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Pastors Faithful to Jesus Think for Themselves

Pastors Faithful to Jesus Think for Themselves

Over the years, I have had many conversations with pastors from a wide range of denominational backgrounds, and I have discovered that they, just like everyone else, fall into two general camps: those faithful to Jesus and those faithful to something else.

While pastors are human and, thus, are subject to the exact same temptations, struggles, and conflicts that every other person experiences, I am focusing on them in this blog because they are in a place of religious leadership, a place where they are sub-shepherds to the Great Shepherd and take on the responsibility of leading flocks of Christians, and because many people look to their pastors for answers and examples on what to do and how to live. Thus, if a pastor is incorrect or practicing wrong principles, their influence will cascade down and lead many others astray.

In Scripture, we see this happening with the religious leaders of Israel in Christ’s day as they influenced the people to doubt and distrust Jesus (John 7:13, 45–49; 9:22).

What could a pastor be faithful to other than Jesus? To doctrines, creeds, traditions, organizations, denominations, or church authorities. We see this in the history of Christianity when various priests and church leaders promoted loyalty to their organizations rather than to following the truth as God had revealed it.

God forewarned anyone who takes on the role of speaking for Him, the role of teaching people about Him, of leading the flock for Him, that they must remain loyal to Him over their seniors or leaders in the work. We find the story recorded in 1 Kings 13, in which a young prophet was instructed by God to give a message to the king and then return home without accepting food and drink. But the young prophet was met by another prophet of the Lord—not a false prophet, not someone from another religion, not a Baal worshiper, not someone who was unfaithful to the cause—who invited the young prophet to his home for food and refreshment. When the young prophet explained that the Lord had instructed him not to stop for any food or drink,

“The old prophet answered, ‘I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: “Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.”’ (But he was lying to him.)” (1 Kings 13:18 NIV84).

The senior prophet was lying to the junior, and the younger prophet, rather than thinking for himself, rather than examining the evidence for himself, rather than choosing to follow the truth that he had understood God was directing him to do with his life, instead immediately submitted to his senior, surrendered his judgment to someone with more experience and time in the ministry, and went to his home for refreshment. The Bible continues the story,

“So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house. While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the old prophet who had brought him back. He cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, ‘This is what the LORD says: “You have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you. You came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where he told you not to eat or drink. Therefore your body will not be buried in the tomb of your fathers”’” (1 Kings 13:19–22 NIV84).

On the way home, the young man was killed by a lion. Yet the donkey he had been riding and the lion stood together beside the body—a manifestation that this was not natural predation (1 Kings 13:24, 25).

Why is this story in the Bible? Because God is warning people, particularly those who have accepted His call to be His agents, ministers, pastors, priests, prophets, teachers, missionaries—anyone who takes on the role of representing Jesus to others—that we must think for ourselves, we must understand the truth for ourselves, we must be loyal to God first and foremost, and on matters of truth, duty to God, the gospel message, and God’s calling on our lives, we must never surrender our thinking to those in senior leadership, church authority, tradition, or organizational hierarchy. This is what the apostle Paul demonstrated when he would not surrender the truth and his thinking to either the Jewish leadership or even to Peter when Peter was advocating error (Galatians 2:11). He wrote that every person must be fully persuaded in their own mind (Romans 14:5).

I know so many beautiful, good-hearted pastors who love Jesus and live and teach the truth, yet I have observed others act the role of the young prophet, with all good intention, without any rebelliousness to God in their heart, they betray the truth in an attempt to be loyal to the cause, the organizations, the traditions, the creeds, or their seniors in the work by following some other leader’s advice, directions, conclusions, or institutional instructions despite being convicted that the truth is unfolding and moving past where the current leadership or organization is functioning.

As we approach the final events before Christ’s return, we will see a shaking among the people—and that will include pastors and church leaders. And just as in Christ’s day, there will be many faithful people and leaders (Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea) who will break from their organizations and their stubborn leaders to stand true to Jesus. But sadly, many others will choose to be faithful to the system, the creeds, the traditions, the organization, and walk away from the truth.

This is a painful fact of history, a painful experience when it happens, but the faithful pastors will follow the truth where it leads, even if it leads away from the churches that they have devoted their lives to and which they love. One Bible commentary puts it this way:

“As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ’s withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church; but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience” (The Desire of Ages, p. 232, emphasis mine).

I invite every person, pastor, priest, church leader, and parishioner to develop your God-given individuality and always think for yourself, study for yourself, and know the truth and voice of God for yourself. And when it comes to matters of truth, duty, and conscience, never surrender yourself to any other than Jesus Christ, but present the truth in love and leave others free to disagree and even reject and revile you (as the faithful through all history have experienced) as long as you are standing faithful with our Savior and His truth.

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Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

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

 

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 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 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.

Brendon S.

 

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 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 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 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 11

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 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, 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

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA