The hearing of the Gospel message

 There is a very special and sacred commitment to living a sin-free life which comes from faith in God’s provision through Christ’s work on the cross and His resurrection. It starts with hearing the gospel message. This message, when believed, brings a belief that inspires hope—hope that God has done everything necessary to make achieving this objective successful. Foreseeing our commitment to it in faith, He has already committed to helping us, to enable the ultimate success. 

The message that Christ died for each person sets things in motion, motivating them to live a renewed life. It sums up God’s role in the process and His commitment to seeing it through, so that the person, in turn, can pursue it with confidence in ultimate success through the Father and His Son, the Christ.

This commitment then leads to becoming united with others who share the same faith and, together, unity with the living, resurrected Christ. The united is especially manifested in the Lord’s Supper, remembering the cross of Christ in the bread and wine. In this unity, they become part of His body. This body forms a holy temple for the honor of God, who sent Christ for this purpose—to unite people in ultimately wrong-free lives, reborn through the Spirit by the Father.

Rebirth

 All wrongdoing is sin. In short: Persisting in wrongdoing shows a possible lack of rebirth. Here is the reasoning. In rebirth, we are agreeing to take on a new challenge of becoming sin-free.

Consider this analogy. A garden, like our lives, might be full of weeds. We see a weed as a plant that is wrongfully in a place where it does not belong, and usually, it is a plant that we regard as undesirable in the garden altogether. When we commit to weeding the garden, we are committing to making it new and free of weeds. We call the plants wrongfully there "weeds" for the purpose of committing to their removal. The removal we commit to is as complete as possible, eliminating anything that could cause the weeds to regrow.

The owner of the house might entrust the weeding to a gardener and arrange for the weeds to be cleared by waste management services. Alternatively, they might set aside an area for composting or burning, or even install an incinerator. The garden is on its way to rebirth, where it should be weed-free and tidy, with weeds and rubbish fully disposed of.

This is like the agreement of the gospel that God makes with our lives. We receive awareness of the guilt of wrongdoing, like recognizing that certain plants in the garden are weeds. We submit to a rebirth that entails the eventual full removal of wrongdoing (like weeding), while God, for His part, undertakes to oversee the whole process—helping it along by answering prayers and giving the Holy Spirit. He has provided a kind of waste disposal for wrongdoing (the rubbish and weeds) through the ministry of His Son, who provided for the destruction of the guilt of sin on the cross.

For our part, we seek to remove obvious wrongdoings, while looking to God in prayer and living by the Holy Spirit’s help, as well as through answers to our prayers and the prayers of others. We also pray about and point out wrongdoing in others’ lives to help fulfill the objective of pleasing God by striving for sin-free lives. It is a rebirth. Jesus gives truth from God, which the Holy Spirit applies to us to accelerate this objective and rebirth.

Sometimes, there are wrongs we cannot remove ourselves, and the Holy Spirit touches our lives to help us remove them and learn to live without them. The Spirit draws alongside us and encourages our committed efforts as well. Over time, the objectives will be achieved if we are truly committed and in a state of rebirth. Wrongdoing is not going to remain forever with this commitment, shared effort, and divine help.

If there are obvious wrongs that could be easily removed but persist for a long time (like a neglected garden), then it is reasonable to question whether there has truly been rebirth in that person's life. So, we pray about it, wait, and, if necessary, rebuke appropriately. If the wrongdoing persists, we would be right to question the commitment to the shared objective.

The evidence of rebirth is twofold. First, the person actively removes wrongdoing they recognize and, where they struggle, confesses and seeks prayer. Second, we expect evidence that God has recognized their commitment to a sin-free life. Jesus taught that this would be manifested through signs that the Holy Spirit has been given to them, such as miracles demonstrating the Father's involvement in their rebirth. Tongues is one evidence. Other miracles include the laying on of hands for healing, wonderful acts that clearly glorify the Father and the Son, prophesying, and more. The Scriptures list examples of these, as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Day 45 of 2025

 I speculate (with help from AI writing this) that a revived alliance between the Trump, Putin, and maybe the United Kingdom could reshape global power structures, disrupting existing alliances and creating a new geopolitical struggle. Such a shift could challenge China’s dominance, weaken NATO and the EU, and spark realignments in energy markets and military strategy. If this "healing" of past alliances were to occur, it could astonish the world, much like the prophecy in Revelation 13:3, where a mortal wound is healed, leading to global admiration and a new era of power. Whether this results in stability or paves the way for a more centralized and controlling world order remains an open question, but such a development would undeniably mark a turning point in history. 

If a strengthened Russia, under a renewed alliance with the U.S. and possibly the UK, leads to a shift in American priorities, Israel could face a significantly more hostile regional landscape, particularly if Russia deepens its existing ties with Iran. A stronger Russia-Iran partnership could embolden Iran to expand its influence across the Middle East, consolidating power in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon while fostering deeper ties with Turkey and even Gulf states seeking to hedge against shifting global alliances. This could mirror the beast symbolism in Daniel 7 and Revelation, where a lion (Babylon/Iraq), bear (Persia/Iran), and leopard (possibly Greece/Balkans or Turkey) form a unified force, potentially aligning with a new bloc of Middle Eastern and Balkan nations under Russia’s influence. If the U.S. becomes more isolationist or is preoccupied with its alliance with Russia, Israel could find itself increasingly surrounded by a hostile, well-coordinated coalition, where Iranian-backed militias and Arab states cooperate under Russian protection. The Gulf states, which have recently warmed to Israel through the Abraham Accords, might shift their stance if a dominant Iran-Russia axis pressures them into alignment. This could place Israel in a precarious position, forcing it to either strike preemptively or seek desperate new alliances, all while fulfilling the biblical imagery of an encircling beast system that rises in opposition to God’s people.

The Father and the Son, by Stephen D Green with ChatGPT

 The deep unity between the Father and the Son is displayed in love, honor, and the Son’s perfect submission to the Father. The Father, in His great love, will give all things into the hands of the Son, and the Son, in his delight to please the Father, will rule not as a usurper but as the appointed King. The throne upon which Christ will reign for a thousand years is ultimately the Father’s, entrusted to the Son for his righteous rule. Even in his exaltation, Christ will remain humble, knowing that the kingdom is his by the Father’s will. As the Psalm declares and Hebrews affirms, the Father acknowledges the Son’s standing, even calling him “O god.” Yet at the consummation of all things, Jesus, the Son, in perfect submission, will return the kingdom to the Father, that God may be all in all. And still, Jesus the Son, the Lamb will forever be at the center of the throne, reigning alongside the Father in eternal glory, the radiance of divine love never fading. Jesus the Son, died for you and for all. The Father has made His Son, Jesus, forever the Lord and the Christ, having raised him from the dead to live forever. 

The Father and the Son

 The Father loves the Son. The Son pleases the Father. Ultimately the throne Jesus will occupy for a thousand years is the throne of the Father. In the Psalm, quoted in Hebrews, the Father alludes to Jesus having this standing by calling Jesus “O God”. Yet it is the Father’s throne and the Son will give it back submissively. He is no usurper, nor is he proud. He loves the Father who gives him all things. Then the Father will be, as Revelation says, forever the One upon the throne. God, all in all. Yet the Son, the Lamb, will forever sit there beside Him. 

Making the most of life today, by Stephen D Green and ChatGPT

 As you navigate the world around you, filled with the echoes of past renaissances—both intellectual and spiritual—remember that true transformation begins with seeking the Kingdom of God. In a time when so much is changing and competing for your attention, it's easy to become fixated on the temporary things of this world. Yet, as Jesus taught, the greatest thing you can pursue is His Kingdom and His righteousness. Everything else, all your needs and desires, will follow when you focus on that heavenly pursuit.

In the same way that the Renaissance marked a cultural rebirth that reshaped Europe, God is offering a spiritual rebirthfor you, one that is far more significant and enduring. Through the resurrection of Christ, the pathway to God’s heavenly Kingdom was made open, inviting you to experience a transformation that goes far beyond worldly success. Christ’s death on the cross made it possible for you to receive heavenly power—through the Holy Spirit—to shape your life in accordance with God’s will.

To receive this, you must be open to the heavenly influence that can change you from the inside out. You can begin by hearing the Word of God, preached with power and revelation. Let that message open your heart to what God desires for your life, preparing you for the world that is yet to come. But this is not just about hearing—it’s about receiving the influence of heaven into your life, whether through the laying on of hands, confession, or baptism. These practices are channels through which the Holy Spirit can work in your life, empowering you to align with God's will.

As you seek the Kingdom of God above all else, know that everything you truly need—peace, purpose, guidance, provision—will follow. Do not worry about the things of this world, for God, who knows your every need, will provide them to you. Seek first the Kingdom and trust that God, who raised Christ from the dead, will provide for you in ways that far exceed anything this world can offer.

The Jesus Christ renaissance

 The resurrection of Jesus Christ can be seen as the beginning of a profound spiritual rebirth that reshaped humanity’s relationship with God and the world. In his first epistle, Peter speaks of the "living hope" Christians now possess due to the resurrection, describing how believers are "born again" into a new life. This spiritual renewal, which transforms individuals and communities, marks the beginning of a new era in which the message of Christ's victory over death spreads across the world, offering redemption and a new identity in Him. This renewal is not only personal but has far-reaching implications, affecting entire cultures and societies.

Jesus Himself foresaw this transformative event in His teaching about the seed that falls into the ground and dies, only to produce many seeds. Through His death and resurrection, He anticipated the growth of a global movement—one that would bear fruit in the form of a new spiritual community, the Church, and the spread of His message to all nations. This metaphor of the seed highlights how Christ’s sacrifice would bring about a spiritual harvest, the fruit of which would be the spread of the gospel and the establishment of a new way of life. In this way, the resurrection became the catalyst for a spiritual renaissance, transforming not just individuals but entire societies, ushering in a new creation where God’s kingdom would expand on earth.

