The Christian Compass…
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Welcome to This Week's Christian Compass!
This week has been a powerful journey back to the foundational truths that define authentic Christian living. We've confronted uncomfortable realities about the modern church, examined what true biblical leadership looks like, and rediscovered the essential nature of Christian community and disciple-making.
We began by addressing the heart of the gospel and the mission of Back to Basics: Christian Living—a call to strip away the fluff of entertainment-driven Christianity and return to the transforming power of God's Word. In a world where truth has been compromised, we're committed to equipping believers with bold, uncompromising biblical content that challenges cultural Christianity and builds lives on the solid rock of Christ.
On Tuesday, we tackled the painful reality of denominational division—thousands of separate camps claiming correct interpretation whilst the watching world sees only our fragmentation and turns away. We explored how this splintering contradicts Jesus' fervent prayer for unity and examined practical steps towards healing these divisions by returning to Scripture alone as our authority and humbling ourselves to admit when we're wrong.
Wednesday's teaching reinforced why this ministry matters—standing firm in truth when biblical literacy is declining and spiritual compromise is rampant. We challenged believers to move beyond passive Sunday Christianity into daily obedience, where their entire manner of life reflects the gospel's transforming power, whilst exposing false doctrines that have infiltrated the modern church.
Thursday brought an urgent message about godly leadership. The church desperately needs shepherds who prioritise character over charisma, who will feed the flock with sound doctrine, protect believers from false teaching, and lead by servant-hearted example. We examined the biblical qualifications and weighty responsibilities that come with spiritual leadership, emphasising that true authority is exercised through sacrifice and service, not power and popularity.
Friday's teaching explored Christian community and disciple-making—two inseparable aspects of authentic faith. We examined how genuine Christianity cannot be lived in isolation, but requires devoted fellowship where accountability sharpens us, gifts are exercised for mutual edification, and burdens are borne together. Coupled with this is the Great Commission calling every believer—not just leaders—to make disciples, creating a beautiful cycle of being discipled whilst discipling others.
Throughout the week, we've offered practical challenges to help you live out these truths: praying for unity, bridging denominational divides, realigning compromised areas with Scripture, serving sacrificially, taking steps in disciple-making, and deepening authentic community. These aren't merely suggestions—they're invitations to move from knowledge to obedience, from hearing to doing.
Now, as we close this week's Compass, we must address a crucial issue that affects how we receive and apply all these teachings: the dangerous tendency to treat God's Word as mere opinion rather than objective truth. This final reflection challenges us to approach Scripture with the humility and submission it demands, recognising that transformation only comes when we allow God's Word to change us rather than attempting to change it to suit our preferences.
May this week's teachings inspire you to build your life on the unshakeable foundation of God's truth, to pursue unity in Christ's body, to embrace servant leadership, to invest deeply in Christian community, and to faithfully make disciples who will do the same. The world is watching—let's show them a Christianity that's real, grounded in truth, and reflects the character of Christ…
Weekly Inspirational Reflections: A weekly segment offering spiritual insights and biblical reflections to inspire and strengthen your Christian Walk…
The Church at War
Time to Stop Fighting Ourselves & Start Obeying God...
The church is in crisis—not because of external persecution, but because we're tearing ourselves apart from within. Jesus prayed fervently "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21 KJV). Yet today, we've fractured into thousands of denominations, each convinced they've got the corner on truth whilst the watching world sees only our division and turns away in disgust.
Don't misunderstand—some battles are worth fighting. Paul warned Timothy to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV). When the gospel itself is under attack, when false teachers arise proclaiming another Jesus or another gospel, we must contend earnestly for the faith. But let's be honest: most of our infighting isn't about core doctrine. It's about preferences, traditions, and interpretations of secondary matters whilst we neglect "the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith" (Matthew 23:23 KJV).
We've become masters of theological debate but failures at basic obedience. We can argue eschatology for hours yet struggle to follow the simple command: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35 KJV). How many lost souls have rejected Christ not because they heard the gospel and found it wanting, but because they looked at His church and saw only hypocrisy, division, and lovelessness?
Here's the uncomfortable truth: much of modern Christianity bears little resemblance to the faith once delivered to the saints. We've built entertainment empires where Jesus established houses of prayer. We measure success by attendance figures and offering plates rather than transformed lives. James asked pointedly: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" (James 2:14 KJV). Dead orthodoxy without living obedience is worthless.
