No verse of Scripture yields its meaning to lazy people..
- A. W. Pink
Christianity's hundreds of sects, various Christ and versions of the Gospel testify to the challenge of rightly interpreting the Bible. Even among the more honest and diligent students of Scripture, it's amazingly easily to overlook or misinterpret key passages.
Minimizing more important verses is another serious issue. To this end Quantum Christianity has developed the Rule of Emphasis, while offering the following candidates as the Bible's Top 10 most crucial Scriptures.
Top 10 Crucial Scriptures
Those beginning to understand the vital role developing Christian maturity plays in pleasing God may be interested in an overview of the journey before them. While not everyone's path is the same, it may be of value to identify certain waypoints.
With the failings of modern Christianity are well-documented here and elsewhere, Quantum Christianity was designed to help develop the necessary skills to appropriately perceive and respond to the crisis/opportunity before us. To that end we suggest proficiency in some or all of the following necessary tools for genuine Biblical interpretation:
- Reverence enough to let Scripture say what it means and mean what it says.
- Faith enough to energize one's imagination without going off the deep end.
- Curiosity enough to examine epic verses and poke around original languages.
- Humility enough to remember who your betters are.
- Honesty enough to recognize and respond to our extreme need for God.
- Desperation enough to ask, seek and knock until insight and/or empowerment is given.
- Love enough to find ways to reveal, rather than conceal, difficult truths.
- "Level of concern: Human interest tend towards issues associated with the most immediate and/or greatest pleasure or pain, first in regards to ourselves and then others. Levels of Christian concern largely depend on our willingness to read and recall Scripture as it is written rather than choosing to omit hundreds if not thousands of verses challenging Churchianity's status quo. Equally important is the development and continual exercise of imaginative empathy. The ability to immerse oneself in the past, present and future human suffering or exaltation described in the Bible is a crucial component in allowing the reader to mentally and emotionally comprehend the passage. Honesty in "Scripturally rendering" a scene allows a fuller understanding of risk/benefit associated with various levels of rebellion verse obedience.
- "Appropriate response: Filtering through tens of thousands of thoughts a day, we select those upon which dwell. A percentage of theses will be discussed. Some of these will merit research and further evaluation... A fraction of thoughts will translate into actions. Depending on a variety of factors, our actions or lack thereof, will either fit or fail the test of appropriateness.
The crucial role of just these two directives cannot be overstated. In fact, without the implementing of both these principals, millions if not billions of Bible readers do so unprepared to fully grasp the incredible context of Scripture. Much less accurately discern and appropriately respond to the critical challenges presented by the times and seasons in which we live.
One of Biblical Christianity’s major goals is unity in essentials without otherwise demanding uniformity. Nevertheless, growing in spiritual sensitivity and discernment requires being “careful how you hear” while learning to “judge with righteous judgment.” Which is why this passage is the first on our list of Ten Top Scriptures.
Scripture 1: Righteous Judgment
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." John 7:24 NKJV
The above verse is rendered slightly differently in various versions of the Bible. For instance:
- "Do not judge by appearance [superficially and arrogantly], but judge fairly and righteously." AMP
- "Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly." NLT
Along the same lines, the famous yet frequently ignored passage 2 Chronicles 7:4 reveals and develops Scripture's four spiritual laws. The first of which is humility, an essential element in an honest handling of frail and fleeting nature of human existence.
Given the human condition mankind's need of God is extreme. Though from our point of view the Sun literally rises and sets around us, the reality is quite different. The fact is the entire human race could easily fit in the state of Texas which occupies a small portion of just the surface of the Earth. One million Earths will fit into our Sun. One hundred billion suns are estimated in the Milky Way Galaxy. One hundred billion Galaxies or more comprise the known Universe... These facts alone should produce deep humility in anyone cognizant of them.
Socrates is credited with noting, "The unexamined life is not worth living." While passed on by oral tradition, his actual quote when translated into modern English may have been nearer “The unexamined life is not fully human.” Some have speculated the philosopher's intent was to note that as the only species to ritualistically bury their dead, we should recognize from our mortality the importance of a handful of ultimate concerns.
