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HOE EERLIKE MENSE LEUENS VERSPREI

HOE EERLIKE MENSE LEUENS VERSPREI

Byna almal stem saam dat leuens, om ander te mislei, nie ‘n deug is nie – en in werklikheid verkeerd is. Selfs politici, wat die meerderheid mense volgens peilings glo lieg, beskuldig voortdurend hul teenstanders van leuens. Hulle maak sulke beskuldigings omdat leuens nie as ‘n deug beskou word nie, maar as uitbuitend, as ‘n metode van manipulasie en bedrog wat gebruik word om voordeel uit ander te trek.

As gevolg hiervan sal mense dikwels outomaties die vertel van leuens, die verspreiding van valshede, assosieer met die uitsluitlike domein van ‘n oneerlike persoon. Maar dit is nie so eenvoudig nie. Trouens, dit is dikwels baie meer effektief vir die saak van boosheid wanneer die leuen deur eerlike mense versprei word, nie oneerlike mense nie.

Wat is die verskil tussen ‘n eerlike en oneerlike persoon as hulle albei dieselfde leuen vertel?

Die oneerlike persoon weet wat hulle sê is vals, en hulle vertel dit met die doel om te mislei; hulle probeer aktief en moedswillig om die waarheid weg te steek. Die eerlike persoon wat iets vals versprei, weet egter nie wat hulle sê is vals nie. Hulle glo eintlik dat die leuen ‘n waarheid is; As hulle verstaan dat dit vals is, sou hulle ophou om dit te versprei.

Maar ten spyte van hulle goeie bedoelings kan die eerlike van hart wat leuens glo, God se koninkryk verskriklike skade berokken juis omdat hulle uit suiwer beweegredes optree, dikwels met altruïstiese begeertes. As gevolg van die goeie bedoelings en suiwer motiewe word die eerlikes van hart as opreg, altruïsties en liefdevol beskou en is hulle dus dikwels in staat om mense te oorreed om die leuen te glo wat hulle oortuig is dat dit waar is en sodoende die koninkryk van die duisternis te bevorder. Die leuen wat kom van iemand wat opreg, deernisvol en liefdevol is, is dikwels meer skadelik as die leuen wat van die leuenaars kom.

Dit is waarom die Bybel leer dat ons nie ons denke aan ander moet oorgee nie, dat ons individueel moet grootword tot volwasse Christene wat die denke van Christus het, wat vir onsself redeneer en dink. Ons moet nie iets glo wat slegs op die getuienis van ander gebaseer is nie, maar ons moet daardie getuienis hoor en dit dan toets deur die Integrerende Bewysgebaseerde Benadering, wat die Woord van God, lewenservaring en God se toetsbare wette wat in die werklikheid ingebou is – sy ontwerpwette – harmoniseer en ten volle oortuig word in ons eie gedagtes (Romeine 14:5). Ons moet in onsself die vermoë ontwikkel om reg van verkeerd te onderskei (Hebreërs 5:14).

‘n Voorbeeld van eerlike mense wat leuens vertel: ‘n kind wie se ouer vir hulle sê dat hulle inkopies gedoen het, terwyl die ouer in werklikheid ‘n misdaad pleeg. Wanneer die kind gevra word waar hul ouer is, antwoord hulle eerlik: “Hulle doen inkopies.” Die kind lieg nie; dit wil sê, kies om vals getuienis af te lê – maar die kind kommunikeer ook nie die waarheid nie.

Een voorbeeld uit die geskiedenis is godsdiensleiers wat opreg valse leerstellings verkondig omdat hulle self die leuens glo. Dit word beskryf in die boek Die Groot Stryd in ‘n afdeling wat die algemeen geleerde mite bespreek van ‘n martelende god wat mense vir ewig in die hel verbrand:

Hoe afstootlik vir elke emosie van liefde en barmhartigheid, en selfs vir ons sin vir geregtigheid, is die leerstelling dat die goddelose dooies met vuur en swawel in ‘n ewig brandende hel gepynig word; dat hulle vir die sondes van ‘n kort aardse lewe gemartel moet word solank God lewe. Tog is hierdie leerstelling wyd verkondig en word dit nog steeds in baie van die geloofsbelydenisse van die Christendom vervat. ‘n Geleerde dokter in teologie het gesê: “Die aanskoue van hel pynigings sal die geluk van die heiliges vir ewig verhef. Wanneer hulle ander sien wat van dieselfde aard is en onder dieselfde omstandighede gebore is, wat in sulke ellende gedompel word, en hulle so waarneem, sal dit hulle bewus maak van hoe gelukkig hulle is.” … Waar in die bladsye van God se woord kan sulke lering gevind word? Sal die verlostes in die hemel verlore gaan vir alle emosies van jammerte en deernis, en selfs vir gevoelens van gewone menslikheid? Moet dit verruil word vir die onverskilligheid van die stoïsynse of die wreedheid van die barbaar? Nee nee; dit is nie die leer van die Boek van God nie. Diegene wat die beskouings in die aanhalings hierbo uitspreek, is dalk geleerde en selfs eerlike manne, maar hulle word mislei deur die drogredenering van Satan. Hy lei hulle om sterk uitdrukkings van die Skrif verkeerd te interpreteer, en gee aan die taal die kleur van bitterheid en kwaadaardigheid wat op homself betrekking het, maar nie op ons Skepper nie. “So lank as ek lewe, spreek die Here God, het ek geen behae in die dood van die goddelose nie; maar dat die goddelose van sy weg afwyk en lewe; bekeer julle, bekeer julle van julle bose weë; want waarom sal julle sterf?” Esegiël 33:11 (bl. 535, beklemtoning myne).

Ander voorbeelde in ons samelewing vandag sluit in al die opregte mense wat vir ons sê dat lewe vanself ontstaan het deur willekeurige en chaotiese kragte, nog ‘n bewysde valsheid (sien ons blog Moderne Wetenskap Plaas Die Scopes Monkey Trial Op Sy Kop); dat God se wet funksioneer soos menslike wet; en dat natuurrampe optredes deur God is om sonde te straf.

Dit is presies waarom elke persoon moet leer om vir hulself te dink en te redeneer en nie hul siele, dit wat hulle glo, aan hul vriende, ouers, onderwysers, bekendes, politieke leiers, nuuskanale, wetenskaplikes, pastore, priesters, ouderlinge, pouse, kerkkomitees of kerktradisies te vertrou nie.

Die eerlike van hart wat valshede versprei, soos die kind wat vertel wat sy dink waar is oor waar haar ouer is, benadeel nie hulle siele deur te vertel wat hulle glo die waarheid is nie. Met ander woorde, hulle sondig nie; hulle sal nie verlore gaan as gevolg daarvan nie. Maar wat vertel, geleer of aan ander versprei word, baat hulle nie. Dit werk nie om genesing of redding aan ander te bring nie, want dit is vals. In die voorbeeld van die kind wat sê dat hul ouer inkopies doen, sal die persoon wat dit glo en winkel toe gaan om die ouer te vind, nie die ouer daar vind nie, want die ouer is nie daar nie. Alhoewel die kind nie in hul siel benadeel word deur te vertel wat hulle glo waar is nie, kan die persoon wat hul leiding volg, nie die uitkoms waarna hulle soek uit vals inligting kry nie.

Diegene wat eerlik valshede oor die evangelie, verlossing en God vertel omdat hulle nog nie die waarheid verstaan het nie, beskadig dalk nie hul eie siele nie, maar hulle is nie in staat om ander na ‘n volwasse Christelike ervaring te lei nie. Dit word deur die apostel Paulus in 1 Korintiërs 3 beskryf:

Want niemand kan enige ander fondament lê as die een wat reeds gelê is nie, wat Jesus Christus is. As iemand op hierdie fondament bou met goud, silwer, duur klippe, hout, hooi of strooi, sal sy werk getoon word vir wat dit is, want die dag sal dit aan die lig bring. Dit sal met vuur geopenbaar word, en die vuur sal die kwaliteit van elke man se werk toets. As dit wat hy gebou het, oorleef, sal hy sy beloning ontvang. As dit verbrand word, sal hy verlies ly; hy self sal gered word, maar slegs soos een wat deur die vlamme ontsnap het (verse 11-15 NIV 84).

As ons ons hart aan Jesus oorgee en wedergebore word om Hom lief te hê en dan dinge begin leer wat waar is, bou ons met goud en silwer en kosbare klippe. Maar as ons leuens glo en mense dinge leer wat onwaar is, selfs opreg, bou ons met hout, hooi en strooi – en terwyl ons nie ons siele beskadig deur valshede te versprei wat ons glo waar is nie, omdat dit wat ons bou vals is, sal dit nie staan nie, maar sal vernietig word in die lig (vure) van waarheid en liefde.

 

LIEFDE VIR DIE WAARHEID

Die regverdiges is diegene wat die waarheid liefhet – hulle is nie diegene wat alle waarheid ken nie, want net God is oneindig en ken alle waarheid. Die regverdiges is diegene wat die waarheid liefhet, wat beteken dat hulle honger na waarheid, hulle soek gretig om in die waarheid te groei, hulle het harte en gedagtes wat oop is om reggestel, bygewerk en ontwikkel te word deur die waarheid wat ontvou. (Dit is wat dit beteken om gehoorsaam te wees. Die Griekse woord vir gehoorsaamheid beteken ‘n nederige gewilligheid om te luister en te volg, om geleer en tereggewys te word.) Hulle klou nie vas aan leerstellings, geloofsbelydenisse of fundamentele oortuigings wat verkeerd is en weier dan om lig en waarheid te bevorder soos God se boodskappers dit bring nie.

Die verlorenes is egter lief vir hul leerstellings, hul geloofsbelydenisse, hul godsdienste, hul fundamentele oortuigings, en wanneer nuwe opkomende lig kom, sal hulle dit nie aanvaar nie – en dit is dikwels omdat hulle nooit geleer het om vir hulself te dink nie en, in plaas daarvan om die werklikheid en waarheid te verstaan, hul oortuigings gevorm het op wat ander wie hulle vertrou hulle vertel het. Ongelukkig word die lig wat hulle vroeër gehad het, duisternis in hulle.

En dit lei daartoe dat ons die eerlike van hart op ‘n ander manier van die leuenaars onderskei – die impak, vordering en uitkoms oor tyd. Die eerlike van hart is mense wat die waarheid liefhet en probeer leer, ontwikkel, groei, die waarheid assimileer, maar as ‘n eindige wese glo hulle tans sommige dinge verkeerd en kan hulle daardie valshede met alle welwillendheid versprei. Maar wanneer die waarheid aan hulle voorgehou word op ‘n manier wat hulle kan verstaan, sal hulle hulle valse geloof met die waarheid vervang en in die waarheid groei. Hulle is nederig van hart en verstand en weerstaan nie, verwerp of veg nie teen die bevordering van die waarheid nie. Aan die ander kant is die oneerlikes diegene wat “verlore gaan omdat hulle geweier het om die waarheid lief te hê en so gered te word” (vers 2:10 NIV 84). Hulle is dalk lief vir hul leerstellings, geloofsbelydenisse, kerkorganisasies, mag en posisie as ‘n kerkleier, maar hulle is nie lief vir die waarheid nie en wanneer die bevordering van die waarheid aangebied word, verwerp hulle dit om hul huidige oortuigings of leerstellings te beskerm. Hulle is die “hardnekkiges”, die “hardvogtiges”, die “blindes” van die Bybel. Hulle is nie verlore omdat hulle iets vals glo nie, maar omdat hulle weier om die waarheid te glo wanneer dit aangebied word. En hierdie weiering om die waarheid te glo en aandrang om die leuens te glo, sal mettertyd die vermoëns vernietig wat die waarheid herken en daarop reageer, en so ‘n persoon word selfbedrieg en kan begin glo dat dit wat hulle oorspronklik geweet het vals was, nou glo waar te wees – hulle raak mislei. Die oneerlikes kan dus uiteindelik hulle eie leuens glo en dit dan met ware opregtheid versprei. Hierdie hartseer siele is heeltemal anders as die eerlike van hart wat dieselfde leuen kan vertel, want die eerlike van hart het nie die waarheid verwerp nie, het nie hul vermoë om die waarheid te onderskei vernietig nie, en wanneer hulle die waarheid verstaan, sal hulle dit omhels en toepas op hul lewens.

Hierdie twee klasse word gesien in die verskil tussen Kajafas en Saulus van Tarsus. Aan albei is die waarheid voorgehou. Kajafas het dit verwerp, sy hart verhard en begin glo wat hy geweet het vals is, en sodoende sy siel vernietig. Vir ‘n tydperk het Saulus leuens bevorder wat hy nie besef het vals was nie, maar toe die waarheid aan hom voorgehou is, het hy die valse verwerp en die waarheid omhels en toegepas en ‘n nuwe mens geword, ‘n regverdige kampvegter van Jesus Christus.

Daarom daag ek jou uit om ‘n denker te wees, om die vermoëns uit te oefen wat God vir jou gegee het wat jou na Sy beeld maak, om vir jouself te dink, vir jouself te verstaan, die bewyse wat God vir jouself gegee het, te ondersoek, en om eerlik perspektiewe te oorweeg wat verskil van jou eie, maar slegs glo wanneer jy daardie perspektiewe ondersoek het in die lig van God se geopenbaarde waarhede soos Hy ons in die Skrif gegee het, in die natuur en lewenservarings – Die Integrerende Bewysgebaseerde Benadering.

 

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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 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 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

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 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, 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 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, 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 12

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

K.C., OH, USA

 

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 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 25

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