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Discerning Truth—Seeing Through the Lies

Discerning Truth—Seeing Through the Lies

What is the lesson taught in the story of Christ’s Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21)?

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9 NIV84).

It is that Jesus fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies and requirements of the Messiah. This is the design law of truth being fulfilled, accomplished, demonstrated. Truth can and must be spoken, but truth is reality—and truth is most powerful when revealed in action, in fact, by evidence. Jesus’ life lived out is a testimony and revelation of truth that is far surpassing in power and value than that of verbal description only. It is accomplishment, not mere claim.

This is a lesson that many people today do not understand, and Satan works hard to confuse people on this point. Satan works by deception, by getting people to replace fantasy for reality, lies for truth, falsehood for facts, and to accept words, claims, and proclamations over evidence. In other words, Satan relies on getting people to listen to what is said and not what is done.

We have all heard that actions speak louder than words, and this is one of the primary purposes of Scripture—a record of God’s actions! And those actions are most fully, completely, clearly, and powerfully revealed in the life of Jesus—God made manifest as a real human being (Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Timothy 3:16).

Look at the actions of Jesus and the outcomes of His actions; then compare His actions with the actions of the religious leaders in His day and the outcomes of those actions. And then look at the words of both.

In Jesus, His words and His actions aligned perfectly. But the words of the religious leaders did not align with reality, with truth. The religious leaders claimed to be representing God; they pretended to be advancing truth, but because they were operating upon lies (not just factual falsehood, but principles that are out of harmony with life as God designed it to operate), their actions eventually demonstrated by results the corruption of their methods and the falsity of their words. The results of their actions revealed that their methods are destructive—the proverbial proof is in the pudding. The outcomes of their policies, principles, procedures, and rules caused harm, whereas the outcomes of Jesus’ policies, principles, procedures, and methods caused healing.

But the words of the corrupt leaders were about saving the nation. Caiaphas, the high priest, said, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (John 11:50 NIV84). He argued, “We have responsibility for our society; we must save lives!” He claimed, “Even if we have to take liberties from one person, it is better to abuse and mistreat that one so we can save the many.”

But in reality, they destroyed themselves and left their nation desolate because they embraced and practiced the methods of Satan and rejected the methods of God—truth, love, and liberty.

This same problem has existed throughout all human history—the problem of differentiating reality from fantasy, truth from claims, facts from fiction, words from evidence.

 

Before Our Eyes

Just watch this current U.S. presidential election cycle. I am not going to tell you what to think or who to vote for, but I am suggesting that you open your eyes and watch, think, critically examine, and practice differentiating words from actions, words from accomplishments, words from outcomes—how things turn out when certain people are in charge and make decisions that impact others. Consider evidence from past accomplishments and outcomes versus accusations, claims, promises, and proclamations.

In my view, in the ultimate outcome of this world, it doesn’t really matter which political candidate gets elected because all the kingdoms of the earth are corrupt, all use Satan’s methods, and, eventually, they all join forces to war against the saints.

But these events do matter for individual hearts and minds, for you and I are being attacked. Our hearts and minds are under assault. We are being misled, misinformed, and manipulated by propaganda, and our emotions are being exploited—all designed to confuse minds and get people to ignore truth, ignore evidence, ignore reality, and align with fantasy, align with wishful thinking, align with the methods of God’s enemy. This is why, right now, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, learn from what He has revealed, embrace and practice His methods, and learn to discern, learn to differentiate words from actions and claims from results. It is right now that every person must exercise their God-given individuality, think for themselves, and learn to examine evidence and facts for themselves.

For those who want to practice discernment skills, God is allowing these events to unfold because the actions, the practices, the methods, the choices, the results of what people do are evidence for the wise to recognize and realize—claiming something to be one way does not change the reality of it.

  • Claiming a dog is a cat doesn’t make it so—even if you dress the dog up like a cat.
  • Claiming a daisy is a rose doesn’t make it so—even if you paint the daisy red.
  • Claiming good is evil and evil is good doesn’t make it so—even if you reward the evil and punish the good.
  • Claiming it is good to have no standards for graduation doesn’t make it so—even if you do act upon this claim.

As the Bible warns,

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter (Isaiah 5:20 NIV84).

I challenge you to become a thinker, not a reflector of other people’s thoughts, and differentiate words from facts and practice following truth—reality—as God reveals it in all you do.

 

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Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa