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Artificial Intelligence for Artificial Lives. Real Wisdom for Real Lives

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by David Geelan  |  13 December 2024  |   Recently I attended a professional learning session at my Catholic university, entitled “AI: Promise or Threat?” The presentations were engaging and interesting, and they got me thinking. If you’re involved in education, you’ll know that the advent of ChatGPT in late 2022 and the avalanche of chatbots […] Source: https://atoday.org/artificial-intelligence-for-artificial-lives-real-wisdom-for-real-lives/

Lesson 11.The Father, the Son, and the Spirit | 11.7 Questions | THEMES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | LIVING FAITH

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1. Eternal life means knowing God (John 17:3). What does it mean to know God, as opposed to just knowing certain things about Him, such as that He is powerful, loving, or a God of justice? If someone were to ask you, “Do you know God?”, how would you answer? How does Jesus fit into your answer?
Knowing God means much more than just knowing facts about Him—it means being in a living, personal relationship with Him. While it is important to be aware of God’s attributes like love, justice, and power, this alone is not enough to truly “know” Him. Knowing God means:
  1. Experiencing Fellowship with God:
    • It means spending time with God—in prayer, through studying His Word, and reflecting on His work in our lives. This personal relationship allows us to experience His love, guidance, and presence.
  2. Trusting God:
    • Knowing Him means trusting Him in all aspects of our lives, even when we do not understand everything. It involves relying on His guidance because we know He is good.
  3. Living According to His Will:
    • Knowing God means reflecting His nature in our own lives by seeking and acting according to His will. This is demonstrated through love, forgiveness, and obedience.
Jesus: The Key to Knowing God
If someone were to ask, “Do you know God?”, Jesus would be a central part of the answer. For Jesus Himself said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Through Jesus, God becomes tangible and accessible to us:
  • Jesus Reveals the Father:
    • In His words and actions, Jesus shows us the heart of God—His love, patience, justice, and mercy.
  • Jesus is the Way to God:
    • He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Without Jesus, a relationship with God is not possible.
  • Jesus Makes God Experiencable:
    • Through faith in Jesus, we experience forgiveness, peace, and eternal life that exists in fellowship with God.
My Answer:
If someone asks me, “Do you know God?”, I would answer, “Yes, I know God through Jesus Christ. Jesus has shown me who God is and how much He loves me. He has made a way for me to live in a relationship with God. Through Jesus, I experience God’s closeness, forgiveness, and guidance in my life.”
Difference Between Knowing and Just Knowing Facts:
Just knowing about God is like reading a book about someone without ever meeting them. Knowing God is like a friendship: it grows through time, trust, and shared experiences. Through Jesus, this relationship becomes possible—a relationship that encompasses not just knowledge but also transforms our lives.
2. What do Jesus’ words mean in a practical, everyday sense: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17)?
Jesus’ words, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17), hold profound meaning in a practical, everyday sense. They emphasize that God’s Word—the Bible—should be the foundation for our lives, our faith, and our decisions. Here are some practical applications:
  1. Guidance for Our Lives
    • Meaning: God’s Word provides a reliable foundation for making moral and ethical decisions. It shows us how to live in love, justice, and truth.
    • Practical: In times of uncertainty, we can orient ourselves by biblical principles, such as forgiveness, honesty, or neighborly love. For example, the truth of the Bible reminds us to forgive one another just as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32).
  2. Protection from Deception
    • Meaning: In a world full of conflicting opinions and values, God’s Word helps us discern between truth and deception. It guards us against paths that lead away from God’s ways.
    • Practical: When we encounter difficult or controversial topics, we can study the Bible to understand God’s perspective instead of relying solely on human opinions.
  3. Healing and Renewal
    • Meaning: Jesus’ words in John 17:17 are in the context of the request for sanctification. The truth of God’s Word has the power to change us, cleanse us, and give our lives new meaning.
    • Practical: By regularly reading and reflecting on the Bible, we experience God’s renewal of our thinking and actions. His truth helps us discard old habits and live according to His will.
  4. Encouragement and Comfort
    • Meaning: God’s Word is not only a standard for truth but also a source of comfort and encouragement. It speaks into our fears, doubts, and pains.
    • Practical: In difficult times, we can embrace promises like those from Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd”) or Matthew 28:20 (“I am with you always”) as truth and find peace in them.
  5. Motivation for Change
    • Meaning: God’s Word calls us to align our lives with His principles and motivates us to grow in following Jesus.
    • Practical: The Bible encourages us to practice love (1 Corinthians 13), let our light shine (Matthew 5:16), and do good (Galatians 6:9). We can apply these truths in our daily lives through small acts of kindness or courageous steps in faith.
In Summary:
The statement “Your word is truth” reminds us that God’s Word:
  1. Is reliable and unchanging, even in a world full of uncertainties.
  2. Serves as a standard for decisions and a guide for a God-pleasing life.
  3. Shapes our thinking and actions by challenging us to live in truth.
Practical Daily Steps:
  1. Read the Bible: Set aside daily time to read and meditate on God’s Word.
  2. Pray: Ask God to help you understand and apply His Word.
  3. Act: Put the truth into practice, such as through forgiveness, honesty, or neighborly love.
  4. Share: Share God’s truth with others to encourage and strengthen them.
In a world full of relativism and uncertainty, God’s Word remains a solid foundation. It is a source of truth that guides us, cleanses us, and keeps us in close relationship with God.
3. Jesus prayed, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). How do our own decisions affect how well this prayer can be answered in our lives?
Jesus’ prayer in John 17:15, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one,” shows that Jesus is asking not for isolation but for protection and steadfastness amidst the challenges of this world. However, our own decisions play a crucial role in how effectively this prayer is experienced in our lives.
  1. Responsibility in Discipleship
    • Meaning: Jesus has given us free will, and our decisions influence how we experience God’s protection. When we make choices that draw us closer to God, we remain under His protection. By consciously avoiding evil, we cooperate with God’s safeguarding.
    • Practical: We should evaluate whether our decisions—such as how we spend our time, the relationships we maintain, or the content we consume—align with God’s Word.
  2. Seeking God’s Presence
    • Meaning: Jesus’ prayer becomes especially effective in our lives when we are in close relationship with God. This happens through prayer, Bible study, and living according to His will. Decisions that distance us from God can make us more vulnerable to evil.
    • Practical: Daily prayer and trust in God’s guidance help us seek His presence and remain under His protection.
  3. Responsibility for Our Thoughts and Actions
    • Meaning: While God protects us, we are responsible for consciously avoiding temptations and making decisions that promote God’s protection. Our thoughts and actions must be deliberately aimed at resisting evil.
    • Practical: By staying away from harmful influences and practicing spiritual disciplines, we strengthen our resilience. For example, consciously recognizing and avoiding temptations like envy, anger, or moral compromises.
  4. Embracing the Holy Spirit as Helper
    • Meaning: The Holy Spirit is our advocate who leads us in truth and helps us resist evil. By consciously accepting His guidance, we can make decisions that keep us under God’s protection.
    • Practical: By listening to the Spirit and heeding His impulses in our daily lives, we experience God’s protection deeply.
  5. Making Trust-Building Decisions
    • Meaning: To experience God’s protection, we must make decisions that build our trust in Him. Even in difficult situations, we should seek God and remain faithful to Him.
    • Practical: Situations of doubt or fear are opportunities to deepen our trust in God rather than giving in to evil.
In Summary:
God’s protection is a divine promise, but our decisions play a crucial role in how we experience this promise. By:
  1. Consciously inviting God into our daily lives,
  2. Adopting His truth as the standard for our lives,
  3. Resisting evil through prayer and spiritual discipline,
we cooperate with God’s protection.
Final Thought:
Jesus’ prayer shows that we are not to be removed from the world but to be kept in it. This protection is a collaboration: God provides the protection, and we respond with decisions that promote His presence and will in our lives. In God’s presence, we find not only protection but also the strength to resist evil and shine as lights in the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-the-father-the-son-and-the-spirit-11-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

14.11.2024 – 1 Corinthians Chapter 4 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

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December 14, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 4
1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary
Introduction:
The fourth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is addressed to the church in Corinth and deals with central themes such as humility, service, and the proper attitude towards spiritual leaders. Paul responds to the arrogance and rivalry within the community that had developed in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes his role as a servant of Christ and appeals to the believers to focus on the true foundation of their faith, rather than being guided by human pride and competition. This chapter offers valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership roles within the church and the necessity of humility and willingness to serve among the believers.
Commentary:
1. No Right to Judge (Verses 1-5)
Paul begins this chapter by stating that all believers are regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. However, he emphasizes that it is not his task to judge the members of the church. Instead, he leaves judgment to God, who will ultimately uncover all hidden things. This attitude underscores the need for humility and the avoidance of self-righteousness within the church. Paul warns against making hasty judgments and reminds the Corinthians that only God knows the true heart and motives of each individual.
2. Against the Arrogance of the Corinthians (Verses 6-13)
In this section, Paul criticizes the arrogance of the Corinthians who are elevating themselves above the apostles and their authority. He presents himself and Apollos as examples of humility to teach the Corinthians that no one should exalt themselves above another. Paul emphasizes that all blessings and gifts come from God and that there is no reason for self-praise. He describes his own sufferings and those of the other apostles to remind the believers that true service often comes with hardships. This portrayal serves to admonish the Corinthians to reconsider their attitude and focus on serving Christ, rather than relying on human recognition.
3. Paul, the Father of the Church in Corinth (Verses 14-21)
Paul refers to himself as the spiritual father of the Corinthians, who has begotten them in the gospel. He urges the church to follow him and adhere to his teachings. By sending Timothy, Paul underscores the importance of holding to his ways, which are rooted in faith. He warns against those who are inflating themselves and questioning his authority. Paul emphasizes the power of the kingdom of God, which is not in words, but in power. Finally, he poses the question of whether he should come to them with a rod or with love and a gentle spirit, highlighting the balance between discipline and affection in spiritual leadership.
Summary:
In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul appeals to the church in Corinth to practice humility and readiness to serve while avoiding arrogance and rivalry. He reminds the believers that all are servants of Christ and that judgment is ultimately reserved for God. By depicting his own sufferings and those of the other apostles, Paul encourages the Corinthians to focus on true service for the kingdom of God, rather than seeking human recognition. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of following and accepting his teachings, urging the church to live in power, not just in words. This chapter underscores the values of humility, dedication, and genuine spiritual leadership within the Christian community.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here

 

Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/

Adventist News Network – December 13, 2024: GAiN Europe 2024 & More Global News

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Adventist News Network – December 13, 2024: GAiN Europe 2024 & More Global News  |
This week on ANN:  |
· GAiN Europe 2024 connects nations in Montenegro, advancing gospel-sharing strategies.
· Fadminas College in Brazil launches an educational innovation startup, while the Adventist University of Africa trains leaders in faith and mission.
· Plus, from Thailand to Moldova, Adventists celebrate milestones and mobilize with prayer and action for revival in Africa with Impact 2025.
· Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you have to know about what is happening in the church worldwide.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/adventist-news-network-december-13-2024-gain-europe-2024-more-global-news/

Worship Dec 14, 2024 | Into The Unknown With God — Pr. Pratap Gopala Rao

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Into The Unknown With God — Pr. Pratap Gopala Rao
Study: Lesson 11, The Father, the Son, and the Spirit — Hudson Kubbuka THANK YOU for your continued financial support of our Media Ministries. Please donate by visiting "https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANB4RC/envelope/start" and select “Media Ministries”. Connect With Us
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Praise/Prayer | Dec 14, 2024

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Your Interactive Live Praise & Prayer Service
Please also join us on Zoom THANK YOU for your continued financial support of our Media Ministries. Please donate by visiting "https://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANB4RC/envelope/start" and select “Media Ministries”. Connect With Us
X (Twitter): remnantsda
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Instagram: remnantsdachurch Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHymvkRIetk

December 13, 2024: GAiN Europe 2024 & More Global News.

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On this episode of ANN: GAiN Europe 2024 connects nations in Montenegro, advancing gospel-sharing strategies. Fadminas College in Brazil launches an educational innovation startup, while the Adventist University of Africa trains leaders in faith and mission. Plus, from Thailand to Moldova, Adventists celebrate milestones and mobilize with prayer and action for revival in Africa with Impact 2025. Stay tuned as ANN brings everything you have to know about what is happening in the church worldwide. For a deeper dive into these headlines, visit https://www.adventist.news ANN is the official news channel of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Subscribe to ANN HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventistNewsNetwork
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Follow ANN on X HERE: https://twitter.com/adventistnews Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJpd9kHxYew

Never Give Up | Global Total Member Involvement

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When all seemed lost, faith opened the door. In this new video, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference, tells the story of Ongeira, a Global Mission pioneer in Uganda. Faced with rejection and doubt, Ongeira’s perseverance and trust in God led to a breakthrough that changed lives and opened hearts to the Adventist message.
No matter the challenges, God is always with us. Let’s keep sharing His love and truth with the world. Jesus is coming. Get involved! Learn more about Global Total Member Involvement at https://www.globaltmi.org/. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established Protestant denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. The Adventist Church promises to help people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Click the notification bell so that you never miss a new video! Find us on social media by following the links below:
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Reasons Surrender Leads to Peace

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How does one find redemption after a life of conflict? In this powerful video, we follow Rose's journey as she reconnects with her faith and hears the call to surrender. Discover the surprising news from Martin that many soldiers are ready to embrace peace and baptism. What can we learn from Rose's decision to participate in Bible studies and trust activities? Hit that like button and subscribe for more inspiring stories of transformation! #Redemption #FaithJourney #SurrenderToGod #awr #adventistworldradio Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcKCa1zemDI #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHcZQx7RW-8

AdventHealth CEO Announces Retirement After 40 Years

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13 December 2024| After a 40-year tenure at AdventHealth, CEO Terry Shaw has announced his retirement, scheduled for July 2025. In a video message this morning, Shaw shared that despite the “positive momentum” of the organization, he recognized “the time is right to clear the path for the next generation.”  Shaw has accomplished a significant […] Source: https://atoday.org/adventhealth-ceo-announces-retirement-after-40-years/

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