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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 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

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

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The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

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I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

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 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 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

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