It Has Been Said

‘It Has Been Said’ by Thought Leaders

Photo by Isaac FIgueroa on Unsplash

The Power of Words and Ideas

In today’s world, thought leaders are the ones shaping the conversation and driving change.

They come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, but they all share a passion for solving complex problems and inspiring others to action. And, as with captains of industry, many thought leaders have left behind powerful quotes and statements that continue to inspire and motivate people.

One phrase that has been repeated time and time again by thought leaders is “it has been said.”

This phrase suggests that something is widely accepted as true or has become a common belief. But what makes this phrase so powerful is that it challenges people to think critically about what they believe and to question the status quo.

For example, it has been said that success is not about working harder, but about working smarter. It has also been said that the greatest leaders are those who serve, not those who are served. And finally, it has been said that creativity is not a talent, but a habit that can be developed and cultivated.

But ‘it has been said’ is not just a phrase used by thought leaders. It is also a call-to-action for everyone to think for themselves and to seek out the truth.

In a world filled with information and misinformation, it is more important than ever to be informed and to make informed decisions.

So, the next time you hear “it has been said,” take a moment to reflect on the message behind it. Consider how it might apply to your own life and work, and be inspired to take action.

Remember, the words and ideas of thought leaders have the power to shape the world, and it is up to each and every one of us to use that power wisely.

In conclusion, the phrase ‘it has been said’ is a powerful reminder of the impact that words and ideas can have.

Thought leaders have used it to challenge and inspire people, and it continues to be an important part of the conversation today.

So, embrace the power of words and ideas, and be inspired to make a positive impact in the world.

Biblical Prosperity Quest To Be Rich (Proven Or Unproven)

Real biblical prosperity is to be at peace with God

PART 1

Hi Family

What is biblical prosperity?

Biblical Prosperity is sometimes called the prosperity gospel: the health and wealth gospel, the gospel of success, or seed faith.

And, some people say that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that positive speech and donations to religious causes will increase one’s material wealth.

However, Biblical Prosperity will mean a number of things to different people. For example, it can mean to be successful or fortunate: to succeed, thrive or flourish financially or in some material way.

All are valid definitions in line with the context of someone’s circumstances.

Where the danger lies is when well meaning people have immediately interpreted a Bible verse (example shown below) to mean wealth, however, upon deeper study we see it translates simply to succeed in all its forms.

Let’s look at different versions of the following scripture:

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

3 John 1:2 KJV

From that scripture people interchange the word prosper for the concept of wealth.

Let’s look at another version of the same scripture:

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

3 John 1:2 NIV

This gives you another take on it. There is no inference of wealth being projected here; it’s promoting well being.

And lastly look at the complete Jewish Bible translation:

“Dear friend, I am praying that everything prosper with you and that you be in good health, as I know you are prospering spiritually.”

3 Yochanan (3 Jo) 1:2 CJB

Many people who equate prosperity to wealth are therefore mistaken and incorrect.

Real biblical prosperity is to be at peace with God and have a successful spiritually rewarding life in Jesus, building up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Of course money has its value and usages, and we can do much good if we are entrusted with wealth.

In the book of Ecclesiastes we see that money is a shelter:

“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”

Ecclesiastes 7:12 NIV

Jesus clearly told us:

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Matthew 6:24 NIV

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

Let’s look at one key scripture that the prosperity teachers use to reinforce their interpretation of becoming RICH materially. The following is a snapshot of the famous prosperity teacher Kenneth Copeland teaching on this, where he claims to state 5 truths on biblical prosperity.

I will deal with the first two today.

Financial Prosperity is God’s will for you.

“You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich”.

2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV

What that prosperity looks like will differ from family to family, but be assured that God’s will is prosperity.

You are not outside the will of God when you ask for financial provision and blessings.

So, let’s study 2 Corinthians 8:9 and ask what does this scripture have to do with your personal financial state of being?

