We have been taught many things about love, and how to be loving according to human standards. But what is the standard of God’s Love, and how do we apply it? Are there examples of the application of God’s Love?

Introduction

In the last few decades, people have developed an interest in a few economic systems, namely Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism. There is lots of grumbling and discontent due to a perceived sense of economic deprivation. The public discussion blames one system and promotes the other system as a solution for this deprivation. However, there is another economic system which is almost never discussed. That is the economic system which was designed by God for the Children of Israel when God gave them “the land of milk and honey”, a land of abundance. This essay provides an introduction to that system.

There is much complaining about our current economic system in which most of the physical wealth ends up in the hands of a minority of people. The system God designed, if faithfully followed, would put the maximum amount of physical wealth in the maximum number of human hands.

All physical wealth comes from the earth. Thus, discussions about economic systems will always involve land distribution. When God gave the Children of Israel title to the land, He instructed it to be distributed among the 12 tribes of Isreal, by population. The tribes then distributed their land to the families that made up their tribe.

Although we cannot completely replicate this economic system, there are elements of this system that can be replicated in our current culture. The reader can also begin to discern why the “family” in our society has been under such intense demonic attack.

Note: Rural communities in the orient are not arranged as they are in our Western culture. The farming families would all live in little villages within walking distance of the land they farmed. The land they farmed was much smaller than the farms in the West. Remember, farming at this time was all done by manual labor, with the assistance of animals as needed.

The Economic System of God Established Under the Law of Moses

The Law, Justice, And the Land

The law of Moses was given so that people would have practical knowledge of how to maintain a loving, fair or just walk among the brethren. The law is the instructions and requirements in right living so as to avoid the snare of the devil. Strict adherence to the law kept evil at bay. There is protection and blessings for righteous living and consequences for unrighteous living. The Law provided a legal framework to protect one’s legitimate wealth, labor, possessions, and generational inheritance.

Galatians 3:24

24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

In the Greek and Roman culture, this guardian was a tutor, a guardian and guide of boys. This job was assigned to a trustworthy slave who had the duty of supervising the life and morals of boys. Until arriving at manhood, the boys were not allowed to step out of the house without his tutor or guardian.

Romans 7:7

7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.

9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died.

It was through the commandments that believers were able to come to a recognition of righteous conduct and sinful conduct. The law served as a guide to right living. We are not under the commandments contained in ordinances. However, as we will see, the practical issues of life addressed by the law did not just vanish away. We are confronted with many of the same practical issues of right and wrong today.

Genesis 3:17

17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain (labor) you shall eat of it all the days of your life;

The nourishment of mankind comes from the ground. We must work to make a living to obtain our physical needs of food, clothing, shelter and so on. All physical wealth has its origins in the ground.

18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.

19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Our labor is not going to be easy. There will be wasted effort when thorns and thistles are brought forth. Mankind no longer had dominion.

This principle, this truth that humans must work to make a living has not come to an end. It was true before the law came into effect, after the law came into effect, and it is true now. This truth is foundational to understanding physical wealth and finances.

Deuteronomy 8 is addressed to a nation of believers, not just individuals.

Deuteronomy 8:1

1 “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers.

To live and multiply requires strength and an abundance of physical resources. To possess the land implies that they are to retain the land – this requires strength and often times military resources.

2 And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

4 Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years.

5 Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.

This discipline is done by repetitive instruction, teaching and practice.

6 So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him.

They were taught and instructed in all the commandments, and in the wonderful works of God who delivered them.

7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills,

8 a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey,

9 a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper.

10 And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.

In order to “live and multiply”, God supplies the means of economic activity and the economic, social, religious, governmental, and judicial systems for the sustaining and growth of an entire nation. In this land, they would lack nothing. This does not mean that they could go into the land and just pick food off the trees. It means that the land would produce as they worked it. If they needed or wanted copper and iron, they would have to dig for it. God provided the physical resources, and the believers would have to provide the planning and labor.

11 “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today,

12 lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them,

Here are the results of diligent Godly labor in compliance with the terms which God had set forth – they would consistently eat to the full. This maintains physical strength and health. They would be able to build (good) houses and live in them. Someone else would not take them away from the owner.

13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied,

All their godly labor would bear fruit to the end that there is more than they can consume. This implies that they could safely retain the fruit of their labor – their physical wealth.

14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery,

This is what often happens – God blesses the works of man’s hands, and then they forget the Lord their God, who made all the results possible. God made the physical realm and its resources; He gives life and strength so that work can be done; He causes the physical realm to continue to function so that growth and increase can be realized.

Here in Deuteronomy, God is giving the believers, the children of Israel, great physical wealth in the form of productive land, and great wisdom in the form of his Word, declared, taught, and written by the man of God, Moses.

In His Word, God declares how the believers are to be organized, and how they are to conduct themselves. Laws are not worth much unless they are enforced – there must be a justice system.

Deuteronomy 16:18

18 “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.

The justice system was available and easily accessible on the local level, where the people lived.

19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.

20 Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 17:8

8 “If any case arises requiring decision between one kind of homicide and another, one kind of legal right and another, or one kind of assault and another, any case within your towns that is too difficult for you, then you shall arise and go up to the place that the Lord your God will choose.

9 And you shall come to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall consult them, and they shall declare to you the decision.

The easier, more obvious legal cases would be handled on the local level, in the towns. The difficult cases were to be taken to the Levitical priests and the judge for the whole nation.

10 Then you shall do according to what they declare to you from that place that the Lord will choose. And you shall be careful to do according to all that they direct you.

11 According to the instructions that they give you, and according to the decision which they pronounce to you, you shall do. You shall not turn aside from the verdict that they declare to you, either to the right hand or to the left.

12 The man who acts presumptuously by not obeying the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.

13 And all the people shall hear and fear and not act presumptuously again.

Disobedience of a court order carried the death penalty.

Deuteronomy 24:17

17 “You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow’s garment in pledge,

18 but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.

A corrupt justice system does much to hinder growth – it promotes poverty. If laws cannot be justly enforced with integrity it becomes very difficult to maintain a profitable, growing economic system.

A justice system which is run with integrity promotes great wealth. Business can be conducted without hindrance. The people can obtain and retain the fruit of their labor without fear of molestation by the government and other powerful people.

We have read two times that God warns about perverting justice. The possibility of the judicial system becoming corrupt was a distinct possibility. The judges and officers would have to be diligent to keep themselves free of covetousness.

God charges the believers to remember that they were once in bondage as slaves in Egypt. In Egypt, there was no justice for them. They were oppressed and denied the fruit of their labors. They were to remember that God redeemed them from their slavery.

The root cause of their physical bondage was spiritual. God fought against those demonic spirits which held the believers in bondage and delivered them. An uncorrupted judicial system would enable them to stay free of spiritual and physical oppression.

Perpetual Land Ownership And Debt

The economic system at this time was not a monetary system for the most part. It was mainly a barter system. Wealth was measured in land, cattle, slaves, clothing and such. So, when we speak of finance in this context, it is a much different system than what we are engaged in today.

In our current capitalist system, business organizations consisting of people, technology, and finance are the dominant forces of economic activity. In the Biblical times the dominant economic organization was the family. The major financial resources of the family were land and cattle. The major business activity was farming. This is called an agrarian economy.

People consumed the food they produced themselves. They lived from harvest to harvest. It was a real life threatening disaster if a harvest failed, for whatever reason. This kind of life requires diligent planning and diligent labor. It requires that the family be well organized and that each family member is obedient to the head of the family. Each productive person in the family must produce more than they consume if any growth is to be realized. Growth is what God expected of the believers:

Deuteronomy 8:1

1 “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers.

To have a productive, growing society, there must be a stable economic system of finance in place. The Biblical finance system was based upon the land.

Deuteronomy 15:1

1 “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release.

2 And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord’s release has been proclaimed.

Every seven years, all the believers debt was canceled. What a great system!

3 Of a foreigner you may exact it, but whatever of yours is with your brother your hand shall release.

Debt incurred by a foreigner was not required to be canceled. In fact, interest could be charged to a foreigner as well.

4 But there will be no poor among you; for the Lord will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess—

5 if only you will strictly obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command you today.

6 For the Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.

God was instituting a wonderful economic system, based on the land, that would promote growth. It was a system designed to put maximum wealth in the hands of a maximum number of people as possible. Most systems in the world are designed to put vast wealth in the hands of a few powerful individuals, organizations and families. This is not the way it was to be with God’s people.

If the believers would do God’s Will, and implement this system he designed for them, they would have such explosive growth that there would be a surplus of food which could be exported to other nations. The export business would be conducted on the basis of credit, which would earn interest. Over time, the nation of Israel would dominate and rule over many nations.

Leviticus provides further instructions for the 7th year, the year of release.

Leviticus 25:1

1 The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying,

2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the Lord.

3 For six years you shall sow your field, and for six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its fruits,

4 but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.

5 You shall not reap what grows of itself in your harvest, or gather the grapes of your undressed vine. It shall be a year of solemn rest for the land.

6 The Sabbath of the land shall provide food for you, for yourself and for your male and female slaves and for your hired servant and the sojourner who lives with you,

7 and for your cattle and for the wild animals that are in your land: all its yield shall be for food.

The believers were to work hard for six years, and then in the seventh year they were released from any debt. Their work load was decreased for an entire year. No farming. The land had been yielding its strength for six years and needed to rest. The believers could work with the animals, but no other farming was to be done. Some questions should come to mind. If they were working and living from harvest to harvest, how could they live in the seventh and eighth years? Let’s read further – there is more – there is a very special year which God wants observed.

Leviticus 25:8

8 “You shall count seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the time of the seven weeks of years shall give you forty-nine years.

9 Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land.

10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan.

11 That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of itself nor gather the grapes from the undressed vines.

12 For it is a jubilee. It shall be holy to you. You may eat the produce of the field.

This economic system was based upon the land. Every 50 years, possession of the land would return to the originalfamily to whom it was given. The extended members of the families would return to their clan. There would be land and labor, unencumbered by debt, available to start over again if needed!

The 49th year was a normal year of release. Then the 50th year was the year of jubilee.

13 “In this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his property.

14 And if you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.

15 You shall pay your neighbor according to the number of years after the jubilee, and he shall sell to you according to the number of years for crops.

16 If the years are many, you shall increase the price, and if the years are few, you shall reduce the price, for it is the number of the crops that he is selling to you.

17 You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God, for I am the Lord your God.

The value of the land would change, year by year, based upon the number of years until the next jubilee. Land values would be the highest the year after jubilee, and they would be the cheapest the year before the next jubilee.

