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Knowing Jesus and His Word

Knowing Jesus and His Word

Is there a difference between knowing Jesus and His Word and knowing the Bible or the theology/doctrines of your church?

Jesus said to the church leaders of His day,

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me (John 5:39 NKJV).

Did these religious leaders struggle because they neglected studying the Bible, choosing instead to spend their time on novels, video games, or television?

Indeed, if they were not only faithful Bible students but also faithful church attenders and tithe payers, then what was their problem?

Is it possible today that there are people who faithfully read the Bible, diligently search the Scriptures, are faithful church attenders and tithe payers—but who fail to know Jesus and His Word?

Jesus said it would be this way:

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:21–23 NIV84, emphasis mine).

How is this possible? How is it possible for people to be faithful students of the Bible, claim Jesus as their Savior, work actively and faithfully in ministry—and yet be evildoers?

Because their faith, their belief, their commitment, and their Bible reading are processed through lies; they have rejected the truth of who Jesus is and have preferred a false Christ in His place. They reject the truth of God as Creator and prefer a god who is like them in character, a god who makes up rules and uses power to punish rule-breakers. Thus, they worship a creature rather than the Creator, all the while using the words of Jesus but practicing the methods of Satan.

These evildoers, claiming to be followers of Jesus, don’t actually understand, embrace, and apply the methods of God, the Word of God, despite studying the Bible—why? They don’t understand what the Word of God is.

The Meaning of the Word

Is the “Word of God” words?

Is there power in the words?

Do we need to have the right words in order to experience the power of God or to know Him?

Do we need to pray with the right words, in the name of Jesus (or maybe even “Joshua” or “Yeshua”)?

If we think the power is in the words, do we enter into superstition, into witchcraft and sorcery, seeking the right verbal incantation rather than the right spirit?

Is the power of God in the words spoken—or in the meaning of the words?

The apostle Paul wrote,

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16 NIV84).

Was he referring to the word “gospel”—that there is power in the word itself or in the idea, the truth, the meaning of what that word “gospel” is intended to convey?

And what if we use the word “gospel” but understand it to mean something other than what Paul intended—does our gospel still contain the power of God?

When we consider the Bible, understanding that it is the inspired Word of God, is the power in the words it contains or is it in the truths, the meaning, that originate in and reconnect us to God, who is the source of all truth and power?

Satan knows that if we are reconciled to God, if we do open our hearts to God’s truth, his lies are displaced and we are won back to trust and experience the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Satan, the father of lies, the master of misinformation, the director of deceit, seeks to use the same words of God but change their meaning and, thereby, introduce lies into our minds that cut us off from God.

This is what sorcery is all about. Sorcerers are people who work to gain power over people’s minds through a variety of means, but the goal is the same: to sever hearts and minds from God and gain power over minds. In ancient times, sorcerers used various hallucinogens, the proverbial witch’s brew, to make people more susceptible to mind control. In our day, mind-altering chemicals can be used, but more often, mind control is pursued through propaganda, which includes changing the meaning of words to cause confusion and interfere with people being able to tell what is real from fantasy in order to prevent them from being able to discern truth from lies, good from evil. (For more see our blog The Attack on Your Mind by Modern-Day Sorcerers).

The Bible is our source of truth given by God to both lead us into truth and protect us from deception. Thus, it is important for us to know how to benefit from the Bible so that we won’t be like those Bible students whom Jesus called evildoers.

Are the words of the Bible inspired? Or were the prophets who wrote the Bible inspired with truth and then they chose the words to convey those truths? If it is the latter, then the power is not in the words but in the ideas, the meaning, the truths contained in the Bible.

Do we recognize that words are not reality? Instead, they are symbols of reality used to communicate and convey concepts—and the concepts that words convey may be true or false. Thus, again, the power is not in the words but in the truth being conveyed.

