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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 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 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

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

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 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 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, 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 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 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 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

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 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia