One Versus More Than One We learn to recognize and relate to numbers (count) early in our mental development. Introduction: The first few slides introduce the audience to the idea of numbers.

One Versus More Than One Numeric determination is valuable in our lives. Slide two presents the need of numbers in simple arithmetic and telling of days (calendar).

One Versus More Than One “Our very early ancestors counted using the very primitive technique of: ‘one, two, many’. A single object was recognized as an individual being, separate from others and was given the name ‘one’ (meaning single). Likewise, two objects were given the name "two" (one more than one) since it was recognized that placing one object with one other gave two objects. However, more than two objects were given the name ‘many…..’” It might be wise to mention that many today who attempt to present the concept and origin of numbers operate on the faulty premise that man first slowly acquired the faculty of speak and then also slowly his ability to deal with numbers developed. Such is contrary to Genesis one and two.

One Versus More Than One Notice that in the presented quotation about numbers, there is the ability to recognize one as opposed to more than one and then more than one compared to one. Involved in this act is also the ability to distinguish between items, objects, things, or people. Slide four appears very rudimental, but later you will show how the ability to count and distinguish religions is important.

One Versus More Than One The native intelligence to exercise the concept of numbers is essential to every day life. If one told you the cost of an item is one dollar and then required many dollars, you would intelligently object. Such an act and responsibility is necessary to commerce and to our physical existence. You are driving home the idea of numbers from the slant of number differentiation.

One Versus More Than One The New Testament presents truths based on numeric concept. These truths are very practical and necessary as opposed to abstract and philosophical.

“16: But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (Matt. 18). “5: For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (I Tim. 2). “20: Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one” (Gal. 3). In these verses, various truths are numerically taught or at least presented with numeric association. Hence, the Bible recognizes number concepts. “16: Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ” (Gal. 3).

One Versus More Than One The numeral “one” is used in the scriptures to teach unity. In fact, the platform for religious unity is predicated on the concept of “one,” one versus more than one.

“3: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6: One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4).

One Versus More Than One “One body.” A. Eph. 4: 3. B. Cp. Eph. 2: 16, 1: 22, 23, I Cor. 4: 17. C. I Cor. 12: 13.

“16: And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Eph. 2). “22: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23: Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1). “17: For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church” (I Cor. 4).

One Versus More Than One “One Spirit.” A. Eph. 4: 4. B. 2 Cor. 13: 14. C. Acts 5: 3, 4.

“13: All the saints salute you. 14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all” (2 Cor. 13).

One Versus More Than One “One Hope.” A. Eph. 4: 4. B. Col. 1: 5, I Pet. 1: 4, Rom. 8: 24, 25.

“5: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Col. 1). “4: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (I Pet. 1). “24: For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25: But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Rom. 8).

One Versus More Than One “One Lord.” A. Eph. 4: 5. B. I Cor. 8: 6.

“6: But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” (I Cor. 8).

One Versus More Than One “One Faith.” A. Eph. 4: 5. B. Gal. 1: 6-9.

“6: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9: As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1).

One Versus More Than One “One baptism.” A. Eph. 4: 5. B. I Pet. 3: 20, 21.

“20: Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21: The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (I Pet. 3).

One Versus More Than One “One Father.” A. Eph. 4: 6. B. I Cor. 8: 6.

“6: But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” (I Cor. 8).

One Versus More Than One According to David Barrett et al, editors of the “World Christian Encyclopedia: A comparative survey of churches and religions - AD 30 to 2200,” there are 19 major world religions which are subdivided into a total of 270 large religious groups, and many smaller ones. 34,000 separate Christian groups have been identified in the world. “Over half of them are independent churches that are not interested in linking with the big denominations.”

One Versus More Than One Conclusion: These 34, 000 different religions stand for more than one “body,” “spirit,” “hope,” “lord,” “faith,” “baptism,” and “father.” They are opposed to the unity for which Jesus prayed (John 17: 20, 21).

“20: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21: That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17). The final graphic emphasizes thinking, especially in terms of numbers. Distinguishing the Lord’s church from the thousands of man-made religions and being able to acknowledge the existence of these divergent religions seems to be a hard matter for many today.