Understandably most hurry through life doing the best they can. Days turn into decades, filled with concrete issues demanding our attention. The tyranny of the urgent makes it easy to overlook the fact that the clock is running down for each of us. With this in mind, every human being faces three essential concerns:
- How did I get here? How can a non sentient universe produce a sentient soul? How did the universe itself come to be?
- Is there a purpose to my existence? Is there meaning or relevance beyond a few years of human life?
- Where am I going? Even a lifespan of over a hundred or thousand years would merely be a drop of water in an endless ocean of time. What's to become of me in eternity?
If life's a mystery, how much more so death? While the grave and beyond are inescapable facts of life, most if not all of humanity live in variable states of denial. Many justify their apathy or classical ignorance by relegating the afterlife to the status of the irrelevant. Billions of the devout and religious exert only slightly more time and energy deeply examining even their own faith. Much less the claims of competitors.
The Bible, as the authentic Word God, offers answers to these questions and more. An offer reserved for those who diligently, rather than casually, seek to understand and obey its crucial conditions, in hopes of recognizing and receiving its wonderful promises. The primary reason for the second entree on our list of Ten Top Scriptures:
Scripture 2: Diligently Seek Him
By definition living faith is a requirement of salvation from beginning to end. Yet like so many things in our physical and our spiritual lives, salvation and those things accompanying it, represents both an event and process. Both requiring radical discipleship rather than modern Christianity's easy believism. As Scripture reveals:
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
The New Testament has much to say regarding the vital need for putting our faith into action. Paul, the apostle of grace, the meaning of which is often misinterpreted, weighs in heavily on the subject:
- "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:12-13
- "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- "Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things." 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Of the three examples given, the least dedicated is likely to be the athlete. Soldiers have the most to loose, putting their lives and those of their units on the line. Farmers must also be diligent or face eventual bankruptcy or starvation. Athletes, particularly non professionals, have only the the honor of winning "the prize" at stake. Even so, what even amateur athlete doesn't train dozens of hours a week?
So how do modern Christians compare with even the amateur athletes Paul describes? Not well when the average devotional life of church attenders is only minutes a day. This begs the question, if we continue to neglect such easy tasks as talking to God or studying His word, how will we ever grow strong enough to be as diligent and hard working on behalf of the Kingdom as the radical disciples Jesus and His apostles direct us to become? And this while, while in a variety of ways, time is running out. Hence the importance to Number Our Days, the third of our Top Ten Scriptures.
Scripture 3: Number Our Days
Perhaps the first Psalm ever written, and the only one attributed to Moses, expressed both a lament and request:
- "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
David's beloved Psalm 139 also insightfully reflects on our condition among the Creator's works:
- "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
- I confess You are the great I Am and I am nothing great. You have so much, everything. You know so much, everything. You are so much, everything. Tri-Omnity (not just Omnity or Bi-Omnity). Self existing and immutable. We on the other hand are as a mist, here in the morning and burnt off by mid morning. Thinking, feeling, sinful reeds to whom a little water added or withheld can mean life or death. Soulish spirits in bloody meatcycles on skeletal sticks, most "fearfully and wonderfully made" in a fearful and wonderful place, living fearful and/or wonderful lives, facing fearful and/or wonderful futures and a most fearful or wonderful eternity yet with little or no concern over the true demands placed on us by our Maker to be obedient, productive and thankful. And this, even though for the most part we’re born between urine and feces and for all our pomp will die as dogs never really knowing where we come from, who, where and when we are or where we are going, being as it were twisted sideways, backwards and upside down. Nevertheless, it is written that even we might become beloved stardust, heirs of God and joint heirs of Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Scripture 4: Enter God's Rest
According to the New Testament, entering and remaining in God's Rest is a command rather than an elective. As attested to by many direct and indirect passages extolling the virtues of the rest of God. Certainly among the greatest are those found in the Book of Hebrews. Referencing chapter 3, chapter 4 seems to be beckoning those who would add to their faith such restful virtues as thankfulness and productivity, obedience and sanctification. The lack of any or all of such virtues can be “deal breakers.” Apparently, the same can be said for those failing to enter God’s rest, as judged by the tenor of the following Scriptures:
- Encourage One Another: "See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart as you did in the rebellion.” Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief." (Hebrews 3:12-19 NIV)
- Oath In My Anger: "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” (Hebrews 4:1-3 NIV)
- Never Enter My Rest: "And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” (Hebrews 4:3-5 NIV)
- Today, If You Hear His Voice: "Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day." (Hebrews 4:6-8 NIV)
- Sabbath Rest: There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9, 10 NIV)
- Enter God's Rest: Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11 NIV)
- God's Word/Judgment: 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)
- High Priest: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:15, 16 NIV)
And to do so sooner rather than later, seeing that the spirit of the antichrist is already at work, as the stage is being set for the final and fearful act. Recognizing that it’s high time we awake from our slumber, putting off timidity and putting on “power, love and soundly disciplined minds.” To be transformed from cringing victims to “courageous victors by Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us.” Given the late hour of the Times and Seasons upon us, throwing off once and for all besetting sins and doubtful habits that must have bound even the strong men within modern Christianity to have had our house so long and terribly plundered.
