Daily Bread – November 22, 2023 (The Fourth Day – Genesis 1:14-19) Philippians 2:2 – Fulfill my joy by thinking the same, having the same love, being one in Spirit, being of one mind. There was nothing more important to Paul than for the Church to be perfectly knitted together in love (Colossians 2:2; Ephesians 4:16). It was through this love and fellowship in the Spirit that those in the Church would walk in this perfect unity described by Paul in this verse. When we consider that the Spirit was poured out upon a Church that was gathered together with one purpose and submitted to the one calling, then we may understand how this is the environment and state of the heart in which the Holy Spirit is empowered to lead the meeting (Acts 2:1, 1:14, 4:24,32, 5:12; Romans 15:6; Philippians 1:27). Furthermore, if the Church is going to function as one body, then being submitted to the same Spirit that gives the body life and movement is absolutely essential (James 2:26; 1 Corinthians 10:17, 12:13, 20; Ephesians 4:4). If we are going to have such a submission among those who are in the Church, then God’s people are going to have to humble themselves and walk in lowliness of mind instead of being so opinionated. For those who have trouble humbling themselves and following the instructions of those who are in charge (as well as being in submission to those they feel less qualified than themselves), they should consider Jesus. Jesus was equal to God (being God), and yet, He became a servant and humbled Himself to death on a cross to purchase the Church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The cry of Paul’s heart is for everyone to do likewise, so the glorious Church can be manifested to a lost and dying world (1 Corinthians 14:25, 1:10; Ephesians 5:27). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 11/22/2023
