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Our Resistance and God’s Persistence

Our Resistance and God’s Persistence

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV84).

The Bible tells the story of God’s loving pursuit of sinful, frail, fearful, and resistant human beings—His active engagement in the process of reaching fallen people and bringing us back into trusting friendship with Him.

As soon as Adam sinned, he ran and hid, but God sought him out, gently calling to him and reassuring him that He was not Adam’s enemy, that God was not against him. In fact, God promised that He would send the Messiah to save Adam, Eve, and every other human who would trust Him (Genesis 3:15).

In Luke chapter 15, Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that is lost, and then he joyfully carries it back on his shoulders.

This is the story of the Bible—God pursuing fallen, broken, wounded, and lost humans and joyfully leading us back to Him, health, and eternal life.

But sadly, this story is often not presented in the clearest light. Sometimes, well-meaning people present God in a way that suggests He is angry, wrathful, or needs something done to Him to get Him to forgive us.

For instance, I remember being taught as a child that if I went into a movie theater, my guardian angel would stay outside—while God’s recording angel, who I was told documented all my sins, would follow me inside. While I understand today that this was taught to me by well-meaning people who were trying to protect me from choosing activities they believed would be harmful to me, the picture of God they presented not only increased my distrust and fear of God, but it is also factually wrong and contradicts the Bible!

The story told in the book of Esther is historical evidence that God does not abandon people who have not followed His directions yet find themselves in trouble and turn to Him.

The Message of Esther

At the time of the events recorded in Esther, where had God called the Jewish people to be? They were to be in Palestine rebuilding the temple. Where were Esther and Mordecai? In Persia. This means that, according to the evidence we have, Esther and Mordecai were not where God had called them to be. And further, they ended up in trouble—yet God did not abandon them even though they weren’t where they were supposed to be!

But does the fact that God didn’t abandon them mean their choice was equally good to what God had instructed? Or, by refusing to go where God instructed, did they suffer hardship they would almost certainly have avoided had they obeyed God’s directions?

If they had been in Jerusalem, Mordecai would not have been in the situation in which he refused to bow to Haman. Without that perceived slight, Haman may not have had his attention drawn to the Jews and may not have plotted to kill them. Had they returned to Jerusalem, Esther would not have become queen and wouldn’t have had to risk her life going into the king.

So, one reality is that the very problems, trials, and tribulations we see recorded in Esther are the result of their choice not to listen to God and go where He wanted them to be. Had they done so, they very well may have avoided those problems.

But we also learn that despite their choice not to go, God did not abandon them; instead, He worked through them to protect the line for the Messiah, which Satan was actively seeking to destroy.

Further, this story, recorded and kept by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reveals a thematic and recurring process that we see in the lives of every person who seeks to follow God. The Lord gives us various insights, truths, directions, and callings, and we are then left free to follow them or not. If we choose not to listen right away, we experience struggles, problems, conflicts, and trials from which God was trying to protect us. When we find ourselves in such straits and call out to God, as Esther did, God intervenes to heal and save—always for our eternal salvation, yes, and sometimes for our temporal salvation.

Consider these examples:

  • When Jacob deceived his father, he went against God’s calling to live an honest and righteous life—and that act resulted in his many trials. But God did not abandon him. When Jacob turned to God, God was there to help him every time and, ultimately, transform him, giving him the new name Israel. Had Jacob not deceived his father, God would have given Jacob the blessing in His way and Jacob would have avoided many trials.
  • Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh but ran, and he experienced trials and tribulations he would not otherwise have experienced. Yet when he did experience those trials, he called out to God and was delivered. Had he followed God’s direction from the start, he would have avoided the storm and the fish.
  • Samson didn’t listen to God’s instructions and suffered painful results, but when he finally repented and turned back to God, the Lord poured out His Spirit upon him and saved him eternally—even though Samson was allowed to die at that time. Had Samson stayed faithful, he would have avoided such suffering. Samson ended up where God did not want him to be, but God did not abandon him; instead, God waited for Samson to open his heart for God to heal and deliver him.
  • David didn’t listen to what he knew was right regarding his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, and he suffered consequences. But when he turned back to God in repentance, he experienced a new heart and right spirit. He was saved eternally, but he still had family and political problems as a result of his actions. David ended up in a situation in which God did not want him to experience, but God did not abandon him; rather, God sent a message to lead David to repentance.

Do you see this process happening again and again throughout history—and in your own life?

Such stories are given to us to reveal reality, how we thrive when we trust and follow God and choose His methods, principles, design laws, and instructions. But we cause ourselves injury, hardship, burdens, and trials when we do things our own way—yet God does not abandon us. He keeps watch over us, letting us experience what we have chosen, patiently waiting for us to learn from reality and call out to Him—and then He rushes to our rescue to save, deliver, and heal us.

As I have reflected on my life, I have learned that despite my resistance, God’s persistence has never let me go—and had I not been so resistant to His leading, I would have avoided many problems, hurts, and difficulties. My goal as we start this New Year is to listen to God’s voice and follow wherever He is leading, for He has proven to me that He is love, He is trustworthy, and He always has a better plan for me than I could devise for myself.

I invite you to reflect on all the evidence God has given of His trustworthiness and start this New Year with the choice to follow all His instructions for your life.

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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 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 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

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

 

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 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 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 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 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 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, 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 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 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

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 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA