The Word | Daily Bread APR/3/13 |
| Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen |
| Wednesday, 03 April 2013 03:52 |
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2 Corinthians 12:12 - The true signs of an apostle were performed by me with all perseverance: signs, wonders, and mighty works. The New Testament concept of someone being an "apostle" is not common in the Old Testament. Although it may be argued that a related Hebrew word (shlucheem) may be applied to Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and Ezekiel; the concept as represented in the New Testament does not exist. It may be used of Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and Ezekiel; inasmuch as they did things that are reserved only for God to do; such as bringing forth water from a rock, bringing rain, raising the dead, and opening the womb. An apostle is one who fully represents the one who sends him. There are only 13 men in the New Testament books that may truly be classified as apostles appointed by Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4; Galatians 1:1). They are distinguished from many different types of ministries that are also sent by God; such as prophets, evangelists, teachers, missionaries, the seventy others, and the individual believer. When we consider the role of the prophet - who is not only authorized and sent by God, but is so empowered to represent the sender that His words are equivalent to the One who sent him - then we must further refine the specific meaning of an apostle. What is certain is that the special ministry of apostleship is the first one given out by Jesus, after His general call to discipleship. Secondly, it is the first ministry given to the local church; and by context an ongoing ministry throughout the church age, necessary to perfect the saints (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-12). The model of apostleship is depicted by the 12 disciples that Jesus appointed as apostles, Paul, and of course Jesus Himself (Hebrews 3:1). Matthias, who was appointed by the apostles themselves, would have to be considered as a unique classification, in that he was an appointment of the disciples; much like Epaphroditus or others who accompanied Paul (Acts 1:26; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25). In a strict sense an apostle can only be appointed by Jesus; and they are the ones given special authority and revelation to fully represent Jesus in every way, in order to establish and to build His church (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:14; Acts 1:2; Galatians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 1 Corinthians 15:8; Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Peter 3:2; 2 Corinthians 12:12). |
| Daily Bread APR/2/13 |
| Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen |
| Wednesday, 03 April 2013 03:52 |
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1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 - For God did not call us to moral impurity, but to holiness. Therefore, whoever rejects this rejects not man but God, who also has given to us His Holy Spirit. The opposite of holiness (agiasthos) is uncleanness (akatharsia). Uncleanness is moral impurity, whereas holiness is moral purity. Without holiness, which is a state absent of all immorality, no man can see God (Hebrews 12:10,14; 2 Corinthians 6:17). We are to be perfect in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Romans 6:22). Paul makes it very clear that all moral impurity is a function of demon spirits; and of that which is condemned by God. He commands that such actions not be named one time among us who are the holy ones of God (Ephesians 5:3; Romans 6:19). Furthermore, Paul identifies such deeds as both the actions of the reprobate (those influenced by the power of the devil), and of those who do not have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Romans 1:24; Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 5:19). Those who believe that they can practice immorality and be right with God, and on their way to living eternally in His Holies of Holies, have been deceived; and all who hear them likewise are deceived by their iniquity (1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 6:7; 1 John 1:6, 1 John 3:7-8; Ephesians 5:6; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Peter 2:19-20; 2 Peter 3:3). Those things that are immoral defile the whole body, which is the temple of God; and God has promised to destroy those who defile His temple (1 Corinthians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; James 1:15-16; James 3:6; Mark 9:43-45; Romans 6:16,23; Revelation 22:10-15). |
| Daily Bread APR/1/13 |
| Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen |
| Wednesday, 03 April 2013 03:51 |
|
Romans 2:7 - To those who through persistence in good works: glory and honor; and immortality, by seeking life eternal Jesus said that above all other things we were to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Paul placed his heart's desire on obtaining the resurrection of the dead, no matter what the cost might be (Philippians 3:11). Here he revealed that there should be glory, honor, and immortality to those who seek the life that is in Christ Jesus; which is eternal and abundant life. While it is true that those who believe on Jesus receive the gift of eternal life; it is also true that we must be willing to be obedient to the word of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, if we are going to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (John 3:15; John 6:54; John 10:28; John 12:25; John 17:2-3; Romans 5:21; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:13; Jude 1:21; Matthew 25:21,23; Matthew 7:23; Luke 13:27; 2 Timothy 2:19; Ephesians 5:5; Galatians 5:21). The certainty that wrong-doing will be rewarded with wrath is underscored in the contrast that Paul makes in verse eight. However, if we will press on for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus, which is the resurrection from the dead unto eternal life, then we will find ourselves being abundantly supplied with glory, honor, and ultimately an immortal and incorruptible body that we will receive from Jesus Christ our Lord (Philippians 3:11-14; Colossians 1:27; Romans 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:21; John 14:12; 1 Peter 1:7; Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). One may also translate this verse: "Eternal life to those who are persistent in good works; seeking glory, honor, and immortality." However, it seems much more appropriate for us to seek eternal life above all other things; to which the Byzantine Text also witnesses. The gospel has brought life and immortality to light for