Heisenberg, Max Plank and Einstein, they all agreed that science could not solve the mystery of the universe.
- Harry Dean Stanton
E=mc² is the most celebrated algebraic formula in human history with it’s insightful usefulness matched only by it’s elegant simplicity. Einstein’s breakthrough revelation on the hidden energy of matter led to a revolution in physics producing among other things the nuclear age.
One wonders if an equivalent spiritual equation might exist, the understanding of which might send shock waves of revival reverberating throughout modern Christianity?
Modern life is teeming with so many heretofore unimaginable advances that our generation may be suffering from “progress shock.” Gifted with a collective lifestyle rivaling that of mythological Gods, taking our blessings for granted has become a way of life.
So much so that even in the face of universal frailty and the pains of mortality such as bitterness and loss, disease and death, billions of the world’s most intelligent and prosperous decry the reasonableness of faith while eulogizing God as dead.
Yet proof abounds that Omnity is not only alive and well but large and in charge. Those honestly and diligently seeking answers to life’s ultimate questions soon find compelling reasons to believe when faced with the absolute and scientific certainty of the existence of God. A fact, in part demonstrated by the fantastic fine tuning and astounding intricacies of actual intelligent design. Amazing scientific discoveries described millennia ago in Biblical passages include a testable model of creation that encompasses many modern discoveries in the areas of astronomy and physics, biology and human origins, earth science and understanding the universe.
Such overwhelming evidence is augmented by the simple fact that for anything to exist, it must have either been created, created itself, or possess self existence (one of the five attributes of Divinity). Such rationale holds true for everything from the tiniest particle of matter to an infinite number of universes to Omnity itself. Self evident, this undeniable proof of the existence of God rests on an equation comprised of the simplest math possible: 0 + 0 = 0. A concise restatement of the foundational tenet of the cosmological argument.
While there is proof positive for the existence of God, the argument of the agnostic can be both honest and rational. In light of the current nature of human reality, not to mention Omnity’s apparent silence and distance, genuine seekers of truth must let the testimony of general revelation (nature) and special revelation (Scripture) speak for itself. Thankfully, when allowed to do so, there is overwhelming evidence demanding a verdict favoring Biblical Christianity.
Though intended for the betterment of all, the premise of this project is not for everyone. Clearly atheists and agnostics will object, so too the spiritually apathetic and average modern Christian. Admittedly strange bedfellows, both do so on the grounds of irrelevance. The former believe there is no reasonable hope for a better connection with which to approach God. The latter teach and sing as if all is well “all shall well and all manner of things shall be well.” Sadly embracing the concept of “peace, peace when there is no peace” has a long standing tradition among the people of God, as noted by Ezekiel and Jeremiah:
- “Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash…” Ezekiel 13:10 NIV
- “Everyone’s after the dishonest dollar, little people and big people alike. Prophets and priests and everyone in between twist words and doctor truth. My people are broken—shattered!—and they put on Band-Aids, Saying, ‘It’s not so bad. You’ll be just fine.’ But things are not ‘just fine’! Do you suppose they are embarrassed over this outrage? No, they have no shame. They don’t even know how to blush. There’s no hope for them. They’ve hit bottom and there’s no getting up. As far as I’m concerned, they’re finished. God has spoken.” Jeremiah 6:13-15 MSG
The current permissive mindset is the result of Churchianity being caught in the dangerous riptide of the original sin of entitlement popularized by various forms of Me-ism. Billions have and continue to reason that, “surely modern Christians enjoy favor and forgiveness through the love and mercy of God, not to mention the costly atonement of Christ.” While having a ring of truth, such a vast over simplification of Scripture omits the clear and concise instruction of at least half the Old and New Testaments, including such unpopular topics as conditional salvation and additions to faith, presumption and the fear of God to name just a few.
The sheer number of New Testament Scriptures dealing with both the miracles and the message of the gospel so attest to the emphasis of both they strongly suggest these are two sides of the same "Kingdom" coin. Just as the authentic fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit may be all but inseparable, so too the message of the gospel and demonstration of the power of the Spirit. An interplay visible in various ways and levels throughout the New Testament:
- "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 NKJV
- " And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 KJV2000
- “Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” 1 Corinthians 4:18-21 NKJV Truth be told, should all the gifts of the Spirit and particularly that of miraculous healing be fully restored, 21st century believers would hardly recognize themselves. The impact and cascading effect of the Kingdom of God colliding full force into modern life would be remarkable. Such spiritual synergy would have the potential to challenge and transform Churchianity in ways few have fully thought through.
And what of our eyes? Would we set our affections on things of earth or eternity? Would we continue to avert our gaze or engage the encompassing need around us? Would we spend hundreds if not thousands of hours before the TV or pouring over the word of God? What of our minds? Would we value and seek the wisdom from below or above? Would we finally comprehend Scripture’s context and content or remain mired in faulty narratives and ambiguity? What ongoing and escalating answers to prayer would clear consciences produce?
What might fully holy hearts accomplish? Imagine being filled with fullness rather than longing. Feasting on hope rather than sorrow, faith rather than fear, love rather than anger. How much sweeter the fruit of the Spirit than that of the flesh, glory than lust! How holy rather than idle our conversation. Blessing rather than cursing, instructing rather than deceiving, encouraging rather than devouring. With the arrival and arising of such faith, command might well replace complaint.
The short list above hardly does justice to the real time ramifications of heaven touching earth, and vice versa. Yet acquiring even just some of these blessings, for ourselves and others, would literally make an eternity of difference. What would such Divine gifts be worth? What degree of diligence would be justified in their pursuit? Much? More? Everything?
Having laid the groundwork, at the onset of such an endeavor it should be noted there is no direct Scriptural precedent for any so called revival equation, with the possible exception of God’s perfect formula for repentance found in algebraic world form in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Yet given the fallacious nature of the cessation argument that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, such as healing the sick, ceased with the Bible’s canonization, neither is there any clear Biblical objection against this line of inquiry. What is glaring is the ubiquitous global need for sowing the seeds for an unprecedented revival of the daily presence and power, provision and protection of the Holy Spirit.
Layman's Scientific Method
With this disclaimer in mind we purpose to achieve the following borrowing from the scientific method:
1. Identify goals and objectives
2. Create terminology and nomenclature
3. Design simple and meaningful sample equations
4. Test hypothesis
5. Analyze results
6. Implement successes
7. Expand model
8. Refine and repeat steps 1-7 as needed
Step 1: Goals and Objectives: This project’s primary purposes include:
A. Stimulating prophetic Christians (remnant of the remnant) to understand and embrace the privilege and responsibility of diligently seeking a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
B. Moving modern Christianity from presumption to faith by demonstrating the veracity of Scripture’s commands and corresponding promises.
C. Systematically providing practical tools to promote spiritual sensitivity.
D. Respond appropriately to the enormous gifts modern life and technology afford. Jesus warns, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Given unprecedented resource and need, it may well incumbent on this generation to ask, seek and knock with ever increasing volition.
E. Remember the suffering and lost. Paul admonishes, “Remember those who are in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner, and those who are ill-treated, since you also are liable to bodily sufferings.” Such verbiage denotes a daily concern for the plight of mankind, which could be greatly eased by a global restoration of the gifts and fruit of the Spirit.
F. To admit that Churchianity is “off-line” when it comes to fully experiencing and utilizing the presence and power of God. To commit to tracing the short back to it’s source and rectifying this unacceptable condition.
Step 2: Terminology and Nomenclature: The initial notations include the following:
A…..Apostasy
B…..Bible
C…..Change: Personal
C²….Change: Corporate
C³….Change: Circumstances
D…..Diligence: Care
D²….Diligence: Endurance
D³….Diligence: Persecution
E…..Ecclesia: Church
E²….Ecclesia: Christianity
E₂….Ecclesia: Churchianity
F…..Faith
F²….Faith: Deeds
F³….Faith: Suffering
F₂….Faith: Presumption
G…..God
H²….Heaven
H₂….Hell
J…..Judgment: Personal
J₂….Judgment: Corporate
J₃….Judgment: Tribulation Period
M…..Miracles
P…..Prayer: Personal
P²….Prayer: Corporate
P³….Prayer: Fasting
R…..Repentance
R²….Revival
R³….Reformation
S…..Sin: Personal
S₂….Sin: Corporate
S₃….Sin: Above (Satan-Demonic)
T…..Time
T²….Time: Eternity
U…..Unity
Step 3: Sample Equations: Provide clear and concise formulas that honest and diligent prophetic Christians can use to develop spiritual sensitivity for the purpose of overcoming spiritual impasses.
Let’s begin with Einstien’s Theory of Special Relativity’s most famous equation
. The reasons for this choice are many, including: - The structure of this globally recognized equation provides both instant recognition and allows for the right mix of components (not to many or few).
- The equation reveals the relativity of space-time, mass and energy providing an excellent template to explore spiritual connectivity and continuity.
- The formula represents the first and best method of calculating the amazing inherent potential energy within matter.
Considerations regarding the above graphic representation include:
1. The use of “E” for Ecclesia rather than “C” for Church serves the dual purpose of freeing up the letter C for Change, which is the major point of any spiritual equation, while introducing the transliteration of the original Ancient Greek term "ἐκκλησία" therefore affording some distance between the definition of genuine Christian fellowship and today’s Churchianity.
2. Maximizing the importance of E is in keeping with the tenor of both Old and New Testaments. While individuals play key roles throughout the Bible, their primary purpose as well as that of Scripture, is to Recruit, Train, Deploy, Monitor and Nurture (RTDMN) a corporate people for God. Paul explains “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” and in turn “…make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
3. The concept that M or miracles are not only one but perhaps the primary component of E is problematic for a variety of reasons. Many would reasonably argue that “M” would better denote the Message of Scripture, which billions believe is the true transformational power of the Gospel. To which we inquire which message and which Gospel? Sadly today, even with 6,000,000,000 Bibles in print, there are many Christs, though only one True. We understand the Gospel is the “power of God to salvation.” Furthermore, we acknowledge that “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Unfortunately, it’s equally true that each generation is more Biblically illiterate and prayerless that its predecessors.
4. In reality God’s Message and Miracles are so quantumly entangled as to be inseparable. The failure to recognize this spiritual synergy accounts for a large part of our current problem of powerlessness in prayer and worship, evangelism and discipleship.
5. Scripture does suggests an individual may be saved and/or become a Christian without the benefit of the miraculous. See Christ’s teaching on the Beatitudes and Good Samaritan, Rich Man and Lazarus and Sheep and the Goats.
6. Even so, Scripture is clear that the foundational health of a Church requires more than words. As Paul explains: “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power” and again, “My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
7. Additionally, few would refute that the fruit of the Spirit is essential to any individual Christian or congregation. Yet it’s the self same member of the Trinity from which the gifts of the Spirit arise. Here again there appears to be quantum entanglement between authentic charismatic (Spiritual gifts) and characterological (Spiritual fruit) development.
8. The fact that many sects of Churchianity would strongly object to making use of
in this way is a tragic yet albeit somewhat of a compelling reason to believe we might be on the right track. In this spiritual equation, the Ecclesia is of primary concern. Reasons include:- In so far as mankind is concerned, the maturation of the Church via development of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit is both the principal objective and instrument whereby God has chosen to provide the kind of quality evangelism and discipleship needed to save the lost.
- Regrettably, modern Christianity in it’s current form is simultaneously the greatest hope and impedance to power and effectiveness of the Gospel.
- Nonetheless Jesus offers special direction and encouragement to the Church: “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
- Millions of students and athletes, co-workers and soldiers can attest to the strength in numbers. Study and research, implementation and performance are all enhanced by synergy. So too the Kingdom of God.
- In John’s Book of Revelation, the judgments of the resurrected Christ are not directed at individuals but rather His Churches, offering unique warnings and rewards to each.