Tall orders indeed. Particularly to a culture so ingrained in, if not addicted to, unprecedentedly levels of worldliness and entitlement. All of which beg the question, to what degree are we ready to embrace Scripture's out-of-this-world view that rather than the fleeting pleasures of opulence and wealth, it is in fact Godliness and contentment that is great gain?
Scripture 5: Godliness And Contentment
There are a variety of often unpopular Scriptures designed to comfort the poor while putting the wealthy on notice. These include Christ's Rich Man and Lazarus, Rich Young Ruler, Good Samaritan, Sheep and Goats. Luke's Beatitudes. Mary's Magnificat. John the Baptist's alter call. Peter's "Silver and Gold have I none" (Kingdom power vs. wealth).
One the most succinct passages on the subject is penned by Paul, who after cautioning to be wary of those stirring up strife, warns against seeking wealth:
- "…and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:5-10 NIV
Inconvenient truth be told, some of the New Testament's most difficult doctrines concern the topic of wealth. Søren Kierkegaard, the brilliant 19th century Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and religious author widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher argued that true Christianity is first and foremost a demand. "It is the deepest wound that can be dealt to a person designed to collide with everything on the most appalling scale." In short, faith is the passion of sacrifice and self-denial, a way of being in the world that suffers ridicule and persecution from the established order with its religious hypocrisy. For this reason, "The will of Christ is this: an examination in which one cannot cheat."
Kierkegaard also famously noted:
- "The matter is quite simple. The bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament."
- "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord]." Matthew 6:24 AMP
- "So don't be all upset, always concerned about what you will eat and drink. (For the pagans of this world are always concerned about all these things.) Your Father knows that you need these things. Instead, be concerned with his Kingdom, and he will provide you with these things. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that don't wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them, and no moth can destroy them." Luke 12:29-33 GNT
- "And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money." You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that." As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil." James 4:13-17 MSG
Wesley’s generosity seems almost negligent in light of today’s Christian stewardship programs. Yet isn’t it interesting that to find a Scripture on saving money for the future, such as investing in a retirement 401(k) plan, one need cite the Old Testament. The New Testament is without a single such verse!
This vastly different mindset from the commingling of the love of money (things) and God (as we imagine Him), a hallmark of modern Christianity, would go a long way to explaining many problematic Scriptures including the intricacies of Christ’s conversation with the Rich Young Ruler, one of only two Bible passages where Jesus, the Ultimate Authority, is asked how to get to Heaven, the ultimate question!
Such challenging considerations are generally considered either dangerously delusional or too Divine. In any case, for those convinced that Scripture is authoritative and “God breathed” these passages should be duly noted. Not to be taken, nor entered into lightly, this would seem to be one of several crucial and mitigating factors for those desiring to respond to Scripture’s offer and command to “enter into God’s rest” both in time and eternity.
When it comes to these kind of problematic passages, of which Scripture is replete, we do well to measure our uneasiness against an eternity of far worse… or exceedingly better! Herein is the perfect example of the importance of the topic at hand as well as a clue as to why it should be repeatedly directly and indirectly emphasized. Five times in Christ’s conversation with the Rich Young Ruler, and a host of other verses scattered throughout the New Testament testify to the crucial nature of our financial attitudes and actions. So much so, the misunderstanding and inappropriate handling of worldly wisdom and wealth may rank among the top three concerns of Jesus and His apostles. And is in perfect keeping with Christ's reduction of effort from personal concerns to loving our neighbors as ourselves. As elucidated in the story (not parable) of the Good Samaritan. Our next Top Ten Scripture and the only other time Jesus is asked how to get to Heaven.
