Daily Bread - Feb 02 07
Revelation 1:19: "Write therefore what you have seen and the things that are and the things that are about to take place after these things."
The Gospel of John is organized as a chronology giving us the necessary information that allows us to understand the length of the ministry of Jesus. Without the gospel of John we would not have the evidence to support that Jesus' ministry was any more than a year and a half in length. The book of Revelation is also organized in a logical chronology of events. The first indication of the chronology of the book of Revelation is given in this verse which is also the key to understanding the way that this book of prophecy is organized.
The book of Revelation is organized into three sections:
First: "What you have seen," which was the vision of the Son of Man and is recorded in chapter 1.
Second: "The things which are," concerning the church recorded in chapters 2-3.
Third: "The things that are about to take place after these things," which begins in chapter 4.
One obvious fact that underscores these three divisions is that, in chapters 2 through 3, the word church occurs seven times. However, from Revelation 4:1 to 22:21, the word church totally disappears. The chronological order of the book of Revelation is further served by the fact that there are seven seals, seven trumpets, and the seven vials that are dealt with sequentially through the events of this book.
Other than a few obvious parenthetical statements, the chronological sequence is uninterrupted. The Greek phrase "meta tauta" - which means "after these things" and marks the final section of the book of Revelation - appears in chapter 4 verse 1 where it opens and closes with these words "meta tauta" (after these things) underscoring the transition that has been outlined here in verse 19.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Daily Bread - Feb 01 07
2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 - "And now you know what holds back the revealing of him in his time. The mystery of lawlessness is already at work only right now He holds it back from the midst until He comes."
The antichrist cannot be revealed until the time of the administration of the church is complete. Jesus is the one who is now holding back the ultimate deception and rebellion of iniquity which cannot be revealed until He comes: "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work - only right now He holds it back from our midst until He comes. At that time, the lawless one shall be revealed whom the Lord shall return and destroy with the spirit of his mouth and wipe out with the appearance of His coming."(2:7-8).
Jesus first comes to finalize the administration of the church age by receiving the church unto Himself, and then the lawless one shall be revealed. Jesus will then return with His saints (which includes the church) to fight against the antichrist and his armies (Revelation 19:11-14; Jude 14-15).
Paul had already revealed to the church at Thessalonica that there would be a catching away of the church and made it unique from the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Paul makes the catching away event equivalent to the resurrection from the dead. When Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive will be caught up together into the clouds to meet Jesus in the air according to His promise that He would return and receive us unto Himself (John 14:2-3).
It is at this time that Jesus comes with a shout of an archangel and with the sound of the trumpet of God. Paul also describes the catching away in the context of the first resurrection to the church at Corinth. He revealed that not everyone would die, but some would immediately be changed from the corruptible and earthly into the immortal and heavenly - an event that would take place at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).
We know from the words of Jesus that it will be an event that He personally initiates as suggested by 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus said, "With absolute certainty I tell you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live." This is the one event that no one knows the timing of except for the Father (Matthew 24:36). As far as the Second coming goes, when we overlay the book of Daniel with the Book of Revelation we can calculate the exact time of the Second Coming of Christ from the day that the antichrist desecrates the Temple (Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15).
When we look for this most important event in the book of Revelation it is only discovered in the words "after these things" which refers to the time after the church age as John wrote the things which he had seen, Chapter 1, the things which are, chapters 2-3, and the things which shall be after the things which are, chapters 4-18. (Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The only event in the book of Revelation that describes a catching away is found in Revelation 12:5 which speaks of a man child that was born to a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars which is an Old Testament symbol for Israel (Genesis 37:9-10). The most appropriate understanding of this man child born of Israel is the 144,000 that is first mentioned as being sealed in Revelation 7:4 and then seen in heaven in Revelation 14:1 with the seal of the Father's name written in their forehead. To attempt to make the church fit into this symbolism is a violation of the fact the church is symbolized as a man in that the church is the body of Christ.
When we examine the book of Revelation for the Trump of God or the last trump the only thing that can be found is in Revelation 10:7; 11:15-18. However, this does not concur with the fact that it is Jesus Himself who descends, neither is there any mention of those who are alive in Christ being caught up. In fact, the only way that anyone during the Tribulation makes the company of the resurrected saints is through death.
Jesus spoke of the time at the end of the Tribulation when He would send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet who will gather together His elect, but by context this is associated with His return to the earth with His saints in Revelation 19:11-21. The reason that the events of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51 are not found in the book of Revelation is because they occur before the Tribulation of Revelation 4-19. The very simple fact is that the church is not one time mentioned in these chapters.
Daniel speaks of the time of the resurrection of the just, and even though it is mentioned in association with the time of the Tribulation it is also grouped with the resurrection of the unjust which we know to be separated by 1000 years (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:5). The warning that all of us should take heed to is that Jesus said that if anyone adds to the words of this book then the plagues of this book will be added to them. It is very unwise to add the word church to Revelation 4 through 19 which takes in the whole of the Tribulation period.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 - "And now you know what holds back the revealing of him in his time. The mystery of lawlessness is already at work only right now He holds it back from the midst until He comes."
The antichrist cannot be revealed until the time of the administration of the church is complete. Jesus is the one who is now holding back the ultimate deception and rebellion of iniquity which cannot be revealed until He comes: "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work - only right now He holds it back from our midst until He comes. At that time, the lawless one shall be revealed whom the Lord shall return and destroy with the spirit of his mouth and wipe out with the appearance of His coming."(2:7-8).
Jesus first comes to finalize the administration of the church age by receiving the church unto Himself, and then the lawless one shall be revealed. Jesus will then return with His saints (which includes the church) to fight against the antichrist and his armies (Revelation 19:11-14; Jude 14-15).
Paul had already revealed to the church at Thessalonica that there would be a catching away of the church and made it unique from the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Paul makes the catching away event equivalent to the resurrection from the dead. When Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive will be caught up together into the clouds to meet Jesus in the air according to His promise that He would return and receive us unto Himself (John 14:2-3).
It is at this time that Jesus comes with a shout of an archangel and with the sound of the trumpet of God. Paul also describes the catching away in the context of the first resurrection to the church at Corinth. He revealed that not everyone would die, but some would immediately be changed from the corruptible and earthly into the immortal and heavenly - an event that would take place at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).
