Eternity's a really long time, especially towards the end.
- Woody Allen
Approaching Omnity one thought at a time, God Blog specializes in tackling humanity's spoken and unspoken issues with the God of the Bible. Such as why is their suffering? Is God in fact fair and/or good? In light of modern science and technology, are there still compelling reasons to believe? Does Scripture reveal an unseen yet encompassing explanation to temporal and everlasting life? Up to and including the very history of eternity? We hope together we can move forward in faith, better understanding and serving Him "in whom we live, move and have our being."
In the opening of his classic “A Tale Of Two Cities” Charles Dickens wrote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way…”
In regards to the incremental, yet explosive effects modern changes have had on every aspect of society in only a generation or two, truer words may never have been spoken.
Many may object to Dickens’ negative counterpoints as having application for today. The blessings of science and technology are as unprecedented as the information age is vast. Just consider how any person, from a thousand previous generations, might marvel at what today we take for granted. Education and healthcare. National and social security. Communication and transportation. Employment and benefits. Computers and smartphones. Modern housing alone includes such wonders as electricity and plumbing, fixtures and appliances, furnishings and memorabilia, air conditioning and water heaters, TV and amusements, lazy boy recliners and pillow topped mattresses, endless and inexpensive varieties of clothing and entertainment, food and drink…
The list of benefits we now enjoy seems nearly endless. It might even be said that as a species, our accomplishments provide lifestyles in many ways exceeding those of ancient kings. Even to the point of rivaling that of mythological gods. At the very least, it’s as if we’ve received the answers to the prayers of all past generations. And then some.
Yet, might all our getting simultaneously be producing aspects of utopia and dystopia? With personal and familial freedom at all time highs, just how well are persons and families fairing? Consider the cost to billions as the strength and endurance of relationship commitments crumble under Me-ism's onslaught of anything goes. What has been, and will continue to be, the individual and collective effect of ethical foundations and societal pillars being demolished by massive increases of entitlement?
Is the wisdom of doing whatever momentarily feels good producing or undermining understanding? Is the discarding of relationship and identity roles proving prudent or problematic? Are couples, not to mention children, coping better or worse under the auspices of divorce or the forgoing of marriage entirely? Are racial relations being strengthened or stressed? Are crime and violence disappearing or a serious threat? Are incidents of depression and suicide decreasing or increasing?
With such blessings at our fingertips, it seems telling that our demands for personal freedom may be wreaking unprecedented havoc on teens and adults, family and friends. Consider the obvious example of slavery to substance abuse:
- In 2010 about 5% of people (230 million) used an illicit substance. Of these 27 million have high-risk drug use otherwise known as recurrent drug use causing harm to their health, psychological problems, or social problems or puts them at risk of those dangers. In 2015 substance use disorders resulted in 307,400 deaths, up from 165,000 deaths in 1990.
- More than 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids--nearly double in a decade.
With the current and future welfare and happiness of billions at stake, such distinctions seem an ominous fit to Dickens’ fanciful statement, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” The use and/or misuse of the blessings bestowed on our generation begs a simple question. Are we missing something important? In all our getting, might we be losing something of equal or greater value?
It seems hard to believe that the most intelligent and informed populace in human history may be making a series of serious missteps. Surely the opulence and beauty so often surrounding First World citizens testify to our current and future achievements. Even so, just the shortlist of problems previously presented make a strong argument for the need to reassess our current trajectory. In short, might the displacement of the eternal God of the Bible, in favor of the temporary pleasures of worldliness, be a costly mistake resulting in the enthronement of situational ethics and the inversion of morality? And that just for starters.
Quantum Christianity (QC) readily admits that while myriads might agree, there are many honest, as well as disingenuous objections, to such an assertion. Furthermore, as we shall see, the lifestyles of most modern Christians may be unwittingly more in sync with practical agnostics than genuine believers. A fact that reinforces what may well be a universal need to “Come now, and let us reason together.”
Such issues are all the more pertinent in the light of a singular fact often obscured by our extraordinary blessings. In a word, we are mortal. As individuals we possess extremely fleeting and limited free will. Not to put too fine a point on it, but might our transient existence be described something along these lines?
- “As a mist, here in the morning and burnt off by mid morning. Thinking, feeling, often sinful reeds to whom a little water added or withheld can mean life or death. Soulish spirits in bloody meatcycles on skeletal sticks. “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.”
