Before you say- "Here we go, Gary is going to rant and rave about education in America today" let me say that this has nothing to do with scholastic matters. Rather, it has to do with the way things work in the world. As far as the equation on the blackboard goes, the left side is normal and the equal sign means what it means (the result follows to the right). It to that right side I refer to this morning.
Consider the following passages from the New Testament...
Acts, Chapter 2 (WEB)
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. 43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together, and had all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved. (Emp. added GDR)
2 Peter, Chapter 1 (WEB)
2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; 7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. (Emp. added GDR) 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 2 = The Lord adds + 1 Peter 1 = what you add
Result; what you can't see plus what you can. This means God adds to the church and you grow by adding the attributes and actions of God in your daily life (which, when added WILL BE SEEN). How's that for a NEW MATH!!!