Division .. and God's Math

Ever since the day the Apostle Paul found math problems scribbled on a bulletin in the first century Church in Corinth.. he knew DIVISION was going to be a problem.

​I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Cor 1:10

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Before Paul spoke these words, Jesus spoke to his disciples regarding DIVISION.. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 5:18

and John expands on Jesus words.. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. For everything in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17

Note: this kind of division could affect many a 'seeker friendly' modus operandi on church growth.

summary so far..​

• The Division Paul spoke of in Corinth was division between the leaders of the church. 
• When Jesus, and John spoke on division from this world's lustful, prideful ways.​
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​AND yet.. the 'church' struggles.  Too many churches  add to or redact from God's word to fit their delicate progressive sensibilities.. This is SIN.

There needs to be a line drawn in the sand where God's Truth is never compromised. And never allow the winds of this harried world blur over or completely cover this line. All secular world views need to be pruned (subtraction) to allow a true Christian World View to thrive.

Then 'The Church' can operate as one body of many parts.  1 Corinthians 12:12-31  ..  all to the Glory of God.

And do not let the world push we (The True Church) into a corner far away as not to offend non-Christians.. and be silent unless spoken to.  We are called to be a city on a hill, a light to be seen, not a passive weak collection of church goers.  

​14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

TO OBEY THE WORLD rather than God is while only at best muttering in a corner.. IS SIN.

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Then I turn on the TV.  It's a brand New Year of hope and promise as we leave 2020 behind.. except we have dragged in the same sin filled attitudes and divisions.  Last year's hate filled riots burning our cities last summer to a recent days of unrest and vandalism in DC on January 6, 2021. 

While the January day of protests in DC pale compared to 4 months of race riots & violent protests may seem to be an improvement.. truth is our country is deeply DIVIDED. 

Finally, with all this conversation about DIVISION remember God is also the God who multiplies, and when needed makes Something out of Nothing. 

• Jesus fed 5,000 with a few loaves and fish,
• created man with dust.
• God parted the Red Sea, and Jesus walked on water defying physics.
• Jesus healed the lame, the blind, the lepers, and raised the dead including..
• His own resurrection as our atonement for our sins. 

​Now that's the kind of math, the kind of God I am talking about.
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So I pray today for us all to experience and realize God's blessings that are multiplied on your life.
1. Do not be divided from other believers.
2. If we are faithful to God their will be division and strive with this prideful and sinful world, and finally..
3. Understand our willingness + my limitations + GOD = A life saved, blessed, with unlimited possibilities BY THE VERY HAND OF GOD!

​Jeff (not ready for Calculus) Larson

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GOD'S MATH