In Mr Copeland’s theory this scripture is indicating that JESUS let the money go and became POOR so we can be RICH.

Really?

Seriously?

So, technically HE died on a cross and rose again so we can be RICH?

This deserves more scrutiny I’m sure you would agree.

Let’s study the meaning of the word rich in the Greek plousios.

The KJV translates Strong’s G4145 in the following manner: rich .

Outline of Biblical Usage:

Wealthy, abounding in material resources – metaphor: abounding, abundantly supplied.

As the outline shows there are 2 interpretations for the word RICH.

1. Properly, wealthy, abounding in material resources: Matthew 27:57; Luke 12:16; Luke 14:12; Luke 16:1, 19; Luke 18:23; Luke 19:2; ὁ πλούσιος, substantively, Luke 16:21, 22; James 1:10, 11; οἱ πλούσιοι, Luke 6:24; Luke 21:1; 1 Timothy 6:17; James 2:6; James 5:1; Revelation 6:15; Revelation 13:16; πλούσιος, without the article, a rich man, Matthew 19:23, 24; Mark 10:25; Mark 12:41; Luke 18:25.

2. Metaphorically and universally, abounding, abundantly supplied: followed by ἐν with a dative of the thing in which one abounds (cf. Winer’s Grammar, § 30, 8 b. note), ἐν ἐληι, Ephesians 2:4; ἐν πίστει, James 2:5; absolutely, abounding (rich) in Christian virtues and eternal possessions, Revelation 2:9; Revelation 3:17, on which see Düsterdieck. ἐπτώχευσε πλούσιος ὤν, of Christ, ‘although as the ἄσαρκος λόγος he formerly abounded in the riches of a heavenly condition, by assuming human nature he entered into a state of (earthly) poverty,’ 2 Corinthians 8:9.

So, in its proper context it means, although he formerly abounded in the riches of a heavenly condition by assuming human nature, he entered into a state of (earthly) poverty,’ so we could enjoy riches of the heavenly condition.

NOT BUY MORE IPADS.

The subtle smooth persuasion by the snake would have you believe that the word ‘rich’ means material gain in 2 Corinthians 8:9.

I’m flabbergasted by this level of deception designed to try to convince us that our goal is to be rich.

OK, let’s study Mr Copeland’s second point …

You are blessed to be a blessing.

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever’”

2 Corinthians 9:8-9

Resources are never meant to be hoarded in the kingdom of God

Instead, God desires that they be freely shared to accomplish His will.

Ask yourself, ‘do I allow myself to be a conduit of God’s blessing, or do I see myself as a stopping point?’.

If your answer is the latter, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a vision for blessing others.

Before we begin and for context FYI: Kenneth Copeland is considered to be the wealthiest pastor in America — with an alleged estimated net worth of $760 million.

Let’s look at this clever sleight-of-hand flip, because now we arrive at an interesting juncture.

Mr Copeland’s intention is to let the reader know that you should have abundance. In fact, you should have abundance so that you can bless others!

Let’s analyse this under the microscope.

The lord says in Matthew 6:25:

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

Wow, this is it!

Are you ready!?

‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’.

Mr Copeland has informed us to seek after abundance and be a blessing.

What he hasn’t told us is that, by really taking the first step to achieve this – which is to seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness – all these things will be given to us as well.

This is the answer, period!

Now, to make matters worse, instead of Mr Copeland leading you to that scripture, he guides you to his book – to purchase it – so he can give you his answer.

In the description of his book entitled ‘Prosperity’, he states the following:

“Is prosperity truly God’s plan for you? Claim the physical and spiritual riches that are yours. Once you understand the plan of abundance God has designed, you’ll never again accept anything less. Through this scriptural study by Kenneth Copeland, you can be sure that when it comes to Prosperity: The Choice Is Yours. Google Books

Again I stress – GOD has already given you the answer.

‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’

Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

And guess what, that was for free – no charge.

More importantly. the Lord states that we should not worry.