We know from the words of Jesus that it will be an event that He personally initiates as suggested by 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jesus said, "With absolute certainty I tell you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live." This is the one event that no one knows the timing of except for the Father (Matthew 24:36). As far as the Second coming goes, when we overlay the book of Daniel with the Book of Revelation we can calculate the exact time of the Second Coming of Christ from the day that the antichrist desecrates the Temple (Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15).
When we look for this most important event in the book of Revelation it is only discovered in the words "after these things" which refers to the time after the church age as John wrote the things which he had seen, Chapter 1, the things which are, chapters 2-3, and the things which shall be after the things which are, chapters 4-18. (Revelation 1:19; 4:1). The only event in the book of Revelation that describes a catching away is found in Revelation 12:5 which speaks of a man child that was born to a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars which is an Old Testament symbol for Israel (Genesis 37:9-10). The most appropriate understanding of this man child born of Israel is the 144,000 that is first mentioned as being sealed in Revelation 7:4 and then seen in heaven in Revelation 14:1 with the seal of the Father's name written in their forehead. To attempt to make the church fit into this symbolism is a violation of the fact the church is symbolized as a man in that the church is the body of Christ.
When we examine the book of Revelation for the Trump of God or the last trump the only thing that can be found is in Revelation 10:7; 11:15-18. However, this does not concur with the fact that it is Jesus Himself who descends, neither is there any mention of those who are alive in Christ being caught up. In fact, the only way that anyone during the Tribulation makes the company of the resurrected saints is through death.
Jesus spoke of the time at the end of the Tribulation when He would send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet who will gather together His elect, but by context this is associated with His return to the earth with His saints in Revelation 19:11-21. The reason that the events of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51 are not found in the book of Revelation is because they occur before the Tribulation of Revelation 4-19. The very simple fact is that the church is not one time mentioned in these chapters.
Daniel speaks of the time of the resurrection of the just, and even though it is mentioned in association with the time of the Tribulation it is also grouped with the resurrection of the unjust which we know to be separated by 1000 years (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:5). The warning that all of us should take heed to is that Jesus said that if anyone adds to the words of this book then the plagues of this book will be added to them. It is very unwise to add the word church to Revelation 4 through 19 which takes in the whole of the Tribulation period.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 31 07
1 Peter 5:3 - "Neither as exercising dominion over the heritage but being examples to the flock."
Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and, thereby, born of the Spirit are part of the family of God, and thus referred to as God’s heirs (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3;29;4:7; Titus 3:17; James 2:5; 1Peter 3:7). The responsibility of every minister and every saint is to realize that the people of God - whom they interact with - are joint heirs with Jesus Christ and, therefore, God’s heritage or lot. This awareness should cause us to treat one another with the utmost respect and love. Jesus said that whatever we do to the least of the brethren (family of God) we also do to Him (Matthew 25:40).
We have all been taught directly by God that we are to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9). The love and the respect that we have been instructed in by the Holy Spirit should result in the deepest honor and appreciation for one another. At the moment that we see each other's shortcomings and faults we should not despise each other but encourage and assist one another with the help that we need.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 5:3 - "Neither as exercising dominion over the heritage but being examples to the flock."
Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and, thereby, born of the Spirit are part of the family of God, and thus referred to as God’s heirs (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3;29;4:7; Titus 3:17; James 2:5; 1Peter 3:7). The responsibility of every minister and every saint is to realize that the people of God - whom they interact with - are joint heirs with Jesus Christ and, therefore, God’s heritage or lot. This awareness should cause us to treat one another with the utmost respect and love. Jesus said that whatever we do to the least of the brethren (family of God) we also do to Him (Matthew 25:40).
We have all been taught directly by God that we are to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9). The love and the respect that we have been instructed in by the Holy Spirit should result in the deepest honor and appreciation for one another. At the moment that we see each other's shortcomings and faults we should not despise each other but encourage and assist one another with the help that we need.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 30 07
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."
Although Jesus is the head of the church, it is the Holy Spirit who speaks on His behalf (Acts 15:28; 16:6; 20:28). The Holy Spirit was sent to lead and to guide both the Church and the individual. He is the One who is to instruct us in everything that we are to do (John 14:26).
When men are called into the ministry it is by a special work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:4). Such men should be as distinctive to us as they are to God. We should view the ministry as having been separated from all that is ordinary in the church and endowed with a special divine grace to equip and lead us (Ephesians 4:11-16).
The Holy Spirit is the one who teaches the church everything it is supposed to do. One of the primary ways that He speaks is through those who have been separated unto Him for this purpose (John 14:26). The position of authority that God endowed His ministers with to speak on His behalf made them the representatives of God to the church insomuch that whatever was spoken by them was actually being spoken by the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3).
God ordained that those things which were spoken and ministered in His church were to be done expressly by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:23; 21:11; 1 Corinthins 14:16; 1 Peter 4:11). 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). If we are going to learn to walk in the realms of God's anointing and blessing then we must learn to walk in His love that produces servitude and submission to one anothe - and especially to the leadership that the Holy Spirit has called and demanded the church to view as separate and unique.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
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."
Although Jesus is the head of the church, it is the Holy Spirit who speaks on His behalf (Acts 15:28; 16:6; 20:28). The Holy Spirit was sent to lead and to guide both the Church and the individual. He is the One who is to instruct us in everything that we are to do (John 14:26).
When men are called into the ministry it is by a special work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:4). Such men should be as distinctive to us as they are to God. We should view the ministry as having been separated from all that is ordinary in the church and endowed with a special divine grace to equip and lead us (Ephesians 4:11-16).
The Holy Spirit is the one who teaches the church everything it is supposed to do. One of the primary ways that He speaks is through those who have been separated unto Him for this purpose (John 14:26). The position of authority that God endowed His ministers with to speak on His behalf made them the representatives of God to the church insomuch that whatever was spoken by them was actually being spoken by the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3).