those who believe. There should be nothing more important to us than seeking, desiring, and laying hold on such a blessed gift - which will allow us to spend all eternity with Christ Jesus the King of Kings (2 Timothy 2:11; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:12; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1-4; 2 Peter 3:12). The various translators of this verse have rendered the Greek phrase (ergon agathou) as "doing good" or "well-doing;" but we have chosen the more strict translation of the phrase: "good works." Unfortunately, some feel that such an idea denotes some form of legalism, or a works-based salvation; but such is not the case. We do not do good works to earn salvation, but salvation produces good works in us; as this is what we are called to (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10). Jesus addressed the essential need for good works in order for us to represent the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:16). Paul commanded us to be zealous for good works, and revealed that such would abound in us if we obeyed God (Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1; Colossians 1:10; Philippians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:17; 1 Timothy 5:10,25; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 10:24; Hebrews 13:21). |
| Daily Bread MAR/30/13 |
| Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen |
| Saturday, 30 March 2013 07:23 |
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Luke 11:13 - If you then who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Jesus never talked about "gifts of the Spirit," as many refer to them today based upon Paul's teaching of the charismata. Rather, Jesus referred to things like power, authority, and glory. Jesus never used the word 'charismata' as found in the letters of Paul; and the only time he used 'dorea' (gift) was in context to salvation, which supplies each individual with the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 4:10; John 7:38-39). Jesus supplied something far more than a single charisma - He gave authority to all who would believe. He gave to each one the authority to be sons of God (John 1:12). Jesus gave authority over all unclean spirits, to cast them out; and to cure every disease and every sickness (Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:15; Mark 6:7). Jesus provided authority to the believer, not in just one expression or dimension of the kingdom of God; but in His overwhelming goodness and love, He gave us all authority over all the power of the devil (Luke 10:19). Jesus came in the power of the Holy Spirit; and He gave that same power to those who would follow Him, so that they could represent the kingdom of God just as He did (Luke 9:1; Acts 10:38; Luke 24:49). This is a power that is given by the accompanying presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Luke 4:18). This is a power given to the believer so that Jesus Himself might be revealed by those who preach in His name (John 16:13-15; Galatians 1:16; Romans 15:19). It is a power that shows the supremacy of God over all the powers of darkness. The power of the gospel is the power that proves that Jesus was raised from the dead - and now lives in His disciples (Luke 10:19; Acts 10:38; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 12:28; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 4:33). He gave us the same glory that the Father had given Him, so that we could be one in fellowship and purpose (John 17:21-23; John 14:23). He gave to us the opportunity to receive of His fullness, through the grace that He so freely supplied (John 1:16; Ephesians 3:19). Those that have received all of this through the act of God's generous gift of the Holy Spirit are equipped to do whatever the Holy Spirit would lead us and inspire us to do (John 7:38-39; 1 Corinthians 12:7,11). When there is a need to cast out a devil, then the gift of the Holy Spirit supplies the power and authority to do so. When there is a need to reveal the secrets of the heart, then we discover the inspiration and insights of the miracle power of the Holy Spirit to do that as well. He is the One who is in charge; and we are those who are to follow Him, in total dependence and obedience to His will and direction. Let us now arise and shine with the splendor of the glory of the Only Begotten Son of God, Christ Jesus our Savior; so that the whole world might know that He lives! |
| Daily Bread MAR/29/13 |
| Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen |
| Saturday, 30 March 2013 07:19 |
|
Colossians 3:5 - Therefore put to death your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desires, covetousness which is idolatry. The wrath of God will come on the children of disobedience (Colossians 3:6). The children of disobedience participate with fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil desires, covetousness and such like, which must not be allowed in the life of one who has been born again (Colossians 3:5-10). If there is any message that needs to be heard today it is "let no man deceive you with vain words for because of these things the wrath of God will come upon the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 5:6). Therefore, knowing the terror of the Lord and that the righteous are scarcely saved we must make a demand that God's people have absolutely nothing to do with the filthiness of the flesh but instead perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Peter 4:18, 7:1). God demands that we be holy, even as He is holy and without His holiness we will never behold Him (1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14). Paul, having made it clear that we have been delivered form all sin and made alive together with Christ, demanded that the sin that would attempt to work in our earthly members be cut off or put to death (Colossians 2:11-12, 20, 3:1; Matthew 5:30). Any sinful deeds must be put to death by the power of the Holy Spirit that has been given to us if we are going to walk with God (Romans 8:13). We must not yield our members, that indeed are the members of Christ, unto unrighteousness for if we live after the flesh we shall die (1 Corinthians 6:15; Romans 6:13). God will not be mocked; the wages of sin is death for both the sinner and the saint (Galatians 6:7; Romans 6:23). The great heroes of the faith put to death the enemies of the Lord by a supernatural anointing that they had received. Now by the New Covenant, we have been born of the Spirit and filled with the strength of the Lord and the power of His might to defeat Satan at every point of temptation as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ our Lord. |
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