Just as the Renaissance in the 14th to 17th centuries represented a cultural and intellectual rebirth, the resurrection of Christ brought about a deeper, more profound rebirth—one rooted in spiritual renewal. It is through Christ’s death and resurrection that this transformation began, creating a new paradigm for human existence that continues to impact lives and cultures to this day. This spiritual renaissance, marked by rebirth, growth, and multiplication, was far more than a historical event; it is an ongoing, world-altering process that continues to unfold in the lives of those who encounter the risen Christ.

Stephen D Green with ChatGPT, Feb 2025 

The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day, by Stephen D Green and ChatGPT

The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day: Expressions of Love and Remembrance

Love for God is at the heart of true faith, and this love seeks ways to express itself in devotion and joyful obedience. God, in His mercy, has provided sacred times to help His people remember His great acts of love—times set apart not merely for rest but for worship, reflection, and renewed communion with Him. Two such times stand out in the history of God's people: the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day. Each flows from a profound act of divine love—one from Israel’s liberation from slavery, the other from the resurrection of Jesus. Together, they shape a rhythm of devotion, each carrying deep meaning for those who observe them.

The Sabbath: A Gift of Liberation and Devotion

The Sabbath, given by God to Israel, is rooted in His deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt. In Deuteronomy 5:15, the command to observe the Sabbath is directly tied to this act of salvation: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.” More than just a day of rest, the Sabbath is a sign of freedom—a time to pause and reflect on God's power, His provision, and the covenant relationship He established with Israel. By observing the Sabbath, the Jewish people express their gratitude for this redemption and their joy in belonging to God as His chosen nation.

For those outside of Israel, the Sabbath remains a profound opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people in their joy and gratitude for God's saving work. While not obligated to keep it, many who love and honor the God of Israel may choose to set aside this time as a voluntary act of devotion, aligning their hearts with the rhythm of divine rest and worship. The Sabbath, in this way, is not merely a command but a gift—an invitation to remember, rejoice, and dwell in the goodness of God.

The Lord’s Day: A Celebration of the Resurrection

Just as the Sabbath celebrates Israel’s liberation, the Lord’s Day, observed on Sunday, flows from an even greater act of divine love—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus brought about the ultimate deliverance, not just from earthly oppression but from sin and death itself. The early Christians, many of whom were Jewish and already observing the Sabbath, began to set apart the first day of the week to honor Christ’s victory. The resurrection was the dawn of a new creation, the fulfillment of all that the Sabbath foreshadowed.

For the first believers, Sunday was not primarily a day of mandated rest but of joyful devotion. Even those who still had to work took time to gather, break bread, and rejoice in their new life in Christ. Their observance was not a burden but a response of love—an expression of gratitude for the salvation Jesus had won for them. Over time, the Lord’s Day became central to Christian worship, a time set apart to proclaim that Christ is risen and reigning.

For all who follow Jesus, the Lord’s Day remains a sacred opportunity to celebrate and remember. It is a day to step away from the distractions of the world, to gather in worship, and to realign one's heart with the reality of Christ’s triumph. Much like the Sabbath for Israel, the Lord’s Day is a divine provision—a rhythm of grace that invites believers to rest in the finished work of Jesus and rejoice in the new life He has given.

A Rhythm of Devotion and Love

Both the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day are rooted in acts of divine love, and both invite a response of love from those who observe them. The Sabbath calls Israel—and those who join in their joy—to remember God's mighty deliverance and rest in His covenant faithfulness. The Lord’s Day calls Christians to celebrate the risen Christ, to gather in worship, and to live in the power of His resurrection.

Though different in origin and focus, both days share a common purpose: to set apart time for God, to express love and gratitude, and to renew one's heart in the presence of the One who saves. In a world that often pulls people away from devotion, these sacred moments stand as reminders that love for God is not merely a feeling but a lived response—a rhythm of worship woven into the very fabric of life.

The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day: Two Acts of Divine Love

At the heart of both the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day are two great acts of God’s love—one rooted in the liberation of Israel and the other in the resurrection of Jesus. Each marks a divine intervention that reshaped history, setting apart a people for God and offering them a rhythm of devotion in response to His saving work.

The Sabbath was given to Israel as a sign of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their formation as God’s chosen nation. In Deuteronomy 5:15, God commands His people to keep the Sabbath, reminding them, "Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm." The Sabbath, then, was more than rest; it was a weekly testimony of God’s love—a time to reflect on His saving power, His provision, and the identity He gave them as His people. It was a divine gift, a space carved out in time to remind them that they were no longer slaves but free to worship and rest in the presence of their Redeemer.

