God Blog

You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

You might be a rock 'n' roll addict prancing on the stage
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage
You may be a business man or some high-degree thief
They may call you doctor or they may call you chief

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes you are
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

You may be a state trooper, you might be a young Turk
You may be the head of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame
You may be living in another country under another name

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes you are
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody's landlord, you might even own banks

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be workin' in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

You may call me Terry, you may call me Timmy
You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy
You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray
You may call me anything but no matter what you say

Still, you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody

While you may be many things… you are most certainly moving towards eternity at a rate of one second per second. Perhaps not speedy enough to cause alarm, but relentlessly heading in that direction nonetheless.

In the meantime, there are a myriad of thoughts to think. Emotions to feel. Decisions to make. It's easy to get lost amidst all the hubbub and commotion. Both by indecision and bad ones.


Elusive Happiness

It's been noted, "Modern life makes so many of us strangely unhappy." A truism born out by billions. The question is why? Caught up in the daily grind we may not notice how blessed we are. Politics aside, the old Great Depression song "Every Man A King" has in many ways come true. Through amazing advances in science and technology we possess power the greatest kings of old could hardly of imagined. For all his historically famous wealth, could King Solomon catch a plane and arrive half way around the globe in a matter of hours? Did he ever once jump in a car and race seventy miles an hour on smoothly paved roads enjoying air conditioning? Did his smart phone allow real time conversations with anyone anywhere on Earth or offer music from thousands of artists?

And what of his wisdom? Had the wisest man ever even know glimpse the Earth pirouetting in space. Could he have known a single pin point of starlight was a galaxy with billions of stars spread across a canopy of 100 billion light years? Did he have access to facts elementary school students take for granted? Could he google the question, "what's the longest word in the english language" get 211,000 hits in 0.15 seconds and find out it's "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis?"

Time would fail to list all the marvels we enjoy. From science and technology to food and housing. From law and order to police and military protection. From health care and social programs to entertainment and travel. And with digital and video cameras we can capture every memory.

Even so, innumerable acts of abuse and crime, hatred and violence reveal gross unhappiness plagues mankind. More subtle examples include the daily trauma of failed personal and interpersonal relationships. Unfortunate and disappointing behaviors. Destructive habits and addictions. All of which add to life's intrinsic sorrow and sadness.

Such universal unhappiness is not only a continual source of grief but of confusion. Why so much depression and suffering? Emotions that have the power to not only ruin lives but cast serious dispersion on the goodness, if not the existence of God.

C.S. Lewis, the Oxford and Cambridge professor and prodigious Christian author experienced many of the above challenges. Raised in a Christian home he became a self avowed atheist by 15. Paradoxically, He later describe his younger self this way, "I was at this time living, like so many Atheists or Antitheists, in a whirl of contradictions. I maintained that God did not exist. I was also very angry with God for not existing. I was equally angry with Him for creating a world." His was an interesting and challenging day, as highlighted in his timeline. Simultaneously enchanted and disgusted by life, he served and was wounded in the British army during WWI. In 1931, at age 33, his famous intellect was finally satisfied and fully converted to Christ.

After years of the most thoughtful and studious experience and education, in his book, The Problem Of Pain, C.S. Lewis surmized, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

The accuracy of his insightfulness is a commentary on the Bible's first reference to the serious plight of mankind. As well as identifying its remarkable source. An act occasioned by such unresolved disappointment with God that it would lead to the first murder in human history. Just prior to Cain's unprovoked slaying of his brother Able, God issued a tragically unheeded warning:

• "God spoke to Cain: “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.” Genesis 4:7 The Message

• "I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time." Romans 7:18-20 The Message

• Modern Life
• Is Faith Reasonable?
• 7 Ultimate Questions
• 10 Reasons To Believe
• Intelligent Design
• Naturalistic Evolution
• Zero Infinity Principle
• Issues With God
• Silence Of God
• Distance Of God
• Goodness Of God
• Satan
• Loneliness And Depression
• Bitterness Of Loss
• Illness And Disease
• Pain And Death
• Why Suffering?
• Is God Fair?
• Love Of God
• Mercy Of God
• Faithfulness Of God
• Promise Of Hope
• Prophetic Witnessing
• What God Wants
• What Is Happiness?
• What Must I Do To Be Saved?

