God Blog

• “The next day as the three travelers were approaching the town, Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon. Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the skies open up. Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground. Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. Then a voice came: “Go to it, Peter—kill and eat.” Peter said, “Oh, no, Lord. I’ve never so much as tasted food that was not kosher.” The voice came a second time: “If God says it’s okay, it’s okay.” This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.” Acts 10:9-16 The Message

• “Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.” Acts 10:34-36 The Message

• “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?” Galatians 5:13-15 The Message

• “It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.” Galatians 5:19-21 The Message

• “Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who keeps his life for himself shall lose it; and anyone who loses his life for me shall find it again.” Matthew 16:24-25 Living Bible

• “Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.” James 1:26-27 The Message

Immortal, invisible, God only wise
In light inaccessible, hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, ancient of days
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise

Unresting, unhastening, silent as light
No wanting nor wasting, Thou rulest in might
Thy justice like mountains soaring above, Thy clouds
Which are fountains of Your goodness and love

Lord there is none like You
My Jesus
My Jesus nothing compares to You
My Jesus, my Jesus

To all life Thou givest
Both great and small, In all life Thou livest
True life of all, Great Father of glory
Pure Father of light, Thine angels adore Thee
all veiling their sight

Immortal, invisible, God only wise
In light inaccessible, hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, ancient of days
Almighty, victorious, Thy name we praise

Only wise. Most blessed, most glorious, ancient of days. Almighty, victorious. Justice like mountains. Fountains of goodness and love. True life of all. Great Father of glory. Pure Father of light… Tributes emphasizing mankind’s tremendous need of Divine acceptance and relationship.

Immortal, invisible. In light, in accessible hid from our eyes. Unresting, unhastening, silent as light… Descriptions revealing the challenge set before those who seek to know and love God. Add to the mix Scripture’s revelation of a maleficent Deceiver, along with the weight of worldliness, and it’s easy to see how modern Christianity has become disjointed. With hundreds of major and minor Christian denominations and many times that number of significant differences between local churches, it’s clear that there are an innumerable variations of the gospel. Thus it might be said there are many Christs. Equally obvious is that by definition there can only be One true. Thus it greatly behooves believers to determine how closely their beliefs and practices track with those of the Christ of Scripture.

There are no doubt many metaphors exemplifying the importance of learning to “judge with righteous judgment.” In regards to both authentic Biblical doctrine and lifestyle. Perhaps the simplest and most significant is that of a compass. Useful in a variety of ways, the compass analogy offers a quick and easy interface, helpful in pondering the matter of theological and practical purity, as it pertains to genuine Christianity. Familiar with the concept of true or magnetic north, we can readily visualize a directional arrow spinning within 360 degrees of North, South, East and West. Further helpful are the designations of North East and North West, South East and South West and all points in between. When used for our purposes, such generous tracking increments allow for considerate yet accurate estimations of the corporate and personal direction of our faith. As compared with that mapped and plotted by Scripture.



Biblical Truth

Such an exercise raises several interesting considerations. These include:

1. How important is doctrinal orthodoxy and orthopraxy in regards to correctly interpreting Biblical meaning and lifestyle?

2. What means are best employed to honestly evaluate a given set of beliefs against the teaching of Scripture?

3. Given the potentially wide scope of topics covered by Bible passages, are certain tenants more important than others? If so, which?

4. Are such critiques encouraged or even required by Scripture?

5. Is this line of questioning unnecessarily divisive?

6. What practical benefits might be hoped for from this kind of reasoning?

7. Is spiritual truth primarily subjective?

8. Is spiritual truth primarily personal?

9. Is genuine spiritual growth a journey or destination?

10. To what degree, if any, are we responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of others?


1. How important is doctrinal orthodoxy and orthopraxy in regards to correctly interpreting Biblical meaning and emphasis? Scripture places a premium on our growing in an accurate understanding of God as revealed in the Bible. Hundreds, if not thousands, of verses explicitly and implicitly underscore the directive that we diligently seek and serve our actual Creator and Savior. Not some handy or traditional individual or corporate version we’ve created.

2. What means are best employed to honestly evaluate a given set of beliefs against the teaching of Scripture? The old criticism is true that one can argue just about any point of view by selectively picking from among the Bibles over 31,000 verses. Even so, the honest reader and researcher will find Scripture’s major tenants easily understood by persons without advanced degrees or resorting to the study of ancient languages. While insightful commentaries and sermons are useful and readily available in the Google age, the Bible itself is it’s own best tutor.

