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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 19

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

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

 

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 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

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 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 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 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

 

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 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, 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 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 10

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

 

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 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA