Archive for the ‘ Trinity ’ Category
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him.
James 1:5, CSB
We can all share the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. God not only wants to help us in our task, but He has promised to help and guide us in sharing the faith. We do not do this alone. He is with us.
It is a great day! Pi Day Friday! Celebrate mathematics and get a slice of pie! 🥧
Firstly, let me acknowledge what I am sure most of you are surely and most absolutely thinking (and for full clarity, /mild sarcasm): I know the original Greek letter is pronounced like our English letter, p. But in the maths, we generally call it “pie” for delicious and practical reasons.
Secondly, why talk about mathematics and π on a biblical blog? I’m glad you asked! I was going to get around to it! (😉)
The symbol of pi is what is called a constant number (universally true), an irrational number (not simple, reducible, or strictly finite, like “1” or “3” or “42” or “1/3” or “70”), and a fun number (at least by me), and it is used to help find the circumference (length of the outside) and area of a circle, as well as so much more. As far as we know, it has an infinite number of decimal places, starting with 3.1415926……
Hence Pi Day being celebrated on March 14, or as the US and a few others annotate it, 3/14 or 3.14.
To circle back to our primary purpose, we see the use of this rounded of non-round numbers actually appear in the Bible: 1 Kings 7:23 – the bronze/metal/molten sea/basin that is used for ritual washing in the Temple. It’s measurements were 10 cubits across (about 15 feet/4.5 meters, diameter) and 30 cubits around (about about 45 feet/13.7 meters, circumference). Thay works out to roughly 3, or close to pi.
It has to do with being a constant and irrational number.
Pi is a reminder of the Trinity: the constant God that does not make perfect sense to our finite minds.
God’s faithful love is constant.
Psalm 52:1b, CSB
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you”
Malachi 3:6a, ESVJesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8, CSB“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth.”
John 14:16-17a, CSB
Pi serves as a reminder that Christ taking on humanity puts a human element in the Trinity, which sounds irrational and like more than 3 in 1 (like 3.14?), which also sounds irrational to our finite minds. (To be clear, I am not saying that humans are now part of the Trinity or that we become God!)
Pi is also a reminder that simple things are not necessarily easy things to understand and can seem foolish to others.
But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.
1 Corinthians 2:14, CSBbut we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. [24] Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, [25] because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:23-25, CSB
So, on Pi Day, get some pie, and remember that the Cbristian life may seem irrational, but it is grounded in the constant God who cleanses and purifies us, who brings our lives full circle to be in relationship with Him through the forgiveness of sins by the work of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father.
Simple as pi[e].
Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9, CSB
We are called to call others to Jesus, and that takes knowing the Bible, the peace of Christ, and His Church so that we can lead others to Him effectively and in grace.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25, CSB
We are called to call others to Jesus, and He helps us by the power of the Holy Spirit who guides us in all wisdom and compassionate grace.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9, CSB
We are called to call others to Jesus, and we can do so with confidence knowing God’s Holy Spirit is in us and empowering us to boldly proclaim the gospel.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
Matthew 28:19, CSB
We are called to call others to Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit who draws people to God and teaches through us and His Word.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”
John 14:27, CSB
Peace comes from following God and doing what He has called us to. Even when the world hates us, we can have peace, and we can carry the peace of Christ into this hostile world.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7, ESV
God fights for us, and this should bring us peace, especially as the Holy Spirit reminds us of Christ’s faithfulness and His imminent return.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33, CSB
God fights for us. We can rest in His grace and forgiveness, and we can fight evil knowing He is on our side.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9, CSB
God fights for us, and He calls us to join in the fight against sin, empowering us by His strength, even in and using our weaknesses.
a simple man of God 