It’s obvious He was talking to people that did not have abundance and Jesus didn’t condemn them for not having abundance, but gave them the right way of looking at their circumstances and gave them the answer.

In all of Kenneth Copeland’s 5 points the answer is not given or shared.

The emphasis is on you having to achieve and strive to be in abundance, and have abundance only so you can bless others – and so on and so on.

This is not the answer Jesus gave.

Only the pagans continue to run after these things without conscience, so don’t worry about what you eat or what you should drink, but seek the Kingdom of God first.

Then all these things will come to you.

Blessings,

Ron

JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS – SERIES 3

‘I Am The Vine’ says the Lord.
When we abide in something we are loyal to it even unto death.

Perfected in HIM through Abiding In Christ

Hi Family

If you’ve just selected this blog page thank you for stopping by and joining in our conversation.

The purpose of these articles is to show the importance of remembering to keep God’s commandments, old and new, as I believe this is our key to survival in these days of trial.

In this third instalment of Jesus’ Commandments, let’s continue with a firm commandment of Jesus’ where He says:

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:4 KJV

Let’s analyse the word ABIDE

Taken from the Merriam Webster dictionary

DEFINITIONS OF ABIDE:

Transitive Verb –

1a To bear patiently: to TOLERATE (i.e. cannot abide such bigots)

1b To endure without yielding: to WITHSTAND (i.e. to abide the onrush of the enemy)

2 To wait for: to AWAIT (i.e. I will await the coming of my Lord – Alfred Tennyson)

I will abide the coming of my lord.

— Alfred Tennyson

3 To accept without objection (i.e. will abide your decision)

Intransitive Verb –

1 To remain stable or fixed in a state (i.e. A love that abided with him all his days)

2 To continue in a place: to SOJOURN (i.e. will abide in the house of the Lord)

To abide by:

1 To conform to (i.e. to abide by the rules)

2 To accept without objection: to ACQUIESCE (i.e. will abide by your decision)

It’s so clear that the message is to stay in Christ as He will remain with us, because without abiding in Him we cannot grow.

Simply put, let’s plant our faith firmly in the fertile soil, so that we can bear fruit.

In the world we live in today, the pressure to jump on to the next thing if we don’t see results quick enough, is very real.

We church-hop from one place to another, not realising the same issues we have inside of us will present themselves again in another place or form.

God is perfecting us so that we can’t go around an issue – more so God will lead us through it.

I remember a saying, “when looking for oil, don’t dig a hole half way, or the next person in line will complete the hole and find the very oil you were looking for”

The question we must ask ourselves in light of this commandment is, who are we abiding in?

The question may seem a bit puzzling as it should be a straightforward answer, however consider the following:

1 Do you reason with yourself and come to an end decision based on your likes/dislikes; vibe/feelings about a person etc. – and therefore never give that person a chance to rectify a problem or ask for forgiveness?

I would say most of us do, because in our shallow defence it’s all we’ve got to on – so we wrongly assume something about others.

It’s a good thing God doesn’t judge us in this way.

Could you imagine it? I shudder to even contemplate such a thing.

The truth is, when we abide in Him we will see things through His lenses.

in this case His commandment “to love one another”.

John 13:34-35 NIV

2 Do we rely on one’s own ability?

I would say most of the time we do. Problems arise when we try to fill our needs in our own strength.

But, if we place our feet into the fertile soil and abide (stay, remain stable or fixed ) and place our future and security in Him, no matter what the circumstances we will quickly learn, as we dig our roots deeper in the fertile soil, that He is strong enough to carry us through our trials.

3 Do we seek acceptance from the crowd or from a person, thereby convincing ourselves to abide in that crowd or a friend in order to have a sense of belonging?

For all that have gotten over this bump – especially at a younger age – it’s a painful memory; ‘wanting people to like you’.

We often compromise our standards to fit in and hang around that person or crowd, without knowing that we’ve inadvertently set up idols and will often do anything – just anything – to be a loved social creature (belle of the ball or life of the party).

