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Ons Vestig Ons Oë Op Jesus

Ons Vestig Ons Oë Op Jesus

Die Bybel gee ons die volgende opdrag om:

…ons oë vasgenael op Jesus, die Voorganger en Voleinder van ons geloofswedloop. Hy het ter wille van die blydskap wat daar voor vir Hom gewag het, die kruis verduur. Ja, Hy het Hom selfs deur die skande van die kruisdood nie laat afskrik nie. En nou sit Hy op die ereplek langs God op die troon!” (Hebreërs 12:2 NLV 11, beklemtoning myne).

Dit is nie ‘n reël wat ons wetlik moet gehoorsaam nie; dit is die wysheid van God om in harmonie met sy ontwerpwette te leef, hoe Hy die werklikheid gebou het om te werk, die uitwerking van sy metodes, karakter en beginsels in die werklikheid.

Een van God se ontwerpwette is die wet van aanbidding, die werklikheid dat ons word soos alles wat ons waardeer, bewonder en aanbid. Die Bybel beskryf die wet van aanbidding as verandering deur wat ons aanskou (2 Korinthiërs 3:18). Moderne sielkunde en psigiatrie noem die wet van aanbidding “modellering” – dit wil sê, ons modelleer onsself na wat ons ook al ag, waardeer, idealiseer of miskien verafgod.

Die Bybel gee direkte voorbeelde van die skade aan ons wese wanneer ons enigiets anders as God aanbid. In Jeremia beskryf die profeet die wet van aanbidding: “Hulle het waardelose afgode gevolg en self waardeloos geword” (2:5 NIV 84). En die apostel Paulus beskryf hierdie wet in Romeine 1:18-32, waar hy beskryf hoe sekere mense dit nie die moeite werd geag het om die kennis van God te behou nie, maar eerder die waarheid van God verruil het vir beelde wat hulle van diere en mense gemaak het. As gevolg hiervan het hulle gedagtes verduister, verdorwe en nutteloos geword.

Die Bybel sê vir ons om ons oë op Jesus te vestig, want dit is slegs deur Hom te aanskou dat ons gewen word om lief te hê en te vertrou en in hart en verstand verander om soos Hy te word.

Die omruiling van die waarheid oor God vir ‘n leuen is die mees verwoestende en vernietigende manier waarop ons ons oë van Jesus kan afhaal. Maar daar is ‘n ander manier, ‘n meer subtiele manier, ‘n manier waarop mense Jesus as hulle enigste Verlosser hou, en hulle sal enige ander god as die ware God verloën, maar hulle het steeds hulle oë van Jesus afgehaal en die skadelike gevolge ervaar. Twee voorbeelde in die Evangelies beklemtoon dit en dien as aanskouingslesse vir ons vandag.

Miskien is die mees voor die hand liggende voorbeeld toe Petrus op water geloop het. Solank sy oë op Jesus gevestig was, kon hy bo die stormende golwe loop – maar sodra hy sy oë van Jesus afgehaal het, het hy begin sink. Toe hy teruggedraai het na Jesus, het hy dadelik na die Verlosser uitgeroep en is gered.

Die aanskouingsles is duidelik: Wanneer ons met die storms van die lewe sukkel, kan ons oor die golwe loop solank ons ons oë op Jesus gevestig hou. Maar sodra ons dink dat ons dit op ons eie kan hanteer, sodra ons na ons maats kyk en sê: “Haai, kyk na my, ek loop op water,” begin ons sink en word oorweldig deur die lewe. En soos Petrus, wanneer ons terugdraai na Jesus, neem Hy ons hand en lig ons op. Maar soos Petrus is ons nou deurdrenk van die stormagtige waters en sal ons ‘n bietjie skoongemaak moet word.

Nog ‘n storie wat in die Skrif opgeteken is, een wat ‘n bietjie minder voor die hand liggend is, leer ook ‘n onskatbare les oor die toenemende angs, bekommernis en verkniesing wat ons ervaar wanneer ons toelaat dat onskuldige lewenservarings ons van Jesus laat vergeet en ons oë van Hom afwend.

Ons vind hierdie verhaal opgeteken in die tweede hoofstuk van Lukas:

Sy ouers het elke jaar na Jerusalem gegaan vir die Pasgafees. Toe Hy [Jesus] twaalf jaar oud was, het hulle opgegaan na die Fees, volgens die gebruik. Nadat die fees verby was, terwyl sy ouers teruggekeer het huis toe, het die seun Jesus in Jerusalem agtergebly, maar hulle was nie daarvan bewus nie. Hulle het gedink hy is in hul geselskap en het ‘n dag lank verder gereis. Toe het hulle hom onder hul familie en vriende begin soek. Toe hulle hom nie gevind het nie, het hulle teruggegaan na Jerusalem om hom te soek. Ná drie dae het hulle hom in die tempelvoorhowe gevind, waar hy tussen die leraars gesit het, na hulle geluister en hulle vrae gevra het. Almal wat hom gehoor het, was verbaas oor sy begrip en sy antwoorde. Toe sy ouers hom sien, was hulle verbaas. Sy moeder sê vir hom: “Seun, waarom het jy ons so behandel? Ek en jou vader het angstig na jou gesoek” (verse 41-48, NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Maria en Josef, vasgevang in die pligte van reis, pak, organiseer, praat met vriende en vertroue dat Jesus sal volg, het hulle hulle oë van Hom afgehaal. Hulle het nie ‘n ander God aanbid nie; hulle het bloot toegelaat dat daaglikse gebeure hulle aandag aflei om aan Hom te dink, om hul oë vir een dag op Hom te vestig. En dit het hulle drie dae van angstige soektog geneem om Hom te vind!

So ook, baie van ons sal onsself soms besig vind met die pligte van die lewe, pligsgetrou wees teenoor ons verpligtinge, terwyl ons nooit ons harte na valse gode draai nie, maar ons vergeet die belangrikste plig van almal – en ons haal in onskuld ons oë van Jesus af, net vir ‘n dag. En dan vind ons onsself angstig, bekommerd, benoud en voel ons dalk oorweldig, en dit kan ons ‘n dag of twee of drie neem voordat ons besef waarom ons ons vrede verloor het. Dan dink ons aan Jesus, en wanneer ons Hom vind, kan ons, soos Maria, sê, “Jesus, waarom het U toegelaat dat ek so angstig word? Hoekom het U my nie getroos nie?”

As ons luister, sal ons sy sagte stem hoor sê, “Weet julle nie dat Ek altyd my Vader se sake doen – om harte en gedagtes te genees en mense van sonde te red nie? Jy is angstig net omdat jy jou oë van my afgehaal het. Maar ek het nooit my oë van jou afgehaal nie!”

Ons enigste hoop vir gesondheid, geluk, vrede, sukses en oorwinning is Jesus Christus! Daarom moedig ek jou aan om dit jou daaglikse gewoonte te maak om jou oë op Hom te vestig! Begin elke oggend in persoonlike tyd saam met Hom, mediteer oor sy Woord, maak jou hart oop vir Hom in gebed, gee jou hele wese aan Hom oor, nooi Hom om jou paaie te rig, en vertrou Hom met hoe dinge uitdraai – want dit is deur Hom te aanskou dat ons verander word!

 

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Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

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 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 12

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

K.C., OH, 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 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 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

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 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

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 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

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 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 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