the church which Jesus purchased with His own blood, and it is the church which is armed with the authority that the gates of hell cannot prevail against (Acts 20:28; Matthew 16:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Daily Bread - Nov 30 2006
Acts 10:35 - "But in every nation those who fear Him and practice righteousness are acceptable."
The Greek word, 'dekton,' which means, "acceptable," is used often in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The acceptable offerings are those offerings which a worshiper can worship God with. "If his offering is a whole burnt offering of the oxen, it shall be a perfect male which he shall bring to the door of the tent of meeting; he shall come near; for it is acceptable before YHWH" (Leviticus 1:3).
Through the transformation of life that was brought to us through Jesus Christ, God has made us holy and acceptable so that we can live our lives as an offering to God which is "holy and acceptable" (Romans 12:1). Paul said that the Gentiles were made acceptable to God because they were sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16). In Proverbs, God says "to do righteousness and judgment is more acceptable than sacrifice" (Proverbs 21:3). All worshipers, along with the Psalmist, cry out to God and say, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).
When Jesus began His ministry He introduced the acceptable day of the Lord wherein God is calling all men to repent and turn back to the ways of righteousness, purity, and holiness for which we were created (Luke 4:19; Isaiah 61:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9). God has called us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost to which Paul says that those who serve God in these things are acceptable to God and approved of men (Romans 14:17-18).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 10:35 - "But in every nation those who fear Him and practice righteousness are acceptable."
The Greek word, 'dekton,' which means, "acceptable," is used often in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The acceptable offerings are those offerings which a worshiper can worship God with. "If his offering is a whole burnt offering of the oxen, it shall be a perfect male which he shall bring to the door of the tent of meeting; he shall come near; for it is acceptable before YHWH" (Leviticus 1:3).
Through the transformation of life that was brought to us through Jesus Christ, God has made us holy and acceptable so that we can live our lives as an offering to God which is "holy and acceptable" (Romans 12:1). Paul said that the Gentiles were made acceptable to God because they were sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16). In Proverbs, God says "to do righteousness and judgment is more acceptable than sacrifice" (Proverbs 21:3). All worshipers, along with the Psalmist, cry out to God and say, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).
When Jesus began His ministry He introduced the acceptable day of the Lord wherein God is calling all men to repent and turn back to the ways of righteousness, purity, and holiness for which we were created (Luke 4:19; Isaiah 61:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9). God has called us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost to which Paul says that those who serve God in these things are acceptable to God and approved of men (Romans 14:17-18).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Daily Bread - Nov 29 2006
Acts 11:18 - "And when they heard these things they grew silent and glorified God saying, also unto the Gentiles God has given repentance unto life."
The expression "repentance unto life" may be understood more clearly by analyzing the Greek word 'metanoian' which is translated "repentance." The Greek word 'metanoian' means "change of mind." Every time it occurs in the New Testament is translated "repentance." It is the noun of the Greek verb 'metanoeo' which is the primary word for "repent." The Greek word 'metanoeo' is derived from two Greek words 'meta' and 'noeo' which mean ''with" and "understanding" respectively. It may be said, then, that "repentance" means a change of life as a result of a change of thinking and attitude with regards to sin and righteousness.
Man is a deceived prisoner of sin. The eyes of his understanding are blinded to the truth and reality of God (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 13:14). When God granted repentance unto life He gave to whosoever will the ability to escape from the prison of deception and spiritual blindness and come into the revelation of the life that is in God through Jesus Christ the Messiah. Repentance, then, by definition, is a change that occurs in a person which allows them to change their attitudes and behaviors.
The closest Hebrew word in the Old Testament that conveys the meaning of repentance would be 'shuv' which is translated "turn or return" as in Malachi 2:6 and Isaiah 6:9-10. This word denotes the way one conducts their life in relationship to another person such as Israel with God, thus, walking in the way of the Lord (Psalms 1:1). The contrast associated with the meaning of this word is understood between the way of Israel and the way of Canaan, the way of the righteous with that of sinners, the way of the Lord with the way of the evildoers. Thus, to deviate from the way in which God required His people to walk would demand that there be repentance on their part which would then result in their walking again in the way of Lord, as underscored in Amos 4:6-13; Hosea 5:15-6:5; Jeremiah 3:12-14.
In both Hosea and in Jeremiah, the love relationship that God had for Israel was drawn out as the love that a man has for a woman, so in Hosea God says, "I will woo her. I will go with her into the wilderness and comfort her; there I will restore." (Hosea 2:14-15) and in Jeremiah He said, "I remember the unfailing devotion of your youth, the love of your bridal days when you followed me in the wilderness through a land unknown" (Jeremiah 2:2; 31:3).
Finally, although the Hebrew word 'shuv' carries with it the New Testament meaning of repentance it is translated in the Septuagint by the Greek word 'epistropho' which means "to turn or be converted." There are two passages of scripture in Acts that bring 'metanoeo' and 'epistrepho' together: Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore and turn back that your sins may be wiped out" and Acts 26:20, "repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." We may conclude that the act of true repentance results in one being converted and walking in the ways of God's righteousness. Calling men to repentance is calling men to come and to walk with God. It is the ministry of Jesus and all those who proclaim the good news (Luke 5:32; 24:47).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 11:18 - "And when they heard these things they grew silent and glorified God saying, also unto the Gentiles God has given repentance unto life."