For instance, when you see the letters T, R, E, and E formed into the word “tree,” you are not seeing a plant, a tree; you are seeing a symbolic representation of a tree. You cannot get life-sustaining nutrition by reading the words apples, walnuts, and avocados. The words are not reality and do not provide any life-giving power. In order to gain the energy, nutrition, and life from the food, one must actually eat it, taking the food into their body.

Likewise, the words truth, love, righteousness, God, and Jesus do not contain any life-giving power; they are symbolic representations of reality—and in order to benefit, one must actually partake of the reality to which those words are representing.

Imagine the physical starvation, suffering, and death that you could cause if you got people to believe that health came from getting together to read about food and sing songs about food but the people don’t actually eat food. Or, if they believe they must eat something, you get them to replace real fruit with wax fruit.

This was the problem with the Jews in Christ’s day! They read the words of Scripture but did not understand the meaning. They replaced the true meaning with falsehoods and, thereby, internalized into their minds and hearts the words of Scripture but none of its power because they took in lies; the words had their meaning replaced with untruths.

This has happened in Christianity whenever Christians have replaced the truth of God’s law being design law with the lie that God’s law functions like human law. We read the words of Scripture but fail to understand the truth those words are intended to convey, and we end up with a form of godliness without power. We can experience the power of God only by returning to the truth, internalizing the true meaning of the words—the truth really does set us free (John 8:32).

Real Power and Truth

Understanding all of this, we realize that there is no power in syllables or words, but in the truth, in the meaning those words convey. This is why it is not only okay but necessary to replace Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew words with English, German, French, and other language words if we want to empower all people with the Word of God—just as long as one brings the most accurate meaning across in the translation. It is the truth that is inspired by God and which contains the power, not the words.

So, what is the Word of God? First and foremost, it is Jesus—Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14)—it is the truth that originates and emanates from God. And the Bible contains divine truth. These divinely inspired truths were revealed to the Bible writers, and the writers then chose the words and expressions to convey the truths. If we want to know the Word of God, we must go beyond the syllables to find the divine truths, the true meaning contained within the writings, within the stories and events recorded.

And to do that, we must incorporate and integrate all the truth God reveals to us, what Come and Reason calls the Integrative Evidence-based Approach, which seeks to harmonize all the evidentiary threads God has given us. God reveals truth in Scripture, so we must always include Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16).

But the Scripture also teaches that God reveals truth in two other threads, two other modes, means, or places—which are reality-based, and, thus, call our minds to understand the reality behind the words:

Science and nature are the second thread of evidence—as Paul wrote:

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20 NIV84).

God, the Creator, wrote His design laws that govern the operations of reality into the cosmos. This planet and all life are built upon these design laws of God. As the psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1 NIV84).

If we want to know reality-based truth, our understanding of Scripture must harmonize with the laws God built life to exist and operate upon.

And the third thread of evidence God has provided is our experience. God has invited us, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8 NIV84).

We are not to merely hear the words of Scripture or comprehend the laws of nature; we are to experience truth, partake of it, and experience the blessings, the presence of God, the peace, health, and happiness that always result from harmony with God and His living law of love.

Our understanding of reality must harmonize truth, the truth of Scripture, with the truth of the laws built into the fabric of the cosmos and sustained by our Creator, and we must experience the truth of how reality actually works in our own life.

The problem for the “evildoers” is that they embrace the Scripture but do not embrace truth and, instead, divorce the Scripture from objective reality, from God’s design laws and how life works and, thus, the Bible is read in a fantastical light, through the light of Roman law, human law, imposed law, imperialism, and the many doctrines teach a false punishing god who is like Satan in character.

Our message is a call for people to leave the imperial/dictator god systems of belief and return to worshiping our Creator, the God who built and sustains reality, whose laws are the protocols reality operates upon, and to know that truth by experience, to know Jesus the living Word, the reality of who He is, His methods, designs, and living law. Our God is real, and His Word is reality itself!

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Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

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 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 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 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

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 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., 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

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, 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 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 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 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