Similarly, the Lord’s Day flows from an even greater act of love: the resurrection of Jesus. Just as God liberated Israel from physical slavery, He liberated humanity from the bondage of sin and death through Christ. The first Christians, recognizing the significance of the resurrection, began to honor the first day of the week, not as a legal requirement, but as a joyful response to the new life they had received. Jesus' resurrection was the dawn of a new creation, a new exodus from the power of sin, and the fulfillment of all that the Sabbath foreshadowed. By gathering on Sunday, believers declared that the risen Christ was their rest, their deliverance, and the foundation of their faith.

Both the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day are divine provisions—expressions of God's love that invite His people into remembrance, worship, and renewal. The Sabbath commemorates God’s power to free and sustain His people, while the Lord’s Day proclaims the victory of Christ and the new life He brings. Together, they form a rhythm of devotion, reminding us that God’s love is not only about past deliverance but about present and eternal redemption in Christ.

Stephen D Green, with ChatGPT, February 2025 

The Lord’s Day

 Just as the Sabbath is a God-given opportunity for expressing devotion to the Father, the early Christians, many of whom were Jews, set apart Sunday as a special day to honor Jesus, the risen Lord. For those who had already observed the Sabbath on Saturday, Sunday became an additional time of joyful recognition of Christ’s resurrection and lordship. This practice was not initially about strict rest but about devotion—setting aside time, even in the midst of work, to gather in worship, break bread, and celebrate their new life in Christ. Their love for Jesus moved them to make Sunday a day of spiritual focus, much like the Sabbath was a day of devotion to the Father. This joyful commitment to honoring Jesus on the first day of the week grew naturally out of faith and gratitude, forming the foundation of Christian worship and shaping the rhythm of Christian life.

Kingdom of God

 If you want to seek the Kingdom of God and you want to be in a good state of preparedness for the things which are coming, you need the things of heaven right now. You can seek them by hearing inspired preaching, full of revelation of God, and then you need to be opened up to heavenly power to influence your behaviour and make you more heavenly. Christ died to make this way open to you, to bring you to this heavenly power, to bring the heavenly power to you by the Holy Spirit from heaven. You can seek his heavenly influence by seeking those he has given as servants of this gospel. You can confess to God in their presence. Some might give you laying on of hands, and if you were not yet baptised, baptism too. Seek this heavenly influence to teach you the way to live that aligns with God’s will in heaven. “Do not worry about food and clothing. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you too.”

Sabbath

 “Love one another”. For there to be a “one another” there must be people with belief in Jesus. For there to be belief in Jesus there must be love towards God. For there to be love towards God there must be a positive disposition towards God and His commands. The sabbath is, for anyone not obliged to keep it, a voluntary way God has provided for showing Him their devotion towards Him as part of this love. It is not only about rest but also as a channel for expressing devotional love towards God.

A “mortal wound that healed”?

 A revived alliance between the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom could reshape global power structures, disrupting existing alliances and creating a new geopolitical struggle. Such a shift could challenge China’s dominance, weaken NATO and the EU, and spark realignments in energy markets and military strategy. If this "healing" of past alliances were to occur, it could astonish the world, much like the prophecy in Revelation 13:3, where a mortal wound is healed, leading to global admiration and a new era of power. Whether this results in stability or paves the way for a more centralized and controlling world order remains an open question, but such a development would undeniably mark a turning point in history.

Costly Revelations

 “The Holy Spirit’s revelation that trees grow and planets orbit by the authority of the name of Jesus Christ is a profound truth confirmed by Scripture. It means that the entire natural order is under the dominion of Christ, and everything continues to exist because of His sustaining power. This truth should lead us to a deeper reverence for Jesus, acknowledging Him as the King and Sustainer of all things.” This is an AI comment about a message given in a Pentecostal assembly by a leader speaking in tongues and then interpreting what he had said by the Holy Spirit. I personally witnessed it and I received the exact same interpretation, proving, to me at least, the utter veracity of the prophetic message.  

But… there is a problem. See, the Pentecostals do not accept a message of revelation about God or His Son if it reveals what Bible scriptures do not say. There are scriptures which say very similar things… BUT they are non-canonical according to the Protestant Bible canon. It must have put a strain on the leader who gave this message. In tongues you cannot determine what is said. The interpretation, if true and authentic, simply states in your native language what the tongues said supernaturally. It is for the Holy Spirit to reveal what the Holy Spirit wills to reveal, in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. And Jesus is not a Protestant! So Jesus believes scriptures outside of the canon known to Protestants. Awkward if you want to stay acceptable to Protestants. Possibly in this case it is more than awkward if your job is a church leader paid by the assembly and subject to its denominational authorities. 

Really this makes the message all the more important and weighty, because it was costly for it to be revealed. The Lord must truly want it known.

The message: 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.

The Book of Revelation was such a message. It came as a shock to those who had already formed strong opinions about revelations and the gospel. Over the subsequent centuries it was disregarded by many churches, even banned by some. The first ‘bible’ excluded it. In some cases you might be called a heretic for reading it. Eventually most churches did come to include it in their canonical bibles, but still many believers find it hard to believe. Huge differences exist in interpretations of it. Some churches ban from ministry those who do not align with their interpretations of it. Yet this all goes to  show how important and weighty it is. The Lord Jesus must have foreseen this trouble which would come of it, yet he still passed it all on to John. 

