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OM JESUS EN SY WOORD TE KEN

OM JESUS EN SY WOORD TE KEN

Is daar ‘n verskil om Jesus en sy Woord te ken en om die Bybel of die teologie/leerstellings van jou kerk te ken?

Jesus het vir die kerkleiers van sy tyd gesê,

Julle ondersoek die Skrif, want daarin dink julle julle het die ewige lewe; en dit is hulle wat van My getuig (Johannes 5:39 NKJV).

Het hierdie godsdiensleiers gesukkel omdat hulle nagelaat het om die Bybel te bestudeer en eerder hulle tyd aan romanse, videospeletjies of televisie te bestee?

Trouens, as hulle nie net getroue Bybelstudente was nie, maar ook getroue kerkgangers en tiendebetalers, wat was dan hulle probleem?

Is dit vandag moontlik dat daar mense is wat die Bybel getrou lees, die Skrif ywerig ondersoek, getroue kerkgangers is en tiendes betaal – maar wat nie Jesus en sy Woord ken nie?

Jesus het gesê dit sou so wees:

Nie almal wat vir my sê: Here, Here, sal in die koninkryk van die hemele ingaan nie, maar net hy wat die wil doen van my Vader wat in die hemele is. Baie sal op daardie dag vir my sê, “Here, Here, het ons nie in u Naam geprofeteer en in u Naam duiwels uitgedryf en baie wonderwerke gedoen nie?” Dan sal ek vir hulle reguit sê, “Ek het julle nooit geken nie. Weg van my af, julle kwaaddoeners!” (Matteus 7:21-23 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Hoe is dit moontlik? Hoe is dit moontlik vir mense om getroue studente van die Bybel te wees, aanspraak te maak op Jesus as hulle Verlosser, aktief en getrou in die bediening te werk – en tog boosdoeners te wees?

Omdat hul geloof, hul oortuigings, hul toewyding en hul Bybellees deur leuens verwerk word; hulle het die waarheid van wie Jesus is verwerp en het ‘n valse Christus in sy plek verkies. Hulle verwerp die waarheid van God as Skepper en verkies ‘n god wat soos hulle in karakter is, ‘n god wat reëls opmaak en mag gebruik om reëloortreders te straf. Hulle aanbid dus ‘n skepsel eerder as die Skepper, terwyl hulle die hele tyd die woorde van Jesus gebruik, maar die metodes van Satan beoefen.

Hierdie kwaaddoeners, wat daarop aanspraak maak dat hulle volgelinge van Jesus is, verstaan, aanvaar en pas nie eintlik die metodes van God, die Woord van God, toe nie, ten spyte daarvan dat hulle die Bybel bestudeer het – waarom? Hulle verstaan nie wat die Woord van God is nie.

Die betekenis van die woord

Is die “Woord van God” woorde?

Is daar krag in die woorde?

Moet ons die regte woorde hê om die krag van God te ervaar of om Hom te ken?

Moet ons met die regte woorde bid, in die Naam van Jesus (of dalk selfs “Josua” of “Yeshua”)?

As ons dink die krag is in die woorde, betree ons bygeloof, heksery en towery, en soek ons die korrekte verbale beswering eerder as die regte gees?

Is die krag van God in die woorde wat gespreek word – of in die betekenis van die woorde?

Die apostel Paulus het geskryf,

Ek skaam my nie vir die evangelie nie, want dit is die krag van God vir die redding van elkeen wat glo (Romeine 1:16 NIV 84).

Het hy verwys na die woord “evangelie” – dat daar krag is in die woord self of in die idee, die waarheid, die betekenis van wat daardie woord “evangelie” bedoel is om oor te dra?

En wat as ons die woord “evangelie” gebruik, maar dit verstaan as iets anders as wat Paulus bedoel het – bevat ons evangelie steeds die krag van God?

Wanneer ons die Bybel oorweeg, verstaan dat dit die geïnspireerde Woord van God is, is die krag in die woorde wat dit bevat of is dit in die waarhede, die betekenis, wat ontstaan in en ons weer verbind met God, wie die bron is van alle waarheid en krag?

Satan weet dat as ons met God versoen word, as ons ons harte oopmaak vir God se waarheid, sy leuens verplaas word en ons teruggewen word om te vertrou en die inwonende krag van die Heilige Gees te ervaar. Satan, die vader van leuens, die meester van verkeerde inligting, die direkteur van bedrog, probeer dus om dieselfde woorde van God te gebruik, maar die betekenis daarvan te verander en daardeur leuens in ons gedagtes in te bring wat ons van God afsny.

