MONTHLY NEWSLETTER With Rev. Dr. C. A.ONITIRI (January 2023 Edition) Part 1.
SALUTATIONS
Greetings to you beloved of God.
I welcome you to January, the 1st month in this New Year 2023. May the New Year bring peace and joy and may the Lord envelope you under the shadow of His wings as you move through the year in Jesus Name. Happy New Year.
A: JANUARY, THE NUMBER ONE (1) MONTH OF THE YEAR.
What is the meaning of the Number 1?
It is suggested in Numerology that all things on Earth can be equated to numbers, and that all numbers hold special meanings – even the Biblical numbers written in the Scriptures!
What does the number 1 represent in the Bible?
Number 1 in the Bible represents God’s might, status, supremacy and self-sufficiency. It is used most importantly to identify God as the greatest and to emphasize that only 1 true God exists, even suggesting that it would be a terrible sin for anyone to put other gods before God.
The First Commandment in Exodus 20v3 says, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” KJV
It also symbolizes our need for God in our lives.
According to Ephesians 4v4-6 true Christianity entails one hope, one faith, one Saviour, one baptism and one God.
V4 “There is only one body, and one Spirit, even as ye called in one hope of your calling. V5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism. V6 One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all.” KJV
We can also see the Biblical meaning and symbolism of Number 1 in Deuteronomy 6v4;“Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord.” KJV
This tells us or suggests to us that everything in the world and the divine realm has everything to do with the Almighty.
In the N.T, Colossians 1v15 reads; “ Who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature” KJV
The first born of every creature, Jesus is the manifestation of God. To know what God is like, one must look at Jesus.
John 12v45; “And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.” KJV
Yes, He is the first born of every creature referring to His preeminent position over all creation.
Jesus is called the first born not of the dead (Colossians 1v18) but also among many brethren ( Romans 8v29).
He is also called “first of the first fruits (1 Corinthians 15v20, 23) meaning that He is the first one of many to be resurrected to eternal life (especially those in the first resurrection) –
Revelation 20v6“ Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priest of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” KJV
Christ referred to Himself as the First or Alpha several times in the Book of Revelations (1v11, 17, 22v13,)
22v13; “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” KJV
In Acts 4v10-12, Apostle Peter states very clearly that it is through the one name of Jesus that a person can receive salvation and live forever. There is no other name in all creation by which mankind can connect to the true God and fulfill their destiny.
Prophetically, number 1 serves as a symbol of new beginnings, fresh starts, and positive changes. It signifies the emergence of opportunities for the whole of mankind.
Remember also that the first day of creation is called “First Day” Genesis 1v5 .
We should note also that The shortest books in the Bible 2 John, 3 John, Philemon, Jude and Obadiah all have only one chapter. It will also be of interest to note that there are certain words that appear only once in the Kings James Version of the Bible.
- Reverend – Psalm 111v9
- Grandmother – 2 Timothy 1v5
- Eternity – Isaiah 57v15
- Forgetfulness – Psalm 88v12
- Lukewarm – Revelation 3v16.
In concluding, bear in mind that as the Number 1 is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh start, some people who are resistant to changes may be afraid that a particular phrase of their life is grinding to a halt, but they should not be worried or fearful because the changes will open new doors for them.
Indeed, they should take succour in the fact that the positive changes will contribute to the betterment of their lives.
So instead of worrying too much about the past, they should look forward towards the future with a positive attitude.
It is only a matter of time before good things happen to everyone.
It is also advisable to keep the Biblical and prophetic meanings of number 1 in mind when you go about your daily activities because of its close connection with the Almighty.
This Number is also widely credited as the number of God, Jesus, resurrection, hope and faith. Its Biblical meaning also resonates with primacy and sacrifice. With all these explanations in mind, Number 1 can be interpreted as a sign urging you to be more independent in life. The divine realm is imploring you to take control of your destiny.
When you take your life in your hands, you will be able to manifest all your dreams into reality. In essence, you will be able to create a life worth living. The Number 1 also advises you to always maintain a close connection with the Almighty and the Spiritual realm.
Realize that you can always rely on the support, love, protection and guidance of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, for eternal life.
Now that you are aware of the significance, symbol and meaning of Number 1 in the Bible, it is time for you to spread the word and help others comprehend the significance of God’s Word and blessings. Through this knowledge, everyone will be able to reflect on the symbolic meanings in the Bible where number 1 is mentioned; in the way they were meant to be understood.
SHALOM.
B: SCRIPTURE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 1 PETER 2V9.
Our Scripture for the Month of January is 1 Peter 2v9.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him whohath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (KJV)
INTRODUCTION
First Peter was written by Apostle Peter to believers living in Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey (1 Peter 1v1) to encourage them to faithfully endure persecution and see their suffering as a normal part of their service to God.
However, as this is part of the accepted principle of the New Testament, Peter’s word apply to Christians in all times.
In the 2nd Chapter of 1 Peter, he now directly addresses what God’s people, the Church are called to be and do.
He writes in v9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him whohath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (KJV)
In this verse, He gives four descriptions of what God’s people are to be:
- A Chosen Generation
- A Royal Priesthood
- A Holy Nation
- A Peculiar People (His own special possession NIV)
Do you know that Peter coined these phrases from the O.T description of the ancient nation of Israel?
By doing this, he reemphasized a recurring theme in Paul’s writings – that the N.T Church is now Spiritual Israel. Galatians 3v29, 6v16 .
Galatians 3v29;
“And if ye be Christ’s, then ye are Abraham’s seed,and heirs according to the promise.” KJV
6V16; “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” KJV
Our theme for this month will therefore be “Knowing who we are in God”.
God is the authority on who we are. He is our Creator. He gives us the right information. He is the one we should be listening to about who we are.
In this verse, Peter talks about what God says about us. As believers in Christ, He informs us who we are.
As believes in Him, we are accepted, valued, capable and forgiven.
To be continued….
SHALOM.
