Numbers Crystallize God’s Miracles!

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and [a lot of people] were added to their number that day.” – Acts 2:38-41

Huh?  “A lot of people?”  God’s power is punctuated in this epic passage of scripture by the mention of “about 3000” being “added to their number.”  The use of the specific number “3000” crystallizes that this was a miracle made possible only by the power of God!  In Acts 4:4 the scripture records “and the number of men grew to about 5,000!”  Imagine if the specific number was removed and the scripture said “and the number of men grew [much more!]”  God’s glory is not crystallized without the use of the actual number!

Many other passages illustrate the usefulness of specific numbers in both the Old Testament and New Testament.  Consider the account of Jesus feeding a crowd of people in Matthew 14:15-21. What if “we have here only five loaves of bread and two fish” read as “we have [some] bread and [some] fish?”  Additionally, what if “The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children” read as “A large number of men ate.”  It is incontrovertible that using the specific numbers is much more clear and glorifying to God!  A mere “five loaves” and “two fish” feeding “five thousand men, besides women and children” is clearly God’s miracle!

Countless times in the scriptures the Holy Spirit writes specific numbers to illustrate the power of God and to crystallize it is “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” (Zech 4:6)  For example, in Judges 6-8, Gideon had only “three hundred men” (Judges 7:7) who defeated the entire Midianite army!  An army that was so large the bible says it was “impossible to count!” Another intense example is in Isaiah 37:36, where “[One] angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp.”  There are countless other examples where the word of God uses numbers to illustrate His glory and to crystallize that the miracle belongs to God!

We have witnessed miracles from God this past month!  To God’s glory, we saw him move powerfully in our “Bring Your Neighbor Day” this past Sunday, June 24th!  Just 80 disciples had a record-breaking attendance of 231! Furthermore, God is answering our sixth congregational prayer goal of “our ministry to continue to mature in it’s willing heart to give to God.”  We have prayed on our knees for these goals many times as a church.  God has answered our prayers, as we have given more than we ever have as a congregation for missions this year – $111,754!  This is the first six-figured amount we’ve sacrificed as a church and is almost $20,000 more than last-year’s record-breaking missions contribution of $93,000!  To God be the glory!

Our Heavenly Father has been working powerfully through MERCYworldwide as well!  Recently, (June 16th) the church served as “MERCY Ambassadors” during the International “Day of MERCY” organized by MERCYworldwide. That day half of the MERCY Ambassadors were able to serve one of UMOM’s local youth shelters by doing some painting and cleaning.  That group also hosted a BBQ for the residents of the youth shelter, and were able to spend some time in fellowship with them. The campus minister, King Burke, shared an incredible devotional from the bible.  Then they had an art competition and then some jewelry making. It was an incredible time for half of our MERCY volunteers. The other half of the MERCY volunteers went to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and diligently worked to pack 1440 emergency food boxes!   

It’s been very refreshing for the church to see these amazing miracles happen, and Amy and I are so proud of the Phoenix brothers and sisters excelling in their giving and growing in their boldness.  All of these things factor into every disciple being fruitful. God wants to bless us when we sacrifice and we act on our faith boldly.  When we ask with right “motives” (James 4:3) God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Eph 3:20)  God wants every one of us to “bear much fruit” and show ourselves to be “his disciples.” (John 15:8)  He “chose” and “appointed” us “to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last!” (John 15:16)  As we reflect on the “numbers” let us never forget to reflect on the fact that they illustrate every one of these miracles is God’s!

We are part of something amazing – God’s movement.  God took 42 disciples from Portland Oregon in 2007 and planted them in Los Angeles.  From that group, He has miraculously multiplied them into over 6,000 disciples in 91 churches throughout 36 nations on all 6 populated continents of this earth!  And now, the Holy Spirit is sending out two more church plantings, both of which will have disciples from Phoenix participating!  Firstly, Marvel Holder and Alexys Hall (both formerly of Phoenix) are being sent out to Milwaukee Wisconsin on the mission team led by Jay and Barbara Shelbrack!  Secondly, Teya Robinson and Gerald Taylor are being “blown” by the Holy Spirit on an “excursion” with the Columbus Ohio mission team led by Coltin and Mandee Rohn.  We are so grateful to see Phoenix disciples being risen up to serve God in greater ways!  It is crystal-clear that God is moving in His movement all over the world, and that includes His miracles right here in Phoenix!

The Global Leadership Conference (GLC) is coming up Thursday August 16th through Sunday August 19th.  This is going to be an inspiring celebration and an powerful time of teaching and instruction! Disciples are gathering from all over the world to worship God, drink deeply of fellowship, and grow in their walk with God and heart to serve as leaders!  Jesus Christ is our LORD and Savior. We are here, on this earth, to love Him and imitate Him with all our hearts. Jesus was an amazing leader. We all should aspire to lead at our utmost capacity in service to Him and imitation of Him. For some of us, that’s leading a fruitful bible talk or a house church.  For others, it may mean becoming a shepherd, teacher, evangelist or women’s ministry leader! Whatever the case and whatever your vision might be, let’s make it a point for every disciple in Phoenix to register *(https://phxicc.org/glc) for the 2018 GLC, “EMPOWERED!” It’s certain this will be a life-changing and refreshing time for all of us!

 

In Christ’s Cause