Dit is waaroor towery gaan. Towenaars is mense wat op ‘n verskeidenheid van maniere werk om mag oor mense se gedagtes te verkry, maar die doel is dieselfde: om harte en gedagtes van God af te skei en mag oor gedagtes te verkry. In antieke tye het towenaars verskeie hallusinogene, die spreekwoordelike heksebrouery, gebruik om mense meer vatbaar te maak vir breinbeheer. In ons tyd kan verstandsveranderende chemikalieë gebruik word, maar meer dikwels word breinbeheer deur propaganda nagestreef, wat insluit die verandering van die betekenis van woorde om verwarring te veroorsaak en in te meng met mense se vermoëns om werklikheid van fantasie te onderskei, om te verhoed dat hulle waarheid van leuens kan onderskei, goed van kwaad. (Vir meer sien ons blog Die Aanval Op Jou Gedagtes Deur Hedendaagse Towenaars).

Die Bybel is ons bron van waarheid wat deur God gegee is om ons in die waarheid te lei en ons teen misleiding te beskerm. Dit is dus belangrik dat ons weet hoe om by die Bybel baat te vind sodat ons nie soos daardie Bybelstudente sal wees wat Jesus kwaaddoeners genoem het nie.

Is die woorde van die Bybel geïnspireer? Of is die profete wat die Bybel geskryf het, met waarheid geïnspireer en het toe die woorde gekies om daardie waarhede oor te dra? As dit laasgenoemde is, dan lê die krag nie in die woorde nie, maar in die idees, die betekenis, die waarhede wat in die Bybel vervat is.

Besef ons dat woorde nie die werklikheid is nie? In plaas daarvan is dit simbole van die werklikheid wat gebruik word om konsepte te kommunikeer en oor te dra – en die konsepte wat woorde oordra, kan waar of onwaar wees. Die krag lê dus weer nie in die woorde nie, maar in die waarheid wat oorgedra word.

Byvoorbeeld, wanneer jy die letters B, O, O en M die woord “boom” sien vorm, sien jy nie ‘n plant, ‘n boom nie; jy sien ‘n simboliese voorstelling van ‘n boom. Jy kan nie lewensonderhoudende voeding kry deur die woorde appels, okkerneute en avokados te lees nie. Die woorde is nie die werklikheid nie en verskaf geen lewegewende krag nie. Om die energie, voeding en lewe uit die kos te kry, moet ‘n mens dit eintlik eet en die kos in hul liggaam neem.

Net so bevat die woorde waarheid, liefde, geregtigheid, God en Jesus geen lewegewende krag nie; hulle is simboliese voorstellings van die werklikheid – en om voordeel daaruit te trek, moet ‘n mens eintlik deel hê aan die werklikheid wat deur daardie woorde voorgestel word.

Stel jou die fisiese hongersnood, lyding en dood voor wat jy kan veroorsaak as jy mense laat glo dat gesondheid kom deur bymekaar te kom om oor kos te lees en liedjies oor kos te sing, maar die mense eet nie eintlik kos nie. Of, as hulle glo dat hulle iets moet eet, oortuig jy hulle om regte vrugte met plastiekvrugte te vervang.

Dit was die probleem met die Jode in Christus se tyd! Hulle het die woorde van die Skrif gelees, maar nie die betekenis daarvan verstaan nie. Hulle het die ware betekenis met valshede vervang en daardeur die woorde van die Skrif in hulle gedagtes en harte geïnternaliseer, maar niks van die krag daarvan nie, omdat hulle leuens ingeneem het. Die woorde se betekenis is vervang met onwaarhede.

Dit het in die Christendom gebeur toe Christene die waarheid van God se wet as ontwerpwet vervang het met die leuen dat God se wet soos menslike wet funksioneer. Ons lees die woorde van die Skrif, maar verstaan nie die waarheid wat daardie woorde bedoel is om oor te dra nie, en ons eindig met ‘n vorm van godsaligheid sonder krag. Ons kan die krag van God slegs ervaar deur terug te keer na die waarheid, die ware betekenis van die woorde te internaliseer – die waarheid maak ons werklik vry (Johannes 8:32).

Ware krag en waarheid

As ons dit alles verstaan, besef ons dat daar geen krag in lettergrepe of woorde is nie, maar in die waarheid, in die betekenis wat daardie woorde oordra. Dit is waarom dit nie net goed is nie, maar ook nodig is om Griekse, Aramese en Hebreeuse woorde met Engelse, Duitse, Franse en ander taalwoorde te vervang as ons alle mense met die Woord van God wil bemagtig – net solank ‘n mens die mees akkurate betekenis in die vertaling oordra. Dit is die waarheid wat deur God geïnspireer is en wat die krag bevat, nie die woorde nie.

So, wat is die Woord van God? In die eerste plek is dit Jesus – Jesus is die Woord wat vlees geword het (Johannes 1:1, 14) – dit is die waarheid wat in God ontstaan en van God uitgaan. En die Bybel bevat goddelike waarheid. Hierdie goddelik geïnspireerde waarhede is aan die Bybelskrywers geopenbaar, en die skrywers het toe die woorde en uitdrukkings gekies om die waarhede oor te dra. As ons die Woord van God wil ken, moet ons verder gaan as die lettergrepe om die goddelike waarhede te vind, die ware betekenis vervat in die geskrifte, binne die verhale en gebeure wat opgeteken is.

En om dit te doen, moet ons al die waarheid wat God aan ons openbaar, inkorporeer en integreer, wat Come and Reason die Integrerende Bewysgebaseerde Benadering noem, wat poog om al die maniere van bewyse wat God vir ons gegee het, te harmoniseer. God openbaar waarheid in die Skrif, daarom moet ons altyd die Skrif insluit (2 Timoteus 3:16).

Maar die Skrif leer ook dat God die waarheid openbaar op twee ander maniere, twee ander modelle, middele of plekke – wat op die werklikheid gebaseer is, en dus ons gedagtes aanwakker om die werklikheid agter die woorde te verstaan:

Wetenskap en die natuur is die tweede manier van bewyse – soos Paulus geskryf het:

“Want hulle kan sy onsigbare eienskappe, naamlik sy ewige krag en sy Goddelikheid, reeds van die skepping van die wêreld af duidelik uit sy handewerk waarneem. Daarom kan hulle hulleself nie verontskuldig nie” (Romeine 1:20 NLV 11).

God, die Skepper, het sy ontwerpwette geskryf wat die werking van die werklikheid in die kosmos beheer. Hierdie planeet en alle lewe is gebou op hierdie ontwerpwette van God. Soos die psalmis geskryf het, “Die hemele verkondig die heerlikheid van God” (Psalm 19:1 NIV 84).

As ons werklikheidsgebaseerde waarheid wil ken, moet ons begrip van die Skrif ooreenstem met die wette wat God die lewe gebou het om op te bestaan en op te werk.

En die derde manier van bewyse wat God verskaf het, is ons ervaring. God het ons genooi, “Proe en sien dat die Here goed is” (Psalm 34:8 NIV 84).

Ons moet nie net die woorde van die Skrif hoor of die natuurwette begryp nie; ons moet die waarheid ervaar, daaraan deelneem en die seëninge, die teenwoordigheid van God, die vrede, gesondheid en geluk ervaar wat altyd voortspruit uit harmonie met God en sy lewende wet van liefde.

Ons begrip van die werklikheid moet die waarheid, die waarheid van die Skrif, harmoniseer met die waarheid van die wette wat in die struktuur van die kosmos ingebou is en deur ons Skepper onderhou word, en ons moet die waarheid ervaar van hoe die werklikheid werklik in ons eie lewe werk.

Die probleem vir die “kwaaddoeners” is dat hulle die Skrif aanhang, maar nie die waarheid aanhang nie, en in plaas daarvan die Skrif skei van die objektiewe werklikheid, van God se ontwerpwette en hoe die lewe werk, en dus word die Bybel in ‘n fantasie lig gelees, deur die lig van die Romeinse wet, menslike wette, opgelegde wette, imperialisme, en baie leerstellings leer omtrent ‘n vals straffende god wat soos Satan in karakter is.

Ons boodskap is ‘n oproep aan mense om die keiserlike / diktator godstelsels van geloof te verlaat en terug te keer na die aanbidding van ons Skepper, die God wat die werklikheid gebou het en onderhou, wie se wette die protokolle is waarop die werklikheid werk, en om daardie waarheid deur ervaring te ken, om Jesus die lewende Woord te ken, die werklikheid van wie Hy is, sy metodes, ontwerpe en lewende wet. Ons God is werklik, en sy Woord is die werklikheid self!

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Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, 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 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 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 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 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 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

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 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 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 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

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

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 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