THE SCIENCE OF SIGNS

Semiotics is the study of signs. A sign comprises two components: the signifier is the denotative level, and the signified is the connotation. A sign can be an icon, symbol or index. An icon is physically similar to the object or what it stands for; its literal sense refers to the signifier, e.g. a photo of a tree or the letters that spell tree, while its connotative sign pertains to its meaning. A symbol pattern refers to an interpretive habit or a norm of a learned behaviour like a play or pause button. In contrast, an index correlates with sensory information, e.g., fire smoke or car skidding noise. Language serves as a sign that we can read ‘Lamborghini’, and it can evoke similar images in our mind by spelling the word.’ We all recognize that it denotes a car. However, the sign consists of letters of the alphabet, and its connotative level conveys a deeper meaning, e.g., wealth and status, exclusivity and prestige. On the level of associated myths, which is a secondary sign, it is a myth of success and freedom. Its cultural sign is tied to broader ideologies of wealth, individuality, and power. It serves as both a functional object and a social statement.

An English rose is a flower; however, a red rose can symbolise love, romance, and beauty. It is used in romantic settings, while yellow roses may have a different meaning and could be more appropriate in a friendship context. A sign is always interpreted in context. For example, if Warren Buffet were speaking about money, his context would generate a completely different vibe than that of a corrupt prosperity preacher. They are using the same dollar note, yet the meanings generated reflect two different attitudes, even though the money possesses no inherent meaning—it's merely paper representing currency. Its connotative meaning is always interpreted differently, depending on who we are, as we see life through our worldview. Someone who believes in the stories of a prosperity preacher will form a different image in the meaning-making mind compared to one who sees through his antics. We create the meaning.

The ocean can be a place of rest where people enjoy a leisurely swim, while for others, it may provoke fear if they have recently encountered a shark. So, even though it’s the same location, the interpretations of reality or the signified meaning can have different connotations. Consider the word marriage; in most people's minds, it represents a union between a male and a female, but in other cultures, marriage may encompass multiple wives. According to the Bible, marriage is only between two people. Same-sex marriage has been normalised in many cultures, while gender-based violence can be accepted in some, leading to a belief that it is acceptable for women to be abused in a cultural context.

Nowadays, due to the globalised internet, we must ensure we share a common conceptual map of the world when discussing various concepts. This way, when we interpret signs that represent concepts, we need a thorough analysis of what we mean to minimise the chances of misinterpretation. We should never assume that everyone will derive the same conative meaning from a sign. We might discover that individuals have attached different connotations. We must not assume that someone from a completely different nation will share that same value just because something is socially acceptable or unacceptable to us.

We don't simply knock on a stranger’s door expecting a warm welcome; it requires a level of trust and background knowledge. For that access, the people we trust are vital; that’s why we have boundaries. Yet, because we all begin reasoning from different social locations, cultures, and economic, scientific, technological, religious, and philosophical backgrounds, we will not share the same premises from which we make our decisions. No one has the same experiences. The fact that you grew up on a different street with a unique life experience already illustrates the law of difference. Even if you lived next door and were raised by Indian parents in a foreign land, it means you will experience life differently and interpret signs in a distinct way. It cannot be compared to your neighbour’s experiences.

Although we may share a conceptual understanding of the economic and political system socialisation has imparted similar lessons due to our common culture. It functions like a membrane, working collectively within the groups from which we originate. However, just as there are molecular cells and membranes, they represent different components of the whole, yet they unite in agreement to operate as one cell. That is akin to culture. It emerges through the socialisation of various systems: family, shared economy, shared education, shared politics, create common values. Consequently, we are more likely to interpret signs in a similar way. For instance, if another culture were to perceive the connotative meaning of a national flag, it would lack relativity to them; instead, it simply symbolizes a nation through its colours and symbols that represent something significant.

Thus, we must consider this when using language. Although it may be understood in English, it doesn't necessarily mean that the connotative level of the sign holds the same significance. Since our minds work so quickly in processing information, we rarely pause to dissect it and reach a deeper understanding of different perspectives, as this is part of the logic of viewpoint we gain from various places. It's fascinating to analyse thought processes to truly grasp why someone’s perspective matters. All too often, we dismiss people because their standpoint differs so much, yet we should take the time to comprehend the logic behind their thinking, as it originates from where they have gathered their information.

Something profound I've observed is that when someone speaks with authority, even if their words are full of deception, others may not be thorough enough to grasp all the nuances in the speech act. They fail to detect falsehoods because the speaker sounds so convincing, especially if they are a respected authority figure. Thus, at the level of the sign, the denotative meaning is shared, but the connotative meaning is interpreted differently. That’s why we must consider who is interpreting the sign and what the context is to reach deeper understandings. It’s essential to question all thinking, including my own. It doesn’t matter who the person is; we are all prone to human error. The only one who is perfect is God. We can make mistakes without even realising it. If we look around at all the deception in this world, every person who is convinced of that deception as the truth is real in their mind. You can see this in people who live in superstition, such as walking under a ladder. This is the second level of myth, where a new connotative meaning tells another story. While we know, hypothetically, that it is not the truth, some will not agree because that is how they perceive the world when they see someone walk under a ladder and believe it.

Currently, I have been listening to a man who has tremendous insight, claiming up to 90% truth. Yet, he has categorised Christianity alongside other religions and views Jesus merely as a mystic. However, he has misunderstood the meanings he preaches and acts as if he knows the Bible. Yet, his interpretation is so erroneous it's not funny, and he has millions who follow him. It is because he has not encountered the kingdom. I could explain all his teachings if he had the right source of knowledge, which starts with God. But if the wrong connotative meaning is inferred, it leads down the wrong path. Therefore, the study of the science of signs is vital in these last days.

Written by Rochelle White

INTROSPECTION

Connecting life to a classroom is essential for learning and growth through every season. Learning involves behaviour change; without change, you haven’t learned the lesson. You can use introspection to examine how the mind works, and through serious conscious participation, you can explore your biases, self-justifications, and reasoning in various situations. Consider how you respond when alone versus in social settings and what values guide your decisions. Which ideas originate from culture? Which comes from a conscious awareness of God in the present moment instead of drifting through life. Capturing every thought in obedience to Christ requires a strategic approach to thinking, which includes establishing boundaries.
How do you think about the things you dislike? What do you try to avoid? Where does your mind wander when you're idle? Noticing these different patterns involves harnessing the power of introspection by examining yourself and looking inward. What is your weakness, and what is your strength? Often, they lie at opposite ends of the spectrum; one counters the other, revealing the range of behaviour created by thought. How do thought and feeling relate? What brings you joy, and what makes you feel less than good? While emotions shouldn't dictate our lives, we should be guided by intention. However, the way we are wired is connected to our emotions.
Observing emotional states, what mental state makes you unresourceful, or when you are the most resourceful, what triggers different responses? This can only be discovered through introspection. Many people are not conscious of themselves. What concepts are you using in your thinking? What questions is the mind asking? What questions are not being asked? Why did you choose to do that over another thing? Why does that person elicit a specific response from you? It is something the mind has perceived. Different people carry different energy, and being able to discern what it is in them creates an attitude of heart.

Connecting how the energy of two people creates a certain ambience, studying this and how it changes. Like water has two components, oxygen and hydrogen, it is similar to the chemical effects of different people. Certain attitudes of the heart may create defensiveness or encourage openness. Why is that? Do you observe what effects that has? What subjects change from person to person? What is the range of ideas? Who sparks inspiration or a willingness to rise? The company you keep is vital; hanging out with people who have no regard for time affects your life. You must create a life such that when you go to bed at night, you can honestly say the day was good. What kind of day would that look like? Is it disciplined without any time wasted? People want to put you in their prison, where all your time is taken up by their values. When we are not living in line with our own values, it creates disorder and does not bring joy. You need to observe this. Because people value different things than you do, this is where clashes can arise
We can observe this in various aspects of life, from work ethic and money to relationships. We all have different perceptions of reality; if one views it solely through a materialistic lens, one won't recognise the spiritual dimension. Since our world is physical, some may believe that this is all there is, while others shape their understanding of reality based on diverse concepts of God — from believing there is no God to viewing God as Jesus Christ, Buddha, the self, or various deities. This belief system influences how people design their lives and shapes their distinct values. A purely materialistic outlook limits individuals to what they can see with the physical eye, leading them to perceive anyone with opposing values as peculiar. Observe how they respond to life; it tends to be centered around carnal desires, lacking any consideration for how the spirit influences our existence. Yet, this is the mindset that keeps them deceived.
On the other hand, you might encounter those who are deeply spiritual; they perceive the material world as secondary, believing that everything relies on a spiritual dimension and that all occurrences are tied to a spiritual connection. This represents one end of the spectrum, while I believe that spiritual and material aspects must be balanced. God created the material world from the spiritual, as everything visible originated from the invisible—trees, sky, planets, and people all had a beginning with God’s creation. Our purpose in life is to live from the spirit and transform it into substance. This is how we can lead a full and happy life, which is how we are all designed to function.

Not from physical things; first, we are designed to live by faith. That’s when you see with your spiritual eyes things that are not yet tangible and work to produce them. Living this way is a superimposing lifestyle. Living from a materialistic paradigm, or a spiritual one, if it is not converted, is dead. We want to make these observations using introspection to see how much is being converted. Love can be converted into a tangible product in everything you do when you function from the spirit and convert it to benefit others. That is living the highest life and making Jesus tangible, for it is from Him we move and have our being, and for His purpose, we were created. By using the power of introspection to study all your motivations—your whys and ways of thinking—you can progress through the classroom of life’s levels.

Genesis 2vs 18. God created Man in His image. Whose image are you, God or Satan?

Join us to create human Awareness.

PRINCIPLES

Living in accordance with your values and elevating principles as the foundation of every decision requires a conscious, intentional life. This means you are actively aware of your words and habits. For instance, writing is a lifestyle. It has evolved from mere intention to behaviour like embarking on a long mental run. It integrates your thoughts into concise, constructive sentences that reveal various aspects, such as areas where you need more knowledge than you possess, and aids in clarifying your thoughts when you allow them to flow freely. However, choosing to live a high-yielding lifestyle entails first calculating the potential outcomes of each action before you proceed decision.

It is always best to choose the most challenging path; usually, it is more emotionally taxing when you opt for delayed gratification. It’s a bit like having a green salad next to a decadent cake full of sugar when you are hungry; the easiest choice to satisfy the craving is to eat the cake, but the logical mind understands that the road to health and success lies in making the right choice. We can liken this to every decision regarding health and success, which often involves taking the longest route or the most difficult path among all possible choices. I have observed that the conscious participation of anyone who has achieved something great stems from their ability to exercise restraint and to discipline themselves to undertake the hardest task.

Whatever you resist changing indicates it holds some form of control, whether it's postponing reading a book or training early in the morning. If we let our desires dictate our principles, we are merely dreaming. You need to choose success intentionally; that is how life is meant to function according to God. This is also why we aren't where Bill Gates or Warren Buffett are — because we haven't applied the same principles, or our thinking hasn’t been disciplined. We must speak the truth to ourselves and practice self-control to tackle difficult things. God does not favour the undisciplined; it is only when you've given your all and even pushed harder than expected that success demands much more than you are prepared to give.

We all have weaknesses in various areas of life. It's only when you choose to say no and exalt principles above yourself. If we study God's word, we'll see how He operates. He has exalted His word above Himself. That’s why, on judgment day, His justice will be fair, as it is the truth that will judge us, not emotions— all His ways are just, and His decrees are perfect. He is righteous, and His justice is merciful, yet everything He does is based on principle, for He designed the entire earth to function on principles. If we study any aspect of nature—from weather patterns to an animal forming in the womb, from the time it takes for a season to pass to the minute seconds and hours on a clock determined by the sun, to an elephant's trunk that drinks water—every single thing we observe in nature is governed by

Laws are the truth. We cannot violate gravity or be starved of oxygen and survive. He has fixed the hermeneutics of life on his kingdom, which functions according to his will. When we violate those principles, such as instant gratification, which belongs to the realm of the flesh, the conscious choice is intentional. We were designed by God at the origins of life to function according to his words because he gave Adam and Eve the instruction to till, keep and care for the ground, but as soon as Eve was dominated by something that she was created to manage it subdued her rather than God’s word which is built on truth.

Truth, in every case, leads to life. We aren't where Osama bin Laden ended up because he violated the principles that ignited a war against him. His worldview shaped his reality, entrenched in religious dogma, proving his philosophy could not align with the Creator, as his principles were not grounded in truth. Even though his religious paradigm acknowledged God, we can clearly see they are not part of the kingdom of light since there is no darkness in God. The mechanics of his belief system created havoc and harmed innocent people due to religion. This serves as further proof that it's not religion that fosters thriving environments.

It is living based on truth. Those who wait for favours by praying without applying discipline, self-control, patience, and tenacity are fooling themselves with misguided religion. Principles are the keys to every good thing when activated by faith. In every action we take that is disciplined towards a certain direction with conscious participation, understanding exactly what you will produce is living life by design, leading to not producing haphazard results. If we allow feelings or emotions to dictate our choices, that creates an unpredictable life. The only reason anyone should fail is that they do not understand the laws of success or they are unwilling to pay the price

Just as you create purple by mixing two colours, you can apply the same principle to every decision. Each action generates an equal and opposite reaction in the physical world. Whether good or bad, it influences something in the world. That’s why God's words say a man shall reap what he sows, explaining the varying results we achieve. Although we don’t all start from the same point, we may experience different limitations. However, when you understand the laws that defy gravity, you can create movement. There’s a path to everything, as Edison demonstrated by refusing to give up. He eventually invented the light bulb. It’s about having the determination to succeed in whatever you pursue when it’s done intentionally. At the core of every decision, ensure you make the right calculations and apply them consciously.

CONSTRUCTION

Many people are sleepwalking through life. They have no awareness of the unconscious decisions they make by default. They go through the motions of what is necessary and what requires the least effort, failing to consciously construct their lives. Life should be lived with the intention that all your activities lead to a result where we practically apply laws by understanding the building blocks that intentionally create life. We could envision the building blocks as the walls of the house of life. If you build your life without conscious intention, your materials will not yield the desired outcome.

One day, we will be tested by fire to see if the house stands. That is why it is crucial to thoughtfully apply the laws that create life. Life has many parts, and all parts need a careful application of principles such as family, purpose, health, and work. When you integrate all these elements into the house and understand the building blocks you are using, you will create the kind of life you envision. When people build a physical house, they pay close attention to the specifications, the quality of the bricks, the colours of the rooms, and the size and placement of every room in the house. The house is designed within a budget, and every detail is carefully considered. Yet, people do not approach life in the same way. They do not intentionally design life, choosing which building blocks to include in the house, the arrangement of each room, the colour schemes, and the values that support the structure, all while ensuring nothing is out of place.

A house stands when it is built on truth, ensuring there are no hazards. That is exactly what life could be compared to when there is order, health, truth, and who do we invite in to dine with us. Belief systems build the structure of the rooms that you spend the most time in, which could be compared to the compartments of life. The inner workings of the house by being connected to God brings illumination to the rooms in the house when it is full with light you can see every detail. Where you need maintenance, the flow of water means there is sanitation, no blockages, and crystal clear water that has been purified, which is the information flow. Where you need to spend more time is the centre of the house in the living room, the heart where God abides, which makes the connection rich. Is there any clutter or rooms that need to be tidied?

