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Listener Concerned Dr. Jennings Is Being Foolish

Listener Concerned Dr. Jennings Is Being Foolish

Over the past six months, I have received periodic emails like the one below expressing disappointment with me or taking offense over something I have written or taught. I hope my discussion below will be healing and helpful to those that have been disappointed or hurt.

The email:

A group of us have been blessed by your wisdom over the last 18 months but we are dismayed and stunned by the utter foolishness of your article “The World’s Wisdom Is Foolishness”. You do NOT have to know someone personally to see the flaws in their character. When president Trump failed to concede the election he lost, then created a BIG LIE to convince his followers that the election had been stolen from them, then tried to get the Secretary of State of Georgia to lie and give him 11,700 votes so he could “win” Georgia, then had his followers attack the Capital where 5 people died, then ignored the country for two months while playing golf, while up to 4,000 people were dying every day, we don’t need to sit down and get to know him personally to know that he is a very sick and flawed human being. We weren’t duped but it sounds like maybe you were. Most of us have lost a lot of respect for you, did you drink the Trump Kool aid too?

First, I want to thank this person for taking the time to email me their concerns. This email creates the opportunity for discussion and lets me know how some people hear what I am saying. So thank you for sending it, and I hope you will read this blog.

When I read this email, my heart was filled with sadness, real grief, that a person or group of people who have followed us for more than a year would misunderstand my position so seriously. The first misunderstanding (and I do understand how it happened, but it is still a misunderstanding) is thinking that the blog, The World’s Wisdom Is Foolishness, was about Mr. Trump. The purpose of the blog was not to promote or attack Mr. Trump, but to apply Bible principles to recent events in order to hone our discernment skills. I purposely waited until after the election to post the blog to prevent people from concluding that I was advocating for the president.

It seems the core complaint of this email centers around the premise of my blog that we can’t know someone’s character without actually knowing the person. They cite what they believe is evidence of Mr. Trump’s character to make their case that they are right to judge Mr. Trump as being “a very sick and flawed human being.” They suggest I have been duped and most of their group has lost respect for me.

Again, thank you for sending this email and giving me the opportunity to explore your concerns. I wish we could have this discussion in person so that I could hear your responses, the tone of your voice, and see the look in your eye. I may misperceive from the email only, but it sounds that you may be both hurt and angry. I would love to ask, what or who has hurt you? What are you angry about?

When I teach, it is my goal to always uplift Jesus, to promote God’s kingdom, and to be as truthful, accurate, and winsome as possible. But I know that I am a flawed human being, a sinner saved by God’s grace, with finite knowledge, and it is inevitable that I will not know all the facts, that new truths and evidences will arise, and better ways of presenting things will come forth – therefore, I pray for a heart that loves truth so I won’t let my pride keep me from giving up old ideas for better more accurate ones. Challenges like your email gives me the opportunity to do so.

One of the things that your email has caused me to do is to reflect upon using modern events as a template to discuss God’s methods and principles. It seems safer to talk about the Bible stories and show hypocrisy in the Pharisees of Jesus’ day than in church leaders today, to discuss political intrigue and the propaganda of the Dark Ages than in today’s current events. It appears when application of some of God’s principles are brought to our real-time issues – whether it be abortion, gay rights, border walls, race relations – that the exploration of these issues in application to our daily lives becomes too emotional for some and is perceived as our ministry taking the focus off of Jesus, the gospel, the truth about God’s character.

I am looking very seriously at this concern; I don’t want the center of our focus to ever be anything other than the truth about God’s character of love. I think of the apostle Paul after his academic argument in Athens and his decision, from that point forward, to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified.

So, perhaps I need to be less active in examining God’s principles in relation to real-time events. Yet, I get more positive feedback from those who appreciate the real-time application than negative feedback from those who don’t; and it is clear that examining current events makes the issue under discussion real and reaches people. This email demonstrates how my blog touched something in their heart. It made the issue real for them and got them thinking. So, I am still evaluating this question and appreciate your feedback as it has stimulated me to do so.

Will you, emailer, be willing to examine your email and consider the evidence of what it reveals?

The core premise of the email is that you can know that Mr. Trump is a “sick and flawed human being” by the following:

  • failed to concede the election he lost
  • then created a BIG LIE to convince his followers that the election had been stolen from them
  • tried to get the Secretary of State of Georgia to lie and give him 11,700 votes so he could “win” Georgia,
  • had his followers attack the Capitol, where 5 people died
  • ignored the country for two months while playing golf, while up to 4,000 people were dying every day

In life, there are facts and there are interpretations of facts. How many of the things listed above are facts, and how many are interpretations of facts? There are several facts woven in among a lot of interpretations.

If we cannot tell the difference between facts and interpretations, what some might call “spin,” we are extremely vulnerable to being manipulated by others.

Consider this thought experiment in regard to the list you sent against the president: If you were under oath in a court of law and were giving testimony, what could you personally swear to know is true; what, on that list you cited, could you verify as a firsthand witness or that you possessed direct evidence of, such as recordings, pictures, or documents? Of all the things listed above, what could you swear that you personally know to be true beyond a reasonable doubt from direct evidence? The facts are these:

  • Mr. Trump refused to concede the election
  • Mr. Trump made a phone call to the Georgia Secretary of State
  • Mr. Trump played golf
  • A group of people stormed the Capitol building and some died

Everything else is interpretation or spin, inserting or deriving meaning without verification that such a conclusion is accurate.

We don’t know whether Trump’s allegations of fraud are true or false because no court has allowed evidence to be presented. All court rulings have been procedural rulings, not evidentiary rulings.

I don’t know whether sufficient fraud happened to change the outcome or not, but I would like to see the evidence one way or the other. I am okay with either outcome, if the evidence supports it. But what has happened is declarations by media and other pundits without evidence, and many accept these declarations as evidence.

Years ago, Bill Clinton made a declaration that he did not have relations with “that woman.” At the time, the media acted differently than today; it investigated the evidence and Monica’s dress refuted the declaration. However, what would have happened if the media ignored Monica and the dress, if the media refused to examine the evidence and repeated over and again the claim of Mr. Clinton and accused all who wanted to examine the evidence of denying the truth and embracing a hoax?

The process of making claims or declaration and then refusing to investigate the evidence is Satan’s method. Satan made declarations about God but has never provided any evidence to support his claims because all the evidence is on God’s side. God’s method is to present the truth in love and leave others free. Satan’s method is to silence voices that oppose his false views because the voices of truth will destroy the false narratives.

Which group in the current debate wants more evidence revealed, and which group wants to prevent open hearings, whether in court or in the media? Which group shuts down free speech, censors voices of opposition, restricts liberties?

Again, I don’t know whether Trump actually won and was deprived the victory because of fraud or not; I have not seen the evidence, but I do see the evidence of the two methods being employed. One side wants openness, investigation, documentation, first-hand testimony; the other side wants none of that and wants anyone who pursues the evidence to be silenced – some have even called for re-education camps. A discerning person would be concerned about such tactics and ask, “Why don’t they want an honest examination of the evidence?”

So, in the list you cited I find very little evidence of Mr. Trump’s character. I don’t know his motive for refusing to concede the election – was it selfish, only caring about personal power, or was it altruistic, believing his policies were best for the nation and wanting to save the nation? Either conclusion is interpretation of the facts not actual fact. The same is true with every example you cited, there is no direct evidence of his character.

Perhaps this is why Jesus said,

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5 NIV84).

Christian Principles

Now, let’s get down to the most important Christian point – Do you love Mr. Trump? What would be your reaction if you found out when you get to heaven that Mr. Trump is your next-door neighbor? Would you be happy to have him there?

As we embrace the principles of truth, love, and freedom by focusing our eyes upon Jesus and the truth about God, are we not to love each other more? Are we not to love our enemies and pray for those who abuse us?

I hope those of you who have been disappointed with me and our ministry will find it in your hearts to love me as a brother in Christ, to pray for me, and to embrace the principles of God, of truth, love and freedom. We don’t have to agree on every point or position, but we do need to love each other, give each other the freedom to see things differently. So it is okay if you disagree with me on these points, but don’t let your heart be infected with anger or disdain or lack of love for me or any human being.


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Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

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I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

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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 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.

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

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I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

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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 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

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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 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, 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 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 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 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 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.