Infinity - Part 1
Today, I would like to spend some time contemplating the topic of infinity together. There is a purpose to this, so keep with me. It is beautiful!
Infinity is somewhat odd. It messes up our usual understanding of mathematics. For example, infinity plus anything equals infinity. To take infinity and add anything to it doesn’t change its value at all. But to add infinity to any number converts that number into infinity. And infinity minus anything is impossible. The moment you try to subtract anything from infinity, whatever number you “get” is infinitely less than infinity. So, you can’t add to infinity, nor can you subtract from it. It simply is what it is.
If you take infinity and multiply it by anything, it is still infinity. It doesn’t change. And if you multiply anything by infinity, it becomes infinity. Now, if you divide infinity by anything (other than infinity), it is still infinity. But if you divide something by infinity (other than infinity), it is nothing. This seems so confusing, and possibly pointless. But there is a definite point to all of this.
Infinity is what it is, and it cannot change. And when it contacts something that is finite, it either makes that finite thing infinite, or it eliminates it entirely. This is the nature of infinity.
The Bible shows us that God is infinite. “Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Psalm 90:2. “Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.” Psalm 93:2. And God’s qualities are infinite as well. “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:5. If God is infinite, is it any surprise that God tells us, “I am the Lord, I change not…”? Malachi 3:6. Of course He doesn’t change. Something that is infinite cannot change. If God was evil, this would be a HUGE problem. But, in reality, this is wonderful news! Why? Because God isn’t evil. He is good.
What does the Bible reveal about who this infinite God is and what He is like? 1 John 4:8 tells us, “…God is love.” What kind of love is He? Is He a selfish love or an unselfish love? Is He a personal love or an impersonal love? Is He a complete love, or an incomplete love? Is He a constant love, or an intermittent love? You know the answer. God is an unselfish, personal, complete, constant love. And that is exactly the love that we need.
What does it mean to be unselfish? It means that you do everything for the good of others, never for your own good. While you may accomplish things that are good for you, you didn’t do it for your own good. You did it for the good of others. Everything is done with an expectation of good FOR others without an expectation of good in return FROM others for your own sake. If there was ever a need, you would be willing to deny or sacrifice yourself anything and everything for them, if only it would work out for their good. This is unselfish love.
How much of this love does God have? Is it a little? Some? A lot? No. His love is infinite! What does that mean? That means that His love CANNOT change. His love is what it is because that is what it is, and it cannot change. His love for you is FOR you. He has expectations of good FOR you, not FROM you for His sake. Sure, He expects you to share good with others, but that is not FOR Him. That is FOR you.
It doesn’t matter how you behave, His love FOR you is infinite and cannot change. It doesn’t matter whether you accept His love or reject it, His love FOR you is the same. God has the SAME love FOR you when you are being “good” as when you are being “bad.” He has the same love for you when you are running away from Him as when you are running to Him. There is nothing that you can do, by your own thoughts, words, or actions that can cause God to change His love for you. You cannot buy His love for you by “good” behavior. Nor can you annul His love for you by “bad” behavior. It doesn’t matter how many times you have given in to that particular sin, His love for you is no different than it was before you ever committed that sin in the first place. His love for you does not change. It cannot change.
This infinite nature of God is our only hope. Can you imagine what it would be like if God were not infinite? What would happen if every time you did wrong, God didn’t love you? And every time you did right, God loved you? What would happen if God’s thoughts of you changed based upon your behavior? What kind of hope would you have? You would have to fear Him and cower, like a dog whose master beats him. You would have to try to “pay Him off,” with much service, expensive gifts, church attendance, “good” behavior, or anything you could think of that would pacify His anger and earn His love. You could never love a god like that, because you know that god doesn’t love you. He only loves what you can do for him or give to him.
God loves you, not what you can do for Him or give to Him. God loves you, period. End of story. God loves you. And God’s love for you is FOR you, not for Himself. It is always with your best interest in mind, not His. He will put Himself at a disadvantage in order to give you the advantage.
To be continued…
Keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter as we conclude these thoughts on the infinite God and how His infinite nature is our greatest hope.
Ministry Updates
We are Official!
The IRS has returned a letter of determination stating that New Paradigm Ministries is an officially recognized not-for-profit corporation and can legally give tax-deductible receipts for donations received since the organization was established in May, 2021.
YouTube
New Paradigm Ministries has a YouTube channel, and we are starting to upload ministry-related videos on the site. Check out our new office and studio HERE. And PLEASE give us your opinion on whether we should remodel or demolish the 2nd home on our property, which you can tour HERE.
Website
The design and layout of our website has been finalized, and the Sabbatech team is working on designing it right now. So far, we only have the temporary page for a website. I am told that the new site should be rolled out this month. Once it is up and running, we will start populating it with information (articles, videos, etc.).
Donate Button
Our current website does have a donate button, but it was not functioning for a couple weeks, as some of you know who tried to donate. The issue has been resolved and the donate button is working again. The web team is working to get the international currencies function working so that those who are outside of the United States can donate. That is supposed to be fixed by the end of this week…we hope. For those who have donated to New Paradigm Ministries, we want to thank you so much for your loving support!
Counseling or Health Consultations
Since moving to our new ministry location, we have been privileged to have 97 1-hour consultations or counseling sessions with precious individuals from around the world. If you are struggling with personal, relationship, or health challenges, we are available to counsel with you. Appointments can be scheduled here: https://www.calendly.com/npmin/ Donations are appreciated.
Scheduling Seminars
If you would like to schedule Dr. Sandoval to speak for your church or community, simply contact us at [email protected]
Upcoming Events
February 5, 2022
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking at the Willow Springs SDA Church in Willow Spring, Missouri.
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking at the Willow Springs SDA Church in Willow Spring, Missouri.
February 10-13, 2022
Anthony Sandoval will be speaking and sharing his musical talents at the AYM Southeast Retreat near Chattanooga, Tennessee. You can find out more about the retreat at www.aymse.org
Anthony Sandoval will be speaking and sharing his musical talents at the AYM Southeast Retreat near Chattanooga, Tennessee. You can find out more about the retreat at www.aymse.org
March 11-13, 2022
Dr. Sandoval will conduct a Law of Life series at the Sedalia SDA Church in Sedalia, Missouri.
Dr. Sandoval will conduct a Law of Life series at the Sedalia SDA Church in Sedalia, Missouri.
March 20-30, 2022
We will have our very first lifestyle and mental health session at our new ministry location in Cabool, Missouri.
We will have our very first lifestyle and mental health session at our new ministry location in Cabool, Missouri.
Late March to early April
Dr. Sandoval will be conducting a Law of Life series for the community in Ava, Missouri.
Dr. Sandoval will be conducting a Law of Life series for the community in Ava, Missouri.
May 26-29, 2022
Anthony Sandoval will be leading out in the Southwest Youth Retreat in Claremore, Oklahoma. To register or for more information, visit www.swyr.org
Anthony Sandoval will be leading out in the Southwest Youth Retreat in Claremore, Oklahoma. To register or for more information, visit www.swyr.org
June 13-17, 2022
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking for the Wisconsin Camp Meeting in Oxford, Wisconsin.
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking for the Wisconsin Camp Meeting in Oxford, Wisconsin.
June 29-July 3, 2022
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking for the Red River Outpost Camp Meeting in Stanton, Kentucky.
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking for the Red River Outpost Camp Meeting in Stanton, Kentucky.
July 27-31, 2022
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking for the Hartland Convocation in Rapidan, Virginia.
Dr. Sandoval will be speaking for the Hartland Convocation in Rapidan, Virginia.
In Christ,
Mark Sandoval, MD