When we build life through the thoughtful application of laws, we thoroughly analyse each part of the house. This perspective allows us to see life from the inside out rather than the outside in. As I considered all the rooms in the household, they appeared clean. What quality of food do you consume? This thought necessitates the removal of sugars and fats, which are tied to our carnal nature as they are the easiest to consume. In contrast, nutrient-dense foods require time to prepare and come with different quality carbohydrates, often regarded as daily staples. This is contentment, where you thrive, for man was not meant to live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. This is the essence of life, as embracing God's words brings life and abundance into all the rooms of the house.

The windows of the house represent all the ways that connect us to the view outside through our eyes, mouth, and nose—our physical senses that interact with the material world. The mind of the house links ideas to the functionality of every component within it. Reflecting on all these parts aids in logically placing everything, especially when pursuing self-development. Even God compares life to a house when He states that its quality will be tested by fire. This temple belongs to God, which is why it is crucial to keep the rooms of life holy, for He abides there. Living in alignment with His perfect, pleasing, and acceptable will entails walking in the spirit and being led by Him; this is the key to life through faith.

Sanctify the rooms with the washing of the word and commit to communion with God at the centre, and then everything flows from there. No one allows a stranger into the house; access is granted through the door by permission. We give entry, and this is what we agree upon. If we do not agree with foreign information, we do not permit it access. Always, before you embrace any idea, ensure you have consciously investigated it. The content within the house differs from the structure. The content gains access through the door. Consider the rooms of life by the content you wish to include in every area of existence. Exercise patience and self-control to consciously navigate this process and decide on the quality of décor and the placement of everything for the functional purpose of life. Every man’s work will be tested by fire.

Written by Rochelle White

AUTONOMY

Everyone possesses individual autonomy. However, unless we recognise this in ourselves and others, we risk being subjected to or dominating individuals who have the right to govern themselves as made in God's exact image and likeness. Because we carry His image, nothing in all creation should dominate us. While some are given honourable roles like government officials, police, teachers, pastors, leaders, and apostles, this does not mean they rule us or our voices don't matter. While we honour those in leadership, we shouldn't break the law; we listen to our teachers and are guided by our pastors who shepherd our souls. Yet, we maintain our autonomy as we are submitted to our leaders. If we do not heed God's voice above all others, we risk being led astray by the wrong influences.

Everyone has opinions, and even leaders can be drastically wrong, much like pastors who attempt to control those entrusted to them by God. They are not there to dictate what you can or cannot do, and you don’t need their permission to act. We were created, whether Jew or Greek, male or female; we are one in Christ, who is the CEO of our lives. If Christianity hasn't institutionalised you and God has raised you uniquely, it means there’s a reason for that. We were never meant to sit in a church for the rest of our lives. Sometimes, the reason is that we have a different theology. We’ve been exposed to other information, and God has shaped us for His purpose, not to make us conform.

Only one gospel, the gospel of the kingdom, will send people outside the church's four walls. It is not inward-focused, and God has given every person, whether a pastor or a street cleaner, a purpose for existence. This does not make one better than another. Each of us has a different responsibility before God to steward whatever is in our hands. If God has given you something, no one can tell you to lay that down. It’s interesting to see people’s perceptions when they do not know your heart or the purpose behind your actions. I cannot tell Michael Jordan to put down his basketball, tell Celine Dion not to sing, or tell Bill Gates to stop his climate initiatives to resolve a global issue. I have no right to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t be doing because I am not God over that person.

This can be a problem in Christian circles; it’s as though we have a theology that people should be doing certain things, even when it’s not what God has told them. We may have a different concept of time and how it should be used. The issue arises because people judge from their own perspective. They don’t consider that we have all been shaped differently. Mary's path differed from that of Joseph, John the Baptist, or Paul. God used them for His purpose. A perfect example of this is the contrast between Mary and Martha. Martha went about her work, resentful that Mary wasn’t helping her in the kitchen. Martha had a different heart attitude than Mary, but Mary chose the better thing and wasn’t consumed by mundane thoughts. She did not prioritise trivial matters. She opted for the greater purpose. We can’t know someone else's relationship or heart with God; we can only see external things.

Never put religion in a box where we have expectations that it should be this way; God is far greater than that. We must allow God to be sovereign in people’s lives, and He will show them the way to go. We must be critical thinkers, dissecting what someone is saying and observing where they have made a human judgment or whether it is bad theology. The gospel of the kingdom sends and doesn’t enslave people to traditions. While we need to be connected, as God said, do not forsake the assembling of the brethren; this is not just about meeting on Sundays at a church building; it’s about fellowship. More importantly, if God has given you a gift that may not fit into institutionalised Christianity, we cannot instruct them to lay it down when God hasn’t. We can’t dictate how others should live; we are not them.

We do not know how God communicates differently with each person. If God has given someone a passion for swimming long distances, there may be a greater purpose behind it, and they could even use it as a tool for the kingdom by reaching out to a similar community. They possess an individual sovereignty that a scientist does not have. Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and John Key dominated the political sphere. Albert Einstein, John Locke, and Isaac Newton are remembered for their groundbreaking discoveries. If traditional Christianity had institutionalised them and we had not recognised their autonomy, much wealth would not have benefited this world. They are not singular individuals. We are all created for a purpose: to be a small god over a terrain. One focused on science and philosophy, while the other focused on politics. This is how we were designed to function: to discover that gift within us and use it for God's purpose.

It’s not about self-importance. If the honeybee didn't function as God designed it to, this earth would suffer if people allowed others to dominate their society in the name of religion. There would be parts of the earth that would endure hardship as a result. We were made from material for a reason, and it’s not to be subdued by the ideas of others that stem from a theology that has kept the church inward rather than outward, serving the community. Sometimes, we repeat dogma because these ideas have been ingrained in us, and we accept them as doctrine. For example, using pulpit ministry as their church model, which is merely an equipping centre, aligns with God’s strategy to raise industrial giants across every industry as kingdom bearers of truth who illuminate every domain. God can use anyone. No one is more special than another. All are equal in His eyes. We should recognise that all individuals are created to be kings and priests, from the weakest to the strongest. Always question theology if it doesn't send.

SHEEP’S CLOTHING

A false prophet will be dressed in sheep’s clothing but will be a ravenous wolf on the inside. Today, with the roads of the internet creating networks and communities, you can easily get caught up in listening to any perspective you desire. If you type in any viewpoint in the search, you can find a voice that supports that perspective with information. Even the algorithms will ensure you receive more of the same information that you might spend time listening to. There are a myriad of voices educating people about worldviews of every kind. Many of these teachers are wise, as they understand principles that lead to results.

This is why we can do no greater work than apply critical thinking to truly grasp what someone is saying. We need to dissect thoughts and hear the implicit assumptions and inferences they make. It also relies on your own perspective and the foundation of your worldview. I have been intentionally listening to opposing viewpoints, particularly those teaching that Christianity is false. Some of them assume that all Christians were indoctrinated from birth and that we lack any empirical evidence that Jesus existed or that he is God. I didn’t discover Jesus as a child; I was in a situation that opened my eyes. Even if you offered me every cent on this earth to deny Jesus as God, I couldn’t because I cannot unsee what I have witnessed and experienced in this physical world.

Because I have gone through this experience, I know that everything teaching something contrary to the kingdom is a lie. There are only two kingdoms: one of light and one of darkness, and they oppose each other. There are millions of worldviews, but only one is true, and its source is the Godhead: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Everything written in the Bible is the truth. We are in the dispensation of the last days, as we can see things returning to the time of Noah. There is so much perversion of the truth that we can see manifest in the gender issue at its core, where it's even taught in schools and universities that gender is socially constructed, and they have all sorts of different terms for male and female. What’s even more apparent is that people's minds are being used as incubators for the wrong type of information—everything that opposes the truth.
Millions of people are living a lie because the god of this world has blinded their eyes. Many individuals are not even a threat because they are schooled in ideologies or ways of thinking that prevent them from coming to the knowledge of the truth unless the light of God's knowledge is revealed to them. Even people like Ray Dalio have noticed that people do not stress test their ideas. The culture of this earth can entice them to believe in many falsehoods; so much is normalised, even the mundane aspects of life. Our culture has come to accept many concepts collectively, such as marriage, children, retirement, and education. We enter this world with an already adopted belief system, influenced by the family we come from. This can make it even harder to break away from those beliefs; if you grew up in a Muslim, Hare Krishna, or any other ideologically rich environment, you will typically adopt those beliefs and rarely question them unless confronted with more compelling information.

However, the truth of the matter is that we all came from one God, and there is only one story that matters: the redemption of sin and Jesus, who paid for the sin of this world, that we would be reunited with the Father as it was before the fall of Adam and Eve. Because people think that Christianity is just a religion and do not understand it that this whole world is founded on kingdom laws and principles that govern this earth however oppositional principles such as pride, selfishness, greed, power, love of money, love of self, adultery, lying and deception are also at work the opposite kingdom principles that come from life is humility, selflessness, giving, love, servanthood, love of God and love of man, truth which are all the harder choices because in the realm of the flesh it wants the easy road it is insatiable and will never stop desiring but in the realm of the spirit where there is self-control patience goodness faithfulness these are the fruits of the sprit the exact opposite creates destruction and kills little pieces of the earth and millions are in the grave because of applying the principle of the flesh.

This is what we are at war with. Some people’s desire for money or power can control their lives, exploiting their weaknesses. Many embrace all sorts of lies, believing they are their own thoughts. This is merely a tactic to keep people away from the truth. That is why there is no greater message than the gospel of the kingdom, which neither hijacks nor undermines God's plan for the earth's redemption. We live in a time when the love of many will wax cold, where the love of self, pleasure and money ensnare many. Yet when this gospel of the kingdom is preached to all nations, then the end shall come. We must recognise the strategies of the evil one and counter them with kingdom strategies to reclaim all that belongs to God in these last days.

Written by Rochelle White

"Life's too short for what-ifs and maybes. Take risks, chase dreams, and follow your heart. Every moment is a chance to create something new, to explore new horizons, and to discover new depths within yourself. Don't wait for perfection, don't fear failure, and don't let opportunities pass you by."


"Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing at all. Take a deep breath, be still, and let the world slow down. In the quiet moments, you'll find clarity, peace, and a deeper connection to yourself. Don't always need to be doing; sometimes just being is enough."

EPISTEMOLOGY- HOW WE KNOW

Epistemology is the study of how we know what we know. It examines all the tricks of the mind and methods of rationalisation. When you start to take an interest in the software of how people think, the ways they perceive the world, and the limited analytical and critical thinking that is applied, you'll begin to see how many are asleep. Many individuals rationalise based on emotions or their perspective. We should consider the law of difference, even among our peers, whenever we meet someone. In the first instance, no two people have had the same life experiences, and we may not share the same sex. We may also belong to different age groups, cultures, religions, or social classes. Without recognising this background information, akin to the mathematical code of an algorithm, we miss out on a lot.

It significantly influences how we perceive the world, shaping our judgments from our unique perspectives, often in opposition to those of our neighbours. We might judge people or circumstances we don’t fully understand, mistakenly believing we are correct despite our ignorance. Even the fact that we grew up at different addresses on a geographical map exposed us to entirely different information, accompanied by our individual social advantages or disadvantages. It doesn’t matter whether you come from a poor family, a wealthy one of German descent, or Pacific Islanders; every small piece of information contributed to the software that shapes your reasoning today.

Even if we take one word, whatever that word is, it does not mean that the same picture evoked in your mind will also be the same image in someone else's mind. Not to mention the information we tend to gravitate towards. There is a significant difference in how we perceive information, let alone how we process it, before we even start labelling the world and forming judgments, all while believing we are 100% right most of the time. This is without considering the fundamental assumptions we've made that haven't been tested or that we've compared information from multiple perspectives while failing to realise that we view things from a unique vantage point that differs from our neighbour's and we think we know. When, in reality, it's just a perspective.

I have been exposed to many perspectives, as most people in my world come from a diverse range of views, much like the distance from the East to the West. This has made me question how we know. I have a deep-seated fascination stemming from an eternal perspective that holds significance for all people, whether they know it in the dimension of thought or not. Everything eternal resides in the spirit, yet while we are on Earth, one can take a trillion different paths guided solely by thought. If this is the case, and the way we reason shapes our destiny, we should consider the importance of understanding how we know what we know. We need to investigate the logic behind someone’s worldview, examine the premises upon which they base their ideas, and determine whether these can be proven to align with the truth, which I believe they can.

There is so much we do not understand about life, and we will never encounter all there is to know within time and space simply because it is so comprehensive. We begin to realise that there are deeper dimensions we haven't even reached in our understanding, yet that information exists even though we do not yet know it. Consider the perspective of a five-year-old compared to a well-versed 80-year-old. She has been through her own school of what she needed to learn, whether she truly learnt the lessons meant to impart wisdom and understanding for the higher dimensions of life. Only God knows that information.

We cannot fully comprehend the software of all that she was meant to learn. Still, the all-seeing and knowing God, who possesses profound understanding far beyond our limited grasp, is the only one able to judge her in righteousness and truth. No one else has that perspective; even those who believed they knew her could not fully appreciate the depth of her existence—only God can. What happens on this earth is that we often become ensnared in our limited perspectives, which can be incredibly misguided. We have varying ideas about how we should live, and at times, we view those who differ from us through a lens that suggests we should all live in the same way. Yet, God created a rich tapestry of colours; the differing geographies, plant and animal life, vegetation, and environmental conditions of nations reveal His diversity. From the intricate design of a snowflake to the dense foliage of the Amazon rainforest, the desert storms in Egypt, the rugged mountains, and the diverse groups of people across generations, God's scope of imagination and intelligence is so vast and profound that we can hardly grasp it until we know as Christ in eternal realms.

What is obtainable in heaven vastly differs from what we see on this earth. Yet this all-knowing God, full of love for His creation, cares about how we perceive information because it shapes our lives and the lives of all beyond the grave. That’s why He says, "Come reason with Me." God is not confined, as we can see from the magnificent diversity of people throughout all generations, each carrying a unique expression of Him. This is why we need to wake up and be aware of the magnificence evident in others and in the way He has fashioned us. However, developing our critical and analytical thinking skills to question everything is what God desires for us all. We are encouraged to explore new dimensions of thought and to uncover the software in our unconscious mind, recognising patterns of hidden assumptions and the concepts we use in our reasoning, comparing them with other views to uncover where our information comes from and how we know it

Did it come from the spirit? Did it come from the realm of sense? Did it come from a life experience? Did it come from traditions? Did it come from god, a man of previous generations? Is the idea serving you and your highest purpose? There are some ideas people entertain, yet they are strangers. Just like you wouldn’t allow strangers access, you should test every idea with the same level of caution until it has been proven that it stands on the truth and can never be unchanged. Everything in the spirit is permanent. Everything in the physical is passing away. Even studying the name of virtues such as empathy, kindness, justice, and love, have you thought of these as an energy that has been identified with certain characteristics that we can know what realm it comes from? This is another way of questioning how we all know the virtue of kindness.

It is an attitude of the heart that comes from the unseen, yet we must make it visible. We cannot touch or taste it unless it manifests through physical products or services. How do we know what kindness and empathy are? How do they differ? This is like observing colour in the physical world; we can distinguish pink from orange or yellow. Will we all point to yellow and recognise it? Might some people have a different opinion and say it is black? You can’t unless you are blind. That is the battle we fight in the spirit, which is that people will recognise and distinguish the eternal, everlasting God. But to see, they need the illumination of truth that brings life.

Written by Rochelle White

For you to run with the challenges of life, and be who God created you to be, you must discover certain traits about yourself and what gives your life a sense of meaning and direction.