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Artificial Intelligence vs the Mind of God

One of the most discussed topics in today’s world of technology is Artificial Intelligence, often referred to simply by its initials “AI.” Briefly stated, Artificial Intelligence is defined as the ability of machines to perform tasks that are typically associated with human thinking and intellect. Whether we realize it or not, most of us are users of AI in some limited way. When we search the Internet, watch a YouTube video, shop on Amazon, use voice recognition tools such as Siri and Alexa, or operate a self-driving car, we are often influenced, unknowingly perhaps, by Artificial Intelligence.

Such uses, as well as others, can prove to be of assistance to people in today’s technology-focused world. However, there are limitations to the value and validity of Artificial Intelligence applications. These limitations stem primarily from the fact that, ultimately, humans are responsible for the decisions made by AI systems. Are these decisions fair, ethical, transparent, and accountable? Humans must also take responsibility for any “unintended consequences” from AI systems’ failures. In many cases, such shortcomings of an AI application may require only minor adjustments. However, in a worst-case scenario, an AI failure could be catastrophic for an individual or for the masses.

At a more detailed level, the limitations of Artificial Intelligence can best be identified in three ways.  First, an AI system, developed and “trained” by humans, is only as good as the initial data put into it to act as its training. AI decisions and actions can be biased or flawed if the data it is given by their human trainers is likewise biased or flawed. Second, AI lacks emotional intelligence since it cannot factor human emotions, sentiments and mindsets into its decision-making. Third, although organizations are increasingly mindful of the need for adopting AI innovation, they often fail to approach it from a strategic, business-model, point of view.

The bottom line regarding Artificial Intelligence is that, given the limited and often faulty nature of human reasoning in this present sinful world, faith in the benefits of AI comes with a host of restrictions and cautions.

On the other hand, faith in the Almighty God of the Bible, the Creator of the universe, should be unwavering and limitless. God’s supreme intelligence, as well as his perfect character in the use of that intelligence, is not only far above that of any AI application, but also, far superior to any human mind which has designed these systems.

We note these powerful Scriptures: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8,9) “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?” (Rom. 11:33,34) “Where wast thou [Job] when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof?”—Job 38:4-6

Thanks be to God that there neither has been, nor ever will be, any “unintended consequences” from the results of his intelligence. It is based upon his four supreme and unwavering character attributes: his foundation of justice, his infinite wisdom, his boundless love, and his almighty power. Indeed, “Faith can firmly trust him, come what may!”

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Signposts of Our Lord’s Return

The two most important events in world history are the first and second advents of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Wouldn’t you agree? Jesus’ disciples asked him an important question in Matthew 24:3: “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (Greek aion – age)?” As we consider the second coming of our Lord, we look at the scriptures and find something very interesting in the Greek of the New Testament. Did you know that according to the Rotherham Bible, the Greek word “parousia” typically translated “coming” in English language Bibles should be translated “presence” in most cases? Does it make a difference? Absolutely.

If I asked you if your spouse or friend was on their way home (coming) or if they were at the door of your home (presence), there would certainly be a shift in meaning. One is you’re on your way and the other is you’re there already. In the Rotherham’s Bible appendix, p. 271, it says that the original Greek word “parousia” being translated “coming” in Matt. 24:3 (and 21 other times in the New Testament) is obviously wrong. For example, in 2 Corinthians 10:10,“parousia” clearly means presence. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, the translators couldn’t translate the Greek word as “coming” because it would have been absurd to do so. Here, Paul is contrasting his bodily presence with his absence to the Corinthians. Paul is contrasting his bodily “presence” with his being away and writing letters to them. Neither in Philippians 2:12 could the translators substitute “coming” for “parousia.” The verse reads, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence (parousia) only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” “Presence” for the Greek “parousia” is obviously the only correct word choice. Not “coming”! Therefore, the question arises, why not always translate the Greek word “parousia” as “presence”?

Thus, the question Jesus’ disciples were asking him in Matt. 24 was, “what shall be the sign of thy presence”? Jesus could have answered, “Well, just look for me in the sky” – but he did not. Why? Because Jesus also said in John 14:19, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me (Greek: “to be a spectator”) no more.” That is a plain statement. The world sees Jesus NO MORE! Thus, Jesus said in the verses following in Matt. 24:3, do not be in too much of a hurry. A lot of events and time will pass before you see me again.

But since Jesus gave up his perfect human life as a ransom for all (I Tim. 2:5-6), he will not be taking it back again as a human being. Although Jesus appeared as a man several times after his resurrection (Matt. 28:9,10,16-20; Luke 24:15-31,36-51; John 20:14-23,26-29), his disappearance at the end of each showed that he was no longer human but a great spirit being, whose appearance in his spiritual glory blinded Saul of Tarsus. (Acts 9:3-8) Jesus will NOT fly through the sky in a rapture scenario for the world to see.

Instead, we will have to look for the signs of his invisible presence because he will never return as a human being again.  Even Paul told the Thessalonians in 2 Thess. 2:2, something quite similar when confronting those who were teaching that the “day of Christ” had already come. Paul could have said, “Christ could not be here yet, otherwise you would see him in the clouds.” That would have been a simple answer to their mistaken assumption. Instead, in verse 3 Paul gave them two signposts of events that would have to take place before Christ’s day would come and Jesus’ returned. Those signposts would be (1) a falling away of the faith and (2) the man of sin being revealed.

There are many signposts of Christ’s presence in the world today. Israel, returning to their land after 26 centuries, is a huge signpost (Daniel 12:1; Matt. 24:32,33). A time of trouble such as never was before in the world was prophesied by both Daniel (Daniel 12:1) and Jesus (Matt. 24:21,22) as another signpost. Daniel prophesied knowledge being incredibly increased, and travel being dramatically increased as well as signposts (Daniel 12:4). When reading Daniel 12: 1-4, recognize that Daniel’s people were Israel.

Most of the world and Christianity are in the dark regarding our Lord’s return. However, if you would like to walk in the light of what the scriptures give us as signposts of our Lord’s invisible return, we offer the booklet “Our Lord’s Return” listed below. For a more in-depth study, we offer the books The Divine Plan of the Ages and The Time is at Hand, both from the series Studies in the Scriptures. See the advertisements for these under the Books listed on our website.

May the eyes of your understanding be opened to this great truth is our prayer. Amen.

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Views from the Cross

Christianity at a Crossroads?

It seems as if Christianity is at a crossroads. Some promote “Christian nationalism” while others mix politics and the Christian faith. Christianity is being pulled into such conflicts as gender identity and racial, social and income inequality. How should the follower of Jesus navigate these conflicts?

Shortly before his death, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “What shall be the sign of thy presence and of the end of the age?” (Matt. 24:3 Revised Version Improved Corrected) How would they know when Jesus had returned? In his response Jesus said, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be thereafter. And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matt. 24:21,22 RVIC) Jesus’ return would be identified by a great time of trouble.

Daniel prophesied about this same trouble in Dan. 12:1, New American Standard Bible: “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.” Michael (Christ) would stand up (return) and begin the process of bringing “the sons of your people” (Jewish people) back to their homeland. The reestablishment of Israel fulfilled this. At this time, Jesus would also reward his followers, “everyone who is found written in the book” with a resurrection to the spiritual home he promised them.—John 14:2,3

Peter described this troubled time: “The day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10, NASB) The returned Jesus is bringing this present evil world of which Satan is the prince, to an end so he can replace it with his earthly kingdom. (Gal. 1:4; 2 Cor. 4:4) “But according to his promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth (Christ’s earthly kingdom), in which righteousness dwells.”—2 Peter 3:13, NASB
Meanwhile, there is a great separation taking place in Christianity. The parable of the wheat and the tares promises the tares (imitation Christians) would be separated from the true Christians, grouped together in bundles, and exposed as imposters. (Matt. 13:23-30,36-43) Similarly, Jesus’ parable of the dragnet describes a great separation between true, and imitation Christians at this time. (Matt. 13:47-50) The conflicts mentioned above are doing that separation.

Not everyone today, who says they are a Christian, is a true follower of Jesus. In this trouble, the true Christians will be separated from the false and receive the great spiritual reward God has promised. The imposters will have a chance for an earthly salvation in Christ’s kingdom.—1 Cor. 2:9; 1 John 3:2

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Precious Promises

To those striving to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the Apostle Peter writes that God has given “great and precious promises.” These are the promises that enable one “to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” (2 Pet. 1:4, New Living Translation) God’s promises are sure and steadfast, unlike those of fallen mankind, which often are made but too seldom kept. Our Heavenly Father’s words will not “return unto him void,” the Bible states.—Isa. 55:11

In our opening verse, Peter makes two important statements about the power of God’s promises. First, they enable the Christian to be a partaker of the divine nature and gain a share in the heavenly kingdom. Second, these promises assist the follower of Christ to escape the many corrupt passions and human desires so prevalent in the world today.
Continuing his lesson, the apostle reminds us of our responsibilities in order to receive the full benefits of God’s promises. He says, “Make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.”—2 Pet. 1:5-7, NLT

