God Blog

Approaching God One Thought At A Time

Now the true soldiers of Christ must always be prepared to do battle for the truth, and must never, so far as lies with them, allow false convictions to creep in.
- Origen

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Sacred Assembly

Some
honest research and common sense reveals an unprecedented and pressing need for pre-revival repentance in light of escalating levels of temptation and deception, self-centeredness and sin. Combine such trends with the compounding physical and spiritual, emotional and social needs of over 7.5 billion souls, and it seems reasonable to seek a New Pentecost with the global equivalent of thousands of "Upper Rooms."

Mindful of the above, in "
Renewal, Revival or Reformation" we present the case that the modern Church and/or Churchianity may have largely fallen from grace. In "Prophetic Advice" we examine passages in Isaiah, Joel, Zephaniah and Amos as to when and why to call the Sacred Assembly. Here we explore the Old Testament example of Ezra having done so in the face of far less resistance and offenses than the ever growing list of those before us today.


Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain!


- Joel 2:1 NKJV


Prophetic Christians of this day and age need be found, and that in sufficient quality and quantity, to instigate and facilitate the kind of deep and abiding repentance necessary to fan into flame genuine revival. Once accomplished, the crucial groundwork of planing and praying for an authentic Sacred Assembly can commence.

There’s only been a handful in Scripture. Best known are two Old Testament events including Solomon’s Temple dedication and Ezra’s repentance over foreign wives. In both cases there were kingdom leaders clearly delineated with the authority to call the Solemn or Sacred Assembly.

Solomon, as the doubly anointed king of Israel and literal son of David, did so at the dedication of the original temple:

  • "When Solomon finished praying, a bolt of lightning out of heaven struck the Whole-Burnt-Offering and sacrifices and the Glory of GOD filled The Temple. The Glory was so dense that the priests couldn't get in—GOD so filled The Temple that there was no room for the priests! When all Israel saw the fire fall from heaven and the Glory of GOD fill The Temple, they fell on their knees, bowed their heads, and worshiped, thanking GOD: Yes! God is good! His love never quits! Then the king and all Israel worshiped, offering sacrifices to GOD. King Solomon worshiped by sacrificing 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep at the dedication of The Temple. The priests were all on duty; the choir and orchestra of Levites that David had provided for singing and playing anthems to the praise and love of GOD were all there; across the courtyard the priests blew trumpets. All Israelites were on their feet." 2 Chronicles 7:1-6 MSG

  • "For seven days there were people there all the way from the far northeast (the Entrance to Hamath) to the far southwest (the Brook of Egypt)—a huge congregation. They started out celebrating for seven days, and then did it for another seven days, a week for dedicating the Altar and another for the Feast itself—two solid weeks of celebration! On the twenty-third day of the seventh month Solomon dismissed his congregation. They left rejoicing, exuberant over all the good GOD had done for David and Solomon and his people Israel." 2 Chronicles 7:8-10 MSG
When the Sacred Assembly is called correctly, demonstrations of heavenly power and authority kindle corresponding acts of religious zeal and dedication.


The Prayer of Jabez has received much notoriety.  While the prayer was fine for it's day, and the spirit in which the recent book by Bruce Wilkinson was written is admirable, the prayer is not a good fit for our society given our unprecedented quantity and quality of sin. Additionally, the prayer itself is easily corrupted into just another form of Me-ism. No such risk with the Prayer of Ezra. 

While the Prayer of Jabez is relegated to only two verses, the Prayer of Ezra, and it's aftermath, fills two chapters. It also sparks the Bible's best description of a complete Sacred Assembly. It was occasioned by Ezra’s discovery that the people of God had repeatedly broken the commandment not to intermarry with gentiles. And this on the heals of God's great judgment against Israel that saw 1/3 of the church of their day killed by plague or famine, 1/3 killed by the sword and 1/3 scattered to the wind by enemy pursuit. 

As high priest, Ezra, along with his contemporary Nehemiah, were instrumental in rebuilding the ruined walls, city and customs of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:

  • "After all this was done, the leaders came to me and said, "The People of Israel, priests and Levites included, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring people around here with all their vulgar obscenities—Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, Amorites. They have given some of their daughters in marriage to them and have taken some of their daughters for marriage to their sons. The holy seed is now all mixed in with these other peoples. And our leaders have led the way in this betrayal. When I heard all this, I ripped my clothes and my cape; I pulled hair from my head and out of my beard; I slumped to the ground, appalled. Many were in fear and trembling because of what God was saying about the betrayal by the exiles. They gathered around me as I sat there in despair, waiting for the evening sacrifice. At the evening sacrifice I picked myself up from my utter devastation, and in my ripped clothes and cape fell to my knees and stretched out my hands to GOD, my God. And I prayed: 'My dear God, I'm so totally ashamed, I can't bear to face you. O my God—our iniquities are piled up so high that we can't see out; our guilt touches the skies. We've been stuck in a muck of guilt since the time of our ancestors until right now; we and our kings and priests, because of our sins, have been turned over to foreign kings, to killing, to captivity, to looting, and to public shame—just as you see us now. Now for a brief time GOD, our God, has allowed us, this battered band, to get a firm foothold in his holy place so that our God may brighten our eyes and lighten our burdens as we serve out this hard sentence. We were slaves; yet even as slaves, our God didn't abandon us. He has put us in the good graces of the kings of Persia and given us the heart to build The Temple of our God, restore its ruins, and construct a defensive wall in Judah and Jerusalem. And now, our God, after all this what can we say for ourselves? For we have thrown your commands to the wind, the commands you gave us through your servants the prophets. They told us, 'The land you're taking over is a polluted land, polluted with the obscene vulgarities of the people who live there; they've filled it with their moral rot from one end to the other. Whatever you do, don't give your daughters in marriage to their sons nor marry your sons to their daughters. Don't cultivate their good opinion; don't make over them and get them to like you so you can make a lot of money and build up a tidy estate to hand down to your children. And now this, on top of all we've already suffered because of our evil ways and accumulated guilt, even though you, dear God, punished us far less than we deserved and even went ahead and gave us this present escape. Yet here we are, at it again, breaking your commandments by intermarrying with the people who practice all these obscenities! Are you angry to the point of wiping us out completely, without even a few stragglers, with no way out at all? You are the righteous GOD of Israel. We are, right now, a small band of escapees. Look at us, openly standing here, guilty before you. No one can last long like this."' Ezra 9:1-15 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
Ezra 10 continues:

  • "Ezra wept, prostrate in front of The Temple of God. As he prayed and confessed, a huge number of the men, women, and children of Israel gathered around him. All the people were now weeping as if their hearts would break. Shecaniah son of Jehiel of the family of Elam, acting as spokesman, said to Ezra: "We betrayed our God by marrying foreign wives from the people around here. But all is not lost; there is still hope for Israel. Let's make a covenant right now with our God, agreeing to get rid of all these wives and their children, just as my master and those who honor God's commandment are saying. It's what The Revelation says, so let's do it. Now get up, Ezra. Take charge—we're behind you. Don't back down. So Ezra stood up and had the leaders of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel solemnly swear to do what Shecaniah proposed. And they did it. Then Ezra left the plaza in front of The Temple of God and went to the home of Jehohanan son of Eliashib where he stayed, still fasting from food and drink, continuing his mourning over the betrayal by the exiles. A notice was then sent throughout Judah and Jerusalem ordering all the exiles to meet in Jerusalem. Anyone who failed to show up in three days, in compliance with the ruling of the leaders and elders, would have all his possessions confiscated and be thrown out of the congregation of the returned exiles. All the men of Judah and Benjamin met in Jerusalem within the three days. It was the twentieth day of the ninth month. They all sat down in the plaza in front of The Temple of God. Because of the business before them, and aggravated by the buckets of rain coming down on them, they were restless, uneasy, and anxious. Ezra the priest stood up and spoke: "You've broken trust. You've married foreign wives. You've piled guilt on Israel. Now make your confession to GOD, the God of your ancestors, and do what he wants you to do: Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from your foreign wives. The whole congregation responded with a shout, "Yes, we'll do it— just the way you said it! They also said, "But look, do you see how many people there are out here? And it's the rainy season; you can't expect us to stand out here soaking wet until this is done—why, it will take days! A lot of us are deeply involved in this transgression. Let our leaders act on behalf of the whole congregation. Have everybody who lives in cities and who has married a foreign wife come at an appointed time, accompanied by the elders and judges of each city. We'll keep at this until the hot anger of our God over this thing is turned away." Ezra 10:1-14 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
Notes on Ezra 9 & 10

  • Ezra, having discovered God's people and their leaders had married foreign wives tore his clothing, pulled hair from his head and beard and sat down appalled.
Those who trembled at the words of God gathered together for a summit meeting.

  • Ezra begins his prayer by saying he's too ashamed to look up because their sins were higher than the heavens.
  • While he continued praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God a crowd gathered and wept bitterly.
The crowd admitted their sin and prescribed their own act of repentance.

  • Ezra accepted their offer and fasted three days while a proclamation was sent throughout the kingdom for all the people to gather for a Sacred Assembly.  Any not arriving lost their place in the kingdom.
  • Nearly to a person, those who gathered admitted their guilt and pledged to divorce their foreign wives and be forever separated from them and any children produced by disobedient marriages.
  • Within an appropriate time the kingdom was purged of this practice that the blessings of God might be restored.
Notice the guilt being confessed by Ezra and his fellow leaders was not that of the sin in the world around thembut that of God's own people. The returning remnant of Israel. Including their leadership. Hence the warning that all those not appearing for, and complying with, the Sacred Assembly would be excommunicated from the Kingdom! Note as well the high cost of repentance and restoration. Again, one can only imagine the necessary acts of repentance the Holy Spirit would require of our generation in regards to abortion and worldliness alone…

Nehemiah was instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem both physically and spiritually. While the Book of the Old Testament baring his name records the story in detail, a couple excerpts are worth noting:

  • “The memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. It was the month of Kislev in the twentieth year. At the time I was in the palace complex at Susa. Hanani, one of my brothers, had just arrived from Judah with some fellow Jews. I asked them about the conditions among the Jews there who had survived the exile, and about Jerusalem. They told me, “The exile survivors who are left there in the province are in bad shape. Conditions are appalling. The wall of Jerusalem is still rubble; the city gates are still cinders.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God-of-Heaven. I said, “God, God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to his covenant and faithful to those who love him and obey his commands: Look at me, listen to me. Pay attention to this prayer of your servant that I’m praying day and night in intercession for your servants, the People of Israel, confessing the sins of the People of Israel. And I’m including myself, I and my ancestors, among those who have sinned against you. We’ve treated you like dirt: We haven’t done what you told us, haven’t followed your commands, and haven’t respected the decisions you gave to Moses your servant. All the same, remember the warning you posted to your servant Moses: ‘If you betray me, I’ll scatter you to the four winds, but if you come back to me and do what I tell you, I’ll gather up all these scattered peoples from wherever they ended up and put them back in the place I chose to mark with my Name.’ “Well, there they are—your servants, your people whom you so powerfully and impressively redeemed. O Master, listen to me, listen to your servant’s prayer—and yes, to all your servants who delight in honoring you—and make me successful today so that I get what I want from the king.” I was cupbearer to the king.” Nehemiah 1:1-11 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
After risking much to ask for and receive permission from King Artaxerxes of Babylon, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to begin the work of repairing the walls and gates of the city:

  • “The local officials had no idea where I’d gone or what I was doing—I hadn’t breathed a word to the Jews, priests, nobles, local officials, or anyone else who would be working on the job. Then I gave them my report: “Face it: we’re in a bad way here. Jerusalem is a wreck; its gates are burned up. Come—let’s build the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” I told them how God was supporting me and how the king was backing me up. They said, “We’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.” Nehemiah 2:15-18 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
Facing a variety of threats from unfriendly locals, he required the builders to also serve as guards:

  • So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows. After looking things over I stood up and spoke to the nobles, officials, and everyone else: “Don’t be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:13-14 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
Nehemiah joined with Ezra the high priest to instruct the remnant of Jerusalem regarding the word of the Lord they had long ignored:

  • “Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra the priest and scholar and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, “This day is holy to God, your God. Don’t weep and carry on.” They said this because all the people were weeping as they heard the words of The Revelation. He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!” The Levites calmed the people, “Quiet now. This is a holy day. Don’t be upset.” So the people went off to feast, eating and drinking and including the poor in a great celebration. Now they got it; they understood the reading that had been given to them.” Nehemiah 8:9-12 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
In the last chapter, after returning to and from Babylon, Nehemiah discovered the remnant guilty of neglecting the Temple and it’s worship as well as not respecting the sabbath. Correcting these errors he then discovered, as had Ezra, some had married foreign wives:

  • “Moreover, in those days I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, and did not know how to speak the language of Judah. I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God’s name and said: “You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves. Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women. Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women?” One of the sons of Joiada son of Eliashib the high priest was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. And I drove him away from me. Remember them, my God, because they defiled the priestly office and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites. So I purified the priests and the Levites of everything foreign, and assigned them duties, each to his own task.  I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me with favor, my God.” Nehemiah 19:23-31 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s

Difficult Questions

1. Q) Have modern church leaders responded like Ezra or Nehemiah did to far lessor sins than the litany of our own, up to and including the abortion of millions in the U.S. and well over a billion globally in just a few decades? 
A) No

2. Q) Do we tremble at the words of God enough to call for a summit meeting?
A) No

3. Q) Given that the quality and quantity of modern sins make those of Ezra's day pale in comparison, do we tare our clothing, pull out our hair, sit appalled and begin our prayers with expressing our shame over our guilt and by refusing to look up? 
A) No

4. Q) Should our leaders repent as Ezra did, would the Modern Church agree to an act of repentance commensurate with even just a few of the greater sins we daily commit? 
A) Unlikely

5. Q) Are there New Testament Scriptures and examples of acts of repentance?  Are there numerous verses clearly stating that we will be judged by our actions? 
A) Hundreds

6. Q) Is it possible an individual or group may call America (and other nations) to a Sacred Assembly?  Could the price for not attending be exile from the Kingdom?  
A) Yes...

While it's true that God may once again call His people to a Sacred Assembly, the call would have to come from a person or organization that could rightfully and clearly make such a demand.

Unfortunately, there are no present candidates with the understanding and clout, spiritual mandate and miraculous power necessary to do so.

Should this change, there are many factors to weigh before attempting such an important act.  Still, recognizing Scripture’s
prophetic advice and how it could be applied is a step in the right direction. And as such should be a matter of the utmost importance to Christians everywhere.  

Yet is it? Among the more dedicated, almost all are rightfully busy serving the Kingdom of God, sometimes in crucial and costly endeavors.
Yet this raises the question who is wise and willing enough to recognize the glaring need for a restoration of the linchpin of Biblical Christianity? Where are those willing to pay the cost of radical discipleship and obedience necessary to revive authentic and miraculous power evangelism and discipleship?

Prophetic Christians, equipped and practiced in correctly discerning and judging the times and season, are needed to embrace pre-revival repentance. Biblically accurate churches and fellowships must arise with missionary zeal, commissioned with the critical task of researching and planting the seeds of an authentic Sacred Assembly.

Such an ambitious directive would include, but not be limited to, adequately addressing the following issues:

1. Cessationism: While cessation theology is Biblically inaccurate the question remains as to why the truly effectual gifts of the Spirit have all but ceased?

2. Charismatics: Given the majority of charismatic claims exaggerate if not falsify results, what hinders hundreds of millions espousing such beliefs from honestly evaluating and re-doubling their well intentioned Biblically sanctioned efforts?

3. Immorality: In the aftermath of the 1960’s sexual revolution’s tsunami creating a Waterworld of immorality, what level of holiness might be required of Prophetic Christians in the areas of thought and word, action and lifestyle? Not to mention more subtle issues including dress and entertainment?

4. Abortion: Globally having killed well over a billion, more than 60,000,000 in the U.S. through clinical abortion, and an unknown number through contraceptive abortifacients, what conditions and/or commands might the Holy Spirit issue in regarding repentance. Keep in mind were modern Christians authentically pro-life we could have easily ended clinical abortions in a single day, 365 days a year, since 1973’s Roe vs. Wade supreme court decision. We need only send 1% of church attenders to have a friendly pro-family picnic in front of the entrance of abortion clinics. Such a simple rescue technique could hardly be thwarted by arrests given the sheer numbers involved. Certainly not for more than a day or two.

5. Wealth: Science and technology’s meteoric rise has enabled a variety of unprecedented blessings to create a society of wealth within First World Nations all but unimaginable throughout human history. Given Christ’s unheeded warnings regarding wealth, such as the Rich Man and Lazarus as well as the Rich Young Ruler, what standards might be imposed on those fully committing to pre-revival repentance and a New Pentecost?

6. Entertainment: Clearly in time and money, entertainment ranks high among modern idolatries of choice. This raises the question just how extensive would cutbacks need to be to effectively sanctify modern life? Should God’s grace open blind eyes, as in the Book of Acts, how many magazines and books, CD’s and DVD’s if not TV’s and computers might be fuel for the fire? “Many of those who thus believed came out of the closet and made a clean break with their secret sorceries. All kinds of witches and warlocks came out of the woodwork with their books of spells and incantations and made a huge bonfire of them. Someone estimated their worth at fifty thousand silver coins. In such ways it became evident that the Word of the Master was now sovereign and prevailed in Ephesus.”

7. Brokenness: Given the weightiness of the above challenges to a reformation of doctrine and lifestyle within modern Christianity, much less society at large, what would Biblical brokenness look like? Might it be along the lines of the unique yet nearly universally ignored step by step prescription for worldliness from the Book of James?

8. Fellowship: There are few if any fellowships or organizations, churches or denominations interested enough in authentic Biblical Christianity to seriously discuss much less act on the glaring need for renewal or revival, not to mention costly reformation. Prophetic Christians are called to carefully discern and appropriately respond to the paradox that Churchianity is simultaneously the greatest hope and hindrance to an authentic and global move of God.

9. Relationships: Quantum Christianity was carefully and compassionately designed as a Scriptural commentary for the purpose of providing a bridge between 1st century Biblical Christianity and 21st century modern Churchianity. Seeking to embrace every word that comes from the mouth of God rather than ignoring problematic passages and principles is a radical commitment that is both daunting and taxing on individual and group relationships.

10. Self Worth: Taking the road far less traveled presents a serious of challenges most find far too difficult. Wrestling with and on behalf of ourselves and families, friends and neighbors, believers and unbelievers, can be as costly as it is isolating. Walking the spiritual and emotional tightrope between inflated and deflated self image is a lonely and thankless endeavor. Nevertheless, if there is to be any realistic opportunity to restore the New Testament’s irreplaceable power evangelism and discipleship through pre-revival repentance and a new Pentecost, someone must be willing to bear such a cross.

Prophetic Christians must embrace pre-revival repentance and pay the price of radical discipleship. Biblically accurate churches and fellowships need arise with missionary zeal, tasked with the sole and critical purpose of researching and planting the seeds of renewal, revival and reformation.

Rarity is the defining characteristic of pricelessness. Rare indeed are those today capable and honest enough to admit the obvious nature of the need for immediate and drastic change. Far rarer still are those willing to engage in what may well be the greatest challenge/opportunity to yet face the Kingdom of God.

Food for thought.

An old adage notes, “If
you’ve got the vision, you’ve got the job.” And as Randy Stonehill and Phil Keaggy sing in their insightful song Save The Children, “If it isn’t now, then tell me when. If it isn't you, then tell me who…”


Sacred Assembly After Pre Revival Repentance

From time to time there have been, and will continue to be, efforts made to attempt to address our obviously deteriorating spiritual condition. Some will be admirable. Others less so. Many target some form of renewal, revival or even reformation. Almost universally, such attempts fall far short of their goal for several key reasons. These include:

1. Lack of Discernment: The ability to fully recognize the glaring need for individual and corporate repentance, both within and without modern Christianity, is in short supply. Less that one percent of church leaders are able and/or willing to do so. Of these, the vast majority misdiagnose the seriousness of the systemic disease. Sadly, even within this fraction of a percentage, fewer still understand the severity of the treatment required to mitigate the ubiquitous and increasing levels of temptation and deception, worldliness and sin pandemic in society and Churchianity.

2. Faith vs Presumption: Well intentioned or not, it's surprisingly easy to think and/or act prematurely. Assuming salvation, inappropriate worship and claiming Scripture's promises without recognizing, much less adhering to their corresponding conditions, is the new norm. The same holds true for those who seek to rectify unprecedented disbelief and rebellion without fully following the New Testament's steps of brokenness and restoration.

From evangelism to discipleship, from doctrine to practice, from worship to communion, from prayer to miraculous powerChurchianity has so fallen from grace as to need a re-baptism. The original outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost gave birth and empowerment to the 1st century church. This unprecedented move of God began with John the Baptist’s message of extreme repentance preparing the way for Christ. 

Few appreciate what an amazingly significant role John’s accomplishment played in preparing "stubborn and hardheaded” believers for the appearance of their Redeemer. Without a single recorded miracle, John's coming in the spirit of Elijah, accomplished what Elijah’s three accounts of heavenly fire could not. Jews, perhaps even including Pharisees, came to immerse themselves in the waters of the Jordan. The entire region thereby participating in an unprecedented act of repentance

Baptism, as instituted by John, exemplified by Jesus and implemented by the apostles was Scripturally unique. While the concept may have arisen from the Jewish ceremonial washings of Mikveh, John's application was certainly next generation. John used baptism to demonstrate his message of extraordinary repentance by requiring Jews to undergo a rite reserved for Gentile converts. Baptism, for example, is listed by the Jewish philosopher Maimonides, along with circumcision and sacrifice, as one of the three requirements for Gentile proselytes to Judaism. By commanding Israel to repent and be baptized, John dramatized his message that God’s people had fallen from their privileged position as "sons of Abraham." 

There is no modern equivalent in Christendom. Even the Pope commanding all Catholics to be re-baptized and re-confirmed, and/or a Billy Graham figure demanding all Born Again Christians get back to the altar and pray through until it took, would fail in comparison. Such proclamations would be as radical as they would be unwelcomed. Yet, not nearly so much as that of the Baptist’s. Jews inherited their faith and had never been baptized into it to begin with. Additionally, males proudly carried in their bodies the mark of sanctification through circumcision. 

Of particular interest is the method John employs for his altar call. The first of only two recorded in the New Testament. Establishing himself as the Baptist, he calls Israel to repentance, yet note the tenor of his accusation and its unusual timing. While his audience obediently responds, John stops them short with a strange question:

  • Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:7-9 New King James Version

What makes John's accusation so bizarre is the obvious answer to his question, "Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"  One easily imagines the crowds confused glances as they answer, "You did you crazy preacher."

John seems to rubs Israel's nose in their unworthiness to even repent.  And this before they had met, much less rejected, their Messiah. The no doubt offended and perplexed church of his day, pressed by his menacing warnings, cried out in confusion:

  • So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."... And with many other exhortations he preached to the people. Luke 3:10-18 New King James Version

John's less than seeker friendly message is accentuated by his style and further sharpened by his directives. He demands more than words or emotions. Like his cousins Jesus, James and Jude he clearly shows saving faith requires actionNot attitudes or platitudes. Additionally, the Baptist seems to agree with Jesus and Paul, James and the Apostle John, that the second great commandment, to love one's neighbor, is the best way to fulfill the first great commandment's duty to love God.

Given how far 21st century Churchianity has fallen from not only 1st century Christianity, but the Judaism of the period that produced it, one wonders what acts of pre-revival repentance might be necessary should we hope for a New Pentecost.  With the lifestyle of Christians in the First World largely indistinguishable from our worldly counterparts, neither of which measure up to yesterday's honest heathens the gospel was intended to reach and change, we are in dire need of such a revival.

The following are just a few of the reasons we are currently not prepared to call the all important “Sacred Assembly” until successfully holding
POA/J4 style meetings and accomplishing pre-revival repentance.

1. Sacred Event: We are far from ready to be able to call a truly Biblical “Sacred Assembly.”

When God's people are primed to confess and repent of old and new sins, both in attitude and action, rightly and rightfully calling the Sacred Assembly has the desired effect. Currently however, the heavenly power of Solomon's dedication and the brokenness of Ezra and his people, appear to be in short supply.

A New Testament example of a Sacred Assembly was arguably Holy Ghost fire falling on the day of Pentecostsparked by a previous and unprecedented 50 day prayer meeting. Sounds like we could use our own in hopes of igniting genuine Pre-Revival Repentance.


2. Authoritative Leadership: There are currently no national or global leaders having demonstrated the power and Scriptural authority to call the Sacred Assembly. Unless you’re Catholic, where the Papal authority, even without corresponding miraculous power, might suffice.


3. Necessary Pre-Revival Repentance: The global tsunami of immorality unleashed by the 1960s sexual revolution set the stage for contraceptive and clinical abortion becoming the law of the land for over half a century. These, and a litany of other deceptions and sins, have been all but fully integrated into modern Christianity for almost as long. What is required is a thorough and lasting come to Jesus meeting that would make Christ’s judgment of His seven churches in Revelation pale by comparison.

All this and more being the case, what is necessary prior to calling the Sacred Assembly, is national, if not global, Pre Revival Repentance.


4. Accurate Discernment: The distinction between Abraham and Lot is that of a man of God versus a godly man. The primary difference is that Abraham knew who he was, where he was, when he was and what God was about to do. By comparison Lot seemed clueless. His righteousness, which no doubt far exceeded our own, did save him from judgment. Yet everything he prayed and worked for, knew and loved, was consumed by God's fiery judgment. As far as “whowhere and when we are,” suffice if to say we are long beyond the brink of a moment of decision referenced by those who assume themselves, and even the remnant of the church, ready to call the Sacred Assembly. In point of fact, we’re far more likely to have long been in the belly of the beast (spirit of Antichrist) being digested for decades.

For example, no one truly sensitive to the Holy Spirit could possibly believe that our generation could globally abort tens of millions of the risen and glorified Christ’s "least brothers" year in and year out, for over half a century, and get away with it:

  • "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7 NKJV

  • "They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind." Hosea 8:7 NIV
Again, this includes not only direct participation in, but allowance of a holocaust that has claimed 8 to 10 times the entire population in Jesus‘s day. Particularly since the church has had it within our power to end abortion every single day, 365 days a year, for the last 55 years and counting (California legalized abortion in 1967). Not by costly acts of caring our Cross, or even voting wisely, but by merely sending one percent of our membership to have a family friendly picnic in front of every clinic. This would equate to thousands peacefully blocking the entrance of every facility across the nation. And if arrested, were would they detain such numbers, day in and day out? Particularly since we could do it all again another 99 times!

These are just a few of the difficulties arrayed before us. All of which strongly suggest the need for Prayer of Anguish/James 4 style meetings to arise in every city of every state, in every country of every continent.


Times and Seasons

Today's Churchianity is ill prepared to discern, much less confront and overcome, past and present challenges. With hundreds of sects and denominations, clearly we've failed to invested the honest effort to Biblically judge between the many Christs the One true. Tragically, this calls into question to what extent we actually believe, teach and/or obey the genuine gospel.

What of more subtle issues? Up to and including accurately discerning the times and seasons in which we live? Intentionally or unintentionally, modern Christianity has a history of all but upending the obvious meaning of Scripture's most important meta messages. Both in regards to the Bible's context as well as content.

Having repeatedly failed the test on so many levels, what's to be our future? With obvious errors in regards to such major concerns, it's little wonder complex matters requiring 
greater discernment and perception are continually misconstrued. As Jesus warned God's people in His day:

  • "Then he said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once that it is going to rain, and so it does. And when you feel the south wind blowing, you say that it is going to be hot, and so it is. You frauds! You know how to interpret the look of the earth and the sky. Why can’t you interpret the meaning of the times in which you live?” Luke 12:54-46 Phillips
Erroneous doctrines go far beyond profound problems in basic Biblical doctrine and eschatology, such as the misnomer of a pre-tribulation rapture. Consider modern Christianity's response, or lack thereof, to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The modern world has never yet seen its equal. Not since the 1918 Spanish Flu has a pathogen killed so many. Never have billions been forced into extended lockdown. Never has the global economy been in such disarray. Never have non essential businesses, including religious institutions, been ordered to close their doors. Never have Christian churches around the world been shuttered on Easter Sunday.

Such signs of the times bode poorly for modern Christianity, and society as a whole. As do every other indicator imaginable. The threat of present and future global pandemics abound. Economic tribulation reverberates worldwide. Forty three million sought unemployment benefits in the U.S. alone. Coast to coast rioting and lootingviolence and murder, over the justifiable death of career criminal George Floyd went unchecked for months. Not to mention a series of other false martyrs used by AntifaBlack Lives Mater and Democrats to promote and propagate the greatest unchecked anarchy in recent U.S. history. All this while calling to defund the police after already making the crucial job of societies protectors all but impossible.

Scripture is clear such manipulations of facts and logic are forbidden and will prove disastrous for all parties involved:

  • "Doom to you who call evil good and good evilWho put darkness in place of light and light in place of darkness, Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20 MSG
Accompanying the devastating fallout of unprecedented global and national impacts of COVID-19 has been the most obvious and successful campaign of disinformation supporting. Often in support of BLM anarchyDomestic terrorism on a national scale sponsored by powerful liberals within government, media and business. Power brokers aiming the gun and pulling the trigger on American society during a flawlessly manufactured low point. Reinforced by vast supply lines of support and genuflection by main line media, major corporations and political organizations.

