Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Love, Don’t Hate, the Liars

Love, Don’t Hate, the Liars

This morning, I read about Jesus’ trial and crucifixion from the gospel of John and was struck at the poignant lessons that apply to us today.

The religious and political leaders conspired for months to mislead the people about Jesus and prepare the nation for the moment they would strike. They had their “media pundits” spread misinformation about the Messiah. They misrepresented His actions as being of the devil (Matthew 12:24).

They threatened to “cancel” people from the synagogue if they spoke in support of Jesus (John 9:22). They bribed one of Jesus’ followers to betray Him. They hired people to perjure themselves at His trial (Matthew 26:59–61). They broke their own laws in how they conducted the trial, as the Sanhedrin was forbidden from examining evidence or legal issues between the evening and morning sacrifice. They misled the Roman governor and hired a mob to riot and intimidate him and to silence any who would oppose them. They voted for a known criminal over the innocent Christ (Matthew 27:16-21).

And why did they do all of this?

For power, of the type this evil world wields – the power of force, coercion, and deceit to dominate and control others.

But there was another, even more sinister reason these corrupt politicians treated Christ with such contempt, maliciousness, and injustice: These events were orchestrated by Satan to tempt Jesus with outrage at the injustice and choose to accept and apply Satan’s methods, the methods of selfishness – of me-first, of the ends justify the means, of using might and power – to put down the injustice. Satan was working through his human agents to tempt Jesus to use His divine power to stop the injustice by force and protect Himself. In other words, this was Satan’s last desperate gambit to get Jesus to choose selfishness and reject love and, thus, fail in His mission to save us.

One Christian author put it this way:

Satan was at hand to press his temptations upon the Son of man. Why should He now go … to certain death? … Why face death now, and leave the work in its infancy? The foe who in the wilderness had confronted Christ assailed Him now with fierce and subtle temptations. Had Jesus yielded for a moment, had He changed His course in the least particular to save Himself, Satan’s agencies would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost (The Desire of Ages, p. 486).

And the temptation to use power to stop this injustice and save Himself only intensified throughout the crucifixion weekend:

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One” (Luke 23:35 NIV84).

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him” (Matthew 27:39–42 NIV84).

Just as the Bible says, He was “tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV84).

Jesus was tempted just like we are tempted! Do you feel the temptation of the enemy? Do you feel the pull when you see injustice, when you see the lies, the fraud, the manipulation, the pure pursuit of power regardless of the principles of honesty and integrity? When you see what is happening in America and around the world, are you tempted with desires to strike down the liars, to use power to overthrow the frauds, to destroy the enemies of justice?

If so, then your heart is being assaulted by the enemy of God and you are in a spiritual battle.

Satan is the father of lies. Satan is the murderer from the beginning – the author of conflict, the instigator of hate, the master of division. Satan wants each one of us to choose his powers, to choose to use his methods of deceit, force, intimidation – even if it is only in our hearts, even if we only wish, dream, or fantasize about God sending the destroying angel to kill our enemies.

Why? Because if we choose his methods in our hearts, we become like him.

Yes – we are in a war, but “though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5 NIV84).

We are in a war, but it is not a war of might fought with tanks or guns. It is a war for hearts and minds! And our weapons are the divine weapons of truth, love, and freedom, which demolish the stronghold of fear and selfishness built upon the lies of the enemy.

We are never to succumb to the enemy! We are never to give our hearts over to the prince of darkness: Never choose the power of lies, of deception, of fraud, never choose the power of might over others to coercion or force our way. We are to wield the sword of truth in love while leaving others free. We are to be agents of a kingdom that is not of this world, a kingdom that comes from another place – a kingdom of love, which is the kingdom of God!

We are to be the lights of God in a world of darkness.

Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God (The Desire of Ages, p. 417).

Truth and love lived out in those whose citizenship is in heaven is how we win the war!

Understand this clearly: We are entering into the final battle of this cosmic war between Christ and Satan – and this battle is not a battle of might, of military forces, or a conflict over lands between nations. It is a battle for the hearts and minds of every person on earth.

Satan inspires the nations of the world, the power structures of this world, the political parties of this world, to use his methods – to lie, manipulate, propagandize, deceive, coerce, and do all manners of injustice – in order to have power over others. This is the beastly kingdom of the enemy.

Realize that as the enemies of God take power through these evil methods, the righteous are simultaneously being tempted to reject the methods of God and take Satan’s methods into their hearts and attack the liars. But Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44, 45 NIV85).

As events unfold, we will see more and more wickedness and greater evil. We will see riots, mobs, injustice, deceit, abuse, lying, and fraud. We will be placed in positions in which we will be tempted to act selfishly, to embrace the methods of Satan, to join with those parties that will do anything for power. But we must instead surrender ourselves to Jesus, ask for His Spirit to indwell us and remove all fear and selfishness from us and to write His law of love upon our hearts giving us the ability to love the liars, for –

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV84).

So when the temptation comes to hate and attack the liars, to hate the enemies of righteousness, realize it is the devil seeking entrance to your heart. When your heart is burning with anger and frustration and is being tempted to hate, go to Jesus and ask Him to fill your heart with His love, ask for His wisdom to enlighten your mind, so that you can hate the lies while you love the liars!

 


Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

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

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

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 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 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 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, 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 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 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 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 34

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 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