Daily Bread AUG/28/10

Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Saturday, 28 August 2010 12:19

Ephesians 4:16 - From whom all the body is joined and knitted together by every ligament that provides support: so that each individual part functions effectively, providing for the growth of the body as it builds itself up in love. The whole body is under the control of the head - unless there is some disconnection in the body. If we do not hold the head (Christ and His appointed leadership) in its proper position, then there will be no growth; and we will see a completely dysfunctional church. The framework of the body (or skeletal structure) is held together by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It is by this anatomical analysis that Paul expresses the interdependence that each individual within a local church must have with others, if that church is to be submitted to Christ Jesus. It is a picture of submission and dependency upon each other, and a consecration to one purpose: the functioning of the body of Christ. If the proper connections are not established and maintained, then those individuals unwilling to connect will be handicapped, and unable to respond to the commands of the head. As a result the body will appear crippled. However, if each individual submits themselves to the love of Christ, and is willing to allow the Holy Spirit to set them in their proper place within the body, then each body part will be properly connected. It is through this love and cooperation that the church will grow into the fullness of the measure of the maturity of Christ: unto a fully matured man (Ephesians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 5:30; Galatians 3:27-28; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; Colossians 3:15). Using the same analogy, when an individual attempts to establish their own place and purpose within the body - it is like a cancer that produces dysfunctional tissue, and makes the entire body sick. Anyone who has isolated themselves from the local church cannot be connected to the body of Christ, and cannot be submitted to Christ. Rebellion and division are attempting to rule the land today, and that spirit has overwhelmed many in the church. There are so many good people who think they can just go it alone, but such a concept is foreign to the gospel of Christ and the Kingdom of God. In fact, the whole revelation of God is centered upon the order and community of family. If the church is unwilling to function as the family of God, and as members of that family - there will be no representation of the kingdom of God. If the individuals lack a consecration to unity and to submission (to leadership first, as well as to each other), then they fail to understand the most fundamental concepts of the doctrine of Christ. With all the wounded and hurt people, along with all those who have been raised with suspicion and criticism, great compassion must be exercised to bring them back into the proper function of family; but this must be recognized as everyone's objective. There must be patience exercised on the part of all those already connected and yielded to God's divine order, as the Spirit of God deals with those who are living under the spirit of rejection, hurt, and even rebellion. We must all cease to be so important in our own eyes, and instead become servants clothed with humility and walking in love (1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:2).

 

Daily Bread AUG/27/10

Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Friday, 27 August 2010 10:08

Ephesians 4:15 - But speaking the truth in love, we may grow up into Christ in all things; who is Himself the head. Our individual growth in the things pertaining to our spiritual life demands that we speak the truth. There is only one source of truth, and that is the word of God. Our confession of the truth is directly related to the results that we get. Our willingness to agree with the truth - and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord - resulted in our salvation. We learned from Paul in this same context that our confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10; Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:37). Words are so important to God that He used them to create the heavens and the earth, and everything that is in them (Psalm 33:6,9; Hebrews 11:3). If we are going to have the things that God has purposed for us to have, then we must believe what He has said. Whatever it is that we believe is ultimately what we are going to speak. Too many times God's people speak out of fear and distrust, instead of love and confidence. The things that we see and hear have such an impact on us, that we forget what God said that he would do - if we would only believe. If we are willing to believe the love that God has for us, then we know that He is going to take excellent care of us. In the midst of the crisis and the circumstances, we can rise above it all through knowing and believing what God has said. If we agree with Him and confess what His word has declared, then our faith will flow out with divine authority through the acknowledgment of every good thing that is in us (Philemon 1:6). If we hold fast to the confession of our faith, we will have the divine provision for everything that we need - because God is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 4:14; Philippians 4:19). I have heard many people say, "Life is difficult." Actually life is not difficult. Circumstances are difficult; life is wonderful. The natural life is so important to each one of us, we will desperately struggle to hold on to it. The abundant life that we have received in Christ Jesus should be even more important. The abundant life that we have been given in Christ Jesus has supplied us with a quality of life that affords us all of the blessings and provisions of God (Ephesians 1:2; Romans 5:17,21; Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Psalm 84:11). Through Christ Jesus, we have been richly supplied with everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3; Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:16). It is our choice whether we allow circumstances to rule our lives, or we allow the word of God to rule us. The facts are that whatever we are most convinced of, whether it be the circumstances or the promises of God - that will be what we ultimately speak out. We have heard how God will supply our every need, and how He will cause all grace to abound to us so that we will have all sufficiency in all things; but when the difficult situations arise, do we speak according to God's word? If we are willing to be doers of the word and not hearers only, then the circumstances will have to conform to the word of God, and will not be able to affect us (Matthew 7:24-27). If the life of God is going to dominate our lives, then we must allow God's word to have the final say in everything that we believe. Without faith it is impossible to please God; but if we hold to the word of God, the faith that changes things will come to us. Therefore, let the love relationship that has been established between you and the Lord Jesus produce a confession of truth. Our defense against false beliefs in every dimension of our lives is the word of truth. Do not be carried about with every wind of doctrine, and by every troubling situation; but rather be firmly established in the word of His truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; John 17:17). If you will hold fast to the truth and speak the truth - then you will mature into all the things of Christ Jesus.