Scripture 6: The Good Samaritan
There is no greater question before mankind in general, and the Church in particular, than that of what must I do to be saved? All other topics pale in comparison with attaining the eternal glories of Heaven rather than spending eternity in the Lake of Fire. Interestingly, Jesus is only directly asked this question a handful of times. His most in depth response to the topic of salvation is through His story of the "Good Samaritan" and is occasioned by this very question:
- "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10
In the story of the Good Samaritan, Christ, the most authoritative expert on Salvation, gives His most in depth exegesis on this most vital of subjects. As such, a strong case could be made that these verses rank among, if not qualify as, the most significant passage in Scripture! General observations include:
- The context of this verse answers the Great Question of how to attain Heaven!
- Here we have a description of an actual event and not a parable. Regardless of some extra Biblical headings for the verse. No parable introduction is given and local places are named as a real life chain of events unfold.
- The victim was left "Half Dead." Which happens to be the minimum abortion rate when combining clinical and contraceptive abortion. Even among Christian Nations.
- Both Priest and Levite, Scripturally recognized legitimate Jewish positions of spiritual authority (unlike Pharisees and Sadducees) were the only two identified religious characters in the story. Both fail the test as they "pass by on the other side." Given the benefit of the doubt, they may well have even been about religious ditties as their professions dictated.
- We are not told why the Priest and Levite neglected to respond or what they were on their way to do. The inference by Jesus is that it doesn't matter.
- We are not told the spiritual state of the Priest and Levite, prior to, during or after their encounter. Again the inference is that it doesn't matter. According to the context and the comments of Christ, regardless of their situation before encountering the man "half dead" they were OUT of the Kingdom and had LOST their Salvation as they passed by...
The "Good" Samaritan:
- Had compassion on the victim. This does not suggest that the Priest and Levite were without compassion altogether. Rather, unlike the Samaritan, their compassion failed in this "life and death" instance.
- Went to him. There are several possible reasons the Priest and Levite passed by on the other side. What ever these were, the Samaritan's compassion and understanding of the situation (physically and/or spiritually) moved him to approach.
- Offered immediate and long term aid. While the oil and wine for the victim's wounds were helpful, should the Samaritan's aid had stopped there he too would have failed the test.
- Brought the victim (a supposed stranger) to an inn (place of care) and attended him until the next morning. The inference is the Samaritan personally enters into the life and death struggle for this victim. All the while attending to his personal commitments.
- Pays the innkeeper to continue care and then returns to his own business. He promises to check back on the condition of the victim and to see if more money is required. The Samaritan seems to be going "the extra mile" to assist an unknown person's needs. Telling Jesus uses this example to answer the question how to attain Heaven.
- Jesus commands those who would "inherit eternal life" to "Go and do likewise."
- "Not to know that any Christian spirit working kindly in its little sphere, whatever it may be, will find its mortal life too short for its vast means of usefulness. Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused! Yet such was I! Oh! such was I!" "But you were always a good man of business, Jacob," faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself. "Business!" cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"
Scripture 7: Redeeming The Time
Three simple words, "Redeeming…The…Time…" are among the Bible's most potent. Without overstatement, the earthly and eternal well being of billions rise and fall on our level of obedient or disobedience to the vast implications of this overlooked verse:
- "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16 NKJV
- "You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." Ephesians 5:8-17 MSG
- Amusement: Literally means "not to think."
- Waisted Time: The average family routinely spends 100's of hours a month watching TV and less than 10 diligently seeking God.
- Immorality: The proliferation of what was once considered soft porn infects everything from cartoons and prime time advertisement to thousands of TV episodes and movies.
- Porn: Tens of thousands of scenes depicting acts of immorality and/or hard porn, not to mention entire TV episodes and series, movies and music videos dedicated to such programming. CA is one of only two states to recognize the “adult film industry” as legitimate business. Online content alone generates $3 billion per year.
