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Joy in the Midst of Sorrow

Joy in the Midst of Sorrow

The Bible tells us that on earth, Jesus “was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3 NIV84).

We know that Jesus’ life was not one of fun and games, not filled with amusements and distracting entertainments, frivolous activities, or pleasure-seeking distractions. Jesus became human for the most serious of reasons—to eliminate sin, to stop rebellion, to eradicate falsehood, to be our Savior.

And Jesus knew that in order to win, to eliminate sin, destroy Satan and his power of death (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10), He Himself would have to suffer many things, be rejected, despised, and ultimately crucified. He knew that the path He would walk would not be easy—yet despite all the heartache, pain, struggles, and suffering, our mighty Savior did not falter.

Why? Because He truly loved. And His love focused His heart not on self but on what His actions would accomplish and, therefore, despite the pain of His sojourn, it was “for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV84).

In the midst of abuse, rejection, betrayal, injustice, torture, and crucifixion, Jesus saw joy. There was joy not in the experience of being betrayed, falsely accused, rejected, despised, tortured and killed—but, rather, in the fulfilling of His mission, on accomplishing what He came to accomplish. There was joy in knowing that His choice to live the truth of God, to love completely, to stay faithful to His Father, to practice only the design law methods of heaven, truth, love, and freedom, despite His mistreatment, He would reveal heavenly light. He would vindicate the Father. He would demonstrate the truth of His own character of selfless love. He would expose Satan as a liar and fraud. He would destroy the infection of fear and selfishness contaminating humanity. He would develop a perfect sinless human character. He would provide the remedy needed to save every human being who trusts Him; and His actions would provide the means to eventually eliminate all sin, suffering, and death from God’s universe and, thus, restoring all things to perfection.

And we can experience this same joy in the midst of the sorrows and struggles of this sinful world. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as He kept His fixed on the Father, and if we remember the truth of the Great Controversy (that we are in a universal war), the design-law methods of God, and our power to choose loyalty to our Creator by applying to our own lives His design-law methods in how we govern ourselves in the face of worldly injustice, then we, like Jesus, can know that we are lights in a dark world, that our witness, like so many of God’s friends through history—such as Daniel, Stephen, Paul, and the many Reformers. We will give testimony to Jesus, to the God of heaven, and to the methods and principles of life and health. We will know with confidence that our sorrows, our struggles, our difficulties cannot prevent the higher purpose or impact of heaven’s love, truth, and principles shining forth through us; and we can know the joy of revealing heavenly light to the lost and reaching souls for God’s kingdom! We, like Jesus, can experience the joy of purpose, the joy of mission, the joy of advancing God’s kingdom in the face of earthly sorrows, and thereby know that our transient pain and struggles are working together in God’s hand to hasten the coming of our Lord (2 Peter 3:12).

So,

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:2, 3 NIV84).

 

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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.

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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

 

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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 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

 

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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

 

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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

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Anonymous

 

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I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

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