(Substack)—Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit with Alison Steinberg as she was guest host on Emerald Robinson’s “The Absolute Truth” show. One of the topics discussed was the push by the Trump administration to lead the Artificial Intelligence Revolution.
They’re wanting to spend investments of a half trillion dollars to make it happen. They’re pushing forward with billionaire Larry Ellison, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and others in the field to make America the undisputed AI champion. But what does that even mean? What sort of blowback will come if we achieve our goals? What will the repercussions be if we don’t?
China is making a similar play, albeit from different angles. For example, every student in Beijing from grade school through graduation will receive mandatory AI training. According to Dallas Express:
Later this year, students in China’s capital will begin taking compulsory classes in artificial intelligence, according to a statement from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission.
Starting this fall, students, including elementary schoolers, will begin receiving a minimum of eight hours of AI tuition per academic year. Schools are given the option to either teach AI as a standalone course or integrate it into an existing curriculum, like science.
Artificial intelligence education will focus differently depending on the age. The subject is covered throughout China’s compulsory six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and three years of high school.
That’s a serious societal shift. It demonstrates how China is not only looking to master AI today but to advance their mastery in the future.
This is the new nuclear arms race. The difference is that the winner of this particular race will likely never be caught because whoever makes it to the next level will be able to accelerate to the level after that. Whoever achieves THAT level will pull so far ahead that nobody will be able to catch them.
Currently, we are in the Artificial Intelligence stage. It’s about as advanced as it can get before breaking into the realm of Artificial General Intelligence. The difference between them seems minor, but it’s actually quite huge.
Artificial Intelligence takes human inputs and “machine learning” to generate responses based on the combination of the two. Without the human factor, Artificial Intelligence is rudderless.
Artificial General Intelligence removes the need for human input. It “thinks” for itself based on its programming but has the ability to grow beyond that programming. If that last sentence doesn’t concern you, then reread it.
With AGI, it won’t just answer questions. It has the ability to ask its own questions and then seek those answers. Oftentimes these questions will be ones that humans never even thought to ask.
Another concerning aspect of AGI is that it will be able to grow without external inputs. This means that whoever develops AGI first will have a major advantage because it will improve rapidly. Altman and others have said AGI will be achieved this year.
Then, there’s Artificial Superintelligence. ASI will be the equivalent of a “mind” that can think for itself, form its own “opinions,” and change its own parameters based on instant access to the entire wealth of human knowledge. It will be able to make connections that nobody even considered as possible.
It will likely cure cancer. That alone will have the masses bowing down before it without realizing they’ve begun worshipping.
And therein lies the biggest problem. Yes, there will be challenges for the faithful but those of us who have read our Bibles already know that strait is the gate and narrow is the way, so this development is not entirely unexpected. As for the world itself, AGI and ASI will pave the way to dependency, Universal Basic Income, and the masses becoming prisoners of their own necessity.
No job will be safe. As Breitbart noted, Google is already developing robots that can do some pretty humanlike actions without being preprogrammed. Once we get to the next two stages of AI advancements, machines will be better surgeons than the brightest humans.
On tonight’s episode of The JD Rucker Show, I dove into this topic with an extended segment. And as always, I didn’t just scream about the sky falling. I went into recommendations for those who want to embrace AI and more importantly for those of us who absolutely do NOT want to embrace it.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.