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Jerusalem, Christians, and End-Time Methods

Jerusalem, Christians, and End-Time Methods

Last week, the Trump administration officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The world is divided on the wisdom of this decision. For instance, many Christians in America are ardent supporters of this step, while leaders from many nations have voiced concerns or outright condemnation.

But what I find interesting about the support of at least some of these Christians is that it is not based on the principles of democracy, statecraft, national security concerns, or that it makes good political sense. Rather, many are basing their support on their religious beliefs and how they interpret the Bible.

Let me be clear: My point here is not to argue for or against Trump’s decision or to dissect Israel’s role in end-time prophecy. Instead, my point here is to examine this news in light of God’s methods in fulfilling His purposes, contrasting His ways with the methods of this sinful world—as violence and angry rhetoric continue to play out from this action.

 

God’s Kingdom and the Kingdoms of Earth

God is love, and His methods are the methods of truth, love, and freedom. God wants His children to love and trust Him—and love and trust can never be instilled by the threat of punishment or by the infliction of punishment. Love and trust are won by truth, presented in love, and leaving people free to decide.

We cannot overcome evil by the exercise of might and power. Evil is only overcome by good. One of the most influential men in history, Martin Luther King Jr., knew this well. He said,

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

Our world operates on a system of imposed rules in which the strong enforce their will on the weak. Sadly, many people view God as running His universe no differently than sinful human beings run their earthly governments. They see God as an all-powerful being imposing His will on His weaker subjects. Therefore, many people read the Bible and claim that God said He was going to give a certain land to the genetic descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and then God would use His power to make it happen. Thus, many Christians in America advocate for the use of coercion, force, pressure—whether economic or military—to enforce this outcome, to enforce what they see as God’s will.

Yet is God actually going to accomplish His goals by the use of might and power? Or, are Christians deceived by a subtle lie of the evil one—to pursue what may indeed be godly goals by using satanic methods?

As God said through Isaiah, His ways are not like our ways:

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth (55:7–10 NIV84).

God freely pardons; love overcomes evil. Do we freely pardon—or do we demand punishment for wrongdoing? God sends the snow and rain and sunshine to everyone, not just to those who do good. Do we love everyone, including our enemies, as Jesus taught? (See Matthew 5:44.) Do we love without discrimination?

The ways of God are not the ways of the world. We cannot win God’s cause by using the methods of the world. The apostle Paul expands on this idea:

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3–5 NIV84).

How does the world wage war? Physical might, power, killing those who oppose us; intimidation, threats; economic sanctions, financial ruin, poverty, starvation—modern-day sieges; propaganda, falsehood, distortions, lies.

Would you endorse these methods for a cause you believe in? Would Jesus ever use these methods? Or are we being set up to employ and love “beastly” methods? (Remember, earthly governments are described as beasts. See Daniel 7, 8; Revelation 13.) Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36 NIV84).

Jesus explicitly stated using force, fighting, or coercion was not part of His kingdom—and His followers would not employ such tactics. Christians are not to wage war like the world; we are not to use weapons of coercion, force, and intimidation. Why? Because our weapons are to demolish hate, selfishness, and evil out of hearts and instill love, truth, and righteousness. And love cannot be won by threat, hate cannot be destroyed by violence, trust cannot be established by might, friendship cannot be achieved by taking from another what they do not freely give.

Thus, God said through Zachariah, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit” (4:6 NIV84).

And the Spirit is the Spirit of truth and love! It is only through truth, presented in love—while leaving people free to choose for themselves whom they will serve—that love wins, that truth overcomes. This is the method of the true Christian. This is the way of God’s kingdom. This is the power of God to transform the world. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:26 NIV84).

Regardless of our interpretation of Bible prophecy, what we believe about how end-time events will unfold, we must ask ourselves: Whose methods will I use? The methods of God—truth, love, and freedom, or the methods of the world—threat, coercion, violence and intimidation?

As Christians, let’s commit to using God’s methods alone.

 

 

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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 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

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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 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 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 26

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 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 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

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

 

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I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

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 14

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

Anonymous

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.