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OMHELS OF ONTKEN DIE KRAG VAN GOD

OMHELS OF ONTKEN DIE KRAG VAN GOD

Het jy al ooit die ou Christelike loflied Daar is Krag in die Bloed gesing? Oorweeg die eerste vers en refrein:

Wil jy bevry wees van sonde vandag
Daar’s krag in die bloed, krag in die bloed;
Soek jy oorwinning oor Satan se mag?
Daar’s wonderbaar krag in die bloed.

Refrein:

Daar is krag, krag, wonderwerkend krag
In die bloed van die Lam;
Daar is krag, krag, wonderwerkend krag
In die kosbare bloed van die Lam.

Moes jy al ooit aan iemand wat nie as ‘n Christen grootgeword het nie, verduidelik wat hierdie lirieke beteken?

Is daar krag in die bloed van Jesus? As jy “ja” gesê het, bedoel jy die rooibloedselle?

As ons ‘n stuk van Christus se grafdoek (wat volgens sommige die Lykkleed van Turyn is) kon vind wat met sy gedroogde bloed bevlek is, sou ons goddelike krag verkry om sonde te oorwin? Word die krag van God in dooie rooibloedselle gevind?

Jesus het die volgende vir die Jode in Kapernaüm gesê:

“Voorwaar, Ek sê vir julle, as julle nie die vlees van die Seun van die mens eet en sy bloed drink nie, het julle geen lewe in julle nie. Wie my vlees eet en my bloed drink, het die ewige lewe, en Ek sal hom opwek op die laaste dag. Want my vlees is ware voedsel en my bloed is ware drank. Wie my vlees eet en my bloed drink, bly in my, en ek in hom. Net soos die lewende Vader my gestuur het en ek lewe weens die Vader, so sal die een wat my eet, lewe weens My. Dit is die brood wat uit die hemel neergedaal het. Julle voorvaders het manna geëet en gesterf, maar hy wat van hierdie brood eet, sal vir ewig lewe” (Johannes 6:53-58 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Toe Jesus hierdie woorde gesê het, het Hy van kannibalisme gepraat? Die Jode het blykbaar so gedink en was beledig.

Wat van vandag – wat verstaan ons wat Christus se woorde beteken?

 

DIE METAFOOR

Is die krag in die letterlike bloed, of is die krag in die Een wat sy bloed vergiet het? En as die krag nie in die letterlike bloed is nie, wat verteenwoordig die bloed dan? Hoe kry ‘n mens toegang tot die krag?

Die vlees en bloed is simbolies van iets anders, en as ons nie die werklikheid verstaan waarna Jesus se simboliese taal wys nie, is ons kwesbaar om in die idee van Jesus te glo, betrokke te raak by godsdiens en kerk, maar sonder die werklike krag van God te wees. Die apostel Paulus het gewaarsku dat dit aan die einde van die tyd die geval sal wees en dat ons op ons hoede moet wees:

Maar let hierop: Daar sal verskriklike tye in die laaste dae wees. Mense sal liefhebbers van hulleself wees, liefhebbers van geld, grootpraterig, trots, beledigend, ongehoorsaam aan hul ouers, ondankbaar, onheilig, sonder liefde, onvergewensgesind, lasterlik, sonder selfbeheersing, wreed, nie liefhebbers van die goeie nie, verraderlik, oorhaastig, verwaand, liefhebbers van plesier eerder as liefhebbers van God – met ‘n gedaante van godsaligheid, maar wat die krag daarvan ontken. Moet niks daarmee te doen hê nie (2 Timoteus 3:1-5 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Mense met ‘n “gedaante van godsaligheid, maar wat die krag daarvan ontken” – wat beteken dit? Dit beteken dat hulle nie die vorms ontken nie – die formules, rituele, seremonies, simbole, sakramente – hulle ontken die krag. Met ander woorde, hulle ontken nie die “krag in die bloed” nie, hulle ontken nie die simbool, nagmaalseremonie, die Eucharistie of die sing van die lied nie. Maar hulle ontken wel die waarheid, die werklikheid, die realiteit, die ervaring, die internalisering van die lewe van Christus, want die Bybel sê vir ons dat die lewe in die bloed is (Levitikus 17:11). Die krag wat in die bloed is, is die krag van die lewe van Christus, nie sy rooibloedselle nie. En die lewe van Christus is die geleefde waarheid van God wat die leuens van Satan ontbloot en weerlê en ons terugwen om te vertrou. Dit word deur die vlees voorgestel:

In die begin was die Woord, en die Woord was by God, en die Woord was God. … Die Woord het vlees geword en sy woning onder ons gemaak. Ons het sy heerlikheid gesien, die heerlikheid van die Een en Enige, wat van die Vader gekom het, vol genade en waarheid (Johannes 1:1, 14 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Jesus is God in die mensdom, en in Hom word die waarheid oor God geopenbaar. Hy is die lewende Woord van God. Om sy vlees te eet beteken om die waarheid oor God in ons harte en gedagtes in te neem wat die leuens verdryf en ons oortuig om te vertrou. Dit is die ewige evangelie, die ewige goeie nuus, dat God nie is soos Satan beweer het nie, dat God nie ‘n keiserlike diktator is wat reëls opmaak en dan sy oneindige mag gebruik om marteling, pyn en dood aan reëloortreders toe te dien nie. In Jesus sien ons die majesteit en heerlikheid van God geopenbaar, dat hoewel Hy alle mag gehad het, Hy dit nooit gebruik het om self te bevorder nie, maar slegs en altyd om te dien. En selfs wanneer die ergste boosheid en mees beledigende onreg teenoor Hom gepleeg is, sou Hy steeds nie mag gebruik om vryheid van sy intelligente skepsele weg te neem nie.

Hoekom nie? Want wat God wil hê, is ons liefde, vertroue, lojaliteit, toewyding en vriendskap, en dit kan nooit deur wet en wetstoepassing bereik word nie, maar slegs deur waarheid, liefde en vryheid. Trouens, enige pogings om liefde te bevorder deur eksterne afdwinging, deur straf, vernietig net liefde en hits rebellie aan. Die krag van God, die krag in die bloed, is dus die krag van die waarheid en liefde van God wat ten volle geopenbaar en geleef is in die persoon van Jesus Christus. Dit is die goeie nuus, dit is die evangelie, en dit is die krag van God wat ons vryelik kan ontvang – net soos Paulus geskryf het:

Ek skaam my nie vir die evangelie nie, want dit is die krag van God vir die redding van almal wat glo: eers vir die Jood, dan vir die heiden. Want in die evangelie word die geregtigheid van God geopenbaar, ‘n geregtigheid wat van die eerste tot die laaste deur die geloof is, net soos daar geskrywe is: “Die regverdige sal deur die geloof lewe” (Romeine 1:16, 17 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Die krag is in die goeie nuus oor God wat die leuens vernietig en ons wen om te vertrou; Dit is die deelneem van die vlees, wat deur die brood gesimboliseer word. En sodra ons deel het aan die waarheid en gewen is om te vertrou, maak ons ons harte oop en die Heilige Gees bring vir ons die lewe van Christus, wat deur die bloed gesimboliseer word. Ons ontvang ‘n nuwe lewe, ‘n nuwe identiteit, ‘n nuwe lewende krag – die rein, heilige, regverdige lewe van liefde vir God en ander, wat die lewe (bloed) van Jesus is. Soos Paulus geskryf het, “Dit is nie meer ek wat lewe nie, maar Christus woon in my” (Galasiërs 2:20). Ons word deelgenote van die goddelike natuur – die aard van liefde (2 Petrus 1:4).

 

DIE TOEPASSING VAN DIE METAFOOR

So hoe dit in die dag-tot-dag, praktiese lewe werk, is dat die Heilige Gees waarheid na menslike harte en gedagtes bring op maniere waarop ons daardie waarheid kan verstaan – waarheid wat noodsaaklik is vir ons genesing en verlossing, waarheid wat ons weglei van sondesiekte en terug na Jesus vir die ewige lewe. Hierdie waarheid sal altyd waarheid oor God insluit, wat Jesus gedoen het, God se metodes en beginsels, maar dit sal ook werklike, praktiese, toepaslike aksies insluit wat elkeen van ons in ons lewens moet neem om genesing van ons harte en gedagtes te ervaar.

Ons moet eers weet dat God liefde is, dat Hy ons liefhet, en dat Hy deur Christus alles voorsien wat ons nodig het vir ons genesing en herstel – en dat ons saak met Jesus nooit hopeloos is nie. Dan, in daardie liefde, in die waarheid van wie God is, sal die Gees van waarheid die waarheid oor onsself in ons gedagtes bring, waar ons in ons lewens uit harmonie is met God, van dinge of mense in ons lewens wat vernietigend is, saam met die waarheid oor wat gesond is en watter keuses ons kan maak om ons lewens met die goeie te harmoniseer, die regte, die gesonde.

Ons sal onsself in verskillende omstandighede en situasies bevind waarin ‘n waarheid voor ons sal wees en ons sal weet wat ons plig is; ons sal weet wat die regte en gesonde optrede is, en dan sal die Heilige Gees ons heeltemal vry laat om te besluit wat ons sal kies om te doen, kies om te glo, kies om in ons hart te internaliseer.

En dit is die sleutel tot toegang tot die krag van God: Ons ontvang nie goddelike krag om sukses te behaal totdat ons kies om ja te sê vir die waarheid en dit op ons lewens toe te pas nie.

Dit is egter nie die waarheid wat kognitief verstaan word wat saak maak nie; dit is die waarheid wat deur die individu gekies is om in die hart opgeneem te word en deur die wil toegepas te word op die lewe wat die individu oopmaak om die goddelike krag van God te ontvang – die lewende, motiverende en transformerende krag van God.

Die demone glo die waarheid van wie Jesus is, maar hulle het hul harte gesluit vir die waarheid en het Jesus nie lief en vertrou Hom nie; Hulle kognitiewe bewustheid van die waarheid het dus geen reddende krag vir hulle nie.

Baie verslaafdes aanvaar die waarheid dat hulle ‘n verslawing het, selfs dat die verslawing skadelik is en dat hul lewens beter sou wees as hulle vry was van die verslawing, maar hulle het nie die keuse gemaak om te herstel, om hul lewens aan Jesus Christus oor te gee nie. Baie sal dus bid vir verlossing van hul verslawing, maar wat hulle eintlik doen, is om vir God te bid om hulle te verander voordat hulle vir hulself gekies het om hul verslawing prys te gee. Hulle bid dat hul gevoelens sal verander, vir die krag van God om hulle te verlos van iets waaraan hulle steeds in hul hart vasklou. Hulle het nog nie in hulle eie hart gekies om ja te sê vir Jesus en die ou weë af te sterf nie. Ons kry nie die krag voordat ons die keuse maak nie. Maar wanneer ons die keuse maak om ja te sê vir die waarheid, word ons nooit oorgelaat om die stryd in ons eie krag te wen nie; die krag om sukses te behaal word altyd deur God voorsien deur middel van die inwonende Heilige Gees, maar daardie krag word eers vir ons toeganklik wanneer ons kies om die waarheid te volg en toe te pas deur ons keuse.

Daarom moedig ek jou aan om te kies om elke dag tyd saam met Jesus deur te bring, om sy Woord in jou hart en verstand te internaliseer (in te neem) en om daagliks die Heilige Gees in jou lewe in te nooi om jou te bemagtig met die lewe, die liefde, die motivering, die krag van Jesus en, oomblik vir oomblik, kies om te doen wat jy weet is die regte, gesonde, liefdevolle, eerlike optrede wat jou plig is om in beheer van jouself te wees. Want die krag is in die waarheid en liefde wat slegs van Jesus af kom, en ons ontvang dit deur ons keuse om te vertrou en in daardie vertroue op die waarheid wat ons ken en verstaan – dit is dan en slegs dan dat ons die goddelike krag ontvang om sukses te behaal.

 

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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 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, 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 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 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 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

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 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 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

 

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

 

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 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