The precious promises of God are found throughout the Bible. Two Old Testament examples are these assurances: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Josh. 1:9; Isa. 26:3) From the New Testament, we have Peter’s concluding words of our lesson. “So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—2 Pet. 1:10,11, NLT

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“Thou shalt have no other gods before me” – Exod. 20:3

As professing Christians, these words should cause us to pause and reflect on the depth of our fear (reverence) towards the Heavenly Father. The Decalogue is a brief synopsis of the whole law given by God to Israel to show them where the line is drawn between righteousness and sin.  Paul tells us that the Law was given to show the exceeding sinfulness of sin that leads to death. (Rom. 7:13)  Always remember that the Lord said he who lives the Law perfectly will be entitled to life and never die. (Leviticus 18:5) The Law was meant to convince men of their sinful state and need of a redeemer.

Jesus was asked by one of the scribes and Pharisees to tell them what the greatest commandment was. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:37-40)   We have the words of our Heavenly father and those of the only man who lived the law perfectly, Christ Jesus.  By this man’s obedience to the Lord’s word, even unto death, we have the ransom paid for all to be resurrected in due time. 

How fitting is it for the first command in God’s law to be that we show our love for the Creator by our desire to worship, praise and honor him above all else. Job, family, money, possessions, fame or power should never be placed above or even equal to our God.  Love for our fellow man proves our love for the Heavenly Father.  Acknowledging Jesus as our ransom for sin and redeemer, we glorify God, the author of the grand plan that will ultimately recover men from the bondage of sin and death.

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Prophecies

PROPHECIES in the Bible can be very remarkable for those who chose to examine them. For example, Israel’s restoration to their homeland prophecy involving the great conqueror, King Cyrus of Persia. God, through the prophet Isaiah, predicted over 150 years before Cyrus was even born, that Cyrus would be instrumental in rebuilding Jerusalem. (Isa. 44:28, 45:1-6) He would make it possible for the exiled Jewish people to return to their homeland from their Babylonian captivity. (2 Chron. 36:20-23) Thus, before King Cyrus was even born and rose to power, he was prophesied by name to give the exiled Jews permission to return to their homeland. See also Ezra 1:1-4, 3:7, and 4:3.

The Prophet Daniel prophesied “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation,” plus there would be a remarkable increase of knowledge and people traveling “to and fro” in the “time of the end.”  During this time, Israel would, after 26 centuries, be returned to their promised land. Daniel prophesy describes today—Daniel 12:1-4!

The word prophecy in the New Testament translated from the Greek word “propheseia” which means “prediction”. The Bible is full of predictions, like those stated above and in other places like the book of Revelation. Fulfilled predictions of Scripture help to confirm the testimony of God’s written word as true and accurate. It strengthens the faith and convictions of a true Christian. If we study the scriptures accurately, we can get a “fix” on the prophetic timeline – and have not only a better understanding of where we ARE on that timeline, but we can make better choices in how we think and act accordingly. Find out more about fulfilled prophecies and the Bible’s predictions of a better day ahead for the human race – a “golden age of prophecy” – by ordering Studies in the Scriptures.

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Alpha and Omega

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Rev. 22:13) To understand these words, we go to John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”

In these verses “the Word” is a translation of the Greek word Logos [Strong’s #G3004], and signifies mouthpiece or special messenger. This was Jesus’ name while he was a spirit being in heaven prior to being made flesh. Additionally, the phrase “was with God” in John 1:1 should read “was with the God,” and the phrase “was God” should read “a god was the Logos.”—vs. 1 Emphatic Diaglott

While Jesus was a human being on earth, he was holy and perfect, sinless, separate and peculiar from all others. (Heb. 7:26) As a result, “he taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matt. 7:29) “The officers to the chief priests … said … never man spake like this man.”—Matt. 7:45-46

Whatever others thought or said of him, he claimed to be sent of God. “I came down from heaven.” (John 6:38) “I am the living bread which came down from heaven.” (John 6:51) Before the Pharisees, he declared, “I know whence I came and whither I go. … I am from above … I am not of this world … for I proceeded forth and came from God … he sent me.” (John 8:14,23,42) In John 8:58 he adds, “Before Abraham was, I am!”