- “Not long after that, Jesus went to the village Nain. His disciples were with him, along with quite a large crowd. As they approached the village gate, they met a funeral procession—a woman’s only son was being carried out for burial. And the mother was a widow. When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, “Don’t cry.” Then he went over and touched the coffin. The pallbearers stopped. He said, “Young man, I tell you: Get up.” The dead son sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother. They all realized they were in a place of holy mystery, that God was at work among them. They were quietly worshipful—and then noisily grateful, calling out among themselves, “God is back, looking to the needs of his people!” The news of Jesus spread all through the country.” Luke 7:11-17 MSG
- “Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.” They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth. He asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been going on?” “Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!” Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!” Mark 9:12-24 MSG
- “Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned. These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, they will take snakes in their hands, they will drink poison and not be hurt, they will lay hands on the sick and make them well.” Then the Master Jesus, after briefing them, was taken up to heaven, and he sat down beside God in the place of honor. And the disciples went everywhere preaching, the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence.” Mark 16:14-20 MSG
- “Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” John 10:37-38 NIV
- “Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.” The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” John 11:11-15 MSG
- “Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter’s shadow when he walked by. They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.” Acts 5:12-16 MSG
- “God did powerful things through Paul, things quite out of the ordinary. The word got around and people started taking pieces of clothing—handkerchiefs and scarves and the like—that had touched Paul’s skin and then touching the sick with them. The touch did it—they were healed and whole. Some itinerant Jewish exorcists who happened to be in town at the time tried their hand at what they assumed to be Paul’s “game.” They pronounced the name of the Master Jesus over victims of evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus preached by Paul!” The seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were trying to do this on a man when the evil spirit talked back: “I know Jesus and I’ve heard of Paul, but who are you?” Then the possessed man went berserk—jumped the exorcists, beat them up, and tore off their clothes. Naked and bloody, they got away as best they could. It was soon news all over Ephesus among both Jews and Greeks. The realization spread that God was in and behind this. Curiosity about Paul developed into reverence for the Master Jesus. Many of those who thus believed came out of the closet and made a clean break with their secret sorceries. All kinds of witches and warlocks came out of the woodwork with their books of spells and incantations and made a huge bonfire of them. Someone estimated their worth at fifty thousand silver coins. In such ways it became evident that the Word of the Master was now sovereign and prevailed in Ephesus.” Acts 19:11-20 MSG
- “But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 NIV
EMC² Trinity
In honor and exemplification of the Trinity, Triunities are often found throughout the three heavens. Our formula regarding a spiritual use of the equation E=MC² is no exception. As previously stated, E (Ecclesia) in it’s modern Christian state is simultaneously the greatest hope and impedance to power and effectiveness of the Gospel. M (Miracles) is quantumly entangled with the very message of the Gospel. C² (radical corporate Change) is the means through which verification and expansion of the Gospel is best expressed. There is a kind of spiritual equivalency and interplay of these three elements. Nevertheless, it’s QC’s (Quantum Christianity’s) contention that M or the miraculous is the key to solving this all important equation. Beyond the points already made, we offer the following arguments as explanation:
1. Prescription Against Worldliness: For all his insight and achievement, the reformer Martin Luther’s initial comments on the Book of James being “A Straw Epistle” could hardly have been more mistaken. By far the most practical of all the New Testament writers, it’s easy to see why after his conversion the Apostles honored the Lord’s half brother, who had lived with Jesus every day for nearly three decades, with oversight of the First Church Council of Jerusalem.
Case in point, James alone explicitly explains the reason for a lack of miraculous answers to prayer and offers a step by step prescription to restore this all important spiritual lifeline:
- “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4:1-10 MSG
2. Prayer of Faith: Interestingly Jesus commands Christians to heal, rather than pray for the sick:
- “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:7-8 NIV
- “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.’” Mark 16:15-18 NIV
- “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:14-16 NIV
1. Modern Christianity is devoid of legitimate leadership (Elders)…
2. Leadership (Elders) within modern Christianity are incapable of praying the prayer of faith…
Here again we see another reason the clergy and lay leaders of half of Christendom (cessationists) deny that miracles such as healing are for today while the other half (charismatics) claim to daily walk on water and twice on Sundays. Both extremes have a vested interest in exonerating the clergy and placating the laity, thereby diverting a plethora of questions that would open a Pandora’s box of unwanted attention. Tragically, both position also negate the need for pre-revival repentance indispensable to the processes of seriously seeking God for a New Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power, provision and protection so desperately needed today.
And the need for Divine miracles has never been greater. For while its true that the genuinely miraculous has long been in short supply, so too has been honest Biblical interpretation and implementation. The current list of major and minor denominational schisms, not to mention the failure of their vast majority of adherents to live up to many if not most of Scripture’s tenants all attest to a pandemic of personal and corporate unbelief and sin.
Even among today’s remnant of the remnant of Prophetic Christians there remains a nearly universal resistance to formally admit and fully engage our anemic state. Rather than gathering together several times a week, if not daily, to “hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches” we content ourselves with an hour or two here and there to talk about the depth and darkness of the gathering judgment. Rather than following Christ “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, was heard because of His godly fear” we comfort ourselves with a favorite verse or platitude. Rather than committing to a strategic pursuit of pre-revival repentance, we briefly pray for this or that instead of coveting to press in and pray through to 1st century power:
- “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage. Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all. And with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and goodwill) rested richly upon them all.” Acts 4: 31-33 AMP
3. Medium of Transformation: Across the board, Churchianity’s favored source for passages supporting a broad variety of Scriptural errancy are plucked from the epistles of Paul the Apostle Grace (a term greatly misunderstood today). Ironic for a several reasons, Paul’s gospel is not only the most doctrinally developed but every bit as harsh and condemning as that of James and Jude, another of Jesus’ half brothers:
- “God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism… This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” Romans 2:6-11,16 NIV
- “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:16-21 NIV
- “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11 NIV
- “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:13-15 NIV
- “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.” 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 NIV
1. Stephen’s Transfiguration: Saul of Tarsus, who would become the Apostle Paul, was not only present at the spectacle of Stephen’s glorious martyrdom, but watched over the killer’s coats. Such a ring side seat would have afforded Saul, the soon to become chief persecutor, unobstructed view of Stephen’s face glowing like that of an angel’s as well as such a convicting sermon as to make the enraged mob cover their ears and gnash their teeth.
2. Damascus Road Intervention: On the heals of Stephen’s transfiguration and murder, the misguided “Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail.” Acts 9 begins “All this time Saul was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.” Were it not for the confrontational intervention by the resurrected Christ, God only knows how different the Book of Acts, rather than the Book of Words, and the New Testament might have been.
3. Gospel Revelation: “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12 NIV
4. Caught Up to Heaven: “You’ve forced me to talk this way, and I do it against my better judgment. But now that we’re at it, I may as well bring up the matter of visions and revelations that God gave me. For instance, I know a man who, fourteen years ago, was seized by Christ and swept in ecstasy to the heights of heaven. I really don’t know if this took place in the body or out of it; only God knows. I also know that this man was hijacked into paradise—again, whether in or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. There he heard the unspeakable spoken, but was forbidden to tell what he heard. This is the man I want to talk about. But about myself, I’m not saying another word apart from the humiliations.” 2 Corinthians 12:1-5 MSG
5. Commissioned by the Spirit: “The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers: Barnabas, Simon, nicknamed Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod, and Saul. One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.” So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off. Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God’s Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.” Acts 13:1-5 MSG
6. Paul Heals Cripple: “There was a man in Lystra who couldn’t walk. He sat there, crippled since the day of his birth. He heard Paul talking, and Paul, looking him in the eye, saw that he was ripe for God’s work, ready to believe. So he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Up on your feet!” The man was up in a flash—jumped up and walked around as if he’d been walking all his life.” Acts 14:8-10 MSG
7. Directed By Spirit: “They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas. That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.” Acts 16:6-10 MSG
8. Paul Cast Out Demon: “One day, on our way to the place of prayer, a slave girl ran into us. She was a psychic and, with her fortunetelling, made a lot of money for the people who owned her. She started following Paul around, calling everyone’s attention to us by yelling out, “These men are working for the Most High God. They’re laying out the road of salvation for you!” She did this for a number of days until Paul, finally fed up with her, turned and commanded the spirit that possessed her, “Out! In the name of Jesus Christ, get out of her!” And it was gone, just like that.” Acts 16:16-18 MSG
9. Paul Praises Prison Open: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:25-26 NIV
10. Paul Baptizes in the Spirit: “Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?” “We’ve never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?” “How were you baptized, then?” asked Paul. “In John’s baptism.” “That explains it,” said Paul. “John preached a baptism of radical life-change so that people would be ready to receive the One coming after him, who turned out to be Jesus. If you’ve been baptized in John’s baptism, you’re ready now for the real thing, for Jesus.” And they were. As soon as they heard of it, they were baptized in the name of the Master Jesus. Paul put his hands on their heads and the Holy Spirit entered them. From that moment on, they were praising God in tongues and talking about God’s actions. Altogether there were about twelve people there that day.” Acts 19:1-7 MSG