• "Call me “the Quester.” I’ve been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I looked most carefully into everything, searched out all that is done on this earth. And let me tell you, there’s not much to write home about. God hasn’t made it easy for us. I’ve seen it all and it’s nothing but smoke—smoke, and spitting into the wind. Life’s a corkscrew that can’t be straightened, A minus that won’t add up. I said to myself, “I know more and I’m wiser than anyone before me in Jerusalem. I’ve stockpiled wisdom and knowledge.” What I’ve finally concluded is that so-called wisdom and knowledge are mindless and witless—nothing but spitting into the wind." Ecclesiastes 1:12-17 The Message

• “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made know through Jesus Christ.”

• “What I want to talk about now is the various ways God’s Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable.” 1 Corinthians 12:1 The Message

• “God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues, All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 The Message

• “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?" Do all interpret?” 1 Corinthians 12:27-30 New International Version

• “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 New International Version

• “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.  Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:13-16 New International Version

This may go a long way in explaining the hostile doctrines of cessationists, as well as the exaggerated claims of charismatics.

Here again, it would seem both parties are missing something.



Athletes, Farmers and Soldiers

For those largely convinced of the value of pursuing authentic Biblical Christianity, the question of missing something takes on a deeper dimension. Beginning with to what degree does our actual commitment of time and energy, sanctification and obedience reflect our espoused relationship to Christ?

Paul, the apostle of grace, the meaning of which is often misinterpreted, also weighs in heavily on the subject:

1. "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

2. "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

3. "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 New Living Translation

In a single passage Paul likens Christians to athletes, farmers and soldiers as an example of the kind of dedication genuine faith requires. Notice such effort is not optional. He warns us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. He notes that without due diligence, even having been instrumental in preaching to others, he himself might become disqualified.

Of the three examples, 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 a dozen or two hours a week?

So how does modern Christianity compare with even the amateur athletes Paul describes? Not well when the average devotional life of church attenders is only minutes a day, while often spending hours amusing ourselves. 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?

Much of today's apathy and disinterest can be laid at the feet of another shared human attribute. Our interest and involvement in the here, over and above the hereafter. Particularly for those fortunate enough to live in the First World, where privileges and responsibilities, amusements and distractions abound.

The afore mentioned diversions have deeply affected all aspects of society. Modern Christianity, enamored with worldliness, is quickly becoming more or less indistinguishable from its secular counterparts. In a post Christian era, the rigors of the kind of whole life sanctification and radical discipleship required by Jesus and His apostles is no longer in vogue.

This assertion can also be easily demonstrated by a growing a lack of holiness within Churchianity, as well as disinterest in personal devotions. Both part and parcel of the aftermath of the 1960's sexual revolution having inverted morality throughout the First World and beyond. Thereby unleashing an unrelenting tsunami of temptation and deception, entitlement and sin. After nearly 60 years, today’s families and institutions, society and even the Church are so daily drenched with spiritual obstacles and challenges, that many go unnoticed.

The introduction of such a quantity and quality of subtle to gross forms of immorality has facilitated astronomical rates of teen sexuality and abortion, pornography and drug abuse, cohabitation and divorce, worldliness and unbelief. Both outside and inside the church.

If true, why so little concern among Churchianity?

First, given the unmitigated torrent of worldliness, nearly everything is caught in it’s current. Decades of struggling against a cataclysmic global flood is hard and costly work.

Second, when comparing ourselves to the commonplace apathy and aggression, not to mention the often gross and deviant behavior of others, it’s easy for modern believers to let themselves off the hook.

But are we? Who can deny that serious family Bible study is passé and lengthy family prayer a thing of the past? Equally telling is that the average church attender is Biblically illiterate; i.e. unable to quote, much less correctly interpret and properly implement, ten verses in a row. Further damaging is habitual personal prayerlessness; i.e. stopping to seriously pray less than ten minutes a day. Taken together, such a deplorable state reveals the vast majority of modern Christians are all but practical agnostics.

All the above and more contribute to not only the untenable contention of the atheist (remember 0 + 0 = 0), but of the apathy of both the devotedly espoused secular and practical Christian agnostic.

Yet might much the same be said for the vast majority of seemingly dedicated First World Christians? Clergy and laity alike? With hundreds of differing denominations, many offering various Christs and versions of the gospel, too often at odds with each other, something seems amiss.

Or perhaps more to the point, might we be Missing Something?

In point of fact, it would appear billions are collectively and individually missing the forest for the trees. A tragic thesis indeed. Fortunately, our condition can be remedied by merely giving a handful of ultimate questions their due consideration. Having done so, leads the honest and diligently studious to discover at least ten great reasons to believe! And do so not only in regards to the existence and involvement of the God of Scripture, but Biblical authenticity and authority as well. Unfortunately, while the Bible is far and away the best selling book of all time, as already referenced Scriptural literacy is at an all time low. And steadily decreasing.


How Then Shall We Live?

So what can be done? Quantum Christianity has been prayerfully designed as a bridge between the sacred and secular, faith and doubt, 1st century Biblical Christianity and 21st century modern Churchianity. The questions and ideas presented are carefully mapped to reroute around roadblocks and congestion snarling the faith commutes of billions.

The Bible’s sheer volume and density alone produces plenty of spiritual traffic jams. Insomuch that even simplifying Scripture’s most emphasized tenants is a formidable task. One that requires more than just a simple read. To this end, QC has uncovered and explained many of today’s most relevant yet universally misunderstood opinions and corresponding Biblical passages. While offering more accurate interpretations. The goal is to provide a much needed firm and fair, factual and friendly mediator between the challenges of the Bible and the most blessed, albeit spiritually challenged generation in human history. Such lofty goals require “speaking the truth in love” while doing justice to all.

The famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald noted, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” Quantum Christianity is offered as a tool to recognize detrimental secular and sacred paradox. With a realistic hope of reconciling the seeming unreconcilable.

While quantum mechanics is a relatively new science, quantum truth is not. For a socio/spiritual example, considering the well known opening of the Charles Dickens classic, A Tale Of Two Cities:

• “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…”

• "Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people. These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself "truth." 2 Timothy 3:1-5 The Message

• "But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They'll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other—biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They've put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can't tell right from wrong. They give the way of truth a bad name. They're only out for themselves. They'll say anything, anything, that sounds good to exploit you." 2 Peter 2:1-3 The Message

• “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 New International Version

• “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

• "Don't quench, suppress or subdue the Holy Spirit; Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets. Do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning. But test and prove all things until you can recognize what is good; to that hold fast." I Thessalonians 5:19-21 Amplified Bible

• “The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth." Acts 17:11

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

Rey: Master Skywalker, we need you to bring the Jedi back because Kylo Ren is strong with the dark side of the Force.
Luke: What do you know about the Force?
Rey: It's a power the Jedi have that lets them control people and...Make things float.
Luke: Impressive. Every word in that sentence was wrong.

Similarly, without the benefit of at least a foundational understanding of the correct context of Scripture, many of our assumptions will be skewed. If not backwards and upside down. All but insuring both our doctrines and lifestyles will fail the test of Scripture. And thus eternity.

The Star Wars Saga offers many chilling analogies regarding the ability of workers of darkness to deceive workers of light. For example, in the second trilogy of prequels (Episodes 1-3) we discover that the evil Sith Lord Darth Sidious has completely deluded and manipulated the entire Jedi Council into assisting his rise from Chancellor Palpatine to Emperor. A failure compounded as the Sith cunningly turns the Jedi’s great hope Anakin Skywalker into his pawn Darth Vadar. A grave loss, resulting in the killing of nearly every Jedi and apprentice through the galaxy.

Tellingly, in one scene the beloved Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi along with his apprentice Anakin Skywalker, both filled with force, prepare to rescue the then Chancellor Palpatine (Darth Sidious) from captivity (which the Chancellor has secretly arranged). The Chancellor warns Master Obi-Wan that his captor the fallen Jedi Count Dooku is a Sith Lord not to be underestimated. To which Obi-Wan presumptuously replies, “Chancellor Palpatine, Sith Lords are our speciality.” 

Modern Christianity, while having less in keeping with Jedi expertise, seems equally arrogant. Mistaking faith for presumption. Perhaps to the point of profanity. Teaching and singing of our great love and devotion, even in the face of mountainous evidence to the contrary. Again, the vast majority of church attenders are so Biblically illiterate and prayerless as to be functional agnostics.

A tragic scenario that has allowed morality to be inverted in a single generation. Not to mention the abortion of over a billion globally, as well as the redefinition of marriage and family. All grave losses on our watch. Far exceeding in quality and quantity those highlighted by the Holy Spirit through Paul, the Apostle of grace, who warned the Corinthians, "You have already been completely defeated."

A defeat that in our case might be somewhat conscionable were Churchianity at least confessing our worldliness and taking Jesus' brother James' advice regarding appropriate repentance. Yet nothing could be further from the case.

