Podcasts about CG

I’ll discuss Iran and the grunt math of salvo competition. Buppert's Law of Military Topography: “Mountainous terrain held by riflemen who know what they are about cannot be militarily defeated.” For other insight on Iran, I recommend CG episodes 061 , 067 and 078. References: The Boogeyman of 21st-Century Warfare: Drones Why the US is facing strategic defeat Points of Resistance and Departure: An interview with James C. Scott Lester Grau and Charles J. Bartles Mountain Warfare and Other Lofty Problems: Foreign mountain combat veterans discuss movement and maneuver, training and resupply (Helion Studies in Military History) Lester Grau The Bear Went Over The Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics In Afghanistan [Illustrated Edition] Lester Grau The Other Side of the Mountain: Mujahideen Tactics in the Soviet-Afghan War Mark Thompson The White War: Life and Death on the Italian Front 1915-1919 James C. Scott The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia Sun Tzu The Art of War Carl von Clausewitz On War Miyamoto Musashi A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy H. John Poole The Last Hundred Yards: The NCO's Contribution to Warfare Christian Brose The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare Qiao Liang & Wang Xiangsui Unrestricted Warfare: China’s Master Plan to Destroy America My Substack: https://t.co/7a8jn2Mmnx Email at cgpodcast@pm.me.

Sunday, 15 March 2026   At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Matthew 18:1   “In that hour, they came, the disciples to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then, he is, greatest in the kingdom of the heavens'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus's word finished Chapter 17 as He told Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish he caught, opening its mouth, and taking out a stater that would be in its mouth. With that, Peter was to pay the temple tax for Jesus and himself. Chapter 18 begins with, “In that hour.”   Mark and Luke do not mention the account concerning Peter and the payment of the temple tax. Instead, they go into Jesus' words about Him being betrayed and killed (Matthew 17:22, 23) directly into the account now stated. Peter, being the one approached by the tax collectors, may have simply been drawn out of the flow of the narrative, or Matthew may have put that account in there categorically to ensure typology was maintained.   Either way, each account describes this scene a little bit differently, but all agree on the overall tenor of what occurs. Placing the three accounts together, a full picture of how the matter arose is easily seen. This matter is, according to Matthew, that “they came, the disciples to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then, he is, greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?'”   To introduce this account, Mark says, “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?'” Luke records, “Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.”   The substance of the matter is that of being great in their hoped-for Messianic kingdom. The disciples argued over who the greatest of them would be. Thus, there is a mark of selfishness and a desire to be recognized above the others. This is a part of the human condition, and few, if any, are exempt from it.   Life application: For the most part, those who appear exempt from feelings of grandeur and self-importance are simply aware of the fact that they don't have a way of becoming great, or they lack what is needed in whatever they think “being great” means. It's not that they don't want it, it's that they aren't able to attain it.   This may not be universal, but it generally becomes evident when someone who had no shot at becoming “great” suddenly has greatness thrust upon him. It is a very rare soul who will handle his elevation responsibly and with humility.   But such an attitude is contrary to what is biblically expected of all, much less leaders. Paul says –   “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3, 4   After saying that, he pens the example of Christ, the One to be emulated –   “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11   Therefore, even if this is not in our nature, we are asked to work on it, until it becomes our nature. The King of the Universe was willing to unite with humanity and take on the lowliest form of man, serving others. This is what God esteems in us. It is akin to the example that Jesus will set forth to His disciples in the verses ahead in Matthew.   Let us have this mind in us, to the glory of God who called us unto Himself.   Lord God Almighty, may we be willing to set aside our pride, lustful desires, and the earthly temptations that we are constantly bombarded with to pursue a life of humility and honoring others. Above all, may our actions be done to glorify You. You alone are truly worthy of all praise, glory, and honor. Amen.

Exploring the Connection Between Matthew 17 and the Book of Esther For BibleInTen.com – By DH – 14th March 2026 Welcome back to Bible in Ten. Today we come to Matthew 17, and in this series that leads us naturally to Book 17 of the Old Testament: Esther. And with an explanation of the overall pictorial contents of Matthew 17 provided in the previous episode, Matthew chapter 17 becomes much clearer and in this supplementary episode, we will see how Esther strengthens it as a supporting witness. Esther is not just a story about Jewish survival in Persia.  Esther is a book about the Lord hidden from open view, but still directing all things toward redemption. The book exists not mainly to magnify the Jews, but to show the unseen faithfulness of God in preserving them for the sake of His promises and ultimately for the sake of the Redeemer, the true subject of Scripture. The Esther Bible Study available on the Superior Word develops the following pictures: Ahasuerus pictures God, the ruler over the world. Vashti pictures disobedience and loss of access to the throne. Esther pictures the Gospel, especially in her mediating role before the king. Haman pictures Law, even law bringing wrath and death. Mordecai pictures Christ: hidden at first, then honored, then exalted, then clothed with authority, then writing with full power, then sending letters of peace and truth, and finally having his greatness recorded through all the realm. That makes Esther a strong support for what Matthew 17 is picturing. 1) “After six days” — the approach to kingdom rest Matthew 17 begins, “after six days.”  As was said this points toward the six-thousand-year course of man's time before the seventh-day rest, the millennial kingdom. Esther supports this by opening in a royal setting already marked by splendor, order, and throne-rule. Shushan is treated almost like a paradise-throne setting, and Ahasuerus is taken as picturing the divine throne-rule itself. So both chapters begin not with chaos, but with the king and the court already in view. 2) Christ revealed in glory before a select company On the mountain, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. That is the hidden unveiling of the King before His glory is openly seen by all. Esther supports this pattern through hiddenness before manifestation. The whole book works by concealed identity, concealed movements, and God working in the background long before the reversal appears.  The Lord is not named openly in Esther, yet He is there, hidden, moving everything toward the appointed outcome. So Matthew 17's select-company glory scene sits very comfortably beside Esther's hidden-providence structure. 3) Moses and Elijah testify that all prior revelation converges on Christ Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, but not as equals. They are witnesses. That fits Esther's Christ structure too. The whole book drives toward one central exalted figure: not Vashti, not Haman, not even Esther by herself, but finally Mordecai in exaltation. And Mordecai is clearly picturing Christ Jesus, the one advanced to authority by the king. So just as Matthew 17 narrows the law and prophets toward Christ, Esther narrows all of its movements toward the greatness of Mordecai, a picture of the greatness of Christ. 4) “Hear Him” and “Jesus only” This is the heart of Matthew 17. The Father says, “Hear Him,” and the disciples then see “Jesus only.” That fits Esther, because Esther repeatedly moves the reader away from outward structures and toward the one through whom life and deliverance actually come. Esther is a picture of the beautiful Gospel message, but Mordecai is the Christ figure who ends up invested with the king's authority and acting with the signet.  The signet granted to Mordecai pictures the authority of Christ. So if Matthew 17 says, in effect, “Hear Him”, Esther says in its own symbolic way: the decisive authority now rests with the Christ-figure who bears the king's signet. 5) Hidden glory must wait for resurrection-grounded disclosure Jesus tells them not to publicise the vision until after resurrection. Again, Esther supports this because Esther is a book of timed disclosure. Esther conceals her identity, Mordecai watches from outside, and the hidden plan only comes into the open at the appointed hour. The Lord is working behind the scenes and the book's whole structure depends on that hiddenness. So Matthew 17 and Esther both teach: that public revelation comes only when the right moment arrives. 6) Elijah / restoration and Israel's future turning Matthew 17 speaks of Elijah in two ways at once: John the Baptist has already fulfilled an Elijah-like role, but Jesus' wording also leaves a still-future restoration role in view. Esther also supports a future restoration by showing that the covenant people are threatened but not discarded. Esther is treated as a book of redemptive history in which the Jews are preserved because God's promises to them stand, and because the Messiah must come and return in connection with them. Esther strengthens the Matthew 17 reading that Israel is not finally cast off. God is not finished with Israel chiefly through Jesus' future-tense words about Elijah restoring all things, and then reinforced through the picture of Israel's healing and restored sonship later in the chapter.” Though threatened and with God's face hidden from open view, they are brought through to preservation, mourning, reversal, and future blessing 7) The afflicted boy and Israel's incurable condition The Matthew 17 explanation treats the afflicted boy as picturing Israel in its historical condition: wounded, unstable, and untreatable by human means. Esther strongly confirms that pattern. The Jews stand under a decree of destruction that has to be properly and purposefully dealt with. Haman, picturing Law, has issued a death-word, and the people are trapped unless royal intervention occurs. In Matthew 17 the boy is incurable by the disciples. IN Esther the Jews are doomed under an irreversible decree. In both: the people cannot heal or save themselves. 8) Christ alone intervenes to heal and deliver In Matthew 17, Jesus heals what the disciples could not. In Esther, the same pattern appears through the Mordecai-Christ picture and the Esther-Gospel mediation. Matthew 17 pictures Israel's future restoration, healing, and restored sonship through Christ. The book of Esther supports that pattern by showing that although the first decree of death cannot be revoked, a new decree can be issued through Mordecai's royal authority that brings life to the threatened people. The old word of death cannot simply be revoked, but another word can be issued which grants life. That second word comes through Esther and Mordecai, and the edict issued by Mordecai is explicitly treated as a picture of the New Covenant. Mordecai, picturing Christ, receives the signet, acts with royal authority, and sends out the saving word. Thus Esther is supportive of Matthew 17's portrayal of Messiah Himself being the one who intervenes. 9) The cross remains central IN Matthew 17 Jesus speaks of betrayal, death, and resurrection. A portion of the notes by CG on this from Esther chapter 10 bear repeating:   Haman pictures Law, but Christ actually died. It was Christ who was nailed to the cross, and so in type and picture, Christ became our Haman, our Man under Law, if you will. It is no different at all than Christ equating Himself with the serpent on the pole in John 3:14, or Paul saying that God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.    In the death of His body, the law died with Him for all who believe. For all who don't, Law, and thus the enmity, remains. This is where the marvelous symbolism of a very misunderstood passage in the book of John is explained. It says in John 20, “Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.” Many fanciful explanations have been made up about this, but the truth is revealed in what happened to Haman, when he was taken to be executed... they covered his face. The Law was to die. Christ died in fulfillment of the law. When He arose, the face covering was removed, and carefully folded. It was an intentional act of the Lord showing that the shame of death through Law had been removed for those who trust in Him. The people of Israel, the Jews, even to this day, celebrate Purim, and yet they are celebrating the exact opposite of what they think they are celebrating. They curse Haman, stamp their feet, and howl wildly as his name is read, and yet, he simply pictures Law that they are still under. Until they come to Christ, Haman will continue to come after them to destroy, to be killed, and to be annihilated because of the ministry of death, meaning Law (2 Corinthians 3:7). Why do the Jews celebrate Purim? It is because of what pur signifies. It is a lot, a broken piece, and thus Purim, the plural of pur, signifies broken pieces. Pur means “to break,” “frustrate,” “make ineffectual,” “annul,” “bring to naught.” This is what Christ has done concerning our covenant with death according to Paul – 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.   19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 The Jews cling to the law, but it is Christ who has defeated that enemy. The law is annulled in Christ. This is the message of Purim.   Life Application  There is also a striking present-day echo. In 2026, Purim began on the evening of March 2nd just 2 days after Israel was again in direct conflict with Iran. Just as Haman was also not himself Persian (he was Amalekite who gained influence at the heart of the palace and used imperial power against God's people).  In a similar way,  The Islamic Republic of Iran's rulers are militant usurpers who seized control of the land of Persia in 1979 and have held the nation in bondage ever since. Even the recent reports and speculation about Israeli intelligence using covert medical cover—dentists, hidden tracking, to coordinate a sudden destruction on the Supreme Leader —carry an Esther-like atmosphere.    Just for fun check out the link to a stop motion lego video about this by “Stop Motion Sam”! The deeper parallel is the same: the enemy appears secure, the plot seems advanced, yet unseen movements are already in motion, and when the appointed moment comes, the reversal is sudden.

Craig Campbell is the legendary head coach for Clovis West High School girls basketball. He's won 798 games, a national championship, two state championships in multiple states... the list of accomplishments goes on and on. He joined CG to talk about their recent regional final loss to Archbishop Mitty, how/why he's been so successful and what it means to him being someone who has helped shape the futures of so many young women over his 32 years of coaching. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresno Christian award-winning U.S. history teacher Kori James (also an adviser for the student-led award-winning publication The Feather Online) and talented student and photojournalist Selah Neal return to the program. March is Women's History Month. Instead of tracking down someone with a national profile and marquee name for these segments, CG wanted to celebrate several local women who are highly accomplished. Enter Kori and Selah. Both have done, and continue to do, remarkable things inside and outside the Fresno Christian classrooms in the areas of teaching, journalism and photojournalism. They are indeed marquee names in their own right. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday, 13 March 2026   Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” Matthew 17:27   “And that not we should entrap them, having gone to the sea, you cast a hook, and the ‘having ascended first' fish, you lift, and having opened its mouth, you will find a stater. That, having taken, you give to them for Me and you.” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter responded to Jesus that the kings of the earth take their customs and taxes from the unfamiliars. Jesus then responded that the sons are free. Despite this truth, He continues, saying, “And that not we should entrap them.”   The idea is that it would be inappropriate to cause those collecting the census to be tripped up by the claim that the sons are free from paying. It would lead to a difficult set of explanations and argumentations that would serve no purpose in the ongoing ministry as it marched to its completion.   Jesus' time to be revealed as the Messiah had not yet reached its fulfillment (Matthew 16:20). Therefore, any claims of exemption from paying the temple tax would be misunderstood and could later be used as a charge against Him. Understanding this, Jesus continues His words to Peter, saying, “having gone to the sea, you cast a hook.”   It is a word found only here in Scripture, agkistron, a hook. It is akin to agkalé, an arm (as curved or bent). Both are derived from agkos, a bend. Jesus feels Peter needs a little time to himself for relaxation. Well, maybe not. Jesus has a specific intent for Peter to go fishing, and so He continues, “and the ‘having ascended first' fish, you lift.”   Jesus doesn't say, “...if you catch a fish.” Rather, He confirms Peter will. Regardless of its size or kind, he isn't to toss it back. Rather, Jesus says, “and having opened its mouth, you will find a stater.”   It is another word found only this once in the Bible, statér, a stander (standard of value). HELPS Word studies says it is “a silver coin worth two didrachma and equivalent to four denarii (a tetradrachma, four drachmae) – the exact amount of the Temple-tax required for two people.”   In other words, what Jesus is doing is proving His authority over every possible contingency one could imagine. Peter is to go fishing, cast in a hook, he will catch a fish (a fifty/fifty proposition), when he pulls up the fish, regardless of its type, and out of all the fish he could possibly catch in the Sea of Galilee, and it occurring at that exact moment, there will be a coin in its mouth.   The probability of such an event extends to all the fish in human history that have been found with a coin in their mouths. When the coin is pulled out, it will be the exact coin needed to pay the tax for the two of them. That would open up the probability of every coin ever to have been in the area of the Sea of Galilee, along with the chances of it being the exact type of coin needed to pay for exactly two people.   Further, the fact that it is found in the fish's mouth, not swallowed, means that either the fish picked it up at the exact moment it also caught the hook, proving Jesus' omniscient knowledge, or Jesus created it in the fish's mouth while Peter was catching it, proving Jesus' omnipotence along with His omniscience.   The impossibility of Jesus' words, unless He has the ability to affect every single aspect of this event, is obvious. Understanding this, Jesus instructs Peter on what to do with the coin he is going to find, saying, “That, having taken, you give to them for Me and you.”   Jesus sees it as less inconvenient to do what would be utterly impossible for any human being who has ever existed to do than to argue about the temple tax with people who would then be offended at His claim. It is an utterly astonishing proposition to consider.   Life application: The wickedness of the liberal scholar's heart is exposed in the evaluation of recorded events like these in the Bible. So adamant are they that Jesus could not have done what is stated here, they have come up with several “explanations” of how this miracle was effected.   There is no point in giving them all. Each one fails to adhere to the simplicity and exacting nature of the description given in the account. One example will suffice: Jesus told Peter to go fishing. He gave him these instructions. Peter went out and caught a fish. Peter then sold the fish for a stater so that the temple tax could be paid.   Not only does that not match the account, but it also abuses it so heavily that there would be no point in including the story at all. Peter and the other disciples probably went fishing anytime they had a chance, maybe even when Jesus told them to, so that they could enjoy dinner.   There is no record of such a thing because it has no importance or connection to what is necessary to understand Jesus' ministry. Such people will receive their rewards for leading people astray with faulty analyses, such as this.   Be careful to take what is recorded in the Bible at face value. It is important to understand that we are to accept God's word by faith, even when it is not possible for us to do what is recorded there. It is a snap for God to do so if He wishes. Have faith in that.   Lord God Almighty, You can do all things, and we trust that just as You know every fish in the sea, so You are intimately aware of us. Such knowledge is beyond our minds' ability to grasp, but we can accept it by faith, knowing that You are in complete control of all things. Thank You for this surety. Amen. Matthew 17   17 And after six days, Jesus, He takes with – Peter, and James, and John his brother, and them, He uphefts into a high mountain off alone. 2And He metamorphosed before them, and it radiated, His face, like the sun, and His garments, it became whites, as the light. 3And you behold! They appeared to them Moses and Elijah, conversing with Him. 4And answering, Peter, he said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good – us to be here. If You desire, we will make here three tabernacles: You one, and Moses one, and Elijah one.”   5Yet he speaking, you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them. And you behold! Voice – from the cloud, saying, “This, He is, My Son, the Beloved in whom I approved! You hear – Him!” 6 And having heard, the disciples, they fell upon their face, and they feared exceedingly. 7And He came, Jesus. He touched them, and He said, “You rouse, and you fear not.” 8And having uplifted their eyes, they saw none, if not Jesus alone.   9And descending, they, from the mountain, Jesus, He enjoined them, saying, “You tell none the vision until that the Son of Man from dead, He arose.”   10And His disciples, they queried Him, saying, “Why therefore the scribes, they say that Elijah, it necessitates, to come first?”   11And Jesus answering, He said to them, “Elijah, indeed, he comes first, and he will reconstitute all. 12And I say to you that Elijah, he came already, and they knew him not, but they did in him as much as they desired. And thus the Son of Man, He is about to suffer under them.” 13Then the disciples, they comprehended that He spoke to them concerning John the Immerser.   14And they, having come unto the crowd, he approached Him – man, knee-falling to Him, and saying, 15“Lord, You compassionated my son, for he moon-strikes and he suffers badly, for frequently he falls into the fire and frequently into the water. 16And I presented him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.”   17And Jesus, answering, He said, “O! Generation disbelieving and having been mangled! I will be with you until when? I will uphold you until when? You carry him here to Me.” 18And Jesus, He admonished it, and the demon, it proceeded from him, and the boy, he was cured from that hour.   19Then, the disciples having come to Jesus off alone, they said, “Through what we – not we could eject it?”   20And Jesus, He said to them, “Through your faithlessness. For amen! I say to you, if you should have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘You depart hence thither,' and it will depart. And nothing, it will be impossible for you. 21And this kind it departs not if not in prayer and fasting.”   22And they, overturning in the Galilee, Jesus, He said to them, “The Son of Man, He is about to be surrendered into men's hands. 23and they will kill Him and the third day, He will rouse.” And they distressed exceedingly.   24And they, having come to Capernaum, they came, those taking the drachmas, to Peter, and they said, “Your Teacher, He completes not the drachmas?”   25“Yes,” he says.   And when he entered into the house, Jesus, He preanticipated him, saying, “What, you, it seems, Simon? The kings of the earth, from whom do they take tributes or census? From their sons or from unfamilars?”   26He says to Him, Peter, “From the unfamilars.”    Jesus, He says to him, “Hence, the sons, they are exempt. 27And that not we should entrap them, having gone to the sea, you cast a hook, and the ‘having ascended first' fish, you lift, and having opened its mouth, you will find a stater. That, having taken, you give to them for Me and you.”

Time to review the hottest irons from Wilson Golf! This year Wilson is giving us 3 brand new Staff Model irons with one, the XB, being brand new to the lineup. Wilson's Staff Model XB is a new hollow body design that gives golfers distance, forgivness, and great feel in a players size. The Staff Model CB and MB irons have been updated for 2026 with a new satin finish for less glare and refined shapes for optimal CG placement and classic looks from address. 

