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Questions From a New Believer

Questions From a New Believer

A new believer in Christ, who is an online listener, wrote in with a list of important questions about Come and Reason and our beliefs, which I think everyone can benefit from.

Question. You said that trust in God comes from observing nature, from understanding Scripture, and from experience. What do you mean by experience? And how can we incorporate these truths into our lives?

Answer. This is such a great question because many people misunderstand how experience can inform and grow our faith. The experience that results in maturing, healing, and character growth is the intelligent testing of ideas against how reality actually works. This requires that we have some understanding of design law—the protocols upon which God constructed reality to operate—and then choose to take actions that test the truthfulness of that law, experiencing the outcome, and noting the impact in our lives and the lives of others. Experience goes beyond theoretical knowledge to applicable knowledge—to the actual doing in one’s life.

For instance, you can study the mechanics of swimming in a classroom, perhaps even write books on the best techniques, but until you get in the water, you still don’t know how to swim; you have no actual experience with swimming. 

Real experience is putting into practice the truths that one understands, then examining the results and adjusting one’s beliefs and practices based on the outcomes. This includes when we put our trust in God, examine our experience with Him, and reassess based on evidence. For example, when someone does us an objective wrong, we are often tempted by an angry desire for retaliation, but design law realizes that harboring anger and seeking to harm another person is out of harmony with health and life. Thus, we choose to forgive—which doesn’t mean what happened was okay, and it often doesn’t change the one who did wrong. Forgiving someone will relieve the offended from the anger, bitterness, and resentment and allow them to heal and experience peace. 


Q. How can I know I’m on the right track and not just satisfying my intellect with these teachings? How can I apply them?

A. I recommend Come and Reason’s Integrative, Evidenced-based approach, which harmonizes Scripture, science, and experience. You can know you are on the right path of implementing truths when all three threads agree. One cannot avoid injury when in violation of God’s design laws for life. Conversely, one cannot avoid improvement when one chooses to live in harmony with God’s design laws for life. 


Q. Since I’ve been studying Christianity with my church, I’ve been wondering if there’s anything else to being a Christian besides going to work, going to church, and being a decent and kind person. 

A. Genuine Christianity is being like Christ in character. Meaning, one has a heart motivated by love and practices the principles of truthfulness, presented in love, and leaving others free. This is a fundamental change in our typical inmost motives, moving away from a fear and self-survival approach to a love and trust approach to life. As such, one develops a mind that seeks to grow in truth, wisdom, and the knowledge of God’s designs with every passing day and live in harmony with God’s designs, because it makes so much sense to do so—no matter where one is in life. Such an approach goes far beyond attending worship services; it is transformational within the person. 


Q. Do you have testimonies of the Remedy really working? 

A. Yes! Tens of thousands have communicated to Come and Reason that when they changed their views about God from a dictator, who imposes law and is the source of inflicted punishment for sin to the Creator God, whose laws are the design protocols for life, their entire experience of life changed. Their fear of getting in trouble went away, their trust in God increased, and their love, admiration, and appreciation for God improved. Because of the law of worship (by beholding we are changed) they experienced change in how they treat others, saw improvement in their relationships, and experienced less conflict at home and work, less anger and frustration, and greater happiness and health.


Q. How much of it do we need, since perfection isn’t possible? Or is it?

A. What law lens do you understand “perfection” through? Imposed rules or design law? The traditional understanding is imposed rules, which makes perfection all about behavior—how well one performs and, thus, this leads many to discouragement and fear. 

However, design law is all about the attitude of the heart—the desire, the intent, the growing up into a mature trust relationship with God, such that we trust Him with our lives. Can a person come to trust God with his or her life, even to the point of death? History is filled with many examples of this. This is Bible perfection: a mature love for God and others, such that our intentions are to do good. But when we replace God’s design law with the false human-imposed law, people focus on performance and live in fear of punishment from God rather than in the freedom of love. 


Q. Do we continue to attend our local church, whose beliefs we don’t completely agree with anymore? They’ve been encouraging and pressuring us to get baptized and become members.

A. There is no black-and-white answer to this question. It must be answered individually, based on the evidence of what is transpiring in the congregation, your understanding of reality, and God’s leading in your life. I would encourage you to make this question a matter of prayer and ask God to lead you to where He wants you to be at this time in your life. 

We are not saved by institutional affiliation, nor ritual, nor proclamations of faith. We are saved by a personal trust-relationship with Jesus Christ: “This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). If your congregation is helping you grow in a trust-relationship with Jesus, knowing more fully His character, methods, and principles, then stay. But if your group is obstructing your growth in godliness, instilling confusing ideas, ideas that incite fear and undermine your trust in God, then perhaps it is time to seek a new group with which to fellowship.

 

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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 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 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 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 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 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 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

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 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 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

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 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, 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 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