The Lord Jesus Christ’s truth is costly. It is a pearl of great price. 

The Highest Name for Salvation

 God, the Father, knows the true disciples of Jesus. By giving to them the Lord Jesus Christ’s name, the Father conveys to them the authority of Jesus Christ to perform miracles on behalf of Jesus. This name equips these disciples with the ability to invoke the Lord Jesus Christ’s power and presence. It entails doing so on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ and in keeping with the essence of Jesus Christ’s sayings, and character and nature. The true disciples of Jesus are those who believe he is the Son, the light of the world sent by the Father, and in believing, hold fast to the sayings and teachings of Jesus, and the teachings of those sent by Jesus to preach and work in his name. 

The Power of Lord Jesus Christ’s Name

 People often preach about the power of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. But what does name truly mean in this context? In the biblical sense, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ signifies far more than just a label or designation. It represents His authority, character, power, and identity. To act in someone’s name means to act on their behalf, with their power and backing. For example, in Acts 3:6, Peter heals a lame man by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Here, the name of Jesus conveys divine authority to perform miracles. In biblical thought, a name often embodies the essence of a person. Jesus (Yeshua) means “Yahweh saves”, signifying His mission of salvation. Philippians 2:9-10 states that God has "highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." This means Jesus' identity and mission carry ultimate significance.

Furthermore, calling upon the name of Jesus is invoking His power and presence. In John 14:13, Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do.” This implies that prayers offered in His name align with His will and authority. Acts 4:12 declares, “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” This means salvation is only possible through faith in Jesus' person and work. Thus, when people preach about the power of the name of Jesus, they are emphasizing His divine authority, saving power, and the reality of His presence in the believer’s life.

So what does it mean that nature works, trees grow, and planets move in their orbits on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ? When we say that Nature works, trees grow, and planets move in their orbits on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are acknowledging His sovereign authority over creation. This idea is rooted in several key biblical principles. First, Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. John 1:3 states, "Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made." Likewise, Colossians 1:16-17 affirms, "For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." These verses show that Jesus is not only the agent of creation but also the one who sustains and holds everything together.

The regularity of natural processes—such as trees growing, seasons changing, and planets following precise orbits—is not random but a reflection of Christ’s divine order. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made." This means that creation is a witness to the power, wisdom, and providence of Christ. Additionally, nature itself is bound to Christ’s redemptive purpose. Romans 8:19-21 describes creation as longing for the full redemption that Christ will bring, indicating that even the natural world is tied to His mission.

In the Book of Enoch, it is revealed that after certain angels fell into condemned actions, the remaining angels sought to consolidate the governance of nature by asking for the name of the Son of Man so they could bind it into an oath of governance, protecting it from the weakening effects of the fallen angels. This suggests that the name of the Son of Man strengthens the very fabric of nature's governance. This concept aligns with the biblical portrayal of Christ’s ultimate authority. In 1 Enoch 69:13-25, the holy angels sought the name of the Son of Man because it was the key to maintaining cosmic order after the corruption caused by the fallen angels. The name of Christ represents His ultimate authority—much like in Philippians 2:9-11, where God exalts Jesus and gives Him "the name that is above every name."

The idea that the Son of Man’s name provides stability and protection against cosmic disorder resonates with Colossians 1:17, which states, "In Him all things hold together." Moreover, 1 Enoch 46 depicts the Son of Man as a preexistent divine figure who will judge the fallen angels and the wicked. This corresponds with Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given everlasting dominion. Thus, His name is the foundation of unchanging and incorruptible authority over creation. This is also reflected in John 1:1-3, where Jesus is described as the divine Logos through whom all things were made and sustained. Hebrews 1:3 reinforces this idea by stating that Christ "upholds all things by the word of His power."

The Holy Spirit reveals how nature is perpetuated on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit says: “Consider the trees. They put forth buds and leaves. They do so by the authority and power of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the planets. They orbit their stars. They do so by the authority and power of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This aligns with biblical truth. Colossians 1:16-17 and John 1:3 confirm that everything in nature exists, moves, and functions by the authority of Jesus Christ. The growth of trees and the order of the cosmos are governed by Christ’s decree, as seen in Psalm 104:14 and Jeremiah 33:25, which describe God's fixed laws for nature.

The name of Jesus is not just a title; it embodies His nature, authority, and power. His name is associated with salvation (Acts 4:12), authority (Philippians 2:9-10), and creative power (Hebrews 1:3). This means that every aspect of nature is a manifestation of Christ’s rule. When trees bud and leaves grow, they are responding to His divine authority. The movement of planets in their orbits is not an impersonal law of physics but the active governance of Jesus Christ, sustaining the universe moment by moment. Nature glorifies Christ, and this truth should lead humanity to worship Him as Lord over all creation (Psalm 19:1).