Thursday, 12 March 2026   Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. Matthew 17:26   “He says to Him, Peter, ‘From the unfamilars.' Jesus, He says to him, ‘Hence, the sons, they are exempt'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus asked Peter what he thought. Do the kings of the earth take tribute and census from their sons or unfamilars? Next, we read, “He says to Him, Peter, ‘From the unfamilars.'”   It would be counterproductive and unkingly for a king to take any such collection from his sons. This is a precept that would be perfectly understood from their own Scriptures. At the time of their first king, Saul, it was seen that the son of the king would be exempt from such things, even if it was a son through marriage –   “So the men of Israel said, ‘Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father's house exemption from taxes in Israel.'” 1 Samuel 17:25   The king was the one who levied taxes on the people. He was the one to take the people's sons and daughters for his own household use, and for the army he established (see 1 Samuel 8:10-18). His own sons usually did serve in the military with him, but they were not obligated to the standard impositions placed on the people for the sake of his kingdom. Peter understood this. In response to this, we read, “Jesus, He says to him, ‘Hence, the sons, they are exempt.'”   A new word is seen here, eleutheros, unrestrained, meaning “to go at pleasure.” It is used in the sense of citizenship, where a person is not a slave. In this case, it means unrestrained from the burdens that support the king and his kingdom.   Jesus is making a point that Peter should clue into. If Jesus is the Messiah, He is God's Son. Those who are His will belong to the household of God as sons. This is the point He makes in John 8 –   “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 33 They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free'?' 34 Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'” John 8:31-36   If Jesus is God's Son, and those who are brought into sonship with God through Him, then why would they pay for the tributes and census for the maintenance of the temple of His (and thus their) Father?   Further, and a point that is not yet understood by the disciples, the temple is an edifice that pointed to Jesus. He is the fulfillment of everything the temple anticipated. Understanding these things puts the matter in proper perspective.   Life application: Jesus was born under the Law of Moses, a law He gave to the people of Israel. By subordinating Himself to the Law, He was required to be obedient to it. This included things that He was logically exempt from, but which required obedience to fulfill all righteousness.   And this is what He said He would do at an early point in His ministry –   “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17   In His fulfillment of the law, including those things that He would normally be exempt from, such as the temple taxes, the law is annulled through Him for anyone who has come to Him by faith. He becomes a son of God. And, as He said, “...if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”   However, being under law is not freedom. It is a mark of bondage to sin. As such, to reimpose the standards of the law upon oneself, it is a denial of sonship. It is as if the person voluntarily excommunicates himself from a relationship with his Father in heaven.   Paul explains this in meticulous detail in his epistles, especially Galatians. Those who come to Christ are not under law but under grace. Be sure to revel in the freedom by which Christ has made us free. Do not allow yourself to be brought back under the yoke of slavery, meaning law. It is an act of contempt for what God in Christ has done.   Live out your freedom in gratitude for what He has done for us. This is what we are to do!   Lord God, thank You that we are Your sons through faith in what Jesus has done. The pressure is off. We are free from the bondage of slavery to sin. Law no longer has authority over us! We can now revel in Your grace and goodness because of Jesus. Hallelujah and amen.  

Movie Night! Join Tom, Dan, and Sarah as they trek through the stars with the 1999 comedy space epic "Galaxy Quest"! Campy sci-fi tropes are ubiquitous enough that you can make a mainstream hit parodying them, right? If not, the outstanding character work of Alan Rickman, Sam Rockwell, and Tony Shalhoub is enough to rocket this movie into the stratosphere of middling family-friendly comedies that the Paragon Marathon loves to revisit. From dazzling 90's era CG space battles, big campy rubber suit alien costumes, to Sci-fi legend Sigourney Weaver, Galaxy Quest has it all! Even casting Tim Allen as the leading man miraculously doesn't ruin the film; in fact, making him play a washed up hack of an actor that no one likes is strangely cathartic! Contained within: Stellar screams, Star trek lore, and a healthy amount of Tim Allen grunts. 

Wednesday, 11 March 2026   He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Matthew 17:25   “‘Yes,' he says. And when he entered into the house, Jesus, He preanticipated him, saying, ‘What, you, it seems, Simon? The kings of the earth, from whom do they take tributes or census? From their sons or from unfamilars?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter was asked if his Teacher paid the didrachma or not. The response is, “‘Yes,' he says.”   Peter acknowledged that this is something Jesus did. The implication is that Peter had seen Him pay in the past, or that he was aware that Jesus paid any such obligation imposed by either the law or societal mandates without dispute. Otherwise, he would have answered “I don't know,” or something similar. The simple answer speaks of Peter's awareness of the matter.   However, that affirmative answer brings in a logical disconnect that Jesus will next address. He will do it in the form of a question to elicit Peter's contemplation, followed by a response based on that. As such, Matthew records, “And when he entered into the house, Jesus, He preanticipated him.”   Here is a word found only once in Scripture, prophthanó, to get an earlier start of a matter. It is derived from pro, in front of or prior, and phthanó, to anticipate or precede. The archaic word preanticipate gives the proper sense. It is a word that bears redundancy. Jesus didn't just speak before Peter did. He spoke of the matter that had just occurred before Peter could.   The previous verse noted that people talked to Peter about Jesus. It then said, “And when he entered into the house.” As Peter is the nearest antecedent, and the verb is singular (he entered), it means Peter went into the house.   At that point, Jesus, who was in the house and not present during the conversation between Peter and the collectors of the didrachma, was aware of their conversation. The unstated wording implies that Jesus supernaturally knew the contents of the conversation. With Peter in the house, Matthew next records, “saying, ‘What, you, it seems, Simon?'”   Jesus wants Peter to think through a matter. It is what any good teacher will do at times by stopping during a class and asking a question to help solidify an important point in the minds of the students. Jesus' question is, “The kings of the earth, from whom do they take tributes or census?”   The first word, telos, has already been seen in a different context in Matthew 10:22. It refers to the point aimed at as a limit. In this case, it would be a tribute. Customs (used by some translations) refers to goods crossing international borders. A toll (used by some translations) is a duty on goods. This is a tribute, something paid to maintain peace or express loyalty to a ruler.   The second word, kensos, is the etymological root of our word census. It refers to an enrollment. In this case, the enrollment is one where the payment stands for the act of enrollment. In essence, it is the census derived from a census. Understanding this, Jesus questions further, “From their sons or from unfamiliars?”   Another new word is used, the adjective allotrios, not one's own. It is derived from allos, different or else, and speaks of “not one's own family.” A suitable word would be unfamiliar, being derived from un-familial, not relating to the family.   Jesus' question is one intended to get Peter to think on two levels at the same time. He will think on the standard worldly level, but it asks Peter to also consider why Jesus would ask such a question and what his answer to them means based on his own proclamation made in Matthew 16:16, as well as what has transpired throughout Chapter 17, especially concerning the proclamation called out on the mountain in verse 5.   Life application: Older translations of this verse use the word prevent instead of preanticipate –   “He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying...” KJV et. al.   The word once meant to go before or precede. It no longer carries that meaning. Because of this, when reading an older translation, one will naturally assume that Jesus stopped Peter from speaking, forbidding him to say anything in order for Him to speak first. That is not the intent.   He did stop Peter from speaking, but Peter wasn't forbidden from doing so. Rather, he had no chance to do so. The subtlety of difference changes the intent. There are good lessons we can learn from older translations, and there is, at times, a clarity that is not found in modern translations, such as pronouns that speak of more than one and others that speak of one only. For example, today the word you can mean singular or plural.   This is why it is always good to read lots of translations. If you are told to only read the KJV, you might, at times, be prevented from learning things properly. However, if you read it along with other Bibles, you might preanticipate problems before they cause confusion. You will be able to keep from making incorrect conclusions about what is actually being conveyed.   O God, what a fun world of delight it can be, sitting and thinking about all You have done in Your creation, in progressing through Your plan of redemption, and in contemplating those things as they are laid out in Your word. May we always consider You and what You have done and are doing as we live our lives before You. Amen.  

Tuesday, 10 March 2026   When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” Matthew 17:24   “And they, having come to Capernaum, they came, those taking the drachmas, to Peter, and they said, ‘Your Teacher, He completes not the drachmas?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples of His upcoming passion, causing them to be exceedingly sorrowful. It next says, “And they, having come to Capernaum.”   They had gone north to the area of Caesarea Philippi. Somewhere around there, maybe even Mount Hermon, where Jesus was transfigured. Having come down the mountain, they met the man with the demon-possessed son.   After that, Matthew noted that they were in the area of the Galilee. Now, Capernaum, His “seat of operations,” is where they have returned to. Having come here, it next says, “they came, those taking the drachmas.”   The didrachmon, a double drachma, is found twice in this verse but nowhere else. It is tribute money collected according to the Law of Moses. The word is derived from dis, twice or doubly, and drachmé, a drachma. That is derived from drassomai to catch. The idea is that of a coin held in the hand.   The collection of this coin is noted in Exodus 30 –   “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 12 ‘When you take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man shall give a ransom for himself to the Lord, when you number them, that there may be no plague among them when you number them. 13 This is what everyone among those who are numbered shall give: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (a shekel is twenty gerahs). The half-shekel shall be an offering to the Lord. 14 Everyone included among those who are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering to the Lord. 15 The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when you give an offering to the Lord, to make atonement for yourselves. 16 And you shall take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of meeting, that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord, to make atonement for yourselves.'” Exodus 30:11-16   Various forms of the Greek word didrachma are used 26 times in the Greek translation of the Old Testament when referring to the silver shekel. It is this coin that is now being referred to. That is why the general term “those taking the drachmas” is used. It was something everyone in Israel would have been aware of. Of them, it says they came “to Peter, and they said, ‘Your Teacher, He completes not the drachmas?'”   It is unknown exactly why this was asked. Some think that being a rabbi, He may claim exemption. Others suppose they were testing Him to see if He would meet the obligations as set forth in the law, and which Israel continued to mandate. Others suspect that the payment had become voluntary, but still expected, somewhat like a tip in a restaurant. The fact that the question is asked means there was doubt concerning Jesus' willingness or presumed need to pay it.   Life application: In Exodus, the ransom money of the census in Israel was intended to make atonement for those brought out of Egypt. Notice how it says that the rich were not to give more and the poor were not to give less.   The rich man couldn't walk up to the collector and say, “I am giving more in order to secure my own, better ransom.” The poor man could not feel that his atonement was of less importance than that of the wealthy man. And there is no stated provision for a man to pay for the ransom of another man. It is a tenet later written explicitly into Scripture by the sons of Korah –   “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him— 8 For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever—” Psalm 49:7, 8   The offering was equally binding on all, and thus its effects were equally realized in all. It is what saves them from the vengeance of God, which was sure to come on those who failed to make it, whether through pride, arrogance, or sheer neglect.   As for this silver, which in the Bible pictures redemption, in the Exodus account, it is directly equated to the blood of the Passover. The redemption of the lamb, and the ransom of the silver are intricately woven into one concept.   This silver was used in the construction of the tabernacle, for the sockets that supported the tabernacle, along with several other key items. The memorials of the Passover blood and silver ransom money brought to remembrance past deliverance, and they continued to remind the people of that state.   The redemption silver was used in the tabernacle construction to show us that everything about our redemption stands on Christ and is supported by Christ alone. Understanding that, it is something that applies to everyone equally. No person is more “saved” than any other, and no merit is found in anyone's salvation. Christ did the work, while we accept what He has done by faith.   How wonderful is God's unmerited favor!   Lord God, thank You that none of us can count on being more saved than anyone else, as if some of us will stand at the back of the line when brought to You. We all came to You in the exact same way, trusting in what Jesus has done to bring us back to You. Thank You that we know, with all certainty, that we are eternally saved through the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.

★月200円で読み放題★スタンダードコース（月額1,980円）が4カ月間は月額200円！https://digital.asahi.com/pr/cp/2026/spr/?ref=cp2026spr_podcast_gaiyoran ※初めてお申し込みの方限定です 【番組内容】東日本大震災から15年。過酷事故を起こした福島第一原発の炉心部分には今も近づくことができず、2万人以上の避難が続いています。あらためて、あの時何が起きたのか。今も続く事故をどう考えるべきか。最近の調査で判明した事実と新たな謎をふまえ、原発担当記者と話します。 ※2026年3月5日に収録しました 【関連記事】福島第一原発 15年後の謎 - CGで迫る事故炉の内部 https://www.asahi.com/special/fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-disaster-15years/?iref=omny 福島第一原発事故、15年たっても残る謎　水素爆発にも新仮説 https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV321H4TV32UTFL00LM.html?iref=omny 【そもそも解説】福島第一原発事故の原因と被害、現在はどんな状態？ https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV2W3VWXV2WUTFL014M.html?iref=omny 国道6号をたどる https://www.asahi.com/special/national-route-6/?iref=omny 【出演・スタッフ】福地慶太郎（くらし科学医療部） https://x.com/kei_fukuchi MC・音源編集　飯島啓史 【おねがい】朝日新聞ポッドキャストは、みなさまからの購読料で配信しています。番組継続のため、会員登録をお願いします！ http://t.asahi.com/womz 【朝ポキ情報】アプリで記者と対話 http://t.asahi.com/won1 交流はdiscord https://bit.ly/asapoki_discord おたよりフォーム https://bit.ly/asapoki_otayori 朝ポキTV https://www.youtube.com/@asapoki_official メルマガ https://bit.ly/asapoki_newsletter 広告ご検討の企業様は http://t.asahi.com/asapokiguide 番組検索ツール https://bit.ly/asapoki_cast 最新情報はX https://bit.ly/asapoki_twitter 番組カレンダー https://bit.ly/asapki_calendar 全話あります公式サイト https://bit.ly/asapoki_lp See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday, 9 March 2026   and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful. Matthew 17:23   “‘and they will kill Him and the third day, He will rouse.' And they distressed exceedingly” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that He was about to be betrayed into the hands of men. The thought continues with, “and they will kill Him.”   The words are plain enough, and one would think they would be taken at face value. However, the human mind can make up many excuses for wording that we don't like, understand, or wish to come about. The same word, apokteinó, is used metaphorically as well as literally. Paul uses it in a metaphorical sense in Romans, 2 Corinthians, and Ephesians. For example –   “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.” Romans 7:11   Therefore, it may be that the disciples justified a figurative meaning in their minds as a way of denying the reality of the words Jesus presented to them. As for those words, they continue with, “and the third day, He will rouse.”   Again, we now know the words mean He will resurrect. But the word egeiró simply means to arouse. For example –   “And Joseph, having thoroughly aroused [egeiró] from the sleep, did as the messenger of the Lord he commanded him, and he received his wife.” Matthew 1:24 (CG).   For all we know, they may have thought Jesus was referring to something figurative, like being beaten into a coma and then coming out of it on the third day. Whatever was on their minds, Matthew next records, “And they distressed exceedingly.”   This sounds like they got it and understood Jesus' words, but that is not the case. Mark says, “But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him” (Mark 9:32). Luke is a little wordier, but his note agrees with that of Mark. Whatever was on their minds, it was enough to distress them, but they were confused as to its true meaning.   Life application: It is said, “hindsight is 20/20.” The meaning is that once something is done, we can look back on what happened in regard to some matter and understand with perfect clarity what took place, as if we have 20/20 vision.   However, before the event occurs, we don't have that clarity. Thus, to say “hindsight is 20/20” is a way of alleviating feelings of stupidity on our part for not seeing how something seemingly so obvious would come about.   It is also a way of refuting arrogant attitudes of someone who claims he is smarter than you because he was able to do something after an event that someone else could not do before the event. In other words, “Yeah, you got that right, but only because hindsight is 20/20.” The implication is that the person would not have gotten it in advance either.   And although the saying is usually true, it is not always the case. We have the written record of Jesus' incarnation, His ministry, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension. It is all written down plainly and without muddied waters to obscure any of it. And yet, the following points are true. Various people who say they believe the Bible:   Do not accept God's incarnation, thus denying the deity and/or humanity of Jesus. Do not accept that His ministry is the end of the law. Do not accept that He actually died. Do not accept that He physically rose and came out of the tomb. Deny the ascension to the right hand of God, including sitting in the position of all power and authority in heaven and on earth. These are all clearly and explicitly recorded in Scripture. And yet, there are innumerable denials of these and related truths within the greater umbrella of “Christianity.”   God was there at the creation, having given us a record of the event. And yet, some Christians deny a literal six-day creation. God was there at the flood of Noah, having given us a record of the event. And yet, some Christians deny that a literal flood took place.   The list goes on and on. If we take the Bible literally and in proper context, we will have 20/20 vision regarding what God has done, is doing, and is going to do concerning what is recorded. And yet, we deny these fundamental truths.   What a sad existence we live when we claim we are a part of the body of Christ and yet we deny the very source of what explains what that body signifies. Let us grow up to maturity, accepting the word of God and allowing it to renew our thinking in regard to what it proclaims.   Lord God, thankfully, You don't condition our salvation on accepting all that You have said in Your word. If You did, there would be many fewer souls on the highway to heaven. However, how displeasing it must be to You when we arrogantly dismiss what Your word says. Help us to consider Your word, accepting it as it is written. To Your glory! Amen.  

Neste episódio introdutório ao Módulo 4 da série A ORDEM, exploramos a relação vital entre estrutura organizacional e missão escatológica na Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia. Em um tempo de urgência profética, a ordem não é burocracia, mas condição de sobrevivência. Como um exército sem comando pode enfrentar a batalha final? Como um movimento global pode manter a unidade doutrinária sem uma governança representativa? Mergulhamos nas raízes históricas do adventismo, desde o caos pós-1844 até a reorganização de 1901, revelando como líderes como James White, Ellen White e A. G. Daniells entenderam que "organização não é desconfiança do Espírito, é fidelidade à missão". Este módulo é um convite para redescobrir a estrutura da igreja não como um peso institucional, mas como um instrumento divino para impulsionar o Alto Clamor. Resumo O episódio apresenta os quatro eixos temáticos do novo módulo: fundamentos históricos, personagens reformadores, funcionamento atual do sistema representativo e a teologia da história. Defende-se que a estrutura eclesiástica é uma "extensão visível de uma missão invisível", projetada para canalizar o avivamento e não para controlá-lo. Principais Conclusões A ordem eclesiástica é uma resposta bíblica (1 Co 14:40) à necessidade de preservar a verdade e expandir a missão. A estrutura adventista (Associação, União, Divisão, CG) visa equilibrar autoridade global com agilidade local. A reforma de 1901 foi um marco espiritual que descentralizou o poder para capacitar a igreja mundial. Pontos-Chave - A distinção crucial entre burocracia estéril e ordem missional encarnada. - O papel da profecia na formação do governo da igreja: Ellen White e a "ordem celeste". - Como o sistema representativo protege a igreja de heresias e personalismos. - A estrutura como "odre novo" para o vinho novo do Espírito Santo no tempo do fim. Instagram http://instagram.com/alexpalmeira7 Podcast Catalisadores http://open.spotify.com/show/6zJyD0vW8MnyRKPYZtk3B5 X http://x.com/alexpalmeira9 Facebook http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069360678042 Website www.startmovements.com Sobre Alex Palmeira Alex Palmeira é um formador de líderes focado na revitalização da igreja e no resgate do senso de movimento apostólico. Com experiência na liderança institucional e na plantação de igrejas, ele trabalha a intersecção entre teologia profunda, gestão eclesiástica e missão encarnacional. Seu objetivo é capacitar uma nova geração de líderes que compreendam o tempo em que vivem e respondam com fidelidade bíblica e coragem profética.

Sunday, 8 March 2026   Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, Matthew 17:22   “And they, overturning in the Galilee, Jesus, He said to them, ‘The Son of Man, He is about to be surrendered into men's hands'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished His words concerning casting out the demon, saying that such a kind would only depart through prayer and fasting. Matthew next says, “And they, overturning in the Galilee.”   A new word is seen in some texts, anastrephó. It is derived from ana, up, and strephó to turn. Thus, it signifies an overturning. The sense is close to returning, but rather than being used adverbially, it is a verb carrying more weight than that. One can return without any intent or change in the way things are, or one can return while considering, making changes, redirecting to something new, etc. It is also used as a word indicating contrast.   For example, the word is used in Acts 15:16 where the Lord promises to return and build again the tabernacle of David that had fallen down. God abandoned Israel, but He will come again to them, “unabandoning” them. Thus, there is a sense of overturning in action.   In the case of Matthew 17:22, it appears the word is used to indicate that, because of the instruction from Jesus concerning the demon, the disciples' direction in thinking is “overturned” to align with how things should be.   Because of the complicated nature of the word in relation to the surrounding words, some texts use another new word, sustrephó, to twist together. As such, it would mean they were gathering together in the Galilee. This is a convenient change, but it seems unnatural. The only other time it is used is when Paul gathered sticks together to make a fire. Regardless of this, it next says, “Jesus, He said to them, ‘The Son of Man, He is about to be surrendered into men's hands.'”   This is now the second time Jesus speaks of the coming passion He would endure. He is preparing the disciples for what is to come, but they seem to miss the import of what He is conveying. When the events finally take place, they will seem wholly unprepared for them.   Life application: There are times when a word is used, and it is hard to pin down what is being said. Even with an explanation of the word, what was said seems insufficient to define the meaning. In such a case, it is good to look at the other uses of that word and try to determine a common thread. In the case of anastrephó, here are all of its uses –   “But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they overturned and reported...” Acts 5:22   “After this I will overturn And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up.” Acts 15:16   “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we overturned ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12   “...among whom also we all once overturned ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:3   “but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to overturn yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15   “...partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so overturned.” Hebrews 10:22   “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to overturn honorably.” Hebrews 13:18   “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, overturn yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.” 1 Peter 1:17   “For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who overturning in error.” 2 Peter 2:18   These examples show that the word carries a sense of conducting oneself in a particular way, which is somewhat in contrast to another way. In many cases, through research of synonyms, a word may come up that carries all of the intent of the word. At other times, it may be best to literally translate the word (such as overturn) and let the chips fall where they may in the minds of the reader.   But remember this tool. Going to the other uses of an unusual word is a great way to better understand how that word fits into the broader panorama of its intended use.   Lord God, give us the desire to want to know every nuance of Your wonderful word. As it reflects You and what You intend for us, then when we rightly understand it and apply it to our thinking, we know it will help mold us into Your image. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.  

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Saturday, 7 March 2026   However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21   “And this kind it departs not if not in prayer and fasting” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples the reason why they couldn't eject the demon, explaining to them the power of faith, even the size of a mustard seed. Having said that, He now speaks of the importance of matters related to their faith, saying, “And this kind it departs not if not in prayer and fasting.”   There are two new words in this verse. The first is proseuché, prayer. It is derived from prós, towards or exchange, and euché, a wish or prayer. Thus, it signifies an exchange of wishes. The second is nésteia, abstinence. This can be both from a lack of food (such as in 2 Corinthians 6:5), or for a voluntary or religious purpose (such as in Acts 14:23).   It is to be noted that this verse is not included in some texts, and it is either footnoted as such or left out entirely from some translations. If the omission of the verse is not footnoted, it means that the verse number is lacking as well. This can be confusing to those who do not understand such nuances.   Jesus' point here is not that all demons required their special prayers and fasting, but that this particular type of demon did. This, then, should probably be taken as a type of upbraiding. The disciples, having failed to eject the demon, should have gathered in prayer instead of disputing with the scribes.   However, the lack of ability to cast the demon out probably embarrassed them, and instead of going to their knees, pride stepped in, and they spent their time trying to justify themselves by past deeds or through the sure thought that their Master could take care of the matter in a snap.   Despite this, nothing is said about what type of fasting would be required, be it a promise to fast, a half day, a full day, etc. Therefore, without knowing what was meant, the disciples would have to do their best to seek the Lord's power to resolve the matter.   Life application: A main point to consider is that these men could not expect to arbitrarily walk up to any malady or affliction and snap their fingers to obtain their anticipated results. Instead, they were subject to the will of the Lord. This subjugation meant that when things did not go as expected, they were to stop and seek His face.   Although there is no prescription concerning casting out demons for the church today, there are hurdles that we will face, and we should seek the face of the Lord when we meet them. It is better that we come to the Lord with all of the needs of the day ahead, asking for His guidance. But when roadblocks appear, that is when we should re-seek His face, asking Him to guide our steps anew.   A second point about this verse is the omission of it in some Bibles. This is not a conspiracy by someone to degrade the importance of the word. Scholars translate based on various texts and textual differences. This is normally explained in the preface, if one is included.   However, it is rather shoddy to omit a verse without any explanation at all. Numbers increase one after another. This is standard for all people. When a number is missing, without an explanation, it violates the set rules of numerical progression. This is annoying and even troublesome, depending on who the reader is.   If you come to such a situation in your Bible reading, highlight or mark it so that the next person who reads that Bible doesn't have to fret over the missing verse. Bibles can get passed along any number of times. Notes for clarity can be a real blessing to the next person into whose hands it comes.   Lord God, give us the wisdom to seek You in prayer each day. And when times of extra trial and difficulty arise, help us to remember to stop, drop (even if only mentally), and petition You for greater assistance and insight into the difficulty we face. Yes, Lord, give us wisdom in this. Amen.

Friday, 6 March 2026   So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20   “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘Through your faithlessness. For amen! I say to you, if you should have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “You depart hence thither,” and it will depart. And nothing, it will be impossible for you.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples came to Jesus and asked why they couldn't cast out the demon. In response, Matthew records, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘Through your faithlessness.'”   Some texts use a word meaning “little faith,” others use the word indicating unbelief or faithlessness. The point of the wording is that the disciples were unfaithful to the faith. They had seen Jesus perform miracles. They had also been given the power to perform miracles. And yet, they allowed their faith to wane in the presence of such a determined demon.   The power they possessed was not actually theirs. It was the power of God bestowed on them to perform duties on behalf of Jesus. Thus, this was not so much little faith as it was faithlessness, even if their faith was also little.   Despite this, concerning the little faith they possessed, which is evident from having been able to heal at other times, Jesus continues, saying, “For amen! I say to you, if you should have faith as a mustard seed.”   Almost all translations incorrectly say, “if you have faith.” The verb is subjunctive, “if you should (may, might) have.” Jesus knows they have faith based on their previous interactions with healing and casting out demons.   Thus, His words now are showing how teeny their faith actually is. “You may have this much faith, but if your faith was as big as a single mustard seed, then...” Next, He tells them what the result would be, saying, “...you will say to this mountain, ‘You depart hence thither,' and it will depart.”   A new word is seen here in some texts, enteuthen. It signifies the thought of “on both sides,” thus, it gives the sense of the word “hence.” The smallest grain of faith would allow them to move mountains. This is certainly why some texts say, “little faith” rather than “faithlessness.” But Jesus' point is that they were unfaithful, as if unbelieving, concerning the faith.   Jesus continues. Not only would they be able to move mountains, but He also goes further, saying, “And nothing, it will be impossible for you.”   Another new word is seen, adunateó, to be unable. As such, passively, it means impossible. The word will only be seen again in Luke 1:37. Jesus words here must be qualified. There are things that are in one's sphere of authority, and there are things that are outside of that sphere.   An example of this is found in Luke 9 when James and John asked Jesus if He wanted them to command fire to come down on the Samaritans. The implication is that they felt they could have done it, but they were forbidden from doing so.   Life application: The words of Jesus in this verse are quite often taken to unhealthy and unintended extremes. People use the words to claim things they will not receive, and they use them to diminish others in their eyes because of their supposed lack of faith.   As noted, there are things in one's sphere of authority that will restrain him from doing things. It was true with the disciples, even though they were given authority to do things, they were not given absolute authority.   Their ministry called for healing and casting out demons to validate Jesus' ministry. This is no longer required. His ministry was validated, and He is the Messiah of Israel. This is not in question from a biblical perspective.   As this is so, we can extend the truth concerning faith to any situation. If God does not want something to happen, our faith will not circumvent God's will. As the Bible tells us that we live by faith and not by sight, it means that our faith is restricted to matters where faith remains faith.   When something occurs because we asked for it in faith, there is still the issue of our needing faith to accept that our petition was granted by God, not merely by chance or by our own power. We cannot go around claiming things, expecting that God is going to do everything we think we have faith to perform.   Using reason, along with proper biblical understanding, is necessary to know what our allowances are. The dispensation in which we live is one that calls for faith that Jesus is the Messiah. The Bible proclaims it is so, and we are expected to believe that. Anything we desire beyond that is something that we should strive for, but it is not something we can claim into existence.   Lord God, may our walk with You be one that is reasonable. May our lives be faith-filled and glorifying of You, not arrogant and presumptuous. Help us to remember that You are our hope and place of security. Understanding this, our faith will be properly directed. Amen.

Send a textA pair of clear-soled Mary Janes becomes the perfect parable for choice, pride, and pain as we unpack Knots Landing's “Investments.” We open with a mid-90s shopping high that ends in blistered reality, then use that sting to decode how the cul-de-sac chases dreams that don't always fit. The question behind every scene: are you choosing what looks good, or what truly works?Karen and Mac head to the campsite to “try on” the next stage of intimacy, only to find that silence about expectations turns romance into friction. Diana's resentment adds heat at home, showing how unspoken rules and family grief warp even simple plans. Across town, Chip glides between living rooms and lies, building a profile out of borrowed cars, borrowed charm, and borrowed credibility. Val's return collides with Lily Mae's hospitality, and CG eyes a shortcut to stardom, but the bill for shortcuts always comes due. Gary's hunger for a ranch—the only place he's ever felt at peace—meets Abby's cool thesis: money is power, and power multiplies options. When Gary floats funding a record label with Kenny, the lure of risk is undeniable. Abby doesn't scold; she structures. Her quiet move to finance Richard's restaurant—with terms that turn lifeline into leverage—reveals a strategy playbook built on contracts, not vibes. Richard's vanity spend and glassware bravado can't mask a bleeding P&L, and Abby's pen sharpens the stakes. What ties it all together is the try-on rule. Karen and Mac needed it before the tent. Kenny needed it before quitting. Richard needed it before crystal stemware. Gary needed it before doubling down out of pride. Dreams aren't wrong; they're just sized. If it only fits with lotion, sand, and gritted teeth, it's the wrong day—or the wrong shoe. Listen for sharp character turns, messy money, and the anatomy of leverage in love and business. Then tell us: which risk would you still take, and which one would you return before leaving the store? If this breakdown hits, follow, share with a friend who loves classic TV power plays, and leave a review to keep the conversation growing.

The reception to our recent post on Code Reviews has been strong. Catch up!Amid a maelstrom of discussion on whether or not AI is killing SaaS, one of the top publicly listed SaaS companies in the world has just reported record revenues, clearing well over $1.1B in ARR for the first time with a 28% margin. As we comment on the pod, Aaron Levie is the rare public company CEO equally at home in both worlds of Silicon Valley and Wall Street/Main Street, by day helping 70% of the Fortune 500 with their Enterprise Advanced Suite, and yet by night is often found in the basements of early startups and tweeting viral insights about the future of agents.Now that both Cursor, Cloudflare, Perplexity, Anthropic and more have made Filesystems and Sandboxes and various forms of “Just Give the Agent a Box” cool (not just cool; it is now one of the single hottest areas in AI infrastructure growing 100% MoM), we find it a delightfully appropriate time to do the episode with the OG CEO who has been giving humans and computers Boxes since he was a college dropout pitching VCs at a Michael Arrington house party.Enjoy our special pod, with fan favorite returning guest/guest cohost Jeff Huber!Note: We didn't directly discuss the AI vs SaaS debate - Aaron has done many, many, many other podcasts on that, and you should read his definitive essay on it. Most commentators do not understand SaaS businesses because they have never scaled one themselves, and deeply reflected on what the true value proposition of SaaS is.We also discuss Your Company is a Filesystem:We also shoutout CTO Ben Kus' and the AI team, who talked about the technical architecture and will return for AIE WF 2026.Full Video EpisodeTimestamps* 00:00 Adapting Work for Agents* 01:29 Why Every Agent Needs a Box* 04:38 Agent Governance and Identity* 11:28 Why Coding Agents Took Off First* 21:42 Context Engineering and Search Limits* 31:29 Inside Agent Evals* 33:23 Industries and Datasets* 35:22 Building the Agent Team* 38:50 Read Write Agent Workflows* 41:54 Docs Graphs and Founder Mode* 55:38 Token FOMO Culture* 56:31 Production Function Secrets* 01:01:08 Film Roots to Box* 01:03:38 AI Future of Movies* 01:06:47 Media DevRel and EngineeringTranscriptAdapting Work for AgentsAaron Levie: Like you don't write code, you talk to an agent and it goes and does it for you, and you may be at best review it. That's even probably like, like largely not even what you're doing. What's happening is we are changing our work to make the agents effective. In that model, the agent didn't really adapt to how we work.We basically adapted to how the agent works. All of the economy has to go through that exact same evolution. Right now, it's a huge asset and an advantage for the teams that do it early and that are kinda wired into doing this ‘cause you'll see compounding returns. But that's just gonna take a while for most companies to actually go and get this deployed.swyx: Welcome to the Lane Space Pod. We're back in the chroma studio with uh, chroma, CEO, Jeff Hoover. Welcome returning guest now guest host.Aaron Levie: It's a pleasure. Wow. How'd you get upgraded to, uh, to that?swyx: Because he's like the perfect guy to be guest those for you.Aaron Levie: That makes sense actually, for We love context. We, we both really love context le we really do.We really do.swyx: Uh, and we're here with, uh, Aaron Levy. Welcome.Aaron Levie: Thank you. Good to, uh, good to be [00:01:00] here.swyx: Uh, yeah. So we've all met offline and like chatted a little bit, but like, it's always nice to get these things in person and conversation. Yeah. You just started off with so much energy. You're, you're super excited about agents.I loveAaron Levie: agents.swyx: Yeah. Open claw. Just got by, got bought by OpenAI. No, not bought, but you know, you know what I mean?Aaron Levie: Some, some, you know, acquihire. Executiveswyx: hire.Aaron Levie: Executive hire. Okay. Executive hire. Say,swyx: hey, that's my term. Okay. Um, what are you pounding the table on on agents? You have so many insightful tweets.Why Every Agent Needs a BoxAaron Levie: Well, the thing that, that we get super excited by that I think is probably, you know, should be relatively obvious is we've, we've built a platform to help enterprises manage their files and their, their corporate files and the permissions of who has access to those files and the sharing collaboration of those files.All of those files contain really, really important information for the enterprise. It might have your contracts, it might have your research materials, it might have marketing information, it might have your memos. All that data obviously has, you know, predominantly been used by humans. [00:02:00] But there's been one really interesting problem, which is that, you know, humans only really work with their files during an active engagement with them, and they kind of go away and you don't really see them for a long time.And all of a sudden, uh, with the power of AI and AI agents, all of that data becomes extremely relevant as this ongoing source of, of answers to new questions of data that will transform into, into something else that, that produces value in your organization. It, it contains the answer to the new employee that's onboarding, that needs to ramp up on a project.Um, it contains the answer to the right thing to sell a customer when you're having a conversation to them, with them contains the roadmap information that's gonna produce the next feature. So all that data. That previously we've been just sort of storing and, and you know, occasionally forgetting about, ‘cause we're only working on the new active stuff.All of that information becomes valuable to the enterprise and it's gonna become extremely valuable to end users because now they can have agents go find what they're looking for and produce new, new [00:03:00] value and new data on that information. And it's gonna become incredibly valuable to agents because agents can roam around and do a bunch of work and they're gonna need access to that data as well.And um, and you know, sometimes that will be an agent that is sort of working on behalf of, of, of you and, and effectively as you as and, and they are kind of accessing all of the same information that you have access to and, and operating as you in the system. And then sometimes there's gonna be agents that are just.Effectively autonomous and kind of run on their own and, and you're gonna collaborate and work with them kind of like you did another person. Open Claw being the most recent and maybe first real sort of, you know, kind of, you know, up updating everybody's, you know, views of this landscape version of, of what that could look like, which is, okay, I have an agent.It's on its own system, it's on its own computer, it has access to its own tools. I probably don't give it access to my entire life. I probably communicate with it like I would an assistant or a colleague and then it, it sort of has this sandbox environment. So all of that has massive implications for a platform that manage that [00:04:00] enterprise data.We think it's gonna just transform how we work with all of the enterprise content that we work with, and we just have to make sure we're building the right platform to support that.swyx: The sort of shorthand I put it is as people build agents, everybody's just realizing that every agent needs a box. Yes.And it's nice to be called box and just give everyone a box.Aaron Levie: Hey, I if I, you know, if we can make that go viral, uh, like I, I think that that terminology, I, that's theswyx: tagline. Every agentAaron Levie: needs a box. Every agent needs a box. If we can make that the headline of this, I'm fine with this. And that's the billboard I wanna like Yeah, exactly.Every agent needs a box. Um, I like it. Can we ship this? Like,swyx: okay, let's do it. Yeah.Aaron Levie: Uh, my work here is done and I got the value I needed outta this podcast Drinks.swyx: Yeah.Agent Governance and IdentityAaron Levie: But, but, um, but, but, you know, so the thing that we, we kind of think about is, um, is, you know, whether you think the number 10 x or a hundred x or whatever the number is, we're gonna have some order of magnitude more agents than people.That's inevitable. It has to happen. So then the question is, what is the infrastructure that's needed to make all those agents effective in the enterprise? Make sure that they are well governed. Make sure they're only doing [00:05:00] safe things on your information. Make sure that they're not getting exposed. The data that they shouldn't have access to.There's gonna be just incredibly spectacularly crazy security incidents that will happen with agents because you'll prompt, inject an agent and sort of find your way through the CRM system and pull out data that you shouldn't have access to. Oh, weJeff Huber: have God,Aaron Levie: right? I mean, that's just gonna happen all over the place, right?So, so then the thing is, is how do you make sure you have the right security, the permissions, the access controls, the data governance. Um, we actually don't yet exactly know in many cases how we're gonna regulate some of these agents, right? If you think about an agent in financial services, does it have the exact same financial sort of, uh, requirements that a human did?Or is it, is the risk fully on the human that was interacting or created the agent? All open questions, but no matter what, there's gonna need to be a layer that manages the, the data they have access to, the workflows that they're involved in, pulling up data from multiple systems. This is the new infrastructure opportunity in the era of agents.swyx: You have a piece on agent identities, [00:06:00] which I think was today, um, which I think a lot of breaking news, the security, security people are talking about, right? Like you basically, I, I always think of this as like, well you need the human you and then there you need the agent. YouAaron Levie: Yes.swyx: And uh, well, I don't know if it's that simple, but is box going to have an opinion on that or you're just gonna be like, well we're just the sort of the, the source layer.Yeah. Let's Okta of zero handle that.Aaron Levie: I think we're gonna have an opinion and we will work with generally wherever the contours of the market end up. Um, and the reason that we're gonna have an opinion more than other topics probably is because one of the biggest use cases for why your agent might need it, an identity is for file system access.So thus we have to kind of think about this pretty deeply. And I think, uh, unless you're like in our world thinking about this particular problem all day long, it might be, you know, like, why is this such a big deal? And the reason why it's a really big deal is because sometimes sort of say, well just give the agent an, an account on the system and it just treats, treat it like every other type of user on the system.The [00:07:00] problem is, is that I as Aaron don't really have any responsibility over anybody else's box account in our organization. I can't see the box account of any other employee that I work with. I am not liable for anything that they do. And they have, I have, I have, you know, strict privacy requirements on everything that they're able to, you know, that, that, that they work on.Agents don't have that, you know, don't have those properties. The person who creates the agent probably is gonna, for the foreseeable future, take on a lot of the liability of what that agent does. That agent doesn't deserve any privacy because, because it's, you know, it can't fully be autonomously operated and it doesn't have any legal, you know, kind of, you know, responsibility.So thus you can't just be like, oh, well I'll just create a bunch of accounts and then I'll, I'll kind of work with that agent and I'll talk to it occasionally. Like you need oversight of that. And so then the question is, how do you have a world where the agent, sometimes you have oversight of, but what if that agent goes and works with other people?That person over there is collaborating with the agent on something you shouldn't have [00:08:00] access to what they're doing. So we have all of these new boundaries that we're gonna have to figure out of, of, you know, it's really, really easy. So far we've been in, in easy mode. We've hit the easy button with ai, which is the agent just is you.And when you're in quad code and you're in cursor, and you're in Codex, you're just, the agent is you. You're offing into your services. It can do everything you can do. That's the easy mode. The hard mode is agents are kind of running on their own. People check in with them occasionally, they're doing things autonomously.How do you give them access to resources in the enterprise and not dramatically increased the security risk and the risk that you might expose the wrong thing to somebody. These are all the new problems that we have to get solved. I like the identity layer and, and identity vendors as being a solution to that, but we'll, we'll need some opinions as well because so many of the use cases are these collaborative file system use cases, which is how do I give it an agent, a subset of my data?Give it its own workspace as well. ‘cause it's gonna need to store off its own information that would be relevant for it. And how do I have the right oversight into that? [00:09:00]Jeff Huber: One thing, which, um, I think is kind interesting, think about is that you know, how humans work, right? Like I may not also just like give you access to the whole file.I might like sit next to you and like scroll to this like one part of the file and just show you that like one part and like, you know,swyx: partial file access.Jeff Huber: I'm just saying I think like our, like RA does seem to be dead, right? Like you wanna say something is dead uhhuh probably RA is dead. And uh, like the auth story to me seems like incredibly unsolved and unaddressed by like the existing state of like AI vendors.ButAaron Levie: yeah, I think, um, we're, I mean you're taking obviously really to level limit that we probably need to solve for. Yeah. And we built an access control system that was, was kind of like, you know, its own little world for, for a long time. And um, and the idea was this, it's a many to many collaboration system where I can give you any part of the file system.And it's a waterfall model. So if I give you higher up in the, in the, in the system, you get everything below. And that, that kind of created immense flexibility because I can kind of point you to any layer in the, in the tree, but then you're gonna get access to everything kind of below it. And that [00:10:00] mostly is, is working in this, in this world.But you do have to manage this issue, which is how do I create an agent that has access to some of my stuff and somebody else's stuff as well. Mm-hmm. And which parts do I get to look at as the creator of the agent? And, and these are just brand new problems? Yeah. Crazy. And humans, when there was a human there that was really easy to do.Like, like if the three of us were all sharing, there'd be a Venn diagram where we'd have an overlapping set of things we've shared, but then we'd have our own ways that we shared with each other. In an agent world, somebody needs to take responsibility for what that agent has access to and what they're working on.These are like the, some of the most probably, you know, boring problems for 98% of people on, on the internet, but they will be the problems that are the difference between can you actually have autonomous agents in an enterprise contextswyx: Yeah.Aaron Levie: That are not leaking your data constantly.swyx: No. Like, I mean, you know, I run a very, very small company for my conference and like we already have data sensitivity issues.Yes. And some of my team members cannot see Yes. Uh, the others and like, I can't imagine what it's like to run a Fortune 500 and like, you have to [00:11:00] worry about this. I'm just kinda curious, like you, you talked to a lot like, like 70, 80% of your cus uh, of the Fortune 500, your customers.Aaron Levie: Yep. 67%. Just so we're being verySEswyx: precise.So Yeah. I'm notAaron Levie: Okay. Okay.swyx: Something I'm rounding up. Yes. Round up. I'm projecting to, forAaron Levie: the government.swyx: I'm projecting to the end of the year.Aaron Levie: Okay.swyx: There you go.Aaron Levie: You do make it sound like, like we, we, well we've gotta be on this. Like we're, we're taking way too long to get to 80%. Well,swyx: no, I mean, so like. How are they approaching it?Right? Because you're, you don't have a, you don't have a final answer yet.Why Coding Agents Took Off FirstAaron Levie: Well, okay, so, so this is actually, this is the stark reality that like, unfortunately is the kinda like pouring the water on the party a little bit.swyx: Yes.Aaron Levie: We all in Silicon Valley are like, have the absolute best conditions possible for AI ever.And I think we all saw the dke, you know, kind of Dario podcast and this idea of AI coding. Why is that taken off? And, and we're not yet fully seeing it everywhere else. Well, look, if you just like enumerated the list of properties that AI coding has and then compared it to other [00:12:00] knowledge work, let's just, let's just go through a few of them.Generally speaking, you bring on a new engineer, they have access to a large swath of the code base. Like, there's like very, like you, just, like new engineer comes on, they can just go and find the, the, the stuff that they, they need to work with. It's a fully text in text out. Medium. It's only, it's just gonna be text at the end of the day.So it's like really great from a, from just a, uh, you know, kinda what the agent can work with. Obviously the models are super trained on that dataset. The labs themselves have a really strong, kind of self-reinforcing positive flywheel of why they need to do, you know, agent coding deeply. So then you get just better tooling, better services.The actual developers of the AI are daily users of the, of the thing that they're we're working on versus like the, you know, probably there's only like seven Claude Cowork legal plugin users at Anthropic any given day, but there's like a couple thousand Claude code and you know, users every single day.So just like, think about which one are they getting more feedback on. All day long. So you just go through this list. You have a, you know, everybody who's a [00:13:00] developer by definition is technical so they can go install the latest thing. We're all generally online, or at least, you know, kinda the weird ones are, and we're all talking to each other, sharing best practices, like that's like already eight differences.Versus the rest of the economy. Every other part of the economy has like, like six to seven headwinds relative to that list. You go into a company, you're a banker in financial services, you have access to like a, a tiny little subset of the total data that's gonna be relevant to do your job. And you're have to start to go and talk to a bunch of people to get the right data to do your job because Sally didn't add you to that deal room, you know, folder.And that that, you know, the information is actually in a completely different organization that you now have to go in and, and sort of run into. And it's like you have this endless list of access controls and security. As, as you talked about, you have a medium, which is not, it's not just text, right? You have, you have a zoom call that, that you're getting all of the requirements from the customer.You have a lot of in-person conversations and you're doing in-person sales and like how do you ever [00:14:00] digitize all of that information? Um, you know, I think a lot of people got upset with this idea that the code base has all the context, um, that I don't know if you follow, you know, did you follow some of that conversation that that went viral?Is like, you know, it's not that simple that, that the code base doesn't have all the knowledge, but like it's a lot, you're a lot better off than you are with other areas of knowledge work. Like you, we like, we like have documentation practices, you write specifications. Those things don't exist for like 80% of work that happens in the enterprise.That's the divide that we have, which is, which is AI coding has, has just fully, you know, where we've reached escape velocity of how powerful this stuff is, and then we're gonna have to find a way to bring that same energy and momentum, but to all these other areas of knowledge work. Where the tools aren't there, the data's not set up to be there.The access controls don't make it that easy. The context engineering is an incredibly hard problem because again, you have access control challenges, you have different data formats. You have end users that are gonna need to kind of be kind of trained through this as opposed to their adopting [00:15:00] these tools in their free time.That's where the Fortune 500 is. And so we, I think, you know, have to be prepared as an industry where we are gonna be on a multi-year march to, to be able to bring agents to the enterprise for these workflows. And I think probably the, the thing that we've learned most in coding that, that the rest of the world is not yet, I think ready for, I mean, we're, they'll, they'll have to be ready for it because it's just gonna inevitably happen is I think in coding.What, what's interesting is if you think about the practice of coding today versus two years ago. It's probably the most changed workflow in maybe the history of time from the amount of time it's changed, right? Yeah. Like, like has any, has any workflow in the entire economy changed that quickly in terms of the amount of change?I just, you know, at least in any knowledge worker workflow, there's like very rarely been an event where one piece of technology and work practice has so fundamentally, you know, changed, changed what you do. Like you don't write code, you talk to an agent and it goes and [00:16:00] does it for you, and you may be at best review it.And even that's even probably like, like largely not even what you're doing. What's happening is we are changing our work to make the agents effective. In that model, the agent didn't really adapt to how we work. We basically adapted to how the agent works. Mm-hmm. All of the economy has to go through that exact same evolution.The rest of the economy is gonna have to update its workflows to make agents effective. And to give agents the context that they need and to actually figure out what kind of prompting works and to figure out how do you ensure that the agent has the right access to information to be able to execute on its work.I, you know, this is not the panacea that people were hoping for, of the agent drops in, just automates your life. Like you have to basically re-engineer your workflow to get the most out of agents and, uh, and that, that's just gonna take, you know, multiple years across the economy. Right now it's a huge asset and an advantage for the teams that do it early and that are kinda wired into doing this.‘cause [00:17:00] you'll see compounding returns, but that's just gonna take a while for most companies to actually go and get this deployed.swyx: I love, I love pushing back. I think that. That is what a lot of technology consultants love to hear this sort of thing, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. First to, to embrace the ai. Yes. To get to the promised land, you must pay me so much money to a hundred percent to adopt the prescribed way of, uh, conforming to the agents.Yes. And I worry that you will be eclipsed by someone else who says, no, come as you are.Aaron Levie: Yeah.swyx: And we'll meet you where you are.Aaron Levie: And, and, and and what was the thing that went viral a week ago? OpenAI probably, uh, is hiring F Dees. Yeah. Uh, to go into the enterprise. Yeah. Yeah. And then philanthropic is embedded at Goldman Sachs.Yeah. So if the labs are having to do this, if, if the labs have decided that they need to hire FDE and professional services, then I think that's a pretty clear indication that this, there's no easy mode of workflow transformation. Yeah. Yeah. So, so to your point, I think actually this is a market opportunity for, you know, new professional services and consulting [00:18:00] firms that are like Agent Build and they, and they kind of, you know, go into organizations and they figure out how to re-engineer your workflows to make them more agent ready and get your data into the right format and, you know, reconstruct your business process.So you're, you're not doing most of the work. You're telling agents how to do the work and then you're reviewing it. But I haven't seen the thing that can just drop in and, and kinda let you not go through those changes.swyx: I don't know how that kind of sales pitch goes over. Yeah. You know, you're, you're saying things like, well, in my sort of nice beautiful walled garden, here's, there's, uh, because here's this, here's this beautiful box account that has everything.Yes. And I'm like, well, most, most real life is extremely messy. Sure. And like, poorly named and there duplicate this outdated s**tAaron Levie: a hundred percent. And so No, no, a hundred percent. And so this is actually No. So, so this is, I mean, we agree that, that getting to the beautiful garden is gonna be tough.swyx: Yeah.Aaron Levie: There's also the other end of the spectrum where I, I just like, it's a technical impossibility to solve. The agent is, is truly cannot get enough context to make the right decision in, in the, in the incredibly messy land. Like there's [00:19:00] no a GI that will solve that. So, so we're gonna have to kind of land in somewhere in between, which is like we all collectively get better at.Documentation practices and, and having authoritative relatively up-to-date information and putting it in the right place like agents will, will certainly cause us to be much better organized around how we work with our information, simply because the severity of the agent pulling the wrong data will be too high and the productivity gain of that you'll miss out on by not doing this will be too high as well, that you, that your competition will just do it and they'll just have higher velocity.So, uh, and, and we, we see this a lot firsthand. So we, we build a series of agents internally that they can kind of have access to your full box account and go off and you give it a task and it can go find whatever information you're looking for and work with. And, you know, thank God for the model progress, but like, if, if you gave that task to an agent.Nine months ago, you're just gonna get lots of bogus answers because it's gonna, it's gonna say, Hey, here's, here are fi [00:20:00] five, you know, documents that all kind of smell like the right thing. And I'm gonna, but I, but you're, you're putting me on the clock. ‘cause my assistant prompt says like, you know, be pretty smart, but also try and respond to the user and it's gonna respond.And it's like, ah, it got the wrong document. And then you do that once or twice as a knowledge worker and you're just neverswyx: again,Aaron Levie: never again. You're just like done with the system.swyx: Yeah. It doesn't work.Aaron Levie: It doesn't work. And so, you know, Opus four six and Gemini three one Pro and you know, whatever the latest five 3G BT will be, like, those things are getting better and better and it's using better judgment.And this sort of like the, all of these updates to the agentic tool and search systems are, are, we're seeing, we're seeing very real progress where the agent. Kind of can, can almost smell some things a little bit fishy when it's getting, you know, we, we have this process where we, we have it go fan out, do a bunch of searches, pull up a bunch of data, and then it has to sort of do its own ranking of, you know, what are the right documents that, that it should be working with.And again, like, you know, the intelligence level of a model six months ago, [00:21:00] it'd be just throwing a dart at like, I'm just, I'm gonna grab these seven files and I, I pray, I hope that that's the right answer. And something like an opus first four five, and now four six is like, oh, it's like, no, that one doesn't seem right relative to this question because I'm seeing some signal that is making that, you know, that's contradicting the document where it would normally be in the tree and who should have access.Like it's doing all of that kind of work for you. But like, it still doesn't work if you just have a total wasteland of data. Like, it's just not, it's just not possible. Partly ‘cause a human wouldn't even be able to do it. So basically if a, if a really, really smart human. Could not do that task in five or 10 minutes for a search retrieval type task.Look, you know, your agent's not gonna be able to do it any better. You see this all day long. SoContext Engineering and Search Limitsswyx: this touches on a thing that just passionate about it was just context engineering. I, I'm just gonna let you ramble or riff on, on context engineering. If, if, if there's anything like he, he did really good work on context fraud, which has really taken over as like the term that people use and the referenceAaron Levie: a hundred percent.We, we all we think about is, is the context rob problem. [00:22:00]Jeff Huber: Yeah, there's certainly a lot of like ranking considerations. Gentech surgery think is incredibly promising. Um, yeah, I was trying to generate a question though. I think I have a question right now. Swyx.Aaron Levie: Yeah, no, but like, like I think there was this moment, um, you know, like, I don't know, two years ago before, before we knew like where the, the gotchas were gonna be in ai and I think someone was like, was like, well, infinite context windows will just solve all of these problems and ‘cause you'll just, you'll just give the context window like all the data and.It's just like, okay, I mean, maybe in 2035, like this is a viable solution. First of all, it, it would just, it would just simply cost too much. Like we just can't give the model like the 5,000 documents that might be relevant and it's gonna read them all. And I've seen enough to, to start believing in crazy stuff.So like, I'm willing to just say, sure. Like in, in 10 years from now,swyx: never say, never, never.Aaron Levie: In, in 10 years from now, we'll have infinite context windows at, at a thousandth of the price of today. Like, let's just like believe that that's possible, but Right. We're in reality today. So today we have a context engineering [00:23:00] problem, which is, I got, I got, you know, 200,000 tokens that I can work with, or prob, I don't even know what the latest graph is before, like massive degradation.16. Okay. I have 60,000 tokens that I get to work with where I'm gonna get accurate information. That's not a lot of tokens for a corpus of 10 million documents that a knowledge worker might have across all of the teams and all the projects and all the people they work with. I have, I have 10 million documents.Which, you know, maybe is times five pages per document or something like that. I'm at 50 million pages of information and I have 60,000 tokens. Like, holy s**t. Yeah. This is like, how do I bridge the 50 million pages of information with, you know, the couple hundred that I get to work with in that, in that token window.Yeah. This is like, this is like such an interesting problem and that's why actually so much work is actually like, just like search systems and the databases and that layer has to just get so locked in, but models getting better and importantly [00:24:00] knowing when they've done a search, they found the wrong thing, they go back, they check their work, they, they find a way to balance sort of appeasing the user versus double checking.We have this one, we have this one test case where we ask the agent to go find. 10 pieces of information.swyx: Is this the complex work eval?Aaron Levie: Uh, this is actually not in the eval. This is, this is sort of just like we have a bunch of different, we have a bunch of internal benchmark kind of scenarios. Every time we, we update our agent, we have one, which is, I ask it to find all of our office addresses, and I give it the list of 10 offices that we have.And there's not one document that has this, maybe there should be, that would be a great example of the kind of thing that like maybe over time companies start to, you know, have these sort of like, what are the canonical, you know, kind of key areas of knowledge that we need to have. We don't seem to have this one document that says, here are all of our offices.We have a bunch of documents that have like, here's the New York office and whatever. So you task this agent and you, you get, you say, I need the addresses for these 10 offices. Okay. And by the way, if you do this on any, you know, [00:25:00] public chat model, the same outcome is gonna happen. But for a different kind of query, you give it, you say, I need these 10 addresses.How many times should the agent go and do its search before it decides whether or not, there's just no answer to this question. Often, and especially the, the, let's say lower tier models, it'll come back and it'll give you six of the 10 addresses. And it'll, and I'll just say I couldn't find the otherswyx: four.It, it doesn't know what It doesn't know. ItAaron Levie: doesn't know what It doesn't know. Yeah. So the model is just like, like when should it stop? When should it stop doing? Like should it, should it do that task for literally an hour and just keep cranking through? Maybe I actually made up an office location and it doesn't know that I made it up and I didn't even know that I made it up.Like, should it just keep, re should it read every single file in your entire box account until it, until it should exhaust every single piece of information.swyx: Expensive.Aaron Levie: These are the new problems that we have. So, you know, something like, let's say a new opus model is sort of like, okay, I'm gonna try these types of queries.I didn't get exactly what I wanted. I'm gonna try again. I'm gonna, at [00:26:00] some point I'm gonna stop searching. ‘cause I've determined that that no amount of searching is gonna solve this problem. I'm just not able to do it. And that judgment is like a really new thing that the model needs to be able to have.It's like, when should it give up on a task? ‘cause, ‘cause you just don't, it's a can't find the thing. That's the real world of knowledge, work problems. And this is the stuff that the coding agents don't have to deal with. Because they, it just doesn't like, like you're not usually asking it about, you're, you're always creating net new information coming right outta the model for the most part.Obviously it has to know about your code base and your specs and your documentation, but, but when you deploy an agent on all of your data that now you have all of these new problems that you're dealing withJeff Huber: our, uh, follow follow-up research to context ride is actually on a genetic search. Ah. Um, and we've like right, sort of stress tested like frontier models and their ability to search.Um, and they're not actually that good at searching. Right. Uh, so you're sort of highlighting this like explore, exploit.swyx: You're just say, Debbie, Donna say everything doesn't work. Like,Aaron Levie: well,Jeff Huber: somebody has to be,Aaron Levie: um, can I just throw out one more thing? Yeah. That is different from coding and, and the rest [00:27:00] of the knowledge work that I, I failed to mention.So one other kind of key point is, is that, you know, at the end of the day. Whether you believe we're in a slop apocalypse or, or whatever. At the end of the day, if you, if you build a working product at the end of, if you, if you've built a working solution that is ultimately what the customer is paying for, like whether I have a lot of slop, a little slop or whatever, I'm sure there's lots of code bases we could go into in enterprise software companies where it's like just crazy slop that humans did over a 20 year period, but the end customer just gets this little interface.They can, they can type into it, it does its thing. Knowledge work, uh, doesn't have that property. If I have an AI model, go generate a contract and I generate a contract 20 times and, you know, all 20 times it's just 3% different and like that I, that, that kind of lop introduces all new kinds of risk for my organization that the code version of that LOP didn't, didn't introduce.These are, and so like, so how do you constrain these models to just the part that you want [00:28:00] them to work on and just do the thing that you want them to do? And, and, you know, in engineering, we don't, you can't be disbarred as an engineer, but you could be disbarred as a lawyer. Like you can do the wrong medical thing In healthcare, you, there's no, there's no equivalent to that of engineering.Like, doswyx: you want there to be, because I've considered softwareJeff Huber: engineer. What's that? Civil engineering there is, right? NotAaron Levie: software civil engineer. Sure. Oh yeah, for sure. But like in any of our companies, you like, you know, you'll be forgiven if you took down the site and, and we, we will do a rollback and you'll, you'll be in a meeting, but you have not been disbarred as an engineer.We don't, we don't change your, you know, your computer science, uh, blameJeff Huber: degree, this postmortem.Aaron Levie: Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So, so, uh, now maybe we collectively as an industry need to figure out like, what are you liable for? Not legally, but like in a, in a management sense, uh, of these agents. All sorts of interesting problems that, that, that, uh, that have to come out.But in knowledge work, that's the real hostile environments that we're operating in. Hmm.swyx: I do think like, uh, a lot of the last year's, 2025 story was the rise of coding agents and I think [00:29:00] 2026 story is definitely knowledge work agents. Yes. A hundredAaron Levie: percent.swyx: Right. Like that would, and I think open claw core work are just the beginning.Yes. Like it's, the next one's gonna just gonna be absolute craziness.Aaron Levie: It it is. And, and, uh, and it's gonna be, I mean, again, like this is gonna be this, this wave where we, we are gonna try and bring as many of the practices from coding because that, that will clearly be the forefront, which is tell an agent to go do something and has an access to a set of resources.You need to be responsible for reviewing it at the end of the process. That to me is the, is the kind of template that I just think goes across knowledge, work and odd. Cowork is a great example. Open Closet's a great example. You can kind of, sort of see what Codex could become over time. These are some, some really interesting kind of platforms that are emerging.swyx: Okay. Um, I wanted to, we touched on evals a little bit. You had, you had the report that you're gonna go bring up and then I was gonna go into like, uh, boxes, evals, but uh, go ahead. Talk about your genetic search thing.Jeff Huber: Yeah. Mostly I think kinda a few of the insights. It's like number one frontier model is not good at search.Humans have this [00:30:00] natural explore, exploit trade off where we kinda understand like when to stop doing something. Also, humans are pretty good at like forgetting actually, and like pruning their own context, whereas agents are not, and actually an agent in their kind of context history, if they knew something was bad and they even, you could see in the trace the reason you trace, Hey, that probably wasn't a good idea.If it's still in the trace, still in the context, they'll still do it again. Uhhuh. Uh, and so like, I think pruning is also gonna be like, really, it's already becoming a thing, right? But like, letting self prune the con windowsswyx: be a big deal. Yeah. So, so don't leave the mistake. Don't leave the mistake in there.Cut out the mistake but tell it that you made a mistake in the past and so it doesn't repeat it.Jeff Huber: Yeah. But like cut it out so it doesn't get like distracted by it again. ‘cause really, you know, what is so, so it will repeat its mistake just because it's been, it's inswyx: theJeff Huber: context. It'sAaron Levie: in the context so much.That's a few shot example. Even if it, yeah.Jeff Huber: It's like oh thisAaron Levie: is a great thing to go try even ifJeff Huber: it didn't work.Aaron Levie: Yeah,Jeff Huber: exactly.Aaron Levie: SoJeff Huber: there's like a bunch of stuff there. JustAaron Levie: Groundhogs Day inside these models. Yeah. I'm gonna go keep doing the same wrongJeff Huber: thing. Covering sense. I feel like, you know, some creator analogy you're trying like fit a manifold in latent space, which kind is doing break program synthesis, which is kinda one we think about we're doing right.Like, you know, certain [00:31:00] facts might be like sort of overly pitting it. There are certain, you know, sec sectors of latent space and so like plug clean space. Yeah. And, uh, andswyx: so we have a bell, our editor as a bell every time you say that. SoJeff Huber: you have, you have to like remove those, likeswyx: you shoulda a gong like TPN or something.IfJeff Huber: we gong, you either remove those links to like kinda give it the freedom, kind of do what you need to do. So, but yeah. We'll, we'll release more soon. That'sAaron Levie: awesome.Jeff Huber: That'll, that'll be cool.swyx: We're a cerebral podcast that people listen to us and, and sort of think really deep. So yeah, we try to keep it subtle.Okay. We try to keep it.Aaron Levie: Okay, fine.Inside Agent Evalsswyx: Um, you, you guys do, you guys do have EVs, you talked about your, your office thing, but, uh, you've been also promoting APEX agents and complex work. Uh, yeah, whatever you, wherever you wanna take this just Yeah. How youAaron Levie: Apex is, is obviously me, core's, uh, uh, kind of, um, agent eval.We, we supported that by sort of. Opening up some data for them around how we kind of see these, um, data workspaces in, in the, you know, kind of regular economy. So how do lawyers have a workspace? How do investment bankers have a workspace? What kind of data goes into those? And so we, [00:32:00] we partner with them on their, their apex eval.Our own, um, eval is, it's actually relatively straightforward. We have a, a set of, of documents in a, in a range of industries. We give the agent previously did this as a one shot test of just purely the model. And then we just realized we, we need to, based on where everything's going, it's just gotta be more agentic.So now it's a bit more of a test of both our harness and the model. And we have a rubric of a set of things that has to get right and we score it. Um, and you're just seeing, you know, these incredible jumps in almost every single model in its own family of, you know, opus four, um, you know, sonnet four six versus sonnet four five.swyx: Yeah. We have this up on screen.Aaron Levie: Okay, cool. So some, you're seeing it somewhere like. I, I forget the to, it was like 15 point jump, I think on the main, on the overall,swyx: yes.Aaron Levie: And it's just like, you know, these incredible leaps that, that are starting to happen. Um,swyx: and OP doesn't know any, like any, it's completely held out from op.Aaron Levie: This is not in any, there's no public data which has, you know, Ben benefits and this is just a private eval that we [00:33:00] do, and then we just happen to show it to, to the world. Hmm. So you can't, you can't train against it. And I think it's just as representative of. It's obviously reasoning capabilities, what it's doing at, at, you know, kind of test time, compute capabilities, thinking levels, all like the context rot issues.So many interesting, you know, kind of, uh, uh, capabilities that are, that are now improvingswyx: one sector that you have. That's interesting.Industries and Datasetsswyx: Uh, people are roughly familiar with healthcare and legal, but you have public sector in there.Aaron Levie: Yeah.swyx: Uh, what's that? Like, what, what, what is that?Aaron Levie: Yeah, and, and we actually test against, I dunno, maybe 10 industries.We, we end up usually just cutting a few that we think have interesting gains. All extras, won a lot of like government type documents. Um,swyx: what is that? What is it? Government type documents?Aaron Levie: Government filings. Like a taxswyx: return, likeAaron Levie: a probably not tax returns. It would be more of what would go the government be using, uh, as data.So, okay. Um, so think about research that, that type of, of, of data sets. And then we have financial services for things like data rooms and what would be in an investment prospectus. Uhhuh,swyx: that one you can dog food.Aaron Levie: Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Yes. Yes. [00:34:00] So, uh, so we, we run the models, um, in now, you know, more of an agent mode, but, but still with, with kinda limited capacity and just try and see like on a, like, for like basis, what are the improvements?And, and again, we just continue to be blown away by. How, how good these models are getting.swyx: Yeah, I mean, I think every serious AI company needs something like that where like, well, this is the work we do. Here's our company eval. Yeah. And if you don't have it, well, you're not a serious AI company.Aaron Levie: There's two dimensions, right?So there's, there's like, how are the models improving? And so which models should you either recommend a customer use, which one should you adopt? But then every single day, we're making changes to our agents. And you need to knowswyx: if you regressed,Aaron Levie: if you know. Yeah. You know, I've been fully convinced that the whole agent observability and eval space is gonna be a massive space.Um, super excited for what Braintrust is doing, excited for, you know, Lang Smith, all the things. And I think what you're going to, I mean, this is like every enter like literally every enterprise right now. It's like the AI companies are the customers of these tools. Every enterprise will have this. Yeah, you'll just [00:35:00] have to have an eval.Of all of your work and like, we'll, you'll have an eval of your RFP generation, you'll have an eval of your sales material creation. You'll have an eval of your, uh, invoice processing. And, and as you, you know, buy or use new agentic systems, you are gonna need to know like, what's the quality of your, of your pipeline.swyx: Yeah.Aaron Levie: Um, so huge, huge market with agent evals.swyx: Yeah.Building the Agent Teamswyx: And, and you know, I'm gonna shout out your, your team a bit, uh, your CTO, Ben, uh, did a great talk with us last year. Awesome. And he's gonna come back again. Oh, cool. For World's Fair.Aaron Levie: Yep.swyx: Just talk about your team, like brag a little bit. I think I, I think people take these eval numbers in pretty charts for granted, but No, there, I mean, there's, there's lots of really smart people at work during all this.Aaron Levie: Biggest shout out, uh, is we have a, we have a couple folks at Dya, uh, Sidarth, uh, that, that kind of run this. They're like a, you know, kind of tag tag team duo on our evals, Ben, our CTO, heavily involved Yasha, head of ai, uh, you know, a bunch of folks. And, um, evals is one part of the story. And then just like the full, you know, kind of AI.An agent team [00:36:00] is, uh, is a, is a pretty, you know, is core to this whole effort. So there's probably, I don't know, like maybe a few dozen people that are like the epicenter. And then you just have like layers and layers of, of kind of concentric circles of okay, then there's a search team that supports them and an infrastructure team that supports them.And it's starting to ripple through the entire company. But there's that kind of core agent team, um, that's a pretty, pretty close, uh, close knit group.swyx: The search team is separate from the infra team.Aaron Levie: I mean, we have like every, every layer of the stack we have to kind of do, except for just pure public cloud.Um, but um, you know, we, we store, I don't even know what our public numbers are in, you know, but like, you can just think about it as like a lot of data is, is stored in box. And so we have, and you have every layer of the, of the stack of, you know, how do you manage the data, the file system, the metadata system, the search system, just all of those components.And then they all are having to understand that now you've got this new customer. Which is the agent, and they've been building for two types of customers in the past. They've been building for users and they've been building for like applications. [00:37:00] And now you've got this new agent user, and it comes in with a difference of it, of property sometimes, like, hey, maybe sometimes we should do embeddings, an embedding based, you know, kind of search versus, you know, your, your typical semantic search.Like, it's just like you have to build the, the capabilities to support all of this. And we're testing stuff, throwing things away, something doesn't work and, and not relevant. It's like just, you know, total chaos. But all of those teams are supporting the agent team that is kind of coming up with its requirements of what, what do we need?swyx: Yeah. No, uh, we just came from, uh, fireside chat where you did, and you, you talked about how you're doing this. It's, it's kind of like an internal startup. Yeah. Within the broader company. The broader company's like 3000 people. Yeah. But you know, there's, there's a, this is a core team of like, well, here's the innovation center.Aaron Levie: Yeah.swyx: And like that every company kind of is run this way.Aaron Levie: Yeah. I wanna be sensitive. I don't call it the innovation center. Yeah. Only because I think everybody has to do innovation. Um, there, there's a part of the, the, the company that is, is sort of do or die for the agent wave.swyx: Yeah.Aaron Levie: And it only happens to be more of my focus simply because it's existential that [00:38:00] we get it right.swyx: Yeah.Aaron Levie: All of the supporting systems are necessary. All of the surrounding adjacent capabilities are necessary. Like the only reason we get to be a platform where you'd run an agent is because we have a security feature or a compliance feature, or a governance feature that, that some team is working on.But that's not gonna be the make or break of, of whether we get agents right. Like that already exists and we need to keep innovating there. I don't know what the right, exact precise number is, but it's not a thousand people and it's not 10 people. There's a number of people that are like the, the kind of like, you know, startup within the company that are the make or break on everything related to AI agents, you know, leveraging our platform and letting you work with your data.And that's where I spend a lot of my time, and Ben and Yosh and Diego and Teri, you know, these are just, you know, people that, that, you know, kind of across the team. Are working.swyx: Yeah. Amazing.Read Write Agent WorkflowsJeff Huber: How do you, how do you think about, I mean, you talked a lot about like kinda read workflows over your box data. Yep.Right. You know, gen search questions, queries, et cetera. But like, what about like, write or like authoring workflows?Aaron Levie: Yes. I've [00:39:00] already probably revealed too much actually now that I think about it. So, um, I've talked about whatever,Jeff Huber: whatever you can.Aaron Levie: Okay. It's just us. It's just us. Yeah. Okay. Of course, of course.So I, I guess I would just, uh, I'll make it a little bit conceptual, uh, because again, I've already, I've already said things that are not even ga but, but we've, we've kinda like danced around it publicly, so I, yeah, yeah. Okay. Just like, hopefully nobody watches this, um, episode. No.swyx: It's tidbits for the Heidi engaged to go figure out like what exactly, um, you know, is, is your sort of line of thinking.Sure. They can connect the dots.Aaron Levie: Yeah. So, so I would say that, that, uh, we, you know, as a, as a place where you have your enterprise content, there's a use case where I want to, you know, have an agent read that data and answer questions for me. And then there's a use case where I want the agent to create something.And use the file system to create something or store off data that it's working on, or be able to have, you know, various files that it's writing to about the work it's doing. So we do see it as a total read write. The harder problem has so far been the read only because, because again, you have that kind of like 10 [00:40:00] million to one ratio problem, whereas rights are a lot of, that's just gonna come from the model and, and we just like, we'll just put it in the file system and kinda use it.So it's a little bit of a technically easier problem, but the only part that's like, not necessarily technically hard, it is just like it's not yet perfected in the state of the ecosystem is, you know, building a beautiful PowerPoint presentation. It's still a hard problem for these models. Like, like we still, you know, like, like these formats are just, we're not built for.They'reswyx: working on it.Aaron Levie: They're, they're working on it. Everybody's working on it.swyx: Every launch is like, well, we do PowerPoint now.Aaron Levie: We're getting, yeah, getting a lot, getting a lot of better each time. But then you'll do this thing where you'll ask the update one slide and all of a sudden, like the fonts will be just like a little bit different, you know, on two of the slides, or it moved, you know, some shape over to the left a little bit.And again, these are the kind of things that, like in code, obviously you could really care about if you really care about, you know, how beautiful is the code, but at the end, user doesn't notice all those problems and file creation, the end user instantly sees it. You're [00:41:00] like, ah, like paragraph three, like, you literally just changed the font on me.Like it's a totally different font and like midway through the document. Mm-hmm. Those are the kind of things that you run into a lot of in the, in the content creation side. So, mm-hmm. We are gonna have native agents. That do all of those things, they'll be powered by the leading kind of models and labs.But the thing that I think is, is probably gonna be a much bigger idea over time is any agent on any system, again, using Box as a file system for its work, and in that kind of scenario, we don't necessarily care what it's putting in the file system. It could put its memory files, it could put its, you know, specification, you know, documents.It could put, you know, whatever its markdown files are, or it could, you know, generate PDFs. It's just like, it's a workspace that is, is sort of sandboxed off for its work. People can collaborate into it, it can share with other people. And, and so we, we were thinking a lot about what's the right, you know, kind of way to, to deliver that at scale.Docs Graphs and Founder Modeswyx: I wanted to come into sort of the sort of AI transformation or AI sort of, uh, operations things. [00:42:00] Um, one of the tweets that you, that you wanted to talk about, this is just me going through your tweets, by the way. Oh, okay. I mean, like, this is, you readAaron Levie: one by one,swyx: you're the, you're the easiest guest to prep for because you, you already have like, this is the, this is what I'm interested in.I'm like, okay, well, areAaron Levie: we gonna get to like, like February, January or something? Where are we in the, in the timelines? How far back are we going?swyx: Can you, can you describe boxes? A set of skills? Right? Like that, that's like, that's like one of the extremes of like, well if you, you just turn everything into a markdown file.Yeah. Then your agent can run your company. Uh, like you just have to write, find the right sequence of words toAaron Levie: Yes.swyx: To do it.Aaron Levie: Sorry, isthatswyx: the question? So I think the question is like, what if we documented everything? Yes. The way that you exactly said like,Aaron Levie: yes.swyx: Um, let's get all the Fortune five hundreds, uh, prepared for agents.Yes. And like, you know, everything's in golden and, and nicely filed away and everything. Yes. What's missing? Like, what's left, right? LikeAaron Levie: Yeah.swyx: You've, you've run your company for a decade. LikeAaron Levie: Yeah. I think the challenge is that, that that information changes a week later. And because something happened in the market for that [00:43:00] customer, or us as a company that now has to go get updated, and so these systems are living and breathing and they have to experience reality and updates to reality, which right now is probably gonna be humans, you know, kinda giving those, giving them the updates.And, you know, there is this piece about context graphs as as, uh, that kinda went very viral. Yeah. And I, I, I was like a, i, I, I thought it was super provocative. I agreed with many parts of it. I disagree with a few parts around. You know, it's not gonna be as easy as as just if we just had the agent traces, then we can finally do that work because there's just like, there's so much more other stuff that that's happening that, that we haven't been able to capture and digitize.And I think they actually represented that in the piece to be clear. But like there's just a lot of work, you know, that that has to, you just can't have only skills files, you know, for your company because it's just gonna be like, there's gonna be a lot of other stuff that happens. Yeah. Change over time.Yeah. Most companies are practically apprenticeships.swyx: Most companies are practically apprenticeships. LikeJeff Huber: every new employee who joins the team, [00:44:00] like you span one to three months. Like ramping them up.Aaron Levie: Yes. AllJeff Huber: that tat knowledgeAaron Levie: isJeff Huber: not written down.Aaron Levie: Yes.Jeff Huber: But like, it would have to be if you wanted to like give it to an Asian.Right. And so like that seems to me like to beAaron Levie: one is I think you're gonna see again a premium on companies that can document this. Mm-hmm. Much. There'll be a huge premium on that because, because you know, can you shorten that three month ramp cycle to a two week ramp cycle? That's an instant productivity gain.Can you re dramatically reduce rework in the organization because you've documented where all the stuff is and where the answers are. Can you make your average employee as good as your 90th percentile employee because you've captured the knowledge that's sort of in the heads of, of those top employees and make that available.So like you can see some very clear productivity benefits. Mm-hmm. If you had a company culture of making sure you know your information was captured, digitized, put in a format that was agent ready and then made available to agents to work with, and then you just, again, have this reality of like add a 10,000 person [00:45:00] company.Mapping that to the, you know, access structure of the company is just a hard problem. Is like, is like, yeah, well, you just, not every piece of information that's digitized can be shared to everybody. And so now you have to organize that in a way that actually works. There was a pretty good piece, um, this, this, uh, this piece called your company as a file is a file system.I, did you see that one?swyx: Nope.Aaron Levie: Uh, yes. You saw it. Yeah. And, and, uh, I actually be curious your thoughts on it. Um, like, like an interesting kind of like, we, we agree with it because, because that's how we see the world and, uh,swyx: okay. We, we have it up on screen. Oh,Aaron Levie: okay. Yeah. But, but it's all about basically like, you know, we've already, we, we, we already organized in this kind of like, you know, permission structure way.Uh, and, and these are the kind of, you know, natural ways that, that agents can now work with data. So it's kind of like this, this, you know, kind of interesting metaphor, but I do think companies will have to start to think about how they start to digitize more, more of that data. What was your take?Jeff Huber: Yeah, I mean, like the company's probably like an acid compliant file system.Aaron Levie: Uh,Jeff Huber: yeah. Which I'm guessing boxes, right? So, yeah. Yes.swyx: Yeah. [00:46:00]Jeff Huber: Which you have a great piece on, but,swyx: uh, yeah. Well, uh, I, I, my, my, my direction is a little bit like, I wanna rewind a little bit to the graph word you said that there, that's a magic trigger word for us. I always ask what's your take on knowledge graphs?Yeah. Uh, ‘cause every, especially at every data database person, I just wanna see what they think. There's been knowledge graphs, hype cycles, and you've seen it all. So.Aaron Levie: Hmm. I actually am not the expert in knowledge graphs, so, so that you might need toswyx: research, you don't need to be an expert. Yeah. I think it's just like, well, how, how seriously do people take it?Yeah. Like, is is, is there a lot of potential in the, in the HOVI?Aaron Levie: Uh, well, can I, can I, uh, understand first if it's, um, is this a loaded question in the sense of are you super pro, super con, super anti medium? Iswyx: see pro, I see pros and cons. Okay. Uh, but I, I think your opinion should be independent of mine.Aaron Levie: Yeah. No, no, totally. Yeah. I just want to see what I'm stepping into.swyx: No, I know. It's a, and it's a huge trigger word for a lot of people out Yeah. In our audience. And they're, they're trying to figure out why is that? Because whyAaron Levie: is this such aswyx: hot item for them? Because a lot of people get graph religion.And they're like, everything's a graph. Of course you have to represent it as a graph. Well, [00:47:00] how do you solve your knowledge? Um, changing over time? Well, it's a graph.Aaron Levie: Yeah.swyx: And, and I think there, there's that line of work and then there's, there's a lot of people who are like, well, you don't need it. And both are right.Aaron Levie: Yeah. And what do the people who say you don't need it, what are theyswyx: arguing for Mark down files. Oh, sure, sure. Simplicity.Aaron Levie: Yeah.swyx: Versus it's, it's structure versus less structure. Right. That's, that's all what it is. I do.Aaron Levie: I think the tricky thing is, um, is, is again, when this gets met with real humans, they're just going to their computer.They're just working with some people on Slack or teams. They're just sharing some data through a collaborative file system and Google Docs or Box or whatever. I certainly like the vision of most, most knowledge graph, you know, kind of futuristic kind of ways of thinking about it. Uh, it's just like, you know, it's 2026.We haven't seen it yet. Kind of play out as as, I mean, I remember. Do you remember the, um, in like, actually I don't, I don't even know how old you guys are, but I'll for, for to show my age. I remember 17 years ago, everybody thought enterprises would just run on [00:48:00] Wikis. Yeah. And, uh, confluence and, and not even, I mean, confluence actually took off for engineering for sure.Like unquestionably. But like, this was like everything would be in the w. And I think based on our, uh, our, uh, general style of, of, of what we were building, like we were just like, I don't know, people just like wanna workspace. They're gonna collaborate with other people.swyx: Exactly. Yeah. So you were, you were anti-knowledge graph.Aaron Levie: Not anti, not anti. Soswyx: not nonAaron Levie: I'm not, I'm not anti. ‘cause I think, I think your search system, I just think these are two systems that probably, but like, I'm, I'm not in any religious war. I don't want to be in anybody's YouTube comments on this. There's not a fight for me.swyx: We, we love YouTube comments. We're, we're, we're get into comments.Aaron Levie: Okay. Uh, but like, but I, I, it's mostly just a virtue of what we built. Yeah. And we just continued down that path. Yeah.swyx: Yeah.Aaron Levie: And, um, and that, that was what we pursued. But I'm not, this is not a, you know, kind of, this is not a, uh, it'sswyx: not existential for you. Great.Aaron Levie: We're happy to plug into somebody else's graph.We're happy to feed data into it. We're happy for [00:49:00] agents to, to talk to multiple systems. Not, not our fight.swyx: Yeah.Aaron Levie: But I need your answer. Yeah. Graphs or nerd Snipes is very effective nerd.swyx: See this is, this is one, one opinion and then I've,Jeff Huber: and I think that the actual graph structure is emergent in the mind of the agent.Ah, in the same way it is in the mind of the human. And that's a more powerful graph ‘cause it actually involved over time.swyx: So don't tell me how to graph. I'll, I'll figure it out myself. Exactly. Okay. All right. AndJeff Huber: what's yours?swyx: I like the, the Wiki approach. Uh, my, I'm actually

Thursday, 5 March 2026   Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” Matthew 17:19   “Then, the disciples having come to Jesus off alone, they said, ‘Through what we – not we could eject it?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus admonished the demon, and it came out of the boy, curing the boy immediately. Matthew next records, “Then, the disciples having come to Jesus off alone.”   Matthew's gospel does not give the location of this verse, as if it could have been right there where the boy was cured. However, Mark says, “And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately...”   It appears they were embarrassed about their public failure, and probably timid because of His admonishment of them. As such, they departed to a house, at which time they could readdress the matter without any pokes of laughter or ridicule from the people. With them gathered in the house, “they said, ‘Through what we – not we could eject it?'”   It is an obvious question. The twelve had been sent out to tend to the ministry in Matthew 10 with the words, “Being feeble – you cure, leprous – you cleanse, dead – you rouse, demons – you eject. Freely you received, freely you give” (CG). In Luke 10, at the return of the seventy, it said, “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.'”   So this was a part of the ministry they participated in. Despite this, they were collectively unable to cast out this boy's demon, and they didn't know why.   Life application: As noted, it seems the disciples were ashamed of their inability to do what they had previously been charged to do. And yet, some of these same men either wrote or were certainly consulted about the events regarding their time with Jesus.   This is common among people. We don't want to look dumb in front of others. However, with the passing of time, we openly speak about how stupid, naive, etc., we were in the past. It is as if the past gives us a buffer from the state we once were in, allowing us to convey things that we wouldn't have dreamt of mentioning when the event occurred.   Time is both a teacher and a healer. As we get older, we gain more experience in matters (well, if we are willing to learn from our mistakes and those we see in others), and we also mature in our ability to let go of things that we once held close.   Time allows us to process events and resolve them in our minds. It is common after a war for soldiers to come home and refuse to mention any of the horrors they experienced. And yet, after considering the events over months or years, it normally becomes easier to open up and share what happened with others.   The disciples took in the things that happened and were able to convey them to us with notes concerning their own imperfections to teach us that it is ok to accept our own failings. This is true with the events of those in the Old Testament as well.   David's failings, along with his victories, times of anger, and so forth, were put into psalms. He was able to express to us how those events affected his life. From there, God chose these recorded events to place in His word, having inspired them for us to learn from.   Keep reading the Bible. As events in our lives occur, we can see similar events occurring in the lives of others from the past. From there, we can see how God used those events to reveal many things to us, if we are willing to learn what He is telling us.   The Bible is an ever-relevant manual on how we can more perfectly run our lives if we will take advantage of its contents.   Lord God, thank You that Your word is so open and frank about human activity. We can learn so much about our own lives and how to deal with our personal circumstances by knowing what Your word says about such things. What a great life manual You have given to us. Thank You for this wonderful word. Amen.

Wednesday, 4 March 2026   And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Matthew 17:18   “And Jesus, He admonished it, and the demon, it proceeded from him, and the boy, he was cured from that hour” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus called those who were unable to heal the boy a perverse generation, wondering how long He would have to be with them and uphold them. He then asked them to bring the boy to Him. Matthew next records, “And Jesus, He admonished it.”   The verb is masculine, as is the next verb, which refers to the demon. Therefore, it is debated who is being referred to. The Pulpit Commentary says, “Some take the pronoun as masculine, and refer it to the diseased boy; but it is more natural that the rebuke should be addressed to the possessing demon.”   They are right. Despite the boy being the nearest antecedent (Bring him here to Me) of the previous verse, Mark tells us who Jesus was speaking to –   “When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!' 26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, ‘He is dead.' 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.” Mark 9:25-27   One would normally assume that the nearest antecedent, the boy, would be the subject, but Matthew took the additional care of explaining the verb after the fact, saying, “and the demon, it proceeded from him.”   Though this is not the usual way grammar is used, it is acceptable, especially if one knows there is another gospel record to be referred to. Though each gospel is a standalone account, together they form a larger tapestry of what is happening in accounts such as this. With the demon out of the boy, it next says, “and the boy, he was cured from that hour.”   The meaning of “from that hour” is “immediately.” That is to be understood from Mark as well.   Life application: Whatever specifics the scribes and the disciples were arguing over (as indicated in Mark 9), the fact is that none of them were able to restore the boy to normalcy. And more, the father wouldn't have just waited around hoping the Messiah would show up someday. He would have consulted physicians, those at the local synagogue, and anyone else who might be able to help.   And yet, his son remained in his tragic state. But when Jesus arrived on the scene, it was a few moments of discussion and then instant healing. This is just the same as our salvation. We may entreat eastern religions, seek out spiritualists, meet up with mediums, consult the Koran, or open up the Upanishads, but there is no light and no healing in them.   But the moment we come to Christ, accepting the gospel of our salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 14). There is no delay, no second-guessing, and no “taking it back” by God at a later date. Rather, there is immediate relief from the burden of sin and total healing of the soul. The connection to God is restored, and we are – from that moment and forever – accepted into His kingdom.   Try to always remember the joy of that moment. Carry it with you and remind yourself of it often. The more you hold close the wonder of that day, the better off you will be when times of trial and trouble trickle into your life. They will not be able to overtake you when you remember that everything here is just a temporary step on the way to eternal glory.   Lord God, how grateful we are for the immediate and eternal salvation that came to us the day we believed. Thank You for the assurance we possess. We are saved! Yes, saved forever because of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Hallelujah and amen.  

Tuesday, 3 March 2026   Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” Matthew 17:17   “And Jesus, answering, He said, ‘O! Generation disbelieving and having been mangled! I will be with you until when? I will uphold you until when? You carry him here to Me'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the father of the moonstruck boy told Jesus that he brought the boy to His disciples, but they could not heal him. Matthew next records, “And Jesus, answering, He said, ‘O! Generation disbelieving and having been mangled!'”   Two new words are seen here. The first is the adjective apistos, which is derived from the negative particle a and pistos, faithful or believing. Thus, it signifies unbelieving. The second is the verb diastrephó. It is derived from dia, through, and strephó, to twist. Thus, it signifies thoroughly twisted.   A word that gets the sense is mangle. It is as if everything expected of the generation had been clenched in the hands of time and been so warped that nothing of what was originally intended is seen. The use of the perfect participle (having been mangled) indicates that this is how it has been since some point in the past, and it continued to be that way even since Jesus' coming. Essentially, they had learned nothing from His ministry. He continues, saying, “I will be with you until when?”   If nothing had been learned to this point, there was much to do to untangle the deformity of the people. This would be inclusive of the scribes who stood there accusing the disciples, as well as the disciples themselves.   By this time, Jesus had performed innumerable miracles. Along with that, His words of wisdom and His perfection before the law should have been sufficient to convince them of the divine nature of His ministry.   But unless their instructors, both Israel's leaders and His disciples, could unite in agreeing that He was truly from God, He would have to continue to instruct them. Therefore, He restates the sentiment, saying, “I will uphold you until when?”   Another new word is seen, the verb anechó. It is derived from ana, up, and echo, to hold. Thus, it is the act of upholding. He questions how long He would have to carry the burdensome weight of their unbelief, along with their twisted views concerning the things of God. As a sort of poke at them based on this clause, He says, “You carry him here to Me.”   In other words, “If I have to keep upholding you, you might as well do the little you are qualified for and carry the boy to Me.” It is an ironic poke at all of them for not having the faith to do what they had been instructed and an opportunity to see how God can, in fact, untangle things that are a result of the consequences of sin.   Life application: The fact of the matter, based on Jesus' questions, is that those in attendance were never capable of upholding their responsibilities, even to the time of, and after, His crucifixion. Thomas proved that his faith was lacking even when the other apostles told him that Jesus had been resurrected. He needed sight to validate what his cold heart could not accept by faith.   Without the coming of the Spirit, things would have very quickly devolved into a total lack of cohesion, and the faith would have died out. Likewise, both Israel and the world have continued in a mangled state, even to this day. The church has marched along, often its own worst enemy. Israel has continued without Jesus and in a state of rejection because of it.   Only those who have been saved and sealed with the Spirit are capable of properly continuing the cause of Christ. However, unless they are willing to apply themselves, learn what Scripture teaches, and then act in accord with it, they will remain just as mangled as the rest of the world in their thinking and actions.   Jesus' rebuke was directed to those around Him, but the truth of His words is not limited to the moment in which He spoke. The seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation clearly show that this is true.   Let each one of us do our best to help direct the world and those around us to a right and proper understanding of what Christ has done and how it impacts, and will impact, everything around us. This is our calling, and it all begins with faith. Ground yourself in the faith of Jesus Christ and then go forth in that state.   Glorious Lord God, how desperately the world needs You. If Israel couldn't carry the message properly, and if the church continues to fail at it, then this should alert us that we need to renew our thinking, directing it to Your word, and then conforming our thoughts and intents to honor You. Help us in this, to Your glory. Amen.  

Diana and Nicole speak with Jan Joyce, AG, CG, CGL, who developed and coordinates the new virtual institute course, "Merging & Separating Identities: Strategies and Tactics to Solve." Jan explains that the most common mistake genealogists make is failing to recognize they have a "same-name problem" and assuming multiple records belong to a single person. She notes that the challenge of merging and separating identity cases (M/S) is accelerating because of more digitized records, the explosion of DNA testing, and the rise of AI tools. Jan shares her own breakthrough M/S case, which involved a woman named Susan Gliddon in three different geographic locations, and an example of a student who had mistakenly merged two different William Thompsons for five years. Listeners learn that if they suspect an M/S case, they should immediately stop adding information to that part of their tree and begin systematically recording every descriptor for the individual into a spreadsheet. The multi-week course teaches a rigorous, step-by-step methodology, including the use of identity dossiers, timelines, and correlation techniques, using a Common Data Set to focus on learning the techniques themselves. Students gain the confidence to untangle complex cases and transform their research approach by learning to apply systematic methods to any genealogical research problem. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Merging and Separating Identities Course registration: https://familylocket.com/product/merging-and-separating-identities/ Transform Chaos into Clarity: Organizing Your Merging and Separating Cases - https://familylocket.com/transform-chaos-into-clarity-organizing-your-merging-and-separating-cases/ Overview of the Merging and Separating Identities Course - https://familylocket.com/overview-of-the-merging-and-separating-identities-course/ From Chaos to Clarity: How Merging & Separating Identity Techniques Identified David Dewitt's Father - https://familylocket.com/from-chaos-to-clarity-how-merging-separating-identity-techniques-identified-david-dewitts-father RLP 256: Alford/Johnson Research – Interview with James Johnson - https://familylocket.com/rlp-256-alford-johnson-research-interview-with-james-johnson/ an interview with James Wesley Johnson, author of A Horse, A Gunfight, And The Law: A Historical Account of Our Alfords in Texas (name-change due to hiding from the law) Testimonials Student Experiences – Merging & Separating Identities - https://vimeo.com/1097036140/783bd4549f "This course was honestly the best course I've taken. Period." – EB "You outdid yourself with this course...so many great strategies and approaches to apply to tough research problems. I appreciate all of your hard work, effort, and sharing of knowledge to make us all better genealogists." – KT "What a stupendous week, Jan! Thank you so much for offering this course and for rounding up so many great speakers. I learned things from every person who spoke (whether as an official speaker or a member of the group taking the class)." – BS "The class pushed me out of my tunnel vision." – PG "I have to admit that I was skeptical if this approach would work for me — but I found it a great way to make connections as well as step away from my computer and stand a bit. So refreshing to learn something new that is fun too!" – KT "I have really enjoyed this course. It has made me think differently about so many things. While the focus was on M/S, so much of what was taught and discussed can be used in 'everyday research' which for me is usually 'problem solving.'" – RC "After Kim Richardson did her presentation, I should have just stayed up all night. I couldn't sleep because of all the ideas in my head. LOL!" – PG "I am always so impressed with your courses! You have a great teaching style and are respectful and patient with all participants. I learn so much from you and really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with the class." – CD "Today was really helpful - I feel like I learned new things at the right pace. I end the day energized rather than drained and overwhelmed." – KT "I'm really enjoying the course. Learning something new every day." – TF "I liked getting the materials each day, as opposed to getting a syllabus. I was more inclined to look at all the materials when they came to me in smaller batches." – PG Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

I am back from moving and health setbacks. With Western conflict in Iran escalating and in train, I discuss the vagaries and verities of the nuclear gambit in Iran in the Middle East and what this will mean to the future of warfare for the reminder of this century. I assess how the RMAs rapidly displacing centuries-old conflict norms are going to look for the remainder of the century. Buppert's Law of Military Topography: “Mountainous terrain held by riflemen who know what they are about cannot be militarily defeated.” For other insight on Iran, I recommend CG episodes 061 and 067. References: Points of Resistance and Departure: An interview with James C. Scott Lester Grau and Charles J. Bartles Mountain Warfare and Other Lofty Problems: Foreign mountain combat veterans discuss movement and maneuver, training and resupply (Helion Studies in Military History) Lester Grau The Bear Went Over The Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics In Afghanistan [Illustrated Edition] Lester Grau The Other Side of the Mountain: Mujahideen Tactics in the Soviet-Afghan War Mark Thompson The White War: Life and Death on the Italian Front 1915-1919 James C. Scott The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia Sun Tzu The Art of War Carl von Clausewitz On War Miyamoto Musashi A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy H. John Poole The Last Hundred Yards: The NCO's Contribution to Warfare Christian Brose The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare Qiao Liang & Wang Xiangsui Unrestricted Warfare: China’s Master Plan to Destroy America My Substack: https://t.co/7a8jn2Mmnx Email at cgpodcast@pm.me.

Monday, 2 March 2026   So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Matthew 17:16   “And I presented him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him” (CG).   In the previous verse, a man came to Jesus begging him to have mercy on his moonstruck son because of his suffering. He often fell into fire and into water. He continues, saying, “And I presented him to Your disciples.”   This would have been the nine apostles and any other disciples who accompanied them who did not go with Jesus and the others up the mountain. It would have been inclusive of Matthew, who is recalling the account to share in his gospel. Understanding this, Matthew continues, “and they could not cure him.”   This would explain why Mark says the scribes were disputing with them. They were unable to cure the man's son, but obviously had attempted to do so. The scribes probably chimed right in, calling them false teachers. This would have then elicited a response concerning their abilities and those of Jesus.   The entire scene comes alive when considering the accusations of the scribes. But it also shows a failing of the disciples, being unable to tend to the need placed before them. Of this verse, Albert Barnes says –   “And I brought him to thy disciples ... - That is, not to the apostles, for they had power over unclean spirits Matthew 10:8, but to others of his followers who attempted to work miracles.”   That analysis belies the entire context of what is presented. It appears that it is exactly because they were there and unable to cure the boy that the account is so remarkable. Their schooling was incomplete, and their faith in the Lord and His provision was lacking.   Life application: The purpose of the miraculous healings during Jesus' ministry and during the time of the apostles served several purposes. One of them was to establish that He was the Messiah of Israel. He presented the power of God to the people as a witness that God was with Him and He was dwelling among them as prophesied.   A second purpose was that Jesus and His ministry became a sign to the people of their own inability to see, understand, and appreciate the work of the Lord, even when it was directly in front of their eyes and in exacting fulfillment of their own Scriptures.   Therefore, they were without excuse in their unbelief, and God was fully justified in His rejection of them. This is laid out carefully in the law and the prophets. The Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32 spells out their history, including God's rejection of them, quite clearly.   If this is true with His own nation, selected from out of all the people groups of the world, then think about it from the opposite perspective. How pleased God must be when those who had never been told of God's Messiah hear and believe!   They didn't have the ancient prophecies. They weren't expecting a Messiah. They had no national, social, or cultural connection to the God of Israel, and yet they heard the word, believed the proposition set forth in the gospel, and accepted what they had been told by faith.   What God couldn't get out of His own chosen nation, He gets daily and around the world from open and receptive hearts of people longing for release from the burdens they carry. Nothing is more precious than to know that we have been redeemed by such a wonderful, loving, and caring God.   May we always remember the joy of our salvation, and may we be willing to share that joy with others who so desperately need it as well.   Glorious Lord God, how thankful we are to You for having sent Jesus to save not only those of Israel, but people from around the world. You have exalted us to heaven itself when all we deserved was condemnation and eternal separation from You. Thank You for Your tender mercies, O God. Amen.

Lieutenant General Dick Newton (ret.) had a highly decorated 34-year military career. It was capped off serving as the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and Director of the Air Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force. The Lt. Gen. joined CG to discuss U.S. air power over the Iranian skies, the wisdom (or lack there of) of Iran attacking their Mideast neighbors where U.S. military are stationed, the viability of effecting change of regime in Iran and how air attack "game plans" are formulated. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunday, 1 March 2026   “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. Matthew 17:15   “Lord, You compassionated my son, for he moon-strikes and he suffers badly, for frequently he falls into the fire and frequently into the water.” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus and the disciples came down from the mountain, and a man came to Him, kneeling before Him to petition Him. Matthew records his words, saying, “Lord, You compassionated my son.”   Luke's gospel notes that the man said, “he is my only child.” It is an additional mark of desperation that certainly touched Jesus' emotions. Having begun his plea, the father continues, saying, “for he moon-strikes.”   It is a new word, seléniazomai, to be moonstruck. It is derived from seléné, brilliancy. That, in turn, is used to describe the moon. That, along with the word haireó, to take for oneself or choose. Together, they give the sense of being moonstruck.   The exact meaning is debated. Some say it refers to epilepsy, others to being a lunatic (which is derived from the Latin lunaticus, referring to the luna, moon), or being demon-possessed. The symptoms are recorded in Mark and Luke –   “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid.” Mark 9:17, 18   “And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him.” Luke 9:39   The idea of being moonstruck is probably that he had cycles of symptoms that corresponded with the cycles of the moon. Because of his malady, Matthew continues, “and he suffers badly.”   Imagine the distress of the father having a child who was in such a state. It would be a frustration fraught existence with no hope of release. And the situation would be exacerbated with wounds or trauma because, as he says, “for frequently he falls into the fire and frequently into the water.”   Another new word is seen, pollakis, many times, and thus frequently. When an attack would come upon the boy, at any given moment, apparently, he may fall into a bonfire or fireplace, having been captivated by the flames. Or he may fall into a pond or some other body of water, having been captivated by the reflections.   For the father, this would have been a miserable plight and a tedious existence.   Life application: I know a man who has a son who is totally disabled. The son is confined to a wheelchair, cannot speak, but rather makes grunting noises, and his body is always twisted and contorted.   The father is infinitely patient with his son. He constantly speaks to him with soothing words, no matter how difficult the situation. He has to personally attend to him in the bathroom or for any other regular life function. And yet, he bears with the trial as if he were ordering a burger at McDonald's.   Many times, I have thought, “I could not handle the difficulty that this person so caringly and patiently tends to for even a day.” And yet, he has been tending to his son for over forty years. God gives us what we can handle, and He allows afflictions into our lives for purposes that may be known only to Him.   In having a responsibility like one of these afflicted children, all we can do is throw ourselves at the mercy of God and beg for daily strength. And He is gracious to provide it. In the case of the father in Luke 17, Jesus will do something wonderful for him in the verses ahead.   In our case, He has promised to provide a life ahead without such trials and frustrations. Our faith will not go unrewarded. God is carefully attentive to all things that His children need. Be confident of this, and don't lose hope when the days seem overwhelming. Lean on the Lord. He will get you through each one.   Lord God, each of us has our own burdens to carry. And You have given us the ability to do so when we put our confidence in You. The strength will come because You are a gracious and caring Father. May we confidently trust this as each day unfolds with its trials and difficulties. Amen.

取るに足りないものごとを拾い上げて面白がるPodcast、中トロラジオです！大長編・中トロ恋愛相談室です！よっしゃ回答したぜっ、と思ったら続報も来ており…？波乱の恋の顛末。まじで元気出してくれ。中トロラジオがいるよ。ハムのサンドイッチまじで試してみてください。(今回編集した人：中西)登場人物・中西→名古屋、男子校、演劇サークル出身。・トロニー→内モンゴル、富山、音楽系（根暗）サークル出身。名字がない。ふたりとも建築学科から非建築業界に就職した男性、30歳です。おたより、感想ツイートなどなどお待ちしています！おたよりはこちらから↓https://forms.gle/2dR4MwLpdDDoJgLd6中トロラジオのdiscordサーバーはこちら↓https://discord.gg/8bHBj5wd2Fーーーーー◎最高のオープニングゆnovation『pop out!』(yunovation.net)各種配信サービスでいつでも聞けます！https://linkco.re/SSFZfhxF◎珠玉のアートワークプランニング : 古林萌実(@__moem3in)デザイン：佐藤祐太郎(@yutarooo811)CG：嶋江大悟

Saturday, 28 February 2026   And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, Matthew 17:14   “And they, having come unto the crowd, he approached Him – man, knee-falling to Him, and saying...” (CG).   In the previous verse, it said that the disciples understood that Jesus was speaking of John the Baptist in His reference to Elijah. Next, it says, “And they, having come unto the crowd.”   Mark's gospel includes more detail, saying –   “And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, ‘What are you discussing with them?'” Mark 9:14-16   Luke's gospel includes the thought that this was the next day after descending the mountain. With Luke's reckoning, it could mean the next morning. That would square with the general statement by both Matthew and Mark that they descended the mountain and came upon what next transpires, which is, “he approached Him – man, knee-falling to Him, and saying...”   There is a new word, gonupeteó. It is derived from gonu, the knee, and an alternate form of piptó, to fall. Thus, it means he fell to his knees. As for what occurred, some texts finish this verse with the words, “and saying...” Other texts begin the next verse with those words.   Either way, a man has come and fallen before Jesus concerning an issue that has the disciples and the scribes disputing with one another.   Life application: Mark records that there was a dispute going on when Jesus and the others came to them. Though the matter of the dispute is not yet stated, we can learn from this. People dispute matters all the time concerning religion, theology, and doctrine.   Religious disputes require determining if what one believes corresponds with reality. In other words, we can know things about God even without the Bible. This is known as general revelation. When evaluating a religion, we need to see if the source of that religion corresponds with what we can know about God by using logic and reason.   Does the Bible match what general revelation tells us must be true about God? Does the Koran? Are there many gods or only one God? We can rather quickly whittle things down by understanding God's nature.   Once we have thrown out Islam, Hinduism, etc., we are left with only one possible religious source of what is true about God. That is the Bible. This is God's special source of revelation, telling us things we could not deduce from general revelation. From the Bible, we can do more whittling, using both general and special revelation.   Does the message of the Bible support Judaism? Does it support Mormonism or the doctrine of the Jehovah's Witnesses? This is important because if we have a faulty view of God, even though we are using the Bible to pursue Him, we still will not be right with Him.   Once we have tossed out the incorrect theologies, we are left with what is proper. However, there are still doctrinal issues that are debatable within what we might call “biblical Christianity,” meaning the proper path of pursuing God.   Again, where do we go to resolve these issues? The answer is “to the Bible alone.” The people came to Jesus, the Word of God, to settle a dispute. He has now left us with His testimony, the word of God, meaning the Bible. If you are having trouble with conflicting doctrines being placed before you, the Bible will be where you need to go.   Is salvation eternal? Some say yes, and some say no. The Bible will provide the answer. Is there a rapture? What is the timing of the rapture? And so on. These issues may be debatable, but only because one (or both) of the people is incorrectly teaching the doctrine. The Bible will have one correct answer.   The way to determine if a particular teaching is correct is to keep things in their proper context. One or both of those debating eternal salvation may not be applying the proper context. This is the way we end disputes in our minds. Think about God, think about how He has presented Himself, and then meditate on His word. In doing this, we will be on the right path as we pursue our relationship with Him.   Lord God, help us to have the desire and the gumption to read Your word. How easy it is to read books about the Bible. But those books may or may not be in accord with what is right. Rather than wasting so much time on books about the Bible, help us to find a proper balance in pursuing You, with the majority of our time being in Your word. Yes, help us in this, O God. Amen.

Забываем Blender, работаем с Mr.Beast и ненавидим HR. Farely by CG ПОДКАСТ №1

Thursday, 26 February 2026   But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Matthew 17:12   “And I say to you that Elijah, he came already, and they knew him not, but they did in him as much as they desired. And thus the Son of Man, He is about to suffer under them” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus responded to the disciples, noting that Elijah would come first and that he would reconstitute all things. He continues, saying, “And I say to you that Elijah, he came already.”   Because of these words, many scholars who deny a literal fulfillment of the promises to Israel of future restoration conclude that there is one, and only one meaning to what is going on here. Elijah has come, and thus, he is not “coming.” As such, and speaking for this doctrine, Ellicott says –   “The disciples need not look for any other personal appearance. The use of the present and future tenses in Matthew 17:11 point to a deeper truth, which they were to learn afterwards. The Elijah ministry, the work of the preacher of repentance, is not a transient phenomenon belonging to one stage only of the Church's history, but was to be, throughout the ages, on to the end of all things, the indispensable preparation for the coming of the Lord. Only through it could all things be restored, and the path made ready for the heralds of forgiveness and of peace.”   In other words, this is the only coming of Elijah, and his work continues on today in the lives of “preachers of repentance” for all times. An obvious problem with this is that John died before Jesus completed His work. He was an Old Testament preacher of repentance and to turn to the Messiah. Acts 19:1-5 makes this perfectly clear.   John had no idea about the fullness of Christ's ministry or what preachers should preach based on His completed work. As for Jesus, He continues, saying, “and they knew him not, but they did in him as much as they desired.”   The first messenger mentioned in Malachi 3:1 is clearly referring to John the Baptist. The second Messenger is a reference to Christ. These are both understood to be the case. John came as a messenger to fulfill what was said about preparing the way before the Lord.   He did his job in this regard, but the nation as a whole rejected his words. Instead of accepting his message, he was imprisoned and beheaded. Jesus uses the general term “they” to describe the actions of all who stood against John's proclamation. Concerning what was done to John, Jesus continues, saying, “And thus the Son of Man, He is about to suffer under them.”   Jesus explicitly tells the disciples that He will be handed the same type of treatment that John received. The message of both will be rejected by the nation of Israel.   The interpretation of many commentators, Jewish and Christians alike, is that the words of Malachi 3:1 and Malachi 4:5 & 6 speak of the same person and the same event. This is incorrect. John clearly stated that he is not Elijah in John 1:21. Luke declares that John came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” in Luke 1:17.   Jesus, stating that Elijah has come, means that John has fulfilled the anticipated role of Elijah for the nation of Israel through his message. However, Jesus' words in Matthew 17:11, which are in the future tense, tell us that the physical appearance of Elijah is still ahead. The coming of John to fulfill Elijah's role does not negate Elijah coming again to complete what was rejected by Israel. Rather, it is a main purpose of the second advent of Jesus.   Life application: Ellicott, along with those of similar thinking, uses Jesus' words of Matthew 11:14 about John being the ‘being about to come' and says that the future tense is the same as the future tense here. Ellicott calls it “an emphatic repetition.” The problem is that Matthew 11:14 was not in the future tense. It is a present participle.   Jesus' words about John as “the ‘being about to come'” were a reference to the ongoing expectancy that Elijah was coming. Each year, Jewish tradition taught that he would arrive at a feast, most usually associated with the Passover. For this reason, it was (and still is to this day) a custom for some Jews to leave an empty chair at the seder, hoping that he would come to their home.   The Jews are waiting for Elijah, and he is coming. He may even show up at a house with an empty chair waiting for him, as tradition supposes. But when he comes, his message is going to be one that literally shocks those who hear his words: “You missed the coming of the Messiah.”   So upsetting will this be to the people that he will eventually be killed along with the other witness who comes to testify that Israel is still, more than two millennia later, heading down the wrong path.   They will be in the area of the temple in Jerusalem, telling the people just what the book of Hebrews says. The temple and its sacrificial rites only anticipated Jesus. What they are doing is a refutation of a relationship with God, not a restoration of it. For those who think that what is happening in Israel with the building of a temple and the reinstatement of sacrifices is somehow a good thing, they, too, have misunderstood the import of Christ's ministry in this regard.   A temple is coming. Just because Scripture proclaims this, it does not mean God condones it. This is a mistake in reasoning that has deluded the church into supporting a rejection of what the temple only anticipated. The book of Hebrews makes this clear. To return to temple worship is to recrucify Christ, not glorify Him.   God cannot be glorified through animal sacrifices when His Son has come and set that entire order of worship aside, once and forever.   Lord God, may we be about the business of getting the word out to Israel and the Jewish people that they need Jesus. There can be no substitute and no end around in coming to You. Help us to ensure all people understand that He, and He alone, is the only way to be reconciled to You. Amen.

Niall Stanage is an outstanding White House Columnist for TheHill.com, a political analyst and can be seen regularly on NewsNation. He joined CG on Fresno's Morning News to offer commentary and analysis on President Trump's first State of the Union address in his second term. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday, 25 February 2026   Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. Matthew 17:11   “And Jesus answering, He said to them, ‘Elijah indeed, he comes first, and he will reconstitute all'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples queried Jesus, asking, “Why therefore the scribes, they say that Elijah, it necessitates, to come first?” Having recalled that, Matthew next records, “And Jesus answering.”   What Jesus says is the spoken word of God. Therefore, what He says is to be taken literally. He will make His statement based on what Scripture has already taught about Elijah. Therefore, what seems contradictory in the coming verse is due to a misunderstanding of what Jesus is saying. Understanding this, “He said to them, ‘Elijah indeed, he comes first.'”   Some texts omit the word “first,” as if this resolves the issue that many find difficult to understand. However, Mark 9:12 includes the word “first,” but accompanies it with an aorist participle, saying, “Elijah, indeed, having come first, he reconstitutes all.”   Thus, there is no reason to assume the word “first” doesn't belong here. The words of Jesus so far don't tell when Elijah is coming. It is a statement of fact, “He comes first.” However, the next words add more clarification, saying, “and he will reconstitute all.”   The future tense leaves no doubt that Elijah's coming is yet ahead. Therefore, what is coming is what was prophesied in Malachi 4 concerning him –   “Behold! I sending to you Elijah the prophet, To faces coming day Yehovah – The whopping and the ‘being feared,' 6 And he will cause to return, heart fathers, upon sons, And heart sons, upon their fathers. Lest I come, and I cause to strike the land – anathema.” Malachi 4:5, 6 (CG)   These are not words describing immediate family relations, as in, “He will turn the people in the families to love one another.” Rather, this is a word concerning the Hebrew people as a whole. The fathers are the patriarchs, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.   The children are those who have misunderstood both the promise to the patriarchs and the purpose of the law. The heart of the fathers was that of promise while trusting in the gospel of the grace of God. Paul explains this in Galatians 3 –   “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.' 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.”  ... “And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” Galatians 3:8, 9, & 17, 18   The hearts of the children, the unbelievers of Israel, will have their hearts turned to the hearts of the fathers who trusted the gospel of Christ as a certain and sure promise. If they do not turn their hearts, the warning stands.   Life application: The Old Testament, the time of man's living under the curse of law, ends with the word kherem, anathema. It speaks of the utter destruction or ban of something. It is a fitting end to the thirty-nine books of law.   Only with the hope of God in Christ is there life and renewed fellowship with God. Only in understanding the gospel can that state be realized.   As with the whole chapter of Malachi 4, the final words speak of a dual fulfillment. The first part of it came about when Israel rejected Jesus. He told them as much in Matthew 23:36, saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.”   The nation as a whole rejected Jesus, remained under law, and fell under the ban because of it. The second fulfillment will be for those of Israel who continue to reject Jesus during the tribulation. However, for the nation, that will eventually end. The land of Israel, symbolized by Jerusalem, was anathema because of Israel's rejection of Jesus. This is seen in Zechariah 14:11 –   “The people shall dwell in it; And no longer shall there be utter destruction [kherem], But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.”   This prophecy concerns the future when Israel finally receives Jesus. Only when the hearts of the children are turned to the hearts of the fathers, meaning those who lived in faith and not by law, will this time of woe for Israel end.   The day is coming, and the world is being readied for it with the return of Israel to her land. The nation has been reestablished, prophecies of the past have come to their fulfillment, and many more prophecies are set to be fulfilled.   The book is written, and these things will come about. We are simply spectators watching as the words of Scripture are faithfully realized, often before our own eyes. At some point, the rapture will take place, and the attention of the Lord will be directed to bringing about the final restoration of Israel while also bringing about judgment upon all who refuse to believe.   Malachi sets forth both the hope of restoration and the warning of rejecting it. Though it is directed to Israel, for those who know Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles, we can learn from what is said there.   Our trust is not to be in the Law of Moses but in the One who is spoken of there and throughout all of Scripture. It is not easy to let go and place ourselves solely under the authority of another, but we must do so. If we are in need of surgery, we have to trust that the surgeon will get us through the ordeal.   In the case of our eternal souls, we have to let go of trusting in ourselves and look to the eternal gospel, which God has slowly and methodically revealed to the world through His word. And that gospel is centered completely and entirely on the Person of Jesus Christ.   Lord God, help us in our stubborn desire to earn what You have so freely given. May we never assume that we can somehow merit Your gracious offering of Jesus. Rather, may we trust only in the word that tells us of what He has done, accepting it as the one acceptable means of restoration with You. Thank You for Your grace, which is found in Jesus Christ! Amen.

Tuesday, 24 February 2026   And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Matthew 17:10   “And His disciples, they queried Him, saying, ‘Why therefore the scribes, they say that Elijah, it necessitates, to come first?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples who joined Him on the mountain that they were not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man arises from the dead. Continuing the conversation, it next says, “And His disciples, they queried Him.”   As with most people who grew up in a place where the Bible is discussed, these men, having grown up in Israel, would have heard all kinds of teachings that people like to focus on. Therefore, they would have an awareness of matters that related to the vision they just saw.   Jesus, telling them not to share the vision, now complicates the sequence of events in their minds. To clarify their understanding, they queried Jesus, “saying, ‘Why therefore the scribes, they say that Elijah, it necessitates, to come first?'”   The scribes, understanding the prophecies found in Malachi, stated that Elijah would come back before the Messiah was revealed to them. That is based on two thoughts from Malachi –   “Behold Me! Sending My messenger, And he turned, road, to My faces And instantly, He will come unto His portico, The Lord, whom you seeking, And Messenger, the covenant, Whom you delighted. Behold! Coming! He said, Yehovah Sabaoth.” Malachi 3:1 (CG)   “Behold! I sending to you Elijah the prophet, To faces coming day Yehovah – The whopping and the ‘being feared,' 6 And he will cause to return, heart fathers, upon sons, And heart sons, upon their fathers. Lest I come, and I cause to strike the land – anathema.” Malachi 4:5, 6 (CG)   The scribes concluded that Elijah would come before the Messenger of the covenant, who is understood to be the Messiah, based on these thoughts. If this is so, and if he came in the vision they beheld, then in their minds, that would mean the prophecy was fulfilled. However, that would only be the case if people knew about it.   They could tell the people they saw a vision of Elijah and that the prophecy was fulfilled. Or Elijah could stay and reveal himself. But neither was the case. Elijah was there for a short span, and he disappeared. Along with his disappearance was the voice telling them to hear Jesus, not Elijah.   And more, Jesus just told them to tell no one of the vision until after He rose from the dead, and for all they knew, He could be speaking of the end-times resurrection. If they couldn't tell anyone, and if Elijah had come and left, then nobody would ever know Elijah came. But the scribes were waiting for Elijah.   It would be silly to have a prophecy in the Bible that was fulfilled, but nobody knew it was so! Therefore, they could not understand how things fit together because of this.   Life application: There are things that are clear and explicit in Scripture. If Scripture is truly the word of God, then those things must come to pass. There are things that must be inferred from Scripture, or which may require taking individual sections and tying them together to conclude what is being said.   In the case of the latter, if things are put together incorrectly, a misunderstanding of what will take place will occur. The scribes have the information laid out in Malachi concerning the Lord's messenger and the Messenger of the covenant from Malachi 3, and they have the note about Elijah from Malachi 4.   They put the two thoughts together and drew a conclusion based on those passages. However, Malachi 3 never said the Lord's messenger was Elijah. And Malachi 4 speaks of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, something they assumed meant the time when the Messiah was set to initiate.   Their conclusion was faulty because they misunderstood the content of the verses. And this is because they misapplied what those verses were saying. This is a common thing, especially with those excited about end-times prophecy to the exclusion of the rest of Scripture. They don't have a full understanding of what the Bible says. In fact, they may never have read the Bible through once. But they are “specialists” in eschatology.   This is as common as beans in a Mexican diner, but it is a poor way of handling the Bible. However, when people sound like they know what they are talking about in prophecy and eschatology, they are usually given an ear because people tend to really dig those things.   The answer to this problem is for people to read their Bibles and know, in advance, if the things they are being taught match up with what their own studies have made them understand. From there, it is much easier to work through the details than it is to sit blindly, accepting someone's teaching without any clue if he is doctrinally on the right page or not.   Lord God, whatever time we have left in our lives, may we use that time wisely, reading and contemplating Your word. Help us not to get distracted by too many irrelevant things, where we will then forsake this task. Give us wisdom to know You and what You expect of us through reading Your word. Amen.

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Monday, 23 February 2026   Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” Matthew 17:9   “And descending, they, from the mountain, Jesus, He enjoined them, saying, ‘You tell none the vision until that the Son of Man from dead, He arose'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that when the disciples uplifted their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus. It next says, “And descending, they, from the mountain, Jesus, He enjoined them.”   They are returning to where the other disciples are. However, just as they went to the mountain separately for a reason, Jesus wants what they saw to be kept to themselves also. Therefore, He enjoins them concerning the matter, “saying, ‘You tell none the vision.'”   A new word is seen here, horama, a vision. It is derived from horaó, to stare at, and which is, at times, translated as behold. This refers to what is beheld. It is something gazed at, such as a spectacle. What these men beheld was a vision.   Looking at the various uses of this word leads to the notion that what was seen may not be a concrete event, but a mental perception of something, somewhat like a dream. For example –   “But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 ‘I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 8 But I said, “Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.” 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.'” Acts 11:4-10   What Peter saw was real to him, but it was not necessarily real. These men saw a vision. Was it a concrete event where Moses and Elijah literally appeared with Jesus, or was a point being made concerning their ministries without them actually having been there? Being dogmatic about the matter may be barking up the wrong tree.   Regardless, what they saw was real to the disciples, and Jesus confirms that what they saw should be taken as such. But they were to refrain from speaking of it “until that the Son of Man from dead, He arose.”   Mark adds in the words, “So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.” The words of Jesus were perplexing to them, but they were obedient to His directive, keeping silent about the matter. But two obvious questions that arise from the event and Jesus' admonition are, “Why weren't all of the disciples taken along, and why should Jesus not want the other disciples to know what happened?”   It can only be speculation, but one reason that seems apparent is that if Judas had gone, or if he had been informed of what happened, he may never have betrayed Jesus. He was looking for one thing, but God had other plans. If he were aware of what took place, the necessary death of Jesus for the people of the world may not have come about in the manner it did.   For this, and any other logical reasons, the matter of the transfiguration was kept to a select few men until the time it could be freely spoken of by those who saw it.   Life application: Understanding that what the disciples saw may have been a vision without actual substance may then lead to other various points of doctrine or personal opinion falling apart. Pastors will adamantly speak of Moses' appearance as an actual event where he literally stood there. Because of this, it is then used as a springboard to say that Moses can, in fact, be one of the two witnesses noted in Revelation 11.   This would be contradictory, however, to Hebrews 9:27, which says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Because of Hebrews 9, it is clear that Moses will not be one of the two witnesses, but despite that, it would be unwise to proclaim either way that what was seen in the transfiguration was an actual physical event rather than a divinely prepared mental image, or vice versa.   Did a sheet really drop down from heaven with animals on it in front of Peter? It is unlikely at best. And yet, it seemed as real to Peter as if it actually happened. We should be careful not to be dogmatic about things we simply cannot know. Rather, whether Moses and Elijah actually stood there with Jesus or not, the point of why they were there with Jesus is what is important.   The disciples, and thus us because it is recorded in Scripture, were being taught truths concerning the ongoing plan of redemption. Jesus, not the Law and the Prophets, is who we are to focus our attention on.   Lord God, someday, we will have many answers to questions resolved. Until then, help us to not stubbornly claim things that may be debatable. Help us to contemplate Your word, consider what You are telling us, and hold fast to the truths we can glean from it. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.  

Sunday, 22 February 2026   When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:8   “And having uplifted their eyes, they saw none, if not Jesus alone” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus came to the disciples who had been overwhelmed by the voice and events on the mountain, touching them and telling them to arise and not be afraid. It next says, “And having uplifted their eyes.”   A new word, epairó, to uplift, is seen. It is from epi, upon, and airó, to take up or away. It can be used literally, as in this verse, or it can be used figuratively, such as exalting oneself, etc. The disciples had fallen on their faces from fear. Once Jesus' comforting touch and voice came, they uplifted their eyes and “they saw none, if not Jesus alone.”   Moses and Elijah were gone, and in whatever way the voice from the cloud was transmitted, there was nobody except Jesus to behold. The sudden removal of Moses and Elijah as soon as the voice had been uttered is instructional. Jesus and the message concerning Him are what are to be focused on. The Law and the Prophets had served their purpose and are now no longer what God is doing in the process of redemption.   Life application: If this short section concerning the events on the mountain is evaluated, the message it conveys is crystal clear. In Matthew 16:28, Jesus told the disciples that of those standing with Him, some would not see death until they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.   Just a short time later, He took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain where He metamorphosed before them. His countenance changed to brilliancy with radiating light. What does Paul say about the message of Christ? He explains it in 2 Corinthians 4 –   “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6   With His radiant countenance manifested, Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Him. As noted, Luke includes the note that their conversation was about Jesus' coming death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.   At that time, Peter offered to build three tents to accommodate Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Tents are for dwelling in. But what was the divine response from the Father? It concerned hearing Jesus. The temporary tabernacling of Moses and Elijah was done. The new and eternal tabernacling with God is through Jesus –   “And I heard – voice great from the throne, saying, ‘You behold, the tabernacle [skéné], the God, with the men, and He will tabernacle [skénoó] with them, and they – peoples of Him, they will be, and He – the God with them, He will be, their God'” Revelation 21:3 (CG). After the voice, the men fell down terrified, but when Jesus came to reassure them, they looked up, and there was only Jesus. Jesus promised that there would be those who would see Him coming in His kingdom.   The kingdom is that of understanding who He is, meaning the God/Man in whom God tabernacles, and that the law only anticipated His coming. It is no longer what God is doing. The kingdom Jesus was referring to has arrived in the preaching of the gospel. It will be realized in those who receive it someday. Jesus' words were not referring to an earthly kingdom during the millennium. That will occur, but it is not what is being referred to here.   “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13, 14   If your eyes are on law observance, you are missing the kingdom. Eyes on Jesus! The law is over. God wants us to focus our attention on what He has done through Jesus.   Lord God, thank You for the wonderful news of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, we are transferred to His kingdom and now have full and forever restoration with You. Thank You for this wonderful news. Yes, O God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

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Saturday, 21 February 2026   But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:7   “And He came, Jesus. He touched them, and He said, ‘You rouse, and you fear not'” (CG).   In the previous verse, after hearing the voice from heaven, the disciples fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew next records, “And He came, Jesus. He touched them.”   This is something seen elsewhere, in both testaments. When a person is presented with the presence of deity, it so overwhelms him that he falls to the ground in a stupor. But then, a comforting hand is presented to him –   “And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. 10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, ‘O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.' While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.” Daniel 10:7-11   “When I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.'” Revelation 1:12-18   Along with touching them, it says, “and He said, ‘You rouse, and you fear not.'”   The words of Jesus and the familiarity of His voice would have brought them to their senses and let them know that, despite the terror the manifestation of the voice brought, they were safe in His presence.   Life application: The lesson for the disciples is the same as the lesson for us today. Though humans throughout the world and in an almost unlimited number of religions constantly talk about God in their regular conversation, there is no fist-bumping fellowship between the two.   Rather, the perfections of God in contrast to the imperfections found in man mean that we should rather be terrified of encountering Him on our own merits. It cannot be known how the voice from the Father occurred, but it struck terror in the hearts and minds of the disciples.   It is the same reaction as occurred at Mount Sinai when Israel heard the words of the Lord God when the Ten Commandments were spoken. At that time, their response to Moses was, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”   Jesus is there to mediate between His Father and us. It is His perfection that allows this. Without that, there would only be horror at the majesty of God in relation to our own infinitely fallen state.   It is Jesus who restores harmony between the two. It cannot come about through Muhammad, Buddha, Krishna, Mary, or any other person or figure who is prayed to by the deceived people of the world. Without Jesus, there is only the expectation of judgment and condemnation. Thank God for Jesus Christ, who makes our restoration with God possible.   Lord God, how grateful we are for the giving of Your Son to bring us back to You. We praise You, and we will praise You forever and ever because of Him. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[School of Movies 2026] Finally, after twenty years of half-assed attempts (thirty if you count the Roger Corman production never intended to see the light of day) to bring Marvel's First Family to the big screen, they actually nailed it... mostly. First Steps delivers not just the Silver Age superheroes, but the era itself, in a gorgeous, memorable, hopeful vision of the Kennedy-Era 1960s (one where racism has been dealt with, and women don't struggle to be taken seriously). This alternate Earth of 828 is put in jeopardy when a version of Galactus (who isn't just a big angry CG cloud) comes calling. Setting aside a dedicated section to air our misgivings over two crucial factors, (wherein Sharon comes up with one subtle but significant story change that blows me away) this episode brings us closer to Doomsday, where these fantastic folks will play prominent roles.

Friday, 20 February 2026   And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew 17:6   “And having heard, the disciples, they fell upon their face, and they feared exceedingly” (CG).   In the previous verse, a cloud overshadowed those on the mountain, and a voice came out of the cloud proclaiming Jesus is God's beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. Matthew next records, “And having heard, the disciples, they fell upon their face.”   The terror of the event was overwhelming for the disciples. Elsewhere, John records what a voice from heaven sounded like –   “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” John 12:27-29   As the disciples were enveloped in the brilliant cloud, they would be mentally confused about the source of the voice. The mental overload could have been magnified depending on how the voice spoke. If it were authoritative, it could have been shocking. If it was a bit miffed, as in, “Forget those others. I want you to focus on My Son,” they could have been fearful for having had the wrong attitude, etc.   A natural reaction would be to fall down and lie prostrate in fear. That is confirmed with the next words, “and they feared exceedingly.”   The disciples, knowing there were three there, and having heard the voices as they conversed, the sudden introduction of another voice with nobody else having been present would have been truly shocking. Peter's memory was permanently affected by this event. Many years later, he referred to it in his second epistle –   “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18   Life application: At some point in human history, the Lord will return for His church. We have no idea when that will be. All the speculation in the world is wasted time that could have been used to do something productive for the Lord.   When He comes, the Bible says this will be how it occurs –   “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17   We will hear the shout of the Lord. Now imagine what that will be like for people under different circumstances. Some may be in church praising Him. Hearing that should be a glorious moment as the joy of those who were praising Him has found its true purpose.   Another group will be working, some in very tedious jobs. That will be a call to rest from their labors. It will be a relief for the weary, toiling souls. Another group might be people on the beach or on a mountain hiking. The majesty or beauty of their surroundings will suddenly mean nothing compared to the glory that lies ahead.   Others, however, might be engaged in stealing from Walmart, cheating with their neighbor's wives, or doing other things that Christians should not be engaged in. Their final acts on this earth before being taken to glory will be a source of embarrassment and shame.   How do you want your last moments before Jesus comes to be remembered? We should focus our minds on Him and honor Him at all times. We should have our eyes directed to Him and our activities in line with what He would find pleasing in His eyes.   The Lord is coming, and we don't know when. Be about your business with that in mind.   Lord God, help us to spend our time wisely as we await Your return for us. We may die before that day and await Your call from the sleep of death, but You may come while we are still alive. Give us wisdom to remember that day, considering it at all times as we contemplate a better life in Your presence forever. Amen.  

Marina Stabile is a Brazilian-born, Swiss-raised producer and line producer with over 20 years of experience in film, documentaries, commercials, and digital content. She is also one of my favorite humans and I'm lucky I get to call her a friend. She grew up in São Paulo, moved to Geneva at 10, attended an international school with 118 nationalities, and knew she wanted to produce after watching the Irving Thalberg Award presented at 3 a.m. on an Oscar broadcast. She studied film and international relations at USC, produced documentaries for the United Nations in Geneva, and returned to the U.S. to earn her MFA in producing at AFI, where her thesis film The Response won a Student BAFTA. Marina's credits span indie and studio, including Miguel Arteta's Beatriz at Dinner starring Salma Hayek, the Sundance Grand Jury Prize–winning Clemency starring Alfre Woodard, Harrison Ford's The Call of the Wild (as VFX supervisor), Searchlight's Hold Your Breath starring Sarah Paulson, The People We Hate at the Wedding, and the pandemic-shot Untitled Horror Movie alongside fellow producer Bronwyn Cornelius. Most recently, she produced Josephine — written and directed by Beth de Araújo and starring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan — which won both the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired by Sumerian Pictures in a competitive seven-figure deal. The film went on to screen in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival. In this conversation, we explore how culture impacts your craft, define once and for all what line producers really do, why the best career moves sometimes look like steps backward, and whether Los Angeles is still a special place to make movies. Enjoy!! CG

The second part of CG's conversation with luge bronze medalist Ashley Farquharson features Ashley's thoughts on the mental aspect of luge, her expectations for these Winter Games vs when she competed in Beijing 2022, what she did or didn't feel going down the track on her fourth and final run and while she may be a Park City girl, we felt a lot of Cool California coming out of her... and in the very best possible way! She is a great example of the very best in young, world class, American athletes. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, 19 February 2026   While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5   “Yet he speaking, you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them. And you behold! Voice – from the cloud, saying, ‘This, He is My Son, the Beloved in whom I approved! You hear – Him!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter said to Jesus that it was good for them to be there and that he and the others would build tabernacles for Him, Moses, and Elijah. Matthew next records, “Yet he speaking.”   Peter was in the process of what was essentially an idol-fest. He was star-struck with the audience gathered with Jesus. However, his thoughts were misdirected and unsuited for the situation. Remember what he himself had proclaimed just a short while before –   “You, You are the Christ, the Son of God, the living.” Matthew 16:16   Therefore, his words were cut off as he spoke, and “you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them.”   Two new words are seen here. The first is nephelé, cloudiness, or concretely, a cloud. It is from nephos, a cloud. The second new word is the verb episkiazó, to overshadow. It is from epi, upon or over, and skia, a shadow.   Saying that this cloud was lustrous may be because of the brilliant light radiating from Jesus, like when one is in fog and shines a light. The light is gathered into all of the fog particles, and the entire area turns lustrous.   If a cloud overshadowed them, even a regular cloud, this would be the result. This appears to be what is conveyed in the thought because of what continues to transpire. Next, it says, “And you behold!”   The excitement rushing from Matthew's pen is palpable as he introduces a second thought in a row this way. The inspired word of the Lord is asking us to really pay heed to what is being conveyed. First, the group was overshadowed, blocking out Moses and Elijah. Understanding this, it continues with, “Voice – from the cloud.”   Within the cloud itself is a voice. Like the burning bush on Mount Horeb, there was a physical demonstration of the presence, and yet, there is a concealing of the Source of the voice at the same time. Thus, the One speaking can only be understood by what He states, not by actually seeing Him. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘This, He is My Son.'”   The voice, being derived from eternity itself, calls out who He is, God the Father. As He is in the eternal state, the words were prepared from before the creation of a single atom to occur at this moment. Having indicated who Jesus is in relation to Him, He continues with, “the Beloved in whom I approved!”   The words are repeated from Matthew 3:17 when Jesus was baptized –   “This, He is, My Son – the Beloved in whom I approved!”   God had ordained Jesus to initiate His ministry. He was pleased with Him at that time. Now, after Jesus has told His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, and be killed, meaning His ministry was on its downward trajectory, the Father affirms His relationship with Him. Because of His pleasure in His Son, He next calls out, “You hear – Him!”   The point that the Father was making was that they were no longer to look to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) for their spiritual guidance. They were to listen to Jesus, the Fulfiller of everything spoken of in the Law and Prophets. It is an admonition from God that has not changed since then –    “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,' Jesus” Hebrews 12:2 (CG).   This is the directive from God for all people, meaning to focus on Jesus. Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end.   Life application: Although there are innumerable doctrines set forth in Scripture, the main point of doctrine for one's life conduct in the presence of God is understanding the matter of law versus grace and being obedient to the latter.   The Bible's first recorded words of God speaking to man are words of grace versus law. From that point on, because Adam disobeyed the law he was given, the violation of that law has been the source of every problem that mankind has ever faced. Adam failed to understand that he had been given grace. In Genesis 2:17, it said –   “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.”   Adam was given everything, though he had done nothing to earn it. God lavished upon the man His goodness in a variety of tastes, textures, and physical sensations as he experienced each new fruit. At the same time, and in the same sentence, the Lord gave Adam law –   “...but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”   This set forth a choice that has been set forth again for the people of the world. Will we choose to trust God and accept His grace, or will we ignore that, choose law, and perish apart from the grace? It is what Paul calls “a different gospel, which is not another” in Galatians 1.   God, in His words concerning Jesus, is setting forth that choice by telling the disciples, and thus us, because the words are recorded in Scripture, that we are to focus on the grace. That grace could only come through the crucifixion of Christ. When we return to the law, we crucify again for ourselves the Son of God. In this, we put Him to open shame. May we never presume to have such an attitude.   Lord God, thank You for the grace that is poured out on us through the giving of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.  

This week we head into full remake territory with Doug Liman's glossy, bone-crunching update of Road House. Jake Gyllenhaal steps into Patrick Swayze's boots as Dalton: a drifter, ex–UFC fighter, and walking concussion who takes a job cleaning up a Florida Keys bar where violence isn't a possibility — it's a nightly guarantee.From the opening underground fight circuit to the neon chaos of the Road House itself, the film wastes no time establishing its tone: sunburnt, hyper-kinetic, knowingly ridiculous action with a wink. Dalton isn't just muscle — he's a philosopher-bouncer trying (and often failing) to de-escalate a town addicted to throwing punches.What we talked aboutThe remake question: why revisit a cult classic, and does this version justify its existence?Gyllenhaal's performance — shredded, funny, and oddly charming as a smiling human weaponThe bar as a war zone: nonstop fights that feel both brutal and cartoonishDoug Liman's direction and the slick, CG-enhanced fight choreographyConor McGregor as the chaos agent villain — distracting stunt casting or perfect cartoon henchman?The movie's throwback 80s energy: big action, simple stakes, zero realismThe strange lack of romance in such a sweaty, hyper-physical filmStreaming vs cinema: whether this deserved a theatrical releaseVerdictIt's loud, dumb, stylish, and fully aware of it. Road House doesn't try to outthink the original — it turns the dial toward modern action excess and lets Gyllenhaal carry the vibe. Not high art, but a breezy, violent crowd-pleaser that knows exactly what it is.Strong recommend if you want neon-lit mayhem, broken bones, and a remake that leans into its own stupidity instead of apologising for it.You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out!We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

Christine Brennan is a sports columnist for USA Today and is widely considered one of the finest at her craft in the nation. She also is a New York Times bestselling author (ON HER GAME: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports) and can be seen contributing analysis and commentary on ABC, CNN and the PBS NewsHour. She joined CG on Fresno's Morning News LIVE from Milan to discuss women's figure skating (in particular, Alysa Liu), how good mental health at the Olympics can be a challenge and her thoughts on the final scoring in ice dancing when Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates fought for gold with France's Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday, 18 February 2026   Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:4   “And answering, Peter, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, good, it is – us to be here. If You desire, we will make here three tabernacles: You one, and Moses one, and Elijah one'” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that during the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Matthew next records, “And answering, Peter.”   All three gospel narratives agree that it was Peter who spoke to Jesus. However, each will show the individual preference of how Peter addressed Him. Matthew continues the narrative with, “he said to Jesus, ‘Lord.'”   Matthew records the word, kurios, lord. It is derived from kuros, supremacy. Mark records the word rhabbi. It is derived from the Hebrew rab, abundance, which is fixed to a pronominal suffix. The meaning then is “my master,” with the intent of “my great one,” or “my Mr. Full of Knowledge.” Luke records the word epistates, master. That is derived from epi, upon or over, and histemi, to stand. Thus, it is one who stands over another.   Each of them gives the same general meaning but is taken from the author's own well of knowledge when penning the account. The word spoken by Peter would have been in Aramaic, thus rhabbi is probably what was said. With that stated, Peter next says, “good, it is – us to be here.”   The meaning probably isn't, “It is good to be here, because...” Rather, Peter's intent seems more akin to “What a satisfying experience it is for us to be here.” To bolster that thought, he next says, “If You desire, we will make here...”   Some manuscripts say, “I will make.” Scholars who lean toward this as correct indicate it is in line with the impetuous nature of Peter, as if “I will handle this.” However, that doesn't change with “we.”   Depending on the situation, there is no less impetuosity if Peter volunteered others. However, it isn't certain that we have all that was said. Rather, the gospel focuses on particular things while probably ignoring other things that may have transpired. Understanding this, Peter continues, saying, “three tabernacles.”   It is a new word, skéné, a tent. In this case, it would be referring to a tabernacle built out of whatever branches could be obtained by the disciples. The word can be used literally, as it is here, or it can be used figuratively, such as in Hebrews 9:11. Peter, assuming this may be an extended stay for them, or maybe hoping it can be extended by his suggestion, offers to build three tabernacles, which are, “You one, and Moses one, and Elijah one.”   The offer to build tabernacles, akin to the sukkah made for the Feast of Tabernacles, is made. Mark adds to the thought, saying, “For not he had known what he should say. For terrified, they were.” Luke says, “not having known what he says.”   In other words, there was confusion in his mind about how to address the issue at all, and he blurted out his words, probably in an attempt to bring some sort of control to the events around him that he could not fully understand.   Life application: One of the most common things passed on in Christian circles from this verse, and which has been repeated in innumerable sermons and commentaries, and then which is passed on by lay people, is that everyone will know everyone else in heaven immediately because Peter knew who Moses and Elijah were without being told.   How anyone can come to that conclusion is hard to figure out, but it now permeates Christian thinking. The account has already said that Moses and Elijah were conversing with Jesus. Conversing means... anyone? Having a conversation. It could have gone on for five minutes or an hour. And yet, not a word of what was said is recorded.   The general tenor of the conversation was that they “spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). But that is just what the conversation was about, not the details that were conveyed.   For all we know, Peter was listening and heard the names of Moses and Elijah stated by Jesus. Maybe Jesus introduced the two, saying, “Moses, this is Elijah. Elijah, this is Moses.” Or maybe the two were wearing name tags. To jump to the conclusion that everyone will know everyone else assumes too much.   It is not a good policy to make such statements without qualifiers, such as “Maybe...” The fact is, we have no idea whether we will know everybody's name or not.   Use discretion when passing things on. To insert thoughts that may or may not be correct can only lead people down incorrect paths of thinking. One idea, such as this, can, and normally will, lead to other unfounded suppositions.   Lord God, it is good to be in Your presence and to share in Your tenderful blessings and mercies each day. We are the recipients of all of Your goodness toward mankind because of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Help us to remember this in times of troubles, trials, and difficulties. What we have coming will forever replace anything we are now suffering. Thank You for this great hope we possess. Amen.  

Monday, 16 February 2026   and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:2   “And He metamorphosed before them, and it radiated, His face, like the sun, and His garments, it became whites, as the light” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus took Peter, James, and John off alone up on a high mountain. Now, the narrative continues, saying, “And He metamorphosed before them.”   It is a new word, metamorphoó, to transform, change, transfigure, etc. It is from meta, a preposition denoting accompaniment, usually translated as “with,” and morpho, to fashion or form, a word found only in Galatians 4:19. Thus, this word signifies “changing form in keeping with inner reality” (HELPS Word Studies).   It is the word used twice by Paul concerning our transformation in Christ, in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. Jesus changed His appearance and yet maintained His inner reality. Thus, this is a revelation of who He is that exists in accord with His being. The effect of this change was, “and it radiated, His face.”   The word signifies to radiate brilliancy or beam with light. The word is used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:6 –   “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone [lampó] in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”   Along with this, it says, “like the sun.”   If His face shone like the sun, then the brilliancy of Christ's divine nature is that of a light so strong it cannot be focused on directly without harming the eyes of the one beholding it. His glory can only be beheld in a glance that would be stunning and impossible to maintain a constant view of. And more, it next says, “and His garments, it became whites, as the light.”   The reason for changing the singular “white” to the plural “whites” is to abstract the concept, changing the intent from merely a color to the idea of purity and divinity. It is incorrect to say that the inner light shone outward and caused the clothes to become bright and shining.   Rather, an object lesson was given in the clothes themselves. The garments are a visible metaphor of Jesus' perfect purity and righteousness. What is seen here is a representation of His divine nature being presented to these apostles, but which has been thus far clothed within His human nature. It is the fulfillment of what He had just said to them as Chapter 16 ended –   “Amen! I say to you that they are some of those having stood here who not they should taste death until if they should see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28   This is not a stretch, as if, “But His kingdom hadn't yet come.” Rather, remember what He Himself said previously –   “And if in God's Spirit I, I eject the demons, then it preceded upon you, the ‘God's kingdom'” Matthew 12:28 (CG).   Likewise, in Luke 17, He says –   “Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, “See here!” or “See there!” For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.'” Luke 17:20, 21   Jesus was not telling the Pharisees that the kingdom of God was within them, meaning inside of them. He was telling them that it was in their midst. Jesus' deity is the kingdom of God. The transfiguration of Christ was given as a witness to these three men concerning this fact.   Life application: In the Old Testament, the Lord God (Yehovah Elohim) tabernacled with Israel in the wilderness. Everything about that prefigured Jesus Christ. In John 1:14, it says that the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. John was connecting the event in the wilderness of Sinai to Jesus in His humanity.   The deity of Christ is not a negotiable or debatable concept in Scripture. Rather, it is the fundamental truth found in Scripture. God entered into His creation to redeem us from sin. To deny the deity of Jesus Christ is to deny the only gospel that can save the human soul.    Be sure to get Jesus right. To fail to do so is an eternal error that will never be remedied once your final breath has been taken.   Lord God Almighty, we may not fully understand all the Bible reveals about Jesus, but we do understand what the Bible is telling us about Him. You have come in the Person of Jesus. We take it on faith that this is true. Thank You that You have done what You have done for us, O God. Amen.