 

Daily Bread AUG/26/10

Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Thursday, 26 August 2010 15:09

John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and came and lived with us; and we saw his glory: the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. The Greek word 'sarx' (which means "flesh") would not only have been very specific concerning the humanity of God incarnated, but would have equally been a strong rebuke to the Gnostics of the time - who viewed the flesh as innately evil and unable to contain or express any attributes of God, especially the Divine Person Himself. The Greeks, who admired the 'Logos' as that which formulated the order or the world, aspired to be joined with God through a mystic relationship in the Universe. To them the idea of encountering the logos of God in the flesh was unthinkable. Yet God in His love and mercy took on the likeness of sinful flesh, and condemned sin in the flesh. The great grace and blessing of God can only be viewed with wonder and amazement; as Paul said, "Great is the mystery of Godliness, God was manifest in the flesh." (1 Timothy 3:16). Today as God's people, we fully embrace this glorious reality that Jesus is come in the flesh. He not only came 2000 years ago when he was born of a virgin named Mary; but He has come into His temple, so that we can say, "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). The Authorized Version translates 'sarx': flesh 147 times, carnal 2, carnally minded 1, fleshly 1. It occurs in the Septuagint 215 times, and its Hebrew equivalent is 'basar'. The first occurrence in the Old Testament is in Genesis 2:21; and in the New Testament, Matthew 16:17.

 

Daily Bread AUG/25/10

Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Wednesday, 25 August 2010 10:41

Ephesians 5:23 - Because the man is the head of the woman, even as also Christ is the head of His church: the savior of the body. The common approach to understanding the meaning of ancient words is to understand the culture and times in which the word or concept was used. However, more important than Graeco/Roman culture (and even Hebrew culture) is biblical culture; a culture defined by God. The kingdom of God culture is distinct from all other cultures, and at the heart of this culture is love and servitude. It is within this context that we must understand biblical words, whether Greek or Hebrew. Now with respect to the Greek language, 'kephale', which is translated "head," may refer to the actual head of man or animal; also point, top, superior, etc. Yet we must not get lost in the maze of definition, but rather understand the meaning of the words by context and application. We must look at the role of Christ to the Father, and the man to Christ, in order to really understand the role of the wife to the man (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:25). The relationship of the Father to Christ Jesus is the first and most important relationship to understand, if we are to understand the proper relationship between the husband and the wife. The love between the Father and the Lord Jesus is the model of the kingdom rulership: which is not dictatorial or legislative, but a relational governorship born out of oneness (John 17:21-23). To be ruled by someone who loves you, and to rule based upon relationship - these are foreign to man; and we must be guarded against raw definitions and human models when we attempt to conceptualize this. This is governorship by oneness, servitude, and love. There are many things to say, but consider what Paul says with regards to this hierarchy - when he says that man is the glory of God, and the woman the glory of the man (1 Corinthians 11:7-10). This must cause us all to pause and think about the notion of what comes first, and then second; but within the framework of conferring glory and honor upon that which is second. We must also consider the partnership and companionship nature of both these acts: God creating man to walk with Him in a glorious relationship; and God creating woman from the man, ordaining that they should be as one in purpose and life. Equally the same could be said of 'hypotasso', which means "to be subject, submit, or subordinate." While it is a hierarchical term, it must be kept in the context of the model of the love that Christ Jesus showed us. Remember, God does not make us submit or become subject to Him; it is voluntary. He does not force our will, but rather draws or romances us unto Himself with His love and care for us (Colossians 3:18; Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Peter 3:1; Titus 2:4-5). Certainly there is a consequence if we refuse to walk in love and obey God, because all those who refuse divine love and life abide in death. Equally, when a woman is unwilling to participate with the divine order of things, she fails to realize the glory of walking in the fullness of Christ. Yet the important point to consider here is the relational aspects of those who have given themselves to walk in divine love and in the life of Christ. It is important to remember that Colossians 3:18 and Ephesians 5:22 are as important as Hebrews 13:17. Wives are supposed to submit to their husbands, and the people of the church are supposed to obey and submit themselves to those in authority in the church. How does each member of the church want to be treated by the pastor? Or better, how should a pastor treat those that are supposed to submit to him? Well, he must treat them as Christ Jesus treats the church; otherwise relational governorship is not working. Should people in the church submit to a tyrant who is not leading them in the ways of Christ? Should a woman submit to a tyrant who is not leading her into the ways of Christ? Why do we obey the Lord? We obey Jesus because we love Him. Where did we get the love for Christ Jesus? He laid down His life for us - so that His love may be poured into our hearts.

 

Daily Bread AUG/24/10

Written by Pastor Mark Spitsbergen

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 13:24

Acts 2:22 - Men of Israel listen to these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man accredited by God to you through power and wonders and signs - which God did through Him in your midst - as you yourselves know. God's divine testimony (or accreditation) of the ministry of Jesus comes by way of the mighty deeds (or miracles, called 'dynameis' or 'dunameis') which He did. This is the same power that the disciples were promised in Acts 1:8. This power to do mighty deeds was given so that those who are in bondage to sin, sickness, and poverty might go free. The power to do mighty deeds has been made available to everyone who will believe. The promise was first made to the general audience that John the Baptist addressed - when he first spoke of the ministry of Jesus, and proclaimed that Jesus would be the one that would baptize in the Holy Spirit and Fire (Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; Acts 19:4). Jesus said these mighty deeds would follow those who believe, as signs (Mark 16:17). These are the same mighty deeds manifested in Steven's life in Acts 6:8; in Philip's ministry in Acts 8:13; and also in Paul's ministry in Acts 19:11. Today all one has to do is believe, and they will receive the authority to be sons of God. The promise of being endued with the Holy Spirit and power is just as fresh and certain today as it was when Jesus said: "If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. He that believes on me, as the scriptures have said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-39). The voice of God can still be heard right now saying, "Nothing shall be impossible unto you" (Matthew 17:20).