Of course this presupposes two crucial points:
1. God exists: An objective fact which can be proven beyond any reasonable doubt by using the simplest math formula possible 0 + 0 = 0. This most elementary of equations reflects the logical assertion that for anything to exist, it must have either been created, created itself (a logical fallacy) or possess eternal Self Existence (one of the five attributes of Divinity). A form of the cosmological argument concisely proving the necessity and reasonableness of faith.
2. God is as represented in the original language and intent of the Bible: A subjective theory which cannot be proven given our current limitations, but for which there is a growing mountain of compelling evidence.
For our purposes, Quantum is a layman’s term denoting a robust mental/spiritual tool used to reconcile complex and/or irreconcilable concepts. Particularly as pertaining to God and man, time and eternity. While doing justice to all.
For a scientific example of quantum’s both/and dualism consider Wikipedia’s summary of the nature of something as universal as light, which simultaneously moves as both a wave and particle. “Wave–particle duality is the concept in quantum mechanics that every particle or quantic entity may be partly described in terms not only of particles, but also of waves. It expresses the inability of the classical concepts "particle" or "wave" to fully describe the behavior of quantum-scale objects. As Albert Einstein wrote:
- It seems as though we must use sometimes the one theory and sometimes the other, while at times we may use either. We are faced with a new kind of difficulty. We have two contradictory pictures of reality; separately neither of them fully explains the phenomena of light, but together they do.” - emphasis QC’s.
From a theological standpoint, a quantum Christian Biblical commentary is helpful, both for fully grasping foundational principles, as well as developing the spiritual discernment necessary to wade through the differing doctrines of hundreds of denominations offering various Christs and versions of Biblical truth.
For now three examples of theological quantum duality should suffice:
1. The Trinity: Does Scripture teach God is three or one? Both. Not 50% three and 50% one, but 100% each without diminishment of the others. Simultaneously and forever.
2. Divinity of Christ: Does Scripture teach that Christ was/is God or man? Both. Not 50% God and 50% man, but 100% each without diminishment of the other. Simultaneously and forever.
3. Salvation: Does Scripture teach Christians are saved by faith or works? Both. According to a myriad of Bible verses salvation is both an event and process. Based on the free and conditional gift of God.
Quantum Christianity is designed as a thoughtful conversation starter to address a variety of growing concerns among the churched and unchurched alike. Some of these include:
- Defining and discussing life’s seven ultimate questions.
- The reasonableness of faith. Revealing the unnecessary and false gap between science’s study of nature (general revelation) and Scripture (special revelation). Note: in regards to the Young vs. Old Earth controversy: While not emphasized in the New Testament, the difference between Young and Old Earth creationism is night and day. To continue to maintain that the Earth is only a few thousand years old is as unhelpful as clinging to the notion it’s flat. Unfamiliar with honest science by leading Christian researchers like Reasons To Believe, many clergy and laity alike, appear foolish or uneducated in the scientific arena.
- Sorting through the collective and individual stories we tell ourselves, so as to determine the truth of our narratives.
- Admitting and dealing with many understandable issues with God.
- How to recognize and/or become an authentic Biblical church.
- What constitutes acceptable worship.
- The true extent of immorality, and abortion’s impact on society and modern Christianity.
- Why so many family and friends remain spiritually lost. Honesty in examining the appropriateness of our collective and individual response. Or lack thereof.
- Insight into the challenges of radical Biblical discipleship, which if overcome may yield the chrysalis to experiencing the New Testament’s primary, yet nearly universally underappreciated offer of complete transformation into a new creation.
- The irreplaceable and central role of the person and purpose of the Holy Spirit. Particularly in regards to understanding Scripture’s often misunderstood context and content. In the hope of developing spiritual sensitivity and discernment. To reveal vital principles such as realizing the crucial need for the genuine fruit and gifts of the Spirit. Especially in regards to power evangelism and discipleship.
- Prophetic witnessing and Scripture’s true teachings in regards to a Pre, Mid or Post Tribulation Rapture.
- The Biblical faction (fact synthesized with plausible fiction) account of “Eternity…The Wager” which, while all but universally overlooked, is in fact the very context of Scripture. And thus perhaps the greatest story never told.
Such lofty goals require “speaking the truth in love” while doing justice to both. To this end, QC welcomes your thoughts and suggestions in hopes of collaboration together.
QC’s developer has not spiritually “arrived” in any sense of the word. Rather, over decades I may have been granted a measure of grace to be more observant than some in a very narrow field of study. Mainly endeavoring to be an inch wide and a mile deep, to answer two crucial questions. Is Biblical Christianity working? If not, why? Particularly in regards to the growing disparity between Scripture’s singular offer of transformation into nothing short of a new creation, and the deteriorating state in which we find ourselves. In researching and wrestling with God over this dilemma, my reach most certainly exceeds my grasp. In keeping with the confession of Anakin Skywalker before his devolution into Darth Vader, I mournfully admit “I’m not the Jedi I should be.”
Yet, neither am I the man I would have been without honestly pursuing God with at least modest diligence. A journey along a road less traveled, though from time to time some have shown interest. For this and other reasons, having invested more than 70,000 hours of strategic research and service, I’ve felt impressed with the need to concisely categorize any insights gleaned along the way for the following purposes:
1. Documentation: I’ve long been persuaded that God will speak more often to an honest sinner who’s writing it down, than to a saint who ain’t. If for no other reason than doing so demonstrates the intent of remembering. A necessary prerequisite of acting on what is learned.
2. Productivity: We are each responsible to properly invest our talents. To create a body of work in service to God through productivity, thankfulness and obedience.
3. Instruction: To provide interested parties a fair and concise handling of crucial issues, while supporting further study by means of a growing quantipedia of articles cross-referenced by hyperlinks. As formats permit.
4. Guidance: To leave a trail of bread crumbs for those willing to join the quest of fearfully and humbly, yet boldly and persistently, approaching God to obtain mercy and grace in this time of need.
As a further disclaimer, while the mandate of Scripture necessitates the confrontation of sin, the author has neither the qualification or intent of posing as a prophet thundering and railing from Heaven, but rather one hoping to probe and prod as a priest. For example, I personally have little or no interest in areas of immorality not directly jeopardizing the welfare of participants. Nevertheless, being mortal, it behooves us to carefully consider the Bible’s warning that we shall all give account for deeds done and left undone, words said and left unsaid, if not every thought and intention of the heart. With such exacting judgment pending, it may be a crime against eternity not to work hard to persuade others. To this end, QC’s topical Biblical commentary is offered with the intent of encouraging those of us who doubt. Both within and without the confines of modern Christianity. As well as to make the vision plain that he that reads it might run.
While persuaded of QC’s foundational tenants, they themselves require honesty enough to admit some, if not many, may indeed be wrong. To a small degree I dare to hope so. It would be fantastic for both modern Christianity, and society at large, were we all going to Heaven in a hand-basket. Let the silence of God constitute acquiescence, if not acceptance, rather than be cause for concern, if not alarm. Let the seeker friendly greasy grace message of Churchianity prove true, rather than the harsher sayings of Christ. As one might well imagine should be the case, may the unfathomable unconditional love of God, strengthened by the incalculable costly atonement of Christ, prove vastly stronger than any and all the challenges arrayed against us!
Yet to this end, consider one of the most universally beloved and reassuring passages in all of Scripture:
- “What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has forgiven us and given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? No! For he is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us there in heaven. Who then can ever keep Christ’s love from us? Romans 8:31-34 Living Bible
1. Whom does Paul, who for preaching and living an uncompromisingly confrontational gospel bore over 195 scars from being whipped 5 times within a lash of his life and beaten with rods, not to mention being stoned, mean by the word “us”?
2. Why are “sin” and “we” ourselves omitted from the exhaustive list of forces that can’t separate us from God?
3. Why, in the same chapter, does Paul previously warn that God’s acceptance and favor, rather than being unconditional, is predicated on our response:
- “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. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:1-6 New King James Version - Emphasis QC’s
- “When we have trouble or calamity, when we are hunted down or destroyed, is it because he doesn’t love us anymore? And if we are hungry or penniless or in danger or threatened with death, has God deserted us? No, for the Scriptures tell us that for his sake we must be ready to face death at every moment of the day—we are like sheep awaiting slaughter; but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.” Romans 8:35-39 Living Bible
As do a myriad of Scriptures, concerning all of which we are told:
- “The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it’s not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God’s Word.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 The Message
Christians, regardless of differing traditions and beliefs, should certainly agree in the wisdom of daily praying that God would more fully open our eyes and ears, hearts and minds. That in perceiving and entering His Kingdom, we might all be transfigured by Heaven’s glorious light of Life!
There are numerous implications throughout Old and New Testaments, up to and including the Apostle John’s Book of Revelation, regarding modern Christianity. Four all important immediate questions arise:
- What exactly is the Spirit saying to the churches?
- Are we listening and obeying?
- If not, why?
- If not, what must be done?
1. Creation Is At War: Careful Scriptural archeology and Biblical forensics reveals much. By accurately stitching scores of passages together, a theological theme emerges revealing Who created the multiverse and why. The truth about Lucifer’s rebellion and its effect on Heaven and Earth. How the trial in Eternity’s Supreme Court overflows into the affairs of men.
Such amazing Scriptural insights are continually overlooked or minimized. Yet they actually provide the foundation of Biblical revelation. It can’t be overstated that according to the context of Scripture, spiritual conflict is not a mythical analogy, but rather eternity’s reality.
Biblical passages attest to the unpleasant fact that all creation is currently at war with, alongside or against, God.
There is no neutral territory.
Down through millennia Scripture continues to whisper and shout there is far more going on than is immediately apparent. Beginning with, open war is upon you. This is a preeminent reason why the Bible warns that God’s promise of reward is reserved for those diligently, rather than casually, seeking Him.
As in all warfare, the stakes are high. With Hell to loose and Heaven to gain, could even Omnity provide greater incentive? Primary reasons for both Old Testament narratives and the New Testament’s call to arms.
Yet, for a variety of reasons, the overwhelming vast majority of modern Christians refuse to accept Biblical insight and warning. The most obvious reason is the often obscured nature of spiritual realities, when offset by the physical world.
This holds true even though mankind is painfully aware that mortal life, in all its aspects, is subject to the laws of death and decay. For humanity, within just a few decades or less. Yet until then, the cares and necessities of earthly life far too often eclipse the eternal.
Even so, the super-natural is by definition greater than the merely natural. Which, as Scripture repeatedly warns, is temporary. Thus passing away.
Of greater import still, all sentient life will undergo the scrutiny of Divine judgment, as time and all within its confines are swallowed by eternity. Sooner or later the bill comes due. As Hebrews warns, “People must die, and then they will be judged.”
Once the battle begun by Lucifer eons ago is ended, even our current “heaven and earth will pass away” with the very “elements melting with a fervent heat.” To which Peter adds, “In that way everything will be destroyed. So what kind of people should you be? You should live holy lives and serve God.”
Such future eternal events serve to clarify the pressing need to adopt an accurate Biblical mindset and worldview. As wells as to theologically and practically admit that fully comprehending the context of Scripture is vital to understanding its content.
While no longer fashionable, Scripture’s context is most certainly one of warfare or conflict theology (see QC eBook). As noted, the story of Job is considered by many to be the oldest Book of the Bible and perhaps its key codex. It reveals the concealed conflict between God the “Lord of Hosts” (angel armies) and Satan the “prince of the power of the air” (god of this world).
In fact, failure to grasp the full dimensions of spiritual warfare, including that originating in Heaven and embattling Earth, is the greatest and perhaps only oversight of Job’s so called false friends. Bare in mind these same men, upon hearing of his terrible misfortune and traveling to console Job, demonstrated one the greatest acts of empathy recorded in the Bible:
- “When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” Job 2:12-13 New International Version
Truth be told, the monologues of Job and his friends were mostly theologically correct, outside of misunderstanding the underlying cause and effect of God and Satan’s Jobian wager. And while the cost to Job was incredibly high, he was rewarded by unprecedented special revelation, which the Book of Job shares with the entire world, as well as unique privilege of becoming the patriarch of patience in the face of suffering for mankind throughout the ages.
Scripture’s context of conflict theology hold true for much, if not all, the entire Old and New Testaments. As exemplified in a couple of familiar passages referencing conflict with the fallen angelic:
- “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross.” Colossians 2:15 Amplified Bible
- “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:7-8 New King James Version
Such verses and scores of other conflict Scriptures suggest the content of Scripture can only be fully understood by embracing the Bible’s overarching context.
A task for which modern Christianity, not to mention the developed world, are ill equipped. Not surprising, when the vast majority of Christians are not only prayerless, stopping to seriously pray less than 5-10 minutes a day, but Biblically illiterate, unable to quote, much less rightly understand and apply even 5-10 verses in a row.
2. Life Is A Test: For some, the ancient adage, “Life’s a test” is more obvious than for others. Nevertheless, this universal truth is Scriptural in nature. Even for those fortunate enough to live in the modern world, were for many life’s battlefield may seem far removed. With technological advances all but conquering basic challenges, we savor the ease of victory. We not only enjoy, but daily take for granted, an incredible array of blessings.
On the flip side, Jesus cautioned, “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.” Furthermore, the Bible repeatedly warns of an approaching universal reckoning. In time and eternity. Judgments drawing all the nearer, and more concerning, with obvious and hidden levels of spiritual conflict reaching an all time high.
