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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 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, 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 75

Thank you so much for everything you do! Because of all these truths, I’m excited to be with Jesus! I always pray everyday, “COME TODAY, JESUS.” Before finding C&R, I was always praying for delays, “NOT TODAY OH GOD. I AM NOT READY.” I just need to share more, talk more bout this truth, so everybody will be excited for Jesus.

J C Shin

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 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 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, 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 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 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 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

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 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 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 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 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