- Profanity: Hundreds of thousands of curse words permeate as many scenes not to mention entire TV episodes and series, movies and music videos.
- Violence: Tens of thousands of scenes not to mention entire TV episodes and series, movies and music videos are dedicated to such programming.
- Gore: Tens of thousands of scenes not to mention entire TV episodes and series, movies and videos are dedicated to such programming. Consider this shocking and censored Youtube clip from Hostel 2.
- Horror: Tens of thousands of scenes not to mention entire TV episodes and series, movies and videos are dedicated to horror programming.
- Occult: Thousands of scenes not to mention entire TV episodes and series, movies and music videos are dedicated to such programming.
Yet rather than individually and corporately repent our worldliness, our messages and worship songs, Scripture's we love to quote and sporadic prayers we pray are filled with false confidence and assurance of our station in life and before Christ. A modern Church of Laodicea and then some. Hence our next Top Ten Scripture.
Scripture 8: Church of Laodicea
The parting words of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible's final Book of Revelation offer amazing and troubling insight into how Christ views His church. As Scripture warns, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable." Many believe this passage to be describing the Bible, the written Word of God. How much more so does such a description depict the ascended and glorified Christ, the Word of God incarnate!
John records Christ smoldering judgments against Church of Laodicea in this way:
- “Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God’s Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God’s creation, says: “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God! Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors! Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22 MSG
- Might this passage be a warning echoing down through the millennia regarding the spiritual dangers of riches, dangers Jesus repeatedly emphasizes in His conversation with the Rich Young Ruler and Rich Man and Lazarus?
- Further, might these verses be prophetic in the sense of recognizing that the last church age would take for granted and over indulge in unprecedented levels of wealth and ease afforded by God through the rise of technology?
- “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:21-22 NIV
- Self deception is far more difficult to overcome than one might think.
- This last of the seven churches is a type of the final church age, thus Laodiceans will have to pass the final exam by surviving the Great Tribulation period. Note: This is yet another reason for Churchianity to immediately come to it’s senses, plunging itself honestly and accurately into every form of Christian discipline and sacrament. Particularly given the entirety of Scripture, including such notables as Jesus, Paul and John, clearly teach the Rapture takes place Mid-Tribulation after the Antichrist and Mark of the Beast are revealed.
Scripture 9: Test Yourselves
Having replaced the free conditional gift of salvation with unconditional love and/or acceptance has created endless doctrinal misunderstandings while promoting lifestyles of apathy and worldliness, entitlement and sin. Following in Laodicea's footsteps of assuming salvation and submitting presumption for faith has produced a kind of Christian agnostic. Hundreds of millions who welcome Christ as Savior while rejecting the sovereignty of His Lordship over the totality of our lives.
A self evident circumstance clearly revealed in afore mentioned hundreds of sects and denominations offering various Christs and versions of gospel. As well as lowering Scriptural standards has resulted in hundreds of millions of modern Christians who are apathetic at best. Serious Bible study is evaporating, leaving the average Christian unable to quote ten verses in a row, much less interpret them accurately. Regular and lengthy prayer is passé. Modern Church attenders stop and pray only a few minutes a day, with perhaps one in a hundred or less attending a serious weekly prayer meeting. The security of seeking and serving God has been replaced by risky worldliness, and if not too inconvenient, a weekly intermission for church. Sound study of God's Word's been exchanged for sentimentality. Worship for choruses. Godly fear for feeling good.
Little wonder Scripture cautions:
- "Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it." 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 MSG
- "But if we evaluated and judged ourselves honestly [recognizing our shortcomings and correcting our behavior], we would not be judged." 1 Corinthians 11:31 AMP
- "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us." Romans 12:3 NLT
- "Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.'" Matthew 7:21-23 MSG
Sadly, the genuine gifts of the Spirit, particularly the "children's bread" of healing and deliverance, are so infrequent today that given the record of modern Christianity we'd be lucky to have our description entitled the Book of Words. And generally not even the right words.
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes do's and don't designed to keep honest and Prophetic Christians from grieving or even profaning the Holy Spirit. Many passages warn that our doctrine and/or behavior can limit or even curtail God's presence and power in our midst. Such is the case with the last and likely most contentious of Scripture's Top Ten, the apostle Paul's historic directive, "I Do Not Allow Women To Teach."
Scripture 10: I Do Not Allow Women To Teach
By way of introduction it should be noted that while the Bible was written within the context of ancient patriarchal societies, it was ahead of its time. A fact demonstrated by Scripture’s handling of gender equality vs responsibility through it’s high regard as to the value of women while declaring the foolishness of adopting Dr. Dolittle pushmi pullyu (two headed) style leadership roles.
From the moment of humanity’s original sin in the Garden of Eden, like paradise the harmony between the sexes was lost. For millennia the differentiation between value and role has been blurred (often with Devilish prodding and consequences) frequently to the point of inexpressible animosity and loss.
Before getting into the New Testament’s handling of what may be the most controversial and therefore undiscussed subject of our generation (outside or even inside today’s Christianity), let’s set the stage by examining the difference regarding the role and value between God the Father and Son:
- "You’ve been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don’t understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, ‘Where is the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you aren’t mere words. I don’t just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act." John 14:9-10 MSG
- "You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I." John 14:28 NIV
- "I can do nothing on my own initiative or authority. Just as I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just (fair, righteous, unbiased), because I do not seek My own will, but only the will of Him who sent Me." John 5:30 AMP
- "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:5-11 NIV
- "For He (the Father) has put all things in subjection under His (Christ’s) feet. But when He says, “All things have been put in subjection [under Christ],” it is clear that He (the Father) who put all things in subjection to Him (Christ) is excepted [since the Father is not in subjection to His own Son]. However, when all things are subjected to Him (Christ), then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One (the Father) who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [manifesting His glory without any opposition, the supreme indwelling and controlling factor of life]." 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 AMP
- "Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as [a service] to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house]." Ephesians 5:22-24 AMP
- "Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God], so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless. Even so husbands should and are morally obligated to love their own wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself." Ephesians 5:25-28 AMP
- "In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate, not as inferior, but out of respect for the responsibilities entrusted to husbands and their accountability to God, and so partnering with them] so that even if some do not obey the word [of God], they may be won over [to Christ] without discussion by the godly lives of their wives, when they see your modest and respectful behavior [together with your devotion and appreciation—love your husband, encourage him, and enjoy him as a blessing from God]." 1 Peter 3:1-2 AMP
- "For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." 1 Peter 3:5-7 NIV
- Obey: ὑπακούω. Cognate: 5219 hypakoúō (from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 191 /akoúō, "hear") – properly, to obey what is heard (literally, "under hearing"). See 5218 (hypakoē). 5219 /hypakoúō ("obey") is acting under the authority of the one speaking, i.e. really listening to the one giving the charge (order). 5219 /hypakoúō ("to hearken, obey") suggests attentively listening, i.e. fully compliant (responsive).
- Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise— so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4 AMP
To an important degree Paul extends the role/leadership relationship beyond wives to women in general, particularly those within the church. Scripture assures that its gender instructions are not antiquated cultural restrictions but rather necessary guidelines for walking in step with the Holy Spirit. One reason for the distinction between man and woman harkens back to the fall. The New Testament also explains that the appropriateness of men and women’s behaviors are implicitly apparent. From the beauty of physical appearance to Christ’s chain of authority. For God's glory’s sake to that of angels:
- "But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corinthians 11:3 NIV
- "But a man should not wear anything on his head when worshiping, for his hat is a sign of subjection to men. God’s glory is man made in his image, and man’s glory is the woman. The first man didn’t come from woman, but the first woman came out of man. And Adam, the first man, was not made for Eve’s benefit, but Eve was made for Adam. So a woman should wear a covering on her head as a sign that she is under man’s authority, a fact for all the angels to notice and rejoice in… But if anyone wants to argue about this, all I can say is that we never teach anything else than this—that a woman should wear a covering when prophesying or praying publicly in the church, and all the churches feel the same way about it." 1 Corinthians 11:7-10,16 TLB