Michelle and former President Barack Obama's 2020 DNC speeches supporting BLM's "peaceful protesters" provide blatant examples of calling evil good and good evil. Here's a partial transcript of each:

Former First Lady Michele Obama:

  • "Empathy: that's something I've been thinking a lot about latelyThe ability to walk in someone else's shoes; the recognition that someone else's experience has value, too. Most of us practice this without a second thought. If we see someone suffering or struggling, we don't stand in judgment. We reach out because, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." It is not a hard concept to grasp. It's what we teach our children. And like so many of you, Barack and I have tried our best to instill in our girls a strong moral foundation to carry forward the values that our parents and grandparents poured into us. But right now, kids in this country are seeing what happens when we stop requiring empathy of one anotherThey're looking around wondering if we've been lying to them this whole time about who we are and what we truly valueThey see people shouting in grocery stores, unwilling to wear a mask to keep us all safeThey see people calling the police on folks minding their own business just because of the color of their skinThey see an entitlement that says only certain people belong here, that greed is good, and winning is everything because as long as you come out on top, it doesn't matter what happens to everyone else. And they see what happens when that lack of empathy is ginned up into outright disdain. They see our leaders labeling fellow citizens enemies of the state while emboldening torch-bearing white supremacists. They watch in horror as children are torn from their families and thrown into cages, and pepper spray and rubber bullets are used on peaceful protestors for a photo-op."
Every bolded word, and more, provide a sorrowful study of hypocrisy and/or unabashed deceit:

  1. Since when is "empathy" defined as supporting months of BLM's unchecked violent and deadly rampage across the entire country. How is looting and torching the life's work of innocent business owners "the ability to walk in someone else's shoes; the recognition that someone else's experience has value, too."
  2. It's certainly true that inflating erroneous police crime statistics, while ignoring years of Black on Black violence and murders within inner cities, occasions "looking around wondering if we've been lying to them this whole time about who we are and what we truly value." Particularly in the Obama's own city of Chicago where within weeks of their speeches there were 18 murders in 24 hours.
  3. No one is supporting and BLM is not targeting "torch-bearing white supremacists.Rather just about everyone else.
  4. "Peaceful protestors" hardly describe the hundreds, if not thousands, of violent criminals that have largely been free to rampage at will.

Former President Barack Obama:

  • "Joe and Kamala will restore our standing in the world – and as we've learned from this pandemic, that matters. Joe knows the world, and the world knows him. He knows that our true strength comes from setting an example the world wants to follow. A nation that stands with democracy, not dictators. A nation that can inspire and mobilize others to overcome threats like climate change, terrorism, poverty, and disease. But more than anything, what I know about Joe, what I know about Kamala is that they actually care about every American. And that they care deeply about this democracy. They believe that in a democracy, the right to vote is sacred, and we should be making it easier for people to cast their ballots, not harder. They believe that no one – including the president – is above the law, and that no public official – including the president – should use their office to enrich themselves or their supporters.They understand that in this democracy, the Commander-in-Chief does not use the men and women of our military, who are willing to risk everything to protect our nation, as political props to deploy against peaceful protesters on our own soil. They understand that political opponents aren't "un-American" just because they disagree with you; the free press isn't the "enemy" but the way we hold officials accountable; that our ability to work together to solve big problems like a pandemic depend on a fidelity to facts and science and logic and not just making stuff up…. Because that's what at stake right now. Our democracy."
Another shameless example of liberal politicians applauding liberal politicians for turning truth on its head:

  1. "Joe and Kamala know… our true strength comes from setting an example the world wants to follow." Rioting and looting, violence and murder, burning police buildings and defacing public property based on a narrative of lies is hardly an example the world wants or needs.
  2. No one has even suggested impinging the rights of "peaceful protesters." A description clearly opposite the agenda of destruction and mayhem demonstrated by AntifaBLM and many Democrats leaders.
  3. The "way we hold we hold officials accountableis for the liberal media to provide endless forums promoting politicians and community leaders calling evil good and good evil. All the while denouncing voices of sanity and reason.
  4. Supporting and promoting months of nationwide anarchy, based on inverting truth and statistics opposes "fidelity to facts and science and logic" and is the very definition of "just making stuff up."

Even a majority of Republicans have done little to nothing to stoutly stand against such obvious evil. Up to and including President Trumps refusal to date to enact the Insurrection Act to put down domestic terrorism.

Never before has the spiritual and societal battle line been drawn so clearly. Even the genocide of abortion is largely unseen. More a religious and moral issue than continual in your face BLM rioting and looting, violence and murder. A campaign of terror supplemented with the tearing down of monuments, while bestowing martyrdom and sainthood on felons. Again, with the approval of a majority of the most powerful individuals, corporations and organizations in the U.S. if not world.

All this as the specters of apocalyptic events appear looming on the horizonSome, like Matt Walsh, a cultural and political commentator, pinpoint glaring lapses in judgment and common sense. Others forward more nefarious social and spiritual scenariosAs for a COVID-19 vaccine, there are a great many reasons for caution, up to and including genuine concerns in regards to efficacy and safety, not to mention medical professionals questioning plans to roll out genetic manipulation and even nano technology (if video link fails to play click here to download an important 20 min video).

Others speculate the introduction of a final New World Order. Possibly even the ushering in of the long foretold Antichrist, as well as the Mark of the Beast. The appearance of both, as Scripture plainly warnspredating Christ's prophesied Rapture of the Church. It's not hard to imagine a scenario where the primary, secondary and tertiary effects of global catastrophes such as COVID-19 play a significant role in the beginning of sorrows warned of in the gospels, epistles and Book of Revelation.

While bad news to be sure, there is hope in the knowing. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. At least for those with the eye's, ears and hearts willing to see, hear and understand. While discussing end time events, during His Olivet Discourse Jesus explains, "See, I have warned you about this ahead of time."

In regards to the last days, Christ's warnings are clear:

  • "This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again. If these days of trouble were left to run their course, nobody would make it. But on account of God’s chosen people, the trouble will be cut short." Matthew 24:21-22 The Message
Luke's gospel adds a following:

  • "But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36 MSG
Such passages introduce a Biblical principle as crucial as it is commonly overlooked. From Noah's floodwaters to Revelation's fiery holocaust, Scripture cautions preparation to escape cataclysm must be BEFORE judgment begins. During or after is too little too late. Zephaniah's end time prophecy regarding the Day of the Lord is a persuasive case in point:

  • "'I’m going to make a clean sweep of the earth, a thorough housecleaning.'" God’s Decree. 'Men and women and animals, including birds and fish—Anything and everything that causes sin—will go, but especially people.'" Zephaniah 1:2-3 MSG

  • "So get yourselves together. Shape up! You’re a nation without a clue about what it wants. Do it before you’re blown away like leaves in a windstorm, Before God’s Judgment-anger sweeps down on you, Before God’s Judgment Day wrath descends with full force. Seek God, all you quietly disciplined people who live by God’s justice. Seek God’s right ways. Seek a quiet and disciplined life. Perhaps you’ll be hidden on the Day of God’s anger." Zephaniah 2:1-3 MSG
The New Testament also elaborates against planning on "getting holy in a hurry" if and when tribulation occurs. Regarding the Before Principle, the author of Hebrews cites Noah as an example:

  • "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith." Hebrews 11:7 NIV
Here we find godly or "holy fear" an essential aspect of saving faith. A virtuous discipline best developed long before trouble strikes. Particularly when realistically hoping to escape man made calamity. Much less God's judgment.

The Bible repeatedly references the sad fact that God's own people often lack discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Without spiritual eyes and ears, hearts and minds to accurately comprehend and appropriately respond, we are easily deceived in both doctrine and lifestyle. Hundreds of Christian sects and denominations, each promoting various Christs and versions of the gospel, testify to our Enemy's cunning. If Satan could influence perhaps a third of Heaven's ancient, holy and glorious angles to rebel, mankind presents little challenge.

And if Churchianity's all over the board in regard to the Bible's major themes, what of more subtle issues? Up to and including accurately discerning the times and seasons in which we live? Intentionally or unintentionally, modern Christianity has a history of all but upending the obvious meaning of Scripture's most important meta messages.

When it comes to being off page, Christ leveled a terrible indictment against the rebellion and hypocrisy of the people of God in His day:

  • "You’re hopeless! You build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed. The tombs you build are monuments to your murdering ancestors more than to the murdered prophets. That accounts for God’s Wisdom saying, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, but they’ll kill them and run them off.’ What it means is that every drop of righteous blood ever spilled from the time earth began until now, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was struck down between altar and sanctuary, is on your heads. Yes, it’s on the bill of this generation and this generation will pay." Luke 11:47-51
Prophetic Christians do well to notice that the wording of Christ's dire warning introduces the principle of generational judgment. Such dreadful pronouncements are intended to put inattentive people groups and sinful societies on public notice.

  • " Next Jesus let fly on the cities where he had worked the hardest but whose people had responded the least, shrugging their shoulders and going their own way. “Doom to you, Chorazin! Doom, Bethsaida! If Tyre and Sidon had seen half of the powerful miracles you have seen, they would have been on their knees in a minute. At Judgment Day they’ll get off easy compared to you. And Capernaum! With all your peacock strutting, you are going to end up in the abyss. If the people of Sodom had had your chances, the city would still be around. At Judgment Day they’ll get off easy compared to you.” Matthew 11:20-24 MSG
Here again we see that Scripture, and life, are indeed a tests generating the gravest of results. Not merely for the Jews, who literally wrote the Book used in eternity's open book test, but by extension humanity itself. This holds doubly true for modern Christianity, on which the end of the age has come. A principle largely overlooked yet frequently reinforce by Scripture:

  • "These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else…"  1 Corinthians 10:11-12 MSG

  • "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." Revelation 3:14-18 MSG
Christ's chastisement of Laodicea is concerning and telling for a variety of reason. Earning the worst report card of the seven churches and/or church ages, Laodicea alone receives no compliment. Jesus' complaints however are many and cause for alarm. Up to and including His threat to vomit them out of the body of Christ for forbidden levels of worldliness and self deception. Serious charges, more indicative of modern Christianity than any other church age throughout history.

Laodiceans of all times and seasons clearly fail to understand spiritual warfare. Only a civilian would dare brag, "I'm rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone…" during the battles and shortages of cosmic spiritual war. Particularly when in actuality they were a, "pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless…" A war, by the way, about to increase exponentially. Overrunning the entire earth. Ruining the whole planet.

The Alive After The Fall video is a short but well produced overview of last day prophecies in light of recent events. It also offers a reasonable though fearful handling of America's currently apparent place in Biblical prophecy, along with resources to help equip individuals and families to survive what may well be coming. GB highly recommends watching the video, but if necessary you can click here to view the transcript.

When it comes to a nearly wholesale misunderstanding and/or under appreciating of Scripture, from its basic tenants to eschatology, only the context of conflict theology can make sense pf both modern Christianity's state of woeful deception and flagrant disregard for the Bible's clear and concise commands. Including Scripture's emphasis on sanctification and the virtue of fear, the harsh sayings of Jesus and Revelation's account of Christ's judging His Church


The Return

Hundreds of thousands of well educated clergy and laity alike fail the test of "
accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." Most are unfamiliar with repentive and honest Bible study and interpretation. Particularly in regards to the rules of emphasis and inference. Not to mention overlooking or undervaluing the context of conflict theology, an essential element in comprehending Scriptures vast content.

Even those discerning some or much of the above often cannot see certain crucial aspects of the forest for the trees. Some vital concerns, such as the impact of
abortion on the Church and the importance of being authentically pro-life remain hidden in blindspots. Consider the somewhat famous end time book, "The Harbinger… The Ancient Mystery that holds the Secret of America's Future" first published in 2012. As is the case with so many recent and influential Christian books, the New York Times best selling author Jonathan Cahn failed to mention the word "abortion" a single time. Even given abortion had been legalized in California since 1967 and the U.S. in 1973, almost forty years earlier. Not to mention the total of over a billion clinical and contraceptive abortions at that time represented at least 4 times the entire Earth's population in Christ's day! The same Christ who repeatedly warned in such crucial teachings as the Sheep and Goats and Good Samaritan, Rich Man and Lazarus and Rich Young Ruler, that each of our eternal destiny's will be largely determined by what we did and didn't do to and for His "least brothers."

Decades late to the pro-life party, other books of
Jonathan Cahn would partly give abortion its due. Noting its collateral damage on society, while failing to do justice to abortion's terribly successful campaign on its primary target, modern Christianity. Including its impact on such sacraments as worship and communion, prayers and even salvation. Recently he held a large scale self described Sacred Assembly called "The Return" with a primary focus on abortion, while calling for repentance leading to revival to address the otherwise disastrous fate of America. If not the world. His short introductory video was well made and contains many undeniable truths. His 50 minute video recorded message presented at the event was extremely well written and delivered. His research and insights, if correctly fact checked, were impressive indeed. Nevertheless, several serious errors remain. Both in kind and degree.

The Return, filling the National Mall and providing simulcast global accompaniment, was an impressive event featuring a roster of many well known Christian celebrities. Including President Trump Honoring “The Return” National Prayer and Repentance Day with an Official White House Proclamation:

  • "On this inaugural National Day of Prayer and Return, the First Lady and I join millions of Christians here in the United States and around the world in prayer, as we turn our hearts to our Lord and Savior. Our great Nation was founded by men and women of deep and abiding faith—a faith that has stood the test of time. Four hundred years ago, early American settlers trusted their lives to His providence and braved a voyage to a New World.  From the pilgrims who sought His protection aboard the Mayflower to the countless believers who today bow their heads to ask for His guidance during these unprecedented times, our country continues to turn to the Lord.  Following in our ancestors’ footsteps we continue the “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence” that provides us enduring strength and reassurance in our times of need. The trials and tribulations the American people have faced over the past several months have been great.  Yet, as we have seen time and again, the resolve of our citizenry—fortified by our faith in God—has guided us through these hardships and helped to unite us as one Nation under God.  As we continue to combat the challenges ahead of us, we must remember the sage words of President George Washington during his first Presidential Address: “propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”  As a country and a people, let us renew our commitment to these abiding and timeless principles. Today, I am pleased to join my voice to yours in thanking God for blessing this nation with great power and responsibility.  With reverence, humility, and thanksgiving, we beg for His continued guidance and protection."
In light of the unprecedented events of 2020, including the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and months long BLM domestic terrorist attacks, the perilous spiritual and socioeconomic state of America, if not the world, is of the utmost concern. As The Return event's founder, Jonathan Cahn's message warrants careful consideration.

GB recommends watching
Jonathan Cahn's message in its entirety. Afterwards, you may wish to reference the following partial list of Pro's and Con's:

Pro's

1. Clearly the events of 2020 are unprecedented and demand spiritual discernment.

2. Christians are commanded by Christ to be alert, attentive, ready and prayerful as end time events draw near.

3. Christians are directed to "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." And following God's perfect formula for repentance, humble ourselves and pray, seek God's face and turn from our wicked ways.

4. Many of America's founders where devout Christians intent on radical discipleship and evangelism.

5. America has not only lost its way, but is quickly becoming an enemy to itself and the gospel of Christ.

6. Abortion in is not only sinful, but racist by particularly targeting minorities, and as such is an anathema against God.

7. We stand at a crossroads, faltering between two opinions. Good or evil. Life or death.

8. There are divinely ordained parallels between Israel and America.

9. Repentance is our only hope of revival and a return to the sanctification and power of the early Church as demonstrated by the Book of Acts. Whatever it takes.

10. Prophetic advice, particularly Joel 2, directs God's people to repentant and embrace the kind of obedience required when calling the Sacred Assembly. And "afterward" God promises to greatly pour out His Spirit.

The partial list of important points referenced above are to be commended as well developed by Jonathan Cahn's message and intent in organizing The Return. Furthermore, any critique would be so subtle in nature that few, if any, would agree.

Nevertheless, that the following partial list of criticisms, based on the more positive points referenced above, is necessary should become clear to the more
honest and studious Prophetic Christian. GB's Quantum Christian Topical Commentary was created for just such an exacting task. In hopes of bridging the growing gap between 1st Century Biblical Christianity and 21st Century modern Churchianity in as fair and firm, factual and friendly manner as possible. Particularly during such perilous times and seasons in which we live and those looming on the horizon. All the more so among those endeavoring to draw near to our God, Whom is a consuming fire:

  • "See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:25-29 NKJV

Con's

1. The unprecedented events of 2020 require greater spiritual sensitivity and accurate discernment than many of the most celebrated Christians care to admit, or are currently capable of. This includes recognizing that as in nature, so supernatural darkness abhors a vacuum. Opportunistic, all darkness requires is the absence of genuine light. A litany of Scriptures, as well as many of the greatest Christians throughout history, have observed that given Jesus identification of Christians as the light of the world and salt of the earth, we are largely responsible for any increase of darkness and decay. All the more when hundreds of millions of modern Christians are willing participants in, rather that radical resistors against, many if not all, of society's sins.

Charles Finney, noted as the Father of American revivalism was said to have paved the way for such notables as Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and Billy Graham. George Williams was converted by Finney’s writings and inspired to found the YMCA. William and Katherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army, were also said to be heavily influenced by Finney. Attributed to be a leader, if not the chief architect, of America's Second Great Awakening, Finney emphasized the Christian responsibility for societal degradation most succinctly:

  • "If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the public press lacks moral discernment, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the world loses its interest in Christianity, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it."

2. While called to be "alert, attentive, ready and prayerful" modern Christianity is anything but, the vast majority involved in gross doctrinal and/or lifestyle errors. Highlighted by issues including, but hardly limited to, Biblical illiteracy and prayerlessness, entitlement and worldlinessimmorality and abortionassumed salvation and cheep graceinadequate fellowship and inappropriate worshippresumption and even profanity.

While Jonathan Cahn's excellently executed message gave lip service to these facts, doing so constituted less than 5% of his talking points. Often using "we" more as a stand in for America than the American church. While filled with Scripture verses and metaphor, he never ventured near
Christ's harsher commands to Christians or Revelation's record of Jesus judgment of His Church. Particular the Church of Laodicea of which modern Christianity is most certainly the living embodiment.

3. Christ's directive to "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation" has all but fallen on deaf ears and hard hearts. Few things are as rare as regular and lengthly prayer meetings. Even while our generation inverted morality and aborted billions through clinical AND contraceptive abortion (abortifacients regularly used by Christians as frequently as non Christians yet not mentioned by Jonathan Cahn). And James 4 Prayer of Anguish gatherings as commanded by Scripture are nowhere to be found. Even with churches across the U.S. and the globe deemed nonessential and shuttered for months on end, we've yet to genuinely comply with 2 Chronicles 7:14 first of four mandatory conditions to appropriately humble ourselves. Much less genuinely repent of our more obvious besetting sins of worldliness and entitlement. All this, while it's clear the emphasis placed on brokenness and pre-revival repentance, in both Old and New Testaments, is directed at God's own wayward people:

  • "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:4-8 NIV

4. As Jonathan and others have pointed out in detail, many of America's founding fathers and documents honor God's power and plan, provision and protection. Even so, the spirituality of the United States has always been quantum in nature.

Even as many thousands of Christian participants filled the National Mall, they did so surrounding the Washington Monument. Both a beloved American icon
and the world's tallest obelisk. Easily identified as an Egyptian occult and phallic symbol. Not to mention the All Seeing Eye within the Egyptian pyramid engraved on the back of the Great Seal Of The United States. Appearing above with the inscription that some have loosely interpret as "New World Order" and crowned with "Our Plans Have Succeeded."


One may well wonder what place does overt Satanic symbology have in the founding of a Christian nation? Particularly one often heralded by Christian leaders as directly ordained by God as preeminent, as well as prophetic type of Israel? Or as Scripture puts it:

  • "Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple?" 1 Corinthians 6:14-15 MSG
And what of Thomas Jefferson's Bible translation, purposefully excluding all accounts of Christ's miracles, including references to His Resurrection and passages asserting Jesus's divinity. As Wikipedia explains:

  • "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, commonly referred to as the Jefferson Bible, is one of two religious works constructed by Thomas Jefferson. The first, The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth, was completed in 1804, but no copies exist today. The second, The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, was completed in 1820 by cutting and pasting with a razor and glue numerous sections from the New Testament as extractions of the doctrine of Jesus. Jefferson's condensed composition excludes all miracles by Jesus and most mentions of the supernatural, including sections of the four gospels that contain the Resurrection and most other miracles, and passages that portray Jesus as divine."
These, and many other concerns, question the overly simplistic City On A Hill foundational narrative use by Cahn and others. All the more so when America's place in Biblical prophecy so closely resembles that of Mystery Babylon. A case documented by the previously mentioned, Alive After The Fall Video. Again, GB highly recommends watching the video, but if necessary you can click here to view the transcript.