3. Given the potentially wide scope of topics covered by Bible passages, are certain tenants more crucial than others? If so, which? While all the time tested rules for Biblical interpretation are helpful, QC has created the Rule of Emphasis as a simple tool to help discover upon which teachings the Bible itself places added importance.

4. Are such critiques encouraged or even required by Scripture? QC is acutely aware that embracing and espousing narrow and exacting standards seems arrogant. If not totalitarian. Ironically, discerning and pinpointing spiritual insensitively seems itself insensitive. Yet the Bible repeatedly reinforces the need for learning to rightly interpret Scripture, as well as growing in the ability to correctly evaluate the quality of spiritual and moral teaching and behavior. Inside and outside of the established church. The same Jesus who warned about misjudging to the point of condemnation, also warned against failing to discern truth. A directive repeatedly reinforced by Paul and all New Testament authors.

5. Is this line of questioning unnecessarily divisive? A majority of believers, consciously or not, regard spiritual nit picking as needlessly disruptive. All the more so given societal’s elevation of inclusivity as a primary virtue. Yet spiritual truth is not a matter of consensus. Though by nature hidden, God’s Word is designed to reveal it. The narrow road to Heaven is not meant to be a solitary one, as repeated reinforced by Scripture and exemplified in the Lord’s Prayer’s use of the plural phrase “our Father.” When studied and shared in love, unity in essentials still allows for great diversity regarding a myriad of less vital points.

6. What practical benefits might be hoped for from this kind of reasoning? The principal goal of Christianity is reconciliation. Reconciling God to man and man to God, as well as mankind to itself. Both individually and corporately. This includes misguided believers who, knowingly or not, “oppose themselves” and “deny the truth.” While no easy task, any progress in these areas is well worth the effort.

7. Is spiritual truth primarily subjective? Given the manner and nature of human existence, spiritual truth while itself objective is primarily subjectively discerned. Even the objective teaching of Scripture must be subjectively interpreted and applied. Still, as previously mentioned, while there may be many representations of Christ, there can only be One true. Thus it greatly behooves us to do our due diligence in formulating and living out a Christian worldview as close to that of the Bible’s as possible.

8. Is spiritual truth primarily personal? Verses such as “the kingdom of God is within you” highlight the fact that many aspects of Christianity are designed to be personal. Often on the deepest of levels. Others passages, as in the case of discipleship, find there fullest expression among the fellowship of believers. Others still, such as that pertaining to evangelism, are intended for public discourse and debate. Finally, as in the case of the prophetic, spiritual truth is meant to reprove conduct and should all else fail warn of impending judgment. Often on a large scale.

9. Is genuine spiritual growth a journey or destination? Both, yet more the former than latter. While many can point to an event that seemed to kickstart the process of religious enlightenment, others less so. In either case spiritual life, like it’s physical counterpart, is a journey often filled with important waypoints.

10. To what degree, if any, are we responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of others? From beginning to end, Christianity is an open enrollment expression of the eternal God embracing mortal man. The costly incarnation and ministry, passion and crucifixion followed by Christ’s resurrection and ascension, intercession and imminent return is Divinity’s plan to “seek and to save that which was lost.” A model God means to replicate in the lives of all those who would follow as Christ-ians.

For most, the compass question holds little interest. The reasons for this are many, beginning with the simple fact that all of us have unresolved issues with God. Often to the point of severely limiting religious enthusiasm. Some find such questions theologically and/or socially offensive. Many find even normal spiritual pursuits unsatisfying, having succumbed to the ease of Me-ism. Even avid church attenders consider the issue moot. At least when it comes to themselves, their local church and denomination. Why? The other guy syndrome. “There are many deficiencies in modern Christianity. But if our individual choices of doctrine and lifestyle weren’t the right ones, obviously we’d change them.” Further convoluted reasoning adds, “if we can’t or won’t change ourselves, why worry about others in the same boat?”

To know to what degree (compass point) one’s brand of Christianity is error free requires a fairly comprehensive study and recall of Scripture. In and of itself problematic when the average Christian can’t quote ten verses in a row. Furthermore, Scripture must be spiritually discerned. Simply reading or even memorizing verses in the Bible hardly guarantees interpreting them, much less the rest of Scripture, correctly. This posses another obstacle, since the average Christian stops and prays less than ten minutes a day. Hardly enough time to become spiritually astute.

Finally, with the pains and pleasures of life offering continual distraction, nearly all opt to delegate the intricacies of spiritual responsibilities to trained professionals. On the surface a reasonable response, were it not for the massive tangle of divergent doctrine among theologians and clergy. Regardless of the reason, failure to synchronize our faith with Scripture is foolish. Only to the degree our minds, hearts and wills are tuned to the Bible’s message, promises and commands are we assured of God’s faithfulness, mercy and direction. Yet humanity as a whole, and Christians in particular, are all over the map in regards to finding faith’s true North. Biblical illiteracy accounts for several aspects of the problem. When individual believers are uninformed as to actual teachings of the very Scriptures they claim as the basis of their beliefs, a number of difficulties arise:

• Biblical doctrine is supplanted by that of men, if not by Satan.

• Religious tradition supersedes the power, if not presence of the Holy Spirit.

• Sentimental emotions or lack thereof rewrite, if not replace Scripture.

• Misinterpretation or simply a disinterest in Scripture makes millions far more susceptible to the influence of teachers who knowingly or not contaminate, if not corrupt, Churchianity.

1. Biblical Christianity: Representing the synergy of faith and reason. Here we find those honest enough to admit not only that creation requires a Creator, but there are abundant reasons to believe He is the God of the Bible. Reasoning through faith, such fully embrace not only the promises but conditions, as well as the true costs of the Gospel. Having found the treasure of which all men seek, these make every effort to deny themselves daily, taking up their cross in hopes of a being filled with “all the fullness of God.” Thus “obtaining a better resurrection.” For both themselves and others.

2. Humanism: Covering a broad array of viewpoints held by those not embracing religion, yet conscientiously showing some level of genuine concern for their fellow man. Loving one’s neighbor, in demonstrable ways, is not only noble but extremely Biblical. In perfectly harmony with Christ’s most important teachings on salvation. Unfortunately, most humanists give far less of themselves than directed by such New Testament greats as John the Baptist and Jesus, Paul and James. Furthermore, these are often diverted from diligently seeking God for reasons running the gamut from feelings of alienation to worldliness.

3. Other Religions: Those faiths espousing the existence of a particular God or Gods other than the orthodox teachings regarding the Trinity as revealed in Scripture. Such believers readily admit the reality of Divine existence. Some practitioners are extremely devoted, often displaying a level of commitment putting most Christians to shame. Unfortunately, careful scrutiny reveals nonsensical and at times even demonic foundational beliefs and/or practices. For example, in regards to the creation of the cosmos, it’s hardly “turtles all the way down.”

4. Me-ism: Represenative of those too apathetic or self absorbed to develop a clear concept of their Creator, or expend themselves in service to their fellow man. Various forms of Me-ism, including Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, are quickly becoming the default religion within developed nations.

5. Agnosticism: Representing both sides of the agnostic argument, that of the selfish skeptic as well as the genuine yet disheartened seeker. Here can be found shreds of a legitimate concern too lightly answered by the faith community. If and when addressed at all. Namely, the quantum dilemma posed by the apparent silence and distance of God.

6. Atheism: The polar opposite of Biblical Magnetic North. Beginning with the fundamentally fallacious arguments of the atheist that noting could create anything, much less everything, so finely tuned. Ironically, while often among the most intelligent, for a variety of reason atheists repudiate common sense thereby revealing unresolved God issues and/or ulterior motives.

As previously mentioned, there are hundreds of major sects within the Christian community. QC offers the following as a somewhat oversimplified summary:

1. Biblical Christianity: Example the Apostle Paul. "In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Full understanding and commitment to the Bible's promises and conditions extended by Christ. Willingness to embrace His cross, as well as their own. Examples: Apostles, Martyrs, Blaise Pascal, Søren Kierkegaard, Hudson Taylor, Praying Hyde, George Muller, Charles Finney, Smith Wigglesworth, Evan Roberts, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Brother Yun, Jackie Pullenger, etc.

2. Charismatic: Example Assembly of God Church. Believers in the gifts of Spirit. More Biblically honest than their cessationist counterparts. Cessationists twist Scripture to match the sad reality of powerlessness within modern Christianity. Charismatics, more often than not, twist reality claiming to routinely heal the sick, prophesy accurately etc… to match Scripture. While doctrinally closer to Biblical Christianity than most others, the net effect of even well meaning spiritual dishonesty in regards to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit promotes a culture disinterested in seriously seeking a new Pentecost. Much less paying the price of pre-revival repentance.