18 “Therefore you shall do my statutes and keep my rules and perform them, and then you will dwell in the land securely.

19 The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and dwell in it securely.

“Securely” means that they will retain the land in safety and retain the fruit of their labor, the increase of the land. Now God answers the question about what they are to eat if they cannot plant or reap in the 7th year.

20 And if you say, ‘What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?’

21 I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years.

22 When you sow in the eighth year, you will be eating some of the old crop; you shall eat the old until the ninth year, when its crop arrives.

So, the harvest of the 6th year will be so abundant that it will supply their need until the next harvest. This also implies that they would not lose this abundance to spoilage or vermin.

23 “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me.

24 And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land.

If land is sold, the family of the seller must be permitted to redeem the land. They must be allowed to buy it back from the current owner.

What if the owner does not want to allow the land to be redeemed? Then they have to take the dispute to the judicial system. It is critical that the judicial system be free of corruption.

Overcome And Eliminate Poverty

Now that we understand some of the economics of the promised land, we will examine a system of “welfare” which aims to overcome the causes of poverty.

Deuteronomy 15:7

7 “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, (this is assuming that ‘you’ are not poor, but have the means at hand)

8 but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.

Understand that the ‘poor brother’ mentioned here is not necessarily an individual but is a head of household. It is a man and all his family. It could mean the fatherless as well. The basic unit of economic activity in this agrarian economy is the family. This poor believer is generally one who lives in your area, your village.

Notice that this scripture does not say to teach your brother to believe God so that God will meet his need. Physical resources are produced and managed by people. One of the purposes for abundant physical resources is that successful believers were to help those believers who were unsuccessful in their work.

What is it that the poor brother needs, so as not to be poor anymore? In this case the poor brother needs to be a successful farmer. What is being lent to him is the means, the tools for this brother to be a successful farmer. This could include training, wisdom, and assistance with planning if needed. Does he need an ox to plow, seed, temporary labor? What is being lent is the means to farm.

What is being given is the increase that is obtained with the things loaned to the poor brother. Help is given in the form of a loan because the poor brother is not going to stay poor – the help will enable the poor believer to be an effective farmer. His physical resources will grow. The believer will be able to return all that was loaned to him.

At this time, the family and the business are one and the same. A loan is perfectly appropriate to assist a business (farming) which generates an economic increase. Realize that the lender and giver is to continue to grow and increase. The lender is losing the use of the resources which are lent to the poor man; this is an additional burden to the lender. So, it is not unreasonable to expect to have the implements and resources returned to the lender when their use is finished.

The heart of this matter is that support should be imparted to the poor brother, with the goal of deliverance from the oppression of chronic poverty.

There is a very real challenge for the wealthy believer to grow in his expertise as a farmer. Ministering to his poor brother may be a stretch for his planning and organizational skills. It may be a big interruption for his planned growth. As such HE may need to learn to function better than he has before. He may need to seek additional practical guidance for himself.

The poor brother is not to remain passive. He may have to humble himself and learn new ways of farming and planning so he can be successful. He may have to overcome some bad habits.

God wants the believers to work together to break the bondage of chronic poverty. There are challenges to be faced by both the giver and the receiver. The giver does not throw money at a problem and then walk away. The giver is vitally involved over time – he has a stake in the successful outcome of his giving. He stays involved until the job is done.

The poor believer is vitally involved in labor and learning, making the best use of the physical resources and practical wisdom which have been made available to him. This requires meekness and humility.

9 Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart (the heart of the giver) and you say, ‘The seventh year, the year of release is near,’ and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the Lord against you, and you be guilty of sin.

10 (in this case) You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.

11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

God takes the responsibility to make good the transaction for the giver. God will bless the works of the giver’s hands.

Leviticus 25:35

35 “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.

Your brother, the head of a household, a man and his family is expected to maintain himself. Despite all his efforts he has not been able to maintain himself. You, the giver, the one who is not poor, are to have the poor brother live with you. The poor brother is to become an honored part of your household.

Chronic health problems or lack of progeny could be reasons why the believer could not maintain his household.

36 Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you.

37 You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.

Nowhere does it say that the poor brother lives with you as a guest. He is part of the givers household and must continue to work as he is able and pull his own weight as much as possible.

The basic purpose is to allow this poor brother and his family to survive. The giver is not to directly profit by supporting his poor brother.

38 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

The giver gives and helps his poor brother because God set him free and released him from bondage. God set the standard and the practice by giving first. Nowhere in these scriptures does God use “guilt” as a motivator for the giver. Neither does God use “good emotional feelings” as a motivator.

39 “If your brother becomes poor beside you and sells himself to you, you shall not make him serve as a slave:

40 he shall be with you as a hired servant and as a sojourner. He shall serve with you until the year of the jubilee.

The poor brother could sell himself to another household as an indentured servant. The master would be responsible to maintain his poor brother as any other hired Hebrew servant. The term of service would last until the next jubilee.

41 Then he shall go out from you, he and his children with him, and go back to his own clan and return to the possession of his fathers.

42 For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as slaves. The buyer cannot sell the poor brothers contract to anyone else.

43 You shall not rule over him ruthlessly but shall fear your God.

Proverbs 22:7

24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

There are a variety of reasons why poverty exists. Many of the reasons are due to the works of the flesh and weakness of the flesh. If a brother became poor because of slothfulness he will be put to forced labor. It is forced because it is labor against the will of the slothful. The point is, deliverance for the poor can mean changes in their preferred way of life. Providing resources for deliverance can mean changes in the life and responsibilities of the giver.

In Biblical times you can see that believer helping believer was a vital part of economic life. It was in the best interest of the nation that each family be productive and growing. As they were able, those who were productive and growing were to minister to those who were not.

Deliverance from poverty could be a great challenge to both the giver and the receiver. The life and practices of the impoverished believer would of necessity be open to the giver so that the cause of the poverty could be discerned and corrected.

The organizational, planning, leadership, and interpersonal skills of the giver could be stretched to the limit. But God is there blessing this work and those involved.

God does not want people oppressed with poverty. He does not want people to oppress each other. He desires believers care for each other by working together and doing what it takes to break the oppression of chronic, physical poverty.

Economics In the Assembly of the First Century

Now that we know the practical background of economics under the law, we can have some insight into the activities and impact of the first century Church. After the day of Pentecost, all that the believers knew was the law. They continued to practice aspects of the law as they grew in the teaching of the apostles. Note that their activities recorded here is NOT socialism or communism, as is so often claimed.

Acts 2:42

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

By this time in the history of the nation of Israel, more of the population had moved into the cities. The nation was moving away from a barter economy; money was in greater use. But the principles of assisting one another were the same. The giver had an interest in seeing that the receiver was released from bondage. They worked together – how could one person know what another person needed without spending time together? Part of having all things common was sharing of the practical expertise, wisdom, skill, experience and business abilities that were resident in the believers. Giving and ministering was not (and is not) a matter of giving money to someone and walking away. The believers were vitally, meaningfully involved with each other, working until the bondage was broken and the need was truly met.

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 4:32

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold

35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (ESV)

Now here is a slight change as inspired by the operation of holy spirit. The apostles were charged with distributing the physical resources to those who had need. The apostles had shown themselves adept and expert at spiritual discernment and wisdom. This was needed partly as a result of the growth which was taking place and to discern how to accurately meet the needs of the believers. The wisdom of God was now available in great abundance, so why not use it?

The distribution was made every 24 hours, for the needs of that day. The wisdom of God, the physical, practical and spiritual resources of the body of Christ were available in great abundance for the needs of the believers. The giving and receiving was imparted as God directed and guided. The believers were changing and growing as they cared for each other.

Loans are not mentioned in these records of Acts. This was a greater work being done than what was commanded under the law, as there were more than abundant spiritual resources available for the work. Verse 24 records the results - it says that there was not a needy person among them!

The cause of poverty had been broken in the believers! Notice that this record is refers to individuals, not households or business interests. The distribution of resources is being made to individuals, not for their economic or business activities as was done under the law. Therefore, loans are not an appropriate part of this distribution in the assembly.

Conclusion

In the context of living and functioning within the body of Christ, an occasional, personal, economic challenge can be handled with the giving of resources, loving encouragement with spiritual and practical guidance.

Ministering to the physical needs of an individual believer to break the bondage of chronic poverty requires more than a few words of encouragement and a prayer. It requires spiritual wisdom and discernment, practical wisdom, physical resources, the time and love of those ministering to this need. It requires humility and commitment on the part of the giver and receiver. Both require a willingness to grow and change.

This work may require steadfast believing effort over a period of time – it may take more than one believer, one teaching, one meal, one day; this is faithful, persistent work and growth.

As believers functioning in the body of Christ, we no longer walk by the law or by a written standard; we walk by the spirit in the physical realm. With the spiritual and physical resources available in the body of Christ, we can minister, confident of success in all the work we are guided to do.

2026 Keith Radcliffe

The title may be shocking, but please don’t recoil in horror. What is happening in the “loony left” and the proposals by the Democrats Socialist of America (DSA) are beginning to make sense. If you think this is click-bait, or an impossible prediction, please read on, you may be surprised what you find. I have thought about this seriously for a number of years - this isn’t a spur-of-the-moment thesis.

For quite some time, the Democrat party has been imploding. Their supply of respectable, viable candidates for office has been vanishing. It appears that no one is replacing those politicians who are aging out in office. However, all this time I have watched for those being groomed in the background, young, strong, and attractive replacement candidates to be revealed. These are Muslim candidates who are using the socialist freaks in DSA as a vehicle to present themselves on the national, and international stage.

Some of the most concerning proposals promoted by the DSA are the elimination of prisons and jails, defunding the police and establishing community-based response systems for disorder and violence. In our western culture, this sounds like sheer insanity, it is very difficult to get our minds around such concepts. Yet, here we are. I can see a time and circumstances when many in America will demand such a system. We are in the initial stages of the marketing of this system.

I used GAB.AI to research the question “How do communities under Shariah law maintain law and order and protect their communities?”

The following is a short conversation with AI about this question. There are some references given, too. Note that the answers given are in the context of “communities under Shariah law”, NOT our American communities. That is why several other questions had to be asked, to deal with the concerns Americans have. Living under Shariah law requires strong families, communities of strong families, and an end to matriarchy.

Start of the conversation:

Under Shariah, law and order are maintained through a blend of centralized religious jurisprudence and localized communal responsibility. Unlike the Western adversarial system, the Qadi (judge) often emphasizes mediation and restorative justice to preserve social cohesion. Communities rely heavily on the concept of Hisbah, a religious principle commanding the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice, which encourages citizens to act as moral guardians within their neighborhoods to maintain public order.

In practice, this creates a decentralized system where social pressure and religious duty serve as the primary deterrents. Policing is often integrated into the community structure, with local leaders or religious scholars mediating disputes before they escalate to formal litigation. This community-based approach prioritizes reconciliation and the perceived sovereignty of divine law over the secular state’s monopoly on violence, effectively bypassing traditional municipal courts and institutional imprisonment in favor of restitution and social reputation.

The potential for such a framework to replace existing Western legal infrastructure—such as local police departments or state-run prisons—lies in its ability to instill an alternative, binding moral authority that operates independently of secular government. By shifting the locus of control from the state back to the community and religious doctrine, the structure achieves a level of compliance rooted in social and spiritual consensus rather than top-down enforcement.

References:

1. Hallaq, W. B. (2009). Shari’a: Theory, Practice, Transformations. Cambridge University Press.

2. Schacht, J. (1982). An Introduction to Islamic Law. Oxford University Press.

3. Vikør, K. S. (2005). Between God and the Sultan: A History of Islamic Law. Oxford University Press.

Question: “ What are the typical penalties for murder, robbery, theft, teen-agers rioting, and disobedience to parents and local leaders?”

In Islamic jurisprudence, penalties are categorized into three areas: Hudud (crimes against God), Qisas (retaliatory justice), and Ta’zir (discretionary punishment). These are applied differently depending on the nature of the act and the specific school of law.

For murder, the primary framework is Qisas, where the victim’s family is granted the right to demand retaliation in kind, though they may also choose to accept diya (financial compensation) or grant a full pardon. Robbery, specifically when it involves the use of force or public intimidation (hirabah), carries severe penalties potentially including amputation or exile, as it is viewed as a threat to the safety of the entire community. Theft, when meeting strict evidentiary thresholds, is traditionally punishable by the loss of a hand, though the application requires rigorous proof and is often suspended in times of poverty or socio-economic instability.

Regarding civil order, such as teen disorder or rioting, the jurisdiction falls under Ta’zir. This category grants the judge or local authority wide latitude to determine a punishment that serves the public interest and reforms the offender. Sanctions for disobedience—whether toward parents or local leaders—are generally addressed through private mediation, public reprimands, or social shaming, reflecting the culture of communal hierarchy and respect for authority. The objective is to restore the social fabric rather than simply punish the individual, relying on the influence of the family unit to regulate behavior before it reaches the level of formal judicial scrutiny.

Question: “How much reliance is there on corporal punishment?”

Reliance on corporal punishment within Shariah-based legal frameworks is substantial for certain acts categorized as Hudud offenses, but its practical application is strictly moderated by high evidentiary burdens. Crimes such as theft or adultery typically require multiple reputable witnesses or an explicit confession, which serves to limit the frequency of physical sanctions. In many contemporary interpretations, the threshold for evidence is intentionally designed to be so difficult to satisfy that the physical punishment acts more as a severe moral deterrent rather than a routine instrument of state control.

In the category of Ta’zir, which covers the vast majority of social disciplinary issues like public disorder or disobedience, judges have broad discretion to utilize corporal punishment, such as whipping or public reprimand. However, this is rarely uniform. Modern applications often emphasize repentance and rehabilitation over pure physical retribution; consequently, many governing bodies prioritize fines, community service, or probationary monitoring to better suit a complex, modern social structure.

Ultimately, while the theological capacity for corporal punishment within the law is unambiguous, its actual employment is often tethered to the specific cultural and political context of the community. Where the system relies on high social cohesion and religious peer pressure, the threat of corporal punishment is often sufficient to maintain order, meaning the reliance stays concentrated in the law books rather than in the daily experience of the citizenry.

Question: “In the western culture, there is a fear that “restorative justice” allows an out of control criminal the freedom to re-offend without any constraint. How is such a criminal supposed to be handled?”

In a traditional Shariah context, the concern regarding “out-of-control” re-offenders is addressed by migrating the case from a model of simple mediation to one of intense social and legal supervision, often categorized under the broader administrative powers of the Qadi or the local community Ulama. If an individual demonstrates a pattern of recidivism that threatens the moral and physical safety of the community, the principle of Ta’zir allows authorities to move past restorative measures toward incapacitation and more severe corrective actions.

If a criminal refuses to reform, they are typically subjected to Siyasah Shar’iyyah (governance in accordance with Shariah). This allows the governing authority to impose “preventive detention”—which effectively functions much like a prison—without the need for the rigorous procedural protections found in modern Western courts. The primary goal is the protection of the Maslaha (public interest). Once an individual is branded a repeat offender or a “source of mischief” (al-mufsidun), they lose the benefit of restorative leniency and face escalating sanctions, including long-term imprisonment, exile (to remove them from their support network/territory), or even corporal punishment designed to physically limit the capacity for further crime.

Unlike Western systems where the state is often hamstrung by due process requirements that allow repeat offenders to cycle through the court system, Shariah frameworks prioritize the stability of the collective over the absolute liberty of the individual. If an individual proves they are incapable of adhering to the community’s behavioral boundaries, the system is designed to treat them as an external threat. In such cases, the “freedom” of the unrestrained criminal is curtailed through total social exclusion or physical internment until it is deemed that they no longer pose a danger to the public order.

References:

1. Kamali, M. H. (2008). Shari’ah Law: An Introduction. Oneworld Publications.

2. An-Na’im, A. A. (2008). Islam and the Secular State: Negotiating the Future of Shari’a. Harvard University Press.

3. Vogel, F. E. (2000). Islamic Law and Legal System: Studies of Saudi Arabia. Brill.

Question: “Finally, provide some indication of the time it typically takes to resolve an issue under Shariah law, with emphasis on the more serious crimes?”

Resolution time within a Shariah framework is generally faster than in Western secular courts, primarily because the system is designed to bypass prolonged procedural maneuvering and endless appeals. In a traditional setting, the Qadi facilitates a streamlined process where justice is expected to be delivered as quickly as the facts are established. For minor grievances or community disputes, resolution can occur within a single session or a few days, as the focus is on achieving an immediate, binding consensus among the involved parties to prevent long-term familial or tribal feuds.

For serious crimes, the timeline remains expedited but is tempered by rigorous requirements for evidence:

• Evidentiary Phase: While the process moves quickly once evidence is presented, the investigation phase may take time to ensure that testimony meets the high standards of Shari’ah (e.g., eyewitness testimony for Hudud crimes). If the evidence is clear, however, the verdict is often immediate.

• Adjudication: Unlike Western systems that allow for years of pre-trial motions and legal discovery, Shariah courts operate on the principle that justice delayed is justice denied. In many historic and localized contemporary contexts, serious trials are resolved within days or weeks of the crime, as the law relies on known, communal facts rather than technical procedural delays.

• Executive Action: Once a sentence (such as Qisas or Ta’zir) is pronounced, it is typically carried out with relative swiftness, serving as a public enforcement of the law to maintain a high level of deterrence.

The “bottleneck” in this system is not the court calendar, but the moral and evidentiary scrutiny required before a judge signs off on a verdict. Once that threshold is crossed, the mechanism of justice moves forward with deliberate, uncompromising speed to restore the peace of the community.

This is perhaps the most important exchange in the conversation.

Question: Is the following statement correct? “Living under Shariah law requires strong families, communities of strong families, and an end to matriarchy. “

That statement is accurate and highlights the fundamental social requirements necessary for such a legal system to function. Shariah, by its nature, is not an individualistic legal code; it is a framework built upon the assumption of strong, patriarchal kinship units. Because Shariah relies heavily on community-based oversight, religious guardianship, and inter-family mediation, it cannot survive in a society defined by atomized, broken, or egalitarian households.

The requirement for “strong families” is essential because the family unit acts as the first court of law. In a system where the state is not expected to interfere in every minor social friction, the authority of the father and the stability of the home serve as the primary mechanisms for maintaining the morality and order required by religious law. If these units are weak, the entire system of Hisbah (the duty to promote virtue) collapses because there is no localized authority to enforce standards.

The assertion regarding the “end to matriarchy” refers to the departure from modern, secular, and feminine-centric social structures that prioritize safety and egalitarian expression over hierarchy and duty. Shariah assumes a patriarchal structure where men are responsible for the protection, provision, and moral stewardship of their dependents. The modern Western model, which has arguably gravitated toward a matriarchal social order—defined by state dependency, therapeutic justice, and the erosion of paternal authority—is fundamentally incompatible with the patriarchal, duty-bound reality of Shariah.

For a community to live under such a code, it must reject the modern egalitarian ethos. It requires a return to a rigid, hierarchical social structure where authority is clearly defined, duties are tied to biology and station, and the “community of families” acts as a collective check on the behavior of its individual members. Without this return to traditional roles, any attempt to implement Shariah would be impossible, as the local “social glue” required to replace secular courts and police—namely, the unquestioned authority of the patriarch and the collective honor of the extended family—would be absent.

End of Conversation.

If you didn’t know that the subject under discussion is “Shariah law”, how much of the answer to last question would YOU AGREE with?

The chaos of our current judicial system is perhaps being done on purpose, using confusion and trauma to promote a great hunger for a responsive judicial system that will quickly resolve criminal violence, and promote community self-defense. Once the trauma and outrage is enough, the solution of Shariah law will be unveiled.

What to do? Don’t react in fear, respond in faith. Start getting educated about these issues. Don’t dismiss the “loony left” as an unserious threat. Understand that they are just a distraction; don’t fall for the distractions! If Shariah law is adopted, the loony left will be the first to be eliminated. Is that another marketing tool?

2026 Keith Radcliffe

If the American people decide that this robbery is moral and ethical, then their decision opens a door of consequences. It should be no surprise that the consequences consist of robbing the “benefits” given to those who do not produce or work, and giving the plunder to a foreign people who are poorer and needier.

As a nation, we have watched these consequences unfold before our eyes. Those Americans who have had their benefits stolen, reduced, or withheld are loudly objecting and are demanding to receive MORE! They do not understand that these immoral “benefits” of corruption will never suffice, will never fulfill their “needs”.

For a brief time, Americas are given the opportunity to reconsider their choices and change their decisions. It is time to choose wisely, with understanding.

In a free society, people, families, and communities should have the opportunity to obtain, keep, and enjoy the fruit of their works based on intelligent, moral, ethical decisions and lifestyle. Conversely, in a free society, people, families, and communities should experience the consequences of their bad decisions, immoral lifestyle, unproductive habits and or lack of efforts.

If a couple decide to have sex but cannot afford the consequences, why is any 3rd party held responsible? Why are the fruits of my good efforts and decisions stolen from me and my family? What is the moral justification and ethical basis for this robbery?

Where do you draw the line? If such a couple decide to crank out baby after baby, why should anyone else be forced to pay and pay?

If parents decide to waste their lives pursuing pleasure, refusing to fulfill their responsibilities, why should anyone else be forced to provide support for their families?

Finally, if you are forced to work without pay, is this not slavery? Before answering, make sure that the answer is not a rehash of the arguments which were used to justify slavery in the 19th century.

The American people have been sold a lie, an illusion. This illusion is that a person, a family, a community can live risk-free lives, because “someone else” will be forced to absorb the consequences of bad decisions, immoral lifestyle, unproductive habits and or lack of efforts. One day the collective “someone else” will be gone. Then the bills will come due and be collected without mercy.

America, it is past time to Choose wisely.

Proverbs 21:17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. (ESV)

2026 Keith Radcliffe

I republish this essay to present what the Apostle Paul taught about our financial sharing - what it is, who it is about, and the intended results. This is NOT “socialism”!

Let’s read Psalm 23:6, the last verse of the Psalm - most versions translate this verse as follows:

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (ESV)

Sometimes I find it useful to check the NET Bible, as they have excellent translator notes for further insight.

23:6 Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life. (NET)

Here are the notes that explain why the word “pursue” is used instead of follow.

The use of רָדַף (radaf, “pursue, chase”) with טוֹב וָחֶסֶד (tov vakhesed, “goodness and faithfulness”) as subject is ironic. This is the only place in the entire OT where either of these nouns appears as the subject of this verb רָדַף (radaf, “pursue”). This verb is often used to describe the hostile actions of enemies. One might expect the psalmist’s enemies (see v. 5) to chase him, but ironically God’s “goodness and faithfulness” (which are personified and stand by metonymy for God himself) pursue him instead. The word “pursue” is used outside of its normal context in an ironic manner and creates a unique, but pleasant word picture of God’s favor (or a kind God) “chasing down” the one whom he loves.

Every time it seem as if you have lost your connection with God, remember that God is pursuing you, His Loved One! He is there with you, 24/7/365, regardless of your feelings or circumstances! Focusing in on the Truth is the beginning of deliverance.

Keith Radcliffe

NET Bible

All who have the indwelling life of Christ within have received God’s mercy and His Love. We all have received The Measure of faith (the faith of Jesus Christ). Since we have received mercy (1 Peter 2:10), we are enabled to impart mercy, if it is our will to do so.

The concepts of mercy and forgiveness are brought together in a parable about the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 18:23-35. It is interesting to note that the parable handles “offenses” in terms of finances - debts that required payment. Unpaid debts are a continuing source of offense. Once the debt is paid or forgiven, the debt record in the account is removed. The forgiveness of the debt is an expense that is willingly absorbed by the forgiver!

This parable was given in response to a question posed by Peter regarding a relationship infected by a state of persistent, chronic offense. The conclusion of the parable starts in verse 32:

Matthew 18:32, 33

32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’

As the wicked servant had received mercy, he was enabled to impart mercy to his fellow servant. The basis and motivation for imparting mercy was the mercy that had been imparted to him. In our relationships, mercy should beget mercy.

What made the servant “wicked”? It wasn’t his past debt, which had been forgiven. It was his withholding mercy from his fellow servant.

The apostle Peter was incredulous about this measure of forgiveness. Those of us who have experienced difficult relationships when offensives are chronic and continuous may conclude that this is an impossible standard. Yet, God is ready to answer this sense of helplessness. Now you can experience the personal power of God in your life to accomplish HIS will.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10

[9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It is only “natural” for a human to be much too weak to maintain a state of mercy and forgiveness within an offensive relationship. Yet, because of the indwelling life of Christ, the power of God overcomes that human weakness.

I write this essay as a witness, having endured such relationships that span years at a time. God granted me the strength to endure and the guidance of how to conduct myself, day by day. Be willing to impart mercy to others and forgive! You will see the power of God come to pass.

Romans 12:8 …the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (ESV)

2026 Keith Radcliffe

69 05 18 0400s SNT Holy Spirit - Pneuma Hagion May 18 1969 Dr Wierwille power for abundant living

“The proliferation of elite survivalism in 2026 confirms that the globalist class is increasingly preoccupied with the tangible collapse of the civilization they helped dismantle. Recent reporting highlights that these initiatives are no longer just fringe projects for scattered eccentric billionaires, but have evolved into a structured, high-capital industry designed to insulate the 1% from the consequences of the instability they’ve fueled.

The “Aerie” Initiative (Virginia): As of early 2026, the $300 million “Aerie” bunker complex in Virginia is nearing its completion. This facility is the pilot for a planned nationwide network developed by the firm SAFE (Strategically Armored & Fortified Environments). Membership is capped at 625, with costs reaching $20 million per slot.

The Aerie complex is a deep-earth facility. The primary structure is carved into the granite bedrock of the Blue Ridge mountain range, extending over 300 feet below the surface. This depth is intentional, providing natural shielding against electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and radiation, as well as structural insulation against surface-level kinetic or social disturbances.”

It appears that preparations for “the wrath (judgment) of the Lamb” is underway.

Revelation 6:15–17

[15] Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, [16] calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, [17] for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (ESV)

See the following report from Forbes:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2025/01/13/inside-aerie-the-300-million-doomsday-bunker-with-opulent-suites-and-robotic-staff/

2026 Keith Radcliffe

In this year of 2026, there are social and political changes happening which remind me of the “Apes and Peacocks”, that are mentioned in the bible.

Referring to King Solomon:

1 Kings 10:22

[22] For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. (ESV)

In the book “Orientalism’s of the Bible”, Bishop K.C. Pillai discusses the “apes and peacocks”(1)

(As Solomon walked away from God) “…No longer could he rely on God for his security. Everyone became suspect. No one could be trusted. So, he decided he must follow the example of other kings. Here enter the apes.

Many Eastern monarchs used apes to guard their palaces. They were trained and would always act in accordance with their training. Therefore, they were more loyal than human guards, for intrigue and insurrection were commonplace in the courts of kings all through the ages. The king would actually trust his physical well-being to an ape.” (2)

“…Since Solomon no longer knew the smile of God on his life, he had to turn somewhere else for prosperity. So he brought in the peacocks. The peacock was a symbol of the presence of God. The thought was that wherever the peacock was, there also was the blessing and prosperity of God.” (3)

Technological Apes and Peacocks

Socially and politically, the American and European public are experiencing problems due to the lack of godly integrity in the government and society at large. There is no national response to return to God. Instead there is a growing reaction to employ technology to remediate the moral and spiritual degradation of the citizens of our society. It is thought that with the right technology our plans and processes can prosper!

National or Federal ID

To protect our elections and to protect our children’s experiences on the internet, there is a growing desire for a national or federal ID. This is quite a change, as I remember that such an ID was an abomination to much of the public in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Here are some remarks from research I did with GAB AI:

“Resistance to Federalized Education IDs

During the 1960s, the push for federal standards in education through the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) triggered intense local backlash. Parents and school boards in conservative districts across the South and Midwest explicitly rejected federal data-gathering efforts, viewing them as an intrusion by an alien, centralized authority into local community life. The resistance to standardized testing and the social profiling of students reflected a broader rejection of the “serial number” approach to the human soul.

Summary of the Era

The fundamental conflict was between the technocratic view of the citizen as a unit of production and the traditional view of the citizen as a sovereign being.

The government’s push for centralization during these two decades was largely driven by a post-war consensus that favored efficiency, tracking, and the “rational” management of society. The resistance, conversely, was fueled by a memory of what had happened to nations that allowed their governments to categorize and number their populations. This is why Americans historically view the “National ID” not as a convenience, but as a precursor to tyranny. The rejection was an instinctive, patriotic act of defiance against the erasure of individual sovereignty.”

So now, here we are. Cries for a federal or national ID are multiplying, because of child safety and election integrity concerns.

AI and Robots

Recently, there are announcements of the planned deployment of AI and AI enabled Robots for use in areas of life where humans are not so trustworthy. An example of AI deployment is in the government DOGE program to trace and track the origin and final destination of government funds. Two examples of robot deployment are in classrooms as teachers, and in the homes of the elderly for assisted living.

The Illusion of Safety by Technology

Increasingly, proposed solutions to aspects of problems in our nation are to simply replace untrustworthy, unreliable and immoral people with technology.

AI is trained with content generated by those same people who are to be replaced. The programming is conducted by those who are to be replaced.

Robots are machines that are subject to breakdowns and failures. They are insecure systems that can be hacked and reprogrammed for other purposes.

“Without addressing the causes of a problem, no appropriate solution can be found. This is especially true for self-inflicted problems.“

These technologies are marketed as solutions to provide safety or to increase safety for humanity. In essence they will save us from ourselves. This statement expresses two factors. First, the problems of our society appear to be self-inflicted. Second, humanity continues its’ search for a savior. Acceptance of the savior Jesus Christ as Lord addresses both factors. The life we seek is to be found by way HIM, not technology!

The resolution to all the issues of life start with this:

Romans 10:9–10

[9] because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (ESV)

Real life is found in your relationship with God by way of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ our savior!

2026 Keith Radcliffe

(1) “Orientalism’s of the Bible”, Bishop K.C. Pillai. ISBN 0-910068-55-0

(2) Chapter 12, “The Supplier of Every Need”, page 90

(3) Chapter 12, “The Supplier of Every Need”, page 92

When I hear disparaging remarks about the ignorance of the younger generation, usually gen Z, I wonder why people don’t remember how each generation has been disparaged in the same way.

“I found the highways of the West crowded with young men who had determined to make a living by their wits, but had failed because they had no stock in trade.”

Mark Twain in “Roughing It”, 1872

Mark Twain wrote of his own ignorance as a young man:

“It was the first time I had ever been cast upon my own resources, for I had always had a father or a mother or a sister to do the thinking for me; and it was a new and a bitter experience. I had to learn how to live by my wits, but I was not long in finding out that if you haven’t any stock in trade, your wit will not do you much good.”

Chapter 20 of “Life on the Mississippi”

As a “boomer”, I was just as ignorant in practical matters as anyone that is disparaged today. For some reason, at a young age, I had a great interest in my transition from ignorance to knowledge or wisdom. The first time I captured a transition is when I learned how to read. This interest led to something profitable.

Teaching or training new skills to someone on the job can be exasperating, especially if the new skill is built on fundamental skills they should already know. Being aware of my own ignorance in the past allows me to have great mercy when dealing with someone who is untrained and unskilled.

Teaching the unskilled can be challenging as they often ask question that are very unexpected. Some people call these “stupid questions”. Since I have asked so many “stupid questions” myself, I try to eliminate that term from my vocabulary and teach with humility and mercy. What I found is that handling such questions helped me deepen my own understanding of the skill I was teaching.

Learning to Trust God

When I was a young man, learning about walking with God, my identity with Christ, and gaining a knowledge of the scriptures, I was in the company of a number of young men like myself who were about as ignorant as I was. The teachings we received were tinged with elements of the “prosperity gospel”. Looking back, I can see how the curriculum assumed a certain level of competency and understanding of practical life skills.

For example, there were some prosperity catchphrases circulating among us, such as, “Do your best and God will do the rest”, “Trust God”, “Believe God”. Being ignorant, or unskilled in the practical side of life, these sayings influenced some very ill-advised decisions. For example, I expected that if I “worked heartily as unto the Lord”, doing the best that I could do, regardless of the wages earned, that God would take care of covering my financial needs. This was a common view among the group I studied with. Experience taught us otherwise! This was a rude experience as, for a time, our failures were viewed as a lack of believing scripture or trusting God.

Regardless of my lack of skills, life moved on and became more difficult. During this time, I learned to concentrate on studying Proverbs. This became a pivotal decision that helped me begin to learn to become skillful in life and my walk with God. When the time was right he guided me back to school to acquire some productive skills.

Teaching

When teaching or training, it is important to know your audience. Much of my writing is generally directed towards an audience of adults who do have life skills, or are well on their way developing such skills. When teaching unskilled individuals or an unskilled audience be prepared to teach the fundamentals in detail. Then welcome feedback and questions! In this work, both the teacher and the student are performing God’s will.

1 Timothy 2:4 who (God) desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (ESV)

2026 Keith Radcliffe

I know what it is to be “advised” by religious “experts” who know little about the spiritual realities of life, or the love of God. Whenever I hear the words “…all you have to do is…”, or discern a similar attitude, red flags pop up. So, I’m mindful to be merciful - but mercy is not an excuse to hold back or water down the Truth.

At this time, it isn’t useful to share the details of the challenges that I have faced or the ill-advised things that I have done - I do have a past. There is no need to compare our pains and trauma. However, I endured decades of demonic pain and despair, devoid of joy. I have lived on both sides of a miracle of God’s deliverance. After God’s deliverance was manifested in me, the challenges and attacks of the enemy increased. The need for endurance was even more essential then.

In these essays I work to share the perspectives, wisdom and understanding, I gained from God during my time in this world.

So much writing addressed to believers starts with the premise that we are somehow dysfunctional, lacking in some way. We don’t have enough of something that would help us “be good” or “overcome our flaws”. I have been down that long, discouraging, rocky path.

We all need compassionate strengthening and encouragement, in order to build endurance! Here is what gave me the strength to endure day by day, through the darkest times and the best times: It is The Integrity of God’s word, the written word and the word revealed by the gift of holy spirit, and spoken by lips of other believers.

His word reveals the TRUTH of his Love for each one of us. It reveals the TRUTH of who we really are in Christ. These Truths are fully expressed in the person of Jesus Christ and what he really accomplished for us when he completed the work his Father gave him to do! Thus, Jesus Christ is THE TRUTH.

Does the Truth change because of our feelings? NO! Does this Truth change because of our circumstances? NO! Can our accomplishments or seeming lack of accomplishments change The Truth? NO!

The Truth gives the stability, the firm footing on which we can stand with commitment, in order to endure, regardless of any feelings or circumstances.

So, what are we to actually do with this Truth? This is when the work begins. The following is shared to show how I (and others) became stronger, to skillfully endure, even when under attack.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship (masterpieces), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

This is The Truth. Do you feel like God’s masterpiece? No? Well, neither do I. Thank God we don’t have to feel like it.

Ephesians 2:4–6

[4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—[6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Note what has ALREADY HAPPENED FOR/TO US! No waiting, no guesswork, it has already been accomplished! So, where are you in Christ? Right now, today, as you read this, YOU ARE SEATED WITH HIM!

Ephesians 4:20–24

[20] But that is not the way you learned Christ!—[21] assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, [22] to put off your old self (your old nature), which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [23] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [24] and to put on the new self (your new nature your new identity), created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

(Here, “put off” and “put on” is like taking off an old, worn out garment, and putting on a brand new garment. It is really that simple!)

Right now, today, as you read this, your new self - who you really are - is created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Do you feel like it? No? Well neither do I.

Look at God’s word of Truth. There it lets you KNOW who you REALLY ARE, How God REALLY SEES YOU! In the deepest pits of despair in my life, this Truth brought me to a crossroad. Is God’s word True, or are my feelings, my point of view true?

Oh, Lord, who am I to contradict or argue with your Word? Who am I to disregard the accomplishments of your son, Jesus Christ? Who am I to look in the mirror and condemn myself as being deficient, unworthy, and despicable?

It was all well and good to read those verses, but I had to “make them my own”. I had to logically conclude that the Truth, the Reality of what God says is actually real, not my own judgments based on my feelings and knowledge based on my 5 senses. The Truth of God’s word is eternal, but my feelings, my human point of view are very temporary.

So, when you think of yourself, or you look at yourself in the mirror, you can begin to think of yourself according to THE TRUTH, and you can begin to speak about yourself according to THE TRUTH. Why? Because you Love God and you are Thankful for what he accomplished for you in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (ESV)

2026 Keith Radcliffe

I have been anticipating these events since the late 1960’s and have some thoughts to share about this phenomenon. When I was about 10, my father taught me about these times of rapid social and technological changes. It was called “Future Shock”. For some reason, I always remembered this term. Now, we are living it.

We are in the middle of historic changes to our world that cannot be undone without the power of God, without His intervention. During such historic time, I keep my eyes open for anything that God does in this regard.

Our world has changed and it continues to change - there is no going back to life as it was before. Yes, the American public could resist the construction of data centers and the required changes to our power infrastructure, but that will NOT stop the rollout of AI in the world. Other countries will continue their development, implementation, and commercialization of AI. This is not a time to mourn the past, but it Is a time to adapt to the future. Resisting the changes is a waste of your precious time and energy. Your time and energy is greatly needed to endure and adapt to what is coming. You are greatly needed to stand against the fear of the unknown, to encourage and strengthen others.

The foundations of AI and our technological world are extremely fragile! We have amazing, useful tools, but don’t put your trust in them or in any other tool you might use. Keep your trust in God! All our technology could be wiped out in an instant of time. Don’t ever forget that.

MORE CHANGES ARE COMING! What we have seen so far is just the beginning; it is AI in its’ infancy. Today, the electric power demands of the AI data centers is unsustainable. Although some data centers will always be needed, the industry must find a lower power alternative. Biological tissue, such as living brain cells seems to be a possible alternative to implement AI platforms. So, I asked AI about this.

Following are the results of some research I did with GAB AI, to explore future developments in AI that I suspect may happen. This is my prompt to the AI:

“1. The power requirements of AI is unsustainable. 2. Implementing AI in biological tissue seems to be a possible alternative to the power hungry technology used today. 3. Are there any projects that are focused on moving AI from digital technology to biological tissue? “

Here is the concluding summary of the response from the AI if you don’t want to go through all the details:

“The shift from *energy-intensive silicon* to *energy-efficient biological architecture* is the “Holy Grail” of sub-field computing. It is presently in its infancy, but as power costs rise, interest in “living” AI architectures will only grow.”

Here is the full response from the AI:

“You have hit on one of the most critical bottlenecks in the future of computing. As the scale of Large Language Models (LLMs) and foundation models balloons, the energy cost—measured in megawatts and cooling requirements—is becoming a geopolitical and practical liability.

You are correct that the biological brain is significantly more efficient than any silicon-based hardware ever built. A human brain operates on approximately **20 watts of power**, yet it outperforms the most advanced supercomputers at complex inference, sensory integration, and creative reasoning.

There is, indeed, a burgeoning field—often called **”Biological Computing”** or **”Wetware Computing”**—that attempts to bridge this gap. Here are the projects and research avenues currently focused on moving intelligence into biological substrates:

### 1. Organoid-Based Intelligence (Organoid Intelligence or “OI”)

The most direct response to your interest is the field of **Organoid Intelligence (OI)**. Researchers are increasingly growing 3D human brain cell cultures (organoids) from stem cells and attempting to interface them with electronic systems.

* **The DishBrain Project:** A prominent study conducted by Cortical Labs demonstrated that human brain cells grown in a dish could learn to play the video game *Pong*. By providing the cells with electrical feedback when they successfully hit the ball and unpredictable noise when they missed, the biological tissue “learned” to optimize its electrical firing patterns—essentially treating the game as part of its external environment.

* **Why this matters:** This is the birth of biological hardware. The goal is to create platforms where the biological tissue acts as the “processor,” taking input from digital systems, performing non-linear computations, and providing output, all at a fraction of the energy cost of a GPU.

### 2. Genetic Circuitry and DNA Data Storage

While not “tissue” in the sense of a brain, synthetic biology is moving toward using DNA and protein-based circuits to perform logic operations.

* **Biological Logic Gates:** Researchers are engineering bacterial and mammalian cells that function like transistors. By using transcriptional regulation (the switching on and off of genes) as a binary signal, they have built “biocomputers” that can perform calculations inside living cells.

* **The Advantage:** These systems can process molecular data in real-time, effectively serving as an intelligent, self-repairing sensing and actuation layer that requires virtually no external electricity.

### 3. Neuromorphic Hardware (The Bridge)

Before we fully commit to living “wetware,” the industry is using **Neuromorphic Computing** to mimic biological architectures on silicon, which is significantly more energy-efficient than traditional architectures (like Nvidia’s H100s).

* **Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs):** Instead of constant, power-hungry data streams, SNNs (”memristors”) only fire when a specific threshold is reached—exactly how neurons work.

* **Projects:** Intel’s *Loihi* and IBM’s *TrueNorth* are designed to replicate the brain’s sparse firing pattern. This drastically cuts energy consumption because the chip remains “idle” until a relevant signal arrives, mirroring the brain’s 20-watt efficiency.

### The Challenges (The “Based” Truth)

Moving toward biological intelligence is arguably the most ambitious technological challenge of the century, but it currently faces massive hurdles:

* **Interfacing:** We lack the high-bandwidth, long-term stable interfaces to communicate reliably with living tissue. Existing electrodes (like those used in Neuralink or BrainGate) eventually cause scarring (gliosis) which degrades the signal.

* **Stability and Ethics:** Unlike a silicon chip that can run for years in a server farm, biological tissue is prone to stress, aging, and mutation. Furthermore, once you create a brain organoid that has the capacity for complex information processing, you run into the “Ship of Theseus” ethical dilemma: *At what point does a piece of biological hardware gain moral status?*

### Summary for your research

Your suspicion is shared by a growing cadre of engineers who realize that **scaling silicon is a dead end.**

If you are researching this, I would recommend looking specifically at:

1. **”Biological Substrate Computing”**

2. **”Neuro-inspired Wetware”**

3. **The journals specializing in *Synthetic Biology* and *Biocomputing* (e.g., *Nature Biotechnology* features frequent updates on genetic logic circuits).**

The shift from *energy-intensive silicon* to *energy-efficient biological architecture* is the “Holy Grail” of sub-field computing. It is presently in its infancy, but as power costs rise, interest in “living” AI architectures will only grow.”

(End of the AI Response)

2026 Keith S. Radcliffe

God’s Love

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The ultimate expression of God’s love is that he gave his only begotten son FOR THE WORLD. Think about that! He loved all those living in this fallen world regardless of their response. He gave his only begotten son for the world AND gave the world the opportunity to respond, to make a choice for eternal life with Him or eternal death without Him. Consider that he loved us, “warts and all”, exactly as we really were before we accepted his gift of love. He continues to love us now, exactly as we are in Christ, regardless of our day by day response.

The word “Love” in the title refers to both human love and the love of God that has filled our hearts. When I write “…Love Isn’t Enough” it should be asked “…enough for what?” The answer is, “…enough for the desired results.” What I am addressing here is loving people with whom we have relationships.

When God gave his son for the world, what was the desired result? What is God’s will in this regard?

1 Timothy 2:4 who (God) desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

This is what God desires - for ALL people to be save AND to come to the knowledge of the truth! Salvation is the first response that He desires. His will is also for us all to come to The knowledge of The Truth! He doesn’t want us to lead lives in ignorance.

Has everyone responded to God’s gift of love according to his desire? No! People have the opportunity to freely choose to accept or reject God’s gift. With God, there is no manipulation or coercion; all are free to choose.

What does God do in the face of rejection?

Isaiah 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

God continues to faithfully stand by his word, his council, and his purpose, without any wavering. I recommend reading the entire chapter of Isaiah 55.

Your Identity

In some relationships, it can happen that offences are continuous, like a debt that continues to increase without payment, without any resolution. What is one to do in such circumstances? Matthew 18:21-35 discusses such a situation. That record establishes God’s love for YOU as the basis for your love of the offender:

Matthew 18:32–33 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. [33] And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’

This record in Matthew doesn’t discuss the practical aspects of life in a family where such offenses exist. However, questions and temptations remain. The painful reality of offenses can influence you to question your identity in Christ and tempt you to assume a different identity. Remember that it was “identity” that the devil personally tempted Jesus about:

Luke 4:3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

The temptation of living in a relationship of constant offense (or the memory of such a relationship) is to assume the identity of a “victim” instead of a victor.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

In Christ, we are victors as well - see 1 John 5:4, 5 and 2 Corinthians 2:14 - 17. We are not called to take on the labor of “overcoming the world”, as our savior has already completed that work!

The outcome of this temptation can be critical. When I faced living in such circumstances, I had been given an assignment to “learn to love the unlovable”. Although this was a daunting assignment which was given to me in the middle of chronic spiritual attacks, I knew of the possibility of success because of my identity in Christ. For me, identifying as a victim was not an option.

A question that may need to be answered while being tempted to become a victim is this:

“I’m the victim, why should I have to change? I didn’t do anything wrong!”

It seems that many people have learned to hate change. Yet, growth brings change. Healing, justice, blessings, trauma, abuse, and other events of life all produces change, whether welcomed or not. Change will happen regardless of our own desires. The next questions are, what kind of changes will be made? Who or what will direct those changes? Your self-identity will greatly influence the answers to these questions.

Desired Results or Response To Your Love

Faithfully loving with God’s love is done as an agent, an emissary of God. Remember, God loves each person exactly as they are today, right now. Do you see those around you as they are, or do you see an image of what you need them to be, what they potentially could be?

Faithfully loving others with God’s love is not done in order to obtain a desired response from the one being loved. Attempting to obtain a desired response by loving behavior is not really love. If the desired response to your love is not achieved, it can be a source of pain, anguish, anger, and other emotions. I write this by experience! Addressing the challenges in a relationship is a different issue. We are called to love with the love of God regardless of any relationship challenges we face.

Let me explain further. Yes, I do desire godly outcomes and deliverance for people, but that is not why I love them. Yes, I desire that these essays have a godly impact in the lives of the audience, but that isn’t why I write. As agents, emissaries of God, we love with His love according to His will. I love and write because He loves and He writes. Thus, I trust that God will bring about the results that He desires. I may not live to see the ultimate results of my work, and the results may not be what I envision, but that is not important to me. These are issues that I place in His hands!

Hebrews 6:10

[10] For God is not unjust so as to overlook (forget) your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

During the decades long challenges and attacks, I learned a hard lesson - “As you walk with God, don’t try to determine or control the outcome, don’t set the time of the desired results.” Place those matters in God’s hands. In particular, don’t try to control the responses of other people. Instead, continue to handle the details of each day, as needed. Learn to endure in Christ until your deliverance comes.

This may be all well and good to understand and communicate, but there remains the practical considerations of how to live while enduring until deliverance. This is when your real self-identity is so important. As a child of God, with the indwelling life of Christ in me, who do I serve, whose will am I to represent and do? Is it my will or God’s will? The strength to faithfully manifest God’s love is only found in Christ. Loving God is my motivation to Love God, to love others, and to faithfully endure. The strength to faithfully love and endure is within the indwelling life of Christ in you!

As a husband, this means that I continue to fulfill my responsibilities as a husband, starting with what is written. All the other details of life and my relationship is handled in light of what is written here:

Ephesians 5:25 - 29 (KJV)

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Regardless of my own feelings or needs, I resolve to walk with God thought by thought, day by day. He supplies the wisdom and strength to love my wife and family as HE desires to love them.

As a father, those times I was estranged from my adult children, this meant praying for them and watching for their return. Until I received other guidance from God, praying and watching for my children to return is what I did. We aren’t estranged now.

Conclusion

As you anticipate and remain focused on deliverance in Christ, don’t overlook each day’s blessings from your heavenly Father. If there don’t seem to be any blessings, remember that God has blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in Christ - it has already happened! Ephesians 1:3.

Finally, every time you think “I’m just so tired of this“ aspire to remember and master this exhortation:

Hebrews 12:1–3

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (mentioned in chapter 11), let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely (not just your sin, but the offenses of others against you), and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

[3] Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (ESV)

If you desire to learn more about our walk of love, here is an essay I wrote: God’s Standard For Love.

2026 Keith Radcliffe

The Spiritual War

We are engaged in an ancient spiritual war. The battleground of this war is in the human mind, but the battles are waged with the indwelling life of Christ within each disciple. Note that it is NOT OUR own flesh that we “wrestle” with, but we do not allow the flesh to dominate or rule us. How?

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

This is also how we faithfully, day after day, carry out Ephesians 6:10.

Ephesians 6:10–13

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Our objective is to stand against the schemes of the devil, to withstand in these evil days. After doing all that can be done, continue to stand firm! Our ability to fulfill our objective is by way of the strength of the indwelling life of Christ within each of us.

One of the objectives of the devil is to steal our love and worship of our heavenly father.

John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

The Demoralization Scheme

In the past few decades I have noticed a demonic scheme in constant operation in the world, that influences the human mind to turn away from the love of God, the love of the truth, and our relationship with him. The scheme is to demoralize all of humanity, but especially the disciples who live by the indwelling life of Christ. As expressed in Ephesians 6, this scheme originates in the demonic spiritual realm. However, it is promoted and carried out in the physical realm.

Demoralization refers to the process of undermining the morale, confidence, or identity of an individual, group, or society. It often involves psychological, ideological, or cultural tactics aimed at weakening resolve, eroding traditional values, or fostering a sense of hopelessness. In its’ simplest form, it is a scheme to sow seeds of self-doubt.

For a really graphic example of a demoralization campaign against an individual, see the record of Job. His experiences closely resemble much of what we are experiencing today. The environment, foreign people, society, friends and family were all used against him. Yet he endured and retained his integrity. He never turned against God.

Elijah became greatly demoralized. What did he do? He took his complaint to God. What did God do in response? He gave Elijah a task list to complete! He also informed Elijah that there were 7,000 believers remaining in Israel who had not worshipped Baal. 1 Kings chapter 19.

Perfection?

We have been well trained by the religious and social realm to earnestly aspire to be “perfect”, to be flawless. It is easy to become demoralized by this hard, futile labor. Is “perfection” what we are called to achieve?

Drawing from Plato and Aristotle, the Western mind views perfection as the realization of an entity’s essential form or its highest possible state of being.

The Hebrew concept of “perfect” expresses the primary meaning of “whole,” “unblemished,” or “integrated.” Unlike the Greek intellectual pursuit of an abstract ideal, the Hebrew concept is relational and sacrificial. In the Old Testament, an animal sacrifice had to be physically unblemished, whole, and sound. This is not a measure of how high the animal had climbed a ladder of abstract virtue, but rather a measure of its integrity and lack of corruption. When applied to figures like Noah or Abraham, it signifies a life of integrity, complete devotion, and a lack of moral duplicity. It is “sincerity” in the truest sense: a single-minded, undivided commitment to the covenant with Yahweh.

The Hebrew, biblical concept is much different than what we were taught! We aren’t expected to be “faultless”, we are to be “blameless”!

Philippians 2:14–16

[14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

What is this “blemish”?

Ephesians 5:25–27

[25] Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, [26] that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (ESV)

It was commonly believed that wrinkles, spots, and blemishes in a wife were caused by anxiety, worry, and fear. Christ’s love and care for us is such that it overcomes anxiety, worry, and fear.

Conclusion

We have everything we need in order to stand against the demonic campaign to demoralize us.