These scriptures confirm for us the pre-human existence and glory of our Lord, as he expressed it in John 17:5, “O Father glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” Additionally, the Apostle John writes regarding Jesus, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”—John 1:10

The only way we can understand Jesus to be the Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the end, is to recognize that he was the first, only and last direct creation of God. (Rev. 1:8; 3:14; 21:6; 22:13) “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [created before the rest of creation]; For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible … And he is before all things and by him all things consist.”—Col. 1:15-17

Jesus had left his spiritual wealth behind by humbling himself to be made flesh and taking the form of a servant. As a man Jesus had none of the world’s possessions. “The Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:20) Jesus further humbled himself becoming obedient unto the death of the cross. Because of his faithfulness unto death, “God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”—Phil. 2:7-11

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God Shows Mercy

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he deligteth in mercy.” (Micah 7:18) Certainly, after reading our theme verse we should immediately conclude that there is no God greater than the true and living God. We know him as “the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Matt. 22:32) He is the author of the wonderful “plan of the ages,” and the giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift.” (Eph. 3:11 Emphatic Diaglott; James 1:17) He is so great, that even one of the scribes to whom Jesus spoke, responded after hearing about the majesty of God, “Well, master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God, and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength … is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:32,33) Truly, no god of man’s imagination can compare with the one God of love, compassion, mercy, wisdom, power, and justice.

Even when man fell in the Garden of Eden, we know that the penalty for disobeying God was a just one. (Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:17-19) Through his mercy God provided a way of escape from the penalty of sin and death that came upon all of mankind because of Adam’s transgression. In Genesis 3:15, he promised that the seed of the woman [Christ], shall crush the serpent’s [Satan] head. This is further shown to us in the words, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16,17; Luke 1:50) Similarly, “God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) … through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith, it is the gift of God. (Eph. 2:4,5,7,8) Thus, we should see that “God our savior” makes our salvation from sin and death possible “through Jesus Christ.”—Titus 3:4-7

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Sacrifice of Praise

David associates the altar in the Tabernacle of God—symbolic of sacrifice—with the voice of thanksgiving. This indicates that wholehearted thanksgiving calls for sacrifice. (Ps. 27:6) Nothing short of this should be considered an adequate response to the Lord in return for all that he has done for us. The Apostle Paul expresses this thought, saying, “By him [Jesus] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Heb. 13:15) Here, Paul may have had in mind the statement of Hosea 14:2, where the prophet speaks of rendering to God the “calves of our lips.” In any case, the thought is that true Christian thanksgiving involves sacrifice, as foreshadowed by the typical sacrifices of the Tabernacle.

There are various ways by which we can offer the sacrifice of praise to God. We can sing hymns of praise which, without doubt, is pleasing to him. We should also express our thanks to God by means of prayer. It is a blessed privilege to pour out our hearts to him in praise and adoration, telling him how much we love and appreciate him. (Ps. 22:25; 34:1; 109:1) Such incense of praise is a sweet-smelling savor to our Heavenly Father. It is this form of praise that is pictured more particularly by the offering of incense at the Golden Altar in the Holy of the Tabernacle.—Exod. 30:1-8,34-38

Although prayers, adorations and praises might be considered the most direct offerings of incense to the Lord, he has so arranged matters that we cannot offer these sincerely and acceptably except as we have his spirit. That Christ might be formed within you—his mind and principles—you are to “live according to God in the spirit.” (I Pet. 4:6) If we have his spirit, while we offer incense on the Golden Altar, we will also be offering upon the Brazen Altar in the court good works. “As we have therefore opportunity,” we will seek to “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”—Gal. 6:10

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“Good Tidings of Great Joy”

Concerning the “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people,” (Luke 2:10), these pertained to the birth of Jesus. We also recall the words that pertained to our Lord Jesus and found in Isa. 61:1-3: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison house to them that are bound, … to comfort all who mourn. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, … the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the footstep followers of the Lord are ordained or commissioned to preach the Gospel. (Luke 4:17-21; I John 2:27; I Peter 2:9) Paul said in I Cor. 2:2 and 9:16, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” and “woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel.” Similarly, we read in II Tim. 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season (both when it is convenient and when it is not) … exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”

The message to the world from the Father through his people is to “fear not,” for God is both gracious to forgive, and has provided a ransom price to take away the sins of the world—his only begotten son Jesus. (John 1:29-34; I John 2:2) Therefore, we should give to the world the hope and encouragement of God’s word that there are indeed better times ahead for them. (Isa. 9:6) We are to plant the seeds of hope that will one day grow and bear fruit when in Christ’s earthly kingdom the eyes of all mankind will be opened to see the blessings God has promised. (Matt. 6:10; Isa. 35:5-10) “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”—Isa. 25:9

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