The Israel of God

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #32: The Bible and A.I.

It appears Einstein was right all along when he said: ‘only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not so sure about the former.’ Jesus answered them. Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? (John 10:34) It also appears that many in this age believe they are…

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

The ability of a computer or other machine to perform those activities that are normally thought to require intelligence: and/or exhibited by an artificial, non-natural, man-made entity.

The thought of an AI being cast in the near future as ‘a digital god’ or as suggested by some, the final word, is of great concern and should be. Google and Meta have already applied AI technology to their platforms to ‘manage’ search and response parameters, as has Wikipedia for ‘functionality.’

But for now, Artificial Intelligence is still at the stage of machine learning, although the algorithmic process is a lot more sophisticated and calculations quicker than previously. Yet, in spite of the dreams of sci-fi writers, fans and futurists, AI will never become a sentient being; still saddled with garbage in, garbage out, it could, however, surface as a real problem in the wrong hands.

Enter Israeli historian, author, futurist and trans-humanist, and beloved of the WEF, Yuval Harari, who has reaped the ire of believers by boldly going where Angels fear to tread:

“Throughout history, religions dreamed about having a book written by a superhuman intelligence, by a non-human entity.” “AI can create new ideas; can even write a new Bible.” “Every religion claims, all the books of the other religions humans wrote them, but our book, it came from some superhuman intelligence, in a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct.” He also said, AI might at last deliver a correct religion for the masses not just myths and stories.

And while we have heard this mythology drivel before, Hariri also assumes Christians especially are locked into fables, never questioning the veracity of the Bible, which is of course total nonsense. Over the centuries, the books of the Holy Bible have been established, tested and proven, through empirical, archaeological and linguistic evidence, more than any sacred works. The questioning faith of some has proven the immovable faith in others.

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

As to the Bible being re-written, improved and quantified, by an artificial superhuman intelligence; it’s simply absurd and the path to damnation on so many levels. Regarding its authorship, the Apostle Peter says: No prophesy ever originated through a human decision. Instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2Pe 1:21)

Better the Real than the artificial; better the LORD’s Word than the voice of the Godless. And, in regard to touching God’s Word, we have been given ample warning of the penalty awaiting anyone who goes down that road..!

Now, we can get into various circular arguments on the topic of AI’s merit, application and ethics. But when it comes to fundamentals only one question needs to be asked: a question, which will at least get us thinking, if not put us rightly in our place: it is this, “has nothing ever existed?” And if your answer is no, then your next questions will hopefully set you on the path to knowledge of the Existing One: His Christ, His Spirit, and His never-ending love for us all.

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #31: Jesus not welcome …

I saw something the other day, which reminded me of an incident in March 2023, when two ultra- orthodox members of the Zionist Government proposed a law banning the name of Jesus in Israel. In order to clamp down on ‘other religions’ their bill included imprisonment for anyone preaching Christ. Due to an outburst from mainly Evangelicals, the bill was quashed for the time being. The irony is the Zionist State is essentially secular, and almost fifty percent of Jews are non-religious.

It’s not the first time anti-Christian sentiment has raised its head there, but due to Israel’s fixation with the West Bank and Gaza making the headlines, much of it goes unreported. Yet harassment of the religious seems integral to Zionism; most communities feeling its affect one way or other, settlers and ultra-orthodox factions also play their part. The desire to create an elite expansive Jewish State has apparently eroded any trace of decency as their current actions bear witness.

The Government’s claim of Christian communities in the Middle East, there is none safer than Israel is seriously flawed. Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and the Gulf States all have Christian communities with less persecution. Bethlehem for example was largely Christian, which now account for less than ten percent of residents, reflected across much of the Jewish State. That Evangelical Christians view Israel as religiously significant, while ignoring the facts on the ground, is quite frankly one of life’s great mysteries.

Another concern is the suggestion by ardent zealots that the genocide in Gaza and current military action to expand Israel’s borders is God’s will. These are dangerous men advocating dangerous ideas; fortunately not all Jews feel the same. Many are objecting to this sort of fundamentalism and current government policies. The global response in support of Palestinians, which Zionists are desperately trying to shut down, shows how a growing number of people now regard Israel, Zionism, and their hazardous agendas.

Recently I came across two letters published on a popular Telegram channel, which touched on the Jews of the first century and the killing of Jesus. One in particular caught my attention, an attempt to distance Jews from the crucifixion. It was well argued with points well made regarding Roman involvement, as Judea at the time was under Roman authority, in particular Pontius Pilate. But for the writer to suggest the Pharisees betrayed Jesus is incorrect, it was Judas Iscariot; although they did petition Rome for His execution and virtually started to riot to press their case.

Now two crucial points the writer failed to mention: (1) Pilate washed his hands of the whole affair saying: ‘You see to it’ (MKJV); ‘You are responsible’ (BBE); ‘Attend to that yourselves’ (ISV); I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (Matt 27:24 KJV)

And (2) in response to Pilate the Jews did in fact admit their guilt; ‘let his blood be on us and our children.’ (Matt 27:25)

The Jews may not have physically nailed Jesus to the cross but were responsible for His execution, consistent with the record of the times. It was also foretold in Scripture who His assailants would be; the House of Judah. And one shall say to him, what are these wounds in thy hands? Then he shall answer: those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. (Zechariah 13:6)

So, it seems little has changed. Jesus was put to death for fulfilling the Prophets, and His Apostles and disciples victimized and killed. And down the ages the Faith of Jesus is persecuted though not unforeseen: all these things they will do to you for my name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent me. (John 15:21)

And the light in the darkness did shine, and the darkness comprehended it not… (1John 1:5)

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P1)

Part 1: context

From a simple cell to the expanse of the universe everything is governed by rules: cells cannot exist without a membrane, rain can’t fall from a cloudless sky, motion requires force, and nothing is created of itself. Without rules there is confusion. Out of rules comes stability and harmony. Paul wrote: for God is not of confusion, but of peace; (1Cor 14:33) thus the Word of God brings forth fidelity, wisdom and serenity through rules and order.

At the start of the Bible we see sequence, thought and development, in the beginning God created. The Spirit of the LORD brought order out of chaos when He moved over the void and the darkness of the deep, making darkness invisible by the breath of His voice: let there be light. The act of creation therefore a progression of thought, effect and reality; we see its permanence in the Earth, Sun, Moon and the Heavens. And in Scripture, we see this enduring state of being in terms of foundation, not only to emphasise its durability, but also its timeless creator.

Now, in Isaiah we find this declaration from the Existing One: I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I am the LORD that does all these things. (Isaiah 45:7) Affirmation the LORD is also the author of rules, symmetry and foundational laws.

In Genesis 1:7, He divided the waters above from the waters below placing an expanse (firmament) between them, and then divided the earth and waters below, forming land and seas. Job tells us the LORD hangs the earth upon nothing (Job 26:7)

And Peter writes; that by the word of God the heavens were of old standing out of the water and in the water: through which the world that was being overflowed with water perished: but the heavens and earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store: (2Peter 3:5-7)

Peter explains the earth was changed by the Flood of Noah’s day; the result of the LORD loosing the waters above to fall upon the Earth; Jesus confirmed the deluge in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The rainbow His sign of promise it cannot happen again, His word assured by a timeless oath. And when to Abraham He said; by myself have I sworn, (Genesis 22:16) He swore on His own name as there was none greater than His.

As it is with the Flood, so it is with our sins.

The corruption of Adam and Eve is also a onetime event. The flight of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Commandments and the virgin birth through the work of Holy Spirit, will never happen again. Equally, the Resurrection is set in time; yet our Redemption wrought by the Blood of Christ comes with a never-ending pledge, and everlasting promise.

Whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, this is the covenant I will make with them after those days, said the LORD, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them; and their sins and iniquities I will remember no more. Now, where remission of these is there is no more offing for sin. (Hebrews 10:15-18)

So, the redemptive Blood of Christ is also a once only event, and like Noah’s Flood, it will not repeat. Yet, if our sin was remembered by God then the sacrifice, as Paul said, was of no effect and the event an illusion. But how can we speak of such things, when any delusion is ours; still God came down to do His Work as history shows. His blood spent on an accursed tree to break sin’s hold, governed by rules He set for Himself: but why? Because He so loved the world as John said, well yes of course, but there is more to it than that. He is the Light, and cannot live in darkness where sin holds sway.

End of part one…
Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P2)

Part 2: obligation and possession

The Holy Bible is a record of God’s interaction with men; the Old Testament of foundation, hope and promise, which points to the Christ. The New is the fulfilment of that promise through God made flesh, and the reconciliation of sin through the Blood of Remission. It is a story of love and concern under the mantle of Mercy and Grace.