11. Extraordinary Miracles: “God did powerful things through Paul, things quite out of the ordinary. The word got around and people started taking pieces of clothing—handkerchiefs and scarves and the like—that had touched Paul’s skin and then touching the sick with them. The touch did it—they were healed and whole.” Acts 19:11-12 MSG
12. Raising the Dead: “Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.” Acts 20:9-12 NIV
13. Saved from Hurricane: “When a gentle southerly breeze came up, they weighed anchor, thinking it would be smooth sailing. But they were no sooner out to sea than a gale-force wind, the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork in the storm. We came under the lee of the small island named Clauda, and managed to get a lifeboat ready and reef the sails. But rocky shoals prevented us from getting close. We only managed to avoid them by throwing out drift anchors. Next day, out on the high seas again and badly damaged now by the storm, we dumped the cargo overboard. The third day the sailors lightened the ship further by throwing off all the tackle and provisions. It had been many days since we had seen either sun or stars. Wind and waves were battering us unmercifully, and we lost all hope of rescue… “Last night God’s angel stood at my side, an angel of this God I serve, saying to me, ‘Don’t give up, Paul. You’re going to stand before Caesar yet—and everyone sailing with you is also going to make it.’ So, dear friends, take heart. I believe God will do exactly what he told me. But we’re going to shipwreck on some island or other.” Acts 17:13-20,23- 26
14. Immune to Snake Venom: “Once everyone was accounted for and we realized we had all made it, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The natives went out of their way to be friendly to us. The day was rainy and cold and we were already soaked to the bone, but they built a huge bonfire and gathered us around it. Paul pitched in and helped. He had gathered up a bundle of sticks, but when he put it on the fire, a venomous snake, roused from its torpor by the heat, struck his hand and held on. Seeing the snake hanging from Paul’s hand like that, the natives jumped to the conclusion that he was a murderer getting his just deserts. Paul shook the snake off into the fire, none the worse for wear. They kept expecting him to drop dead, but when it was obvious he wasn’t going to, they jumped to the conclusion that he was a god!” Acts 28:1-6 MSG
15. Heals Island Population: “The head man in that part of the island was Publius. He took us into his home as his guests, drying us out and putting us up in fine style for the next three days. Publius’s father was sick at the time, down with a high fever and dysentery. Paul went to the old man’s room, and when he laid hands on him and prayed, the man was healed. Word of the healing got around fast, and soon everyone on the island who was sick came and got healed.” Acts 28:7-9 MSG
John points out that his gospel account was comprised of little more than highlights. That if everything Jesus said and did (miracles) were written down earth itself couldn’t hold the volumes. In a similar way, the above is likely only the Cliff Notes of the miracles that filled Paul’s life and those he touched. So much so, as previously mentioned, even the greatest theologian of all time strategically utilized the miraculous as the perfect foundation for the message of the Kingdom of God:
- “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NIV
Such compelling evidence with respect to the pivotal role of walking in the power and demonstration of the Spirit leaves the honest reader and researcher with only a handful of relevant questions:
1. Quantity: Are the number of miracles performed by 21st century Christians in any way commensurate with that of 1st century believers? Answer: Certainly not in the modern world.
2. Quality: Are the quality of miracles performed by 21st century Christians in any way commensurate with that of 1st century believers? Answer: Certainly not in the modern world.
3. If not, why?: Scripture provides at least seven reason for powerlessness. In the end most revolve around the afore mentioned admonition by James, “You have not because you ask not. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” This sweeping statement may well encompass billions. If so, such a generalization suggests a wide variety of spiritual conditions conspire to produce powerlessness among the people of God. These include not only sins of commission but of omission. For example, not caring enough to honestly evaluate and whole heartedly pursue the critical need for a restoration of the gifts, not to mention the fruit of the Spirit.
4. What can be done? At this advanced point, any genuine treatment options will likely be both drastic and costly and therefore shunned. That is unless well planned research can produce at least modest gains pointing to the promise of success.
Step 4: Test Hypothesis:
If we accept the obvious fact that God exists and the evidence that demands a verdict in favor of Biblical Christianity, we’re left with three possibilities concerning the state of modern Christianity:
1. God approves of one or more versions of Churchianity as it is currently preached and practiced in the developed world. Let us sincerely hope and pray this is true!
2. God does not approve of Churchianity as it is currently preached and practiced in the developed world but is willing work with those genuinely interested in repentance and restoration, revival and reformation.
3. Having repeatedly and severely grieved or even insulted the Spirit of grace we have crossed a line and must soon reap what we have sown.
If option 1 is valid: we have merely to discern which of the dozens of version of Gospel is correct. A task far easier said than done given relational connections and religious allegiances.
If option 3 is valid: we have little or no hope.
If option 2 is valid: there is no time to loose in diligently and strategically seeking to be reconciled to God. Particularly in light of the impending specter of option 3.
For our purposes let us proceed as if option 2 were the best choice (even if option 1 has some validity). The question then becomes how best to implement our spiritual version of E=MC²?
The following initial steps may prove helpful:
1. Decide which of the aforementioned goals and objectives to target.
2. Choose spiritual lab partners. While a research team is always preferable, appropriate candidates may not be readily available. When it comes to working in unity, a base line of common interest and belief is necessary.
3. Assess spiritual and relational capacity and discipline. Graduate research is beyond the reach of preschoolers, etc.
4. Select level of experimental difficulty. As with weight lifting, small successes may be the quickest way to greater accomplishments. Investment of time and energy should correspond with the perception of need as well as risk vs. benefit.
As already noted. E=mc² represents the first and best method of calculating the amazing inherent potential energy within matter. In Einstien’s version there is no reverse equation because the formula represents an equivalence, not a conversion process. It says that "energy" and "mass" are just two ways of looking at the same thing. Happily, this is not the case in our spiritual adaptation. In fact, rearrangement of the equation’s elements proves quite helpful when considering various aspects of testing!
The following two recombinations provide insight on setting up basic research perimeters:
- M=EC² suggests that authentic Miracles are best pursued by true members of the Ecclesia (Church) exhibiting greater levels of behavioral Change. Such lifestyle modifications would include growth in personal and corporate sanctification as well as commitment to the Kingdom in general and this research project in particular.
- C²=EM suggests that significant and lasting corporate Change is a result of the Ecclesia (Church) experiencing and replicating the Miraculous.
With E=MC² as well as M=EC² and C²=EM we now have three templates for researching any and all aspects of these equations. Since our initial premise is that M is both quantumly entangled with the gospel message as well as our equation’s missing and major catalyst, let us begin with M=EC².
Given hundreds of millions of modern Christians misleadingly claim to be regularly performing miracles, to entertain a reasonable hope of success we must differentiate this research from the general tenor of the Charismatic movement. We recommend principally doing so along the following four guidelines:
1. Ruthless Honesty: First and foremost this includes dispensing with the erroneous arguments on both sides of the aisle by cessationists and charismatics for the reasons already expressed. Additionally, as with any research endeavor, absolute honesty is paramount throughout the experimentation process.
2. Scientific Method: The research will follow steps 1-8 as initially noted.
3. Discipline: Rather than the fire, aim, ready… hit and miss approach of Churchianity, regular and lengthy prayer in conjunction with strategically specified areas of growth in sanctification should be observed and documented.
4. Diligence: Given the enormity of possible Kingdom benefits, researchers and/or test subjects ought to invest no less than 15-20 hours a week (the commitment level of a high school football player) towards a successful outcome. The duration of the research should reflect said benefits (preferably until desired results are forthcoming as implied in the example of Daniel’s 21 day fast).
Step 5: Analyze Results: Using honest and studious investigation determine to what if any extent genuine, verifiable and continual miracles are taking place. Particular considerations should include:
A. Level of miraculous power demonstrated: Like in Animal Farm, while all miracles are equal, some may be more equal than others.
B. Regularity: How frequent and dependable is the genuine miraculous.
C. Ebb and flow: Are there apparent hinderances to ongoing miraculous power being demonstrated. For example: Sin, worldliness, doctrinal error, pride, doubt etc.
D. Duplicatable: How many authentic miracle workers can be identified? To what extent to issues A-C apply to individuals or groups?
Step 6: Implement Successes: Measure impact of individual and corporate response to power evangelism and discipleship.
Step 7: Expand Model: To what degree does transplanting the miraculous work. Are there spiritual and/or sociological hurdles. For example: Geographic locations were hinderances such as sin, worldliness, doctrinal error, pride, doubt etc.
Step 8: Refine and Repeat Steps 1-7 As Needed
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