The truth is we must not put our desire to be liked above our relationship with God, for HE is the one we must abide in, not the crowd or the person.

Here’s what the holy scriptures say about knowing His commandments.

The Bible says through Jesus Christ:

12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

John 15:12-14 NIV

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 14:12 KJV

I John 2:3-6 NKJV reinforces this by saying:

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked,

and, many of us who know the following scripture – which will be ubiquitous throughout these articles – will agree it is one of the most resonate of all:

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew 7:22-29 KJV

So, if we don’t follow His commandments it is very clear that He will not recognise us.

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

To “fear God and keep his commandments” is to learn to be and to discover the secret of being a whole person.

List Of The Commandments Of Jesus

In my previous writing I focused on the commandment you must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

John 3:3-8, 15 KJV

Here, I want to focus on something that we should do our best NOT to abide in: Money.

So often people think riches are the key to a sound mind and a prosperous life.

Here’s a snapshot of what the bible says about money.

Let’s look at the story of the rich man and Jesus:

Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.

19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”

20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

With God All Things Are Possible

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Mark 10:17-25 NKJV

This is effectively the epitome of my thesis.

We believe if we abide in money we can do great things. However, the rich man went away sorrowful because he couldn’t fathom a life without it.

If many people are honest with themselves they will be able to relate to the rich man’s sorrow.

The truth is that many know how easy it is to be entrapped by the lure of materialistic gain, not least because societies often congratulate the wealthy and encourage them to ABIDE IN WEALTH.

The Bible warns:

He who trusts in his riches will fall,

But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

Proverbs 11:28 NKJV

Some Sound Advice

Instructions to the Rich

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV

THE MAIN TAKEAWAY

Usually this would be my end point, however I feel this commandment on Abiding in Christ is so important in shining a light on us as individuals, as we seek to search our own hearts.

For this reason I want to take a deeper dive into the concept of abiding – are you ready?

THEN LET’S GO!

ABIDE: More Than a Mere Word

Now it is amazing that when a word is translated from one language to another, it loses a large amount of its original meaning and gains an entirely different meaning.

I gave a brief breakdown of the word earlier from the Merriam Webster dictionary which contains several definitions for the word abide.

These definitions are:

To put up with
To tolerate
To wait patiently for
To withstand
To dwell
To remain in place

and

To conform to

These are all good definitions, but in the original usage (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic), the meaning of the word went much deeper.

I believe the word Abide has been overlooked in the general Christian dialectic, and that many assume it is not an important word.

But this word is very important – not only in understanding several life-changing principles that are found in the Bible, but also in relation to an individual’s growth of knowledge.

Etymology

There are five different words in the original Greek and Hebrew for the one word abide we have in English. The first of these words, epimeno, is the strengthened form of another verb, meno.

The word epimeno sometimes indicates perseverance in continuing to do something. The second word, katameno, is a verb that means to stay or constant residence or frequent resort.

Another word, parameno, means to continue always near and is sometimes used to express confidence in abiding with a person.

One really neat word is hupomeno, which means to remain in a place instead of leaving it; to stay behind or persevere; to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ.

Finally, the word prosmeno is used in several different situations to indicate a persistent loyalty or a continuance in doing something or to hold fast to: the grace of God received in the Gospel.

The root from which all the other verbs come is meno, which has also been defined as meaning intensive.

This is important because it indicates that the verbs that stem from this root have a meaning beyond the face value of the word.

A good example of this is when two children may say that they love each other because they’ve learned to say this via their parents; it doesn’t mean very much to them.

However, if those two children were to grow up and marry the word love would have much more depth and meaning, because of course the two would more fully comprehend what they were saying.

And, when someone says that he/she will abide by their word, they probably mean that they will do what they have said that they would do.

This is not the true meaning of the word abide.

When we abide in something we are loyal to it even unto death.

When we abide we remain in a certain place even when the rest of the world has left us behind.

To abide means to continue doing whatever is being done even when it is hard and the urge to quit is almost too much.

The word abide means to cling to something and have faith in it, even when it seems to have failed.

Sometimes abide is used with some of the meanings that are in today’s English dictionary, but the above mentioned usages are also a large part of the way this word fits into our language.

If the world truly understood the meaning of this awesome word then I don’t think people would use it so carelessly.

In conclusion, isn’t it ironic that, in order to have a social media presence, you must obtain followers and those followers must abide in you and you in them for each other’s followers to increase through word of mouth and influence …

No wonder everything is upside down.

So, ask yourself again who are you/we abiding in?

Well, the only one to abide in and follow is JESUS – and He’s not on Instagram.

Thank GOD

Blessings Ron

JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS – SERIES 2

We must remember to keep God’s commandments old and new.

Perfected in HIM by being born again

Hi Family

Here’s what the holy scriptures says about knowing His commandments.

The Bible says:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

“You are my friends if you do what I command.”

John 15:12-14 NIV

I John 2:3-6 NKJV says:

4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. and for many of us who know will agree the next scripture (repeated from SERIES 1 with purpose) is one of the most chilling of all:

“22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Matthew 7:22-29 KJV

So, if we don’t follow His commandments it is very clear that He will not recognise us.

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

To “fear God and keep his commandments” is to learn to be and to discover the secret of being a whole person.

List of The Commandments Of Jesus

In my previous writing I focused on the commandment of forgiveness.

In this second instalment let’s continue with a firm commandment of Jesus, where He says you must be born again:

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:3-8, 15 KJV

Jesus said clearly, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Therefore the following is so alarming that I’m in shock

Different teachers , pastors, etc., who confess the Lord would make this commandment a blur, and overshadow it with different ideals and concepts to appease the age we are in.

For example, the prominent bible teacher John Hagee, – the Pentecostal ‘pastor’ of the 18,000-member Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas – issued a book in 2016 titled, ‘In Defense of Israel’.

Via a promotional video advert for the book, he states:

John Hagee – Cornerstone Church, San Antonio, Texas

“In Defense of Israel’ will shake Christian theology. It scripturally proves that the Jewish people as a whole did not reject Jesus as Messiah. It will also prove that Jesus did not come to earth to be the Messiah. It will prove that there was a Calvary conspiracy between Rome, the high priest, and Herod to execute Jesus as an insurrectionist too dangerous to live. Since Jesus refused by word and deed to claim to be the Messiah, how can the Jews be blamed for rejecting what was never offered?

Read this shocking expose’, ‘In Defense of Israel‘.

Now, view this video to see a rebuke from iThink Biblically on this:

iThink Biblically on John Hagee

The Houston Chronicle (4/30/88, sec. 6, p. 1) quoted John Hagee as saying:

“I’m not trying to convert the Jewish people to the Christian faith… In fact, trying to convert Jews is a waste of time. Jews already have a covenant with God and that has never been replaced by Christianity”.

Michael A. Walrond Jr is a major pastor who leads more than 10,000-members of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem.

He says, “Believing Jesus Is The Only Way To Heaven Is ‘Insanity’”.

Pastor Michael A Walrond

Meanwhile, Joel Osteen speaking to Larry King on Jesus being the only way, delivers a confused message in this interview:

“I think it’s wrong when we go around saying, you’re not going, you’re not going, you’re not going, because it’s not exactly my way.”

Joel Osteen’s confusing message

The Vatican tells it’s followers:

Catholics should not try to convert Jews and should work with them to fight antisemitism.

In a major new document from the Vatican’s commission for religious relations with Jews, that draws the church further away from the strained relations of the past, the Vatican stated that Christianity and Judaism are intertwined, and God never annulled his covenant with the Jewish people.

“The church is therefore obliged to view evangelisation to Jews, who believe in the one God, in a different manner from that to people of other religions and world views,” it said.

