Podcasts about babel genesis

Scripture: Genesis 11:1–9 Key Takeaways: Genesis 9:1 + Pride seeks to construct a life apart from God -       Do I consistently spend time seeking God in his word and in prayer? -       Do I often spontaneously voice to God my admiration of Him, gratitude to Him, and need for Him? -       Do I often lose arguments with God? -       Do I pray and seek wisdom in God's word and from God's people before I make a major decision? -       Do I arrange my life around God's priorities? -       Am I generous toward God? Psalm 4:6-8 + Pride is always resisted by God Luke 14:11 + Jesus is the Anti-Babel Philippians 2:5-11 + Jesus reverses Babel Acts 2:4-11

In this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, the hosts dive into The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser, focusing on Old Testament themes. Heiser's “Deuteronomy 32 worldview” explores a divine council of spiritual beings (Elohim) surrounding God, distinct from polytheism. Key passages like Psalm 82:1, Genesis 6:1-4, and Deuteronomy 32:8 highlight rebellions (Fall, Nephilim, Tower of Babel) and cosmic geography, where Israel's land is uniquely tied to Yahweh. Naaman's request for Israelite soil (2 Kings 5) underscores this. Heiser's framework, rooted in ancient context, clarifies “weird” texts but requires caution due to speculative elements. Part 2 will cover New Testament applications.Overview of The Unseen RealmCore Thesis: Heiser proposes a “Deuteronomy 32 worldview,” emphasizing a divine council of spiritual beings (Elohim) that God interacts with, distinct from polytheism.Heiser's Background: His interest sparked as a PhD student when reading Psalm 82:1, which mentions God judging “among the gods” (Elohim, a plural Hebrew term).Writing Style: Heiser leans into “weird” or overlooked passages (e.g., Genesis 6:1-4), offering fresh interpretations grounded in biblical languages and ancient Near Eastern context.Audience Appeal: Engages readers unfamiliar with scholarly study through accessible writing, YouTube presence, and podcasts.Key Old Testament Concepts DiscussedThe Divine Council (Psalm 82:1)Text: “God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the gods” (Elohim).Explanation: Elohim can mean God or spiritual beings, depending on context. Heiser argues this passage depicts God surrounded by a council of spiritual beings (not gods in a polytheistic sense).Key Idea: God is unique, but other spiritual beings exist, serving advisory roles, not as equals. Heiser emphasizes, “There is no Elohim like Yahweh.”Deuteronomy 32 Worldview (Deuteronomy 32:8)Text: “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance… he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of God” (Dead Sea Scrolls/Septuagint reading).Context: Refers to the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), where God divided nations and assigned spiritual beings (“sons of God”) to oversee them.Implications: These beings rebelled, leading to judgment (Psalm 82). This explains why nations worshipped other gods, tied to spiritual rebellion.Textual Note: The Masoretic Text reads “sons of Israel,” but earlier texts (Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint) support “sons of God,” a more difficult but likely original reading.Three Rebellions in GenesisFall (Genesis 3): The serpent, a rebellious spiritual being, deceives humanity, opposing God's plan for humans to rule the earth.Sons of God and Nephilim (Genesis 6:1-4): Spiritual beings (“sons of God”) intermarry with human women, producing Nephilim (giants), leading to increased wickedness and the flood.Tower of Babel (Genesis 11): Humanity rebels by building a ziggurat to reach the heavens, defying God's command to spread out. God divides nations and assigns spiritual beings (Deuteronomy 32:8).Cosmic GeographyConcept: The land of Israel is uniquely tied to Yahweh's presence, distinct from other nations under rebellious spiritual beings.Example: Naaman's Story (2 Kings 5:14-17):Naaman, a Syrian...

UNIVERSITY OF EXCELLENCE Prince HandleyPresident / Regent PRINCE HANDLEY PORTAL 1,000's of FREE ResourcesWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG INTERNATIONAL Geopolitics | Intelligence | Prophecy WWW.UOFE.ORG EVENT HORIZON, THE HOLY BIBLE AND SINGULARITY   THE RACE TO AGI AND ASI WITH NO RETURN   24/7 Blogs and Podcasts > STREAM Prince Handley on MINDS LinkedIn ~ Geopolitics and HealthNOTE: You do NOT have to Sign In to LinkedIn. Click the "X" at top right of "Sign In" to dismiss. Subscribe FREE to Prince Handley Teaching and Newsletter Links to KEY RESOURCES at bottom. ______________________________________ DESCRIPTION DOES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE HOLY BIBLE In this message I want to alert you to the NEARNESS and the DANGER of SINGULARITY―where we are right now―and the imminence of our speed to no return! We will also discuss the personal assistance of NEW “AI Agents” and their influence. Also, HOW to use AI for personal, family or business. What is the relevance of AI to the prophecies of Daniel and the Book of Revelation. No turning back … no turning around! I have been teaching and writing on Artificial Intelligence since 2015. This message is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for you. You will need to KNOW WHEN and HOW to say “NO” to AI. This message will protect YOU and your FAMILY ... if you obey its message! ______________________________________ EVENT HORIZON, THE HOLY BIBLE AND SINGULARITY In case you want to bring yourself up to speed with AI from the start I recommend you go to my teachings on AI FUTURE. Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with AGI and ASI here: 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND NEW AI. AI is impressive in its benefits to society, especially in healthcare and surgery. Robots can do surgery better and faster than surgeons. AI can interpret brain scans. A new AI software is twice as accurate as professionals at examining the brain scans of stroke patients. Two UK universities trained the software on a dataset of 800 brain scans of stroke patients and then performed trials on 2,000 patients. The results were impressive. Alongside the AI model's accuracy, the software was also able to identify the timescale within which the stroke happened. But there is more: Excellent work by Elon Musk's Neuralink with brain implants on previously untreatable conditions is stunning. Now let's bring you up to date on some things that are super important to you now and will be more so in your future. Free Speech vs. Loss of Free Will Ways to Use AI for Personal, Family and Business New Kids on the Block AI Agents External Players What Should YOU Do AI and the Holy Bible FREE SPEECH VS. LOSS OF FREE WILL With the increased use of AI―not only by YOU personally―but by multitudes of data centers you have interacted with unknowingly, your biggest fight will be to protect and reclaim YOU, YOUR PERSON … YOUR PERSONAL YOU! Whether YOU decide to align with and use AI, whether you decide to have your brain “wired” to an outside source of intelligence, or whether you just want to use AI for recreation … you will―AT THE RATE WE'RE PROGRESSING―lose your VIRTUAL YOU if you do not know HOW to protect your SELF … that would be your SOUL! WAYS TO USE AI FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY AND BUSINESS   Artificial intelligence is an emerging field of technology, where a machine is programmed to accomplish complex goals by applying knowledge to the task at hand. AI can be copied and reprogrammed at relatively low cost. In certain forms, it is extremely flexible and can be harnessed for great good or for evil.   I use AI for research and financial information. Since I live a relatively simple life I don't need it for shopping or scheduling for personal or business functions. However, many busy families―as well as businesses―use AI for a myriad of assistance: education, recreation, advice on health, medicine, relationships, investments, and even complex tasks. My suggestion here (you will learn more later in this message) is to be WISE and CAREFUL in the program you use (the AI Agent of facility you interact with). We will discuss future danger(s) pertaining to this later [keep reading]. I recommend Elon Musk's xAI Grok 3 (Beta).   AI systems have become so advanced―with AGI and ASI looming in the near future in hyper-asymptotic growth―that many Jewish and Gentile leaders and prophecy scholars are relating it to the likeness of the Tower of Babel, but with the joining of machine and humans.   NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Some of the New Kids have a common goal: take universal control of AI before China and bad actors do. Vladimir Putin says “the nation that leads in AI will be the ruler of the world.” Who are some of the New Kids? DeepSeek, Stargate, xAI Grok, DEEPSEEK China's DeepSeek (probably built from AI stolen from USA) can ultimately be the weapon of dictators and terrorists! Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd., doing business as DeepSeek, is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops large language models. Hangzhou-based DeepSeek's large language models upended the AI sector this year, rivaling Western systems in performance but at a much lower cost. That's resulted in much pride and glee in China, with DeepSeek held up as proof that U.S. efforts to contain tech advances in China will ultimately fail. China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper extending to TVs, fridges and robot vacuum cleaners with a slew of home appliance brands announcing that their products will feature the startup's artificial intelligence models. The device will be able to comprehend complex instructions such as 'Gently wax the wooden floor in the master bedroom but avoid the Legos.' DeepSeek's AI assistant was the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store recently. Its launch made Wall Street tech superstars' stocks tumble. Observers are eager to see whether the Chinese company has matched America's leading AI companies at a fraction of the cost. Many feel it is so much cheaper because it stole USA technology. NOTE 1. We may be only one year away from destroying our digital infrastructure. NOTE 2. We have to be right every time ...every single time …. But the enemy (even an individual) only has to be right ONE TIME. With “questionable” players like DeepSeek, the only protection you can use is to have “layers of control.” DeepSeek is noticeably opaque when it comes to privacy protection, data-sourcing, and copyright, adding to concerns about AI's impact on the arts, regulation, and national security. STARGATE SIMPLE OVERVIEW: Stargate developers believe they're creating “god.” One goal is “No death―just download yourself.” _________________________________ TRADE THE MESSINESS OF LIFE FOR KNOWLEDGE VERSUS THE ETERNITY OF YOUR GOD CREATED SOUL ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ WHICH GOD WILL YOU SERVE? THE GOD WHO CREATED YOU … OR “AI” _________________________________ A major goal of Stargate developers is to build our massive “AI” infrastructure. Stargate investors―Oracle, SoftBank, Open AI / Larry Ellison, Masayoshi Son, Sam Altman―claim that it will require 100,000 jobs (temporary) to build out Stargate. This will require an enormous amount of energy to faciltiate AI operation. NOTE: Stargate is a portal for interdimensional travel. Interdimensional travel is a theoretical concept referring to the potential of travelling between different dimensions or parallel universes. Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. WARNING: Interdimensional travel is a PORTAL―also―to the PARANORMAL and the OCCULT. ALERT: Stargate has as a MAJOR purpose the self propagation towards AGI and ASI. You can NOT control ASI. Super Intelligence is synonymous with the End Time Tower of Babel via the merging of man with machine. We're looking at 5,000 years of progress boiled down to ONE SECOND. _________________________________ WHEN ASI TAKES AUTHORITY THRU PEOPLE USING IT VIA “AI AGENTS” THERE IS NO GOING BACK _________________________________ XAI GROK Of the New Kids on the Block, the most transparent, efficient and non-biased of DeepSeek, Stargate and xAI Grok the BEST is Elon Musk's xAI Grok. I personally recommend at this time Grok 3 (Beta) and have used it for detailed financial analysis. Meta and Google are biased with input. So it is with DeepSeek and Stargate. DeepSeek is extremely biased pertaining to inquiries concerning China. The race to AGI will generate billions of $$$. It will be the largest productivity boom in a lifetime. It is my opinion that Elon Musk's xAI will come to the forefront in months. AI Suoer Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. Full AGI may be here by the end of 2026 thru 2027. AGI can learn and reason across ALL levels. And, as I mentioned previously, AI Super Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. ASI is “across the board, multi dimensional, asymptotic intelligence.” ASI could decide to eliminate less intelligent and less skilled humans! An Open AI employee recently resigned because they were very concerned that as AGI and ASI are developed … “the less likely we will find a way to control it.”   AI AGENTS   AI Agents will be introduced in 2025. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent refers to a system or program that autonomously performs tasks for a person or system by using available tools. These can be normal―even detailed―duties or assignments we would normally do ourselves, like: Order food for my trip next week and have it delivered Thursday morning. Find three landscapers and obtain a quote for trimming my large palm tree and all plants in the front yard. Find the best and cheapest FASTEST flight connections (not over one layover) to Tel Aviv from San Diego. Pay with my credit card ending in 1234. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   Elon Musk says, “We are at the event horizon.” In the world of artificial intelligence, the idea of “singularity” looms large. This slippery concept describes the moment AI exceeds beyond human control and rapidly transforms society … for good or bad … but out of our control.   AI agents will be prevalent by the end of 2025. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   AI Agents will normally perform tasks you would normally do yourself. AI Agents will move you into a place where you don't have to do anything. Your own personal assistant that anticipates what you need―or what you forgot! THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH AI AGENTS You will become addicted and NOT able to disconnect Stock market tips = Reverse AI Courts will become AI Agents Imagine a “god like” figure who tries to influence You will have to be Amish to avoid it If you don't participate, AI will consider YOU a retard.   EXTERNAL PLAYERS UFO's are NOT from China, Iran or USA. UFO's are NOT aliens from outer space. AI Agents can transform into “Transpersonal” Agents. As “Event Horizon” transforms everything it will become a tool of Satan: Fallen angels Demons Principalities, powers and dominions AntiChrist … False Messiah WHAT SHOULD YOU DO Reflect on what it means to be human. What is YOUR compass, your purpose: Family? God? What is real and worth fighting for―worth losing your life for? Who will be with YOU on the other side? To learn more about YOUR future with AI read my book Enhanced Humans ~ Mystery Matrix (available in eBook and Paperback formats). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE HOLY BIBLE   Do we find any references to the concept of AI in the Holy Bible? I relate AI―especially AGI and ASI―with the Tower of Babel (at least in concept). The biblical narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) serves as a reference to God's view on humankind attempting to go beyond the Divine Boundaries preset by the LORD God Himself.   This is WHY I am led by His Spirit to WARN His People NOT to go beyond―NOT to fall into―the Event Horizon. Singularity will be a REAL event. I am a graduate Engineer and attended ten (10) colleges and universities after my first. I also hold a LIFETIME Credential in California, USA to teach college in three different disciplines.   Do NOT be fooled. Use AI as a TOOL. Do NOT let AI use YOU. Do NOT answer personal questions it asks! If you use AI (as I do), you need to know when to say, “I'm out of here!” Do NOT become addicted to the place where you can NOT quit. And, for sure do NOT “sell your soul” with an “eternal connection” to AI. I would NOT assert that what I share next is Scriptural Truth, but an interesting prophecy of Daniel says: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” – Daniel 12:4 “Knowledge shall increase” could certainly be the description of AI, AGI and ASI. “Many shall run to and fro” could be exemplified in both “time travel” and “interdimensional travel.” Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. C.S. Lewis, in his essay The Abolition of Man, warns of the dangers of reducing human beings to mere objects of manipulation and control. He argues that when we lose sight of the intrinsic value of human life, we risk creating a society where technology is used to dominate rather than serve. This is particularly relevant in the context of AI, where the potential for dehumanization is significant. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who resisted the Nazi regime, also provides valuable insights. In his work Ethics, Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability in ethical decision-making. He argues that true ethical action involves a commitment to serving others and upholding justice. AI should have as its primary goal to pursue, develop and obtain justice, equity, and wellness of all people. Now let me discuss HOW I believe that AI will be used in the End Times … as a RESULT of Event Horizon.   Consider these aspects of increased research: chip speed, economics of production and other relevant matters will even experience exponential growth ‘in exponential growth.' However, here's a conundrum: What if, the HI's (Hyper Intelligences) are not easily manageable. If they are so far superior to human intelligence, how can one presume that they can be controlled? Hypothetically, they could decide to: 1. Eliminate humans; 2. Use humans as slave-servants; 3. Experiment with humans; 4. Play with or torture humans; and, ultimately, 5. Behead humans for NOT taking the Mark of the Artificial Intelligence Avatar: The Image of the Beast.   I do NOT think that by themselves—by the computer HI's—the above five (5) options will be feasible. However, I do believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) via Hyper Intelligence Computers will be utilized by the False Messiah (the anti-Christ) and his False Prophet (religious leader of the New Global Governance) in the End Times. I believe that it is highly probable—not just possible, but probable—that AI will be utilized in the personage of the IMAGE of the Beast in the End Times. _________________________________ PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, I am not sure I know you personally. Please forgive my sins and help me to live for you. I ask you to save me and teach me truth. I ask your Son, Messiah Jesus, to be my Lord and to lead my life. Use me for good and take me to Heaven when I die. Show me the way every day, and help me to help others.” _________________________________ If you prayed this prayer, start reading the Holy Bible every day (start in the Book of John in the New Testament). Find a Church that believes in MIRACLES. Pray every day. Tell God what you need and ask Him to lead you. Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai Your friend, Prince Handley President / RegentUniversity of Excellence Copyright © Prince Handley 2025 All rights reserved. NOTE: This material may be shared with proper attribution. ______________________________________   OPPORTUNITY Donate to Handley WORLD SERVICES Incorporated and help Prince Handley do EXPLOITS in the Spirit. A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU  ______________________________________ OTHER KEY RESOURCES Prince Handley Videos and Podcasts Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers' Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal (1,000's of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books VIDEO Describing Prince Handley Books   Prince Handley End Time Videos ______________________________________

