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As jy 2000 jaar gelede ‘n getroue Jood was

As jy 2000 jaar gelede ‘n getroue Jood was

As jy in 27 n.C. ‘n getroue Jood was, wat sou jy geglo het? Op wie sou jy vertrou het? Waar sou jy jou lojaliteit geplaas het?

Jou hele lewe lank sou jy deur jou ouers, leraars en priesters geleer gewees het dat jy lid was van God se spesiale uitverkore volk, ‘n volk wat die geïnspireerde geskrifte van die profete gehad het en wat gewag het op die koms van die Messias.

Jou hele lewe lank sou jy geleer het dat al die ander godsdienste van die wêreld vals is.

Jou hele lewe lank sou jy deelgeneem het aan weeklikse Sabbatsonderhouding, gereelde offerande by die tempel en jaarlikse feeste, soos Pasga en die Versoendag (Yom Kippur).

Jou hele lewe lank sou jy die godsdienstige leiers – die priesters, die Sanhedrin – vertrou het om die heilige skrifte te interpreteer, jou te vertel van jou plig teenoor God, om godsdienstige regte en ongeregtighede te definieer en kettery en godslastering te identifiseer.

En u hele lewe sou ‘n las gewees het – ‘n lewe wat geleef is in vrees vir sonde, die gewig van wetlike godsdienstige pligte, die vrees vir mislukking, die onophoudelike twyfel, die gevoel van ontoereikendheid, die voortdurende bekommernis dat miskien, ondanks al jou tiende betalings, al die diereoffers, al die harde werk om aan die reëls te probeer voldoen, dat jy steeds nie deur God aanvaar is nie.

As jy daardie Jood was, wat sou jy doen? Was daar dalk ‘n ander georganiseerde godsdienstige instelling as Israel deur wie God gewerk het? Was daar ‘n beter Bybel (geskrifte) met meer akkurate openbarings van God as die Torah?

Sou dit beteken dat die leierskap van die Joodse organisasie die waarheid geleer het?

As jy 2 000 jaar gelede ‘n Jood was, sou dit wys gewees het om die priesters, Leviete en Sanhedrin te vertrou om vas te stel wat waar is? Wat God se wil is? Wat sonde is? Hoe ‘n mens van sonde verlos word?

Wat het die Joodse godsdiensleiers verkeerd gehad? Hulle het hulle vertolkings van die Skrif in die verkeerde begrip van die wet oorgedra. Hulle het God se wet beskou as funksionerend soos ‘n menslike wet – opgelegde reëls wat opgelegde strawwe vereis. Hulle het dus die seremonies en simbole verkeerd geïnterpreteer as letterlike vereistes vir redding, eerder as teater, metafoor, praktiese voorbeelde om die werklikheid te leer.

En toe kom Jesus en leer met gesag (sien ons blog Gesag en Satan se Eindtyd verleiding) die gesag van hoe die werklikheid werk. Al Sy gelykenisse het God se wette as ontwerpwette geleer – hoe dinge werklik funksioneer. Jesus het mensgemaakte godsdienstige reëls verbreek om die koninkryk van die hemel te bevorder. Jesus het op die Sabbat genees en met prostitute, tollenaars en Samaritane gekuier. Hoekom? Want Jesus handel oor die werklikheid – en die werklikheid is dat God een menslike spesie in Eden geskep het. Adam het homself met sonde besmet en daarom word elke enkele mens met daardie terminale sondetoestand gebore (Ps 51:5); Elke mens het presies dieselfde oplossing, behandeling, geneesmiddel vir daardie sondetoestand nodig; en Jesus het gekom om die sonde van die wêreld weg te neem (Joh. 1:29) om die oplossing vir ons sondetoestand te voorsien, en almal te red en te genees wat deel het aan wat Hy voorsien het (Gal. 2:20; 2 Pet. 1:4). Sonde kan nie opgelos word deur reëls en reël onderhouding nie – slegs deur herskepping, genesing, reiniging van harte en gedagtes deur die herskeppende krag van God!

Jesus het gesê:

“Want so lief het God die wêreld gehad, dat Hy sy eniggebore Seun gegee het, sodat elkeen wat in Hom glo, nie verlore mag gaan nie, maar die ewige lewe kan hê. Want God het sy Seun in die wêreld gestuur nie om die wêreld te veroordeel nie, maar dat die wêreld deur Hom gered kan word” (Joh. 3:16,17 AFR 33/53).