“In concrete terms this means that the Catholic church neither conducts nor supports any specific institutional mission work directed towards Jews,” it stated.

THE MAIN TAKEAWAY

This is mind blowing.

In principle, all of these leaders are saying the Jews DO NOT NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN and that Jesus is not the only way.

This is a different level of heresy and I am scared for these people’s lives.

They must repent!

Why are they not holding firm to HIS commandments?!

The Bible says:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Romans 1:16 NKJV

“I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises”.

Romans 9:1-4 NKJV

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 14:6 NKJV

And,

The declaration in Acts 4:12: ¹²Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Therefore, saying that Jewish People have a different way apart from faith in Jesus is a lie.

Again, the Bible clearly states that there is no other way to reach the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but through His Anointed Messiah, Jesus – and to say there are many ways to God is a lie.

Family, do not follow these men.

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

Pay heed.

It breaks my heart that they are not following HIS commandments.

Blessings Ron

JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS Rediscovered Love Is The Answer

What commands did Jesus instruct his disciples to teach to us, and, more importantly, do we know them?

Perfected in HIM through forgiveness

SERIES 1

Introduction

Hi Family 

A study of God’s commandments old and new has given me a fresh perspective on life itself, reading the words of Jesus has convicted me, blessed me, brought joy, and quiet reflection.

I started to question why His commandments are not principle in the teachings I’ve heard from pastors – they are obviously important but have somehow been overlooked.

I’ve asked friends if they know the commandments of Jesus and often the response has been a mute silence or a slight sense of embarrassment.

So, the question I’m asking every believer is to ask yourself: what commands did Jesus instruct his disciples to teach to us, and, more importantly, do we know them?

I would expect the commands of Jesus to be wrapped in gold, sealed and brought out with pomp & ceremony and read aloud by every preacher, because Jesus clearly states His disciples should “teach all nations to observe all things whatsoever HE has commanded”.

The Bible says:

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

“Amen.”

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV

“Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”

I Thessalonians 4:1-2 NKJV

As we can see, creating disciples and teaching them to observe all things He commanded is clearly not a soft request.

The good news is that the apostles obeyed that commandment and we can see the continuance of this command.

The succession of this commandment has been observed and followed throughout the ages; hence today, in our time as followers of Christ we are not strangers to this truth of His commandments.

However, as I stated earlier, this principle of observing His commandments has somewhat faded into the background and has lost its potency; it has been replaced by motivational, self esteem and self empowerment books from pastors who are not declaring the commandments as the primary source of supplication, but rather the study of their own books.

Before we delve into Jesus’s commandments let’s take a quick overview and see what the holy scriptures states about knowing His commandments.

The Bible says:

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”

John 15:10 NKJV

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says,

“I know Him,”

and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

I John 2:3-6 NKJV

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

I John 5:3 NKJV

“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.”

I John 3:23 NKJV

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

John 14:15 NKJV

Now coming into our generation today, we should be learning these commandments to gain deeper truth; my understanding is that in Christ Jesus we would have completeness If we follow his commandments.

At the start of this article I mentioned I John 2:3-6 NKJV, which says “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”

Therefore, I have to summarise that, in knowing Him is to know His commandments and acknowledgment of this truth, which is further driven home when Jesus says:

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Matthew 7:22-29 KJV

So, if we don’t follow His commandments it is very clear that He will not recognise us.

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty man.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

To “fear God and keep his commandments” is to learn to be and to discover the secret of being a whole person.

In this series of articles I plan to go through all the Commandments I can find and understand and highlight the benefits of obeying His commandments – not only through scripture, but through medical journals: scientific journals, psychological journals – in fact any area of life where people are talking about peace of mind, self help etc,

I believe the Commandments say it all and through in-depth study I believe we will see the wisdom of Christ and why His Commandments can help us in our lives.

FORGIVENESS

As  you  forgive  other  people,  God  will  forgive  you.

“And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our debtors.”  

Matthew  6:12  KJV

“And  when  ye  stand  praying,  forgive,  if  ye  have ought  against  any:  that  your  Father  also  which in  heaven  may  forgive  you  your  trespasses.

“But  if  ye  do  not  forgive,  neither  will  your Father  which  is  in  heaven  forgive  your trespasses.”  

Mark  11:25-26  KJV

The famous Mayo Clinic has written an article about non-forgiveness and the damage it causes as well as the benefits of forgiving people.

Here’s a snapshot summary of the article:

What are the effects of holding a grudge?

If you’re unforgiving, you might:

Bring anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience
Become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can’t enjoy the present
Become depressed or anxious
Feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you’re at odds with your spiritual beliefs
Lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for improved health and peace of mind:

Lead to healthier relationships
Improved mental health
Less anxiety, stress and hostility
Lower blood pressure
Fewer symptoms of depression
A stronger immune system
Improved heart health
Improved self-esteem

What if I’m the one who needs forgiveness?

The first step is to honestly assess and acknowledge the wrongs you’ve done and how they have affected others.

Avoid judging yourself too harshly.

If you’re truly sorry for something you’ve said or done, consider admitting it to those you’ve harmed.

Speak of your sincere sorrow or regret, and ask for forgiveness — without making excuses.

Remember however, you can’t force someone to forgive you; others need to move to forgiveness in their own time.

Whatever happens, commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect.

SoulPancake has also carried out some significant research around the value of forgiveness.

Forgiveness as a route to happiness

THE MAIN TAKEAWAY

By following Jesus’ Commandment of forgiving each other we can have healthier relationships, improved mental health, less anxiety, stress and hostility: lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, a stronger immune system; improved heart health and improved self-esteem. 

WOW!

Now that’s established, let’s look at our current state of affairs.

As the world suffers with emotional stress: depression, sadness, regret; poverty, jealousy, heartaches, divorce; mental disorders, sickness, low self esteem etc, it’s no secret that Christians suffer with these same things too.

But there’s a huge difference in how a Christian will confront these issues versus the world.

The difference is, we privately go to our prayer closets or join prayer groups to pray and ask our loving God to deal with the issue at hand and we grow in confidence the more we pray – as we see The Lord deliver His divine solution to our prayers.

Your faith is carefully being knit together each time you hear the word of GOD.

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:16-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Therefore it’s important to hear the Word of GOD.

So, why are we hearing from the pews and pulpits or zoom pulpits everything but the Word of God, especially the Commandments of Jesus?

Important Commandments from Jesus, which are the very instructional divine guidance of information we need to navigate this world.

In Psalms 55:22 it says:

“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

But in today’s world, we cast our burdens elsewhere and are encouraged to seek help from Christian counsellors rather than be guided towards the Word.

In fact, we are shown books in the Amazon Store to purchase from the latest hot pastor of the day.

Here are lists of books that are written by pastors, designed I would assume to lighten your burdens.

Let’s start with JOEL OSTEEN

Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now: 90 Devotions for Living at Your Full Potential (2005)
Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day (2007)[70]
You Can You Will: 8 Undeniable Qualities of a Winner (2014)
Think Better, Live Better: A Victorious Life Begins in Your Mind (2016)
Next Level Thinking: 10 Powerful Thoughts for a Successful and Abundant Life (2018)
You Are Stronger than You Think: Unleash the Power to Go Bigger, Go Bold, and Go Beyond What Limits You (2021)

At this point, if you didn’t know Joel was a preacher these titles would fit perfectly into the library’s top motivational books.

Let’s look at TD JAKES

Loose That Man And Let Him Go
Loose That Man And Let Him Go Workbook
Reposition Yourself: Living a Life Without Limits
He-Motions: Even Strong Men Struggle
Ten Commandments of Working in a Hostile Environment

What about CREFLO DOLLAR

Total life prosperity
How to Trouble to Trouble
You’re Supposed to Be Wealthy

A lot of these titles would also fit perfectly into the library’s top motivational books series.

