Numbers, shapes and Spiritual growth by Gary Rose

Recently, I posted a sermon series concerning the topic of God (theology), which is a bit more of an advanced topic than I usually address in this medium. However, sometimes it is good to stretch the mind a bit and grow in ones thoughts.  This morning I saw this picture on facebook (concerning Nikola Tesla, inventor) and grew ever so slightly. Frankly, I was never very good with numbers- just enough to get by. So, the concept of numbers as shapes other that their representations (1, 2, 3, etc.) is a new one to me. 

All this leads to yet another question; what do we study Biblically? Are we beyond the "first principles" yet, or something a bit more advanced? After saying this, it would be a good thing to define what "first principles" are. Obviously, our definition comes from the Bible...

Hebrews, Chapter 6 (World English Bible)

  ¹ Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God,  ² of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  ³ This will we do, if God permits. (emp. added vss. 1b-3)

2 Peter, Chapter 3 (World English Bible)

  ⁸ But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  ⁹ The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  ¹¹ Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,  ¹² looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?  ¹³ But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 

  ¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.  ¹⁵ Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you,  ¹⁶ as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (emp. added vss. 15-17) ¹⁷ You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.  ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (emp. added vs. 18)

2 Timothy, Chapter 2 (WEB)

¹⁵ Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

First principles should be studied and then mastered. Then what? Figures of speech, or the original languages or prophecy? Well, all of those things are fine and worthy of consideration, but for me, the study of God (theology) from a Biblical perspective is the highest goal a Christian can set for growth. It makes sense, doesn't it? If you really want to understand more about the Bible, then study about its author!!! To put it another way-  study about God, know HIM better and it will be easier to understand what his book says!!

And, oh, yes- be diligent about it (2 Tim 2:15)!!!