When people are asked why Jesus came the answers are often quite vague; when Jesus was asked, His answer was clear: my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work. (John 4:34)

And so: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1Timothy 3:16)

Now, the debate on sin is enduring; one part has its origin in the schedule of sin fixed by the Roman Church; another in the rolling discussion of faith over works. Both are distractions, which obscure the work of Christ, causing blindness to the root of sin and ignore its progenitor. Eve did not eat an apple; Pharaoh did not fail through weakness; they had one thing in common, they failed to believe. It is time in detail at the expense of what’s relevant, which distracts us from God’s pledge about the forgiveness of sin in its fullness. So let’s look at what was said of the Christ and His purpose.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

The auxiliary verb ‘shall ’appears three times in this sentence. It is used to underline something that will occur or exist in the future; also to describe an order, promise, requirement or obligation. Mary gave birth to a son as promised, and their requirement to name him JESUS was fulfilled. The second part of Gabriel’s statement relates to the self-imposed obligation of the LORD for the removal of sin as declared in the Prophets, now upon His physical form of promise. Bear in mind, Isaiah said Jesus was God with us (Immanuel: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) and Paul wrote

God was manifest in the flesh.

The next day, John sees Jesus coming to him and said, ‘behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’ (John 1:29)

The intransitive verb ‘take:’ To get into one’s hands; possession of; to have power over; to capture, seize, remove, secure, defeat; to receive into one’s body; to move against; to acquire by authority.

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of His Grace: (Eph 1:7)

And lastly the intransitive ‘have:’ to possess as a trait; to hold; to own; a feature or constituent part: and the noun ‘forgiveness’ in the context of Paul’s statement: pardoned; released from; the state of being forgiven; absolved; free of or from: assurance that true believers enjoy mercy as an integral feature of their faith and being.

And so, in the announcement from the Angel Gabriel, and in the declaration from John the Baptist we find Jesus under obligation through proclamation and pledge to capture sin; to remove it, secure and defeat it. The reason is reconciliation: the cleaning of a divided house to delete Satan’s barrier between God and men. Thus, Jesus came to rectify our fallen state so we can be free of blame and debt, to take what we cannot remove. His is the Kingdom, the Power to defeat sin, and the Glory of righteousness where sin has no place. It has been cast down to the earth where it will remain among men, until repentance is sought.

End of part two…
Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P3)

Part 3: the curse removed

Now, we need to confirm our Redeemer. By whose blood was purchase made and now the owner of the debt? We find the answer in much of Scripture, also the Psalms, where the circumstances are described; and in Isaiah where we first meet the LORD and His Christ.

I, I am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Isaiah 43:11)

And all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. (Isaiah 49:26)

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels (Psa 22:14); the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. (Psa 22:16) For thou will not leave my soul in hell; neither will thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption: (Psa 16:10) which speaks of the Resurrection.

He will swallow up death (sin) in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken. (Isaiah 25:8)

Paul speaks to this often, and in Hebrews and Romans highlights the LORD’S promise to His Israel given through the Prophet Jeremiah: for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more: (Jeremiah 31:24)

For sin shall not have dominion over you, as you are not under the law, but under Grace. (Romans 6:14) For the Law of the Spirit of Life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

Watch now! When he said you have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings (these are offered according to the law) then he added, behold, I have come to do your will; He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ‘once.’ (Hebrews 10:8-10; ESV)

In the Greek text, verse 10 ends with the word ‘ephapax’ translated on-once or once, which means on one occasion, or one time only. In the pure eternal sacrifice of Christ, our sin was redeemed and atonement made; where there is forgiveness of these is there is no longer any offing for sin. (Hebrews 10:18) Jesus has satisfied the requirement He placed upon Himself to remove sin’s debt under the New Covenant, which came into force with His act of Redemption. Having purchased its burden by the shedding of Blood, Jesus now owns sin’s debt, it being taken away so He can be with us. Jesus has divided flesh and spirit by removing the law of sacrifice, creating faith without arrears.

