Is it fake or real?
A photo was recently forwarded around the internet of an emaciated prisoner playing a violin in a Auschwitz concentration camp along with a backstory about the photo. The problem - it was not real. The Auschwitz memorial & museum officials reported the photo and story are both fake and AI generated. They said these type things are dangerous distortions, and such fabrications disrespect the Holocaust victims and harass their memory.
Fake videos are prevalent on YouTube - but they look real. I will be watching a video on YouTube thinking it is real - then while reading the comments section a subject expert will explain why this video is fake and could not be real. How is a person to know what is fake or real?
Fake stories and fake photos are everywhere. It is getting almost impossible to know what is real or fake given AI advancements. Years ago, it was much easier to spot a bad photoshop. “Photoshop fail” was a common phrase. Now, with more sophisticated technology a fake photo looks just as real as a real photo. If a particular photo or story about something trivial or silly turns out to be fake it might not be a big deal. With more sensitive or serious subjects, it can have hurtful and lasting consequences.
When it comes to spiritual matters - it is critical to know what is true, the soul’s eternal destiny is at stake. Many people toss around the word “truth” loosely - saying things like “that is my truth“ or “that is your truth.” A person’s journey of faith is unique to each individual. But God’s word is truth and constant - it is not negotiable or fluid.
The Holy Scriptures are the only divine source of truth in spiritual matters. God’s Holy Word cannot be modified or amended. The ink is dry. There is a sobering warning in the final chapter of the Bible about altering God’s word.
Revelation 22:18 & 19 - For I testify to everyone who hears these words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.
The New Testament authors mentioned “truth” in different settings and contexts in their writings. A few examples;
John 18:37 - Pilate said to Jesus - Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.
John 18:38 - Pilate said to Jesus - What is truth?
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, (Thomas)- I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:15 - speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ.
Ephesians 6:14 - Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
2 Timothy 2:25 - … so that they may know the truth.
We can be confident that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired word of God. In spiritual matters - we need to test what we read or hear from others against the word of God to determine if it is true. It is not unusual to hear people say things like - “my preacher says.” What does God say? That is the authority and the standard.
John 8:32 - Jesus says - and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
We must have a relationship with Jesus - who is truth - built on obedient faith. Jesus is the only way to be free from the bondage of sin and have everlasting life. That is the truth.
Mark Townsley
Fake videos are prevalent on YouTube - but they look real. I will be watching a video on YouTube thinking it is real - then while reading the comments section a subject expert will explain why this video is fake and could not be real. How is a person to know what is fake or real?
Fake stories and fake photos are everywhere. It is getting almost impossible to know what is real or fake given AI advancements. Years ago, it was much easier to spot a bad photoshop. “Photoshop fail” was a common phrase. Now, with more sophisticated technology a fake photo looks just as real as a real photo. If a particular photo or story about something trivial or silly turns out to be fake it might not be a big deal. With more sensitive or serious subjects, it can have hurtful and lasting consequences.
When it comes to spiritual matters - it is critical to know what is true, the soul’s eternal destiny is at stake. Many people toss around the word “truth” loosely - saying things like “that is my truth“ or “that is your truth.” A person’s journey of faith is unique to each individual. But God’s word is truth and constant - it is not negotiable or fluid.
The Holy Scriptures are the only divine source of truth in spiritual matters. God’s Holy Word cannot be modified or amended. The ink is dry. There is a sobering warning in the final chapter of the Bible about altering God’s word.
Revelation 22:18 & 19 - For I testify to everyone who hears these words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.
The New Testament authors mentioned “truth” in different settings and contexts in their writings. A few examples;
John 18:37 - Pilate said to Jesus - Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.
John 18:38 - Pilate said to Jesus - What is truth?
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, (Thomas)- I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:17 - For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:15 - speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ.
Ephesians 6:14 - Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth having put on the breastplate of righteousness.
2 Timothy 2:25 - … so that they may know the truth.
We can be confident that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired word of God. In spiritual matters - we need to test what we read or hear from others against the word of God to determine if it is true. It is not unusual to hear people say things like - “my preacher says.” What does God say? That is the authority and the standard.
John 8:32 - Jesus says - and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
We must have a relationship with Jesus - who is truth - built on obedient faith. Jesus is the only way to be free from the bondage of sin and have everlasting life. That is the truth.
Mark Townsley
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