5. Cahn is unquestionably correct that America has lost her way and opposes itself and the gospel of Christ. Yet rather than a new development, such enmity may have been present from the foundation of the nation as just discussed. Clearly, the hurricane of immorality making landfall in 1960's U.S. Sexual Revolution, has permeated every aspect of society, opened the floodgates of abortion and by the globally promotion of Hollywood and pornography. And along with wrapping the world in movies filled with occultism and gore, has "made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality [corrupting them with idolatry]." Thus destabilizing the very foundations of Judeo-Christian society throughout the world.

6. Given the quantity and quality of America and the world's war on the pre-born, abortion is far more than just sin. Rather, it is currently the pinnacle sin of mankind. A sin through which we continue to summon not only God's justice and judgment but the Antichrist and Mark of the Beast. All forms of abortion, clinical AND contraceptive, abortifacients being the preferred method used by hundreds of millions of Christians, have three main objectives:

Abortion's tertiary target are women and children. Thankfully, there is ample Scriptural evidence to show all children go to Heaven. And while post abortive women can be forgiven, not nearly so lightly as modern Christianity maintains.

Abortion's secondary target are the institutions ordained by God to provide and protect society, particularly its most vulnerable. A primary individual and corporate Kingdom responsibility documented by Christ's story (not parable) of the Good Samaritan when asked the ultimate question, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

Abortions primary target is and has always been modern Christianity. Through participation and/or indifference to both clinical AND contraceptive forms of abortion, Satan has devastate the efficacy of modern prayer, worship and the sacraments. Devilish gains the full extent of which few if any realize. The appropriate response to such successful and demonic national and global conflict theology far exceeds anything even remotely suggested by Jonathan Cahn's The Return. Or anyone else at this point.

7. The "We" who stand at a crossroads, faltering between two opinions, Good or evil, Life or death, is not the U.S. but modern Christianity. Once the slaughter of millions of Christ's "least brothers" began in earnest, America's fate was sealed decades ago. Given the 60 year success of Satan's campaign of abortion against First World Christians, only unprecedented acts of pre-revival repentance, leading to nothing short of renewal, revival and reformation can save modern Laodiceans from Christ, Heaven's Revenger of Innocent Blood.

8. There are indeed divinely ordained parallels between Israel and America. These include many metaphors of extraordinary mercy and grace, as well as horrendous accountability and coming judgment. As Jesus warned, "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."

For example, here's a parallel rarely if ever noted. God graciously identifies with the needy. Divine love reaching its zenith in Christ's incarnation and humble life, ministry and miracles, crucifixion and atonement, resurrection and ascension, intercession and advocacy, second advent and millennial reign, defeat of Satan and eternally rewarding the righteous. An identification so complete that we are repeating told that loving one's neighbor fulfills God's entire law.

So how well do we treat each other? America and the world are filled with literally billons of daily acts of neglect and abuse, anger and outbursts,
temptation and deception, violence and murder... Add to this our having aborted 4-8 times the world's entire population in Christ's day, and by extension Christ. Have we not superseded Israel sins many times over? The rejected their Messiah and King a single time. We our Savior and Lord repeatedly. If so, our generation, and America in particular, may well replace Israel and its townships as the most despised in the generational judgment of which Jesus warned:

  • "The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here." Matthew 12:41-42 NIV

  • "Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for youAnd you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:20-25 NIV

  • "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar." Matthew 23:33-35 NIV
While abortion is far from America's only sin, it is currently the pinnacle. And while the aborted pre-born aren't "prophets and sages and teachers" they may well be martyrs in God's eyes. And while Israel did kill many, including the Messiah, America has killed tens of millions, including Christ's least brothers. Our most consummate neighbors. Two souls in the same body. While exporting this gospel of death across the world.

Another unfortunate parallel between Israel and America may be God's glory departing from His Temple. In reading Ezekiel's fearful account a subtle but substantial point is nearly universally overlooked:

  • "Then I heard him call out in a loud voice, “Bring near those who are appointed to execute judgment on the city, each with a weapon in his hand." And I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with a deadly weapon in his hand. With them was a man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. They came in and stood beside the bronze altar. Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side and said to him, "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it." As I listened, he said to the others, "Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary." So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple. Then he said to them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go!" So they went out and began killing throughout the city. While they were killing and I was left alone, I fell facedown, crying out, "Alas, Sovereign Lord! Are you going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem?" He answered me, "The sin of the people of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice. They say, 'The Lord has forsaken the land; the Lord does not see.' So I will not look on them with pity or spare them, but I will bring down on their own heads what they have done." Then the man in linen with the writing kit at his side brought back word, saying, "I have done as you commanded." Ezekiel 9:1-11 NIV
While this passage contains a number of compelling insights, the following are most relevant to our day and age:

  • Here, as in so many Biblical passages, the message of God's judgment primarily concerns the behavior own His people.
  • The glory of God will not dwell, even in His own temple, when the righteous become wicked.
  • People of God perish when there is sin in the camp.
  • Prior to great judgment, God marks those who deeply anguish over the destruction of His people.
  • After decades, if not centuries of repeated warnings, God's judgment falls in such a way as to "destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem."
The term remnant is used throughout Scripture in a few different ways. One of which is to denote those with greater than average spiritual discernment and sanctification. If this holds true in the above passage, there seems to be a critical distinction between the remnant who are destroyed, and the remnant of the remnant who have fully entered into the protective crucible of the Prayer of Anguish.

9
. Truly genuine and appropriate repentance is our only hope of revival and a return to the sanctification and power of the early Church as demonstrated by the Book of Acts. Whatever it takes. The question is, what will it take to move clergy and laity, leaders and members of modern Christianity into the crucible of James 4's Prayer of Anguish? And what kind message will best inspire acts of appropriate repentance for unprecedented worldliness and worse?

For such beings as we, honest and heartfelt repentance is both an event and lifelong process fully encompassing our 
mind, heart and will. Seen from this perspective, repentance is best expressed in the military terminology "Halt, about face, march!"

In his extremely well thought out and written book, 
A Long Obedience In The Same Direction, Eugene Peterson, the author The Message contemporary language version of the Bible, describes repentance in the following manner:

  • "The usual biblical word describing the no we say to the world’s lies and the yes we say to God’s truth is repentance. It is always and everywhere the first word in the Christian life. John the Baptist’s preaching was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 3:2 RSV). Jesus’ first preaching was the same: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 4:17 RSV). Peter concluded his first sermon with "Repent, and be baptized” (Acts 2:38 RSV). In the last book of the Bible the message to the seventh church is “be zealous and repent." (Rev 3:19 RSV).
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."
Adding to the rarely heeded warnings of such notables as Finney and Kierkegaard, David Wilkerson's A Call To Anguish” (abridged version) begins with "Folks… I’m tired of hearing about revival. I’m tired of hearing about awakenings… Of last day outpourings of the Holy Spirit… I've heard that rhetoric for 50 years… Just Rhetoric. No meaning whatsoever. I’m tired of hearing about people in the church who say that they want their unsaved loved ones saved… I’m tired of hearing people say I’m concerned about my troubled marriage when it’s just talk… Rhetoric. And I look at the whole religious scene today and all I see are the inventions and ministries of man and flesh. It’s mostly powerless. It has no impact on the world. And I see more of the world coming in and impacting the church rather than the church impacting the world. I see music taking over the house of God. I see entertainment taking over the house of God. An obsession with entertainment in God’s house, A hatred of correction and a hatred of reproof. Nobody wants to hear it any more… Whatever happened to anguish in the house of God? Whatever happened to anguish in the ministry? It’s a word you don’t hear in this pampered age. You don’t hear it. Anguish means extreme pain and distress. The emotion so stirred that it becomes painful. Acute deeply felt inner pain because of the conditions about you, in you, or around you… Anguish. Deep Pain. And Sorrow. Agony of God’s heart…"

And sprinkled throughout this fearfully honest sermon David further cries:

  • All true passion is born out of anguish. All true passion for Christ comes out of a baptism of anguish.
  • Hear’s what God said, “I’ve heard the words of this people. They have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such a heart in them. That they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always that it might be well with them, and their children forever!”
  • “When I (Nehemiah) heard these words (regarding the ruin of Jerusalem) I set down and wept. And morned certain days and fasted. And prayed before the God of heaven.”
  • We face a similar situation except ours is many times worse.
  • Does it matter to you at all that God’s spiritual Jerusalem, the church, is now married to the world?
  • Does it matter about the Jerusalem that’s in our own hearts? The sign of ruin that is slowly draining spiritual power and passion? Blind to lukewarmness. Blind to the mixture that’s creeping in.
  • You won’t fight. You won’t labor in prayer anymore. You won’t weep before God anymore. You can sit and watch television and your family go to hell!
  • Does it really matter to you that your unsaved loved ones are dying and we’re getting closer and closer to the end?
  • Where’s the anguish. Where’s the tears. Where’s the mourning? Where’s the fasting?
  • It’s going to take more than preaching. More than a new revelation.
  • Please don’t tell me you’re concerned. Don’t tell me you want your unsaved loved ones saved while you’re spending hours before the internet or televisionCome on…
  • There’s going to be no renewal, no revival, no awakening until we’re willing to let Him once again break us. Folk’s it’s getting late and it’s getting serious.
These are the kinds of messages I had hoped to hear from The Return. And pray we soon will. Bear in mind, neither Kierkegaard, Finney or even Wilkerson had lived through the unprecedented events of 2020. Including the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and possible vaccine with genuine concerns in regards to efficacy and safety, not to mention medical professionals questioning plans to roll out genetic manipulation and nano technology.  Or the church complying when deemed unessential and ordered shuttered for months across America, and the globe. Devastating and murderous BLM domestic terrorist attacks. The perilous spiritual and socioeconomic state of America and the world.

Nor were Kierkegaard, Finney or even Wilkerson calling their meetings Sacred Assemblies, without first achieving the prerequisite pre-revival repentance.

Finally, in regards to repentance, a different leadership style might have proven more effective. Rather than bringing a large clay jar pot on stage and ceremonially shattering the vessel in a reenactment of an Old Testament prophetic account, Jonathan Cahn might have followed the example of Ezra as previously referenced. In prelude to calling one of Scripture's greatest Sacred Assemblies, Ezra ripped his clothes and cape, pulled hair from his head and beard, and slumped to the ground appalled. Seeing their high priest too ashamed to look up, many were "in fear and trembling" as he languished in the
prayer of anguish until evening.