And in light of the battleship analogy, it's one thing to fight and fail. Quite another to fail to fight.


Quantum Hope

At this point the salient question becomes is there any hope? The answer is yes, but only of the quantum variety. Such a hope must by necessity be ruthlessly honest. A rare trait greatly valued by God. Quickly and deeply admitting the seriousness of our offenses. Offenses the likes of which even just the shortlist perviously mentioned leave modern Christianity utterly without excuse. Though perhaps not without explanation.

As a part of a memorized strategic prayer, I daily both confess and remind Omnity of the following:

• For while we stand before You utterly condemned for our sin, particularly my generation and the next in First World Nations and beyond, and are totally without excuse, even our behavior is not without explanation. For it is written that he formally known as Lucifer or in Hebrew הילל בן־שׁחר Helel Ben-Shachar, who stands accusing and condemning us, first tempted and deceived us after having led a myriad of angels astray. Ancient, holy and glorious angels from Heaven above. To which end I would ask what chance do we have dear God to stand against so great an Adversary, his army and demonic resistance given that by comparison the entire human race was born yesterday and dies tomorrow. Balanced if and when at all on toes of flesh. Praying if and when as lungs expel air strumming vocal cords to the tune of two to three pounds of decaying brain matter. What’s to become of us without an unprecedented global outpouring of Your Spirit's presence and power, provision and protection?

• "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

• “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 New King James Version

• “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 New King James Version

• “You had everything going for you. You were in Eden, God’s garden. You were dressed in splendor, your robe studded with jewels: Carnelian, peridot, and moonstone, beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald, all in settings of engraved gold. A robe was prepared for you the same day you were created. You were the anointed cherub. I placed you on the mountain of God. You strolled in magnificence among the stones of fire. From the day of your creation you were sheer perfection… and then imperfection—evil!—was detected in you.” Ezekiel 28:12-15 The Message

• “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground—mighty though you were against the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, “I will ascend to heaven and rule the angels. I will take the highest throne. I will preside on the Mount of Assembly far away in the north.  I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” But instead, you will be brought down to the pit of hell, down to its lowest depths. Everyone there will stare at you and ask, “Can this be the one who shook the earth and the kingdoms of the world?” Isaiah :14:12-16 Living Bible

• “Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross. Yet it was because of this that God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 Living Bible

• “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Revelation 3:15-22 New Living Translation

• "All of us must appear in front of Christ’s judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they deserve for the good or evil they have done while living in their bodies." 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 GW

• “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 New International Version

• “See to it that you do not refuse [to listen to] Him who is speaking [to you now]. For if those [sons of Israel] did not escape when they refused [to listen to] him who warned them on earth [revealing God’s will], how much less will we escape if we turn our backs on Him who warns from heaven? His voice shook the earth [at Mount Sinai] then, but now He has given a promise, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the [starry] heaven.” Now this [expression], “Yet once more,” indicates the removal and final transformation of all those things which can be shaken—that is, of that which has been created—so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:25-29 Amplified Bible

• “The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-9 The Message

• "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer." James 1:5-8 TLB

• Mortality: Full appreciation that we are not just fearfully and wonderfully made but 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.

• Nature: We are triune beings as perviously explained. Hence we are spirits (eternal beings) possessing souls (personality) living in bodies. While God is the great I Am. I am nothing great. He has so much, everything. He knows so much, everything. He is so much, everything. Tri-Omnity. Eternally Self Existing and immutable.

• Sin: As good and evil blur into merely points of view, individuals and whole societies are free to do whatever's right in their own eyes. Yet, even the mundane has rules. Basketball without a rim and archery without a target would be meaningless. How much more so life? Rather than sounding an alarm over escalating levels of original and modern sin, Churchianity continues on with business as usual. Attending church has replaced being the Church. A passion for bigger buildings, mega ministries and comforting messages has usurped the fire of prayer, Bible study and selfless service. Vanishing, yet necessary hallmarks of true Christianity down through millennia.

• Obedience: As with our own children there are levels of obedience. Scripture requires we grow into greater maturity. Unfortunately, for the vast majority of church attendees, rather than having 5-20 years of Christian experience, we have 1 year of elementary Christian experience 5-20 times.

• Worship: What might be the difference between the worship preferences of Laodicea vs Philadelphia? What criteria would make modern worship honest and acceptable? What might be the cost of mistaking faith for presumption, or even profanity; i.e. treating the sacred as common?

• If My People: A familiar passage to many, God’s formula for repentance is little understood and employed even less.

• Cure for Worldliness: As discussed, only once does the Bible not only diagnose worldliness within the church, but offer a line by line prescription in treating this malevolent tumor metastasizing throughout the body of Christ. Particularly in the First World.

• Remembering Scripture: The average Christian is unable to quote ten verses in a row.

• Doctrinal Error: If you can’t remember Scripture it’s unlikely you’re interpreting it correctly. No wonder errors abound in understanding what the Bible truly has to say in regards to such crucial topics as salvation and the Holy Spirit, prayer and worship, eternal security and eschatology.

• Unanswered Prayer: The biggest reason for prayerlessness is unanswered prayer. Yet, rather than addressing the root causes of this extremely serious issue, we choose to either opt out or pretend all is well.

• Prayer Meetings: It’s been said, “You can measure the popularity of a church by the number participating in a Sunday service. You can measure the popularity of a pastor by the number participating in a midweek service. You can measure the popularity of God by the number participating in a regularly scheduled prayer meeting.” By this standard, God’s popularity has plummeted to single digits. Makes one wonder with defeats such as the inversion of millennia of morality, the abortion of over a billion, untold numbers of family members lost to sin etc. what more motivation is necessary? The lack of an extremely well attended serious and lengthy prayer meeting offered weekly, if not daily, is a tragic sign of the times. It’s one thing to fight and fail, quite another to fail to fight.

• Levels of Prayer: As there are various modes of prayer, so too are there levels of commitment and fervency. Again these include simply praying for, which largely amounts to wishful thinking. Next would be pressing in for hours at a time. Finally there is praying through, which implies continual intercession until the answer is in hand. In a time such as this, it's the role of wise intercessors to recognize the temptation and sin overwhelming society. Including those embraced by the people of God. Like Jeremiah, they pour out their soul in lament that God would save His people, even in the face of great personal cost. Like Habukkuk, they wrestle with God that in justice and judgment He might remember mercy. Like Mary and the Canaanite mother, they refuse to take no for an answer. Like Paul in his greatest prayer, they travail that the gifts of the Spirit would flourish and multiply, and the Church would be “filled with all the fullness of God.” Yet, where are the mature among us dedicated to this most crucial of missions? The fulfillment of which would benefit everyone in every way. Oh that we would genuinely pursue, and thus entertain a realistically hope, of fully experiencing the Spirit’s presence and power, provision and protection. In ways "exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all that we can ask or think.”

• Kingdom Wisdom: The New Testament reveals a heavenly wisdom in direct option to worldly thinking. Christian fellowship must reflect the importance of understanding the difference and choosing sanctification.

• Immorality: Though we may hope and pretend otherwise, immorality is a leading deal breaker in Scripture. A nearly 60 year deluge of temptation and deception has turned every aspect of Earth into a Waterworld of entitlement and sin.

• Dualism: A vast majority of society fails to appreciate the role dualism plays in shaping our lives. A form of double-mindedness, we are not only capable of good and evil, but often participate in both. Knowingly and not. Note: As was the case with the Rich Man in the story of Lazarus, the judgment of eternity will forever clarify the wisdom or folly of our choices. Truth, currently clouded by individual and corporate foolishness, will then have it’s eternal dawn. Long after the current cosmos have vanished, God’s glory will illuminate mankind’s cumulative consciousness. Some to everlasting joy and praise. Some to endless weeping and gnashing of teeth. There, knowing as precisely as we’re known, before eternity and the host of Heaven, there will be no shadow of confusion or turning, no discussion or excuse.

• Brokenness: Deeper than humility, brokenness is the honest expression of having our eyes and ears opened by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

• Pentecostal Paradox: A major cause for the afore mentioned failures is lack of understanding of and insensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The two leading points of view regarding the Spirit’s work are opposite in nature, yet both have a negative, if not damning, effect. A majority of denominations and/or churches choose, purposefully or by default, cessationist theology. This suggests that miraculous gifts were only meant to attest to the veracity of the new revelation preached by Christ and His apostles. When this revelation was canonized into Scripture, the astonishing miracles ceased. Having timed out as a new dispensation focusing on the Bible began. Thus the authority of Scripture is said to have replaced the need for the extraordinary healing of the sick, tongues and their interpretation, prophecy, etc. A convenient doctrine to justify both worldliness and subsequent powerlessness. An excuse glaringly absent from Scripture. On the flip side, when it comes to gifts of the Spirit, modern Charismatics play loose with the facts, falsely assuring themselves of harmony with God via the continual demonstration of the miraculous in their midst.

