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AI in Christian Thought Faith Debate: Sunday, August 30th, 2026 (09/06/26 on 930 WFMD in Frederick, Maryland) What's "Artificial Intelligence"? Before we respond to AI, we must understand it refers to computational systems trained on massive datasets to recognize patterns, generate outputs, & simulate reasoning. It doesn't possess consciousness, a soul, or genuine understanding in a meaningful sense. Large Language Models are trained on human-generated text. They reflect/amplify whatever values/assumptions/worldviews that dominate training data. The distinction between narrow AI & general AI is critical for calibrating a response appropriately. AI is a human artifact, not a rival to humanity. It's a tool made by image-bearers, not an image-bearer itself, so calling it "intelligent" is a category error. Let's define terms carefully. This episode is part 3 of a 5-part conversation (piggybacking on a 2-part AI discussion from earlier in 2026). To hear the 5 parts in uninterrupted fashion, go to the Christian Podcast Community & find the Theology Throwdown show from 04-11-26. The Faith Debate podcasts can be found at wfmd.com, ChristianPodcastCommunity.org, & most podcast platforms - including SermonAudio & Odysee. (Videos are made available in many of these same places, as well on Rumble). Find links for all of these outlets at householdoffaithinchrist.com. Panel: Troy Skinner. Host, The Faith Debate Andrew Rappaport. Host, Theology Throwdown Keith Heltsley. Host, Quest For Truth Melissa Lex. Host, Thoroughly Equipped Eve Franklin. Host, Are You Just Watching Brandon Hollen. Host, Rooted Reason George Binoka. Host, Gospel Talks Anthony Russo. Host, Grace & Peace Radio

INTRO: This is the second message with the title: "You are Incredible!" I mentioned last time that my purpose is not to puff anyone up but to humble us! Humility is one of the most important character traits for mankind. When humility enters, pride exits. I took message 1 from Psalm 8:3. David said: 3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, This message comes from verse 4: 4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? In the first message we looked in particular at the words, "When I consider the heavens…" David said, "When I look up into the night sky and ponder what You have made, then I ask myself, 'What is man that You are mindful of him and that You visit him?" Do you know why, in light of all God's creation, He is mindful of you? All of that vast expanse out there, all those zillions of stars, many of them so huge it defies our minds to compute the numbers, and then come down from there to one tiny, tiny, little planet called earth, and then come down to a yet far smaller tiny, tiny, little you or me; then this question presents itself to us: What am I that You consider me?

We look at the culprit in "they which creep into houses" and at the intended victims who are named as "silly women laden with sins". Also Reference: John 17:14-19, 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 11:28-30 MUSIC: Praise # 2 (C) "Precious Memories" Praise # 60 (C) "When He Comes" Praise # 28 (C) "The Unclouded Day" "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" Acapella https://bbfohio.com

If you turn on the news today, you are likely to see headlines that feel overwhelming. You might see reports of religious conflicts, ancient churches burning in Europe, or debates about whether certain acts of violence represent "true" Islam. Many people feel confused. On one hand, we are told Islam is a religion of peace. On the other hand, groups committing acts of terror often claim they are the ones following the faith most closely. To understand what is happening in our world today, we have to look at the historical "software"—the system of ideas, laws, and history that drives this world system. In the world of computers, if you have a program that keeps crashing or acting in a specific way, you don't blame the monitor; you look at the code. This article is a look at that historical code.

The sermon interprets Revelation 13 as a prophetic warning against the rise of artificial intelligence, viewing AI as the modern manifestation of the beast and its image that speaks. It traces the historical development of computing from early rule-based systems to deep learning and large language models, explaining how these technologies mimic human intellect without possessing true consciousness or soul. The speaker argues that while AI demonstrates a functional understanding through pattern recognition, it remains a man-made idol lacking the breath of life found in biblical descriptions of false worship. This technological advancement presents a spiritual crisis for post-modern society, challenging believers to maintain faith amidst a godless pursuit of synthetic intelligence. Ultimately, the message calls for discernment and reliance on divine supremacy rather than trusting in human ingenuity.

We take so much for granted... But when it comes to the ability to search out worldly matters, we live like KINGS. And when it comes to spiritual matters, the born again Christian IS living as a king! Also Reference: Revelation 5:10 https://bbfohio.com

The sermon examines the intersection of Christian faith and modern video gaming by tracing the technological history from early computers to immersive virtual worlds. It argues that while play has biblical precedent and can offer benefits like socialization and discipline, unchecked engagement with digital entertainment poses spiritual risks. The speaker warns against the dangers of financial waste, time mismanagement, and the depravation of imagination through violent or escapist content. Ultimately, the message urges believers to reject disembodied virtual realities that encourage escaping physical life, instead anchoring their desires in God's tangible redemptive plan for the material world.

A flurry of reports are coming from the Middle East as it pertains to Iran, Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Straits of Hormuz and the United States. The second day of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, just concluded and Fox News is reporting that the Treasury Secretary announced that the Trump administration has temporarily authorized the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil under a 60-day license. This broadcast presents an update on this as well as the continued warring between Israel and Hezbollah, Lindsey Graham's feelings regarding the current negotiations, Israel kills a journalist allegedly tied to Hamas, and more. Also, an update on what's going on with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, the controversy surrounding Flock cameras, and how all this points to the anti-Christ. In the end, AI is becoming so sophisticated that even experts are having a hard time discerning truth from deception. Dr. Richard Schmidt is Pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church and founder of Prophecy Focus Ministries. He joins us on this edition of Crosstalk. For more information: prophecyfocus.org

Dalton took the reins this week, presenting many news stories that are important for informed Christians. Here's a sample: --Iran escalated tensions on Wednesday by bombing a Kuwait airport and targeting a U.S. fleet in Bahrain. --Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified this week that U.S. negotiators have seen signs that Iran's new supreme leader has been engaged in negotiations despite not being seen publicly. --Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem on Thursday rejected a U.S. brokered cease-fire framework between Israel and Lebanon, warning that the Iran-backed terrorist group would continue attacks as long as Israeli military operations continue in Lebanon. --A California tech CEO is facing 20 years in prison after allegedly earning millions by selling U.S.-origin computer networking equipment to Iran's military and nuclear establishments, according to Justice Department officials. --On Wednesday, the House voted to direct President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from the conflict with Iran or win approval from Congress to continue the war after four Republicans sided with Democrats in a striking sign of growing opposition to a military campaign now in its fourth month. --Russia has launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles against Kiev and other Ukrainian cities, killing at least 18 civilians and wounding more than 100 others. --The Republican-led House on Thursday passed a sweeping security package providing new military aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia, delivering a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration who actually opposes the measure. --Muslims screaming 'Allahu Akbar' set a huge fire at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

How long have you been a Christian? Do these admonitions apply to you? What is the condition of your maturity? Do you need someone to go over the basics with you again? Or are you diligently applying the basics, and hungry for more? If you are hungry for more, do you see that holiness is at the centre? Do you study the priesthood of Christ, for example, in order to discern both good and evil? Or are you operating as some kind of doctrine computer? In Scripture, doctrine is practical, and high doctrine is highly practical. Those who neglect doctrine for practice become impractical. Those who neglect practice for the sake of doctrine are unskilled in righteousness. We are never to tear apart what God has joined together.

This is a rerecording of our Sunday School class from May 17, 2026. A power surge at the church shut down our computer and cable and we lost the original recording. I took some time this afternoon and took advantage of some beautiful weather to work through Galatians 2 for those who are following along as we study the Epistles in Chronological order.

Though I sat under Albert Martin's Ministry in 1984-1985, From the years 2009-to 2020 I was his neighbor and computer tech and tutor. There was a reason that I was given this privilege. This is my assessment and reflections that I have been contemplating when we heard that he passed away on April 7th. how the end of his life on earth affected me.

This lesson calls Christians to steward technology not as inherently good or evil, but as a tool requiring discernment, shaped by biblical wisdom and the rhythms of faith. It emphasizes that digital habits often erode spiritual health by fostering distraction, isolation, and addiction, necessitating intentional resistance through disciplined practices like regular worship, face-to-face community, and self-imposed abstinence from harmful digital patterns. The central message is that true fulfillment and rest are found not in technological shortcuts to joy, but in Christ alone, whose gospel offers the only lasting satisfaction. By cultivating godly habits, embracing embodied relationships, and anchoring life in eternal promises, believers can navigate the digital age with integrity, resisting the culture's idolatry of immediacy and novelty while remaining faithful to the enduring call of discipleship.

Update about our trip to New Jersey for our son's wedding. Also, while we were going to the church that Albert Martin pastored for 46 years, we discovered he had passed into heaven just a few hours before. So I wanted to honor him from my own experience from my days at TBC and over 11 years as his neighbor, and close friend as I began teaching him how to use a personal computer and served him anytime he needed us to come over and fix a printer, or even line up the rows in his email program. It was such a privilege.

The sermon confronts the spiritual and psychological toll of digital distraction, tracing a rise in nihilism, anxiety, and isolation among younger generations fueled by endless triviality and constant connectivity. It argues that the online environment—designed to capture attention through endless minutiae—creates a 'noise chamber' that undermines stillness, deep thought, and meaningful engagement, both in daily life and in spiritual disciplines. Drawing on dystopian visions like Orwell's and Huxley's, it warns that self-imposed distraction, rather than external control, is the greater threat, leading to dislocation—being physically present but mentally and relationally absent—especially in family, church, and personal relationships. The remedy lies in intentional spiritual practices (means of grace)—prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship—that anchor the soul in Christ, cultivating peace and discernment through the biblical call to dwell on what is true, honorable, and worthy of praise. Ultimately, the lesson calls for a disciplined, gospel-centered life that resists the seduction of digital amusement and reclaims embodied presence as a sacred act of faith.