God ordained that those things which were spoken and ministered in His church were to be done expressly by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:23; 21:11; 1 Corinthins 14:16; 1 Peter 4:11). 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). If we are going to learn to walk in the realms of God's anointing and blessing then we must learn to walk in His love that produces servitude and submission to one anothe - and especially to the leadership that the Holy Spirit has called and demanded the church to view as separate and unique.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, January 29, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 29 07
Acts 16:6 - "And they went through Phrygia and the country of the Galatians being hindered by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia."
Surely the success and the power of those in the first century church was due to their submission to divine authority. Paul - who had received abundance of revelation and in fact in many ways was ahead of all the other ministries that were around him - deferred to the judgments of the leadership in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2; Galatians 2:1-2).
His walk with God was exemplified by humility and servitude as a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, he had a relationship with the Holy Spirit that afforded him specific direction about what he was supposed to do and when he was to do it. Furthermore, this is again clear evidence that God the Holy Spirit had come to lead the disciples and was in charge of the affairs of the church (Acts 5:32; 13:2,4; 15:28).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 16:6 - "And they went through Phrygia and the country of the Galatians being hindered by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia."
Surely the success and the power of those in the first century church was due to their submission to divine authority. Paul - who had received abundance of revelation and in fact in many ways was ahead of all the other ministries that were around him - deferred to the judgments of the leadership in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2; Galatians 2:1-2).
His walk with God was exemplified by humility and servitude as a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, he had a relationship with the Holy Spirit that afforded him specific direction about what he was supposed to do and when he was to do it. Furthermore, this is again clear evidence that God the Holy Spirit had come to lead the disciples and was in charge of the affairs of the church (Acts 5:32; 13:2,4; 15:28).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Jan 27 07
Romans 8:26 - "And in like manner also the Spirit helps our frailty; for we do not know what we need to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes with inexpressible groanings."
The intercession of the Spirit is described as inexpressible groanings. The expressions of the Spirit were first manifested in the Bible as prophecy: God speaking His word through man’s mouth under the inspiration of the Spirit. In the New Testament when the Holy Spirit came upon the believer, other languages came forth as rivers of living water (Acts 2:3; John 7:38-39). The necessity of praying in the Spirit is repeated often throughout the New Testament.
The Holy Spirit is the One who has come to lead us and guide us into all truth. He is the one who is making things known to us that Jesus was unable to communicate (John 16:12-15). His coming and subsequent intercession was the sound of other languages or the languages of men and angels (Acts 2:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:1). The command to pray in the Spirit extends from 1 Corinthians to Jude 20.
Although praying in the Spirit may extend to speaking by the Spirit or prophesying it certainly excludes much of what Christians today would have us believe is prayer which, in fact, is little more than their own minds expressing frustration, anxiety, and remorse. The prayer of the Spirit has a sound and an inspiration that is produced by the Holy Spirit Himself (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; Acts 19:6; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:1, 14; Ephesians 5:18; 6:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 8:26 - "And in like manner also the Spirit helps our frailty; for we do not know what we need to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes with inexpressible groanings."
The intercession of the Spirit is described as inexpressible groanings. The expressions of the Spirit were first manifested in the Bible as prophecy: God speaking His word through man’s mouth under the inspiration of the Spirit. In the New Testament when the Holy Spirit came upon the believer, other languages came forth as rivers of living water (Acts 2:3; John 7:38-39). The necessity of praying in the Spirit is repeated often throughout the New Testament.
The Holy Spirit is the One who has come to lead us and guide us into all truth. He is the one who is making things known to us that Jesus was unable to communicate (John 16:12-15). His coming and subsequent intercession was the sound of other languages or the languages of men and angels (Acts 2:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:1). The command to pray in the Spirit extends from 1 Corinthians to Jude 20.
Although praying in the Spirit may extend to speaking by the Spirit or prophesying it certainly excludes much of what Christians today would have us believe is prayer which, in fact, is little more than their own minds expressing frustration, anxiety, and remorse. The prayer of the Spirit has a sound and an inspiration that is produced by the Holy Spirit Himself (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; Acts 19:6; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:1, 14; Ephesians 5:18; 6:18).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, January 26, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 26 2007
1 Peter 2:10 - "Who once were not a people but now God’s people who had no mercy but now have mercy."
Mercy is a word that may also be understood as an expression of deep love or tender affection by its Hebrew equivalent (racham). God’s compassion and deep affection that we have obtained through His Great Salvation has caused us to come into a relationship position with Him that is best expressed by the Psalmist when he says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all of the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalms 23:6).
The blessing and favor of God that is giving to us through God’s abundant mercy is a guarantee that we will always find ourselves going from strength to strength. Living in God’s abundant mercy that is new every morning is an assurance that everything about our lives will be stamped with the blessing of God.
We can be certain that if we trust and rely upon God, our seed will be mighty upon the earth, and whatever we do will prosper. Our children will walk in a greater anointing and have a greater influence than we have had. Because we have obtained mercy, we will find ourselves walking in all of the covenant blessings, and more, that God promised Abraham and the nation of Israel (Galatians 3:14; Genesis 22:17; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Hebrews 8:6).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:10 - "Who once were not a people but now God’s people who had no mercy but now have mercy."
Mercy is a word that may also be understood as an expression of deep love or tender affection by its Hebrew equivalent (racham). God’s compassion and deep affection that we have obtained through His Great Salvation has caused us to come into a relationship position with Him that is best expressed by the Psalmist when he says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all of the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalms 23:6).
The blessing and favor of God that is giving to us through God’s abundant mercy is a guarantee that we will always find ourselves going from strength to strength. Living in God’s abundant mercy that is new every morning is an assurance that everything about our lives will be stamped with the blessing of God.
We can be certain that if we trust and rely upon God, our seed will be mighty upon the earth, and whatever we do will prosper. Our children will walk in a greater anointing and have a greater influence than we have had. Because we have obtained mercy, we will find ourselves walking in all of the covenant blessings, and more, that God promised Abraham and the nation of Israel (Galatians 3:14; Genesis 22:17; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Hebrews 8:6).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread Jan 25 07
Ephesians 6:18-20 - "Through every prayer and plea, praying on every occasion in the Spirit also being on watch, totally alert. And on my behalf that a word may be given to me in the opening of my mouth by boldly making known the mystery of the gospel. On behalf of which I am an ambassador in bonds that in it I may speak boldly even as I ought to speak."
Paul’s instruction to the church at Ephesus was that they should pray on every occasion in the Spirit. They were to be totally alert as the army of God and every need that presented itself was to be taken to God in prayer. Among those urgent needs was Paul’s own ministry of the word. He desired the church to pray for him that he would both be given the word and that he would speak the word of God with boldness.
Unfortunately, if we are not careful, we will pray after our own human concern and understanding and be completely ineffective. It is only the prayer of the Spirit that is the effectual and effective prayer. When we pray in the Spirit we will also receive the prayer of revelation or prophetic prayer that we can understand and receive instruction and edification by. Many times we also make the mistake of praying in the Spirit just short of the prayer that everyone can understand.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 6:18-20 - "Through every prayer and plea, praying on every occasion in the Spirit also being on watch, totally alert. And on my behalf that a word may be given to me in the opening of my mouth by boldly making known the mystery of the gospel. On behalf of which I am an ambassador in bonds that in it I may speak boldly even as I ought to speak."
Paul’s instruction to the church at Ephesus was that they should pray on every occasion in the Spirit. They were to be totally alert as the army of God and every need that presented itself was to be taken to God in prayer. Among those urgent needs was Paul’s own ministry of the word. He desired the church to pray for him that he would both be given the word and that he would speak the word of God with boldness.
Unfortunately, if we are not careful, we will pray after our own human concern and understanding and be completely ineffective. It is only the prayer of the Spirit that is the effectual and effective prayer. When we pray in the Spirit we will also receive the prayer of revelation or prophetic prayer that we can understand and receive instruction and edification by. Many times we also make the mistake of praying in the Spirit just short of the prayer that everyone can understand.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 24 2007
John 15:7 - "If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you."
Jesus reveals how easy it is to receive the answer to your request - He simply tells us to ask. Jesus tells us 7 times in John chapters 14 through 16 to ‘ask.’ The kind of prayer that we are to pray is an asking prayer - one that expects God to do the impossible. Elijah prayed asking God to stop the rain, and it did not rain for 3.5 years; then when he asked God to cause it to rain it was so (James 5:17-18). James said, “you have not because you ask not.” Jesus said, “everyone who asks shall receive” and “all things whatsoever you ask in prayer believing you shall receive (Luke 11:9-10; Matthew 11:22). How simple can it be; Jesus reduces the impossible to nothing more than a basic request.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 15:7 - "If you dwell in me and my words dwell in you then you may ask what you desire and it shall be done for you."
Jesus reveals how easy it is to receive the answer to your request - He simply tells us to ask. Jesus tells us 7 times in John chapters 14 through 16 to ‘ask.’ The kind of prayer that we are to pray is an asking prayer - one that expects God to do the impossible. Elijah prayed asking God to stop the rain, and it did not rain for 3.5 years; then when he asked God to cause it to rain it was so (James 5:17-18). James said, “you have not because you ask not.” Jesus said, “everyone who asks shall receive” and “all things whatsoever you ask in prayer believing you shall receive (Luke 11:9-10; Matthew 11:22). How simple can it be; Jesus reduces the impossible to nothing more than a basic request.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 23 2007
1 Peter 1:7 - "That the testing of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes even though tried with fire may be found unto praise and glory and honor at Christ Jesus' unveiling."
Father gives us a measure of His faith, and it must be proved or assayed in our lives (Psalms 66:10; James 1:3-4; Proverbs 17:3). The Greek word "dokimion" (testing) refers to the testing that is necessary to determine the genuineness of something. If we are willing to go through the refining fires of the Spirit, God will perfect everything concerning our faith.
Jeremiah revealed that the word of God was like a fire that burns up the chaff. He revealed that the chaff was the false words that had been spoken by the false prophets (Jeremiah 23:28,29; Matthew 3:12). These opinions of devils and men were withholding the fruit that the seed of God's word otherwise would have produced. The faith of God that has come to us by the Word of God must be purified from the mixtures of our own opinions, perceptions, and fears.
The Word of God teaches us how to walk in absolute love and trust toward the Father, yet there are many doubts and fears that we allow to effect our decisions. When God's Word enters into the earthen vessels of our lives it must be tried within us, and those things that we may unknowingly mix with it must be removed. Therefore, Jesus the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls sits over us as a refiner and purifier of silver (Malachi 3:3). God's word is pure like silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times, and it must be also tried in us by the situations and circumstances that God allows to come against us (Psalms 12:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 1:7 - "That the testing of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes even though tried with fire may be found unto praise and glory and honor at Christ Jesus' unveiling."
Father gives us a measure of His faith, and it must be proved or assayed in our lives (Psalms 66:10; James 1:3-4; Proverbs 17:3). The Greek word "dokimion" (testing) refers to the testing that is necessary to determine the genuineness of something. If we are willing to go through the refining fires of the Spirit, God will perfect everything concerning our faith.
Jeremiah revealed that the word of God was like a fire that burns up the chaff. He revealed that the chaff was the false words that had been spoken by the false prophets (Jeremiah 23:28,29; Matthew 3:12). These opinions of devils and men were withholding the fruit that the seed of God's word otherwise would have produced. The faith of God that has come to us by the Word of God must be purified from the mixtures of our own opinions, perceptions, and fears.
The Word of God teaches us how to walk in absolute love and trust toward the Father, yet there are many doubts and fears that we allow to effect our decisions. When God's Word enters into the earthen vessels of our lives it must be tried within us, and those things that we may unknowingly mix with it must be removed. Therefore, Jesus the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls sits over us as a refiner and purifier of silver (Malachi 3:3). God's word is pure like silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times, and it must be also tried in us by the situations and circumstances that God allows to come against us (Psalms 12:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, January 22, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 22 2007
2 John 1:7 - "Who indeed for the sake of the Name go out taking nothing from the nations."
This Greek phrase translated "for the name sake" is found 7 times in the New Testament and 17 times in the Old Testament (1 Sam 9:2; 1 Kings 1:47; 12:24; 1 Chronicles 4:9). The more common way to translate this phrase is "for his name sake." However, a more literal translation is "for the sake of his name," or as it appears in this verse "for the sake of the name," (Acts 5:41; 9:16; 15:26; 21:13; Romans 1:5; 15:9; 3 John 1:7).