Wow.

There’s sooo many books addressing sooo many problems, when the truth is the answers to all of these problems are found in the Commandments of Jesus, and the promise of God’s care over your life in Psalms 55:22

Brothers and Sisters, we need to pause and start thinking about the real rules of engagement.

Remember Jesus said:

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Matthew 7:22-23 KJV

The King Jesus Christ also said the following:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray (to) the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever (sig); even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

John 14:15-18 KJV

Now is the time to focus on King Jesus only and pay attention to His Commandments because, if we love Him, we will keep them.

“Everyone who goes ahead and does not remain true to what the Messiah has taught does not have God. Those who remain true to his teaching have both the Father and the Son. If someone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, don’t welcome him into your home. Don’t even say, “Shalom!” to him; for the person who says, “Shalom!” to him shares in his evil deeds.”

‭‭2 Yochanan (2 Jo)‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭CJB‬‬

Just the simple fact of acknowledging you need to ask for forgiveness and also forgive others can cure a world of ills.

Blessings Ron

Gog and Magog: All Eyes on Russia – Ezekiel 38

Hi Family

The video below is the perfect example of truth mixed with error.

The whole thesis is based on a time chart that is deceptive. There is no such thing as the church age. Search the Holy scriptures and you will see there are no such terms; that terminology comes from teaching based on a Scofield reference bible footnote (dispensation) concept.

Family this is a warning for us all

We cannot divert from the WORD of GOD – especially given the serious times we now face.

The teacher in the video below is swinging between ideologies and personal emotional sentiments.

End Times Prophecy Deception

The ONLY conditions for Gog ‘Chief Prince Meshach and Tubal’ to form an alliance to rally against Israel are as follows:

Ezekiel 38: Verses 10-11

1. Israel must be at rest

2. Israel must be dwelling in safety

3. Israel must be gathered out of many nations

4. Israel must be a city without walls and gates

The question is:

1. Is Israel at rest?

NO – due to the Palestinian Territories and the Arab-Israeli Conflict

https://www.usip.org/publications/2021/06/current-situation-israel-palestinian-territories-and-arab-israeli-conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Danger of ‘No Solution’ Messaging

https://www.usip.org/publications/2022/02/israeli-palestinian-conflict-danger-no-solution-messaging

2. Is Israel dwelling in safety?

NO – Israel is in a continuous state of conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

Every once in a while, after the conflict starts brewing, there is a ‘small war’ or operation. During these small wars, rockets are fired at Israel. The rockets are generally fired at the south or north of Israel, depending on who the conflict is with.

At times, the rockets hit more central parts of Israel.

Fortunately, Israel has an awesome defence system called the Iron Dome which intercepts rockets.

As an extra caution, there are sirens in specific areas to warn citizens to take cover in a bomb shelter or a ‘Miklat’.

https://www.touristisrael.com/safe-travel-israel/13932/

Just to reinforce the point now read Ezekiel 38:14

3. Is Israel gathered out of many nations?

ONGOING –

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/chinese-kaifeng-jews-seek-new-lives-israel-n527876

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/magazine-36357423

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT.MAGAZINE-african-american-group-in-shock-after-israel-announces-deportation-plan-1.9755881

4. Is Israel a city without walls and gates?

NO –

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-iron-wall-gaza-palestinians-siege

https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2020/7/8/in-pictures-israels-illegal-separation-wall-still-divides

In conclusion

There is a bonafide reason for Jerusalem to be torn by the desire to stand with key allies in condemning the current Russian invasion, but it is also very wary of antagonising Moscow -which plays a key military role across Israel’s northern border.

However, this should not permit false teaching; insinuations and false prophecies to run amuck, and cause God’s people to panic and basically cry wolf to sell books and tapes.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/why-israel-is-having-trouble-picking-sides-in-russias-war-on-ukraine/

by Ron