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• “For 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; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV

• “But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 AMPC

• “But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].” 1 Corinthians 2:15 AMPC

• “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?” 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 NIV

• “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 NIV

• “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” Galatians 6:14-15 NIV

• “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV

• “Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men[a] 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”1 Corinthians 6:2-10 NIV

• “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 NKJV

• “in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:4-8 NIV

• “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22 NIV

• “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

•  “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32 NIV

• Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 NIV

• “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3-11 NIV

Why do so few take the whole Bible seriously? Many are too busy to care. Others feel guilty. Many verses are too violent. Others can be offensive. Some passages seem mythological. Others beyond the realm of sci-fi. All such objections deserve answers. Many have thus far been thoughtfully exposed and Scripturally explained. As with the study of general revelation, some elucidation of special revelation requires focusing into an issue, while others require zooming out. Quantumly, the lens of Scripture serves wonderfully as both a spiritual microscope and telescope.

The Bible does so by providing relevant context to interpret its content. In many cases, without the latter, the former makes little or no sense. For example, for a “love letter from God” Scripture can be surprisingly abrasive, if not downright harsh. A fact not lost on Søren Kierkegaard, who among his many distinctions is credited as the first existentialist philosopher, Christian or otherwise. Regarding Scripture’s sometimes draconian measures he noted:

• “It is the deepest wound that can be dealt to a person designed to collide with everything on the most appalling scale.”

Rather than simply referring to positional righteousness, this may be a principal reason for Christ’s amazing comment juxtaposing John the Baptist as the greatest prophet born among mankind to the least in the kingdom of God:

• “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:26-28 NIV

• I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:12-16 NIV

Ephesians 3:14-21 (New King James)

"For this reason I bow my knees
to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory,
to be strengthened with might
through His Spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the width and length and depth and height
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church
by Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever.
Amen."

Through the costly atonement of Christ and infilling of the Holy Spirit, the New Testament offers a remarkable remedy. A transformation into a new kind of entity, neither “Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female.” A metamorphoses from “mere humans” into an entirely New Creation!

Why do so few perceive, much less pursue, such an expansive promise? One objection is straightforward. Life’s busy, packed with daily responsibilities. Anything more seems too much. But is it? Through innovation and technology we’ve been given previously unheard of free time and instant access to all the resources of the information age. For such a critical concern as eternal life, can we not dedicate half the commitment of a high school football player or Facebook mom in an effort to seek and save that which is lost? Including the better part of our entire generation and the next. How? By recovering the transformation power of Pentecost necessary to complete such a crucial task.

While reasoning through the New Testament’s teaching on salvation. Many wonder what are the most meaningful steps along the path of following Christ in today’s world? Hundreds of millions have made some sort of start. Unfortunately, most of these have either given up or stopped far short of Christianity’s full potential of being filled with all the fullness of God.

The points and passages in this chapter summarize attitudes and actions useful for those engaging in the most challenging, yet rewarding quest of all. That of fully following Christ.

Author’s Note

By all indications, upcoming years and decades are likely to present ever more spiritual and social, financial and physical challenges for ourselves and families, friends and neighbors. Making matters worse, the state of current research and ministry strongly suggest that all aspects of today's anemic and all but powerless Churchianity are too subjective to successfully compete against the concrete demands and ubiquitous distractions, inflamed desires and mass deceptions presented by modern life.

To weather today’s challenges, not to mention tomorrow’s, our reach much exceed our grasp. Among the means at our disposal to combat such circumstances is the concept of moving beyond "praying for" into the realm of "pressing in" with the quantum hope of "praying through" to apprehending the complete transformation Christianity offers.

Tragically no denomination and few if any congregations are committed to authentically seeking the restoration of this kind of genuine Kingdom experience and power. Cessationist are honest regarding reality (lack of miraculous power) but dishonest regarding Scripture (cessation). Charismatics are dishonest regarding reality (lack of miraculous power) but honest regarding Scripture (promises not conditions). Thus who is left to honestly and diligently look for what supposedly no longer exists or is already in hand?

What is needed and alone will suffice is a renewed spiritual sensitivity and righteous judgment leading to an unprecedented pre-revival repentance ushering in a New Pentecost resulting in genuine and ongoing renewal, revival and reformation.

While a few Christians have over the years attempted as much, clearly our individual and even collective efforts have fallen far short. I myself have attended and/or led over 1,000 corporate prayer meetings and have yet to see Bethesda's waters significantly stirred, much less the promised and desperately needed "rivers of living water" or even "fountains springing up into eternal life."

Ruthlessly honest appraisal suggests that seeing our family and friends, fellow colleagues and Christians so often taken captive by this or that, the "strong man" among us must be bound to have been so personally and collectively plundered.

My sincere prayer is that none of the above is even remotely true. Would to God that the tenants of Churchianity prove largely correct. May everything be going to heaven rather than "hell in a hand basket.” Yet, should the preponderance of Scripture and evidence suggest the remotest possibility that the foregoing is even close to the truth, an appropriate response would begin with weekly if not daily revitalized corporate prayer. I don't mean what passes for prayer today, but rather something far more desperate, perhaps along the model of Azusa street.



Seaworthy Metaphors

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.

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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