Guided by His Comforter Spirit, those under the Law of the Spirit of Life believe through Scriptural proof, Jesus is both LORD and Christ. As Paul states, One LORD, One Faith, One Baptism wherein they keep the Commandments of Jesus (Mark 12:29) and Faith in Him only. Under His promise, sin is now put aside as they worship the LORD in Spirit and Truth; (John 4:24) He in us, we in Him, a spiritual union of sinless perfection through Grace and Mercy under the Blood.

As in the Flood of Noah’s day, the sacrifice of Christ only happens once. Jesus said

….it is finished. (John 19:30)

His work is done. The redeeming of our sin has broken the chains of the law, sacrificial works and attendance. All that remains is faith in Jesus only. As Jesus declared; he who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not will be condemned. (Mark 16:16) And that condemnation is the sin we hold on to. But Mercy is greater than pride, and His Blood greater than sin. And in our belief, repentance and baptism in Christ, our sins are remembered no more…

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P1

Part One: Preface

One of my younger brethren had a fairly difficult time coming to grips with the Scriptures; an often testing journey towards the truth of Christ and the Word of God; he now has a good understanding of what spiritual and personal tribulation actually means. The LORD put this young brother through the fires of hell to teach and correct, out of which has come a hardened steel and refined faith, yet he admits he has some way to go. And when we reflect honestly upon our own journey through God’s Word, so do we all. The LORD loves him dearly, the perfecting continues, and a word will come.

While most Christians read the Bible sincerely to learn and grow in faith, there are some, perhaps not well enough schooled to fully understand Scripture, who find it hard going and often distracted. But there are others, who in their delusion use God’s Word to openly promote religious and worldly themes, and in this group especially we find the Denominational Church.

A phrase to explain the arbitrary exploiting of Scripture is touching God’s Word. It is absolutely not to be touched, corrupted, distorted, or changed in any way to suit one’s thinking, or sway others at the expense of its literal and prophetic truths. It does not need interpreting, as Scripture interprets itself. As an easy example, Isaiah 7:14 uses the term ‘Immanuel’ to show Jesus when announcing the virgin birth. In Matthew 1:23, we find it means ‘God with us’ but I wonder how many actually understand or accept this truth.

Now, the Testimony of Jesus (Revelation 19:10) is the Spirit of Prophesy.

Jesus sent His Angel to testify He is the root and offspring (the Father and son) of David’s line. (Rev 22:16) It was Paul who declared, Jesus Christ is unchanged throughout time; (Hebrews 13:8) and again in Revelation 19, we see Jesus called Faithful and True and the Word of God. So we are talking about the author of Holy Writ, the inspiration of its writers, the LORD Jesus Christ. So, every time we touch His Word we ram the thorny crown upon His head once more.

The first time we see God’s Word challenged is in the Garden of Eden, when described as a serpent, Satan tempted Eve. It was extremely subtle as he questioned God’s instructions regarding the penalty for touching the tree of good and evil, casting doubt in Eve’s mind. Adam and Eve were charmed by his ruse, and sin and death entered the world through unbelief. Satan planted the seeds of uncertainty, which have come down the generations and reside in us still.

It is therefore vital for our eternal well-being that we know and understand the Scriptures are to be used for spiritual growth, to gain understanding, and to learn about God. They were given so we may discern the light from the darkness and its place in our lives. They were also given so we can come to an understanding of Christ; who and what He is and what He has done. To this end, they hold teaching and rules, especially the two Great Commands in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, given to help order and make sense of our life, thinking and faith.

It is also important to understand that the Holy Bible is primarily concerned with spiritual matters; as Paul told the Church at Corinth, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (1Co 15:50)

Jesus informed the Woman at Jacob’s well; the LORD seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:23) The Word of God is not to be touched, abused, or changed in any way, which we will look into in part two, when foolish men made themselves Gods…

To Philip, my lovely brother in Christ, whose enthusiasm for the Word of God, and love for his fellow man knows no bounds…

In peace and love as always,

James.

Quick Reads #5 – How the Trinity happened

I once overheard a conversation that went like this…. “The reason we have a trinity is God’s fault..!’ “Why?” someone asked. “Because if He had come himself we wouldn’t be having this debate..!” As you can see it was getting a little tense and arguments about religion will sometimes do that. I imagine it was much the same at Nicaea in 325AD, when many learned men and bishops convened the Council, which...

The Israel of God

Part 1: context

Part 2: obligation and possession

Part 3: the curse removed

Jesus Salvation

Jesus Kingdom

The LORD’S Christ

Jesus Baptism

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