3. Evangelical: Example the Baptist Church. Status Quo. Often neither hot or cold. Attempting to hold the line in regards to recognized truth. Faithful in many respects, yet blind to various doctrinal deceptions and level of worldliness within Churchianity. Promotion of unconditional acceptance via cheep grace. Overconfident, with little or no somber fear of God or impending judgment. Decreasing emphasis on Christian disciplines such as serious and regular personal and corporate Bible study and prayer. Form of godliness, without and/or denying the power thereof.

4. Catholic: Example the average parish. Similar to Protestants with even greater doctrinal deception among hierarchy and Biblical illiteracy among lay membership. Can be more pro-life and pro-family.

5. Heretics and Higher Critics: Example the Word of Faith movement. From those promoting the Prosperity Gospel to liberal interfaith alliances. Including those philosophically embracing the Emergent Church and/or various forms of the Gospel of Inclusion. Heretical doctrine arises from an over emphasis of certain portions of Scripture. Many forms of Biblical criticism tend to under emphasize Scriptural authority, to the point of relegating vital tenants to little more than outdated literature or attempts at mean spirited manipulation.

6. Cults: Example the Mormon, LDS Church. Excessive movements often posing as mainstream denominations in violation of critical Christian doctrines. Additional denominations include Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology etc.



With All Due Respect

QC respectfully acknowledges that the above categories, and others, reflect the belief and religious traditions of nearly 2 billion well intentioned First World believers embracing some form of Christianity. We are also mindful of an equal or greater number of loving and charitable acts routinely performed by members of all sects. Not to mention humanity itself. Nevertheless, as previously demonstrated, Scripture requires each and every would be disciple of Christ to learn to ever more accurately recognize and respond to the voice of our “great God and Savior.” As evidenced by accurate Biblical exegesis.

Many will ask what proof can be offered to make such sweeping judgments tenable. The answer is simple. The Bible itself. Charles Spurgeon, the highly esteemed “Prince of Preachers” was once asked how he upheld Biblical authenticity so well. He suggested the task was as simple as defending a caged lion. One need only, let it out of its cage.” The same may be said for interpreting Scripture. Though there are minor differences in what may be somewhat flawed modern translated and paraphrased versions, Christianity’s fundamental messages and major tenants are so often repeated and emphasized as to be impossible for the honest reader to miss. Particularly when thoughtfully explained. So how North is enough? Avoiding obvious doctrinal error is good, but when it comes to the New Testament’s weightier requirements, is it good enough? In eternity, the answer to this question will literally be a consuming fire, as before God and the holy angels we give account for every word spoken, perhaps every thought and emotion, and most certainly every deed:

• “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30 New International Version

• “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 New International Version

• “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 New International Version

• “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s

• “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s

• “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:1-18 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s

• “But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” Matthew 22:31 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s

Definitions of genuine, much less radical discipleship, are even more varied than Christian sects. Nevertheless the Bible’s claims on the minds and hearts, words and actions, habits and lifestyles of believers are written in black and white. Honest seekers and servants handle the Scripture carefully in efforts to conform their will to the Bible. Not vice versa. Identifying problem areas of dualism and double-mindedness, conscientious believers pursue growth in sanctification. They endeavor to discern between imputed positional righteousness as provided by Christ’s costly atonement, and the conditional righteousness Jesus requires.

Sadly, too few care enough to accurately and honestly admit, much less implement, Scripture’s admonitions regarding crucial additions to faith. Those who do soon find themselves faced with the Bible’s directive to exchange our rights and privileges for progressive levels of righteousness:

• Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Luke 9:23-25 New International Version

• I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 King James Version

• Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.” Hebrews 12:1-11 The Message - Emphasis QC’s

It's estimated that globally there may be as many as a billion Protestants. With the above categories identified, it seems helpful to drill down deeper as to which of today's Christian models might be nearer the all important 1st century Biblical Christian ideal:

1. 1st Century Biblical Christianity: As the originators and recipients of Pentecost's fire and empowerment as recorded in the Book of Acts, Christ's apostles were the founders of Christianity. Authoring the New Testament letters, through them and their missionary zeal they evangelized and discipled the original Church to withstand extreme resistance and persecution. To the point of eventually bringing Rome, then the world's greatest military, political and religious power on Earth to bow its knees to Christ. Thus becoming the Divine model for Christendom throughout all ages.