The solution isn't more debate—it's more doing. Jesus was clear: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21 KJV). The apostles didn't just preach correct doctrine; they lived it with radical obedience that turned the world upside down.
So here's my challenge: stop arguing about what Scripture means and start doing what it clearly says. Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44 KJV). Forgive those who wrong you (Ephesians 4:32 KJV). Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2 KJV). Make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19 KJV). When we return to basics and walk in obedience, the Spirit's power becomes evident and empty religion gets exposed.
Church, it's time to stop fighting each other and start advancing God's kingdom. The question isn't what we think Scripture says—it's whether we're actually doing what it commands. "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22 KJV).
Weekly Review: exploring our daily journey of building strong spiritual foundations…
Monday 26/01/26
The Heart of the Gospel
Back to Basics: Christian Living is a call to return to the unchanging foundation of God's Word in a world where truth has been compromised and the gospel watered down. This ministry cuts through the noise of modern Christianity to rediscover the power and simplicity of biblical faith. It's about going deeper into Scripture, prayer, and relationship with God—not settling for entertainment-driven services or shallow teaching. Here, you'll find bold, uncompromising content that tackles hard questions, challenges cultural Christianity, and equips you to live out your faith authentically. Whether you're hungry for spiritual depth, tired of superficial sermons, or longing to build your life on the solid rock of Christ, this is your invitation to strip away the fluff and return to what matters most. The world is watching to see if our faith has transforming power—let's show them a Christianity that's real, grounded in truth, and reflects the character of Christ. This isn't about religion or legalism; it's about freedom through knowing and living God's truth, standing firm in conviction, and making an eternal impact for the kingdom…
David Waterhouse
Tuesday 27/01/26
The Path Forward: Practical Steps Towards Unity
The Christian church stands divided into thousands of denominations, each claiming correct interpretation of Scripture—yet this fragmentation contradicts God's clear design for unity. Scripture reveals one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, yet what seekers encounter is confusion, competition, and condemnation amongst believers. Jesus prayed specifically for unity so the world would believe, but our divisions push people away from the very truth they're searching for. This splintering didn't happen overnight—it grew from false teaching, personal ambition, and especially human pride, as leaders refused to submit humbly to one another, preferring to establish their own interpretations as supreme. Whilst we must stand firm on core doctrines like Christ, salvation by grace, and Scripture's authority, many denominations exist over secondary matters that should never have divided the body. When unbelievers observe Christians arguing and forming separate camps, they understandably question whether any of it is real, sometimes concluding there is no truth to know. The solution requires returning to Scripture alone as our authority, humbling ourselves to admit when we're wrong, and focusing on Christ rather than denominational distinctives. The problem isn't God or His Word—it's our failure to submit fully to both. The true body of Christ exists across all denominational lines, including everyone who genuinely trusts in Jesus for salvation. Though we fail to achieve unity through human effort, Scripture promises Christ will ultimately present His church unified, glorious, holy, and without blemish. Until that day, we must endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, pointing people to Christ rather than to our camps, recognising that our Saviour prayed for the very unity we so desperately need to pursue…
David Waterhouse
Wednesday 28/01/26
A Call to Stand Firm in Truth
In an age of spiritual compromise and declining biblical literacy, Back to Basics: Christian living exists to call believers back to the foundational truths of God's Word. This ministry challenges the modern church to examine whether it reflects New Testament patterns or has drifted into entertainment and motivational speaking devoid of biblical substance. We equip believers to move beyond passive Sunday Christianity into daily obedience, where their entire manner of life reflects the transforming power of the gospel. By exposing false doctrines like prosperity theology and lawless grace whilst gently pointing people back to Scripture, we help Christians recognise counterfeits and build their lives upon the solid rock of God's truth. Through daily blogs and YouTube content, we address the reality of spiritual warfare, encourage the biblical exercise of spiritual gifts, and emphasise that true discipleship requires not just hearing but doing the Word—obedience, sacrifice, and daily surrender to Christ's lordship. Our mission is simple yet vital: to teach, challenge, encourage, and equip believers to stand firm and live victoriously in Christ…
David Waterhouse
Thursday 29/01/26
The Urgent Call for Leadership