All power has been given to Jesus, and through His name that power and authority is executed by His servants insomuch that whatever they ask in His name will be done ( Matthew 28:18; John 14:13,14); 15:16; 16:23,24,26-27). The name of Jesus has been exalted above every other name; therefore, all powers and authorities are subject to it (Ephesians 1:21; Philippians 2:9). Every evil spirit and corrupt thing must obey the authority that is in the name of Jesus.
Through the power that is in the name of Jesus, the servants of God cast out devils, speak with new tongues, take up serpents, or drink any deadly thing and are not harmed. Through His name His servants are empowered to lay hands on the sick and they shall recover (Mark 16:17). The name of Jesus and faith in His name causes the crippled to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the dead to be raised to life again (Acts 3:16; 8:5,7).
God has sworn that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10; Romans 14:11; Isaiah 45:23). Through the name of Jesus, the power of sin and deception is broken and men are turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18). Through the name of Jesus men are delivered from the curse of sin and death (Acts 2:38; 4:12). When two or three of His servants are gathering together in His name, Jesus, He is in their midst to make known the power and authority of His word (Matthew 18:20; Mark 16:20). By the supernatural display of the power of God in our lives we manifest the name of Jesus even as Jesus manifested the name of the Father (John 17:6,12,26).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 John 1:7 - "Who indeed for the sake of the Name go out taking nothing from the nations."
This Greek phrase translated "for the name sake" is found 7 times in the New Testament and 17 times in the Old Testament (1 Sam 9:2; 1 Kings 1:47; 12:24; 1 Chronicles 4:9). The more common way to translate this phrase is "for his name sake." However, a more literal translation is "for the sake of his name," or as it appears in this verse "for the sake of the name," (Acts 5:41; 9:16; 15:26; 21:13; Romans 1:5; 15:9; 3 John 1:7).
All power has been given to Jesus, and through His name that power and authority is executed by His servants insomuch that whatever they ask in His name will be done ( Matthew 28:18; John 14:13,14); 15:16; 16:23,24,26-27). The name of Jesus has been exalted above every other name; therefore, all powers and authorities are subject to it (Ephesians 1:21; Philippians 2:9). Every evil spirit and corrupt thing must obey the authority that is in the name of Jesus.
Through the power that is in the name of Jesus, the servants of God cast out devils, speak with new tongues, take up serpents, or drink any deadly thing and are not harmed. Through His name His servants are empowered to lay hands on the sick and they shall recover (Mark 16:17). The name of Jesus and faith in His name causes the crippled to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the dead to be raised to life again (Acts 3:16; 8:5,7).
God has sworn that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10; Romans 14:11; Isaiah 45:23). Through the name of Jesus, the power of sin and deception is broken and men are turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18). Through the name of Jesus men are delivered from the curse of sin and death (Acts 2:38; 4:12). When two or three of His servants are gathering together in His name, Jesus, He is in their midst to make known the power and authority of His word (Matthew 18:20; Mark 16:20). By the supernatural display of the power of God in our lives we manifest the name of Jesus even as Jesus manifested the name of the Father (John 17:6,12,26).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Jan 20 2007
2 John 1:7 - "Because many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh, this is the deceiver and the antichrist."
The spirit of the antichrist and the spirit of deceit work in conjunction with one another. In 1 John 2:26; 3:7 and 4;6, the spirit of antichrist was revealed in those who refuse to remain in the church that the Apostle John belonged to. John reveals that all who broke off fellowship with them were in fact children of the devil, 1 John 2:19; 3:8.
One is either lead by the Spirit of truth and has the anointing or they are lead by deception and have the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:6). The "going out" from the fellowship with the church in 1 John 2:19, is comparable to the "going out" of Judas after the devil had entered into him, John 13:27,30.
The ultimate deception does not usually take place in a person's life all at once. Rather one deception leads to another until not only has a person left the assembly of God's people but they also deny that Jesus Christ ever came into their lives or into the world.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 John 1:7 - "Because many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh, this is the deceiver and the antichrist."
The spirit of the antichrist and the spirit of deceit work in conjunction with one another. In 1 John 2:26; 3:7 and 4;6, the spirit of antichrist was revealed in those who refuse to remain in the church that the Apostle John belonged to. John reveals that all who broke off fellowship with them were in fact children of the devil, 1 John 2:19; 3:8.
One is either lead by the Spirit of truth and has the anointing or they are lead by deception and have the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:6). The "going out" from the fellowship with the church in 1 John 2:19, is comparable to the "going out" of Judas after the devil had entered into him, John 13:27,30.
The ultimate deception does not usually take place in a person's life all at once. Rather one deception leads to another until not only has a person left the assembly of God's people but they also deny that Jesus Christ ever came into their lives or into the world.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - Jan 19 2007
1 John 1:2 - "Because the truth abides in us and will be with us forever."
The truth has no deception nor false information contained within it. Truth, only comes by Jesus and for men to have it their hearts must be changed by the Spirit of God. Jesus is the one who is full of truth and the only one who can give truth to men (John 1:14; John 14:6; 1:17). It is the truth that sets men free from the bondage of sin and deception (John 8:32). It is the truth that enables men to be true worshipers, for men may only worship God in truth (John 4:23-24).
The Holy Spirit that we have received from God is the Spirit of truth whom the world, which lies in darkness and deception cannot receive (John 14:17). It is the work of the Holy Spirit to lead us and to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). All we must do is be willing to simply yield ourselves to the Spirit of God and be obedient children not fashioning ourselves after the world and we will be led into all the fullness of the truth of God's Word and Way.
The anointing that we have received, which is the divine empowerment to walk in the divine nature, teaches us all things and is truth (1 John 2:27). Jesus prayed that the Father would sanctify His disciples in the truth and also made it known that this was why He sanctified Himself unto death (John 17:17; 19). Walking in the truth may also be understood as, "walking in the Spirit" (Rom 8:1,4; Gal 5:16, 25), "walking in the Light" (John 8:12; Eph 5:7; 1 John 1:7), and "walking in Love" (Eph 5:2). All we need to do is find ourselves in love with Jesus today. If we will allow the anointing that we have received to both inspire us and to guide us we will find ourselves only believing and doing the truth.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 1:2 - "Because the truth abides in us and will be with us forever."