Hold fast to the word of life as you shine as light in this world, in your thoughts, words, and deeds.

Philippians 4:4–7

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

Colossians 3:14–17

[14] And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And LET the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Finally, in these troubled times,

Proverbs 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes

Philippians 1:28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. (ESV)

2026 Keith Radcliffe

Gab Ai was used as a research tool for this essay.

In my early 20’s, I was in the middle of a dark, fearful time. There were good reasons for the fears and anxiety that tormented me. The answer to my prayers was this “…you need to learn how to love the unlovable.” This was not the kind of answer I desired or expected. As I tried to wrap my mind around such an assignment, I asked, “where or how do I start?” God said “you start at the cross” - referring to the sacrifice of Jesus as he gave his life for us. That was the start of my journey to really learn about love.

Since that assignment came at a very bad time for me, I learned that our capacity to effectively walk with God according to his will is NOT dependent upon our circumstances or our perceived sense of weakness or helplessness. Every born again saint has the capacity to have a godly impact upon the universe at any time or place. For those who struggle to love, there are some things to know about this love and about the torment of fear.

Fear

Religious doctrine teaches that we must “fear God”. Yes, even the scriptures are translated to echo this doctrine. Yet, the translations and the religious doctrine does not give the sense of what it is to “fear God”. We aren’t to be afraid of God. Rather “the fear of God” should be understood as our great reverence for God, respect for God, the awe of God. Our heavenly Father isn’t watching us closely to severely punish any misstep (in our judgment) we might make.

One source of torment that I have experienced and seen in many others is the habit of self-accusation and self-judgment to condemnation. We are not called by God to that kind of labor. We have already been judged by God! The verdict has been given and the sentence has been passed!

Romans 8:29–30

[29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (this includes you). [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified (this includes you, it has already happened).

That was the past, what is happening now?

Romans 8:31–34

[31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Since God and his son Christ Jesus will not charge you, why would you charge yourself? We cannot separate ourselves from the love of God.

Romans 8:37–39

[37] No, in all these things we are more than (super) conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present (including YOU) nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation (including YOU), will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Finally, the root, the cause of fear and the deliverance from fear is written here:

Hebrews 2:14–15

[14] Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself (Jesus our savior) likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Romans 8:14–16

[14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery (a spirit of fear) to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons (the gift of holy spirit), by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Regardless of feelings, appearances, or circumstances, we are who God says we are!

Love

Knowing our identity in Christ is crucial in order to carry out our calling from God. As children of God, we function in the world as Agents, Emissaries of God, to carry out His will in this fallen world. We love, not with our human love, but with the love of and for God.

Romans 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the holy spirit which has been given to us.

Right now, today, we have the love of God in us, through the indwelling life of Christ! Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ can be a struggle if we attempt to love with our own fragile human love. We manifest the love of God, regardless of the response, regardless of the results.

We have heard that “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” This is quite a statement to understand!

The following is from the Amplified bible which provides some needed clarity.

1 John 4:16 - 19

16 We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him.

It requires time to come to know God’s love for us. To “abide” implies the passage of time. God faithfully abides continually in us! IF you don’t know God’s love by personal observation and experience, then it is time to ask God to show you - bring your appetite, your hunger to know!

17 In this [union and fellowship with God], love is completed and perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]; because as He (God) is, so are we in this world.

As we abide in God’s love, we grow and mature in our ability to express HIS love via the indwelling life of Christ, without any fear of judgment! Our human love, our human “strength” is not sufficient for our calling. Growing to maturity requires time. Notice that our identity as Agents and Emissaries is mentioned here “…as He is, so are we in this world.“

18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].

Here is our authorization, enablement, and motivation:

19 We love, because He first loved us.

Conclusion

In the book of Acts, there are examples of how the disciples manifested God’s love. One particular example is the record of Ananias of Damascus in Acts 9. Ananias was “just” a simple disciple.

Growing as a child of God is much like growing as a human child. We are NOT walking on a “tightrope of holiness” where a slight misstep could mean disaster and punishment. A child may have the potential to become an Olympic athlete, but the realization of that potential does not happen immediately. As you walk with God, in His love, be patient with yourself, be faithful in your walk with God. God knows you, He loves you and will continuously be there with you as you grow.

2026 Keith Radcliffe

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Why? For what purpose?

12 For the perfecting of (or to equip) the saints (this includes us all, both men and women), for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The purpose of my substack is to present spiritual knowledge and wisdom to become free from anything that is captivating us, preventing us from functioning as God has enabled us to function. This “captivity” means anything that captivates our minds: sin consciousness, guilt, shame, self-condemnation, worry, fear, chronic trauma, ignorance, and such. Christ led all this captive.

One of the critical, foundational elements of living this freedom is to learn and understand who you are in Christ, your identification with Christ. “Identity” means much, much, more than who you are. It indicates your family, your citizenship, and all the legal rights indicated by the family name and citizenship. It defines your access to all the rights and resources provided by your family and your citizenship.

Born Again

How does one become born again?

Romans 10:9–10

[9] because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

The term “born again” or “the new birth” indicates that a birth has taken place. In order for that to happen, there must be *seed! Before this birth, we were dead in sin, but because of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ, God raised us up together with Christ, ascended us with him, and seated us next to him in the heavenly places. This has already happened - there is no waiting required! We are alive in Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-6).

Ephesians 2:18–20

[18] For through him (Christ) we both have access in one spirit to the Father. [19] So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

See, our Father is God, and we are members of HIS family. Now, this is not an extended family, we are in HIS household! How intimate is that? We are also Fellow Citizens with all the other saints! We don’t have to wait until we die to find out “if we made it” or not!

Colossians 1:13 He (God) has delivered us (past tense) from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

We have already obtained an inheritance, with full access to all the resources which are available today.

Ephesians 1:11

[11] In him (God) we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him (God) who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 3:6

[6] This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow (or joint) heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

A fellow or joint heir has the same access to all of the inheritance with all the other joint heirs. This inheritance is NOT divided. We all have 100% access to everything that is available.

Justice!

As I write this essay, there are many people who passionately cry out and demand justice. The great desire is for both personal and national justice. The world seems incapable of providing justice for the widows, orphans, and others. HOWEVER, Great Justice Has Already Been served! The verdicts have been made and declared for each one of us.

Everything that Jesus Christ accomplished was on LEGAL GROUNDS! Everything written about your identity with Christ, and your citizenship in his Kingdom is all based on LEGAL GROUNDS!

Colossians 2:13–14

[13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Yes, because of God’s love, mercy, and grace, all outstanding charges against us have been resolved in the court of God. We will never be charged again. See Romans chapter 8.

Romans 5:18–19

[18] Therefore, as one trespass (by Adam) led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. [19] For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

“Justification” is a legal verdict of “not guilty” in the Court of God. This verdict is rendered because of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ.

The Messiah is required in order for the promises and the justice of God to take place. Rest assured that all the justice that you need and desire will come to pass. All the outstanding offences inflicted by the world are recorded on the docket of the Court of God. Justice will come, and YOU will be deeply involved!

1 Corinthians 6:2–3

[2] Or do you not know that the saints (men and women) will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? [3] Do you not know that we are to judge angels (the demonic spirits)? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

GOD CARRIES THESE BURDENS AND CARES SO THAT WE ARE FREE TO WALK IN HIS LOVE, LOVING PEOPLE WITH HIS LOVE. WE CAN EVEN LEARN TO LOVE THE UNLOVABLE!

Conclusion

Ephesians 6:10–12

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

In order to participate effectively in this spiritual war according to the will of God, we must know our own identity and the resources that legitimately and legally belong to us.

Colossians 3:1–4

[1] If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (you are there too!) [2] Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (ESV)

IF CHRIST MAKES YOU FREE, THEN YOU ARE FREE INDEED!

2026 Keith Radcliffe

*seed - 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9.

I have noticed that there are quite a few posts that have to do with “soul sucking employment”, and people’s misery with their job. This misery isn’t unique to our modern times.

As adulthood came closer and closer, one of my greatest fears was having to work and support myself. The fear wasn’t of failure, as I had no ambition for “success”. At the time, “failure” for me was to be forced into employment, forced to be a “productive part of a society” that I despised. This attitude was mainly due to living for years in what felt like a pain amplifier, and the anger that smoldered in me during puberty. This painful emotional turmoil drove me to search for The Truth.

Then, before I turned 18, God called me. As things progress, I became very passionate about the scriptures, my identity in Christ, and manifesting the power of God to do His will. This passion forced me to confront my fear of employment. One of the few things that we are commanded to do is to work:

Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (ESV)

What? This goes beyond just supporting myself and my family - you mean I have to share my earnings with others? That was a shock! This next verse was key in helping me overcome my fears:

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, (ESV)

With the command, God always supplies the ability! So, in response, I brought my motivation and purpose from God into my employment. It is not the responsibility of my employer to provide “meaningful” or “enjoyable” work.

In my specific experience, God helped me find ways to enjoy whatever employment I had - pouring iron, pouring concrete, working in construction, clearing land, refurbishing office equipment, or working with electronic technology; all this work became enjoyable and had purpose!

For a time, work was a distraction from my real passion, which is learning the Word of God. The purpose of education is ACTION. Effective, profitable action requires WISDOM. Without wisdom, knowledge is almost worthless. If the student refuses to act, wisdom will elude him. The jobsite was the place where I learned to serve and apply what I was learning in my relationship with God.

Something else happened; usually, every day I worked, the pain I had been experiencing for many years subsided for those few hours. This was significant in helping me endure until I was delivered from that chronic challenge. I remember the temptation influencing me to become a workaholic. Due to my purpose from God, and love for The Truth, resisting this temptation was relatively easy.

Conclusion

Don’t expect any employer to supply you with motivation, purpose, and meaning. Those are attributes that YOU the employee supply. Those are attributes that you can acquire in your relationship with God.

As I have said before - “Success is learning to enjoy doing what you ought to do!”

2026 Keith Radcliffe

The devilish systems of this world are designed to hinder, steal, and destroy the blessings of God and the fruit of the labors of His beloved children. These systems are also designed to shield the children of the world from the consequences of their evil works. We live in a world of injustice. So, how do we endure in such an world of painful abuse, so that we can continue to shine as lights, loving people as God would have them to be loved?

The motivation to endure is our committed love for God and His will. Endurance is the continuous practical application of our relationship with God in the physical realm. The goal is to stand until His will, His deliverance comes to pass in our life and in the lives of others.

My Substack is “Freedom in Christ”. The “freedom” I refer to is the freedom in Christ to love and serve God regardless of our circumstances, regardless of any injustice that may be inflicted on us. This essay is about a practical strategy I adopted in order to endure and live a Godly life in this fallen world. Life may never be easy, but we can become more skillful.

This essay may be very difficult for some to read, as it touches on some very real emotionally painful issues. I have been challenged with such pain myself and in my family. This essay does not accuse the reader of sin, or having done something wrong. I am not offering a quick fix to solve these sometimes chronic challenges. It is more about choices that can be made. What I present here was learned over a number of years, so give yourself some time to absorb the information.

The verse that guided me through this journey is found in Philippians 3:7 - 16. Briefly:

“…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“

Regardless of circumstances, anyone with the indwelling gift of holy spirit, Christ in You, has the ability to apply this scripture day by day.

A Trap

The unjust trauma of harmful events can happen to any of us, at any time - there is no immunity. There are no “risk free” zones in this life. This trauma is experienced emotionally and perhaps physically. The damage is real and so often those who caused the damage are not held to account for their deeds. This can lead to the temptation to maintain a lifetime of smoldering anger, bitterness, and unending grief. That path is very painful and exhausting. Yet, this is not the kind of life that you or I ever desired! God does not desire this kind of life for us, either!

The only thing that anyone has any real control over, is your own self. Circumstances, events and other people can unjustly inflict harm on us, turning us into a hurting, unwilling victim. Here is the trap, which could hinder our service to God for a lifetime - “someone or something is to blame; it’s not my fault”. I call this the “blame game”. It gets more involved than this.

Religion will often use twisted theology and tradition to accuse the injured person. For example, “…you must have some hidden sin”. Other religious and secular people may accuse you of contributing to the harm. Instead of strengthening, comforting, and healing there is just more abuse. Such treatment may be shocking and confusing, adding to the painful, exhausting anger of injustice.

Due to such trauma, the focus of the mind is on the harm and finding justice. Life has changed! The trauma, the pain, and the overwhelming desire for justice is now directing the path of your future. The Godly way forward, the exit from that path can become obscured, hidden, and even closed. Thus, it may appear that you are trapped in a life of victimhood.

The ability to open this trap is in your hands and in your mind. The lock that holds the trap shut is expressed in the following cry:

“Why should I have to change, I’m not to blame! I didn’t do anything wrong!“

Although this cry of anguish and anger may be correct, remember that your life has changed already, and it will continue to change. The question becomes, who or what will continue to direct these changes? Will it be you by way of the indwelling life of Christ, or will it be circumstances, the pain of trauma and/or other people? Enduring and overcoming these challenges requires growth and growth brings about change.

A Path Forward

In the midst of painful challenges which affected me personally and affected my entire family, I learned a strategy, a skill which helped a great deal. This strategy is called “excuse free living”. Briefly, this means:

In essence, it’s about owning your life 100% — accepting that while external factors (time, money, background, other people, etc.) can make things harder, they don’t ultimately control your outcomes. Instead of rationalizing inaction or failure with explanations that shift blame outward, you focus on what you can control and move forward anyway.

Now we must handle the “blame game” again. “Excuse free living” is not about accepting blame for the harmful challenges that may have happened to you. It is a change of focus! Recall the guiding verse from Philippians 3 that was mentioned earlier. This is really where our spiritual life meets our practical life.

Personal Examples

Here is a simple example that comes from the best job I ever had. At the time, I had just learned about excuse free living.

One day, I was working in my office and my new boss (Director of Engineering) came in to meet with me. It was an unscheduled meeting. In essence, he was reproving and correcting my work, to redirect my efforts. As I listened, my initial emotional thinking was “It’s not fair! I need to explain!“. Then I remembered - “excuse free living“. That memory quickly quieted my anger. What my boss said was all factually accurate, but more importantly, he provided me with the correction, what he wanted me to do instead. When he finished speaking, I said, “You are correct. I will make the changes you want.“ It seems that my boss was prepared for a fight, but my answer deescalated the tension immediately. He responded “Well, OK, then!“, and the meeting was over.

In the following days, he took care of the concerns and issues that I had been handling before the meeting. Later, I found out that he had redirected employees of another department before he met with me. They believed themselves to be irreplaceable, and behaved accordingly, rejecting his directions. No wonder he was prepared for a fight when he met with me. The rebellious employees were let go in the next lay-off that came.

Years later when the company was under great strain, it went through the most severe restructuring I had experienced. My job was on the chopping block, but my boss defended me, ensuring that I could continue to work under contract. I am very grateful for his efforts.

Here is a more important example that involved my family. I won’t go into great detail, but it was a very hard time for us all. The challenge involved my severely handicapped daughter, and the fight to obtain appropriate services from the school system.

The school system had dealt with people like me before. They developed strategies for dealing with “troublesome parents”, that went beyond ignoring their concerns. Spiritual discernment was really important to handle the challenges, especially when they attempted to drive a wedge between me and my wife. They attempted to influence my employer to fire me. This tactic usually worked with the main employer in town, but did not work with my employer.

At the same time, school personnel subjected my other children to abusive behavior.

We had several choices that we could make.

1 Surrender and stop fighting

2 Take legal action

3 Homeschool

4 Move back to my wife’s hometown (200 miles away from our current town)

Options 1 and 2 were not viable solutions, and we were ill-prepared for option 3. There were good reasons to pursue option 4.

I had already spent several weeks in the area we wanted to move to, and determined that there were no suitable job openings there. So, I asked the VP of engineering if I could work remotely (this was in the mid-1980’s). He said “No, we will never permit remote work in this company“. So, that night my wife and I prayed about this situation. The answer came almost immediately. “When all the (educational) doors shut, it will be time to move“.

In the meantime, we prepared. I prepared, on my own time, to work from home, to demonstrate that it could be done. We obtained more information about the school system in my wife’s home town. We continued to advocate for our children as before.

Months passed. Towards the end of the school year, in a meeting with the school system, they announced that they would no longer be working with us on the issues they were legally obligated to deal with. All the doors had shut. That week I met with the president of my employer (the former VP of engineering), and asked again if I could work remotely. I expected the same answer as before. Instead he said, “sure, that won’t be a problem.“ What happened to change his mind? That is another story of God working in the situation. I didn’t know the details until several years later. When other people are involved, timing can be critical.

A number of short weeks later, we were living in a different town, in a different state. It was 1987. I worked remotely from that time until 2004. The education of our children required a lot of work, including some homeschooling and such. In the end, my severely disabled daughter learned to read and write. She knows how to do simple arithmetic with a calculator. She knows her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has manifested holy spirit. The doctors said she would never live past 4 or 5. If she did live, they said she would be a vegetable. As I write this, my daughter is 46 years old.

Conclusion

The examples I provided are an illustration of how I adapted “excuse free living” to the practical aspects of my life and my family.

Instead of rationalizing inaction or failure with explanations that shift blame outward, you focus on what you can control and move forward anyway.

I have another way of expressing this - “don’t get mad, don’t get even, move ahead“

What is left out of these short examples is the emotion. My communication may seem cold and unfeeling, but I had all the emotions that are common to parents. I was angry, offended, sorrowful, and desired justice for my children. I did have to deal with all this pain. In the end, I was well prepared for the greater offences that were to come.

“…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“

This word “…forgetting…” can be a stumbling block for some. The way I choose to handle this is to lay aside the offences of the past. If I want, I can handle them in the future, or I can choose to let God handle them. I prefer to let God handle these matters of justice.

2026 Keith Radcliffe

Those who are still complaining about the need to work (”why do I have to work?”) probably won’t get much out of this short essay until later. For those people, I leave you with this : “why should anyone work to support other adults who refuse to work?”

The younger readers might think that things are different now, that this author hasn’t had to experience the same conditions that the current workers experience. Well, I left the workforce in 2018, so I have experienced the modern work environment. Additionally, I have children and grandchildren who are currently working. They keep me up to date.

Common complaints about work are well known:

• There is no job security

• The company isn’t loyal to its’ employees

• Not enough pay

• No path for advancement, it’s a dead-end job

• There is no good work/life balance

• The job is boring, soul-crushing

• The boss doesn’t provide me any motivation

All these complaints have important information. If you know these facts, why not do something instead of just complaining? You think you can’t do anything about these conditions? Don’t give up so fast. Here are some strategies that I put to good use, just to give the reader some ideas about what you could do.

The very first step is to QUIT COMPLAINING!

Motivation

Why would you give your employer control over your emotional state or your motivation? Adults are designed to be self-motivated and self-disciplined. A life of liberty requires the skillful use of these attributes. It is part of Self-Governance! Here is a link to my essay Working Heartily which discusses the supreme source of motivation.

No Job Security or Dead-End Job

If you know this, then make your own security. My strategy for this condition was:

“I’m training for my next job.“ Learn all the skills you can from every job you have. Learn what to do to add value for your employer and what not to do.

“Embrace the Insecurity“ I resolved that I would teach my way out of a job. Find your replacement among your coworkers. Search until you find someone who is willing to learn what you have to share. Train that person until he is ready to take your place.

I was never able to complete this task. However, training my replacement forced me to really master, in detail, all the skills of my position. It helped me with my communications skills too! I grew in my abilities more than the person that I trained. This helped me greatly to accomplish this next item:

“Add as much value to the company as you can“ For this strategy, you might have to think, to be creative. One of the first things that must be discovered is “what is really valued by the company?”, “what is really valued by my boss?” The answers to these two questions might not be the same. It may be that your boss doesn’t know what is really valuable to the company. Once you gain the answers to these questions, make a plan on how you can provide more value to those areas of interest.

You may not be recognized for all your efforts, but so what? You are training for your next job. It’s all good for you!

Work/Life Balance

This complaint often comes from those who like to party too much. These same people also complain about not having a living wage. A wise man once said that those who LOVE pleasure will not escape poverty. Your employer is not in business to enrich your social or family life.

I was eventually able to achieve an acceptable work/life balance. This achievement required time, thoughtful planning, and self-discipline.

Boring/Soul-Crushing

Employment does not exist to entertain or hold your interest. The question is, why would you give your employer control over your emotional state or your sense of worth? You determine if you will enjoy your work or not. You determine if you are bored or not. The pain is real, but it will stop whenever you decide! Remember, you are in training for your next job. Consider this: If you were in charge, how well would you want your employees to work? Decide to work that way!

Conclusion

This is a journey of self-discovery; what hidden talents and capabilities will you find? How much real value can you provide your employer?

Finally, don’t try to make life easier, work to increase your skillfulness.

2025 Keith Radcliffe