The church of Jesus Christ urgently needs godly leaders who will shepherd God's people according to biblical standards in this age of spiritual compromise and doctrinal confusion. From the Old Testament patriarchs to the New Testament apostles, God has consistently called and appointed leaders to guide His people, and establishing such leadership in every church is not optional but essential. Scripture provides clear qualifications for church leaders that emphasise character above charisma, requiring blameless conduct, faithful family life, self-control, and teaching ability rather than worldly success or popularity. These leaders bear weighty responsibilities to feed the flock with sound doctrine, protect believers from false teaching, proclaim God's Word without compromise, and maintain a foundation of prayer in all their activities. True biblical leadership is fundamentally about servant-hearted service and sacrifice rather than authority and power, following Christ's example of washing His disciples' feet and becoming the servant of all. Leaders must possess courage to stand for biblical truth even when unpopular, confront sin when uncomfortable, and refuse to compromise Scripture to accommodate cultural trends or appease critics. Current leaders have a responsibility to mentor and develop the next generation through intentional training and discipleship, ensuring godly leadership continues across generations. With this privilege comes sobering accountability, as leaders will give account to Christ for how they shepherded His flock and handled His truth. The church needs not self-serving politicians or charismatic entertainers, but faithful shepherds who will love God's people, proclaim His Word, and lead by godly example with humility, courage, and unwavering devotion to Christ and His church…
David Waterhouse
Friday 30/01/26
The Church Together: Fellowship & Disciple-Making
In this teaching on living in Christian community and making disciples, we explore the profound biblical truth that authentic Christianity cannot be lived in isolation. From the earliest days of the church, believers have been called to devoted fellowship, breaking bread together, and bearing one another's burdens as they follow Christ. This is not merely a suggestion but a divine design for spiritual growth and vitality.
We examine how Christian community functions as the essential context for discipleship, where accountability sharpens us like iron sharpening iron, where spiritual gifts are exercised for mutual edification, and where conflicts are resolved through biblical principles that prioritise restoration over division. The Apostle Paul's instruction to bear one another's burdens reveals the practical, sacrificial nature of Christian love that should characterise every disciple community.
But our calling extends beyond fellowship amongst ourselves. The Great Commission charges every disciple—not just church leaders—with the responsibility to make disciples of all nations. This means sharing the Gospel with boldness and grace, mentoring new believers, and investing in faithful individuals who will teach others also. Thus, a beautiful cycle emerges: we are discipled in community whilst simultaneously making disciples who expand that community, creating generations of faithful followers who observe all that Christ commanded.
This teaching challenges us to return to these basic yet transformative truths: that we need one another, that we are called to actively participate in each other's spiritual journeys, and that every disciple has a role in advancing God's kingdom. When we embrace both community and commission, we experience Christianity as it was always meant to be—a dynamic, life-transforming movement that changes individuals, families, churches, and ultimately nations for the glory of God…
David Waterhouse
Living Out Our Faith: Weekly Challenges! A practical guide offering weekly steps to apply your spiritual learning. These challenges turn Bible teachings into daily habits through simple, doable actions…
This Week's Living Out Our Faith Challenges:
As we reflect on this week's teachings about unity, leadership, community, and disciple-making, let's put these truths into action through practical steps that will transform our daily walk with Christ.
Monday Challenge: Pray for Unity
Spend time today praying specifically for unity within the body of Christ. Ask God to reveal any pride or divisiveness in your own heart, and pray for at least three other churches or Christian leaders in your community by name.
Tuesday Challenge: Bridge a Divide
Reach out to a fellow believer from a different denomination or church background. Have a conversation focused on what unites you in Christ rather than what divides you. Listen humbly and look for common ground in the essential truths of the Gospel.
Wednesday Challenge: Return to the Word
Examine your daily routine and identify one area where you've compromised biblical truth for cultural acceptance or convenience. Make a concrete plan to realign that area with Scripture, and share your commitment with an accountability partner.
Thursday Challenge: Serve Sacrificially
Practise servant leadership by doing something sacrificial for someone else without recognition. Wash someone's dishes, help with a burden they're carrying, or offer your time to serve in a way that costs you something—following Christ's example of humble service.
Friday Challenge: Make a Disciple
Take a practical step in disciple-making today. Either share the Gospel with someone who doesn't know Christ, or reach out to a younger believer and offer to meet regularly for mentoring and spiritual growth. Don't wait for the "perfect" opportunity—start where you are.
Weekend Challenge: Deepen Community
Invite another believer or family into your home for a meal and genuine fellowship. Create space for authentic conversation about your spiritual journeys, pray together, and practise bearing one another's burdens in a practical way.
These challenges are designed to move us from knowledge to obedience, from hearing to doing. Remember, transformation happens not through information alone, but through application. Choose at least three of these challenges to complete this week, and watch how God uses your faithful obedience to strengthen your faith and impact others…
This Week's Key Takeaways:
- Unity in Christ transcends denominations: The church's division into thousands of denominations contradicts God's design. We must focus on essential gospel truths rather than secondary matters, recognising that the true body of Christ includes all who genuinely trust in Jesus for salvation.
- Return to Scripture as our sole authority: Many divisions stem from elevating human interpretation above God's Word. We must humbly submit to Scripture alone, admit when we're wrong, and prioritise Christ over denominational distinctives.
- Character over charisma in leadership: The church needs godly leaders marked by blameless conduct, faithful family life, self-control, and sound teaching ability—not worldly success or popularity. True biblical leadership is servant-hearted service and sacrifice.
- Christian community is essential, not optional: Authentic Christianity cannot be lived in isolation. We need devoted fellowship, accountability, mutual edification through spiritual gifts, and the bearing of one another's burdens as part of God's design for spiritual growth.
- Every disciple is called to make disciples: The Great Commission is not just for church leaders but for every believer. We must share the Gospel boldly, mentor new believers, and invest in faithful individuals who will teach others, creating generations of faithful followers.
- From knowledge to obedience: Transformation happens through application, not information alone. We must move beyond passive Sunday Christianity into daily obedience where our entire manner of life reflects the transforming power of the gospel.
Standing Strong in Faith! You are equipped with God's strength to build an unshakeable faith—one that will inspire generations to come!
It's a Matter of Opinion… Or Is It?
In today's world, truth has become increasingly subjective. "That's just your opinion" has become the standard response to nearly every moral or spiritual claim. Yet when it comes to God's Word, this approach crumbles under the weight of divine authority. The Bible is not an opinion-based book—it is the revealed truth of God, given to set us free, but only if we approach it as it truly is, not as we wish it to be.
Jesus declared, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32, KJV). Notice He didn't say "my opinion" or "your interpretation"—He said "the truth". God's Word stands as objective truth regardless of our feelings, cultural trends, or personal agendas. When we approach Scripture, we must come with humble hearts, willing to let God's Word transform us rather than attempting to twist it to confirm our pre-existing beliefs.
The tragedy is that many people read or listen to biblical teaching with the veil of their own agenda firmly in place. They hear what they want to hear, see what they want to see, and reject anything that challenges their comfortable theology. At Back to Basics: Christian Living, we've witnessed this repeatedly. Whilst many comments we receive are wonderfully encouraging and helpful, others reveal a troubling pattern: responses seared with personal opinion, lacking biblical knowledge, and clearly formed without engaging fully with the content presented.
Some rush to judgement after reading only a portion of an article or watching mere minutes of a video. This represents either lazy reviewing or, more concerning, a desire simply to be heard without any genuine element of biblical understanding. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy about such individuals: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:3, KJV).
The issue is not what we think—it's what God has clearly placed in His Word for us to believe and walk out in faith. This is our Christian mandate in the church. We are called to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22, KJV). When we approach Scripture with our minds already made up, when we cherry-pick verses to support our lifestyle choices, when we read our culture back into the text rather than allowing the text to speak into our culture, we are not truly engaging with God's Word at all.
Paul instructs us to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). Rightly dividing the Word requires careful attention, context, and a willingness to submit our opinions to God's authority. It means reading entire passages, understanding historical and cultural context, and comparing Scripture with Scripture rather than isolating single verses to build our preferred theology.
The solution? We must approach God's Word with humility, recognising that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10, KJV). We must read the whole counsel of God, not just the comfortable bits. We must be willing to have our opinions challenged, our hearts convicted, and our lives transformed. As Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (John 8:31, KJV).
God's Word is not up for debate. It is not a buffet where we select what appeals to us and reject the rest. It is the living, powerful, sharper-than-any-two-edged-sword truth of God (Hebrews 4:12, KJV). When we approach it as anything less, we rob ourselves of the very freedom Christ died to give us. The truth will set you free—but only if you're willing to embrace it as truth, not merely as opinion…
In Christ
David