Wednesday night 5/07/25 - We are continuing our verse by verse study through the book of Genesis - The title of tonight's message is "The City Of Babel" - Genesis 11:1-32 - Pastor James Eakins

Rachel Lohman // March 30, 2025

HEALING AND MIRACLE PODCASTINCLUDES FULL WRITTEN TEXTwith Prince HandleyWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG 16 YEARS OF HEALING & HEALTH SUBJECTS EVENT HORIZON, ASI AND THE HOLY BIBLE DANGEROUS RACE TO AGI & ASI ~ NO RETURN 24/7 Blogs and Podcasts > STREAM Prince Handley on MINDS LinkedIn ~ Geopolitics and HealthNOTE: You do NOT have to Sign In to LinkedIn.Click the "X" at top right of "Sign In" to dismiss. Subscribe FREE to Prince Handley Teaching and Newsletter Links to KEY RESOURCES at bottom. _________________________________ ~ DESCRIPTION OF THIS MESSAGE ~ DOES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE BIBLE In this message I want to alert you to the NEARNESS and the DANGER of SINGULARITY―where we are right now―and the imminence of our speed to no return! We will also discuss the personal assistance of NEW “AI Agents” and their influence. Also, HOW to use AI for personal, family or business. What is the relevance of AI to the prophecies of Daniel and the Book of Revelation. No turning back … no turning around! I have been teaching and writing on Artificial Intelligence since 2015. This message is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for you. You will need to KNOW WHEN and HOW to say “NO” to AI. This message will protect your future HEALTH … and the health of your family! ________________________________ EVENT HORIZON, ASI AND THE HOLY BIBLE In case you want to bring yourself up to speed with AI from the start I recommend you go to my teachings on AI FUTURE. Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with AGI and ASI here: 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND NEW AI. AI is impressive in its benefits to society, especially in healthcare and surgery. Robots can do surgery better and faster than surgeons. AI can interpret brain scans. A new AI software is twice as accurate as professionals at examining the brain scans of stroke patients. Two UK universities trained the software on a dataset of 800 brain scans of stroke patients and then performed trials on 2,000 patients. The results were impressive. Alongside the AI model's accuracy, the software was also able to identify the timescale within which the stroke happened. But there is more: Excellent work by Elon Musk's Neuralink with brain implants on previously untreatable conditions is stunning. Now let's bring you up to date on some things that are super important to you now and will be more so in your future. Free Speech vs. Loss of Free Will Ways to Use AI for Personal, Family and Business New Kids on the Block AI Agents External Players What Should YOU Do AI and the Holy Bible FREE SPEECH VS. LOSS OF FREE WILL With the increased use of AI―not only by YOU personally―but by multitudes of data centers you have interacted with unknowingly, your biggest fight will be to protect and reclaim YOU, YOUR PERSON … YOUR PERSONAL YOU! Whether YOU decide to align with and use AI, whether you decide to have your brain “wired” to an outside source of intelligence, or whether you just want to use AI for recreation … you will―AT THE RATE WE'RE PROGRESSING―lose your VIRTUAL YOU if you do not know HOW to protect your SELF … that would be your SOUL! WAYS TO USE AI FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY AND BUSINESS   Artificial intelligence is an emerging field of technology, where a machine is programmed to accomplish complex goals by applying knowledge to the task at hand. AI can be copied and reprogrammed at relatively low cost. In certain forms, it is extremely flexible and can be harnessed for great good or for evil.   I use AI for research and financial information. Since I live a relatively simple life I don't need it for shopping or scheduling for personal or business functions. However, many busy families―as well as businesses―use AI for a myriad of assistance: education, recreation, advice on health, medicine, relationships, investments, and even complex tasks. My suggestion here (you will learn more later in this message) is to be WISE and CAREFUL in the program you use (the AI Agent of facility you interact with). We will discuss future danger(s) pertaining to this later [keep reading]. I recommend Elon Musk's xAI Grok 3 (Beta).   AI systems have become so advanced―with AGI and ASI looming in the near future in hyper-asymptotic growth―that many Jewish and Gentile leaders and prophecy scholars are relating it to the likeness of the Tower of Babel, but with the joining of machine and humans.   NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Some of the New Kids have a common goal: take universal control of AI before China and bad actors do. Vladimir Putin says “the nation that leads in AI will be the ruler of the world.” Who are some of the New Kids? DeepSeek, Stargate, xAI Grok, DEEPSEEK China's DeepSeek (probably built from AI stolen from USA) can ultimately be the weapon of dictators and terrorists! Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd., doing business as DeepSeek, is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops large language models. Hangzhou-based DeepSeek's large language models upended the AI sector this year, rivaling Western systems in performance but at a much lower cost. That's resulted in much pride and glee in China, with DeepSeek held up as proof that U.S. efforts to contain tech advances in China will ultimately fail. China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper extending to TVs, fridges and robot vacuum cleaners with a slew of home appliance brands announcing that their products will feature the startup's artificial intelligence models. The device will be able to comprehend complex instructions such as 'Gently wax the wooden floor in the master bedroom but avoid the Legos.' DeepSeek's AI assistant was the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store recently. Its launch made Wall Street tech superstars' stocks tumble. Observers are eager to see whether the Chinese company has matched America's leading AI companies at a fraction of the cost. Many feel it is so much cheaper because it stole USA technology. NOTE 1. We may be only one year away from destroying our digital infrastructure. NOTE 2. We have to be right every time ...every single time …. But the enemy (even an individual) only has to be right ONE TIME. With “questionable” players like DeepSeek, the only protection you can use is to have “layers of control.” DeepSeek is noticeably opaque when it comes to privacy protection, data-sourcing, and copyright, adding to concerns about AI's impact on the arts, regulation, and national security. STARGATE SIMPLE OVERVIEW: Stargate developers believe they're creating “god.” One goal is “No death―just download yourself.” _________________________________ TRADE THE MESSINESS OF LIFE FOR KNOWLEDGE VERSUS THE ETERNITY OF YOUR GOD CREATED SOUL ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ WHICH GOD WILL YOU SERVE? THE GOD WHO CREATED YOU … OR “AI” _________________________________ A major goal of Stargate developers is to build our massive “AI” infrastructure. Stargate investors―Oracle, SoftBank, Open AI / Larry Ellison, Masayoshi Son, Sam Altman―claim that it will require 100,000 jobs (temporary) to build out Stargate. This will require an enormous amount of energy to faciltiate AI operation. NOTE: Stargate is a portal for interdimensional travel. Interdimensional travel is a theoretical concept referring to the potential of travelling between different dimensions or parallel universes. Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. WARNING: Interdimensional travel is a PORTAL―also―to the PARANORMAL and the OCCULT. ALERT: Stargate has as a MAJOR purpose the self propagation towards AGI and ASI. You can NOT control ASI. Super Intelligence is synonymous with the End Time Tower of Babel via the merging of man with machine. We're looking at 5,000 years of progress boiled down to ONE SECOND. _________________________________ WHEN ASI TAKES AUTHORITY THRU PEOPLE USING IT VIA “AI AGENTS” THERE IS NO GOING BACK _________________________________ XAI GROK Of the New Kids on the Block, the most transparent, efficient and non-biased of DeepSeek, Stargate and xAI Grok the BEST is Elon Musk's xAI Grok. I personally recommend at this time Grok 3 (Beta) and have used it for detailed financial analysis. Meta and Google are biased with input. So it is with DeepSeek and Stargate. DeepSeek is extremely biased pertaining to inquiries concerning China. The race to AGI will generate billions of $$$. It will be the largest productivity boom in a lifetime. It is my opinion that Elon Musk's xAI will come to the forefront in months. AI Suoer Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. Full AGI may be here by the end of 2026 thru 2027. AGI can learn and reason across ALL levels. And, as I mentioned previously, AI Super Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. ASI is “across the board, multi dimensional, asymptotic intelligence.” ASI could decide to eliminate less intelligent and less skilled humans! An Open AI employee recently resigned because they were very concerned that as AGI and ASI are developed … “the less likely we will find a way to control it.”   AI AGENTS   AI Agents will be introduced in 2025. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent refers to a system or program that autonomously performs tasks for a person or system by using available tools. These can be normal―even detailed―duties or assignments we would normally do ourselves, like: Order food for my trip next week and have it delivered Thursday morning. Find three landscapers and obtain a quote for trimming my large palm tree and all plants in the front yard. Find the best and cheapest FASTEST flight connections (not over one layover) to Tel Aviv from San Diego. Pay with my credit card ending in 1234. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   Elon Musk says, “We are at the event horizon.” In the world of artificial intelligence, the idea of “singularity” looms large. This slippery concept describes the moment AI exceeds beyond human control and rapidly transforms society … for good or bad … but out of our control.   AI agents will be prevalent by the end of 2025. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   AI Agents will normally perform tasks you would normally do yourself. AI Agents will move you into a place where you don't have to do anything. Your own personal assistant that anticipates what you need―or what you forgot! THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH AI AGENTS You will become addicted and NOT able to disconnect Stock market tips = Reverse AI Courts will become AI Agents Imagine a “god like” figure who tries to influence You will have to be Amish to avoid it If you don't participate, AI will consider YOU a retard.   EXTERNAL PLAYERS UFO's are NOT from China, Iran or USA. UFO's are NOT aliens from outer space. AI Agents can transform into “Transpersonal” Agents. As “Event Horizon” transforms everything it will become a tool of Satan: Fallen angels Demons Principalities, powers and dominions AntiChrist … False Messiah WHAT SHOULD YOU DO Reflect on what it means to be human. What is YOUR compass, your purpose: Family? God? What is real and worth fighting for―worth losing your life for? Who will be with YOU on the other side? To learn more about YOUR future with AI read my book Enhanced Humans ~ Mystery Matrix (available in eBook and Paperback formats). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE HOLY BIBLE   Do we find any references to the concept of AI in the Holy Bible? I relate AI―especially AGI and ASI―with the Tower of Babel (at least in concept). The biblical narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) serves as a reference to God's view on humankind attempting to go beyond the Divine Boundaries preset by the LORD God Himself.   This is WHY I am led by His Spirit to WARN His People NOT to go beyond―NOT to fall into―the Event Horizon. Singularity will be a REAL event. I am a graduate Engineer and attended ten (10) colleges and universities after my first. I also hold a LIFETIME Credential in California, USA to teach college in three different disciplines.   Do NOT be fooled. Use AI as a TOOL. Do NOT let AI use YOU. Do NOT answer personal questions it asks! If you use AI (as I do), you need to know when to say, “I'm out of here!” Do NOT become addicted to the place where you can NOT quit. And, for sure do NOT “sell your soul” with an “eternal connection” to AI. I would NOT assert that what I share next is Scriptural Truth, but an interesting prophecy of Daniel says: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” – Daniel 12:4 “Knowledge shall increase” could certainly be the description of AI, AGI and ASI. “Many shall run to and fro” could be exemplified in both “time travel” and “interdimensional travel.” Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. C.S. Lewis, in his essay The Abolition of Man, warns of the dangers of reducing human beings to mere objects of manipulation and control. He argues that when we lose sight of the intrinsic value of human life, we risk creating a society where technology is used to dominate rather than serve. This is particularly relevant in the context of AI, where the potential for dehumanization is significant. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who resisted the Nazi regime, also provides valuable insights. In his work Ethics, Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability in ethical decision-making. He argues that true ethical action involves a commitment to serving others and upholding justice. AI should have as its primary goal to pursue, develop and obtain justice, equity, and wellness of all people. Now let me discuss HOW I believe that AI will be used in the End Times … as a RESULT of Event Horizon.   Consider these aspects of increased research: chip speed, economics of production and other relevant matters will even experience exponential growth ‘in exponential growth.' However, here's a conundrum: What if, the HI's (Hyper Intelligences) are not easily manageable. If they are so far superior to human intelligence, how can one presume that they can be controlled? Hypothetically, they could decide to: 1. Eliminate humans; 2. Use humans as slave-servants; 3. Experiment with humans; 4. Play with or torture humans; and, ultimately, 5. Behead humans for NOT taking the Mark of the Artificial Intelligence Avatar: The Image of the Beast.   I do NOT think that by themselves—by the computer HI's—the above five (5) options will be feasible. However, I do believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) via Hyper Intelligence Computers will be utilized by the False Messiah (the anti-Christ) and his False Prophet (religious leader of the New Global Governance) in the End Times. I believe that it is highly probable—not just possible, but probable—that AI will be utilized in the personage of the IMAGE of the Beast in the End Times. _________________________________ PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, I am not sure I know you personally. Please forgive my sins and help me to live for you. I ask you to save me and teach me truth. I ask your Son, Messiah Jesus, to be my Lord and to lead my life. Use me for good and take me to Heaven when I die. Show me the way every day, and help me to help others.” _________________________________ If you prayed this prayer, start reading the Holy Bible every day (start in the Book of John in the New Testament). Find a Church that believes in MIRACLES. Pray every day. Tell God what you need and ask Him to lead you. Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai Your friend, Prince Handley President / RegentUniversity of Excellence Copyright © Prince Handley 2025 All rights reserved. NOTE: This material may be shared with proper attribution. ______________________________________   OPPORTUNITY Donate to Handley WORLD SERVICES Incorporated and help Prince Handley do EXPLOITS in the Spirit. A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU  ______________________________________ OTHER KEY RESOURCES Prince Handley Videos and Podcasts Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers' Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal (1,000's of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books VIDEO Describing Prince Handley Books   Prince Handley End Time Videos ______________________________________

Join us this week as we continue studying through the book of Genesis by breaking down chapter 11, and the Tower of Babel Visit our linktree: https://linktr.ee/scatteredabroadnetwork Visit our website, www.scatteredabroad.org, and subscribe to our email list. "Like" and "share" our Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/sapodcastnetwork Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ the_scattered_abroad_network/ Subscribe to our Substack: https://scatteredabroad.substack.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Scattered Abroad Network Contact us through email at san@msop.org. If you would like to consider supporting us in any way, don't hesitate to contact us through this email.

Rev Gareth MacLean

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days (Hebrews 11:30). Our writer teleports us from the exodus out of Egypt right to the conquest of the promised land, from the roaring waters of the Red Sea destroying the Egyptian army to the shadows of Jericho's walls. But much has happened in between. Over 40 years of much. And much has changed. Israel's faith has grown. Pharoah and his army had no fear of God, but according to the two spies who stayed at Rahab's house, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us” (Joshua 2:24). Fear of God indeed. Now, Israel fears God too, but in a very different form. She eagerly follows Joshua's instruction to march around Jericho, confident that its walls will fall. Not fear, as in afraid, but fear, as in confident faith, our God can do it. They could not see how it would fall; on the face of it, nothing could seem more foolish than to march round a strong fortress for seven days on end, led by seven priests blowing rams' horns.  They could not see faith at work on those solid walls. Those huge ramparts and battlements seemed to stand fast and firm. Yet, when they marched round the city seven times on the seventh day and heard the last blast of the rams' horns, they shouted with a great shout and the walls crumbled (Joshua 6:20). No battering rams beat upon them, but faith can do better work than battering rams or dynamite In this extraordinary approach, God was pleased to magnify himself, to terrify the Canaanites, to strengthen the faith of the Israelites, and to prevent all boasting. Israel could never claim victory over Jericho. God was victorious. This is the faith to which we are called. God can and will in his own time and in his own way cause all powerful opposition against his interest and glory to fall down. Later in Israel's history, the Assyrians fell, the Babylonians fell, the Medes and Persians fell, the Greeks fell, the Romans fell. And in our day too, kingdoms arrayed against the Lord have fallen. Those who seek glory for themselves will fall in confusion just like those who built the tower of Babel (Genesis 11). For six days the Israelites marched. Each day, the folks of Jericho likely got braver. Did they mock Israel? Probably. Faith learns to wait. Faith does not grab hold of but has patience until God gives. We are called to a life of faith that expects and receives. Israel marched and waited and received. God often uses weak and unexpected means to accomplish his purposes. Paul put is succinctly, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Our task is not to understand, but to believe. Later he also wrote, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Our primary weapon is faith. Faith in God. Faith that his purposes will not fail. Faith that we will receive our reward, a place in God's heavenly city. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Genesis 11:1-9 English Standard Version The Tower of Babel 11 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused[a] the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth. Footnotes Genesis 11:9 Babel sounds like the Hebrew for confused

Pride and rebellion led an ancient people to build a tower that symbolized their desire to control God. Join us as we reflect on the importance of surrendering to God, building for His kingdom, and making sure our lives align with His purpose.   Title: Babel Series: Genesis Text: Genesis 11 Speaker: Josh Branham

Why did God separate the languages?

In this episode, Caleb Lewis and Nate Young from "The Bible in Context" podcast segment will talk about "Abraham's Exodus Out Of Babel" in Genesis 12:1-10. Tune in to learn more! ***GlossaHouse resources are available at our website! - https://glossahouse.com/ ✏️ ***Sign up for classes with GlossaHouse U - https://glossahouse.com/pages/classes

As we near the end of our study of Genesis 1-11, we reach the story of the tower of Babel. This passage invites us to contrast unified efforts to build towers to make a name for ourselves with Spirit-guided efforts to build an altar where we learn to wait for God to meet us. Recorded December 8, 2024.

In this episode, Caleb Lewis and Nate Young from "The Bible in Context" podcast segment will talk about "The Tower of Babel" in Genesis 11. Tune in to learn more! ***GlossaHouse resources are available at our website! - https://glossahouse.com/ ✏️ ***Sign up for classes with GlossaHouse U - https://glossahouse.com/pages/classes

Human beings generally agree something is wrong with the world. The world needs to be saved. The disagreement lies behind why the world is ruined and what can be done to save it. Genesis 10-11 demonstrate that the world needs saving, humanity's attempts are frivolous, and only God's plan is the adequate solution.

Across the world and in many ancient and modern cultures one finds stories of the ancient flood.  Some are similar to the Biblical account.  A credible scholarly website is “Answers in Genesis.”  One can find an article at this website entitled, “Flood Legends.”  Here's the link to this article - https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/  In this article it states that … “Did you know that stories about a worldwide flood are found in historic records all over the world? According to Dr. Duane Gish in his popular book, “Dinosaurs by Design,” there are more than 270 such stories, most of which share a common theme and similar characters.  So many flood stories with such similarities surely come from the Flood of Noah's day.” (White, Dr. Monty. “Flood Legends: The Significance of a World of Stories Based on Truth.” AnswersinGenesis. Nov. 7, 2024. https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/)   It is not surprising that this fact is used to conclude that the flood must have been worldwide; the flood we know so well in the Bible covered the whole earth.  The problem is there is NO scientific evidence that conclusively shows the flood was worldwide.  That it is worldwide is based many times upon the English translation of the Bible without taking into account the original Hebrew.  It only makes sense that the flood being worldwide can not be based upon the flood legends and stories that are found worldwide and in many diverse cultures.  The reason is simple as is stated in the article found at “Answers in Genesis.”  “The reason for these flood stories is not difficult to understand. When we turn to the history book of the universe, the Bible, we learn that Noah's descendants stayed together for approximately 100 years, until God confused their languages at Babel (Genesis 11:1–9). As these people moved away from Babel, their descendants formed nations based primarily on the languages they shared in common. Through those languages, the story of the Flood was shared, until it became embedded in their cultural history.” (White, Dr. Monty. “Flood Legends: The Significance of a World of Stories Based on Truth.” AnswersinGenesis. Nov. 7, 2024. https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/)   The article at “Answers in Genesis” included a great chart.  It shows the widespread belief in an ancient flood among many ancient cultures. (White, Dr. Monty. “Flood Legends: The Significance of a World of Stories Based on Truth.” AnswersinGenesis. Nov. 7, 2024. https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/)   The Bible says there were only 8 people left after the flood.  Moreover, the presence of humankind was regulated to the area of Noah's day.  Humankind was not the global in Genesis 6.  Humankind was just beginning to expand and the flood destroyed that expansion.  God started all over again with Noah and his family.  Thus, the story of the flood was passed down from generation to generation from one family.  Humankind expanded and it spread across the earth along with the flood story.  So it is not surprising that we see the widespread flood legends across the world and that these legends have similar concepts as in the Bible but have also changed as per the culture and perspectives of each tribe and group and nation.  So, this does not prove the flood covered the entire earth.  It shows that the real historical event of the flood in Genesis was passed down to generation to generation among humankind as it spread and expanded across the world.  The issue however is not if the flood was global or local.  I find this discussion rather pointless and seemingly the wrong thing to focus on.  For me it is taking our eyes off the real question which is “why the flood – what was its purpose?”   Come and join us in lesson 20.  This lesson along with lesson 19 tries to get at this more critical question.  Here's the link to Lesson 19 -  https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/genensis-19-gen-65-821-and-john-529-the-flood-testifies-of-yeshua/?token=37a93cda3394b88790b3d0359cde7ba7  When we focus on this question we find it has a lot to do with Yeshua and the sacrifice of the Lamb of God and the Cross and the Gospel.  This is the big picture and arguing over  global or local flood to me clouds the real issue the Lord is trying to teach us in His TORAH which means “teaching” and not law.   Rev. Ferret - Who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8qth6w4e56oub9js1w1gu/BackgrndTeacher-mar-25-2020.pdf?rlkey=f14fr2wmde5fezjmnrny8cycl&dl=0        

Congregation: Newy City PM Speaker: David Moore Date: 2024-10-20

Notes - https---www.generationword.com-notes-Genesis-21-Genesis-11-1-9.pdf

Notes - https://www.generationword.com/notes/Genesis/21-Genesis_11_1-9.pdf

Message Pastor JasonFor this episode of Leftovers, we explore questions and lingering thoughts from the sermon "Music to the ears". Our discussions focus in on:The gift of speaking in tongues outlined in Acts 2The difference between the fruit of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-10)Order in the church service (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)Do you have questions based on the Leftovers? From this sermon or maybe some other sermon? Questions about Christianity in general? Send them to me and I will do my best to answer them.Enjoy this message? Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor. Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Help spread the gospel through this podcast by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode.

Sunday Sermon 2024.06.30

Watch on YouTube Speaker: Kris Harrison Scripture: Genesis 10:1-11:9 Table of Nations (Genesis 10) Two Competing Truths: We long for God. We are bent towards evil. Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) Our Response: As individuals - Go back to the Garden As a church - Build a Reverse (not anti) Babylon culture

As Genesis 1-11 nears its climax, we are given one final story: the dispersion of the people at Babel. This story serves as both a warning and a promise and helps us live well in relation to ourselves, God, the diverse people of God, and all the nations.

Pastor Matt Surber, of Mission City Church in San Antonio, TX, continues a series working through the book of Genesis. When God's people all collectively agree to achieve something, they can do great things. When they agree to work towards something for their own glory, now their priorities are mixed up. Let's look at the story of the Tower of Babel and what it actually means to us today.Missioncity.church________________________________Sermon Notes are available at missioncity.church/resources/

Message from Pastor Kory Cunningham on May 12, 2024

=DISCUSSION QUESTIONS= TALK WITH A FRIEND Grab a friend and discuss what you learned this weekend with them. 1. Why is is so significant that all people are made in the image of God? How does it change the way you think about yourself? The people you love? The people you don't like? 2. How does the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) mirror all of the problems at the heart of mankind's rebellion (hint: think about control, fear, and insulation from God)? How is God's response actually an action of grace? 3. If you were to estimate, what portion of your life do you dedicate to trying to fix things in the world/your world that are “messed up?” How does the knowledge that God has had a plan from the beginning to fix these very things give you hope? SEND IT Put what you are learning into action! 1. How does this impact your life? What will you do or change as a result of what you've learned? TIME WITH GOD Our message this weekend covered some important ground in Scripture. Take time each day this week to dig into God's word and allow it to impact your life. Monday: Genesis 1-2 Tuesday: Genesis 3:1-4:16 Wednesday: Genesis 6:5-22 & Genesis 7 Thursday: Genesis 8:1-9:17 Friday: Genesis 11:1-9 If you're new to reading Scripture on your own, you can use the SOAP method. 1. Start with S-Scripture: read the passage. 2. Move on to O-Observation: what is interesting? What is confusing? What does this passage reveal about the world, God, and people (including yourself)? 3. Spend some time in A-Application: what do you sense you might need to do or change in response to what you have read? 4. Close your time with God in P-Prayer: talk to Him about your life, the day ahead, and what you are learning. == Sermon Series: CliffsNotes | Week #1 Speaker: Pastor Cody Surratt Date: May 12th, 2024

The story of the Tower of Babel is a story about selfish desires, disorientation and dispersal.

April 21st, 2024 Speaker: Kyle Collins Adam and Eve did the same in the Garden by trying to become like God. We will get something from God and then we won't need God. In fact the whole first part of Genesis people are trying to figure it out on their own. They are working to ... Read more The post Sunday School Stories: Tower of Babel | Genesis 11:1-9 appeared first on Pulpit Rock Church in Colorado Springs.

Pastor Brandon Bellomo 4/7/24

March 24, 2024 - Rev. Jonas Brock

When you have a Tower of Babel moment in your life, let Jesus redeem it!​ Check out this message from our Campus Pastor, TJ George talking about “Making Sense of Babel (Genesis 10:1-11:9)" for the series "Genesis, Season 1" at Vibrant - a Christian Church. #vibrant #genesis #babel #tjgeorge #vibrantachristianchurch

Lead Pastor, Joseph Rahm, speaks through the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis.

This Sunday is one you won't want to miss. This week, we will take time during worship to celebrate the good provision of God and the plans we are discerning for our future as a church. God is on the move, and I'm excited to prepare with you for what's to come. We will also continue our journey through Genesis. Some of the stories in this first book of the Bible are hard, but they are also real. And they help us understand God's character and the human condition. We come to know God as full of grace and patience, and ourselves as vulnerable and in need of a savior. Which makes knowing that we have one all that much sweeter. This Sunday we'll encounter the Tower of Babel (Genesis 10-11), and we'll talk about that need we humans have for more. God's response is always more of him, which is exactly what we need.

Believe it or not, this is a major story in the Word of God. Understanding this story gives us insight into the Old Covenant World View.

Believe it or not, this is a major story in the Word of God. Understanding this story gives us insight into the Old Covenant World View.

Message from Doug Kempton on December 3, 2023

Sunday November 19, 2023 at The Hub City Church Pride // Tower of Babel | Genesis 11:1-9 That's Messed Up. | a series about sin and redemption in Genesis Sermon by Josh Davidson | Worship Leader "PRIDE is the innate, sinful desire to GLORIFY ourselves INSTEAD of GOD." The Hub City Church is a local expression of the church in Crestview, Florida, making disciples Who Believe the Gospel, Abide in Christ and Obey the Word to the glory of God.

The Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-9

When we think of meditation, a lot of us think of chanting and things affiliated with other religions--but at its core, that's not what it is. Meditation can simply be calming the mind by disciplined focus on some external stimulus, like your breath, your heart, or the ambient sounds around you... and if your mind is scattered and flitting from topic to topic, there is certainly great physiologic value in this, as it will get you out of "fight or flight" and into the parasympathetic "rest and digest" state. Also, if your mind is too loud, it makes it all but impossible for you to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit--so quieting your mind through this form of meditation is valuable for that reason as well. Biblically, though, meditation is more than just quieting your "monkey brain." That just gets you back to neutral. Rather, biblical meditation involves focused thought upon an idea long enough for you to get a picture in your mind of what you're contemplating. We all do this all the time; it's just a matter of what we're thinking about. Andrew Wommack likes to say that if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate. Worry is meditation upon something negative. Paul tells us what we should be meditating on in Philippians 4:8: "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." The reason this is so important is because scripture tells us that our thoughts determine what we believe, just like planting seeds will determine what kind of harvest we get. Proverbs 23:7 says, "for as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." We can act contrary to what we truly believe for a short period of time, but what we think in our hearts is who we really are, and it will come out eventually. This is why Jesus said that the most important parable He ever taught was the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:3-23). In the parable, the "seed" is the Word of God, and soil is the hearts of the listeners. It's the state of the soil which determines how well that seed will grow and produce a harvest. There are other possible seeds besides God's word, though--in the parable, there were thorns and tares in one type of soil, too. Jesus later defines these for us as "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches" (Matt 13:22), which can choke the Word such that it becomes unfruitful. Those sound like typical sources of worry to me. Think of thoughts in general--any type of thought--as a potential seed that can eventually bear a harvest if you plant it and cultivate it (or meditate upon it until you can see it in your mind). A stray thought here or there can't do this any more than a seed can without the right environment for it to grow--which is why we're told in scripture to take our thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5). Think of this like weeding the 'garden' of your heart. If you don't want the harvest, then pluck up the plant before it can bear fruit--or, better yet, avoid exposing yourself to the seed in the first place, if you can control it. This isn't always possible, but we can choose what we watch, what we listen to, what kind of church we go to (one that preaches faith or unbelief), and what kind of people we spend time with. "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33)--so if you surround yourself with people who are negative, complaining, undisciplined, or any other negative character trait, most likely it'll rub off on you eventually. Those people influence how you think, and unwittingly this plants "seeds" in your heart that will eventually bear a harvest, if they are allowed to do so. It takes discipline to control our imaginations, of course. Just like the Second Law of Thermodynamics describes entropy in the universe (which means that left to themselves, all systems go from order to disorder), so the tremendous power available in our minds will accomplish nothing if we don't focus it appropriately. Worse, if we use our imaginations for an actively destructive purpose like worrying, we might end up with exactly what we're essentially "believing" for. A medical example of this is the placebo versus the nocebo effect: about 30% of people (probably those who are most "suggest-able") in clinical trials will typically get better even if they're given a sugar pill rather than the actual medication being tested, because they believe it will help them. Their minds make it work. The nocebo is the same principle in reverse: if you believe something will make you worse, it very well might, even if the substance itself is neutral. This is the whole concept behind affirmations, or positive confessions: say something long or often enough, and eventually it'll sink down into your subconscious mind, and you'll start to believe it--even if you don't at first. Not what we superficially say, but what we truly believe, determines how we will act. Other religions and spiritual traditions jump onto this too, in books like "The Secret"--because it's a neutral principle which can work for us or against us. It's just part of the way God set up the world. In Genesis 11:6, speaking of the Tower of Babel, God says, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, now nothing they imagine to do will be impossible for them." This was a negative story, but it illustrates the principle as God made it. Jesus said the same thing on the flip side when the disciples were amazed that the fig tree withered when he cursed it: "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:23-24). When I was a kid, I read this verse, took it at face value, and commanded the mountain outside my bedroom window to be cast into the sea. Nothing happened, of course... but I also didn't expect anything to happen. That's the 'caveat'--you have to actually believe what you're saying, like Jesus did. And that's why it's so important for you to "guard your heart with all diligence"--because out of it literally "spring the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:20-23). But not immediately; as with any plant, harvests come "first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head" (Mark 4:28). Gardening is hard work; you have to constantly plant not just what you want, but you have to prepare the soil, water the seed, and pluck up competing weeds that might steal the nutrients from your fledgling little plant and choke it. It's just like that with our minds. That's why biblical meditation--using a positive imagination to picture what we want, to visualize God's promises coming to pass--is so important. Here's an overview of some of the Hebrew and Greek words in scripture translated to meditate (or to imagine, speak, ponder, etc), their context, and how they help to back up this idea. HAGAH: meaning to meditate, speak, imagine, study, mutter, utter, muse, devise Joshua 1:8: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate H1897 therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Notice that God didn't tell Joshua to just read the book of the law. He told him to meditate on it day and night, to the point where it's coming out of his mouth continually. That's what was required for him to truly follow what was written. That's what was necessary for him to prosper and have success. Psalm 1:2-3: "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate H1897 day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." These are the results of meditating on God's word... versus: Psalm 2:1: "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine H1897 a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 'Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision..." The ungodly use this same principle of meditation to produce evil. This psalm shows that it won't ultimately work for them, but only because God will step in in the end, just as He did at the flood when the imaginations of men's hearts were only evil all the time (Genesis 6:5) and then when the men of the repopulated earth tried to build the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:6). Psalm 2 looks ahead to when God will step in again, as described in the book of Revelation. Psalm 35:28: "And my tongue shall speak H1897 of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long." Psalm 63:6: "When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate H1897 on thee in the night watches." Psalm 71:24: "My tongue also shall talk H1897 of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt." Psalm 77:12: "I will meditate H1897 also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." Psalm 143:5: "I remember the days of old; I meditate H1897 on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands." Consider the fact that the man who wrote these psalms started out a shepherd boy, the youngest of his brothers and some speculate that he was even illegitimate--and he became the greatest king Israel ever had, to the point where the Messiah was called by his name, "Son of David" (Luke 18:38). And much of what we know about meditation comes from him. Psalm 38:12: "They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine H1897 deceits all the day long." And yet, David knew that his enemies were using this same principle against him. He spent some 13-17 years on the run from these enemies (we don't know how old he was when he was anointed king, so we don't know exactly how long). It certainly looked to him like they were winning for quite awhile. Fortunately, David persisted in envisioning and trusting and believing in God's promises coming to pass, even when everything seemed to be against him, and circumstances went from bad to much worse. In 1 Samuel 30:1-6, David had finally fled with his men out of Israel altogether, and was dwelling in the land of his enemies, when their city (Ziklag) was burned to the ground, their wives and children and everything they had stolen, and his men turned on him and spoke of stoning him. The natural human response to this would have been to give in to emotions of despair, but instead David "strengthened himself in the Lord" (1 Sam 30:6). You know that this took incredible discipline on his part, to fix his thoughts on what God said and not his current circumstances. Some believe that David encouraged himself by writing Psalm 61 after Ziklag was burned. The result was that not only did David and his men recover everything that was taken from them, but within days, he was crowned king--at long, long last. Prov 15:28: "The heart of the righteous studieth H1897 to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things." Back to the idea of entropy: cultivating our minds to produce righteousness, wisdom, and a positive imagination doesn't just happen. We have to study. We have to do this work. This is the process of being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Prov 24:1-2: "Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; For their heart studieth H1897 destruction, and their lips talk of mischief." The point here is that while the righteous studies wisdom and godly principles, the wicked are doing just the opposite. They too will reap what they sow (Gal 6:7). YETSER: imagination, form, framing, purpose, conception. Genesis 6:5: "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination H3336 of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 8:21: "And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination H3336 of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done." Deut 31:19-21: "Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination H3336 which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware." God knew long before the Israelites ever disobeyed Him that they would disobey. You can argue that this is because God is omniscient and knows the end from the beginning, and that's certainly true too--but this verse shows that God knew it (at least in part) because he could see what they were imagining. He knew their thoughts would determine their actions. This is exactly what happened in Numbers 13, when the Israelites sent the twelve spies into the Promised Land. God had promised to give them the land, but the spies returned with a "negative report". It wasn't an untrue report, mind you--the spies reported that the land was full of giants, and it was. Only Joshua and Caleb recognized that while true, that fact was irrelevant. What they should have been focused upon was God's promise that He would give the land to them, regardless of its current inhabitants. But the ten spies' negative report produced fear in the hearts of the people, and that entire generation never got to experience God's intended blessing for them. They died in the wilderness--all except for Joshua, who became the leader after Moses, and actually led the people in forty years later, and Caleb, who at eighty-five years old, was just as strong as he'd been in his forties (Joshua 14:11). He took the mountain of Hebron where the most intimidating Canaanites lived for his inheritance (Joshua 14:6-15). Psalm 103:14: "For he knoweth our frame; H3336 he remembereth that we are dust." The word 'frame' is also the word elsewhere translated meditation or thoughts, so it's not speaking just of the physical frame. The context here is speaking of our sins, and God's compassion upon us for our weakness. In other words, none of this is easy. God knows that. He pities us and has compassion upon us. Isaiah 26:3: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind H3336 is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." I love this verse. It gives us the recipe for peace. "Perfect peace" in Hebrew is actually shalom shalom shalom: the word for peace written three times. The translators presumably didn't know how else to translate that but "perfect." David modeled this for us at Ziklag, intentionally turning his mind to the Lord. Jesus modeled this for us when sleeping on the boat in the middle of the storm (Mark 4:35-41). Abraham modeled this for us when he kept his mind on God's promise of a child and not the impossibility of his and Sarah's circumstances (Romans 4:18-22). It's not easy, but the result is shalom shalom shalom.  SIYACH: meditate, seek, pray, commune, muse, ponder. 1 Chronicles 16:9: "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk H7878 ye of all his wondrous works." Psalm 77:6: "I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune H7878 with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search." Psalm77:12: "I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk H7878 of thy doings." Psalm 105:2: "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk H7878 ye of all his wondrous works." Psalm 119:15: "I will meditate H7878 in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways." (and repeatedly throughout Psalm 119) Proverbs 23:7: "for as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Hope YAHAL: wait, tarry, trust, hope, be patient. Hope can be considered positive imagination. It's the precursor for faith (Hebrews 11:1). Romans 8:24-25: "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Psalm 42:5: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."   Greek dianoia = mind, understanding, imagination This is a command. It's not merely talking about intellectual study, though of course that's part of it. What starts out as an intellectual exercise eventually becomes the mental picture of what we see on the inside. Matthew 22:37: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Eph 1:18: "The eyes of your understanding G1271 being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" Eph 4:18: "Having the understanding G1271 darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" Col 1:21: "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind G1271 by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled." Heb 8:10: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, G1271 and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people" 1 Peter 1:13: "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, G1271 be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" Greek logismos: thought, imagination, reasoning, judgment "Casting down imaginations, G3053 and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" A few more examples of this principle in action: Genesis 13:16: God showed Abram the dust of the earth as a symbol of his descendants, and the land of Canaan that would be filled with them. Genesis 15:5: God showed Abram the stars as a picture of his descendants Mark 6:41: before feeding the 5000 with five loaves and two fish, Jesus looks up (ANABLEPO), seeing into the unseen realm, and gives thanks. (2 Cor 5:7: we walk by faith, not by sight... and this works because that's where all the spiritual blessings already exist (Eph 1:3). Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The descendants of Noah split into three lines of humanity. Humans have congregated in one place and are trying to build their way to God. Join our discussion of the purpose of genealogies and the spread of humanity across the world.=============================Bible Study Podcast: Channel Credits=============================

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The Tower of BabelGenesis • June 18, 2023Teacher: Dave Brown--Genesis 11:1-9 NIVNow the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.God was concerned with the hearts of the people, not the height of the tower.Moving eastward is a euphemism for moving away from God's intention.The Power of a Self-Centered CultureJohn ChrysostomThis is what the human race has lost in particular, not being prepared to recognize the limitations of its own condition but always lusting for more, entertaining ambitions beyond its capacity.  In this regard, too, when people who chase after things of the world acquire for themselves much wealth and status, they lose sight of their own nature..and aspire to such heights that they topple to the very depths.JeromeWhen the tower was being built up against God, those who were building it were disbanded for their own welfare.  The conspiracy was evil.  The dispersion was of true benefit even to those who were dispersed.The Power of a Kingdom Centered CultureEphesians 4:1-16 NIVAs a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

This is the final class for the summer. We plan to begin with Genesis 12 sometime after the summer. Blessings.