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Вяра и чудеса

Вяра и чудеса

По време на първата ми година в колежа, един четвъртък сутрин се случи нещо необичайно, в резултат на което по време на сутрешната молитва всички ученици се изправихме лице в лице с въпроса за вярата и чудесата.

Млад мъж, парализиран при инцидент по време на гмуркане, бе доведен в залата за богослужение в колежа. Говорителят съобщи на учениците, че ще видим чудо, че Бог ще подейства и ще излекува този млад човек. Той посъветва всички нас – 2000 ученици – да коленичим и да се молим. Каза да викаме към Бога за очистване на сърцата си, за премахване на всякакво съмнение от умовете ни, за отстраняване на всяко разсейване, та Бог чрез чудо да изцели този млад мъж.

Говорителят и няколко други се събраха около парализирания, хванаха го за ръце и започнаха да се молят. Ние, учениците, също започнахме да се молим. И се молихме, молихме, молихме… Момичета из цялата зала ридаеха, някои се молеха на глас, а други поглеждаха с едното око към сцената, за да видят „чудото“. Но след известно време, което ни се стори цяла вечност, а всъщност беше по-малко от час, не се случи никакво чудо и младежът… не беше изцелен.

Много от учениците бяха разтърсени от това събитие. Някои се бореха с въпроси относно своята вяра, относно молитвата или с въпроси за самия Бог. Ораторът предположи, че в стаята има усъмнили се и някои ученици започнаха да се чувстват виновни.

Много от моите пациенти също се борят с въпроси за вярата и чудесата. Те или техни близки често страдат от болести, заради които са им предлагани молитви към Бога за Неговата намеса и чудотворно изцеление. Когато чудото не се случи, много хора започват да поставят под въпрос своята вяра.

Съществува следното предположение: Ако имате вяра, ще се случват чудеса, ако чудесата не се случват, то е защото вярата ви е слаба. Наистина ли това е вярно? Дали е библейска идеята, че чудесата се случват, когато вярата е силна, но не и когато е слаба? Или е възможно тази идея да е в разрез с истината?

Възможно ли е да се случват чудеса не за силните във вярата, а за слабите? Възможно ли е онези, чиято вяра е солидна, да не се нуждаят от чудеса, но „бебетата“ в Христос все още да се нуждаят от чудотворни знамения и чудеса? Възможно ли е да се случват чудеса чрез силните във вярата, но не и за самите тях, че целта на чудото е за тези, които са слаби във вярата? Какво ни разкрива Библията?

Когато Гедеон бил призован от Бог да победи мадиамците, дали заради силната си вяра, или заради слабата си вяра и нуждата от окуражаване той е поискал чудото с руното?

Когато на планината Кармил огън паднал от Бога, изгаряйки жертвата, поставена от Илия – за да укрепи вярата на пророка ли е станало това чудо, или за да подкрепи слабата вяра на хората?

Помислете за Йов, за когото Бог казва: „Съвършен е и праведен във всичките си пътища, няма никой на земята като него“. Йов бил истински човек на вярата, но изгубил цялото си богатство, здравето си и 10-те си деца и никакво чудо не дошло да го избави. Дали тази трагедия се е случила с Йов, защото вярата му е била слаба, или защото вярата му е била толкова силна, че Бог е бил сигурен – нищо, без значение колко е трагично, не е способно да разтърси доверието му в Него?

Когато Седрах, Мисах и Авденаго били хвърлени в огнената пещ, с каква цел Бог се намесил чудодейно, за да спаси живота им? Дали това е преди всичко, за да се удължи животът им, или е било средство да бъде разкрита истината за Бога, безмислието на златния идол, а също и за обръщането на Навуходоносор – човек със слаба вяра? От друга страна, забелязваме зрялата вяра на тримата младежи, които, заплашени от смърт чрез изгаряне, положили живота си в Божиите ръце, знаейки, че Бог може да ги спаси, но приемали и решението Му евентуално да не се намесва. Те казали: „Навуходоносоре, не е необходимо да ти отговаряме за това нещо. Ако е така, нашият Бог, Комуто служим, може да ни отърве от пламенната огнена пещ; и от твоите ръце, царю, ще ни избави; но ако не, пак да знаеш, царю, че на боговете ти няма да служим, и на златния образ, който си поставил няма да се кланяме“ (Даниил 3:16-18).

Помислете за живота на апостолите. Бог чудодейно се е намесвал в много случаи, но винаги като помощ за разпространение на евангелието. Когато тези могъщи хора на вярата загубвали живота си, Бог не се намесвал с чудеса, за да ги спаси (с изключение на Йоан). Дали Бог отказвал да извърши чудо, за да спаси Своите апостоли, защото са нямали достатъчно вяра, или вярата им е била толкова силна, че са доверили на Бога самия си живот? Толкова силна ли е била вярата им, че не е било нужно Бог да извърши чудо, за да им помогне да запазят доверието си в Него?

Много хора вярват, че чудесата са добър „барометър“ за това на кого трябва да вярваме или на кого да се доверим. Но в Едем чудото на говорещата змия не я прави по-достойна за доверие. Сатана често обърква ума на хората и им пречи в пътя към Бога, като използва чудотворни знамения и чудеса. Всъщност, Библията пророкува, че преди Христос да се завърне, сатанинските сили ще извършват чудеса като начин да заблудят мнозина (Марк 13:22; Откровение 13:13; 16:14). Исус Христос казва, че във времето на края ще има хора, които ще твърдят, че са християни и са вършили чудеса в Неговото име, но че те никога не са били на Божия страна (Матей 7: 21-23).

Бог печели доверието на хората, като им разкрива Своя характер, ясно отразен в живота и смъртта на Исус Христос. Чудесата могат да бъдат фалшифицирани, но истината, разкрита от Исус – не може. Въпросът никога не е за Божията способност да върши чудеса, а познаваме ли Го достатъчно добре, за да запазим своето доверие, когато Той не се намеси чудодейно.

Истинската вяра не е увереност, че Бог може да върши чудеса, а доверие в Него, дори когато не го прави.

Ако вие, както много от моите пациенти, сте се молили за чудо – за чудо на изцеление, за чудо на освобождение, за чудо на възстановяване – и все пак Бог не се е намесил чудодейно, не губете кураж, не се съмнявайте във вярата си, не се поддавайте на обезсърчение. Вместо това, помислете за възможността вашата вяра да е с такова качество, солидност и зрялост, че Бог да знае, подобно на случая с Йов, че доверието ви в Него няма да се разклати. Без значение колко големи са вашите трудности, нека вашето непоклатимо доверие в Бога да изгрее през тъмнината на потисничеството на греха и да заяви пред цялата Вселена, че Бог е достоен за вашето доверие и вие няма да позволите на нищо да го подкопае!

С чудодейна намеса или без нея, Бог винаги е достоен за нашето доверие!

 

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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 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 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 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 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 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 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

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 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 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 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

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 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 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA