March 11, 2026

Viewing all things through the lens of the True and the beautiful!

The True

Singularity

Singularity.

You’ve no doubt heard the word in recent days. You have likely heard something like, “The singularity is here,” or “We are living in the singularity.”

In short, the term is used to describe a point in time when artificial intelligence exceeds human capacity. The current cultural conversation on this topic feels a bit like the lead-up to “Y2K” and the anticipated-but-not-yet-known technological ramifications of calendars rolling from 1999 to 2000. There is one main difference: In 1999, there was mostly fear and trepidation in the atmosphere while today there is a certain tinge of utopian euphoria in much of the AI-involved conversation. There is a hope that singularity will mean a rapid acceleration of human capacity and a dramatic decline, or even ceasing of, human suffering.

Spoiler alert: While technological advances can make—and in fact already have made—life more comfortable, there is no Utopia or ceasing of suffering coming on this side of heaven (Matt. 26:11).

As a Jesus follower, you know better. You also know this reality is for the better, as you and I were made to bring glory to God, not take the place of God. The struggle against a desire to be like God is as old as the Garden of Eden and includes technologically-adjusted parallel events like the building of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.

We think we want to be like God. We act like we want to be like God. We build towers and design technologies in the hopes of reaching God or having God-like knowledge and power. But the truth is we were made not to be like God but rather in the image of God and for the purpose of bringing Him glory (Gen. 1:27; Is. 43:7).

So let’s level-set today. There is a Source of knowledge and power that exceeds all human capacity. That Source has existed since before time and resides outside the human confines of space (Gen. 1:1-2; Jn. 1:1-5). That Source is the eternal God—a God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one of which—the Son—took on human flesh in order that you might have access to God. That access comes not through human capacity or towers or technological singularity, but through association with the Son.

Over the next few weeks, our community here at The Equipped is going to go back to the basics a bit on this matter. We find our rooting at The Equipped in the promise of 2 Tim. 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

We talk frequently about that end goal of being equipped, and it’s a very worthwhile goal! We must be equipped, especially in a cultural moment of debate around aspirations like singularity! But how do we become equipped? What does it mean that God’s word can teach, and rebuke, and correct, and train in such a dynamic way that you can be thoroughly equipped for EVERY good work?

That’s an intensely powerful promise worth exploring in greater depth, which we will do over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, are you living in the singularity? Will artificial intelligence soon surpass human capacity?

Or is that even the correct question? Because you already serve the One about Whom it is said, “[H]is understanding has no limit” (Ps. 147:5). So even if artificial intelligence soon exceeds human intelligence, there is nothing artificial about the One Who created all things, both seen and unseen (Col. 1:16), and His glory is unsurpassable (2 Cor. 3:10-11)!

You can be equipped for every good work coming your way. The secret is in the teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training available in singular authority of God’s Word.

World

New Leader, Same Name

Iran has a new Supreme Leader, and it is the son of the late Supreme Leader. Fifty-six-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has never held a government position, but takes over the regime after his father was killed in airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. The younger Khamenei will be the country’s primary decision-maker as the conflict continues and will also decide whether to continue the hostile and antagonistic approach of his father or seek a more conciliatory posture with the world.

Analysis and eternal perspective: All signs point to a doubling down on Iran’s hardline theocratic posture under the late Khamenei. That is the near consensus of world observers about the elevation of Mojtaba Khamenei. While there is not a governing track record to evaluate, most believe the selection of Khamenei is an indication Iran will continue its openly hostile approach to foreign affairs and will be unlikely to moderate its nuclear development program or expand the Iranian people’s freedom. This is mostly speculation for the moment but becomes more and more reality by the day as bombs continue to rain down both in and at the hands of Iran.

You very likely have little say in the direction of the war with Iran, but you have a transcendent ability to lift up in prayer both those in the war zone and those making the wartime decisions. This is not an afterthought responsibility, but a primary calling for Jesus followers!

First, there are millions of people now living in constant fear of attack. The emotional strain is enormous, not to mention the physical danger. Pray that many would come to know the comfort of Jesus as their Savior.

Next, there is an incredibly heavy weight of responsibility on world leaders making war time decisions. This certainly includes U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but it also includes dozens of other world leaders with a responsibility to secure their people and defend peace wherever possible (“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” Rom. 12:18).

Finally, perhaps closest to home, while you are likely not making wartime decisions (those of you who are have our fervent prayers), how can you walk out this pursuit of peace from Rom. 12:18? For me, I need to remind myself that it is not just for when I’m in the wrong, but it is for me to pursue peace whenever possible.

Let’s be a people who don’t easily give up on peace—especially relational peace. You don’t have to win the argument to choose peace. In fact, loving through ongoing disagreement is often the most effective way to both preserve the peace and continue a conversation about an important truth at hand.

Choose peace even in disagreement. It may also be the path to a wider conversation.

U.S.

New Secretary

Kristi Noem is out and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (OK) is in as the nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump comes on the heels of a volatile tenure for Noem as DHS Secretary and amid an ongoing shutdown of the Department as Congress grapples with how to reach a funding agreement.

Noem has been appointed as Special Envoy for the Shield of Americas (a new drug fighting program), while Mullin will need confirmation from the U.S. Senate to formally assume his new role. According to OK law, he will be replaced in the Senate by an appointee from OK Gov. Kevin Stitt, but that appointee must agree not to run for reelection.

Analysis and eternal perspective: Noem is the first cabinet member to be fired in the current administration, but it is not unusual for turnover to begin to occur in the second year of a presidential term. Noem’s time at DHS was marked with considerable upheaval—perhaps nowhere more so than the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota. The former Secretary reportedly fell out of favor with the President during a recent Senate hearing at which she testified the President knew and approved of a $220 million ad campaign featuring the then newly installed Secretary.

While this news means a change at DHS and in the U.S. Senate, it leaves the same policy issues unresolved. It will fall to Secretary Mullin, if confirmed, to chart the way forward at the Department, and it will be up to the newly constituted U.S. Senate—with Mullin’s replacement—and the U.S. House to agree to a DHS funding package.

You, as part of The Equipped family, have heard this reminder spanning administrations: While people are policy and making a change like this one is impactful, much of this story will be breathless coverage with an aim at political advantage (in both directions). You and I should be liberated to leave that latter weight where it lies, as there is no eternal benefit in taking it up.

How is the following for a direct and candid reminder?

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Tim. 2:23-24).

U.S.

Razor Thin

The already razor thin Republican majority in the U.S. House continues to dwindle. While the GOP technically maintains a 218-214 edge, there are dozens of Members (from both parties) who will not be running for reelection. This number now includes Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX), who announced he will not be running for reelection after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a staffer who later took her own life.

Further complicating the partisan dynamic in the U.S. House, Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA) announced he is leaving the Republican party, effective immediately, to become an Independent. While Rep. Kiley will continue caucusing with Republicans, it remains to be seen if this change impacts the GOP’s ability to approve legislation in the chamber.

Analysis and eternal perspective: There is an idiom in DC: “Political capital lasts about six weeks.” In our technological age, the saying may need updated to read, “six minutes.” Even in a political “trifecta” environment (where the White House and both chambers of Congress are held by the same party, as is currently the case), the partisan dynamic is constantly changing.

As The Equipped community, this is yet another reason to intentionally decline to place any security in political outcomes. As we often remind ourselves, American citizens are blessed with the freedom to self-govern (Galatians 5 speaks of a Creator-endowed longing for freedom), and we should faithfully exercise that liberty. In doing so, however, we should be mindful to avoid the trap of believing that any government of men or any political power is a gatekeeper for that freedom. True freedom is found only in and through relationship with Jesus Christ, and as you revel in the blessings of engaging in a self-governing republic, you remain most secure when you anticipate the inevitability of an ebb and flow in partisan fortunes.

Through it all, the one true God is on the throne!

“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne” (Ps. 47:8).

The Beautiful

Spring Life

As the blooms of spring begin to appear, we are reminded of God’s gift of rain. He is the One who sends the rain appropriate for the season (Zech. 10:1, Jer. 5:24) and tinged with mercy to overcome our unworthiness (Matt. 5:45). His refreshing in your life has and will continue to produce vibrant color and sweetness!