Tag: Salvation

God Knows His Mathematics

On By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Following is a reprint of one of my blogs from 2021…ENJOY

“And God blessed them (the creatures), saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. (Genesis 1:22)

One of the more popular themes in the Christian Bible are the stories and parables about situations that have to do with arithmetic.  In fact, the first place in the holy scriptures where the word referencing mathematics is mentioned is during God’s acts of creation of the creatures of the universe:
 
There are also at least three scriptures in the bible that deal with addition and subtraction:

You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)  

Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32)  

And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.  (Revelation 22:19)

And, last but not least, the Bible has a lot to say about division.  This word appears approximately 68 times in scripture:

But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.  (Luke 11:17)

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.  (Romans 16:17)

My question to you is this: Do you also apply the tenaciousness of The ‘Mathematician’ as you pursue the gospel and deliver its message to the masses?

Surprisingly, there is one disciple who experienced all four mathematical Truths while under the tutelage of Jesus of Nazareth. His name was Philip.

who was philip in the bible
Philip in the Gospels

ADDITION – While in Galilee, Jesus found Philip and invited this man to follow Him. Later that day, Philip found his brother Nathanel and invited Nat to follow Him. Jesus welcomed Nathanel and assured him that before this journey was over (people believing Jesus was sent by way of God), Nathanel would see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of God. (John 1:43)

MULTIPLICATION – While still in Galilee, Jesus looked and saw a great crowd following Him. Jesus said to Philip, where can we buy bread to feed these people. Philip doubted that no amount of money would be enough to feed this crowd of more than 5,000 people. Jesus showed Philip how just one loaf of bread and two fish could miraculously feed the people and have twelve baskets of food left over. (John 6:5)

DIVISION – The Israelites were taught to trust in the One Spiritual God for everything. Jesus (The Physical Man) preached a message (aka The Way) that instructed the people to just trust in Him. All the people had to do was to follow the road He was on. Thomas doubted that Jesus’ road led anywhere. And Philip said to Jesus, Master, just show us the Father. Jesus’ response to Philip was son, you’re looking at the Father! (The message being that One Person could be divided into three!) (John 14:8)

SUBTRACTION – Later on, an angel spoke to Philip and instructed him to go to a certain road and join an Ethiopian eunuch who was riding in a chariot and reading passages in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The Holy Spirit told Philip to aide the eunuch in his interpretation and understanding of the passage he was reading. Since the eunuch was returning to his home in Ethiopia from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he had no doubt heard about the crucification of Jesus, Philip used this opportunity to relate Jesus’ life and fate over the Old Testament scriptures the eunuch was seeking an understanding of. The eunuch received and embraced Philip’s message and asked to be baptized. Philip immediately took him down into the water which was nearby. When they resurfaced, the Holy Spirit supernaturally removed Philip from the scene. (Acts 8:26)

THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER:


SPIRITUAL ADDITION VS. SPIRITUAL MULTIPLICATION
(This caption and picture is borrowed from Google.)

Spiritual addition in ministry is when someone wins other people to Christ, but does not disciple, train, and deepen those converts to go out and do likewise. While we will review the biblical basis for spiritual multiplication, for now let it suffice to state that in Matthew 28:18-20, we are commanded to go and make disciples, not simply converts.

My Prayer For You:

“Lord God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and the Multiplier of everything therein, You know me and my capabilities. You also know that I am a sinner saved by grace and the washing of the Blood of Your Son, Christ Jesus. Please touch me as You did Isaiah and his message and You did the Apostle Philip and his understanding. Make my sins disappear and be forgiven and that I will be prepared to be sent out into the world to proclaim the Gospel as one of Your messengers.” Amen and Amen!
Scripture Lesson: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)


Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.wordpress.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!
 

God Speaks To The Children, Too!

On By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Blog Train Up A Child.jpg

Train Up A Child…

There is one very important spiritual truth that every Christian church body should adhere to if they want to impact, in a positive way, the social order, mindset and worldview of their community.  Surprisingly, it has to do with the gender makeup of their flock.

How many generations in your family are baptized believers in Jesus Christ?  Is there an appreciative number of young people in your church congregation?  I ask these questions because it has been said that the church is just one generation short of extinction!  God also reminds us through his Word that this could be true for Scripture says: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he shall not depart from it.”  Proverbs 26:6

One easy way to insure a lasting foundation in the mindset of our young boys’ and girls’ consciousness to always seek God and his righteousness is to decorate our Sunday school classrooms and corridors with five basic colors.  If this was done, you would be amazed at how many biblical truths would be recalled and applied by the children as they wonder through life’s traumatic experiences.  For as you know, the adult population of the church has the ordained responsibility to share God’s Word to the next generation in a meaningful and comprehensive way.

A few important discoveries and observations have been made by researchers and experts about the psychology and effects that  colors have on moods, feelings and behaviors.  It has also been reported that in addition to influencing physiological reactions, various colors are a powerful communication tool.  Take for example the color systems used for traffic signs, traffic lights, rail road crossings, highway markings, street cross walks, national and international flags, emergency vehicles, etc.

As you can see, the world uses color effectively, so why not Jesus Christ?

The five basic colors that have been correlated to Scripture principles are: black, red, green, gold and white.  When these colors are incorporated in children ministry it will make studying and learning much easier.  It will also enable the teachers to explain biblical concepts and truths more vividly, which can be used by the Holy Spirit to change and direct our children’s lives in a more productive manner.

If the church’s goals are to impact social order, influence our mindset and introduce a positive worldview, than why not take a hint from the Prophet Jeremiah:  “Rise in the night and cry to your God.  Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord; lift up your hands to him; plead for your children as they faint with hunger in the streets.”  Lamentations 2:19 (Living Bible)

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The color Black represents Sin.  “For all have sinned, and come shot of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24

 The bible clearly teaches from Genesis to Revelation that there must be a blood-sacrifice atonement for the remission of sin and no vegetable or grain offering would suffice.  Genesis 3:15 announces the coming Savior, (…the Seed of the woman) as the ultimate sacrifice.  Sin, which initiates from the heart of mankind, separates us from God who is Holy. Pray and ask Jesus for a contrite heart and an humble spirit.
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The color Red represents the blood of Jesus Christ.  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8

 Romans 5:8 declares…”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  And in another passage…”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16  And yet another more personal passage…”I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22b  Pray and ask Jesus to ‘find’ you and allow you to be His vessel.
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The color Green represents your growth in the Lord.  “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

 After salvation, you need to grow in the Lord. You also need to know that God keeps his promises and he is faithful and just to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9).  While growing, you need to realize God will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).  Additionally, we need to study to show ourselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15); pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17); and in an unequivocal manner know God’s plans for your life are that you prosper (Jer. 29:11).  Pray and ask Jesus to order your steps in His Word.
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The color Gold represents God’s purity. “The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.” Revelation 21:21

  

It is comforting to know that not only is God’s Holy City one of purity by design, but so are the Citizens of that City.  Because of Jesus’ love for you, He is in Heaven at this very moment preparing a place for you whose streets are paved with gold.  And where He is, there you shall be also (John 14:2-3). Pray to Jesus that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
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The color White represents your purity.  Your sins are forgiven.  “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

 All of your sins can be forgiven through your faith in Jesus Christ and the shedding of His blood on the cross at Calvary.  The pencils depicted at the bottom of the picture are a reminder of how you can hold on to your faith. Find the black, red, green, gold and white tips, and recite their meanings. “Bind the  words on your fingers; write them on the tablets of your heart (Proverbs 7:3)”.  Pray to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you of your debts as you forgive those who have trespassed against you.

Scripture Lesson:  Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Luke 18:16

Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from the Master’s servant manager…ME!