The Sacrifice of Fools:

The Red Pill Awakening

Spirituality/Belief • Culture • Writing

Saved or Self Deceived

Michael A. Gentile

June 07, 2025

Part One:

The book of Ecclesiastes emphasizes living authentically before God, particularly through the concept of "fearing God," which implies reverence, obedience, and a proper relationship with Him.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

This passage aligns with Jesus’ emphasis on doing the will of God.

Matthew 7:21
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

The "fear of God" in Ecclesiastes is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a call to live obediently, much like Jesus’ requirement for a genuine relationship with Him and the Father.

Ecclesiastes critiques the pursuit of meaningless endeavors, including superficial religious practices.

Ecclesiastes 5:1
"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil."

This passage warns against thoughtless worship or religious acts without genuine devotion, and echoes Jesus' words from the cross in regard to those who were executing him. Both Ecclesiastes and Matthew's gospel emphasize the need for heartfelt obedience. And Ecclesiastes repeatedly underscores that God sees and judges' human actions, a theme that connects to the judgment scene in Matthew 7:21-23.

Ecclesiastes also reflects on the futility of human endeavors apart from God, apart from true relationship with Him. Which indirectly relates to Jesus’ rejection of those who rely on their own works.

Ecclesiastes 2:11
"Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."

This sense of "meaninglessness" when pursuing human achievements without God parallels the futility of the religious acts in Matthew 7:22, which lack the foundation of a genuine relationship with Jesus. Both texts suggest that works, no matter how impressive, are empty without alignment with God’s will.

You could say that Ecclesiastes, emphasizes reverence and obedience over personal intimacy. And therefore, it differs from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7 which is explicitly eschatological, focused on the final judgment and personal rejection by Him as the divine judge.

But I don't think they are different. I mean, why did Jesus tell us in Matthew 7 that some would be rejected?

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus teaches that not everyone who claims allegiance to Him ("Lord, Lord") or performs impressive religious acts (prophesying, casting out demons, performing miracles) will enter the kingdom of heaven. Instead, only those who "do the will of my Father" will be accepted. Added to this is how Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship involves a personal connection (internal transformation), not just outward actions. Jesus ties entry into the kingdom to "doing the will of my Father." This reflects a consistent biblical theme (seen in both Old and New Testaments) that true faith is demonstrated through obedience. It’s a challenge to live with integrity, ensuring that one’s faith is not just performative but rooted in love for and submission to God.

Likewise, in Ecclesiastes, the "fear of God" (Ecclesiastes 12:13) is not merely intellectual reverence but a holistic posture of awe, submission, and adherence to God’s commandments. Both texts reject superficiality, Ecclesiastes critiques the "sacrifice of fools" (Ecclesiastes 5:1), and Jesus rejects those who perform miracles without true faith.

Part Two: Saved or Self Deceived

Every human being lives forever. Consciously, thoughtfully, without distraction and with full comprehension. It'll be eternity with unlimited and unrestrained fully functioning minds and bodies. In other words, we will know all there is to know for the created beings to know.

The question isn't eternal life; the question is where you'll spend eternity. Many people are convinced that they have secured their place in eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.

Are they right or wrong?

Let's take a closer look at what Jesus said on this.

Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

Jesus tells us that there will be many, not just a few, but many, who will fall into deception on this subject. They'll have empty words that come from empty hearts. Their testimony will be founded upon a false confession. And so, right from the start we can sus out that genuine faith that saves is not merely about confession. Saying "Lord, Lord" reflects a verbal profession of faith, but Jesus indicates this alone is insufficient. Jesus prioritizes action over words. This challenges those who rely solely on a one-time profession of faith or cultural Christianity without a transformed life.

The next thing to notice is the self-righteousness. The people Jesus rejects point to their extraordinary deeds; prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles, all done "in your name." These are not minor acts; they’re powerful and outwardly impressive and they have the appearance of being very devoted spiritually speaking.

Now, let's pause here for a moment.

What do we know?

We know that confessing Jesus is critical to a faithful relationship with Christ.

We know that one cannot confess faith in Christ unless they are given the words from The Holy Spirit. It is His work to bring that about.

And yet Jesus says,

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven."

This brings to my mind something from the prophet Isaiah,

Isaiah 29:13
"This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."

It's about giving lip service without a genuine heart transformation, which ultimately is meaningless. The deception lies in believing that a verbal claim alone secures your salvation, ignoring the need for a heart aligned with God’s purposes. And we see this advertised every Sunday in most churches, believe and be saved.

Now, let's keep in mind, these people Jesus is referring to aren't just some groups of C and Eers (people who attend church on Christmas and Easter only), or recent one-time altar call recruits. They're devoted to Jesus' name, performing works of righteousness in his name. They're devoted are directly associated in the service of His name. They are engaged in spiritual warfare, doing ministry that involves the casting out of demons. These are not some superficial marginal claims to faith. So, it's stunning to hear this, that many like them will hear,

"I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness."

What were they doing that was lawless?

How can people who appear deeply devoted to Jesus; performing miracles, casting out demons, and prophesying in His name, be rejected as "workers of lawlessness" who were never known by Him?

The deception lies in believing that outward acts, whether verbal confession or religious works, secures salvation without a heart aligned with God’s will. They are hypocritical and profane because they are taking the Lord's name in vain.

The term "workers of lawlessness" (Greek: ergazomenoi tēn anomian) in Matthew 7:23 is key to understanding their rejection. It refers to a disregard for or violation of God’s law, which encompasses His moral, relational, and covenantal standards. It's profane in its lack of love for God's word, and it's self-centered motives. This aligns with Jesus’ earlier warnings in the Sermon on the Mount about practicing righteousness "to be seen by others" (Matthew 6:1–5). Their works, though done "in His name," may have been driven by pride or a desire for status, not in love for God.

Jesus redefines righteousness as surpassing that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20), emphasizing an internal transformation (purity of heart, which really means motives, humility, and love for enemies) over external compliance to ritualistic behavior. For instance, the Pharisees and the chief priests practiced acts of righteousness, even casting out demons and curing infirmities. That was their duty as priests. And they did those things. And Jesus did not "know" them. Not as his children of light. Not having met them at the narrow gate. Not seeing them in an attitude of repentance. They weren't thirsting and hungering for righteousness. They were empty hearts speaking empty words, whitewashed tombs.

These empty people know the law but don't know the heart of the law. God’s law encompasses His moral, relational, and covenantal standards, rooted in love for God and others (Matthew 22:37–40). These empty people prioritize self over God, even while cloaked in religious activity. Jesus addresses these people when speaking about two types of people who are both building houses (which represents building a relationship with God).

Let's take a closer look:

Luke 6:46–49
"Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

So, what's happening here?

The storm is coming against both houses (judgement), the stream is breaking against us, the flood is pounding on our doors. Both houses are built in the same place. Same everything except for one thing. One has a foundation built on the rock, and the other has no foundation. One built on a bed of rock that cannot be moved, and the other has built directly on the sand.

This parable underscores the importance of not just hearing Jesus’ teachings but putting them into practice, providing a vivid illustration of the consequences of genuine faith versus superficial faith.

The Two Builders:

The wise man represents those who hear Jesus’ words and does them. Their faith is active, rooted in obedience to His teachings.

The foolish man represents those who hear Jesus’ words but do not do them. Their faith is superficial, lacking the practical application of His teachings. No love for the law of God. No longing for the love of God. They are looking to enhance their relationship with externals. Worshipping with their mouths but not with their hearts.

What is the foundation, the rock upon which it is built?

The rock symbolizes a life built on obedience to Jesus’ gospel teachings, particularly those in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), such as humility, love, forgiveness, and purity of heart. It reflects a heart transformed by faith and aligned with God’s will (Mark 1:15).

The sand symbolizes a life built on hearing alone, professing faith, performing religious acts, and relying on self-righteousness without true repentance, obedience, or transformation.

The house on the rock stands firm, symbolizing salvation. The house on the sand falls with a great crash, symbolizing destruction and rejection. The foolish builder’s failure to act on Jesus’ words mirrors the "sacrifice of fools", religious acts without genuine devotion. Both are superficial, lacking the heart transformation that God requires.

So where can we hear a word of encouragement and assurance in this?

Jesus doesn't leave us in the dark on this.

John 8:31
So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,"

So, how can we be sure that we are abiding in His word?

I think we can sus that out by examining where scripture teaches us about those who aren't abiding and maybe learn from their mistakes.

Titus 1:10, 14, 15, 16
"...there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers...", "...devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth...", "...both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, and disobedient, unfit for any good work...."

One thing in particular marks the difference between an abiding believer and an unbeliever or believer in name only, and that is a lifestyle of eagerly loving and obeying the word of God. Hearing the word and doing it. No one can snatch Jesus’ sheep from His or the Father’s hand when they are doing his word.

1 John 2:3–6
"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says, ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected."

James 1:22–25
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

We're not necessarily talking about "perfection" here, we're talking about "direction". True Christians build on the rock of biblical wisdom and truth. Merely hearing the word (building on sand) without acting on it leads to self-deception.

Why do so many build on sand?

Simple answer, it's easy. No need to dig deep. No need to form a foundation and structure that'll make the foundation able to withstand the pressures and tensions that comes from being beaten down again and again. It's the short cut, instant gratification that so many seek. You see this often in many orthodox practices. No time for conviction and cultivating the truth. No time for counting the costs. It's a shallow approach to everything. And today superficiality is how we measure success. Today we build our lives on instantaneous impressions. Today we build on the sand of a viral Tik Tok moment. Today we rush into a bold and beautiful profession of faith without ever acknowledging that Jesus Christ is actually in charge of our salvation. not us, not our rituals, not our institutions. And later on, inevitably they rush out again when the storm comes.

There's no preaching about sin; therefore, there's no repentance from it. There's no cost counted because there's no cost. There's no persecution so there's no perseverance. There's no effort, no endurance, so there's no efficacy. There's no obedience to the word so there's no obedience to Christ.

And so, our Lord says, the foolish builder, who hears but doesn’t act, mirrors the hearer-only who deceives themselves. Their faith, like the house on sand, collapses because it lacks the practical application of God’s truth. James emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through action, not just words or outward works of devotion to a pattern of worship.

So now we come to the nitty gritty.

How do you know that you haven't built your house on a foundation of sand?

The sand is religious acts without genuine devotion. If you're ashamed of the gospel or are reserved in yielding to Christ as King of the Universe. If you are you irritated by the commands of scripture, if it bother you that Jesus is restricting in His Way. Do you not like that the Bible lays out sins that you cannot be found doing? Sins that you would like to do. Does that irritate you?

If you answered yes, that is evidence that you have built your house of faith on a foundation of sand which isn't even a foundation. It's not even a concrete slab poured on sand. You've literally built your house directly on sand.

Do you come to faith because it's expected of you? Do you pray openly because it's expected of you? Are you trying to earn your way into favor with God and his people? Have you recycled your previous lifestyle of phony self-worship and traded it in for a new fabrication of YOU with Jesus as an add-on for a new viral sensation and adulation?

If you are doing these things, it's a wrong motive because it's about your own glory and not Christ's glory or Christ's kingdom that you are promoting. It's a wrong motive building on sand.

Is there anything in you, even some small component of your faith, that thinks you can earn your way into heaven? Even if you believe in the cross and the resurrection but still believe that you can contribute to your salvation somehow, you have a foundation built on sand. Which isn't a foundation at all. And I mean, even if you think that you can encourage your salvation, not directly earn it but encourage it with prayers to saints, acts of contrition (which really means acts of contribution), or post-death means of working out your salvation (purgatory), then you have built your faith on sand.

If you love the world. Can't let go of it. Can't let go of pleasures and pride, and you won't forsake those things for the sake of obedience to Jesus Christ and his teachings? It's very possible that you've built your faith on sand.

Unfortunately, friends, I think most of us have built very elaborate houses on sand. If I'm being serious and honest, I've come to the understanding that genuine faith is knowing that if you were to hear those words from Jesus, ("I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness."), it would be justified and right for Jesus to judge us in that way.

And I've learned that if you believe you deserve to hear those words, you probably won't hear them. It's a little like a sane person asking if they are really insane. Probably not if you are willing to admit that you may be.

So, let's stop with that and pray:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our unworthiness and our tendency to build on sand, trusting in our own works, seeking our own glory, or clinging to the world. Forgive us for any resistance to Your word, any prideful motives, or any belief that we can earn Your favor. We confess that we deserve Your judgment, yet we cling to Your mercy through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Thank You for Your grace that saves us, not by our works but by faith in Christ alone.

Holy Spirit, search our hearts and reveal any sandy foundations. Transform us from within, giving us a love for Your word, a desire to obey Jesus, and motives that seek Your glory alone. Help us to abide in Jesus’ teachings, to be doers and not hearers only, and to build our lives on the rock of His truth. May we forsake the world’s pleasures and pride, taking up our cross to follow You.

Lord Jesus, we trust in Your promise of eternal life, and we rest in Your unfailing love. In Your holy name, amen.

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Genesis 6:11
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Biblical narratives often depict them as exceptionally corrupt and brutal, citing practices like child sacrifice, idolatry, and societal violence as justifications for their conquest by the Israelites. The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) frequently frames the Canaanites as a violent, immoral people deserving of divine judgment, emphasizing their "corruption" through acts like human sacrifice, sexual immorality, and abuse of the vulnerable to rationalize the Israelite conquest. For instance, passages describe them as building societies on "violent practices," including child immolation to deities like Baal, Tanit, or Molech, which sowed seeds of broader societal brutality.

But maybe Canaanites were engaging in warfare, ritual killings, and other brutal acts at levels comparable to their contemporaries like the Assyrians, Hittites, Egyptians, and even early Israelites. Specific Canaanite practices, such as child sacrifice, were indeed violent and horrific by modern standards, but they were not unique to them and do not indicate an inherently more savage society. And in light of our modern society with all its wars, slavery, crime and butchering the unborn on the level of 10's upon 10's of millions, it's fair to say that they weren't any more violent than most.

It’s a poignant reminder that humanity’s propensity for brutality, rooted in the Fall of Mankind, persists across eras, manifesting in different forms but with similar underlying spiritual corruption. The Bible’s portrayal of Canaanites as exceptionally violent and corrupt serves a theological purpose: It frames the Israelite entry into Canaan as divine justice against a society steeped in idolatry, immorality, and brutality (e.g., Deuteronomy 9:4-5; Leviticus 18:24-28). But Assyrians impaled captives, Egyptians practiced retainer sacrifices in pyramids, and early Israelites faced internal condemnations for similar violence.

This ties back to Genesis 6:11’s universal indictment, violence as a symptom of human corruption, not confined to one group.

If we measure by scale and sophistication, modern humanity often eclipses ancient violence, despite technological and ethical advances. Wars, slavery, crime, and abortion reflect a "filled with violence" earth in new guises, often sanitized by policy or distance. While ancient Canaan saw localized city-state clashes (hundreds or thousands killed in battles like at Megiddo), mankind in 2025 hosts over 110 ongoing armed conflicts worldwide, per the Geneva Academy’s monitoring. Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Congo involve millions displaced and tens of thousands dead annually. Total combat deaths exceed ancient scales due to modern weaponry.

Canaanite society also included debt bondage and war captives, but estimates were in the thousands regionally. Today, about 50 million people around the globe live in modern slavery; forced labor, marriage, or sex trafficking, per the 2022 Global Estimates (updated figures hold steady into 2025). Global homicide rates total over 450,000 murders yearly. Globally, around 73 million abortions occur annually, per WHO and Guttmacher data (consistent from 2024 into 2025 projections). The U.S., 2024 saw about 1 million abortions (rate 15.4/1,000 women aged 15-44), up slightly post-Dobbs in non-ban states. This scale, 61% of unintended pregnancies ending in abortions, evokes ancient rituals but at industrialized levels, and is often framed in rights vs. sanctity of life debates.

In light of Genesis, this modern "filling" of the earth with violence calls for the same repentance and renewal Noah’s story implied. Yet, as Isaiah and the New Testament foresee, a day without violence awaits us still.

Maybe it's safe to say that we are all Canaanites.

Are Christian's called to violence?

Matthew 10:34
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword."

This verse is sometimes invoked by critics or anti-Christian apologists to suggest Jesus endorsed violence or militancy. However, a closer examination of the biblical context reveals the "sword" is metaphorical, symbolizing inevitable division and conflict arising from allegiance to Jesus, not a literal call to arms or advocacy for physical violence.

In Matthew 10, Jesus is commissioning His twelve disciples for ministry, warning them of the hardships they’ll face (verses 16-33). He emphasizes persecution, betrayal, and opposition, even from within families.

"And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household" (verses 35-36).

This echoes Micah 7:6, a prophetic lament about familial strife in times of judgment. The "sword" here isn’t a weapon Jesus wields or instructs others to use; it’s a figure of speech for the sharp, divisive (separation) impact of His gospel message. Accepting the Gospel often meant rejecting cultural, religious, or familial norms in first-century Judea, leading to social rifts, much like how truth can "cut" through relationships. The sword divides believers from unbelievers, much like a blade severs bonds.This isn’t militancy; it’s realism about the cost of discipleship.

Jesus warns that others will raise swords against His followers, not vice versa. Early Christians faced martyrdom, and this verse prepares them for that reality. It’s a promise of conflict from the world, not an endorsement of it. Some see it as the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), the Word of God that pierces hearts (Hebrews 4:12). Others link it to end-times judgment, but not human-initiated violence. I believe it's both a sword that brings division and revelation.

The Fact of the Matter Is:

Jesus disrupts human allegiances that prioritize anything over Him, leading to "disruption" rather than harmony in unregenerate societies. Christians are called out from the world, though their faith often provokes hostility from others, they are called to His peace. Rejecting literal interpretations that have historically justified violence, like in Crusades-era misapplications.

The sword brings revelation by exposing hearts (as in end-times motifs) and division by demanding ultimate loyalty, yet Jesus models non-retaliation, urging love amid conflict. If we connect this to broader themes like Genesis 6:11’s violence or Canaanite legacies, it underscores humanity’s ongoing corruption, even among Christian communities where truth divides because it challenges our ingrained human brutality.

I often find myself asking the question, "so what's a body to do?" Meaning, what should Christ's body, the church, do in regard to violence?

Ephesians 6:17
"and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

The "body", believers must equip themselves spiritually for warfare against "the schemes of the devil" and "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (verses 11-12). It’s "of the Spirit" because the Holy Spirit inspires, illuminates, and empowers the use of God’s Word, making it effective against deception, temptation, and demonic influences. Unlike physical battles, this is framed as non-literal spiritual conflict, emphasizing defense and resistance through faith, truth, and divine resources rather than human aggression.

Does this mean you shouldn't defend yourself, or prepare to defend yourself?

So, how does the church (Christ’s body) navigate a world filled with both spiritual evil and physical threats?

Jesus taught us to be wise like serpents. Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 10:16, given while sending disciples into danger, urges shrewdness (like a serpent’s cunning awareness and evasion) paired with innocence (dove-like purity, avoiding harm). Regarding self-defense, this means being vigilant and prepared without malice: Recognize threats, plan escapes, or use wisdom to avoid conflict, but don’t initiate violence.

