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Evidence and History or Claims and Wonders

Evidence and History or Claims and Wonders

In my blog last week, The Imminent Collapse of the United States: Lessons from the History of Empires (And More Evidence that Jesus Is Coming Soon) we examined the historical lessons from the rise and fall of empires.

It is well known that:

  • “Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.” —Winston Churchill
  • “The best prophet of the future is the past.” —Lord Byron

As the blog last week described, the great empires of history rise, progress, and fall in a repeating pattern, because human nature doesn’t change; humans continually repeat the same patterns of behavior that lead to the destruction of their societies, and these patterns of behavior are rooted in sinfulness, selfishness, greed, pride, and arrogance—in the rejection of God and His design laws for life.

  • “Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results.” —Niccolò Machiavelli
  • “Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature.” —David Hume
  • “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”—Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

We don’t learn from history because human nature deceives itself:

The human mind is more deceitful than anything else. It is incurably bad. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9 New English Translation).

The unconverted human mind wants to deny the truth of our sinful condition and the inevitable self-destruction that will occur without Jesus. The corruption of human nature and the fallen propensity to deny truth have been understood by many deep thinkers throughout history:

  • “We learn from history that we don’t learn from history!” —Desmond Tutu
  • “That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history.” —Aldous Huxley

One of the purposes of the Bible is to connect us to history, to reality—the reality of our origins, created in the image of God, of the fall into sin, of the terrible results of fear and selfishness (sinfulness), of God’s plan of salvation, and how when God’s Spirit is not transforming our hearts, the sinful traits of the me-first drives of survival of the fittest take control and people repeat the same patterns of self-destruction over and over again. But when we remember history, remember our Creator, His methods, principles, and eternal design laws for life, and are surrendered to Him, then we have nothing to fear for the future because we are living out the reality God has designed for us.

We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 196).

But the godless, those who are controlled by the satanic spirit of selfishness, want to divert our minds away from reality, away from history, away from evidence and facts and onto authority—to believe because someone in power says so—or onto signs and wonders, onto things that incite strong emotions, that wow us. Both tactics are designed to disconnect the mind from objective truth and disempower the individual from being able to make their own informed choices, thus making them vulnerable to the control of others. God has warned against this:

If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer (Deuteronomy 13:1–3 NIV84).

Signs and wonders, technology, fantasy, false science that claims there is no God, the goddess of reason, the god of evolution, the new green earth worshipers, the gods of money, power, and control—all of these false gods thrive on turning the minds away from God’s truth, away from reasoning and thinking, and inciting strong emotions—particularly fear.

The people of God are not to base our beliefs upon the claims of powerful people nor upon wonders or signs, but upon evidence, truth, and historical facts—the inspired Word of God, which records the history of humanity and God’s plan of salvation. But Satan wants to turn our minds away from truth, evidence, facts, and history. Recently, I observed two events that revealed ungodly forces working to divert minds away from reality and onto either signs and wonders or the authority of office.

The first event was when I was visiting various Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. I typed “Museum of Natural History” into Google maps, but the app listed the site as the Smithsonian National Museum of… Renowned Collection of Natural Wonders. However, the official name posted at the entry is the National Museum of Natural History. (See images below.)

 

 

I don’t know the motivation for this name used in Google maps. I am not alleging that this is a conscious plot; it may very well be the unconscious result of the impact of godlessness and the move away from objective reality being taught in our schools, social media, and society in general. But that is the point. History requires us to study objective facts, evidence, scientific measures, and real people who did real things. But signs and wonders are designed to wow, to impress, to cause a sense of stunned silence and a willingness to comply without thinking. Does calling the museum by this different name subtly move minds away from “history” and toward “wonders”?

One of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist church, supporting God’s directions in the passage from Deuteronomy cited above, warned about moving away from solid evidences of God’s Word:

Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. If we keep these things before the people, they will produce an evil effect, an unhealthful emotion. The genuine working of the Holy Spirit on human hearts is promised, to give efficiency through the Word. … the Bible will never be superseded by miraculous manifestations. … We shall encounter false claims; false prophets will arise; there will be false dreams and false visions; but preach the Word, be not drawn away from the voice of God in His Word. Let nothing divert the mind. The wonderful, the marvelous, will be represented and presented. Through satanic delusions, wonderful miracles, the claims of human agents will be urged. Beware of all this. … We must not trust the claims of men. … Nor can we trust impressions. … The man who makes the working of miracles the test of his faith will find that Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles. … If we accept not the truth in the love of it, we may be among the number who will see the miracles wrought by Satan in these last days, and believe them (Manuscript 43, 1907).

God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His Word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth, will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith (Steps to Christ, p. 105).

We are to examine evidence, reason out facts, and understand the history of human events, especially those recorded in Scripture. But Satan wants us to disregard facts, evidence, and history, and he has multiple strategies to do this.

The second event I recently noted, which exposes another method to divert minds away from evidence, was when a professor at the University of Pittsburg told his students that there is no difference between the skeletal structure of human males and females. When the students laughed at the statement, he was shocked. An article reporting on the event says:

The professor then responded to the laughter with shock, wondering how he could be doubted when he was “the expert in the room.”

“Have any of you been to anthropological sites? Have any of you studied biological anthropology? I’m just saying, I’ve got over 150 years of data, I’m just curious as to why I’m being laughed at,” he said before later declaring, “I have a PhD!” [1]

The professor is advancing the idea that beliefs should be based on the authority of the speaker, their credentials, the office they hold, or the power of their dynamic presence, and not on objective facts or evidence. This same method is behind the entire transgender movement—the claim of those in some office that there is no male or female. Understand clearly, the primary purpose of the transgender movement is not human rights; it is an assault on human minds, a strategy to get people to accept voices of authority over objective reality. After all, if the most basic and obvious natural truth that is observable by everyone (male and female) is denied, then there is no objective truth that an individual can ever cite to hold people in power accountable. They will always be right because they are the “expert” or “office holder” or have “power.”

But this unhealthy methodology is not restricted to secular academia; it also manifests in the church. I once experienced the same thing about 13 years ago when, after disagreeing with the senior pastor of my church over certain theological ideas, one of the associate pastors told me that I had no right to question the senior pastor because he was the “Lord’s anointed.” In other words, I was to believe based on the authority of his office, not because he had truth on his side. But the Bible says that we are to “test everything. Hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21 NIV84). And that “a fool will believe anything; sensible people watch their step” (Proverbs 14:15 GNT).

We are living in the very last days before Christ returns, and it is essential that every person develop the ability to discern for themselves the right from the wrong (Hebrews 5:14). It is essential we become thinkers, people who know truth, know history, evaluate evidence in light of God’s Word, and do not believe others based on their office, authority, or charisma and signs and wonder.

So I encourage you to always think for yourself, ask questions, and require evidence—and that evidence should appeal to your reason and be consistent with the history that God has revealed in His Word.


[1] https://www.foxnews.com/media/audience-laughs-professor-telling-riley-gaines-difference-male-female-bone-structure

 

 

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Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

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 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, 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 70

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Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, 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 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, 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.

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Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

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I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

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