The truth has no deception nor false information contained within it. Truth, only comes by Jesus and for men to have it their hearts must be changed by the Spirit of God. Jesus is the one who is full of truth and the only one who can give truth to men (John 1:14; John 14:6; 1:17). It is the truth that sets men free from the bondage of sin and deception (John 8:32). It is the truth that enables men to be true worshipers, for men may only worship God in truth (John 4:23-24).
The Holy Spirit that we have received from God is the Spirit of truth whom the world, which lies in darkness and deception cannot receive (John 14:17). It is the work of the Holy Spirit to lead us and to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). All we must do is be willing to simply yield ourselves to the Spirit of God and be obedient children not fashioning ourselves after the world and we will be led into all the fullness of the truth of God's Word and Way.
The anointing that we have received, which is the divine empowerment to walk in the divine nature, teaches us all things and is truth (1 John 2:27). Jesus prayed that the Father would sanctify His disciples in the truth and also made it known that this was why He sanctified Himself unto death (John 17:17; 19). Walking in the truth may also be understood as, "walking in the Spirit" (Rom 8:1,4; Gal 5:16, 25), "walking in the Light" (John 8:12; Eph 5:7; 1 John 1:7), and "walking in Love" (Eph 5:2). All we need to do is find ourselves in love with Jesus today. If we will allow the anointing that we have received to both inspire us and to guide us we will find ourselves only believing and doing the truth.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 18 2007
1 John 5:11 - "And this is the witness: that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son."
The Holy Spirit Himself has come to give testimony to us and on our behalf that we have received eternal life. The most important dimension of eternal life is the quality of life that we have received. The life that we have been given in Christ Jesus is abundant life.
God's life is joy unspeakable and full of glory, peace that passes understanding, and love that never fails. Confidence and faith in His work of Grace is vital to our salvation. It is essential that we trust with absolute certainty that the blood of Jesus has removed every offence and has brought forth the life of God in us.
We must believe that we have been begotten of the Spirit and that He is leading and guiding us into all truth. We must resign ourselves only to believe what the Word of God says. The lies that would attempt to cast doubt on the eternal life that has been given to us must be cast down as the enemies of God.
God who so desires that we would be convinced of this unspeakable gift has given us the greatest witnesses that He could provide: the witness of the Blood, the Spirit, and the Water. He wants us to be certain of the eternal life that has come to us through the testimony of the Blood of Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the water of His Word. The certainty that eternal life has come to us through the blood is witnessed to us by the Spirit and the Word (Heb. 9:12, John 6:54, Matthew 26:27). That we have been begotten of the Spirit has been forever settled by the testimony that God has given to us of His Son (John 3:5-8, Gal. 4:29; 1 Peter 1:23, James 1:20, Hebrews 4:12). All of the witnesses of God, the blood, the Spirit, and the water, are one and they proclaim the message of God to everyone who will hear and believe. This message is that God has given to us eternal life.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 5:11 - "And this is the witness: that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son."
The Holy Spirit Himself has come to give testimony to us and on our behalf that we have received eternal life. The most important dimension of eternal life is the quality of life that we have received. The life that we have been given in Christ Jesus is abundant life.
God's life is joy unspeakable and full of glory, peace that passes understanding, and love that never fails. Confidence and faith in His work of Grace is vital to our salvation. It is essential that we trust with absolute certainty that the blood of Jesus has removed every offence and has brought forth the life of God in us.
We must believe that we have been begotten of the Spirit and that He is leading and guiding us into all truth. We must resign ourselves only to believe what the Word of God says. The lies that would attempt to cast doubt on the eternal life that has been given to us must be cast down as the enemies of God.
God who so desires that we would be convinced of this unspeakable gift has given us the greatest witnesses that He could provide: the witness of the Blood, the Spirit, and the Water. He wants us to be certain of the eternal life that has come to us through the testimony of the Blood of Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the water of His Word. The certainty that eternal life has come to us through the blood is witnessed to us by the Spirit and the Word (Heb. 9:12, John 6:54, Matthew 26:27). That we have been begotten of the Spirit has been forever settled by the testimony that God has given to us of His Son (John 3:5-8, Gal. 4:29; 1 Peter 1:23, James 1:20, Hebrews 4:12). All of the witnesses of God, the blood, the Spirit, and the water, are one and they proclaim the message of God to everyone who will hear and believe. This message is that God has given to us eternal life.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 17 2007
1 John 3:11 - "Because this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another."
The message of God to man is a message that calls all men to the realm of love. This is the message that is behind every message in the Bible. God is love and if we are going to know Him and walk with Him then we must be willing to be obedient to His love (Romans 13:8,10; Matthew 22:40). The message of God's love was delivered to us in its greatest form when Jesus suffered and died for us. John uses this same word when he describes to us that God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
There should be no greater desire in man than to know this kind of love and this kind of light. How safe our souls should feel that the God of the Universe is so disposed to the nature of unchanging love (1 John 4:7-8; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17). If you know God then you will learn to walk in His love and in His Light. The principles and choice of your interaction with everyone will have already been made for you; you will love them just as God loves them.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 3:11 - "Because this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another."
The message of God to man is a message that calls all men to the realm of love. This is the message that is behind every message in the Bible. God is love and if we are going to know Him and walk with Him then we must be willing to be obedient to His love (Romans 13:8,10; Matthew 22:40). The message of God's love was delivered to us in its greatest form when Jesus suffered and died for us. John uses this same word when he describes to us that God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
There should be no greater desire in man than to know this kind of love and this kind of light. How safe our souls should feel that the God of the Universe is so disposed to the nature of unchanging love (1 John 4:7-8; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17). If you know God then you will learn to walk in His love and in His Light. The principles and choice of your interaction with everyone will have already been made for you; you will love them just as God loves them.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 16 2007
1 John 3:6 - "Everyone who abides in Him has no sin, everyone that sins has not seen Him nor known Him."
The power to overcome the thirst for sin is only found in knowing God. Jesus gave the woman at the well of Samaria the remedy for her sin. All she needed to do was to receive the gift of God and drink of the Spirit and she would never thirst for the things of the world again (John 4:10,14). Jesus gave us an allegory in John 15 to describe how He desires us to live our lives in Him. We are to abide in Him as a branch abides in the vine. This kind of relationship and dependence upon the life and power of God will result in our constant obedience and success.
We can be certain that by the time that John was addressing the church with this Epistle there were many who had never physically seen Jesus. Yet their was a fellowship that they had with Jesus that John included them in, "we have seen with our eyes which we have looked upon" (1 John 1:1b). We know that as far as John was concerned this was literal for He had been with Jesus for at least three years and had many opportunities to do all of these things. But now about 60 years later there would be very few people who would have had and opportunity to literally do this. Therefore, when John uses this word for 'seen' or 'vision' he is using it in a spiritual sense. John is using this phrase to describe those who really know Jesus (1 John 2:4; 4:8).
To believe somehow that God does not expect us to walk in holiness and perfect obedience is nothing more than deception (1 John 3:7; Ephesians 5:6; 2 Timothy 3;13). If men are going to learn to walk in the perfect obedience to God then they are going to have to learn to walk in the Spirit and abide in Christ (Romans Galatians 5:16,25; Romans 8:1,4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 3:6 - "Everyone who abides in Him has no sin, everyone that sins has not seen Him nor known Him."
The power to overcome the thirst for sin is only found in knowing God. Jesus gave the woman at the well of Samaria the remedy for her sin. All she needed to do was to receive the gift of God and drink of the Spirit and she would never thirst for the things of the world again (John 4:10,14). Jesus gave us an allegory in John 15 to describe how He desires us to live our lives in Him. We are to abide in Him as a branch abides in the vine. This kind of relationship and dependence upon the life and power of God will result in our constant obedience and success.
We can be certain that by the time that John was addressing the church with this Epistle there were many who had never physically seen Jesus. Yet their was a fellowship that they had with Jesus that John included them in, "we have seen with our eyes which we have looked upon" (1 John 1:1b). We know that as far as John was concerned this was literal for He had been with Jesus for at least three years and had many opportunities to do all of these things. But now about 60 years later there would be very few people who would have had and opportunity to literally do this. Therefore, when John uses this word for 'seen' or 'vision' he is using it in a spiritual sense. John is using this phrase to describe those who really know Jesus (1 John 2:4; 4:8).
To believe somehow that God does not expect us to walk in holiness and perfect obedience is nothing more than deception (1 John 3:7; Ephesians 5:6; 2 Timothy 3;13). If men are going to learn to walk in the perfect obedience to God then they are going to have to learn to walk in the Spirit and abide in Christ (Romans Galatians 5:16,25; Romans 8:1,4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, January 15, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 15 2007
1 John 3:2 - "Beloved, we are now the children of God. And it has not yet been revealed what we shall be but when He is revealed we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is."
Father has given us the right to be His children simply by the act of believing on the name of Jesus and then , we have been made heirs and joint heirs with Jesus Christ who is the Only Begotten Son of God (Romans 8:17). Through the miracle of the new birth we were begotten of God, begotten of the Spirit of the Word and of the resurrection (1 John 5:1; John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 23). Being the sons of God, we are also called the sons of light because we are born of the truth to reveal the glory of God (John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Matthew 5:14- 16; Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:9).
Those who are the sons of God have been given the privilege and ability to be guided by the Spirit in their day-to-day activities (Romans 8:14). It is the Father's desire that every son be trained up by the Holy Spirit so that in every way we are conformed to the image of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus (Romans 8:29). God expects us as His sons to be consecrated to the same holiness and purity of Jesus our Savior (2 Corinthians 6:18).
One day when we have received our eternal and glorified body we will see God as He is. Although He dwells in the light which no man can approach unto nor can any man see yet as His sons we will be allowed to see Him as He is (1 Timothy 6:16). This event demarks the time when all things will be made new. The bondage of corruption will be removed from off all creations at the time of the resurrection of all the sons of God. It is for this reason that all creation groans awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God that will be revealed at the time of the resurrection (Romans 8:19).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 3:2 - "Beloved, we are now the children of God. And it has not yet been revealed what we shall be but when He is revealed we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is."
Father has given us the right to be His children simply by the act of believing on the name of Jesus and then , we have been made heirs and joint heirs with Jesus Christ who is the Only Begotten Son of God (Romans 8:17). Through the miracle of the new birth we were begotten of God, begotten of the Spirit of the Word and of the resurrection (1 John 5:1; John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 23). Being the sons of God, we are also called the sons of light because we are born of the truth to reveal the glory of God (John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Matthew 5:14- 16; Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:9).
Those who are the sons of God have been given the privilege and ability to be guided by the Spirit in their day-to-day activities (Romans 8:14). It is the Father's desire that every son be trained up by the Holy Spirit so that in every way we are conformed to the image of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus (Romans 8:29). God expects us as His sons to be consecrated to the same holiness and purity of Jesus our Savior (2 Corinthians 6:18).
One day when we have received our eternal and glorified body we will see God as He is. Although He dwells in the light which no man can approach unto nor can any man see yet as His sons we will be allowed to see Him as He is (1 Timothy 6:16). This event demarks the time when all things will be made new. The bondage of corruption will be removed from off all creations at the time of the resurrection of all the sons of God. It is for this reason that all creation groans awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God that will be revealed at the time of the resurrection (Romans 8:19).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 13 2007
1 John 2: 5 - "But whoever keeps His word truly in him is the love of God perfected. This is how we know that we are in Him."
The word 'agape,' 'love,' is defined by its New Testament application as divine love or the love that God loves us with. The usage of 'agape' in Classic Greek is rare. When it is found it is neither dramatic nor colorful. It was usually translated, "to like, prefer, be content."
However, when it appears in the New Testament Greek it defines the kind of love that the Father has for the Son and the kind of Love that the Christian should have since the Holy Spirit has come to dwell in them (John 13:34; 14:15; 14:21; 14:31; 15:10; 15:12; 15:17; 17:23). This kind of love does not have a human origin but is purely divine flowing into and then out of us by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Raymond Brown writes "Agape is not a love originating in the human heart and reaching out to possess noble goods needed for perfection; it is spontaneous, unmerited, creative love flowing from God to the Christian and from the Christian to a fellow Christian" (The Epistles of John, pages 254 - 255).
Jeremiah writes, that love comes through a circumcised heart, Jeremiah 31:33. Proverbs says that God loves us as a Father loves his son (Proverbs 3:12). Although the Hebrew word for love is 'ahav' and is translated in the Septuagint exclusively by 'agapan,' perhaps the closest example to the New Testament meaning of 'agape' is found in the Hebrew word 'chesed' in Exodus 34:6. The Hebrew word 'chesed' means 'covenant love' or loyal, unfailing love. When God Almighty revealed to Moses who He is, He made known that He is the One that is "full of covenant love and truth." The reading would be similar to that found in John 1:14 but instead of "full of grace and truth" it would be "full of covenant love and truth" (Exodus 34:6).
I believe that the biggest problem that many of God's people face today is that they do not know how to experience the presence of God which is fundamental to the love of God flowing into them. The burden is upon the pastors and leaders of the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ to teach people how to yield to the Holy Spirit so that they may enjoy the wonderful and all-consuming Divine presence of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 2: 5 - "But whoever keeps His word truly in him is the love of God perfected. This is how we know that we are in Him."
The word 'agape,' 'love,' is defined by its New Testament application as divine love or the love that God loves us with. The usage of 'agape' in Classic Greek is rare. When it is found it is neither dramatic nor colorful. It was usually translated, "to like, prefer, be content."
However, when it appears in the New Testament Greek it defines the kind of love that the Father has for the Son and the kind of Love that the Christian should have since the Holy Spirit has come to dwell in them (John 13:34; 14:15; 14:21; 14:31; 15:10; 15:12; 15:17; 17:23). This kind of love does not have a human origin but is purely divine flowing into and then out of us by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Raymond Brown writes "Agape is not a love originating in the human heart and reaching out to possess noble goods needed for perfection; it is spontaneous, unmerited, creative love flowing from God to the Christian and from the Christian to a fellow Christian" (The Epistles of John, pages 254 - 255).
Jeremiah writes, that love comes through a circumcised heart, Jeremiah 31:33. Proverbs says that God loves us as a Father loves his son (Proverbs 3:12). Although the Hebrew word for love is 'ahav' and is translated in the Septuagint exclusively by 'agapan,' perhaps the closest example to the New Testament meaning of 'agape' is found in the Hebrew word 'chesed' in Exodus 34:6. The Hebrew word 'chesed' means 'covenant love' or loyal, unfailing love. When God Almighty revealed to Moses who He is, He made known that He is the One that is "full of covenant love and truth." The reading would be similar to that found in John 1:14 but instead of "full of grace and truth" it would be "full of covenant love and truth" (Exodus 34:6).
I believe that the biggest problem that many of God's people face today is that they do not know how to experience the presence of God which is fundamental to the love of God flowing into them. The burden is upon the pastors and leaders of the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ to teach people how to yield to the Holy Spirit so that they may enjoy the wonderful and all-consuming Divine presence of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, January 12, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 12 2007
2 Peter 1:21 - "For prophecy did not come at any time by the will of man but was brought forth under the Holy Spirit as holy men of God spoke."
It was through prophecy that the Word of God came. Prophecy is the utterance of the Holy Spirit brought forth through the mouth of man. When men are totally yielded to God they may come under the control of the Holy Spirit and be a mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit to speak. This utterance may be so exact that it may be called the Word of God. Such influence and control of the Holy Spirit would be likened to the utterances given to the 120 on the day of Pentecost. They so came under the divine influence and control of the Holy Spirit that they had no control over what they spoke. They spoke as the Holy Spirit gave them the utterances (Acts 2: 4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Peter 1:21 - "For prophecy did not come at any time by the will of man but was brought forth under the Holy Spirit as holy men of God spoke."
It was through prophecy that the Word of God came. Prophecy is the utterance of the Holy Spirit brought forth through the mouth of man. When men are totally yielded to God they may come under the control of the Holy Spirit and be a mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit to speak. This utterance may be so exact that it may be called the Word of God. Such influence and control of the Holy Spirit would be likened to the utterances given to the 120 on the day of Pentecost. They so came under the divine influence and control of the Holy Spirit that they had no control over what they spoke. They spoke as the Holy Spirit gave them the utterances (Acts 2: 4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Daily Bread - Jan 11 2007
1 John 4:3 - "And every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God, and this is that antichrist that you heard would come and now is already in the world."
The word 'antichrist' is found four times in the Bible and is a word that is only used by John in his Epistles (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). Although John refers to a specific individual that will come, he views a more subtle manifestation of the deception which will then be fully manifested in the one whom Paul calls the man of sin and the son of destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The deception begins subtly with slight variation about who Jesus is but ultimately ends in one who declares himself to be God in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31).
The antichrist presents Himself as a savior and righteous one as depicted in Revelation 6:2 but is ultimately revealed to be the one who subdues men to which war, famine, death, and hell will follow. Satan's power of deception will ultimately bring the nations to such a deception that they will gather themselves together to fight against Jesus Christ in the battle of Armageddon. It is little wonder then that men fight against the name of Jesus now.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 4:3 - "And every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God, and this is that antichrist that you heard would come and now is already in the world."
The word 'antichrist' is found four times in the Bible and is a word that is only used by John in his Epistles (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). Although John refers to a specific individual that will come, he views a more subtle manifestation of the deception which will then be fully manifested in the one whom Paul calls the man of sin and the son of destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The deception begins subtly with slight variation about who Jesus is but ultimately ends in one who declares himself to be God in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31).
The antichrist presents Himself as a savior and righteous one as depicted in Revelation 6:2 but is ultimately revealed to be the one who subdues men to which war, famine, death, and hell will follow. Satan's power of deception will ultimately bring the nations to such a deception that they will gather themselves together to fight against Jesus Christ in the battle of Armageddon. It is little wonder then that men fight against the name of Jesus now.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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