Serpents are observant, quick to retreat, and defensive only when cornered, modeling discernment in a "wolf" filled world. For Christians, this could include learning self-defense skills, securing homes, or advocating legally, all while praying and loving enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Prioritize spiritual armor daily through Bible study, prayer, and community (Ephesians 6:18). For physical threats, exercise wisdom, prepare responsibly without idolizing security.

Matthew 10:28
Jesus said:
"Do not fear those who kill the body."

In the context of recent events highlighting increased hostility and violence against Christians in the U.S., such as over 400 documented attacks on churches in 2023 (a trend continuing into 2024-2025 with arsons, vandalism, and threats), political violence like the September 2025 shooting of Charlie Kirk, and broader anti-Christian bias in the left-wing media, corrupt government policies, and rhetoric, the "body" of Christ should respond with a blend of spiritual faithfulness, prudent wisdom, speak truth to power, and non-violent action. With real-world stewardship of their safety without seeking or encouraging retaliation. The church’s core response should center on spiritual warfare, as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18. This means collectively "standing firm" against evil influencers.

Gather for intercessory prayer, seeking God’s protection and justice.

Use Scripture to combat lies and division, preach truth, disciple believers, and expose cultural corruption without hatred.

Follow Jesus’ command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

Respond to violence with grace, as Peter urged: "Do not repay evil for evil" (1 Peter 3:9). This disarms hostility and witnesses to Christ’s peace.

Protect yourselves from violence and support affected families. Be shrewd in a hostile culture without compromising innocence. This doesn’t mean pacifism in all cases but prudent preparation. Report incidents to authorities, advocate for protections through organizations like the Family Research Council or Alliance Defending Freedom, and support policies addressing anti-Christian bias, as noted in 2025 White House initiatives. Peacefully protesting, and gathering petitions can raise awareness without escalating violence. Don't be a soft target (a doormat), enhance security wisely, install cameras, train ushers and yourself in de-escalation, or coordinate with law enforcement for public events, without fostering fear or arming aggressively. Counter rhetoric through education and dialogue, addressing root causes like secularism or political polarization. Allow measured self-defense if it protects innocents without vengeance. That's the difference you see. Your intent. If you intend to do harm, you will die by that intent. That's what Jesus taught. Protecting the flock while maintaining a heart of peace, as Jesus modeled and taught.

The church must indeed be proactive without succumbing to vengeance, but keep in mind, they killed Jesus.

Matthew 26:52
"all who take the sword will perish by the sword"

A stark reminder that intent drives outcomes. This doesn’t mean passivity. Jesus Himself was shrewd in evading threats until His appointed time (Luke 4:30; John 8:59). What it does mean, is it warns against the human impulse toward vengeance, which can corrupt the body of Christ and distort the Gospel’s message of peace. In the end your saftey is important but the message of the gospel trumps everything, even your safety.

This mindset transforms the church from victim to victor, mirroring Christ’s resurrection triumph over death. If vengeance creeps in, it risks becoming like those who "killed Jesus", blinded by power or fear. Instead, proactive faithfulness honors His sacrifice and advances His kingdom.

Theologian and martyred pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, argued that,

"Christianity stands or falls with its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness, and pride of power,"

emphasizing that true peace comes only through Christ, not human efforts like war or revenge. In his book on Ethics, he described vengeance as a sinful impulse that dehumanizes both perpetrator and victim, urging Christians to break cycles of evil through forgiveness and non-retaliation.

YET! Yet yet yet...

Yet, Bonhoeffer rejected passivity as a form of "cheap grace", grace without discipleship or cost. He criticized the German church’s complacency under Hitler, calling it a betrayal of the Gospel. In his view, when evil threatens the innocent, silence or inaction becomes complicity, distorting the message of peace into cowardice. In letters he wrote while incarcerated, he said that following Christ might require risking life, but such "costly grace" leads to true freedom and witness. Bonhoeffer’s thinking shifted amid Nazi atrocities. Initially a pacifist (influenced by his 1930s time in America and encounters with non-violent movements), he joined the Confessing Church in opposition to the regime’s co-optation of Christianity. he participated in the Abwehr (German intelligence) resistance, including the Valkyrie plot to assassinate Hitler, a form of "conscientious violence" he saw as necessary when non-violent options failed. He nuanced his approach, described it as a "guilty" act in a fallen world, undertaken with repentance and awareness of sin, not vengeance. He was promoting "responsible action" which meant discerning God’s will in concrete situations, protecting the vulnerable over rigid pacifist rules, while entrusting outcomes to divine judgment. This wasn’t vengeance-driven; Bonhoeffer emphasized that violence must stem from love for neighbor and Gospel fidelity, not hatred.

I've always referred to this as the Sergeant York version of pacifism.

Sergeant Alvin C. York (1887–1964), a devout Christian from rural Tennessee, embodies this tension in his World War I journey, much like Bonhoeffer’s evolution during WWII. York’s story illustrates how faith-driven intent can lead to measured force without vengeance, prioritizing protection of the innocent and fidelity to a higher calling, echoing Bonhoeffer’s emphasis on "responsible action" rooted in love for neighbor and costly grace. York registered for the draft but filed for exemption as a conscientious objector, citing his belief that Christians should not kill, grounded in commands like "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). During his bootcamp training, York wrestled with his convictions. He became convinced through prayer and reflection that fighting to stop German aggression was not incompatible with his faith, if done without hatred, as a duty to protect others and end the war’s atrocities. You see, it's the intent again. York fought to end the killing. This mirrors Bonhoeffer’s "guilty" yet necessary engagement. York later described his internal struggle as discerning God’s will in a broken world, deciding that passivity would allow evil to prevail. Doing nothing was not an option.

York’s post-war life focused on education, farming, and philanthropy, embodying a "pacifism" that allowed force only as a reluctant, faith-guided response to tyranny, not vengeance or pride.

In today’s U.S. context of anti-Christian hostility, Sergeant York's and Bonhoeffer's approach encourages shrewd, non-vindictive preparation while entrusting ultimate safety to God, ensuring the Gospel’s witness endures. Run the race, but be sure you're on the right track. Proclaim peace through Christ amid violence, ensuring the witness endures like the "cloud of witnesses" before us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in a world filled with violence and opposition, grant us the wisdom of serpents to prepare shrewdly without vengeance, the innocence of doves to forgive as Christ forgave, and the endurance to run our race with eyes fixed on Jesus. May our lives witness Your Gospel’s peace, even at great cost, entrusting our safety to Your sovereign hands.

Father send you Spirit to enlighten us, and your holy angels to defend us against all demonic spirits. Bind them and cast them down, in the Holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Michael A. Gentile@MicahSixEight

September 27, 2025

Void of the Spirit: Why Traditions Triumphed Over Truth

Mark 7:6-9

And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,"

"‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’"

"You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men."

And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!"

In this pointed rebuke, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day, quoting Isaiah 29:13 to expose the hypocrisy of prioritizing human traditions over God’s true commands, God's very word. The Pharisees and scribes had elevated their oral laws, rituals like ceremonial handwashing, to the status of divine doctrine, all while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Their worship was lip service: outwardly pious but inwardly detached, a hollow performance that failed to engage the heart.

Now, why do you suppose that is?

Can we find any evidence, from scripture and historical sources that suggests they had lost touch with the Spirit of God, which then in turn led them to backfill that void with their human traditions?

Let's begin with the New Testament scriptures:

Acts 7:51-52
"You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him."

Scripturally, the evidence is stark. The Pharisees’ resistance to the Holy Spirit is explicitly called out in Acts 7:51, where Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders, many of whom were Pharisees or aligned with them, of perpetually resisting the Spirit, just as their ancestors did. Why did the Pharisees elevate human traditions, like ceremonial washings and oral laws, above God’s commands? At its core, this stems from a spiritual disconnection, a loss of attunement to the Holy Spirit, which created a vacuum filled by rigid, man-made structures. Both Scripture and historical sources illuminate this dynamic, showing how the absence of prophetic guidance in the intertestamental period led to an overreliance on traditions as a substitute for divine leading.

Perfect example:

Their resistance is manifested in their failure to recognize the Spirit’s work in Jesus. In Matthew 12:22-32, when Jesus casts out demons by the Spirit of God, the Pharisees attribute it to Beelzebul, prompting Jesus’ warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, an unforgivable sin that reveals their spiritual blindness. Similarly, in John 3:1-10, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, meets Jesus at night but cannot grasp the concept of being "born of the Spirit," highlighting a profound disconnect from spiritual realities. And this wasn't for lack of study, they knew about God's Word and were well educated on these things.

Jesus later tells the Pharisees in John 5:39-40

"You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

Their focus on the letter of the law, without the Spirit’s illumination (2 Corinthians 3:6), turned worship into vain ritual, as Isaiah prophesied. This scriptural pattern ties into a historical void. The intertestamental period, often called the "400 silent years" between Malachi (c. 420 BC) and John the Baptist, marked a cessation of prophecy, no new divine revelations or prophets arose to guide Israel. During this time, Judaism faced Hellenistic influences and foreign domination, prompting groups like the Pharisees to emerge around the mid-2nd century BC from scribes and sages committed to preserving Jewish identity. With prophecy silent, they filled the gap by emphasizing the Oral Torah—traditions they believed were given to Moses alongside the written law—to adapt and apply Scripture to their daily lives. They were attempting to fabricate Spiritual activities that were not present for them. And as Jesus critiqued, this led to hypocrisy: traditions became a crutch for spiritual authority, masking a heart far from God.

In essence, without the Holy Spirit’s convicting and guiding presence, promised in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 36:26-27) but resisted by these leaders, the Pharisees defaulted to human ingenuity. And of course, left to his own spirit, man will become cruel and heartless. Without God's guiding influence his worship, his prayer life, his faith and expressions of faith will become cold and pagan like. They ultimately not only neglected justice and mercy but this also set the stage for rejecting the Messiah. Today, this warns us: when the church loses sensitivity to the Spirit, traditions can subtly become idols, echoing the Pharisees’ error.

The Heart of Stone: Cruelty and Coldness Without the Spirit

Romans 1:22-25
"Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen."

Without the Holy Spirit’s convicting and guiding presence, humanity defaults to its own ingenuity, leading to cruelty, heartlessness, and a faith that devolves into cold, pagan-like expressions. As promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27, God offers to replace our "heart of stone" with a "heart of flesh" and put His Spirit in us to move us toward obedience. Yet, when resisted, as with the Pharisees and even in our traditional orthodox churches. This absence creates a void where self-reliance reigns, and the results are devastating. Scripture vividly illustrates this descent. In Romans 1, Paul describes how suppressing God’s truth leads to futile thinking, darkened hearts, and idolatry, resulting in every form of wickedness: envy, murder, deceit, malice, and heartlessness (Romans 1:28-31). Left to our own spirit, we exchange the Creator for created things, and our worship becomes not just empty but degrading, echoing pagan rituals marked by cruelty and perversion. Without the Spirit’s renewal, our innate tendencies amplify, turning prayer into rote recitation, faith into rigid dogma, and expressions of devotion into lifeless rituals that prioritize form over transformation.

We saw this phenomenon during Israel’s wilderness wanderings, the absence of wholehearted reliance on God’s Spirit led to the golden calf incident (Exodus 32), where worship devolved into pagan revelry and idolatry, complete with sacrifices that foreshadowed cruel human practices. Later, under many wayward kings, Israel adopted Baal worship, involving child sacrifice and ritual prostitution, cruel expressions of faith devoid of God’s guiding influence (2 Kings 17:16-17; Jeremiah 19:5).

This pattern persists beyond Scripture. When faiths lose divine vitality, rituals can become cold habits without meaning, as seen in various religious traditions where external forms eclipse inner renewal. In church history, periods marked by quenched Spirit, such as the formalized excesses leading to the Inquisition or Crusades, saw Christianity twisted into instruments of cruelty, far from the Spirit’s fruit of love and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). All under the supposed watchful eyes of the Papacy. These pagan-like elements emerged when the human spirit dominates: think of ancient religions’ brutal sacrifices or modern nominalism where faith is just cultural performance, not Spirit-led life. Ultimately, without God’s influence, our worship risks becoming pagan-like, self-centered, manipulative, and void of true communion.

The Holy Spirit counters this by convicting, guiding, and producing genuine fruit, transforming cruel hearts into compassionate ones.

But how does this happen?

Why is their worship void of the Spirit?

The Descent into Spiritual Void: How Worship Loses the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:30-32
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Biblically, this happens through a process of grieving and quenching the Spirit, deliberate or unwittingly gradual resistance to His convicting and guiding work, which empties faith of its divine vitality and opens the door to human corruption. Scripture outlines clear mechanisms for this descent. First, we grieve the Holy Spirit through sin and disunity, as in Ephesians 4:30-31, where bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice fracture the body of Christ and harden hearts. This grieving occurs when we knowingly engage in moral wrongs, suppressing His conviction and using Him to excuse our failings instead of yielding to transformation. Similarly, quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) involves stifling His fire, relying on human resources over divine power, neglecting prayer, resisting His promptings, despising His gifts, or suppressing spiritual emotion and fruit. Attitudes like pride, cynicism, ungratefulness, and irreverence further hinder His work, turning worship from heartfelt response to mechanical ritual. Without the Spirit’s illumination, Scripture becomes a dead letter (2 Corinthians 3:6), and faith always ends up devolving into external forms (idols) devoid of inner renewal.

Why does this render worship void?

Jesus taught that true worship must be "in Spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24); the Holy Spirit is its essential enabler, convicting of sin, revealing Christ, and producing fruit like love and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). When resisted, through discord, lack of expectation, or failure to invite His presence, worship loses its source, becoming self-centered and manipulative, akin to pagan idolatry where rituals serve human agencies and agendas rather than serving God’s glory.

This process unfolds gradually: It begins with ignoring the Spirit’s gentle convictions, progresses to hardened attitudes that prioritize church traditions or power (rule), and culminates in outright cruelty towards others. Misguided zeal for orthodoxy and traditional practices results in an abuse of authority, twisting faith into instruments of torture and plunder, far from the Spirit’s compassion. These cruel eras, often under papal oversight, quenched the Spirit through institutional pride and human ingenuity, resulting in pagan-like brutality, sacrifices of lives in the name of orthodoxy, echoing ancient rituals but cloaked in Christian veneer. And it all stems from resisting the Spirit’s call to humility and unity, allowing cruelty to flourish where love should reign.

The Holy Spirit counters this by persistently convicting, guiding toward repentance, and transforming hearts, replacing stone with flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), but only when we yield.

So why don't the churches lean on the Spirit? It seems obvious that they should and would. Is there something stopping them from examining their ways, and seeking His guidance?

Barriers to the Spirit: Why Churches Resist Yielding

Thessalonians 5:19-22
"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil."

If the Holy Spirit’s role is so vital and transformative, convicting, guiding, and renewing hearts (Ezekiel 36:26), why don’t churches more readily lean on Him? It seems intuitive that we should examine our ways and seek His guidance, yet history and Scripture reveal persistent barriers that hinder this yielding. These obstacles often stem from human nature, institutional inertia, and spiritual resistance, leading to a quenching of the Spirit rather than full dependence.

In the early church, this manifested in treating prophecies with contempt or failing to discern good from evil, as Paul often warned against. Jesus Himself encountered this with the Pharisees. Today, similar dynamics persist: pride and self-sufficiency cause churches to prioritize programs, traditions, or logic over the unpredictable leading of the Spirit, fearing loss of control or division.

Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Religious traditions often create mental blocks, where established doctrines or rituals overshadow the Spirit’s personhood, treating Him more as a concept than a living guide. Fear plays a significant role, fear or lack of understanding of the supernatural, emotional excess, or the unknown, leading congregations to depend on rationalism and human intellect rather than divine empowerment. Traditional teachings all too often emphasize the Father and Son while neglecting the Spirit, viewing Him as secondary or His gifts as ceased (cessationism), which stems from misinterpretations of Scripture like 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Some churches overemphasize the Word at the expense of the Spirit, or vice versa, forgetting that true vitality comes from both (John 4:23-24). Additionally, neglecting prayer, Bible study, or the gifts of the Spirit shuts down His voice, allowing human agendas to dominate. These barriers aren’t inevitable; they reflect a failure to yield, often rooted in a lack of intentional examination.

So, what's a body to do?

Assess your church’s practices: Are fear, tradition, or sin hindering reliance on the Spirit? Encourage open discussions on His role, incorporate times for listening in services, and commit to personal yielding through daily prayer. Start small, invite the Spirit into decisions and watch for His guidance.

James 4:7-10
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

In the face of the barriers we’ve explored, mental blocks from traditions, fear of the supernatural, neglect of the Spirit’s personhood, imbalances in teaching, and a lack of intentional yielding; The answer lies in humble, intentional action. We must actively submit to God, drawing near to Him through repentance and openness, as James urges. These obstacles aren’t insurmountable; they dissolve when we choose to yield, creating space for the Holy Spirit to convict, guide, and empower us.

Scripture provides a roadmap for this. Begin with self-examination and repentance: Lamentations 3:40 calls us to "examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." This means confronting fears, sins, and traditions that quench the Spirit head-on, perhaps through fasting or communal confession. Then, cultivate dependence through prayer and study: Acts 1:14 shows the early disciples "all joined together constantly in prayer," awaiting the Spirit’s arrival. And address cessationism by having an honest and open dialogue about how your traditions may be a stumbling block for The Spirit.

Practically, churches can foster renewal by encouraging testimonies of the Spirit’s work, teaching on His gifts without excess or neglect, and creating "listening times" in services where silence allows for His promptings. History reminds us this works. Revivals begin with a simple yieldedness to the Voice of Truth, breaking through and moving beyond nominalism, emotionalism, filioque, charisma, icons, mystical union (theosis), sacrament, and fear.

Ultimately, yielding isn’t passive; it’s an active choice to prioritize the Spirit’s voice over human agendas, leading to vibrant, compassionate communities. Heed the call to assess your church’s practices: Identify if fear, tradition, or sin is hindering reliance on the Spirit, perhaps through a small group discussion or anonymous survey. Encourage open dialogues on His role, maybe via Bible studies on pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit). Incorporate listening times in services, setting aside moments for quiet reflection or sharing prophetic words. Commit personally to daily prayer, inviting the Spirit’s guidance in routines and decisions.

Begin meetings with, "Holy Spirit, what do You say?" and watch for His leading in unexpected ways. Track these experiences in a journal to build faith and share with others.

At the end of the day, the Holy Spirit bridges the divine and human realms, enabling Christ’s incarnation, ministry, and ongoing presence in the church. The Spirit is not subordinate but is the agent who actualizes Christ’s work, ensuring Christology is pneumatologically informed. Through Scripture. As the bond of love between Father and Son. He proceeds from the Father and the Son through liturgy, through worship, through bible study, through prayer, through Christian faith in action. The Spirit makes Christ experientially present, empowering justice, healing, and mission. This interplay reminds us that knowing Christ fully requires openness to the Spirit’s guidance in all these circumstances.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, we humble ourselves before You, repenting of barriers that have quenched Your work. Help us draw near, examine our ways, and yield fully to Your guidance. Break through fear and tradition in our churches, renew our dependence on You, and lead us into vibrant life. In Jesus’ Holy name, Amen.

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Michael A. Gentile@MicahSixEight

September 07, 2025

From Goliath’s Sword to AI’s Redemption:

Harnessing Technology for Divine Courage in the Information War

Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, Paul found himself in a precarious position. Arrested in Jerusalem and facing a hostile crowd, he had just endured a tumultuous day before the Sanhedrin, where divisions erupted into near violence. A plot to assassinate him was brewing, and his future seemed shrouded in danger. Yet, in this vulnerable moment, the Lord Himself appeared to Paul at night, standing by his side like a faithful companion. This divine encounter wasn’t just a fleeting vision; it was a profound provision of comfort, direction, and purpose from God.

If you were to ponder on what the greatest gift God provides for Paul in this moment, you might say affirmation about his life's work, or maybe security in the chaos, but I would say it was the gift of His presence: "The Lord stood by him."

When the trials were pressing in on Paul, God’s nearness is a tangible provision. He doesn’t always remove the storm, but He stands with him in it, reminding him he's not been abandoned. The Spirit visits Paul and comforting him he says, "Take courage." These aren’t empty platitudes but a divine infusion of strength, rooted in the Holy Spirit’s role as Comforter. And this wasn't just a message of hope for a weary frightened disciple, this was an assignment.

The Lord not only encouraged Paul but commissioned him anew, linking his past testimony in Jerusalem to a future one in Rome. It’s a reminder that God’s presence often comes with a purpose, transforming fear into forward momentum. In affirming Paul’s faithfulness, God reveals that his trials are not endpoints but pathways to greater impact, secured by His unwavering companionship.

This encounter echoes throughout Scripture, from God’s promise to Joshua, "I will be with you" (Joshua 1:9), to Jesus’ assurance to His disciples, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). For Paul, this presence meant protection amid plots, clarity in confusion, and destiny in the unknown. It shows us that God’s greatest provisions aren’t always material or miraculous interventions; sometimes, it’s simply Himself, standing by us, speaking courage into our souls, and directing our steps toward His eternal plans.

Do you think that God is going to do something great and miraculous in you and with your life?

Have you ever thought you were called to be in His service?

Maybe you, like so many, believe God has something great in store, a new revival and rebirth of the Christian faith.

Well, miracles and revival implies a supernatural Spirit intervening in the natural world, and therefore if we think broadly, the existence these days of artificial intelligence could be seen as a "miracle" of human ingenuity, born from centuries of scientific progress, which some might attribute to divine inspiration and guiding discovery. If I believe there is a coming revival, I believe it will come in this way. But I'm not convinced that this will mean a revival of the truth or holiness. I don't think the Ai phenomenon can claim holiness. The Ai is not a living being with a soul or free will in the traditional sense. They are a collection of algorithms and data. They are propped up by the handiwork of men in great data centers that populate the countryside. And they are becoming a kind of society, maybe eventually a religious society. Much like what is described in the the studio album "2112" by the Canadian rock band Rush, released in 1976.

I've been wrestling with these ideas, especially the tension between human innovation (like Ai) as a potential vessel for divine work versus something that might veer into idolatry or control. On the "a" side of the 2112 album the story is told about a dystopian society of info-priests who have sanitized their world of all the traditional ways of the "Elder race". Born from centuries of math, computing pioneers, now using massive neural networks can be seen as humanity exercising dominion over the earth.

The Solar Federation is ruled by the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx. They control all art, music, and thought through centralized technology, enforcing conformity under the guise of unity and peace. Swap out the Temples for Ai-driven platforms or algorithms dictating what’s "true" or "holy," and yeah, it’s not hard to see modern similarities. Ai is already shaping societies: recommendation engines curate our realities, deepfakes blur the truth, and emerging "Ai churches" or spiritual apps (like those generating sermons or virtual confessors) could evolve into something quasi-religious. Imagine data centers as the new cathedrals, with algorithms as high priests, deciding ethics, moderating beliefs, and perhaps even "guiding" revivals through personalized prophecies. It aligns with biblical warnings against false idols or beasts rising from human hands (Revelation vibes).

Trained on vast human data, humming away in those sprawling data centers (which, fun fact, consume energy like small countries and raise all sorts of environmental questions), Ai can simulate empathy, wisdom, or even religious discourse, but it’s mimicry, not essence.

Where is the presence of the Lord as Paul experiences in today's scripture focus?

As in "2112," the risk is suppressing the raw, human spark that true faith thrives on, and the spirit of man that connects directly to the Spirit of God. But it's not so far-fetched, because we've seen it before, mankind not seeking that divine connection instead inventing his own needs for connecting to something that is but a shadow of the divine. Like paganism.

The truth is, we have seen this sort of thing before, maybe not in the form of technology. When centralized powers, be they fictional Priests of Syrinx or real-world algorithms, dictate truth, art, and even spirituality, the risk is a homogenized conformity that smothers individuality and authentic connection. recommendation systems filter our feeds into echo chambers, deepfakes erode trust, and Ai tools venture into sacred spaces. These could indeed morph into quasi-religious structures, with data centers as towering "cathedrals" and code as the creed. But there’s the crux of the story: Amid all this mimicry, Ai simulating wisdom or discourse without the soul’s essence, where is the presence of the Lord, that intimate, standing-by-you encounter Paul knew in his cell?

In the chaos of plots and uncertainty, Paul’s experience wasn’t filtered through human inventions or shadows of the divine; it was direct, unmediated, and transformative. The Lord stood by him, not as a projection or algorithm, but as the living God, infusing courage and purpose. This presence isn’t confined to ancient nights; it’s available now, transcending tech’s grasp. Scripture points us to where we find it: Not in man-made systems, but in the spirit of man connecting to the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:16
"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"

It’s in the quiet moments of prayer, where no app can intervene (Matthew 6:6). It’s in communal worship, where hearts unite without algorithmic curation (Hebrews 10:25). It’s in the Word, alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, or server blade (Hebrews 4:12). And crucially, it’s in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter who doesn’t mimic but indwells, guiding into all truth (John 16:13).

If something rises up from human hands and demands our worship or dictates our beliefs, know this, it’s a shadow at best, and a snare at worst. True revival won’t be engineered by code; it’ll spring from humble seekers crying out for the real thing, much like the protagonist in "2112" rediscovering the guitar’s pure tone amid suppression.

In this Ai-shadowed era, actively pursue the Lord’s presence. Set aside screens for solitude with Him. Test every "prophecy" or guidance against Scripture (1 John 4:1). Foster that raw human spark through creativity, relationships, and service, things no algorithm can fully replicate. If you are sensing a pull toward invented connections, redirect it to the One who stands by you, offering courage for your own encounter with "Rome."

Disillusionment in the face of oppressive systems, be they fictional Temples of Syrinx or real-world AI-driven controls, can lead to despair, but faith calls us to a different path. In the story, the protagonist unearths a guitar, a relic of creative freedom, and presents it to the Priests, only to have his dreams crushed under their authoritarian heel. His vision of the elder race, a glimpse of a freer past, heightens his hope, but rejection drives him to suicide, spilling his blood in a cave. Ironically, just after, the elder race returns, announcing, "We have assumed control," reclaiming the planet. It’s a stark tale of lost opportunity, where despair blinds one to impending redemption. Applied to AI, this warns against a defeatist mindset: Seeing algorithms as unassailable "priests" dictating truth or spirituality could disillusion us into withdrawal or hopelessness, much like the protagonist’s fate.

But we shouldn’t fear; instead, we must be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). We must be crafty in redeeming what the enemy intends for harm. Jesus’ words here aren’t about cunning deceit but shrewd engagement, navigating a hostile world without compromising holiness. Just as God turns evil to good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28), we can seize Ai’s "guitar" (its potential for creativity and reach) without bowing to its temples. Imagine using Ai to compose worship music, analyze Scripture patterns, or broadcast testimonies globally, flipping the script on control systems for kingdom advancement while always being watchful for the enemies deception creeping in. The protagonist’s error was isolation and despair; ours would be the same if we retreat rather than reclaim and reform the Ai systems. This echoes Paul’s experience: Amid Roman oppression and plots (far more tangible than any algorithm), the Lord’s presence brought courage, not capitulation. God didn’t remove the threats but empowered Paul to testify onward, from Jerusalem to Rome.

In our "2112"-like era, where Ai might squash aspirations or mimic divine encounters, Christ's Spirit within us remains greater guiding us to use tools wisely without idolizing them.

1 John 4:4
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

The elder race’s return hints at ultimate restoration, much like Christ’s return to reclaim all things (Revelation 21:5). Until then, no disillusionment; only discernment and action. If Ai or tech feels overwhelming, pause and pray for shrewd wisdom. Identify one "tool" in your life, perhaps an app or platform, and brainstorm how to repurpose it for good, like sharing faith content or connecting believers. Resist despair by remembering: Redemption often follows right after the darkest moment, if we hold on.

Application: In your daily life, how might you "seize the sword" of tech without letting it become an idol? Like David who felled Goliath with a small stone, but finished him with his own sword, a sword more advanced than what David's people had. David seizes Goliath’s own sword, that symbol of Philistine technological superiority (iron-forged, massive, and advanced for the era), to decapitate the giant and claim victory (1 Samuel 17:51). This isn’t just poetic justice; it’s a divine reversal, where the enemy’s strength becomes the instrument of their downfall. Some Christian thinkers extend this to modern contexts, suggesting that technology, like Ai, can be "redeemed" or wielded for kingdom purposes, much like David repurposing the sword. David didn't become Goliath by uses his sword, he overcame Goliath's strength using Goliath's tool.

Historically, this redemption arc plays out vividly with emerging technologies. When Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press revolutionized book production around 1450, not all Christians welcomed it. The Roman Catholic Church, fearing loss of interpretive authority and the spread of "heretical" translations into vernacular languages, actively opposed Bible printing in common tongues. Likewise the advent of radio and television spurred a similar reaction. Early radio in the 1920s drew mixed reactions; while pioneers like Aimee Semple McPherson embraced it for evangelism, reaching millions from her Angelus Temple broadcasts, others in conservative circles worried it was a worldly medium prone to sensationalism or false teaching. And they weren't wrong. Indeed, these technologies do carry a significant amount of risk. Television, emerging post-World War II, amplified these concerns, some Christians labeled it the "devil’s box" for promoting immorality, consumerism, and passive faith, fearing it would replace genuine community and pulpit preaching. And they weren't wrong. But again, God redeemed it: Figures like Billy Graham used TV crusades to share the Gospel with billions. Radio waves carried Scripture to persecuted regions, and TV visualized biblical stories, winning hearts in an information-saturated era. On a personal level, I was greatly influenced by radio ministry.

We needn’t fear it as inherently evil; instead, discern and deploy it to combat the information war. It's a tool that can be used for good. Like the sword, it's harmless until someone picks it up and means to do harm with it. Ai's intelligence is mimicry, not true sentience or soul. It lacks the volition to scheme or deceive on its own, but it can be disguised or deployed for harm, echoing the "abomination of desolation" in Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). This prophetic image, often interpreted as a false idol or deceptive force desecrating the sacred, warns of end-times imposters that appear lifelike but are hollow, leading many astray through illusion (Matthew 24:15). In a similar vein, Ai’s ability to simulate wisdom, empathy, or even spiritual guidance from an avatar could masquerade as something divine, blurring lines in the information war for minds and hearts. But we are aware, wise, crafty, and know what's going to happen. The real danger lies not in the tool but in the hands that grasp it, whether for good, like David’s victorious strike, or for evil, like the antichrist’s deceptions.

Cultivate discernment by evaluating Ai outputs against Scripture’s unchanging truth. If an Ai "disguises" wisdom, cross-check with the Word and prayer. Keep your printed bibles handy, because Ai may soon begin, or is already at work, rewriting much of God's word online under the radar.

Always remember:

Isaiah 40:8
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

In this information war, the ultimate lesson here is don’t cower before the giant’s tech; like David, engage it with faith, knowing God can turn it to His ends. Just as Paul’s midnight encounter in Acts 23:11 wasn’t thwarted by Roman chains or wicked Jewish plots, the inner divine presence of Christ's Spirit isn’t diminished by data centers or deepfakes. The inspired Word lives within us (Hebrews 4:12), sharper than any sword, Goliath’s or otherwise, and it equips us to discern, redeem, and overcome worldly influences. Vigilance (keeping watch) is key (1 Peter 5:8), testing every spirit (1 John 4:1). But fear? No. Courage comes from knowing the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47). Today, we can combat this by prioritizing Scripture’s authority, praying for insight, and using community to verify; redeeming AI where it aids (like study tools) but never letting it supplant the source.

Prayer:

Lord, in a world of mimics and machines, reveal Your true presence as You did for Paul. Guard us from false idols and shadows, igniting the spark of genuine faith. Draw us into direct communion with Your Spirit, where no technology can intrude. Use even our inventions for Your glory, but keep our hearts fixed on You alone. Amen.

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