2. Persecuted Church: Today's Persecuted Church continues the costly mandate and mission of the 1st century Christians. This included innumerable Third World missionaries and believers daily baring their cross while proclaiming Christ's. See Nick Ripken and Voice of the Martyrs, Brother Yun and Pastor Brunson. Far less in number, some First World Christians and activists do the same.

3. Puritan Holiness: One of the smallest subset with Christendom are those embracing extreme sanctification, at least by today's standards. Such doctrine and lifestyle is more common in impoverished nations facing far less bombardment by levels of worldliness and entitlement, temptation and deception. In the modern world, such radical discipleship witnesses to one of the main differences between cheap and costly grace. The latter being the authentic grace of God presented in Scripture. Examples include John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney and Smith Wigglesworth, George, Mueller and Evan Roberts, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Jackie Pullinger, Leonard Ravenhill and David Wilkerson. Old and new world puritanism may differ, but both are radical expressions of commitment to Christ's in the face of worldly influence and onslaught, more recently exemplified in the Russian Church's costly overcoming of Communist persecution and tribulations. See Nick Ripken's Insanity of God and podcast Witness and Persecution Season 1 Episode E9 "Devious Persecution." GB also highly recommends reading the 1996 testimony of Olga, a 19 year old Russian immigrant's "Visit to the entrance of Hell."

4. Quantum Christianity: As previously mentioned, QC was developed in hope of being a better Bible bridge for billions, spanning the growing gap between 1st Century Biblical Christianity and 21st Century Modern Churchianity. With the goal of more fully equipping Prophetic Christians to walk in the Spirit in light of the vastly degrading times and season thrust upon us by the devilish geopolitical era in which we live. QC identifies Conflict Theology as the very context of Scripture, differentiating between Christianity as a Cruise vs. Battleship and Christians as civilians vs. Kingdom Citizen. Soldiers.

5. Modern Christianity: An umbrella term, Modern Christianity represents many of the hundred plus denominations having fragmented Christianity. Many promoting various Christs and versions of Scripture. Major categories include Charismatics and Cessationists, Evangelicals and Fundamentalists, Denominational and Community Churches, Missions and Activist Organizations, Home and Small Group Fellowships. Most in keeping with at least some of Scripture's requirements for Biblical Churches and Fellowships.

6. Churchianity: Somewhat synonymous with Modern Christianity, Churchianity implies greater doctrinal and/or lifestyle error within or without the denominations previously referenced. Up to and including heretical movements. Including versions of prosperity gospels, particularly that of the Word of Faith Movement.

7. Emerging and Emergent Church: The Emerging Church seeks "the deconstruction of modern Christian worship, modern evangelism, and the nature of modern Christian community" by embracing a post modern theological fluid, thus worldly, interpretation of Scripture and church, morality and lifestyle. Featuring the development and promotion of progressive Christianity. Including rewriting some or all of the Bible.

While disagreements abound in regards to many, if not all, facets of the above Protestant models, it should be noted that 1-3 are in perfect keeping with the tenets and tenor of Scripture. Exemplifying evangelism and discipleship. Differing modestly, though not necessarily insignificantly, as to what degree certain doctrines are highlighted and emphasized. Making these the safest bet and educated guess.

Models 5-6 embrace certain aspects of elementary truths. The milk vs. meat of Scripture. Often prematurely assuming salvation by substituting presumption for faith and christianized worldliness for sanctification. Thus promoting half the gospel or less.

Model 4, Quantum Christianity, is designed to promote Prophetic Christian understanding and compliance to models 2-3, with the goal of achieving original 1st century perspective and power in our 21st century Christian experience. Thus fully entering God's Rest and becoming entirely New Creations. The ultimate objective of Biblical Christianity.

Forty years of strategic service and research suggests modern Christianity’s Biblical report card looks something like this:

• 1/3 of our teaching and preaching, prayers and worship, evangelism and discipleship are in keeping with the fuller content and context of Scripture. 👍

• 1/3 of our teaching and preaching, prayers and worship, evangelism and discipleship are at lacking or at odds with the fuller content and context of Scripture. 😔

• 1/3 of the most vital aspects of Scripture’s content and context are entirely missing. 😬

With Hell to loose, and Heaven to gain, few questions in life are as important as where God draws the line in regards to Biblical Salvation. What does Scripture teach we must do to be saved? Is following Christ, the authentic Jesus, different in the the modern world than the 1st century?

When aboard a massive ocean liner, in certain respects it doesn’t seem as if you’re moving. Because you’re not, when judged by those around you aboard ship. To plot your course and speed, you need a waypoint off ship.

The same holds true for entire generations. There may be no sense of momentum, because we’re all aboard the same massive ocean liner. But actually, we may be moving at a rapid pace, into dangerous waters. Or in our case, questionable if not heretical doctrine and worldly lifestyles.

As noted above, few recognize the growing gap between 1st century Biblical Christianity and 21st century Modern Churchianity. Or even the requirements of salvation popularized by a pair of well known sermons by two of the primary architects of the 18th century First Great Awakening.

Jonathan Edwards’ Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God may simultaneously be the most famous and infamous sermon of all time. Lightyears from the “cheap grace” of modern Christianity, it’s as interesting as it is a difficult read.

While not religiously correct, the God of the Bible is simultaneously awe-full and awful, and should be approached as such. While Churchianity considers itself exempt from judgment, Jesus and His apostles tell a different story.

Fully grasping the message and exacting meaning of this sermon is crucial if we are to recover even a fraction of what has been lost. Beginning by developing living faith rather than presumption, whereby we assume salvation rather than seeking and serving God acceptably by means of serious sanctification and radical discipleship. All necessary foundational requirements should we realistically hope to experience Biblical Revival, much less Kingdom Reformation, in our generation.

Instead of reading GodBlog's classic 18th Century version, we highly recommend downloading "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: Updated to Modern English Kindle Edition" by Jason Dollar. It can be read for $2.99 on any device by downloading the Kindle app or simply on the Amazon cloud. It is a far easier and meaningful read when updated into modern language and format. The author also includes a balanced introduction and second sermon entitled "Love The Sum Of All Virtue" to present Jonathan Edwards in a more accurate light.

Nevertheless, reader be warned. When Edwards uses the phrase “Born Again” in the 18th century, it is not with the same flippancy as in the 21st, whereby we erroneously grant blessing to have our cake and eat it too. Doctrinally justifying continuing our pursuit of the Christian/American Dream, while living mostly worldly lives.

To understand the difference, you will need a sermon by his contemporary, John Wesley, founder of the once puritan Methodist Church, entitled "The Almost Christian.”

Another crucial consideration is that of the Cruise Vs. Battleship analogy. While you won't find it taught in seminaries or churches, Conflict Theology is actually the underlying context of Scripture. Widely recognized for nearly two thousand years, the modern world long ago changed course, sailing far from puritanical definitions of repentance and morality, faith and discipleship and sanctification and holiness. The result has been the nearly wholesale substitution of assumed salvation for repentance, presumption for faith and inappropriate worship for sanctification.

Decades old, the increase of temptation and deception, has resulted in a devilishly cunning strategy of incrementalism that over time has all but uprooted millennia of spiritual and sociological gains. Part and parcel of the dramatic and disastrous deterioration in the Times and Seasons in which we live, and vastly worse on the horizon. Evidence of the spirit of the Antichrist terraforming the entire planet for the beginning of Divine judgment and Great Tribulation.

If Christianity’s a cruise ship, sailing merrily from here to Heaven, then certainly Christ’s costly atonement is more than sufficient passage. The cross of Jesus is indeed all anyone could ever need. If however, Heaven and Earth are at war with fallen angels and devils, Christianity is a battleship and we must follow our Commander and Chief’s example and directives by daily shouldering our own.

Even if Christianity could be likened to a pleasure cruise, given Churchianity’s collision course with so many modern temptations and deceptions, up to an including immorality and the blood red mountainous iceberg of abortion, in certain respects might even many well intended ministries be reduced to simply arranging deck chairs on the Titanic?

So is Christianity a cruise or gunship? We must decide. And do so quickly and carefully. Military directives and drills, cramped quarters and sea rations, would be absurd on a pleasure cruise. So too, civilian itineraries and activities, opulent suites and sumptuous banquets, would be anathema during a time of war. See also GB's Seven Gospels/Church Models. Click here to read QC's parable, "Water World: Cruise Vs. Battleship."

Much has been lost and our situation dire. Nevertheless, QC dares to hope against hope that while as in the account of Christ's debut miracle at the wedding feast of Cana, we have clearly run out of wine, still today Mary's perfect intercession, through timely and appropriate brokenness and repentance, yields insight as to how we may yet find Jesus has once again saved the best for last.



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