July 1, 2023
Artificial Intelligence “The LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6 NASB). Science fiction at the beginning of the twentieth century created a fascination with artificially intelligent robots. As computer technology advanced, the term artificial intelligence (AI) appeared in 1956 from the pen of American computer scientist John McCarthy, who defined it as “getting a computer to do things which, when done by people, are said to involve intelligence.” Today AI has become a catchall term for applications […]
July 1, 2023
Our Goal “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat” (Matthew 23:2). — Micah Hess Despite witnessing the ministry of Jesus first‑hand, the hearts of most Pharisees were not moved. Instead, they sought ways to stumble and test him. In Matthew 23 Jesus directly addresses the obstinance of the Pharisees by exposing how their faith had drifted into a mere form of religion. They had transformed the Law into a set of ostentatious rules that could be used to exalt themselves […]
July 1, 2023
The Fig Tree: An Anchor in the Stream of Time “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh” (Matthew 24:32). — Dave Larson The ability to discern the current point in time with respect to God’s plan for mankind has long been of importance to His followers. As the current Gospel Age draws to a close, this need has become even more critical. During his ministry, […]
July 1, 2023
Apparent Today “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming [presence], and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3 ESV). After preaching in the temple, the disciples wanted to show Jesus the beautiful buildings of the temple complex. Originally rebuilt by Zerubbabel (Ezra 6:15), the temple was greatly expanded and improved upon by Herod. It was the center of Jewish worship for nearly 1,000 years and an impressive facility. The disciples had just heard Jesus […]
July 1, 2023
Caring for Them Until the End “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” ( John 14:1). In his final days on earth, Jesus spent precious time with his disciples. He prepared them for the difficult experiences to come and comforted them with words they would later recall. In John 13, he not only emphasized the importance of humility, but also demonstrated the lifestyle of a true servant. The greatest man to ever walk the earth […]