- "As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people), the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but are to take a subordinate place, as the Law says. If there is anything they want to learn [that is, if they have questions about anything being said or taught], they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to talk in church. Did the word of the Lord originate from you [Corinthians], or has it come to you only [so that you know best what God requires]? If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [a true spokesman for God] or spiritually astute [filled with and energized by the Holy Spirit], let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. If anyone does not recognize this [that it is a command of the Lord], he is not recognized [by God]." 1 Corinthians 14:33-38 AMP
- “Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind]. Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and discreetly in proper clothing, not with [elaborately] braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but instead adorned by good deeds [helping others], as is proper for women who profess to worship God. A woman must quietly receive instruction with all submissiveness. I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [in the congregation]. For Adam was formed first [by God from the earth], then Eve; and it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was led astray and fell into sin. But women will be preserved (saved) through [the pain and dangers of] the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control and discretion." 1 Timothy 2:8-15 AMP
- "But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine [which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians]. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness [Christlike in character]. Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored." Titus 2:1-5 AMP
A. Is this simply a cultural concern or bias? Not according to Scripture which repeatedly reinforces that the same rule applies to all the churches and for the same reasons, none of which are cultural. In fact, from the first church council in Jerusalem as recorded in the Book of Acts, almost nothing from the Jewish culture was brought forward into the predominately Gentile church. As for bias, as previously explained differing roles apply to the Trinity, Christ and His church as well as human relationships.
B. Why should wives, much less all women, be subordinate to men? Scripture forwards both spiritual and practical reasons. These include Adam being created first with Eve as his helpmate. Eve’s deception initiating the fall of mankind. Women being both the fairer and weaker gender. Man being the glory of God. Woman being the glory of man.
C. Why should Eve’s sin extend to her entire gender? The question of nature vs. nurture is a hot topic both scientifically and socially. Regardless of the unfortunate adoption of situational ethics and the redefining of morality, Truth is not the average of social opinion. While there are glaring exceptions to the rule, Scripture maintains there is a fundamental deceptability among women. We are told that while Eve was deceived by Satan, Adam was not, rather choosing his wife over God’s word. Perhaps an all too common malady today?
D. Why should women remain silent in the church? For reasons already given and for order within the church, the Bible asserts the leadership role of women to be subordinate to that of men. In a world as needy as ours, with temptation and deception, worldliness and sin growing ever more ubiquitous, there are a myriad of other ways women can and should be of immense and invaluable service.
E. What role(s) do women have in Biblical Christianity? On our watch, since the sexual revolution of the 60’s morality has literally been inverted. This includes a nearly universal lack of the kind of modesty of which the New Testament demands. Furthermore, no one is teaching the kind of marital submission Peter and Paul insist is a necessary requirement of Biblical Christianity. In fact, the proliferation of the so called women’s liberation movement has produced an escalation of fornication and abortion, cohabitation and divorce among the most blessed yet morally disobedient children in human history. Tens of millions of them our own with nary a regularly schedule Praying Parents meeting to be found. Consider just the spiritual ramifications of over a billion clinical abortions (10 times the planet’s entire population in Christ’s day) on not only society but the church, particularly in regards to salvation and prayer, worship and communion. Not to mention the universal ignorance and participation in contraceptive abortifacients by Christian mothers, daughters, granddaughters… All this while 99.9% of church attending women (and men) could hardly be described as being authentically pro-life. These are the very areas in which the New Testament requires women to take the leadership role. To continue not to seriously respond to such an endless list of spiritual and social needs within every community and throughout the world may be tantamount to betraying both the female gender and call of Christ.
F. How should wives of imperfect men respond? Peter explains that wives of disobedient husbands are to win over their spouses “without a word” by their godly and unwavering submission and respect for the marriage partnership. How much more of this kind of honor is due, yet so often withheld, from truly Christian husbands?
G. How should wives (or husbands) in abusive relationships respond? Paul explains that one of the overarching principals for insisting on leadership roles within the church and marital union is God’s call to peace for individuals and families. This being the case, Scripture does not require believers to remain in relationships were a spouse no longer wishes to participate equitably.
- But if the unbelieving partner leaves, let him leave. In such cases the [remaining] brother or sister is not [spiritually or morally] bound. But God has called us to peace.” 1 Corinthians 1:15 AMP
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