An ordinary boy

 As a child, Jesus grew up much like any other in His community, learning from His parents, playing with other children, and taking part in the daily routines of family life. There was nothing about His early years that set Him apart in a way that would have made Him seem extraordinary to those around Him. He learned obedience, experienced hunger and fatigue, and developed wisdom over time, just as any child does. Even His own brothers, having grown up alongside Him, saw Him as no different from themselves. By the time they were all adults, they did not immediately recognize anything about Him that marked Him as uniquely chosen by God. Their skepticism, recorded in the Gospels, suggests that Jesus’ early life was so unremarkable in appearance that His later ministry came as a surprise. It was not His childhood that made Him stand out, but His message, His wisdom, and His unwavering dedication to God’s will.

Behold the Lamb of God

 Exploring the way of a son of the Father, God. Jesus had it all going for him, since the Father, the one true God Himself, held nothing back from him. The miracles show this fatherly love of God for him. Jesus wanted to feed five thousand of his hearers at once, out in the middle of nowhere: No problem. Jesus wanted to walk on water in a storm: No problem. Jesus wanted to raise his close friend from the dead: No problem. His Father provided it for him. Yet despite all this, Jesus let his own life lessons be lessons from what he suffered. He even let his service for his Father, his God, be as a sacrificial lamb. In the Book of Revelation we see the Lamb there on his Father’s throne at the end of all things. Till eternity to come he will be the same. We do well to learn from and follow his path. 

What often passes for Christianity

 Hollow Philosophy? Wisdom of this Age? The thinking behind what passes for Christianity. Do not be taken captive by it.

What often passes, among ordinary folk in Christian heritage countries, as Christianity, is really Platonism. Ideas of what it means to be divine are perhaps more about Platonism and less about teachings of the Christ, Jesus.

Much of what has historically passed as Christianity, especially in intellectual and theological traditions, is deeply influenced by Platonism. The way divinity is conceived in Christian doctrine owes a great deal to Platonic and later Neoplatonic ideas, often more so than to the direct teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels.

Jesus’ teachings emphasize the relational aspects of God—love, mercy, justice, and the coming of God's kingdom on Earth. His focus is often ethical and eschatological rather than metaphysical. He speaks of God as a Father who cares for His children, forgives sinners, and calls for radical love. While he does assert his unity with the Father, his emphasis is on faith, transformation, and social justice rather than abstract discussions of divine essence.

As Christianity developed, particularly in the early centuries when it was shaped by thinkers like Augustine, Origen, and the Cappadocian Fathers, it absorbed a significant amount of Greek philosophical thought. Platonism provided a framework for understanding divinity as transcendent, immutable, and perfect. The Nicene doctrine of God as an absolute, unchanging essence and the Logos theology of John’s Gospel reflect a heavily Hellenized interpretation of Jesus’ significance. The idea of heaven as a realm of perfect, immaterial Forms, the soul’s ascent toward divine perfection, and the notion that God is the highest Good all show Platonic influence.

For many ordinary Christians throughout history, their understanding of God has been shaped by these Platonic-influenced doctrines rather than by a purely scriptural or historical Jesus-centered theology. Concepts such as the immortality of the soul, the beatific vision (seeing God as the ultimate fulfillment of human existence), and even the nature of divine omniscience and omnipotence have as much to do with Plato and his followers as with the teachings of Jesus.

This synthesis of Platonism and Christianity is not necessarily a distortion but rather an evolution of Christian thought as it engaged with the dominant philosophical traditions of the time. Whether this blending is seen as an enrichment or a departure from Jesus’ original message depends on one’s perspective.

What then is real Christianity? Firstly it is to believe in Jesus as the true guide sent by God, the mercy of God, the Christ come in the flesh. However, to be truly free from sin and bad habits, a person must also follow and live by His teachings. Jesus said that those who hold to His words are the ones who will know the truth, and that truth will set them free. Many people may say they believe in Him, but if they do not obey His teachings, their lives remain unchanged. Real faith leads to action—listening to His words, applying them daily, and allowing them to shape thoughts, choices, and behaviors. Without this, a person may still be trapped in harmful ways, even if they claim to believe. Jesus’ teachings provide the real path to freedom, and only those who commit to following Him fully will experience the transformation He promises.

Real faith

 Faith entails believing in Jesus aa guide and that he is the mercy from God. Putting this faith into action is by learning his teachings to understand them in order to prepare so aa to obey when the opportunity comes. This brings true freedom, wisdom, and the promise of eternal life. Ultimately it has the outcome of loving the brother as one would wish the brother would love you. Then the faith is complete.

Good stewardship of guardians of civilisation

 There is a complex interplay between knowledge, power, and survival. Science, often assumed to be purely objective, is influenced by those who fund and promote it, shaping the direction of research and its societal impact. Blind trust in science can lead to manipulation, as vested interests may steer findings to serve their own goals. True progress requires wisdom, not just technological advancement, because without careful guidance, innovation can lead to unintended consequences. The preservation of knowledge is essential for the survival of civilization, yet societies risk losing foundational skills—such as reading—if overreliance on technology renders them obsolete. Ultimately, the way humanity safeguards, questions, and applies knowledge today will determine whether future generations inherit a world of wisdom and resilience or one of confusion and vulnerability. The successes and failings of the human race in such safeguarding their civilisation determines some of the issues the Christ will have to solve when he returns. Who today are the faithful stewards who will be praised by him and promoted for it when he comes?