While clearly without the authority or anointing of Israel's high priest, Jonathan might have made some or all the above points and then torn his own clothing, pulled out some of his styled hair and beard and got the repentance ball rolling by confessed his own sin. Starting with the
spiritual insensitivity of having written the Harbinger as an authoritative book on discerning the Times and Seasons and corresponding minutia within Biblical prophecy, all the while failing to mention abortion a single time. Even after what was then 4 decades of legalization, and 40 million of more murdered pre-born in America alone.

Rather than reading impressive, yet nonetheless outdated historical accounts, he might have penned and read a parable along the lines of that used by the prophet Nathan to confront David after his fall to the
deception of Satan in regards to his ludicrous adultery with Bathsheba (given he had multiple wives and could have taken any and many virgins in Israel). A sin followed by the orchestration of the traitorous murder of her faithful husband Uriah.

Perhaps one like that which I wrote on the spot and read aloud when attending a pastoral conference where we were all invited to ask for a fresh word from the Lord pertinent to the event:

The Wondrous Flock

A great flock with devoted shepherds pastured on every mountain and filled every valley of a land overflowing with milk and honey. Everything it imagined it accomplished as it drew all the Earth into the blessings of its prosperity. This wondrous flock grew strong, grazing wherever it desired, whether in land or sea or sky or even the heavens. No secret was safe as it began unlocking the very mysteries of creation. Feeding on knowledge, it feasted on the fruit of its forefather's labors, surpassing the hopes, dreams and prayers of all past generations.

But the more it tasted, the hungrier it became. The more it received, the greater its demands. The more it learned, the less it remembered the Word of the Good Shepherd: "What shall it profit to gain the world but lose your soul?” With each new achievement whetting its appetite, the flock stampeded in a feeding frenzy. Biting, battering and trampling more of the weak than in all previous generations combined. In devouring the fruit of knowledge, the flock swallowed half its own offspring.

Hear the heart of the Good Shepherd: What shall I say when I return for my flock?  “Well done, good and faithful servants. Enter into the joys of your Lord?” Or, "What have you done? The blood of billions of My lambs cries to Me from the Earth?" And how shall I judge My flock? All that you dreamed I gave you. And if that were not enough, you had but to ask Me and I would have given more. In return, all I asked is that you receive My Kingdom by receiving Me in your family and friends, your neighbors and visitors, your widows and orphans.

Now billions will say to Me, "Lord, Lord, we've covered the ends of the Earth making converts and helping the poor in your name." But I will ask, "Why are half My lambs slaughtered?  Why are you covered in their blood?" However you have treated the least of these, My brothers, you have treated Me.” He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: "Come, let us reason together. Though your sins be as scarlet you may yet be washed whiter than snow…”

A profound and reverent silence fell upon the gathering after gently sharing this parable. For well over a whole minute or two. Then we were excused for lunch and all was forgotten. The vast majority of today’s ministers, while trained to recognize and respond to good and evil, seem incapable of identifying, much less addressing, the pinnacle sin of mankind. And this after decades of legalized abortion and its cumulative effects.

Or perhaps, filling the National Mall and enamored with history, Jonathan might have lead the thousands of Christians gathered in an update version of the Star Spangle Banner. Something along the lines of what I wrote shortly after attending a Republican political event as the director of Right to Life of Central CA after listing to a preteen's beautiful but out of date rendition around 2004:

Oh Say Can You See...
What's become of our Light
While proudly we Hail
America's last Gleaming.
Blood red Stripes
Fifty Stars
Each a million Dead
Just so Far
While we pledge and we Sing
Our Children's Blood
goes on Streaming.
See Abortion's red Glare
Hear lies filling the Air,
"Choice, it's our Right"
to murder Children we Dare.
How long can our Star Spangled Banner
yet Wave
Or' a land become a Sea,
Of the Blood,
Of our Babes...


I suspect any or all of such choices would have proved memorable, meaningful and considered mean spirited at best. Nevertheless, we are called to speak the truth in love. The truth. The whole truth. And nothing but the truth. So help us God.

10. Prophetic advice, particularly Joel 2, mandates God's people repentant and embrace the kind of obedience required when calling the Sacred Assembly. Yet, as shown, Scripture suggests that the term Sacred Assembly should be reserved for those with the authority and/or spiritual power to effect immediate and substantial change. As in the case of Elijah and the queen of Israel's 450 prophet's of Baal. Following Elijah's fiery victory on Mt. Carmel, we are told God had preserved for for Himself "7,000 souls: the knees that haven’t bowed to the god Baal, the mouths that haven’t kissed his image." A fearfully small group, given Israel's population likely numbered in the low millions. And while these blessed men and women clearly pleased God, they seemed to make little or no practical difference in Satan's spiritual offensive devastating God's people and the world in which they lived.

As referenced when comparing Lot and Abraham, the difference between the secret 7,000 and the warrior prophet Elijah is that of a godly man verse a Man of God. Or put another way, a thermometer verse a Thermostat. The former may rightly tell the temperature. At least to some degree. The latter alone effects substantial change.
An important distinction. One making the afore mentioned critiques all the more necessary and meaningful.

As previously discussed,
Churchianity is ill prepared to discern, much less confront and overcome, past and present challenges. With hundreds of sects and denominations, clearly we've failed to invested the honest effort to Biblically judge between the many Christs the One true. Much less determine to what extent we actually believe, teach and/or obey the genuine gospel.

Unfortunately,
modern Christianity is overrun with faulty reasoning. From misinformation and mistakes to heresies and cults. Our modes operandi is based on the Laodicean model of presumption. Billions believe their Biblical understanding is correct, all evidence to the contrary. Millions quickly assume salvation based on response to a traditional alter call (as Cahn issued at The Return). Whole denominations supplant presumption for faith. Frequently to the point of engaging the kind of profanity that has proved deadly in the past:


  • In his joy and zeal in returning the Ark of the Covenant to Israel, the warrior and king, psalmist and prophet David also found treating the sacred too commonly a deadly mistake. Rather than transporting the standard of God’s presence on the shoulders of a single clan of Levites as prescribed, he chose another way. One that ended with Uzzah killed by God as he attempted to keep the Ark from falling.

  • The Book of Acts that Jonathan Cahn rightly hopes to emulate records a pair of New Testament believers, Ananias and Sapphire struck dead one after the other for exaggerating the amount of their free will gift to the apostle Peter. This passage is problematic on a variety of levels. First is the instantaneous death blow dealt to Ananias by the Holy Spirit, against Whom Ananias and Sapphira had sinned. Second is the follow up slaying of Sapphire, without any attempt by Peter to mitigate or intervene. Third is the precedent such a New Testament account sets, and it’s possible ramifications for modern Christianity. Wherein millions have held back for more from God than half the proceeds of sold property that was theirs to do with as they willed.
It's said the difference between medicine and poison is in the dosage. It can also be in the diagnosis. Unique in the New Testament, James provides a 14 point step by step prescription for those of us suffering from chronic worldliness. Regrettably, his rigorous regiment includes the spiritual equivalent of chemotherapy and radiation, heart and brain surgery. Facing such radical treatment, it’s little wonder we prefer to solicit far less intrusive opinions. Unfortunately, these are generally as ineffective as taking antacid for a heart attack or trusting band aids to cure cancer.

The Return is indeed a good start on a long and perilous journey. Not unlike that detailed in John Bunyan's
The Pilgrim's Progress which he began while imprisoned in 1664 by England, a Christian nation, for his unflinching faith. In its present form, The Return leaves much to be desired. It may prove to be the best modern Laodicea will do, or may be the first buds of truly Biblical repentant. Time and/or the end of it will tell.

Many will see The Return, and many if not all the topics presented, quite differently. Even those aware of some or all the above errors take comfort in the concept that something, however imperfect, is better than nothing. This proverb, while true, is also false.
Good may simply prove to be a distraction, when far from good enough. The outcome of completing only a partial course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy is doomed to fail. Performing only a percentage of a necessary heart or brain surgery produces false hope at best.

Calling the
Sacred Assembly is indeed what Old Testament prophetic advice requires. Scripture's "in case of emergency break glass" option, nothing less can possibly mitigate the current and future trouble and tribulation swiftly coming to try the whole Earth. A genuine Sacred Assembly is our one and only hope of turning Divine judgment into a new Pentecost, paving the way for renewal, revival and reformation. Not of the world, but of modern Christianity.

Sadly, these necessary events far exceed our current grasp. Such well intentioned efforts place the cart before the horse. First and foremost is the need for genuine and abiding
pre-revival repentance. On a scale previously unknown. One matching the depth and height of our myriad sins of commission and omission.

At this stage of the game, driven back beyond our own in-zone, if not out of the stadium, we must individually and corporately understand and enter the crucible of James 4's
Prayer of Anguish to even get back on the field. And do so before and during each step of the way.

We must become skillful and adept at correctly discerning when, where and who we are in light of what God has, is and is about to do.
At least some fraction of the remnant of the remnant must come to our senses, face the truth of our critical situation, and take the difficult steps prescribed in James 4.

Prophetic Christians are exceptionally honest and studious Bible students and intercessors, grasping much of both the context and content of Scripture. Such men and women seek God in faith, reasoning that He's said what He means and means what He's said. They're persuaded "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Both in His mercy and love, as well as harsh words and judgment of His church. Possessed of deep and abiding repentance, the labor for revival in the hope and fear of God. Understanding both the love and "terror of the Lord" they endeavor to persuade others to choose eternal life rather than death. Knowing they too are sinners, they treat others as they would be treated: firm, fair, factual and friendly. They compel the lost, including apathetic and disobedient Christians, to come into the Kingdom by first speaking the truth in love. Should compassion fail, they spend themselves and their lives trying to pull lost humanity from the fire. Up to and including their precious brothers and sisters within modern Christianity.

Yet even with such recommendations, few if any are ready and willing to "pray through" the Prayer of Anguish as commanded in James 4. Rather, like iron mixed with clay, while in many ways nearer the Lord than others in understanding and service, when it comes to true power evangelism and discipleship, we find ourselves all but off-line. We also often find ourselves lacking in one or more areas of radical discipleship. Thus short circuiting our attempts of being capable of praying the kind of effective, fervent and righteous prayers that avail much.

Many of today's Prophetic Christians fail to correctly discern certain aspects of the times and seasons in which we live. For example, having attended and/or led well over a thousand corporate prayer meetings, a rarity in themselves, far more often than not I've listened to intercessors out of tune and step with the what the Spirit is saying to the modern church. Once, deep into an all night prayer meeting that I had arranged, a well versed Christian women with decades of prayer meetings under her belt, skillfully wove together a beautiful tapestry of Scriptures. Most focusing on the promises of God, including those made to Joshua and the Israelites during the Exodus. While sincerely offered, what she and so many fail to realize, is that our time and place in history, and the Scriptures, is not in keeping with the Jewish Exodus but Exile. The Old Testament passages we should be mining for prayerful meaning are not those of exaltations of Joshua but the lamentations of Jeremiah. As well as Habukkuk's complaint and the glaring warnings of all the minor prophets.

Judaism had the glory and deliverance of Moses and the Exodus. Christianity the glory and empowerment of Christ and Pentecost. After nearly two millennia of obedience and blessing, disobedience and reproof, the long foretold Exile created the
Jewish diaspora. In keeping with Ezekiel's terrible prophecy, a third of Israel died by "disease or hunger," a third was slaughtered by the sword and "a third thrown to the wind and chased by killers." Along with others, Isaiah, recognized as perhaps the greatest of the major prophets, warned of six woes. Even going so far as to walk about naked for three years to make his point. Understanding the times and seasons strongly suggests that prayers and songs reflecting the Exodus are discordant with Biblical revelation of our time and place in history. Those reminiscent the Exile are far more in keeping with our present and future challenges.


For additional information on this topic, please peruse the many hyperlinks provided throughout this article. Other articles along this line include Prayer of AnguishCOVID-19Pre-Revival RepentanceA New PentecostProphetic AdviceRenewal, Revival or ReformationProphetic WitnessingContext Then ContentSatanLitmus Test, and Eternity…The Wager.






UPDATE: Roe vs. Wade Overturned


To the joy of countless millions, on Friday 6/24/22 the landmark decision Hobbs vs. Jackson by the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe vs. Wade. Thus auspiciously ending 40 years of national tyranny against 60 million pre-born.


Or at lease throwing the decision to allow mothers to continue conspiring with physicians to murder the offspring within their wombs back to America's 50 individual states...


While I now live in North East Texas, years ago I spent nearly 100 Saturdays at Central California clinics warning and imploring up to twenty girls a day to spare their babies. Via public parking constraints, forced to pass near I implored, “If God gives you the gift of a child don’t let anyone harm it.”

Often alone, sometimes there would be nearly a handful of us. On a good day, one or two mothers would listen and change their minds.

On many other occasions none at all.

As in Christ's end time parable of the
Sheep and Goats, there I discovered Jesus in His smallest and most innocent form. Totally dependent for “food” and “drink,” “naked” and “in prison” in the very womb of His mother. There I watched as He was repeatedly carried, “Like a lamb to the slaughter,” into a medical clinic. A most solemn and sorrowful scenario with grave spiritual ramifications.

One repeated in Fresno alone over 50,000 times.

In over two years I don’t recall a single member of the clergy or even lay leader joining us. Though I understand the odds may have somewhat improved through the influence of 40 Days For Life.

Only a fraction of fraction of a percent of ordained ministers have served as a director of a leading pro-life organization. Far less still have had the honor and responsibility to act as a leading liaison to over a thousand churches in state wide pro-life political initiatives.

With well over thirty years in
strategic Christian service, including more than a decade of pastoral ministry and pro-life activism, the author is privileged to belong to a select fraternity. This and other articles and books represent a culmination of experience. Using such depth perception, this commentary is intended to introduce the true nature of the challenge presented by abortion. Particularly to modern Christianity.

During California’s 2005 Prop. 73 Parent’s Right To Know initiative I produced the pro-life political DVD entitled “Protect Me…Please” to be shown in hundreds, if not thousands of churches, prior to or on election Sunday. Groundbreaking, the 3 minute video featuring post abortive laments of teenage girls, made the front page of both the LA Times and San Francisco Chronicle. Prop. 73 failed by a narrow margin.

During the subsequent Prop. 85 initiative I achieved another milestone. For the first time, four leading Protestant state denominations, the
Southern Baptists, Assemblies of God, Calvary Chapel and Foursquare, officially endorsed a political initiative. Again Parent’s Right to Know (PRK) was defeated.

Our third attempt in 2008 with Prop 4. affectionately dubbed “Sarah’s Law” failed as well. More than
political, my involvement was spiritually motivated. After having spoken to thousands of Christians across denominational lines, it was clear that far less than 1% of either clergy or laity had the vaguest notion of the scale of abortion’s true threat to either the pre-born or the Church.

As a topical Biblical commentary, Quantum Christianity was designed in recognition of the need to examine and handle truth carefully and honestly. Scriptural and otherwise. The nationalized legalization of clinical abortion, and its apparent overruling, presents a perfect case in point.

A faithful handling of the Old and New Testament requires would be students and adherents to develop
spiritual discernment on a variety of subjects crucial to Scriptural Christianity. The lack of which has produced hundreds of differing denominations espousing various Christs and versions of the gospel. Tragically, many of the hopeful insights inherent in Christ's command to "Judge with righteous judgment" continue to go largely unrealized within modern Christianity.

Such is certainly the case when considering the American church's 40 year track record in regards to appropriately responding to abortion. Or more accurately, the lack thereof. Both clinically and
contraceptively.

Bear in mind that church attending Christians could have ended abortion in a single day, 365 days a year, for nearly 40 years, by simply sending 1% of our congregations to have family friendly picnics in front of every abortion
clinic in America. With thousands peacefully blocking entrances, even should there be numerous arrests, the sheer numbers involved would shut down all abortuaries in a single day. With 99% more authentically pro-life Christians waiting for a chance to join cause.

Yet nothing could be further from the case.

Nor have we seriously addressed the widespread use of
abortifacient contraception throughout Christendom. A topic that many, if not most, pro-life organizations know or speak little about. Most often chemical in nature, early term abortions are a result of various forms of birth control and other devices. Abortions of this kind happen before the mother is aware of her pregnancy. The exact numbers are unknown. Some estimates suggest the daily total of these types of abortions may be surprising large. In the U.S. alone perhaps between 834,000 to over 4,000,000 per year (Dr. Bobmir Kuhar, Infant Homicides Through Contraceptives Pg 27.) Lower estimates range around 100,000 to over 1,500,000 annually (Randy Alcorn: Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions? How Often Does the Pill Cause Abortions?)

Thus the compelling need to rethink Jesus' directive to "Judge with righteous judgment" should be abundantly evident.

But is it? Throughout the
Hobbs vs. Jackson decision by the Supreme Court celebratory posts and podcasts, sermons and ceremonies, is there any awareness of the reality of the seriousness our situation? Or brokenhearted repentance in light of the depth of our failures?

Are any of today's joyful messages cognizant of the Bible's repeated warning that God is not mocked.


  • Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. Galatians 6:7 AMP

  • For they sow the wind [in evil] And they reap the whirlwind [in disaster]. Hosea 8:7 AMP
Is our revelry tempered with the sobering fact that while abortion is currently the pinnacle sin of mankind, it's only the tip of the iceberg? One floating in a WaterWorld of immorality unleashed by the continual and increasing tsunami of the 60's sexual revolution redefining and/or eliminating traditional marriage and family.

Such
devilish sociopolitical engineering undoubtedly ushered in such modern woes as career felon George Floyd's sainthood and efforts to undermine criminal justice. Antifa and BLM riots and violence. CRT and orchestrated racial tensions. C19's plandemic and goal overreach. Medical interference and harmful vaccines. Woke agenda and transgenderism. Biden's malevolent war on Ukraine and America's economy. All part of the Great Reset.

And these are just the highlights. All coordinated and choreographed by the clearly visible and menacing Iron Triangle of liberal global politics, media and corporations.

Yet even now,
modern Christianity, up to and including the vast majority of Prophetic Christians, refuses to discern the clearly repeated handwriting on the wall. And having done so, to enter the crucible of James 4's Prayer of Anguish in hopes of James 5's reconciliation to, and empowerment by, God.

Particularly the Person of the
Holy Spirit, Whom we continue to annoy and grieve, if not profane and blaspheme.

Instead, across America,
Laodicea is masquerading as Philadelphia. Lauding the Supreme Court for Hobbs vs. Jackson while the highest court in the land continues to sidestep or support all the devastating atrocities mentioned above. Many of which modern Christianity has yet to Scripturally repent of, up to and including sins of clinical and/or contraceptive abortion. In regards to commission and/or omission.

Mankind’s current pinnacle sin of abortion is spiritually quantum in a variety of ways. For example, it’s hardly just like any other sin. Even so, as with any other sin, it does require the event and process of genuine repentance. Like faith itself, honest and heartfelt repentance encompasses our entire mind, heart and will. As required by 2 Chronicles 7:14’s perfect formula for repentance.

The New Testament reiterates this principle in multiple ways. Putting the
penance in repentance, Scripture reinforces the need for a change of both attitude and action as exemplified in the old adage, “When is a thief not a thief?” The Bible’s answer is not when someone merely confesses. In and of itself a rarity these days. Not even when a thief stops stealing. That’s just an out of work thief. But rather:

  • If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” Ephesians 4:28 New Living Translation

Herein lies one of several grave errors in
modern Christianity’s understanding of Biblical repentance. All too often members are bid to simply believe in the cross of Christ, with little or no discussion of practical aspects of repentance and/or restitution. Much less of His command we daily shoulder our own. As Jesus’ brother James warned in regards to living and dead faith:

  • “Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That’s just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?” James 2:19-20 The Message

In continued support of
conflict theology, a military analogy perfectly exemplifies Scripture’s emphasis on the crucial 3 step process of genuine repentance:

  1. Halt: “If you are a thief, quit stealing.”

  1. About Face: “Instead, use your hands for good hard work…”

  1. March: “and then give generously to others in need.”
Before continuing to celebrate exchanging presumption for faith, perhaps some soul serious searching would be in order. The Roe vs. Wade debacle would be a good place to start...


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