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Vreugde te midde van droefheid

Vreugde te midde van droefheid

Die Bybel sê vir ons dat Jesus op die aarde “deur mense verag en verwerp is, ‘n man van smarte en vertroud met lyding. Soos een vir wie die mense hulle aangesig verberg, is Hy verag, en ons het hom nie geag nie” (Jesaja 53:3 NIV 84).

Ons weet dat Jesus se lewe nie een van pret en speletjies was nie, nie gevul met vermaak en afleidende vermaaklikhede, ligsinnige bedrywighede of plesiersoekende afleidings nie. Jesus het mens geword vir die ernstigste redes ooit – om sonde uit te skakel, om rebellie te stop, om leuens uit te roei en om ons Verlosser te wees.

En Jesus het geweet dat om te wen, om sonde uit te roei, om Satan en sy mag van die dood te vernietig (Hebreërs 2:14; 2 Timoteus 1:10), Hy self baie dinge sou moes ly, verwerp en verag sou word en uiteindelik gekruisig word. Hy het geweet dat die pad wat Hy sou stap nie maklik sou wees nie – maar ten spyte van al die hartseer, pyn, stryd en lyding, het ons magtige Verlosser nie gewankel nie.

Hoekom? Omdat Hy werklik liefgehad het. Sy liefde het Sy hart nie op Homself laat fokus nie, maar op wat Sy dade sou bereik en daarom, ten spyte van die pyn van Sy verblyf, “wat vir die vreugde wat Hom voorgehou is, die kruis verdra het, die skande verag het en aan die regterkant van die troon van God gaan sit het.” (Hebreërs 12:2 AFR33).

Te midde van mishandeling, verwerping, verraad, ongeregtigheid, marteling en kruisiging, het Jesus vreugde gesien. Daar was nie vreugde in die ervaring om verraai, vals beskuldig, verwerp, verag, gemartel en doodgemaak te word nie – maar eerder in die vervulling van Sy missie, om te bereik wat Hy kom bereik het. Daar was vreugde in die wete dat Sy keuse om die waarheid van God uit te leef, om volkome lief te hê, om getrou aan Sy Vader te bly, om slegs die ontwerpwetmetodes van die hemel, waarheid, liefde en vryheid te beoefen, ten spyte van Sy mishandeling, Hy hemelse lig sou openbaar. Hy sou die Vader van blaam suiwer. Hy sou die waarheid van Sy eie karakter van onbaatsugtige liefde demonstreer. Hy sou Satan as ‘n leuenaar en bedrieër ontbloot. Hy sou die besmetting van vrees en selfsug wat die mensdom besoedel, vernietig. Hy sou ‘n volmaakte sondelose menslike karakter ontwikkel. Hy sou die geneesmiddel voorsien wat nodig is om elke mens wat Hom vertrou, te red; en Sy optrede sou die middele voorsien om uiteindelik alle sonde, lyding en dood uit God se heelal uit te skakel en sodoende alle dinge tot volmaaktheid te herstel.

En ons kan dieselfde vreugde ervaar te midde van die hartseer en stryd van hierdie sondige wêreld. As ons ons oë gevestig hou op Jesus soos Hy Sy gevestigde oë op die Vader gehou het, en as ons die waarheid van die Groot Stryd onthou (dat ons in ‘n universele oorlog is), die ontwerpwetmetodes van God, en ons krag om lojaliteit aan ons Skepper te kies deur Sy ontwerpwetmetodes op ons eie lewens toe te pas in hoe ons onsself regeer in die aangesig van wêreldse ongeregtigheid, dan kan ons, soos Jesus, weet dat ons ligte in ‘n donker wêreld is, dat ons ‘n getuienis is, soos so baie van God se vriende deur die geskiedenis heen – soos Daniël, Stefanus, Paulus en die talle Hervormers. Ons sal getuig van Jesus, van die God van die hemel, en van die metodes en beginsels van lewe en gesondheid. Ons sal met vertroue weet dat ons hartseer, ons stryd, ons probleme nie kan verhoed dat die hoër doel of impak van die hemel se liefde, waarheid en beginsels deur ons skyn nie; en ons kan die vreugde ken om hemelse lig aan die verlorenes te openbaar en siele vir God se koninkryk te bereik! Ons, soos Jesus, kan die vreugde van doelstelling, die vreugde van sending, die vreugde van die bevordering van God se koninkryk ervaar in die aangesig van aardse smarte, en daardeur weet dat ons dat verbygaande pyn en stryd in God se hand meewerk om die koms van ons Here te bespoedig (2 Petrus 3:12).

So

Kom ons vestig ons oë op Jesus, die outeur en voleinder van ons geloof, wat vir die vreugde wat hom voorgehou is, die kruis verduur het, die skande verag het, en aan die regterhand van die troon van God gaan sit het. Dink aan hom wat sulke teenstand van sondige mense verduur het, sodat julle nie moeg sal word en moed verloor nie (Hebreërs 12:2, 3 NIV 84).

 

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Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

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 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

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 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 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

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

 

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 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 17

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 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 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 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 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