• Fruit of the Spirit: God has tasked mankind with the gracious directive to develop and practice the fruit of the Spirit. As it is defined in Scripture. It’s more the quality than the quantity of direct and indirect Bible passages that emphasize the fruit of the Spirit as one of the of most crucial of topics.

• Gifts of the Spirit: The gifts of the Spirit, particular the healing of the sick, are essential in replicating the New Testament experience. Indispensable in both the ministry of Jesus, and that of His apostles in the Book of Acts, spiritual gifts stand as the first and foremost Christian icon of the presence and power of God.

• Prayer of Faith: Christ’s brother James, the head of the 1st century church of Jerusalem, admonishes, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” The fact that nearly to a church we are unable to routinely heal the sick strongly suggests either we have no genuine elders or they are unable to pray the prayer of faith.

• Revival: In light of our current spiritual crises, few topics are as relevant as revival. While the term has come to mean different things to different people, the kind of revival humanity needs is an unparalleled move of God on an unprecedented scale. Yet, the greatest restriction to the growth of the Kingdom of God lies not with those who know God least but best. The call to receive the challenge of revival falls not on the shoulders of sinners but saints.

• Abortion: In a single generation the loss of human life by clinical abortion has grown to eclipse all other forms of killing. From the men and women seeking abortion, to the institutions supporting its proliferation, the quantity and quality of so much innocent blood has spiritually stained our blue planet red.

• Abortion and the Church: Abortion’s devastating impact on the Church is universally underestimated. Without overstatement, it is the most cunning and devilish sin in human history. With over 60 million performed in the United States, clinical abortion in the U.S. has taken ten times more American lives than WWII. With more than a billion world wide, abortion’s toll is equivalent 5-10 times Earth’s entire population in Christ’s day. Fearful statistics in light of Christ’s waring, “Whatever you’ve done or failed to do to the least of these my brothers you’ve done or failed to do to Me.”

• Aborting our Prayers: When it comes to aborting planet fulls of the most innocent, Churchianity’s sins of omission and commission regarding abortion have been impacting our prayers for decades. “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. For your hands are stained with blood,  your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things. No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity… Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways.”

• Abortion and the Good Samaritan: Their's no greater question than how to inherit eternal life. The Bible records Jesus only being directly asked this question twice. The story of the Good Samaritan, which incidentally is not offered as a parable, raises questions about modern doctrines of salvation and grace. It’s also a chilling correlation to our lackluster response to the pinnacle sin of abortion.

• Authentically Pro-Life: There are differing views on what it means to be truly be pro-life. Sadly, the prevailing opinion is to be privately against abortion, whether such sympathies often or ever translate into appropriate action. If Christ taught that simply being anti-robbery and pro-safe travel wouldn’t save the priest and levite, how shall we today fare who fail the test of being Good Samaritans?

• General Revelation: There is mounting evidence that the Bible is God’s Special Revelation. Nevertheless there is a growing disconnect among Christians on how Creation (general revelation) must seamlessly integrate with our understanding of Scripture (special revelation).

• Young vs Old Earth: Again, the difference between Young and Old Earth creationism is night and day. To put it mildly, clergy and laity alike clinging to discredited beliefs appear foolish and uneducated in the scientific arena. An unfortunate and unnecessary hurdle in promoting the gospel.

• Amusement: Literally means "not to think.”

• Waisted Time: The average family routinely invests 100's of hours a month in TV and social media, yet invest less than a tenth as much diligently seeking God. Hardly redeeming the time as the Bible dictates.

• Morality: The proliferation of what was once considered soft porn infects everything from cartoons to prime time TV programing and commercials. Again failing the test of Scripture.

• Porn: Thousands of scenes depicting acts of immorality and hard porn, not to mention entire episodes and series, movies and music videos are dedicated to such programming. Absolutely anathema.

• Profanity: Millions of curse words permeate thousands of scenes, not to mention entire episodes and series, movies and music videos. Absolutely anathema.

• Violence: Tens of thousands of scenes, not to mention entire episodes and series, movies and music videos are dedicated to such programming. Up to and including the extremely popular and lucrative gore genre. Absolutely anathema.

• Occult: Tens of thousands of scenes, not to mention entire episodes and series, movies and music videos are dedicated to such programming. Up to and including the extremely popular and lucrative horror genre. Absolutely anathema.