The expression "repentance unto life" may be understood more clearly by analyzing the Greek word 'metanoian' which is translated "repentance." The Greek word 'metanoian' means "change of mind." Every time it occurs in the New Testament is translated "repentance." It is the noun of the Greek verb 'metanoeo' which is the primary word for "repent." The Greek word 'metanoeo' is derived from two Greek words 'meta' and 'noeo' which mean ''with" and "understanding" respectively. It may be said, then, that "repentance" means a change of life as a result of a change of thinking and attitude with regards to sin and righteousness.
Man is a deceived prisoner of sin. The eyes of his understanding are blinded to the truth and reality of God (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 13:14). When God granted repentance unto life He gave to whosoever will the ability to escape from the prison of deception and spiritual blindness and come into the revelation of the life that is in God through Jesus Christ the Messiah. Repentance, then, by definition, is a change that occurs in a person which allows them to change their attitudes and behaviors.
The closest Hebrew word in the Old Testament that conveys the meaning of repentance would be 'shuv' which is translated "turn or return" as in Malachi 2:6 and Isaiah 6:9-10. This word denotes the way one conducts their life in relationship to another person such as Israel with God, thus, walking in the way of the Lord (Psalms 1:1). The contrast associated with the meaning of this word is understood between the way of Israel and the way of Canaan, the way of the righteous with that of sinners, the way of the Lord with the way of the evildoers. Thus, to deviate from the way in which God required His people to walk would demand that there be repentance on their part which would then result in their walking again in the way of Lord, as underscored in Amos 4:6-13; Hosea 5:15-6:5; Jeremiah 3:12-14.
In both Hosea and in Jeremiah, the love relationship that God had for Israel was drawn out as the love that a man has for a woman, so in Hosea God says, "I will woo her. I will go with her into the wilderness and comfort her; there I will restore." (Hosea 2:14-15) and in Jeremiah He said, "I remember the unfailing devotion of your youth, the love of your bridal days when you followed me in the wilderness through a land unknown" (Jeremiah 2:2; 31:3).
Finally, although the Hebrew word 'shuv' carries with it the New Testament meaning of repentance it is translated in the Septuagint by the Greek word 'epistropho' which means "to turn or be converted." There are two passages of scripture in Acts that bring 'metanoeo' and 'epistrepho' together: Acts 3:19, "Repent therefore and turn back that your sins may be wiped out" and Acts 26:20, "repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." We may conclude that the act of true repentance results in one being converted and walking in the ways of God's righteousness. Calling men to repentance is calling men to come and to walk with God. It is the ministry of Jesus and all those who proclaim the good news (Luke 5:32; 24:47).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Daily Bread - Nov 28 2006
Acts 13:2 - "And while they performed the service of the Lord and fasted the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart now Barnabas and Saul unto the work which I have called them."
This is one example of how actively in charge the person the Holy Spirit is in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:28; 16:6; 20:28). The Holy Spirit not only proclaimed that they were to be separated unto Him but is also the one who sent them (Acts 13:4). The Holy Spirit is the one who is here to teach the church everything that it is supposed to do (John 14:26).
When anyone spoke to the leaders of the church they were actually addressing the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). When men spoke in the church they did so by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:23; 21:11). When men refused to listen to the gospel they were, in fact, refusing to listen to the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). It was the Holy Spirit who spoke the word of God through the prophets of old such as Isaiah, and it is the Holy Spirit that speaks through His servants today (Acts 28:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:14).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Acts 13:2 - "And while they performed the service of the Lord and fasted the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart now Barnabas and Saul unto the work which I have called them."
This is one example of how actively in charge the person the Holy Spirit is in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:28; 16:6; 20:28). The Holy Spirit not only proclaimed that they were to be separated unto Him but is also the one who sent them (Acts 13:4). The Holy Spirit is the one who is here to teach the church everything that it is supposed to do (John 14:26).
When anyone spoke to the leaders of the church they were actually addressing the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). When men spoke in the church they did so by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:23; 21:11). When men refused to listen to the gospel they were, in fact, refusing to listen to the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). It was the Holy Spirit who spoke the word of God through the prophets of old such as Isaiah, and it is the Holy Spirit that speaks through His servants today (Acts 28:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:14).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Monday, November 27, 2006
Daily Bread - Nov 27 2006
1 Peter 2:24 - "Who Himself carried our sins in his own body upon the tree so that the sins being removed we might live righteously by whose wound you were healed."
Sin is an incurable disease that is passed from generation to generation. The only cure for this terrible plague is the blood of Jesus. It was through the bloody wound that Jesus received on the cross that our sins were put to death and the sicknesses and diseases, which are a consequence of sin, were cured.