“Kom na My toe, almal wat vermoeid en belas is, en Ek sal julle rus gee. Neem my juk op julle en leer van My, want Ek is sagmoedig en nederig van hart, en julle sal rus vind vir julle siele. Want my juk is sag en my las is lig” (Matthéüs 11:28-30 AFR 33/53).

En die godsdienstige leiers, die leiers van God se uitverkore volk, toe hulle Jesus sien genees, seën en vergewe, het van Hom gesê:

“Sê ons nie met reg dat U ‘n Samaritaan is en van die duiwel besete is nie?” (Johannes 8:48 AFR 33/53).

As jy 2,000 jaar gelede ‘n getroue Jood was wat vir die “kerk” gewerk het, hoe sou jy gereageer het as jy deur jou leierskap gekonfronteer word soos hierdie getroue volgelinge was:

“Gevolglik het die wagte na die priesterhoofde en die Fariseërs toe teruggegaan en dié het vir hulle gesê: “Waarom het julle Hom nie saamgebring nie?”

Die wagte het geantwoord: “Nog nooit het ’n mens só gepraat soos hierdie man nie.”

Die Fariseërs antwoord hulle: “Julle is tog nie ook mislei nie? Het iemand uit die geledere van die leiers of uit die Fariseërs miskien tot geloof in Hom gekom? Nee, dit is net hierdie skare mense wat nie vertroud is met die wet nie; vervloek is hulle!”” (Joh. 7:45-49 NLV)

Dus, as jy 2,000 jaar gelede ‘n getroue Jood was, sou jy getrou bly deur lojaal te wees aan jou denominasie, die ortodoksie soos geleer deur die leraars, priesters, Leviete en Sanhedrin? Of, as jy daardie leiers van God se uitverkore en geseënde stelsel gevolg het, sou jy van getrouheid na opstandigheid beweeg het en saam met hulle Jesus gekruisig het?

Wat van vandag?

As u ‘n getroue Christen is wat deel uitmaak van ‘n denominasie wat deur God geroep is om die evangelie van Jesus na die wêreld te neem en ‘regte’ leerstellings te bevorder, sal u getrou kan bly as u u denke aan u herders, priesters, teologieprofessore en kerkbeamptes oorgee – of moet u self dink en die waarheid weet?

Soos Paulus in Romeine 14:5 aanbeveel het, moet jy nie in jou eie gedagtes ten volle oortuig wees van wat waar is nie? Kan dit wees dat om getrou aan Jesus te bly, jy soos Petrus, Paulus en die ander apostels moet wees en die leerstellings van jou kerkleierskap moet verwerp?

Dit is nie hipoteties nie; dit is histories – ‘n feit van die geskiedenis wat herhaal het en weer sal herhaal. Soos een van die stigters van die Adventiste Kerk opmerk in haar kommentaar van die lewe van Christus, Die Koning van Eeue,

Die Sanhedrin het Christus se boodskap verwerp en het Sy dood gesoek; daarom het Christus Jerusalem, die priesters, die tempel, die godsdienstige leiers, die mense wat in die wet onderrig is, verlaat en hom na ‘n ander klas gewend om Sy boodskap te verkondig en om diegene uit te soek wat die evangelie aan alle nasies sou verkondig.

Soos die lig en die lewe van die mens deur die kerklike owerhede in die tyd van Christus verwerp is, so is dit nog in elke daaropvolgende geslag verwerp. Keer op keer is die geskiedenis van Christus se onttrekking uit Judea herhaal. Toe die Hervormers die Woord van God verkondig het, het hulle nie geen gedagte gehad om van die gevestigde kerk af te skei nie; maar die godsdienstige leiers wou die lig nie duld nie, en dié wat die lig gedra het, is gedwing om hulle na ‘n ander klas te wend wat na die waarheid verlang het. Vandag word min van die erkende volgelinge van die Hervormers deur hulle gees besiel. Min luister na die stem van God en is bereid om die waarheid aan te neem in watter vorm dit ook aangebied word. Dikwels word diegene wat in die voetstappe van die Hervormers volg, gedwing om die kerke wat hulle liefhet, te verlaat sodat hulle die duidelike leer van die woord van God kan verkondig. En dikwels word mense wat lig soek deur dieselfde leer verplig om die kerk van hul vadere te verlaat, sodat hulle God kan gehoorsaam (Die Koning van die Eeue, bl 232, beklemtoning myne).

Ek daag jou uit: Moenie in die strik trap om jou denke aan ander oor te gee nie, maar dink altyd vir jouself en bly lojaal aan Jesus bo alles!

 

 

 

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Testimony 12

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

K.C., OH, USA

 

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

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

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 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 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 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 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 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, 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 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