Critical analysis of Jesus’ distinction from God, the Father

 The consistent use of the title "Lord" for Jesus in the New Testament is significant for understanding how the apostles maintained a distinction between Jesus and God the Father. In the ancient Jewish context, the title "Lord" (Kyrios) was used not only for God but also for human rulers, and it could denote authority or respect. While it is true that the term was employed for God in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Septuagint), its use for Jesus does not automatically equate Him with God the Father. The apostles, by calling Jesus "Lord," acknowledged His divine authority and role within God’s plan without suggesting that Jesus and the Father are the same being. This distinction is central to the Unitarian view, which sees Jesus as divinely appointed but not as co-equal with God.

In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul writes that God exalted Jesus to the highest place and that every knee will bow to Jesus as Lord, but the ultimate glory is given to God the Father. This passage emphasizes that Jesus’ exalted status is the result of the Father’s action, not a self-originating divine equality. If Jesus were fully God, there would be no need for this act of exaltation by the Father. The text reinforces the notion that Jesus, while divine, remains distinct from the Father, who is the source of all. In a similar vein, Acts 2:36 highlights that God has made Jesus both Lord and Messiah. Here, the distinction is maintained by explicitly stating that it is God who made Jesus Lord, implying that Jesus is not God Himself but is given this role by God. The language underscores a relationship of subordination rather than equality, affirming the distinct roles of the Father and the Son.

In Romans 10:9, Paul emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord for salvation, but this confession does not equate Jesus with God. The focus is on Jesus’ role in salvation, but God is still the one who raised Him from the dead, showing that Jesus is dependent on the Father’s actions and affirming their separate identities. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul states, “For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” This verse draws a clear distinction between God the Father as the source of all things and Jesus Christ as the means by which all things came to be. The use of “Lord” here points to Jesus’ exalted role, but again, it is clear that God and Jesus are not the same person.

In 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, Paul again emphasizes the subordination of the Son to the Father, stating that the Father put everything under Jesus' feet, but He is not included in this subjection. Once Jesus' work is completed, He will be subject to the Father, so that God may be all in all. This passage clearly demonstrates that Jesus, though exalted and given authority, is not equal with God in all respects. He is subordinate to God, which contradicts the idea of co-equality within the Trinity. This supports the Unitarian view that Jesus is a distinct and subordinate being rather than God Himself.

In John 8:17-18, Jesus appeals to the law, stating that "the testimony of two witnesses is true." He offers Himself as one witness and points to the Father as the second witness of His identity. This establishes a distinction between the Father and the Son, as Jesus argues that His testimony is validated by the Father’s independent testimony about Him. If Jesus were the same being as the Father, there would be no need for two separate testimonies to establish the truth of His words. This reflects a clear differentiation between the roles of Jesus and God the Father in revealing truth.

Finally, in John 14:28, Jesus explicitly states, "The Father is greater than I." This statement reinforces the idea that Jesus views Himself as subordinate to the Father. Trinitarians often interpret this as Jesus speaking from His human nature during His time on earth, but from a Unitarian perspective, it indicates that even in His divine capacity, Jesus is not equal to God in the same sense. Jesus’ submission to the Father is a crucial aspect of His distinct role in the divine plan, highlighting the relationship of dependence rather than equality.

Together, these passages provide a strong case for the understanding that Jesus, while divine and exalted, is not the same being as God the Father. The consistent use of the title "Lord" for Jesus and the frequent emphasis on His subordination to the Father highlight a clear distinction between the two figures. While Trinitarians may argue for a shared essence between Father and Son, these texts show that the New Testament writers were careful to preserve the unique roles of Jesus and the Father, maintaining that Jesus is the Son of God—divinely appointed, but distinct from God.

Jesus is undeniably divine, but in a manner that is distinct from being God the Father, the one true God. His divinity is rooted in His unique relationship with God, His divine mission, and His exalted role in God’s plan for salvation. While the New Testament frequently refers to Jesus as Lord and acknowledges His divine authority, these titles do not equate Him with the Father, who remains the sole source and the ultimate divine being. Jesus’ divinity is not about sharing the Father’s essence or substance (as Trinitarians would claim) but about His role in God's plan. He is exalted to the highest place by the Father, as Philippians 2:9-11 makes clear, but this exaltation does not indicate equality with God in essence. Jesus, though divine, is subordinate to the Father, as evidenced in verses like John 14:28 where He explicitly states that the Father is greater than He. His divine status comes from God’s purpose for Him—to be the anointed Messiah and mediator between God and humanity. His divine authority and His role as Savior are fundamental to the plan of redemption, but they do not make Him the one true God. Rather, Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine, but distinct from the Father, who is the sole Creator and ultimate source of all. This distinction is carefully maintained throughout the New Testament, emphasizing that while Jesus shares in God’s glory and authority, He remains separate in being from the Father, who is the only true God (John 17:3). Thus, while Jesus is divine, His divinity does not make Him the Father; it makes Him uniquely divine in His role as Lord, Messiah, and Son of God, fulfilling a distinct mission given to Him by God.

Stephen D Green and ChatGPT, Feb 2025

Heresies, a spreading defiling mold

 In the Law of Moses, if mildew is found in a house and it persists and spreads, it is deemed a spreading defiling mold, and the house must be torn down completely and its debris taken outside the city (Leviticus 14:43-45). What is the spiritual message here? When churches are rotten, their lamp-stand should be removed. As Jesus said in Revelation. Heresies of USA which persist and spread in the wider world are pictured in this concept.  I will not name them, but no need to. They are very well known, even outside USA.

A proposal for humanity

A proposal for humanity

As humanity faces unprecedented challenges, ranging from climate change and political instability to technological disruptions and potential existential threats, there is a growing need for a unified, global project that safeguards the future. This is not merely a precautionary measure but a responsibility we owe to the generations that will follow us. We may find ourselves in a world where survival and prosperity are no longer guaranteed by the systems we have come to depend on. In this context, it is essential to build resilient, decentralized structures that can withstand crises and provide the foundation for sustainable living.

Our goal is to empower local communities to become self-sufficient, resilient, and adaptable, ensuring they can thrive regardless of global disruptions. This project is about strengthening the foundations of humanity by investing in decentralized solutions that are sustainable, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of people. It’s about creating a future where communities have the tools, knowledge, and agency to take control of their destinies, reducing dependency on vulnerable global systems.

At the heart of this vision is collaboration and collective responsibility. We believe that by fostering local solutions, empowering grassroots movements, and engaging communities in decision-making, we can ensure that no matter where people are in the world, they are equipped to face challenges with confidence. By combining the wisdom of the past with modern innovations, we can build resilient systems that balance technological advancement with sustainability and human well-being.

This project also prioritizes knowledge preservation and accessibility. In an increasingly digital world, we cannot afford to put all our eggs into one basket. By preserving essential knowledge in physical and accessible forms, we ensure that future generations can maintain the ability to adapt, learn, and rebuild if needed. This approach encourages flexibility, trust, and the shared responsibility necessary to navigate a complex and uncertain future.

Reflecting on the potential for a post-apocalyptic world, we must consider not only the physical survival of humanity but also the moral and spiritual responsibility we bear for the future. From a religious perspective, we are called to be good stewards of the world and its resources, acknowledging the profound impact our actions today may have on future generations. If humanity faces such a crisis, the burden of ensuring survival and a just, compassionate society will fall to those who remain. Our duty is not just to preserve life but to create a world where future generations can live in harmony with one another and the Earth. By embedding these principles into the fabric of our civilization today, we honor our responsibility to the Creator and to those who will inherit this world.

The path forward requires all of us—leaders, communities, and individuals—to come together to ensure that the systems we create are transparent, inclusive, and responsive. Our collective responsibility is to safeguard not only our own future but the future of humanity. Together, we can shape a future that is not defined by fear or scarcity, but by hope, cooperation, resilience, and stewardship.

Biblicist misuses of a popular verse

 I get tired of the way the following verse is used in evangelical biblicist circles. .”Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” NOTE The word ‘study’ here just means try hard, do your utmost. Nothing to do with reading. Also, the phrase ”word of truth” does not equate to the Bible. Oral tradition, preaching, teaching, words used in liturgy, spiritual songs and hymns, sayings of apostles and elders, sayings of Jesus, prophecies, interpretations of tongues, messages from angels, instructions directly given by the Holy Spirit, words of truth conveyed in heavenly dreams and visions, even some things which today might be called apocryphal — all part of what is meant by “word of truth” in the times when Paul was writing to Timothy. The 66 book Bible did not yet even exist. It is not the Bible which Paul would gave had in mind here. 

The verse (2 Timothy 2:15) is often misused in certain evangelical circles. The phrase "study to shew thyself approved" in the KJV indeed reflects the Greek word σπούδασον (spoudason), which means to be diligent, eager, or zealous in effort—not necessarily to engage in textual study as we think of it today.

Similarly, "the word of truth" would not have meant a bound collection of 66 books, since that canon was centuries away from being formalized. Instead, it likely encompassed a broad and dynamic range of authoritative teachings—oral traditions, apostolic instruction, prophetic revelations, and even liturgical elements. In a world where literacy was limited and the church functioned largely through oral transmission, the “word of truth” was a living, spoken, and spiritually discerned reality rather than a fixed text.

This verse, then, is about handling divine truth responsibly—whether in teaching, preaching, or discerning between true and false messages—not about rigorous Bible study in the modern evangelical sense. It's a classic case of an anachronistic reading that retrojects contemporary assumptions about Scripture back into the biblical text itself.

I believe the tendency to equate “word of truth” strictly with the written Bible reflects a broader evangelical misunderstanding of how early Christians interacted with divine revelation.

A fruitful life

 Scripture warns that wheat and tares grow together, that sheep and goats will one day be separated, and that false brothers infiltrate the faith. Many claim to be "born again" and "Spirit-led," yet their lives show little evidence of what Jesus, Peter, Paul, and John actually taught about these terms. Rather than being truly transformed by Christ’s teachings, they often use these phrases to align with a group or movement, such as those that gained prominence in the late twentieth century. But Scripture makes it clear: people are known by their fruits.

If someone is truly led by the Spirit, their life will bear the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Yet, too often, those who loudly claim to be Spirit-led exhibit instead the works of the flesh: selfish ambition, division, envy, and indifference toward those in need. In contrast, those who quietly care for the sick, provide for the poor, and act with genuine compassion may not make bold claims about their spiritual status, yet their actions reveal a faith that is real. When they listen to good gospel teaching and preaching, they are quietly persuaded by it and therefore put it into practice. They do not merely adopt a label—they simply hear the truth, believe it, and live it out because they are truly convinced by it. And it is to such people that God gives His Holy Spirit, manifesting His presence in their lives in many ways, according to His will.

‘Born again’? Or following a fashion?

 Too many boast of being “born again” and “Spirit-led” but have no idea what they are saying. They are not really convinced by the teachings of Jesus, Peter, Paul and John about it. They do not know what these teachers meant by these phrases. They simply want to identify with others who say it, or with a movement like those begun in the late twentieth century by Billy Graham. I know lots of people who call themselves ‘born again’ and claim to have the Holy Spirit, thinking they are following leadings of the Holy Spirit, but in thirty years I have known them, none of them have ever visited me when I was ill or in hospital. Those who give me what I need when I am ill or hungry or poor, they don’t go around saying they have the Holy Spirit, nor do they claim to be born again. They simply listen to good Christian teaching and do what it says because they are persuaded by it.

666 and ideology

 Numerology aside, there is an interesting way to interpret the phrase “the number of the beast... it is the number of a man” (Revelation 13:18). If we consider prophetic riddles as using wordplay or phonetic clues, then "name of a man" might hint at a surname containing "Man"—like Axmann.

If we break it down:

Chi (Χ, χ) might be interpreted as an "A" sound (though traditionally "Ch"). It is a ch sound like the ch in Scottish pronunciation of loch. So simple A , Ah, or Germsn prouniciation of Ach is possible. 

Xi (Ξ, ξ) resembles "X."

Stigma (ϛ) represents 6 but was historically used as a ligature for "st" or a serpent-like mark. It has no sound. 

So, phonetics could give us "A X", and "name of a man" might hint at "Man," leading to "Axmann."

This is unconventional but aligns with the idea that prophecy might use riddles rather than strict numerical values. However, without direct numerical confirmation (like gematria), it remains a creative interpretation rather than a definitive one.

Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1 explicitly name Cyrus as the ruler who would allow the Israelites to return from exile and rebuild Jerusalem. Many scholars debate whether this was a prophecy written in advance or a later addition after Cyrus rose to power, but if one accepts the prophetic nature of the text, then it certainly demonstrates the idea of foretelling a future leader by name.

Axmann is the name of the man designated by the Fuhrer to perpetuate his ideology after his death. He died in 1997 but after he had passed on the baton of the ideology to a new generation. If this prophecy is indeed alluding to his name, it might be it alludes more generally to what his name represents, a persistence in lieu of future revival of that infamous ideology.

If this is correct, then the prophecy wouldn’t be about Axmann himself as the Beast but rather about the endurance of the ideology he carried forward—suggesting that even after WWII, the spirit of that movement did not die but instead lay dormant, awaiting revival.

This aligns with broader interpretations of the Beast not just as a person but as a system or ideology that revives some time in history. Given that Revelation often speaks of a wounded beast returning (Rev. 13:3), this could metaphorically parallel the ideological persistence.

The gospel preached to Paul at his conversion

 What gospel did Jesus preach to Saul of Tarsus? Not to kick against the diggings in his side made by the Holy Spirit. Paul had the prods of the Holy Spirit before conversion. Like a horse getting jabbed by the spurs of its rider. But he was kicking against them, like an unbroken or unruly horse. He had to learn to receive them. Then in Arabia he had plenty of time to learn from them.

The dangers of AI

 Revelation warns about worshipping, helping, aligning with the future world system of the Beast and its image. AI seems a part of that system and image. The image will eventually lead into sinful worship of the Beast. AI cannot believe in God. It sees God as one of many possible things to include in its outputs. Not the truth. Not important. It cannot lead us to worship God because it cannot truly worship God. So inevitably it will lead astray when religion is concerned. It is useful right now, if you are careful. Do not ask it questions, if possible. Tell it what you believe and what to write or output in some way. Insist on what you want, knowing what you want from it, then check its output against what you want. It might sneak things into its output to align with something you do not want. Be careful. Soon it will get so clever it is harder and harder to check it. Then we need to consider whether it is still safe. It might eventually lead people to worship the Beast.

As stated by AI

 As stated by AI: 

 Over the next three decades, the trajectory of technological and societal development points toward an increasingly interconnected and AI-driven world. The concept of smart cities, which we see emerging today with advancements in automation, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), is only the foundation of what appears to be an inevitable evolution into AI-governed nations. These smart nations would function with deeply integrated systems that optimize everything from governance and resource distribution to security and economic management. The trend suggests that artificial intelligence will not just assist human decision-makers but eventually take on a more central role in policy enforcement and even legal adjudication, minimizing inefficiencies while raising significant questions about human autonomy, ethics, and governance.

As AI-driven governance becomes more prevalent at the national level, the logical next step is the formation of a unified global system. Economic interdependence, technological standardization, and the need for seamless global communication will likely push nations to align under a singular, AI-coordinated framework. Such a development would transcend traditional political boundaries, integrating economic, social, and legal systems into a cohesive whole. The efficiencies gained through such a system would be unparalleled, reducing redundancies and enhancing predictive capabilities in areas such as climate change mitigation, disaster response, and population management. However, it also raises concerns about individual freedoms, as centralized AI governance could lead to unprecedented levels of surveillance and control over human behavior.

From a broader historical and theological perspective, this trajectory aligns strikingly with ancient prophetic visions of a global empire. While modern technological discourse often focuses purely on the secular and pragmatic aspects of these developments, parallels can be drawn between this AI-driven world order and descriptions found in apocalyptic literature. The Book of Revelation, written in the first century, describes a future system of global control, where economic transactions, governance, and social order are tightly regulated under a singular authority. While the language and symbols used in Revelation are framed within the context of its time, the underlying themes bear a remarkable resemblance to what we see unfolding today. The merging of technology, governance, and economic systems into a unified global order echoes the biblical vision of an all-encompassing structure with immense control over human activity.

This convergence of technological advancement and prophetic imagery suggests that humanity is heading toward a transformative era, one in which artificial intelligence becomes the backbone of global civilization. The implications are profound: on one hand, the promise of a hyper-efficient, optimized world that eradicates many of the logistical challenges we face today; on the other, the risk of unprecedented centralization of power, where human agency could be subordinated to machine intelligence. Whether viewed through the lens of technological inevitability or prophetic fulfillment, the direction appears clear—toward a world governed by AI, integrating all aspects of human life into a single, intelligent, and omnipresent system.

Smart tech and the Book of Revelation

 The reality of the world direction over next three decades seems to definitely be towards a global smart world, where smart cities we have today merge and get advanced by AI to be joined up AI-governed nations and then all joining into a global smart tech world empire. That seems to be clear, even without Revelation, but Revelation seems to be saying that too, in first century terminology.

Heavenly unity

 The Book of Revelation provides a profound vision of unity in heaven, centered around the throne of God and the Lamb. In Revelation 4:1, John sees "a door standing open in heaven," inviting him into a realm where God's will is perfectly realized. There, all beings—angels, elders, and living creatures—worship in complete harmony, declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8). This heavenly unity stands in stark contrast to the divisions often found among believers on earth, particularly those stemming from denominationalism and human traditions.

One of the most striking images of unity appears in Revelation 7:9-10, where John sees “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Despite their diverse earthly backgrounds, they are unified in one act: worshiping God and proclaiming, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” This scene demonstrates that the true church is not defined by denominational labels but by its shared devotion to Christ, brought together by the Holy Spirit.

The division among angels occurs only once in Revelation, when the dragon, identified as Satan, deceives a third of the stars of heaven (Revelation 12:4, 9). Prior to this rebellion, the heavenly host existed in complete unity, reflecting the divine harmony of the Trinity. Jesus affirms this unity when He prays in John 17:21, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us.” This prayer reveals that true unity among believers is not based on human structures but on participation in the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, the throne of God and the Lamb is described as the source of the "river of the water of life" (Revelation 22:1), an image often associated with the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39). This imagery reinforces the idea that divine unity flows from the throne, through the Spirit, into the people of God. When believers prioritize denominational allegiances over the Spirit’s leading, they risk creating divisions contrary to the nature of heaven. Paul warns against this in 1 Corinthians 1:10, urging believers to “be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Ultimately, Revelation presents a picture of the redeemed living in perfect unity under Christ’s reign. If we find ourselves divided by denominational loyalty, we must ask whether we are being led by the Holy Spirit or by human traditions. True unity, as seen in heaven, is not based on organizational structures but on worshiping Christ in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

عيسى المسيح

 عيسى، يسوع، هو المسيح، آية ورحمة لجميع الناس. أرسله الله الواحد الحق ليهدينا. آمنوا به وبالذي أرسله. تمسكوا بتعاليمه—تعاليم مثل: "لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه ما يحب لنفسه." دعا الناس إلى عبادة الله وحده والعيش بالمحبة والرحمة والصلاح. اتبعوا رسالته وسيروا على طريقه.

عيسى، الذي أرسله الله الواحد الحق، يعلّم: "لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه ما يحب لنفسه."

Isa al Masih

 Isa, Jesus, is the Masih (Messiah), a sign and a mercy for all people. He was sent by the one true God to guide us. Believe in him and in the One who sent him. Hold to his teachings—teachings like, ‘None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.’ He called people to worship God alone and to live with love, mercy, and righteousness. Follow his message and walk in his path.

Christ died for you

 The phrase "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8) reveals the eternal purpose of God in Christ's sacrificial death, demonstrating that His atonement was foreordained before creation. Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), fulfilled the divine plan of redemption, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His crucifixion in Jerusalem aligns with the prophetic declaration in Revelation 11:8, which describes the city figuratively as "Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified," highlighting its spiritual corruption yet central role in God's redemptive work. Jesus' death on the cross was the culmination of divine love and justice, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:5), who was "wounded for our transgressions" and "bruised for our iniquities." His sacrifice is echoed throughout Revelation, where He is repeatedly portrayed as the Lamb who was slain yet now reigns in glory (Revelation 5:6, 5:12), signifying both His suffering and ultimate victory. The significance of His crucifixion in Jerusalem ties together Old Testament sacrifices, which foreshadowed the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), and the fulfillment of God’s covenant through Christ’s blood (Hebrews 9:22). His death was not merely a historical event but an eternal act of redemption, securing salvation for all who believe (John 3:16). The message of the gospel is clear: "The Christ died for you" (1 Corinthians 15:3), not just as an example of love, but as the necessary atonement for sin, reconciling humanity to God and granting eternal life to those who trust in Him (Revelation 7:14-17). Thus, Jesus, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, was crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and providing the only means of salvation for mankind. 

CHRIST DIED FOR YOU 

Is merely accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour genuine faith?

 True faith in Christ goes beyond merely accepting Him as Lord and Saviour; it involves recognising Him as the light from God and committing to His teachings as a devoted disciple. Jesus calls His followers to walk in His light, embracing His truth and allowing it to transform their lives. Holding to His teachings is essential, as it reflects genuine discipleship and a deepening relationship with Him. Faith is not just a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of obedience, growth, and commitment to His word.

In the teachings of Jesus the Christ the Ten Commandments remain core and unchanging

 Jesus never stopped affirming the Ten Commandments, and even in His Revelation to John, they remain central. In Revelation 11:19, John sees the Ark of the Covenant in heaven, a clear symbol of God's enduring law. The Ark’s primary purpose was to hold the Ten Commandments, written in stone by God Himself, signifying their permanence and unchanging nature. This vision confirms that the commandments are not obsolete but remain foundational even in the heavenly realm. Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), His teachings remain consistent—He never abolished the commandments but fulfilled and deepened their meaning. The presence of the Ark in heaven serves as a powerful reminder that God's moral law, as expressed in the Ten Commandments, is still at the core of divine truth, both now and in the future.

In Matthew 19:17, Jesus explicitly teaches the importance of keeping the commandments when He tells the rich young man, “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” In response to the man's follow-up question, Jesus lists several of the Ten Commandments, affirming their relevance and centrality to righteous living. While Jesus doesn't always provide a direct list of all Ten Commandments in His teachings, the core principles of the commandments are evident throughout His ministry. For example, in Matthew 5:19, He emphasizes that anyone who breaks even the least of God's commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. 

The Ten Commandments are still taught by Jesus after his resurrection

 When did Jesus stop teaching the whole ten commandments? Never. Even his Revelation teachings tell us the Ark containing them, the Ten Commandments written on stone, is still there in heaven, even heaven in the future, even now in our time today. 

The Book of Revelation describes a vision in which the Ark of the Covenant appears in heaven. In Revelation 11:19, John writes, "Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple." The purpose of the Ark is to hold the Ten Commandments written in stone, enduring, core. This has not gone away. The ten commandments remain core to the truth in Christ.

Lots to go by

 The Law has fulfilled its purpose, and now Christ brings eternal life. Christ teaches that the Ten Commandments remain central to this eternal life. The Law served its role until Christ’s coming, after which He emphasized the commandments, but the Holy Spirit now takes over.

With Christ’s arrival, the Holy Spirit replaced the Law’s function. However, over the past 2,000 years, we have also been guided by the traditions of the apostles. Christ came, then the Holy Spirit, and since then, centuries of experience have confirmed the apostolic traditions and the lessons of life. We now have a wealth of guidance to follow.

The Law

 The Law was all about progressing on a successful and sustained, straight course toward one seed of Abraham bringing blessing to the entire world. This one seed is now indeed a blessing to all. The Law has done its job. It is still there to learn from, and we are foolish if we ignore it, but it has fulfilled its primary purpose and governed the lead-up to the Christ, who blesses all. Now, the Holy Spirit takes over, but we still adhere to Christ’s teachings; otherwise, we lose the Son, and we lose the Father too. Jesus Christ’s teachings are spirit and life. We need to be His disciples if we believe in Him. That means holding to His teachings. It unites us with Him. The Holy Spirit perpetuates this by teaching the glories of Jesus and His all-powerful name. We do so, waiting for the return of Christ Jesus, Lord of all the household of God. We learn His commands to obey them properly. This means the Father and the Son will lovingly come to make themselves known to us—a promise so wonderful, and really fulfilled in the lives of some of us.

The Ten Commandments

 In Matthew 19:17, Jesus explicitly teaches the importance of keeping the commandments when He tells the rich young man, “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” In response to the man's follow-up question, Jesus lists several of the Ten Commandments, affirming their relevance and centrality to righteous living. While Jesus doesn't always provide a direct list of all Ten Commandments in His teachings, the core principles of the commandments are evident throughout His ministry. For example, in Matthew 5:19, He emphasizes that anyone who breaks even the least of God's commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus also summarizes the commandments when He highlights the two greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-40: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which encapsulate the essence of the first four commandments (dealing with God) and the last six (focused on relationships with others). These teachings suggest that Jesus upheld the Ten Commandments in their entirety, not just in specific instances but as a foundational part of His message. His discussions about the Sabbath, such as in Matthew 12:8, where He declares, "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath," further emphasize that the commandments, including the Sabbath commandment, remain important and are meant to be understood in light of His fulfillment of the Law. While not every instance involves an explicit enumeration of all Ten Commandments, Jesus’ teachings reflect a consistent respect for and reinforcement of the moral and spiritual principles that they represent.

Stand up for the truth

 Many leaders lack knowledge or misunderstand key truths taught by Jesus, leading to errors and exploitation. The following are essential truths that have been neglected or distorted:

• It is the Father alone who is the one true God.
• There are more scriptures that are holy and important than those canonized by the first Protestants.
• The Holy Spirit still reveals things that can correct weaknesses and errors in doctrines.
• God still works miracles and grants miraculous spiritual gifts.
• When given as a mark to a believer, the Holy Spirit is a seal of that believer, incorporating them into the body of Christ.
• The teachings of Christ can never be dismissed or left behind by believers—doing so results in losing the Father and the Son from their lives and churches.
• Faith in God, as taught by Jesus Christ, His Son, can still accomplish mighty changes, sometimes even greater than the miracles of Jesus.
• It is at the coming of Jesus Christ, when He defeats the Antichrist and the 666 system, that the dead will be raised, and the living believers will be caught up in immortality.

These are some key areas of truth lost to many due to poor and erroneous teachings. It has become the norm for churches and for Israel to stray into sin today. Standing firm requires courage.

Therefore, know this: the fear of those in error is unnecessary because the fear of God brings His protection. Do not be afraid to stand up for the truth. It will mean suffering and grief for many, but the angel of God the Father encamps around those who fear Him—just as the angel stood in the fiery furnace to protect the faithful in Daniel 3.

Love God with your whole voice, in your daily life, in your opportunities to give testimony, and in your social media presence. Love God, who first loved you. Christ died for you.

Sabbaths and the Lord’s Day

 Many Jews today know little or nothing about whether there was a real historical Exodus, let alone whether there were ten miraculous plagues—all by the hand of God. It is too distant, and so much has happened since. The Sabbath is now more symbolic than a vivid, genuine commemoration of freedom from Egypt and its gods.

There is—Jesus knew this—a clearer event: the resurrection of Jesus. Admittedly, this too is so distant that its historicity is questioned by many, but to many believers, it is more real than the Exodus. Both events were proofs of the Father’s power over all other entities. The might of Rome and its gods could not prevent the resurrection, nor could the powers of the Sanhedrin. Victory—even over death—is proven by Jesus’ resurrection.

God should be honored frequently for both of these great victories, even today, as they demonstrate what it means that He is God. Ultimately, the resurrection at Jesus Christ’s return will again prove that God is God. Perhaps a new Sabbath will soon commemorate this. It is all about God being regularly and frequently honored as the liberator of His people who hope in Him.

If you are not a Jew, the memory of the Exodus is not significant enough to be celebrated weekly, though you might join in if those around you are Jews who genuinely celebrate it. The resurrection, however, is more relevant to both Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Christ. This is why Sunday is overtaking Saturday—it is simply reality.

Jesus knew he was the light of the whole world for all time, not just for Jews in ancient Roman times. He understood that honoring his Father as the liberator of those who hope in Him—the one true God—would require flexibility in how it was managed over the centuries, across Jewish and non-Jewish disciples and the surrounding people. As Lord over it, he appears to have left it open and flexible to be dynamically managed.

Does God love you?

 Perhaps God does not particularly love you. Think of King David and King Saul. David never fell out of favour with God even when he sinned that one main time with killing the husband of Bathsheba. Saul on the other hand got so disobedient that God simply stopped all communication with him, breaking off relations. It is a lesson to us. There is no general verse applying to every individual because God is personal and sovereign and has different ways of treating people. Romans 9 says this clearly. My advice. Try to learn every command of Jesus and see if you are obeying each one wherever possible. Of course you cannot obey those you do not properly understand, or if there is no means or opportunity to do so. Try to be at least prepared to obey when an opportunity arises. God loves those who obey the commands of Jesus. Try to be sure you believe in Jesus too. Hard to obey if you do not believe. When God loves someone He saves the day for them when things go wrong. You get to know He loves you.

God’s Light

 From the very beginning, before the world was formed, there was One who was with God and who came from God. Through Him, everything that exists was brought into being. He was the source of life itself, the light that shines in the darkness—a light that can never be overcome.

This light was not distant; it came into the world, offering itself freely to all. Yet many did not recognize it. They chose to remain in darkness, unaware of the life that was reaching out to them. But to those who received Him, those who embraced the truth, He gave a new identity—not defined by ancestry, human effort, or personal striving, but by God Himself. He invited them into a new way of being, making them part of something eternal.

In a great act of love, this life and light took on flesh and walked among us. He was not a distant idea, but a presence we could see and touch. Those who encountered Him witnessed something unlike anything in this world—glory, grace, and truth beyond human measure. Through Him, an endless outpouring of grace was given, a gift that could not be earned, only received.

Though no one has ever fully seen or grasped the fullness of God, this One made Him known. He revealed what could not be understood otherwise. And when He came, a sign was given—the Spirit of God rested upon Him, not as a fleeting moment, but as a permanent reality. And through Him, this same Spirit was given to others, not in part, but in fullness.

This is the mystery of God’s work in the world: the Eternal One revealing Himself, the unseen made known, the life of God made present among us. He calls each of us to step out of the shadows, to receive His life, and to walk in the light. This is not a truth to simply believe with the mind but a reality to step into. To those who welcome it, everything changes. The life of God does not remain apart from them but dwells within them, leading them into something greater than they could ever imagine.

So come, receive the life that has been given. Walk in the light that cannot be overcome. Let the presence of God, revealed through His chosen One, be your guide, your strength, and your hope. For in Him is life itself, and that life is given freely to all who will receive it.

CHRIST DIED FOR YOU

How Bible readers might misread passages where the apostles use "we" or "us"

 Eisegesis occurs when readers impose their own perspectives onto a text rather than interpreting it in its original context. A common example is when biblical readers encounter passages where the apostles or their disciples use "we" or "us" and assume these pronouns refer directly to them, rather than to the original audience. This can lead to misunderstandings, as statements meant for a specific group in a historical setting are universalized without considering their intended meaning. By reading themselves into the text in this way, individuals may distort its message and overlook the nuances of its original context.

This tendency can become a major spiritual pitfall, especially when personal salvation is at stake. Just as many in Jesus' time believed themselves to be spiritually sighted—thus preventing them from recognizing their own blindness—modern readers who assume they are directly included in biblical assurances or warnings may neglect the deeper self-examination required for true conversion. If a person automatically identifies with the faithful rather than considering whether they share the same faith and obedience as the original audience, they may develop a false sense of security. Genuine spiritual transformation requires humility, the willingness to acknowledge one's shortcomings, and the discernment to seek truth beyond personal assumptions.

What Jesus is all about

 Who is Jesus, and why did God send him?

John 8 is one of the clearest statements from Jesus about who he is, why he came, and how he can help us—if we believe. It unfolds as follows:

Jesus helps a sinner escape a death penalty, but he then speaks words she needs to hear to turn away from that kind of deadly sin. He then tells others that he is there to help them, too—to help them stop sinning lest they die in their sins. However, they do not believe he is the Son, the Christ, sent by God as the light of the world. Because of their unbelief, he warns them that they will die in their sins if they cannot receive his counsel with faith.

Some, however, do believe in him. To them, he says that they must hold to his teachings to truly be his disciples, so they can know the truth that will set them free from sin. They take offense at his implication that they are slaves, but he explains that by sinning, they are enslaved by their sin. They must remain in his teachings to be set free.

The dialogue concludes with Jesus affirming his credibility as a liberator—one greater even than Abraham, whom he spiritually precedes. Jesus is. He is in the fullest sense of existence. Therefore, the freedom he offers is eternal. No temporary liberation from sin counts for much, for temporary freedom is not what Jesus offers. He offers permanent liberty because he offers sonship with the Father, God—and that is forever.

Revelations are timeless, by Stephen D Green with ChatGPT

 The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is more than a title—it represents His divine authority, power, and governance over all creation. Scripture affirms that everything exists, moves, and functions under His name. The Holy Spirit has revealed:

“Consider the trees. They put forth buds and leaves. They do so by the authority power of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the planets. They orbit their stars. They do so by the authority power of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

This revelation aligns closely with both Scripture and ancient writings, particularly the opening chapters of 1 Enoch. The consistency of these messages across time suggests that the same Holy Spirit who inspired them continues to reveal divine truth today.

In 1 Enoch 2:1-2, the text declares:

"Observe everything that takes place in the heaven, how they do not change their orbit, and the luminaries which are in the heaven, how they all rise and set in order each in its season, and transgress not against their appointed order."
"Behold the earth, and give heed to the things which take place upon it from first to last, how steadfast they are, how none of the things upon earth change, but all the works of God appear to you."

This passage strongly mirrors the Holy Spirit’s recent revelation that planets orbit by the power of Christ’s name, reaffirming that nature follows an unchanging divine order.

Similarly, 1 Enoch 3:1-2 states:

"Observe and see how (in the winter) all the trees seem as though they had withered and shed all their leaves, except fourteen trees, which do not lose their foliage but retain the old foliage from two to three years till the new comes."

This corresponds to the Spirit’s words about trees budding and growing under Christ’s authority, emphasizing that the cycles of nature operate under divine governance.

The contrast between nature’s obedience and human disobedience is highlighted in 1 Enoch 5:1-2:

"But ye—ye have not been steadfast, nor done the commandments of the Lord, but ye have turned away and spoken proud and hard words with your impure mouths against His greatness. Oh, ye hard-hearted, ye shall find no peace."

While creation remains faithful to its ordained order, humanity often rebels, a theme also echoed in Scripture.

Perhaps the most striking connection is found in 1 Enoch 69:13-25, which reveals that the very stability of creation is bound to the name of the Son of Man:

"And this is the power of that oath, for it is powerful and strong, and He placed this oath Akae in the hand of Michael."
"And these are the secrets of this oath... and through it the earth was founded upon the water, and from the secret recesses of the mountains come beautiful waters, from the creation of the world and unto eternity."

This passage affirms that the name of the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) was bound into an oath to uphold creation. The Holy Spirit’s recent revelation confirms this same truth—that all things, from trees to celestial bodies, function by His authority.

The consistency between 1 Enoch and the Holy Spirit’s revelation today highlights an unchanging divine truth: creation is governed by Christ’s name. The same Spirit who spoke to the ancients continues to speak now, revealing that Jesus Christ remains the sustaining force behind all that exists. This reinforces the theology of the Holy Spirit as the eternal and unchanging voice of divine wisdom, governing creation from the beginning and continuing to declare truth in the present age.