To Infinity And Beyond

C H U R C H   R E F O R M   S E R I E S

By Biblicism Institute

Infinity: Finite And Infinite

Thoughts on the Eternal by Laisk Serg

To be finite is to be a small part of infinity.

We humans are finite or partial and possess only finite minds; therefore we cannot comprehend nor grasp the whole which is infinity, God’s domain. And because God Himself is infinite and not finite, He is thus whole and perfect, thereby not partial; ergo He’s uncreated in His infinity.

However, because we’re created (i.e., plucked out of infinity), thus limited, finite, and partial, we cannot fathom anything that is not created, just the way we cannot truly fathom God’s perfection because of our imperfection.

Consequently, we, finite, imperfect, and partial beings, know and understand only in part, but one day we will know and understand fully – when we are reattached to the Eternal Lord in His infinity (or eternity), from hence we came.

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away… Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully…” 1 Corinthians 13: 9,10,12

Beyond: Our Mortality

Allegory of Vanity by Antonio De Pereda

It is quite strange that our mortality, especially during the stronger years of our lives, doesn’t much occupy our thoughts. It seems that the vigor of our younger selves always manages to steal away the reality of what awaits us at the end of the journey.

You would think, because death is only a breath away from spoiling our fleshly abode, that we would stop and think of the seemingly futility of it all; but no, we don’t.

As a matter of fact, in spite of the dreadful end which awaits us, we work without ceasing, generation after generation, to build as wonderful and magnificent a world as possible.

The result so far would not have been possible if we had stopped to seriously ponder on our guaranteed demise; and even though we know for a fact that we will die, we continually act as if we will not.

Which begs the question: why are we so disposed?

“He has also set eternity in the human heart.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

That’s why.

God has set eternity in our hearts, and no one can remove it.

“I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it.” Ecclesiastes 3:14

The eternal spark that burns deep within our souls powers up our productivity and causes our lives to be fruitful. It’s almost as if we “instinctively” know our endeavors have eternal strings attached.

Consequently, our work is anything but futile since whatever we do we do for God, who alone holds the master plan which contains the end result of our combined labor.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23

The account of our earthly toil will be settled in eternity by the great Lord Himself, with either a reward or a punishment.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness… And throw the worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:21,30

Similar compensations will also be meted out for our obedience or disobedience to His commandments.

“Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” John 5: 28-29

Has God Planned BIG Things For Our Lives?

C H U R C H   R E F O R M   S E R I E S

By Biblicism Institute

Many Christians love to say that they expect God to do BIG things in their lives.

What is a BIG thing?

Hopefully that BIG thing they talk about is considered with all humility. Even God’s tiniest and smallest creations are BIG. Take the elementary particle and the ant, for example.

The elementary or fundamental particle is so small that not even scientists can figure out if it is composed of other particles. Yet the building block of natural life revolves around this bad boy.

The ant is so small that all of us find it a nuisance to be swept away with a blast of bug spray. And yet God singled it out because it is a hard worker that gathers and saves.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” Proverbs 6:6

Even God’s most miniscule creations are BIG. They may not be noticeable or they may be a nuisance, but in the giant cog of life they all matter.

However, we suspect that when most Christians talk about God doing BIG things in their lives, they’re really talking about vain expectations like fame, popularity, riches, glory, etc. Such frame of mind is aggravated, even spurred on, by “prosperity preachers” who are really out to prosper themselves by stealing the flock’s money through their money drive and the unbiblical teaching of church tithing.

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 5:10

Some of those infected with this “BIG” mindset want to become millionaires, even billionaires or trillionaires, by creating their own national corporations or international conglomerates. Others want to be on TV because they say they want to reach millions of souls for Christ, when in fact they are seduced by fame and adulation. Still, others hope to sign book/movie/record deals and live the high life they think they deserve. And the list of this vanity goes on and on.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew 16: 26

It may be that some of you will only get to own a small business, reach 1 or 10 or 20 or 100 souls for Christ, write just a simple blog, produce a free video for web consumption, or sing in a small assembly.

What’s wrong with that kind of scope? Nothing.

If you make it BIG and manage to keep the vanity out of your hearts, then there’s nothing wrong with that either. Whether one or the other they’re both BIG. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Here are some thoughts and verses for those who are caught in the grip of this “BIG” vanity.

1. No work is shameful

Life is a winding road, and navigating it prosperously is not meant to be easy. That’s why no success comes overnight and nor does it ever materialize on a straight line, which means you might have to do a lot of things you don’t like first before maybe do what you like.

Mike Rowe said it best, “Dream jobs are usually just that – dreams. But their imaginary existence just might keep you from exploring careers that offer a legitimate chance to perform meaningful work.“

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” Proverbs 6:6

2. Be content

Whether financially or relationally be content of your situation, and always live within your means by becoming money wise. Grumbling and complaining indubitably create conflicts and engender more headaches than you can anticipate.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4: 11-13

3. Don’t be seduced by the world

Work hard and provide for your family, but do not let the accumulation of useless things you deem needful take hold of you.

“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.” 1 John 2:16

The simpler the life, the better.

“A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.” Proverbs 13:7

4. Understand your role in life and appreciate your limitation

When thoughts of grandeur begin to fill your head because of what others have that you don’t, cogitate on John the Baptist who appreciated his limitation and did not covet Jesus’s glory. John Chapter 3:

²⁶ And they came to John and said to him, “Teacher, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”

²⁷ John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’

²⁹ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. ³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Therefore, don’t be envious of others nor strive to walk their path. Instead, rejoice in their success.

“Envy makes the bones rot.” Proverbs 14:30

You are unique, and God has prepared a unique path for you. Find out what it is and stick to its limitation.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” Jeremiah 29:11

5. Keep your plan in perspective

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13

That verse does not imply that your plan won’t happen in your lifetime, and it does not mean it will either. It may also mean that your children will carry it through.

“Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?‘” 2 Samuel 7:1

David’s son Jesus is the One who built the Temple. And the Temple Jesus built is a totally different temple than what David had in mind. Still, it is a Temple.

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Your plan is between you and God, and only God can impart to you whether it will come true in your lifetime or not.

“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much… If you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” Luke 16:10,12

Many times God has to perform a Heart Adjustment before fulfilling it.

Conclusion

What many of you are currently doing may not be glamorous or even noticeable. But is it important?

Yes, it is.

Don’t ever let anyone bring you down because of what you do, or what you were supposed to be doing. The most important and valuable thing is that you are a child of the King of Kings.

That’s the only BIG thing that matters.

Everything else is vanity.

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2

Therefore, be wise.

“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it.” Proverbs 15:16