When a cure for sin was provided in Christ Jesus, the cure for all sickness and disease was also revealed. For in Christ Jesus we have forgiveness for all our iniquities and healing for all our diseases (Psalms 103:3). It is God's will that every man find freedom from sin through the power of the blood of Jesus and healing for all their diseases through the wound which He bore. When men are healed from their diseases and sicknesses it is made known that the Lord Jesus has power to forgive sin (Matthew 9:6). It is through the prayer of faith in what Jesus has already accomplished for us that the sick are saved and sins are forgiven (James 5:15).
In both the Hebrew Bible (Leningrad Text/Cairo Text) and the Septuagint this verse simply reads, "by His wound we were healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Peter, who was speaking for God in the first person, did not include himself and therefore used the word "you" in an address by God to all mankind. The Greek word 'molops' appears in the singular form in both Testaments and both languages it means "wound, bruise, strip, or mark". However, the Hebrew word in Isaiah 53:5, 'chaburah' primarily refers to 'wound'.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:24 - "Who Himself carried our sins in his own body upon the tree so that the sins being removed we might live righteously by whose wound you were healed."
Sin is an incurable disease that is passed from generation to generation. The only cure for this terrible plague is the blood of Jesus. It was through the bloody wound that Jesus received on the cross that our sins were put to death and the sicknesses and diseases, which are a consequence of sin, were cured.
When a cure for sin was provided in Christ Jesus, the cure for all sickness and disease was also revealed. For in Christ Jesus we have forgiveness for all our iniquities and healing for all our diseases (Psalms 103:3). It is God's will that every man find freedom from sin through the power of the blood of Jesus and healing for all their diseases through the wound which He bore. When men are healed from their diseases and sicknesses it is made known that the Lord Jesus has power to forgive sin (Matthew 9:6). It is through the prayer of faith in what Jesus has already accomplished for us that the sick are saved and sins are forgiven (James 5:15).
In both the Hebrew Bible (Leningrad Text/Cairo Text) and the Septuagint this verse simply reads, "by His wound we were healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Peter, who was speaking for God in the first person, did not include himself and therefore used the word "you" in an address by God to all mankind. The Greek word 'molops' appears in the singular form in both Testaments and both languages it means "wound, bruise, strip, or mark". However, the Hebrew word in Isaiah 53:5, 'chaburah' primarily refers to 'wound'.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Daily Bread - Nov 25 2006
John 3:18 - "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned but whoever does not believe has already been condemned for refusing to believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
The Lord Jesus made freedom from condemnation and sin very easy; all one has to do is to believe in the Only Begotten Son, and they will be rescued from the imprisonment of spiritual death. The message of salvation that is contained within the title "Only Begotten Son" includes accepting that Jesus is God, that he became a human being to come and take upon himself the sins of the world, and that there is no other means of salvation but by Him.
We cannot trust in ourselves, our own good works or any other religious belief and Jesus too. The mixture will not do because it undermines the fact that unless man is born again and made a new creature he is unacceptable to God. All other religious activities are vain, including the Law because it cannot change the heart of man. There is only one possible way to be born of the Spirit and that is through the death of Jesus on the cross. For it was at the cross that Jesus broke the power of sin and Satan that took control of man when Adam sinned. When we believe on the Only Begotten Son we are taking notice that God has sent a personal invitation to us to come and join Him.
We are accepting the fact that God loves each of us personally (1 John 4:16). However, if we take a permanent position of refusing Jesus Christ as our savior then the result is eternal death. It is not that God chose death for us for He has chosen life for all mankind. In the very beginning it was man who walked away from God and became a prisoner to sin and death. God who is not willing that anyone perish has come to every person individually and given them the opportunity to accept what Adam refused (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16). The choice is ours, God has opened the door of escape for us but if we refuse then there is nothing left but an eternal condemnation that God pronounced on sin from the very beginning.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
John 3:18 - "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned but whoever does not believe has already been condemned for refusing to believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
The Lord Jesus made freedom from condemnation and sin very easy; all one has to do is to believe in the Only Begotten Son, and they will be rescued from the imprisonment of spiritual death. The message of salvation that is contained within the title "Only Begotten Son" includes accepting that Jesus is God, that he became a human being to come and take upon himself the sins of the world, and that there is no other means of salvation but by Him.
We cannot trust in ourselves, our own good works or any other religious belief and Jesus too. The mixture will not do because it undermines the fact that unless man is born again and made a new creature he is unacceptable to God. All other religious activities are vain, including the Law because it cannot change the heart of man. There is only one possible way to be born of the Spirit and that is through the death of Jesus on the cross. For it was at the cross that Jesus broke the power of sin and Satan that took control of man when Adam sinned. When we believe on the Only Begotten Son we are taking notice that God has sent a personal invitation to us to come and join Him.
We are accepting the fact that God loves each of us personally (1 John 4:16). However, if we take a permanent position of refusing Jesus Christ as our savior then the result is eternal death. It is not that God chose death for us for He has chosen life for all mankind. In the very beginning it was man who walked away from God and became a prisoner to sin and death. God who is not willing that anyone perish has come to every person individually and given them the opportunity to accept what Adam refused (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16). The choice is ours, God has opened the door of escape for us but if we refuse then there is nothing left but an eternal condemnation that God pronounced on sin from the very beginning.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org
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