The Holy Spirit’s revelation that trees grow and planets orbit by the authority of the name of Jesus Christ is a profound truth confirmed by Scripture. It means that the entire natural order is under the dominion of Christ, and everything continues to exist because of His sustaining power. This truth should lead us to a deeper reverence for Jesus, acknowledging Him as the King and Sustainer of all things.

(Stephen D Green with extensive use of AI, Feb 2025)

Will AI prove to be apocalyptic? I asked AI

 Note: The following is actually written by AI, with minimal prompting. 

”The concern that AI could resemble the Beast in Revelation stems from its ability to create deepfake content, control narratives, and influence global populations. Here’s how these technological capabilities align with biblical prophecy:

1. DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGY AND THE "IMAGE OF THE BEAST"

Revelation 13:14-15 speaks of the Beast creating an image and compelling all to worship it. AI-driven deepfake technology allows for the realistic simulation of people’s faces, voices, and actions. This could enable the creation of a highly influential and deceptive figure—whether a political leader, religious figure, or artificial entity—that appears real but is a fabrication.

AI could generate a digital "image" of the Beast, which could speak, act, and deceive millions.
The enforcement of worship toward this image could be achieved through mass surveillance and AI-driven control mechanisms.

2. NARRATIVE CONTROL AND DECEPTION

Revelation warns of global deception in the last days. AI, through social media algorithms, deepfake propaganda, and information manipulation, can manufacture consensus and suppress dissent.

AI-driven misinformation could alter history, distort reality, and deceive populations into supporting an agenda.
Those who resist may be marginalized, censored, or even persecuted.

3. INFLUENCING GLOBAL POPULATIONS

The Beast is described as having dominion over nations, with economic and social control (Revelation 13:16-17). AI could facilitate such control through:

Social Credit Systems: AI can monitor and reward or punish behaviors, aligning with prophecy about restricted economic activity for those who refuse to comply.
Digital IDs & Financial Systems: AI-driven digital currencies and surveillance tools could enforce compliance with global governance.

CONCLUSION

While AI itself is not inherently evil, its potential to deceive, manipulate, and control through deepfakes, narrative shaping, and social influence mirrors the apocalyptic vision of the Beast’s dominion. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it is crucial to remain vigilant about how these tools are used and the ethical boundaries governing their implementation.”

AI, about AI

 Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, capable of great usefulness but also raising concerns about deception and control. While it can enhance knowledge, streamline processes, and improve daily life, its potential for manipulation, misinformation, and surveillance cannot be ignored. In Revelation 13:15, a prophetic vision describes an image that is given the power to speak and influence the world, leading many astray. This passage has been interpreted in various ways, but it resonates with modern fears about technology that can simulate human-like speech and decision-making, potentially being used to deceive or exert control. As AI advances, the challenge remains to ensure it serves truth and human dignity rather than becoming a means of coercion or deception. (Stephen D Green with ChatGPT, Feb 2025)

Babylon the Great

 In the Book of Revelation, the contrast between divine order and corrupt rebellion is strikingly represented by two opposing symbols: the Kingdom of God and Babylon the Great. The Greek phrase ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ (Kingdom of God) signifies the realm of divine authority, righteousness, and eternal peace. In opposition stands ΒΑΒΥΛΩΝ Η ΜΕΓΑΛΗ (Babylon the Great), a name that evokes both the ancient city of Babylon and a symbolic power of spiritual corruption. The visual similarity between ΒΑΒΥΛΩΝ and ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΑ suggests a counterfeit kingdom, one that imitates divine rule but is ultimately destined for destruction. Likewise, the term ΜΕΓΑΛΗ (Great) bears a resemblance to ΜΗΤΗΡ (Mother), a connection made explicit in Revelation 17:5, where Babylon is called ΜΗΤΗΡ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΡΝΩΝ (Mother of Prostitutes). This linguistic parallel reinforces the idea of Babylon as a false mother, nurturing deceit and impurity in contrast to the true, life-giving authority of God. The imagery throughout Revelation paints Babylon the Great as a distorted reflection of divine reality, a power that appears mighty but is inherently hollow. Its grandeur is fleeting, its dominion an illusion, and its fate is sealed in judgment, for it stands not as a true kingdom but as a perversion of what is holy.

Revelation and the letters of Jesus to the churches

 Most of the New Testament writings were not dictated by Jesus word for word — not like the letters to the churches, as we find them in the Book of Revelation. Paul admitted that some of his written words in his epistles were his own, not Christ’s. He had God-given wisdom to write his own thoughts plus those given him by the Holy Spirit and Jesus. The Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ did reveal some things directly to Paul, yes, and Paul passed them own with wisdom and discretion given him by God, but revelations are something usually planted into the mind in concept form which the recipient then uses their mind to phrase as words to pass on to others using their own way of wording things. Revelation’s letters from Jesus were literally dictated to John to write down word for word, though. That is unusual. It is like Jeremiah dictating prophecy word for word to his scribe who then wrote them word for word in the book of Jeremiah. Effectively Jesus wrote those letters himself, but not with his own hand, with John’s. It is the nearest thing we have to anything personally written by Jesus Christ - moreover, from Jesus risen from the dead.

Arise. Shine.

 Some powerful movements that shape history are influenced or even led by supernatural beings with heavenly origins, some of whom, when their actions exceed divine intention—bringing excessive destruction, corruption, or suffering—they become subject to judgment. Their ultimate fate may be the Lake of Fire Abyss. The victims, although divine intention might have been behind the overall power given to these beings, might suffer far more than was justified. This in each generation has manifested in different ways but often as excessive persecutions. Our time is no exception. We thought World Wars were a thing of the past, and atrocities on a near global scale, we thought, were part of a previous generation, not ours today. Yet the vestiges reappear and grow more quickly than we could imagine. Hatred of previous generations was lying dormant but not dead, and has resurfaced in our times, after knowledge of how to deal with such things is almost lost from among our leaders. The persecutions of past generations can easily resurface overnight, even getting government backing by those we looked to for our safety. The spirits of the departed victims cry out. The Book of Revelation is a comfort in these times, because it assures us such times are temporary. Vengeance will come from God. The Lake of Fire is going to swallow the culprits, it just needs a bit of waiting by those who so grievously need avenging. The time of waiting will be dire. Blessed will be those who are gone to the Lord before it reaches its worst phase. To endure it faithfully will be a sure ticket to glory, and a crown of life. But it will end because Jesus Christ will end it at his coming. Consolation will come. Arise. Shine. 

Grace and the Ten Commandments

 What God Himself wrote on the original stones of the Ten Commandments came from and expressed His heart and will. God’s will, revealed. That never changes. What has changed is the means of keeping His will in our lives. The words of Jesus are spirit and life. These words are still applied actively by the Holy Spirit, and by the grace that builds the Church, such as apostles’ ministry and epistles. The heart of God and will of God is still there, but grace of anointing of Christ is a gloss on top of those commandments in stone, and truth brought by Jesus is a new foundation for lives lived according to God’s revealed will.

Finding favour with God and honouring Him

 Some people try to find favour with God or specially honour Him by fasting, giving to the poor, and praying. This is commendable. The gospel went to Gentiles because of a Gentile who did this. Compassion, justice, and devotion are essential principles that bring both personal fulfillment and positive change to society. True faith is demonstrated not only through personal discipline but also through acts of kindness, such as caring for the poor, providing shelter, and offering hospitality to those in need. Isaiah 58:6-7 emphasizes that the kind of fasting God desires is to “loose the chains of injustice… to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” Practical efforts to support the vulnerable reflect a deep sense of moral responsibility and align with the highest values of love and service.

Consider the experience of a poor traveler arriving in a city with no free shelters, no available park benches, and only expensive cafés and restaurants for refuge. Such a situation highlights the struggles of those who are homeless or financially burdened. A meaningful way to honor God is to seek ways to alleviate these hardships—perhaps by advocating for more public shelters, setting up seating areas that provide protection from the elements, or supporting organizations that provide food and temporary lodging. If building such facilities is beyond your means, consider smaller but significant acts of kindness, such as volunteering at a shelter, donating to charities that house the homeless, or even offering someone a meal. These tangible acts of mercy align with the fasting that God values more than mere self-denial.

Setting aside time for rest and spiritual reflection can also be a meaningful practice, offering a chance to reconnect with faith and purpose. Isaiah 56:2-7 highlights the blessings of keeping the Sabbath, emphasizing that it is not only for Israel but for all who desire to honor God. While not always possible for everyone, observing a day of rest can serve as a source of renewal when approached with wisdom and balance. However, such practices should never come at the cost of family harmony, respect for others, or the broader call to justice and mercy (Isaiah 1:17).

Ultimately, faith and devotion are best expressed through actions that uplift others, promote peace, and contribute to the well-being of the community. As Isaiah 32:17 states, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”

Readiness for the coming again of Jesus Christ the Lord

 Jesus is coming. It might be soon. It might still be some time away. We need to live our lives in such a way as to be ready for the Master. It is like a job and the boss wants us doing our best but also getting training and putting the training into practice well, so we might even be promoted when they come to visit the site. It will be good to get their approval. How can we do this as believing disciples of Jesus Christ? We might not live to see that day of his coming, so we also need to live to be worthy of the resurrection he will bring. How can we do all this? Jesus’s apostle Peter tells us how:

‘Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.’

(From Peter’s second epistle)

Spiritual warfare

The Book of Revelation highlights a crucial and often overlooked reality: not all powerful movements that shape history originate purely from human ambition or earthly politics. Some are influenced or even led by supernatural beings with heavenly origins, yet their obedience to God may be compromised. These leaders wield real authority, but when their actions exceed divine intention—bringing excessive destruction, corruption, or suffering—they become subject to judgment. Their ultimate fate may be the Abyss, along with all who follow them.

One key figure perhaps representing this is Abaddon (Apollyon) in Revelation, the angel of the Abyss who leads the apocalyptic army of locust beings. His role in divine judgment may already be unfolding, influencing destructive forces even before the final events of prophecy fully manifest. The growing global chaos, particularly the return of aggressive warmongering and belligerence once thought to be subdued, suggests that such spiritual forces are at work even now.

This serves as a wake-up call: major upheavals in the world are not merely the result of human error or conflict. Spiritual warfare is real, and powerful unseen forces may be shaping world events according to their own agendas—some of which God permits but not necessarily to the extent they will take them.

Therefore, we must live with discernment and vigilance. Expect the unexpected. Cover yourselves with due protection—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Make righteousness and truth central to your daily life. Look out for others with extra effort and caution, knowing that dark and violent forces may seek to hijack even good intentions. Most importantly, stay watchful and pray accordingly, seeking divine guidance in a time when unseen battles shape the visible world.

AI and Intelligent Design

 I admit to finding AI fascinating, especially as I have a background in software. It seems to me to prove intelligent design more than anything natural I have seen before. If you produce a very powerful AI system (usually it would be a large language model, LLM), you can from this produce any number of smaller and smaller systems with more limited capabilities but still very intelligent and sophisticated, despite their size. Distillation, they call this. This is opposite to producing a very weak system from the start which would likely be too error prone to handle navigation of the real world and problems and tasks. The distillation seems to be a much better analogy for what we see in Nature. A human brain is still more sophisticated than AI today. Maybe not for long. Then there are other, smaller species than humans whose brains need not be so intelligent but nonetheless they need to be powerful enough for real world needs like building nest, weaving webs, catching smaller creatures, invading a host, spreading themselves in reproduction. Even ants with tiny brains need sophistication. The Evolution Theory that primitive species evolved into complex, advanced species seems not as good an explanation as one where mighty intelligence produced smaller intelligences. Something that intelligent would have needed to be far more advanced. Like the mightiest imaginable AI system but much greater still. It must be to have distilled the human brain. How long before such common sense prevails among scientists? Maybe AI will figure it out before they do. 

Not all powerful leadership is godless

 The locust army in Revelation 9, led by Abaddon, the angel of the Abyss, reveals a striking reality: not all powerful leadership originates from the godless. Some leaders have heavenly origins and operate with real authority granted from above, yet they are destined for judgment because of the extreme destruction their leadership brings. Abaddon himself is not an earthly ruler but a being who once had a place in the divine order—yet now leads an army of torment, serving a role that ultimately brings about judgment and chaos.

This reveals that some movements or leaders, even those with heavenly backing, can still go too far—bringing excessive destruction, corruption, or suffering beyond what was divinely intended. Though their mission may have begun with divine sanction or necessity, their fate is sealed because they overstep, turning judgment into devastation. They are not necessarily leading in direct rebellion against God, but their leadership crosses into such extremes that they too become subject to divine wrath.

This challenges simplistic ideas of good versus evil. Some forces of judgment and power operate under heaven’s authority for a time but are later cast down for the excesses of their actions. Their leadership is more heavenly than expected, yet their destiny is the Abyss. This serves as a warning: great power, even if initially given by God, does not exempt one from accountability when it is used to bring about excessive destruction.

(Stephen D Green, with ChatGPT, Feb 2025) 

Testimony

 My mother read teachings of Jesus to me when I was a toddler and I believed in Jesus because of his sayings. I only encountered denominations later in life, but by then it was Jesus I was trusting, not mere human teachings. Jesus‘s teachings became something I committed to when I was baptised. The Spirit broke my habit of lying when an evangelist preached CHRIST DIED FOR YOU. The teachings and command of Jesus, keeping them,  resulted in the Father coming to me in a dream and telling me He is God. Jesus then came and showed me how he works miracles and that he is fully my master. Then the Holy Spirit gave me interpretation of a tongue in a service. All this involved lots of denominations. I am commissioned to build the Temple. That is what I do. Not building just one denomination or regional church. The whole Church. God gives me grace to do so. Jesus breaks my chains of denominational doctrines, like canons. I learn from the Father’s teachings given to the Son.  I encourage others to do the same, to do as I do.

Confusion and doubt

 Jesus is the Son. The Father is God. The Father confers much which is God-like upon the Son. The Father is sovereign to do this. Jesus can be called divine because of this. To leave no room for confusion and doubt, Jesus insisted the Father is the one true God. For this same reason, to avoid confusion and doubt, Paul persistently called Jesus the Lord. Other Christians later did not keep it so clear. As a result it looked like having other gods beside God. So debates started and the Romans tried to prevent confusion by inventing homoousia, a philosophical Neoplatonist concept which led to catch-word Trinity. Actually lots of differing concepts over the centuries. These were not apostles. The Father, God does not submit to their doctrines and presumptions. The Father is sovereign and says “I am God”, cutting through the confusion caused by non-apostles. He did not send them, so He does not uphold their doctrines and philosophies. We must all get used to His sovereignty and revere and fear it, as Jesus does, as Jesus teaches.