Subtle and not, challenges to Christianity abound. As noted, while woefully one-sided, the Church is at war. From ubiquitous levels of demonically inspired temptation and deception, to devilish apathy and inverted morality. Both inside and outside the camp. Not to mention current and growing global discrimination and censorship, persecution and martyrdom.
While too often unrecognized and/or marginalized, the pervasive and perverse immorality and lawlessness, rampant throughout the new sociopolitical era thrust upon us, marks an ominous change in the times and season in which we live. In many ways, more than ever it’s crucial we arise to the crises and opportunity before us. As the Holy Spirit through Paul, the apostle of grace commands:
- “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 5:15-17 The Message
Truth be told, modern Christianity routinely fails the litmus test of Scripture. Most of our fellowships meeting less than half the requirements of a Biblical Church.
Proof positive of a pandemic of spiritual anemia, rather than our possessing the fullness of the Spirit, implicit in His provision and protection, presence and power. Particularly in regards to our lack of Biblical authority and ability to routinely and miraculous heal the sick. As noted, throughout our current and continuing Covid crises, what could and should have been our finest hour, was in fact our darkest. At least so far…
It’s one thing to fight and fail.
Quite another to fail to fight.
Previous generations understood the serious nature of the spiritual war in which we are engulfed. Its reality filled their prayers and even worship. Reflecting the difficulties of their day, traditional hymns were infused with Scripture. Filled with inspiring lyrics of loyalty and camaraderie, their melodies were meant to encourage and provide solace in the face of hardship. Like bugle calls to reveille, such battle songs of heaven's republic served as constant reminders of the blessed hope the faithful have in God.
Martin Luther, the famous reformer and founder of the Lutheran Church, took conflict theology most seriously. Take a moment and review the opening verse of Luther’s world famous Protestant anthem, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: John Wesley
Click here for Youtube version
A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.
Careful to give God the glory, Luther is equally adamant of the necessity of such radical discipleship as to “Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His Kingdom is forever.”
Are we ready and willing to fully embrace such a spiritually militant mindset?
Doesn't sound much like me-centered inappropriately intimate modern worship songs and choruses based on generally mistaking Christianity for a cruise, rather than battleship.
Our forefathers understood the difference between overemphasizing and glorifying the Devil vs. revealing his presence and the peril around us. They were mindful to neither ignore or "revile angelic majesties.” Both common and costly mistakes against which Scripture warns. A particularly important practice when preparing to survive and thrive in the face of the kind of spiritual warfare conflict theology reveals.
The context of Conflict Theology is the primary difference
between the Biblical narrative and that of modern Christianity.
The Bible explains that both personally, and as a species, mankind faces the deadly foe of sin on three fronts. Sin within, resulting from individual and inherited fallen natures. Sin above, in the form of devilish and demonic temptation and deception. And Sin about, the collective and cumulative effect of sin within and above. In regards to sin from above, the New Testament is quite adamant:
- “And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.” Ephesians 6:10-12 The Message
- “Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed.” 2 Peter 2:10-12 New American Standard Bible
- “Yet Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, when he was arguing with Satan about Moses’ body, did not dare to accuse even Satan, or jeer at him, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these men mock and curse at anything they do not understand, and like animals, they do whatever they feel like, thereby ruining their souls.” Jude 1:9-10 Living Bible
Every child soon learns there is world a difference between lying and rolling over, sitting and crawling, standing and toddling, walking and running. As with the physical, so also the spiritual. The problem is that billions expend only a fraction of a percent of a percent of the effort invested in the former to equally master the latter.
Given the Bible’s core context of conflict theology, genuinely walking with the Spirit of God requires adopting Scripture’s revelation that we do so, not so much hand in hand while meandering through life’s beautiful garden maze, but more as commander and serviceman navigating an active mine field while traversing a spiritual war zone.
No small distinction given the Bible’s revelation that Earth’s an Enemy occupied planet offering humanity one of three options. Become a collaborator, sympathizer or resistance fighter. Those choosing the latter fall into the three additional categories of casualty, POW or Kingdom citizen soldier. A point of fact all but universally marginalized or misconstrued by modern Christianity.
All deference to worship songs and choruses such as the the world renowned, In The Garden, but the Bible in general, and the New Testament in particular, extol quite a different emphasis.
There is however one garden as applicable to our situation as it is shunned. The Garden of Gethsemane. Here Jesus exemplifies the kind of faith and prayer necessary to assure we “don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger.” Of Christ’s manner of prayer we are told:
- “While he lived on earth, anticipating death, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God. Because he honored God, God answered him. Though he was God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do.” Hebrews 5:7-8 The Message
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.
When it comes to knowing and realizing God’s will,
we must do better.
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